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A journalist at Sky Sports has revealed that Luis Campos is ‘interested’ in a role at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: ‘The Wizard’

Campos has been nicknamed ‘The Wizard of Capital Gains’ as he has made a habit of lifting trophies while making hundreds of millions of profit on selling players (Sky Sports).

Among those names are the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho, Thomas Lemar, Bernardo Silva and Anthony Martial, all of whom he discovered while at Monaco, while Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel have both been sold to Arsenal when he was at Lille for a large profit.

The Latest: Campos interest

Sky Sports journalist Gary Cotterill has revealed (via Pete Graves) that Campos would be ‘interested’ in a role at St. James’ Park following the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

The renowned Sporting Director ‘expects’ to be considered by the new owners, following Ligue 1 title triumphs at both Monaco and Lille.

The Verdict: Get him in

Whether it is a Sporting Director role or any other on the board, the North East club must look to get Campos in as soon as possible.

His record speaks for itself, unearthing hidden talents and helping to beat heavy favourites PSG to the domestic title with two different clubs.

Nonetheless, his background matches perfectly with the direction that the Tyneside outfit want to head in, and getting him on board would be a big coup.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ Premier League ace could now join NUFC here!

Aston Villa shared their official team photo for the 2021/22 campaign on social media on Tuesday morning.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been heaping praise on the club update on Twitter.

Dean Smith’s side are set to face Wolves when domestic action returns this weekend, looking to make it three Premier League wins in four after impressive victories over Everton and Manchester United prior to the international break.

Villa currently sit 10th in the table with 10 points from seven games, and all senior players were on show in the squad photo.

A few fans believe that winger Trezeguet, who has been out since April with a knee injury, has been photoshopped into the picture, which is available to view here.

Villa fans react

These Villa supporters were quick to give their thoughts to the official club post on Tuesday, with a selection of responses available to view below – where one labelled it as ‘sensational’.

“Starting to feel like we have a team to be proud of not just 1 player.”

Credit: @CS_UTV

“I think I’m in love with Matthew Cash”

Credit: @JPAvfc_

“Sensational”

Credit: @ChrisEllis250

“the absolute talent in this photo”

Credit: @mxttxavxo

“So rare”

Credit: @ben_wangyan

“So much better taking team photos at VP than at BH”

Credit: @joeohara18

Fulham are interested in a deal to bring Michael Obafemi to Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alex Crook, with the talkSPORT journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that both Fulham and Bournemouth are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Southampton centre-forward – who is currently in talks with Blackburn Rovers – ahead of a potential swoop over what remains of the summer transfer window.

In his tweet, Crook said: “No agreement between Michael Obafemi and Rovers at this stage despite a willingness from Saints to get the deal done. Lots of other Championship interest including AFCB and Fulham.”

Fans will be buzzing

With chairman Tony Khan having already secured the additions of Harry Wilson and Paulo Gazzaniga this summer, as well as appearing close to signing the Flamengo centre-forward Rodrigo Muniz, should the Cottagers director of football go on to also get a deal over the line for Obafemi in what remains of the transfer window, Fulham fans will undoubtedly be buzzing.

While the £12k-per-week 21-year-old has found it difficult to stake a regular place in the Southampton first team, he is nevertheless a player who appears to boast a significant amount of potential.

Indeed, despite averaging just 32 minutes on the pitch over his 21 Premier League appearances back in 2019/20 – only eight of which came as starts – the £2.7m-rated man still managed to score three goals, register two assists and create two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.6 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

As such, when taking into account his tender age, as well as the fact that he would undoubtedly find the Championship to be an easier league to develop both his goalscoring and creative talents than the top flight, should Fulham go on to secure the signing of Obafemi this summer, the man Ralph Hasenhuttl dubbed a “quality” player very much appears to have the potential to flourish into a fantastic player in west London.

In other news: Silva must axe Fulham’s £3.6m-rated flop with “Barca DNA”, he’s stealing a living

West Ham United have taken several academy youngsters to Austria for their Europa League clash with Rapid Wien this evening…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london’s reliable Irons reporter Tom Clark, the likes of central defensive duo Jamal Baptiste and Aji Alese, recent debutant Dan Chesters and young goal machine Sonny Perkins have all travelled with the first-team squad for tonight’s match.

“West Ham have brought a number of youngsters with them to Vienna – Jamal Baptiste, Aji Alese, Dan Chesters as expected and Sonny Perkins who has been in fine form for the U23’s of late,” he revealed on Twitter.

Academy boost

Hammers boss David Moyes is no stranger to handing opportunities to those up-and-coming prospects in the club’s youth set-up, having given out an array of debuts since his return to the London Stadium.

And there will not be a better chance to see what West Ham’s biggest young talents can do in the men’s game than in situations like this as the east Londoners have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

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Of course, the top spot in Group H is still up for grabs, so we may not see some of these names start the encounter but if Moyes’ men can mount an early lead, then there will be no harm in changing things up after the break.

It’s got to be exciting news for much of the Irons faithful, who cannot travel to watch this game live due to UEFA’s sanctions, so many can look on from home with a sense of pride that several more youngsters are being handed a chance to shine at such a level.

Perkins has been in electric form for both club and country this campaign, so he’ll be one to watch, having scored nine goals in 14 appearances across the Premier League 2 and U18s, via Transfermarkt.

Whilst Baptiste and Alese could prove their worth to Moyes, particularly after the recent injury blow suffered to Angelo Ogbonna. There’s a place up for grabs for the remainder of the season in the first-team, so hopefully they can take the opportunity, should they be given it.

All in all, this early news should leave many supporters thrilled heading into kick-off tonight.

AND in other news, West Ham could end striker hunt with 6 ft 1 “monster” who “the chairman really likes”…

Leeds United can finally land Manchester United’s Dan James amid a recent transfer twist in their pursuit of the winger.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Scottish Mail on Sunday (p129: 11/07), as transcribed by TBR Football, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are continuing to track the Wales international as they look to bolster their wide options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

It was then suggested that Manchester United actually had no plans of letting James go this summer, despite the recent arrival of Borussia Dortmund flier Jadon Sancho.

However, ESPN now claim that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have had a change of heart, with the Welshman among a group of players who are now available for the right offer.

Bielsa really wants him

Speaking on his eponymous The Phil Hay Show, the journalist said: “That’s a question for Bielsa because Bielsa’s forever interested in Dan James, and you probably remember last summer that before they did the deal for Raphinha, they were looking into the possibility of bringing Dan James in on loan from Manchester United.

“I don’t think it was ever really a possibility because it didn’t seem as though Solskjaer wanted him to go. I get the feeling that Bielsa will consistently be interested in Dan James, because he was very big on him when Leeds nearly got him from Swansea.”

The £60m-rated winger is clearly someone for whom Bielsa has longed for a considerable time, especially given that the Whites were close to signing him when he was still at Swansea.

That extra pace and ability to be a real threat in the opposition box – he has managed six goals and seven assists in 48 Premier League games – could add another dimension to Leeds’ attack, particularly off the bench if Raphinha and Jack Harrison continue as the two starting wingers.

His Old Trafford teammate Andreas Pereira lauded the 23-year-old as being “explosive and so fast” in an interview with the club’s official website last season.

With Bielsa clearly desperate for him, this latest twist over James’ future should see Leeds finally pounce for the Welshman this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have had a bid accepted for this player…

Liverpool could secure their dream replacement for Gini Wijnaldum this summer in the shape of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

What’s the story?

The Reds have been linked with several star names as Jurgen Klopp looks to fill the sizeable hole left in his side’s engine room following the Dutch international’s departure.

One man who could fill the void is BVB’s Bellingham. According to The Mirror, Dortmund have offered their teenage prodigy a new contract to prevent further interest from the Anfield outfit, meaning they’ll have to move quickly in order to secure their transfer target.

Klopp will love him

Succeeding Wijnaldum – a man who made 237 appearances in five seasons on Merseyside, winning the Premier League title and Champions League crown along the way – will be no easy task.

Atletico Madrid’s experienced campaigner Saul Niguez has been identified as a possible candidate, but the 26-year-old doesn’t carry as much excitement, potential, or intrigue as England’s Bellingham.

After moving to the Bundesliga giants from boyhood club Birmingham City for £25 million last summer, the youngster has gone from strength to strength during his time at the Signal Iduna Park.

Despite his tender years, Bellingham made 46 appearances for Dortmund last season in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing a further four assists, earning a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020.

His call-up to the Three Lions senior set-up came as no surprise to most, and the national team boss was full of praise for the youthful midfielder after his selection.

“Jude is phenomenal. Just in training in the last couple of days, to have a 17-year-old, who wants to compete with senior players, not only has the technique but the competitiveness and maturity… he’s a hugely exciting player,” said Southgate.

Klopp places a unique set of demands upon his midfielders due to his innovative gegenpressing system.

They must combine tactical and positional intelligence with natural athleticism and stamina. Bellingham has all of those attributes in abundance.

He’s an ideal signing for the enigmatic German manager, and he would surely love to have the former Birmingham man amongst his ranks next term.

The Mirror report that Liverpool have an interest in the teenager, as do Manchester City. The Reds must ensure they beat their fierce rival to the punch and look to secure a move for the England star as soon as possible as he is already looking like a player who has an amazing future ahead of him, he seems like the perfect fit for a Jurgen Klopp team.

And, in other news…Liverpool tell 25 y/o he can leave during weekend talks, Klopp should be very happy 

Former Crystal Palace midfielder Max Meyer has joined Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a free transfer.

And a number of Eagles fans have been giving their thoughts to the deal on social media.

The 25-year-old made 56 appearances during his two-and-a-half-year stay at Selhurst Park and left back in January for German side FC Koln.

Palace, who signed and allowed Meyer to leave for nothing, didn’t stay at FC Koln for long and has now secured a two-year deal at new club Fenerbahce.

The attacking midfielder, who was involved in just five goals during his Palace stay, will be looking to get his career back on track, with his Transfermarkt valuation falling from £16.2m when he arrived in south London in 2018 to just £1.35m in 2021.

Palace fans react

Fenerbahce shared the news regarding Meyer on Twitter on Thursday. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one describing a transfer as a ‘great move’.

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @SWPalace

“Good move for him imo. Hope he destroys the league.”

Credit: @CPFCMax9

“Great move for Max. Hope he proves himself there.”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“go on lad”

Credit: @cpfcbeast

“Upgrade on Ozil”

Credit: @liamb0117

“Hope he does well and finally finds some stability in his career”

Credit: @IocaIpIa999tic

In other news: ‘Unreal’, ‘Tears in my eyes’ – Lots of CPFC fans flock to ‘beautiful’ Eze update. 

Celtic had a frantic summer as Ange Postecoglou and Dominic McKay got to work quickly on repairing the rubble of a disastrous 2020/21 campaign at Parkhead.They added a host of first-team names to their ranks while also bolstering the reserves who are taking part in the Lowland League this term.What’s the word?The window only slammed shut just under 48 hours ago but the Hoops are already plotting who they want to sign in January.They have been targeting two players in the top-flight of Irish football after initially turning to Liam Scales in the transfer window.One of the players who Celtic are planning to scout this week is Drogheda teenager Killian Phillips.They will watch the player on Friday and then decide whether to bring him to the club on a permanent basis in a few months time.That’s according to reporter Daniel McDonnell who initially took to Twitter to say: “Celtic are tracking Sligo Rovers prospect Johnny Kenny. He’ll be watched on Friday and is on their long term radar. Drogheda’s Killian Phillips is also being monitored.”Their new Ajer?At just 19 years of age, Phillips is very much a player for the future.Coincidentally, he also looks like a similar type of player to Liam Shaw. Celtic signed the youngster from Sheffield Wednesday after agreeing to a deal before the summer got underway.That being said, despite his versatility as a defender and a midfielder, he is yet to make his debut for the Bhoys.That characteristic reminds us of a certain Kristoffer Ajer. The Norwegian arrived at Celtic as a 17-year-old but he was a defensive midfielder when he walked through the door.Ajer was transformed into a centre-back and it’s there where he’s really cut his teeth as a professional footballer.He’s now signed for Brentford in a deal worth £17.5m but his heir apparent – Leo Hjelde – also headed for an exit.However, by signing Phillips, they could make up for the loss of Hjelde.The Drogheda teenager is a midfielder by trade but is also capable of playing further back in defence. It’s that versatility that reminds us the most of Ajer when comparing the duo.Phillips also played on the wing in Ireland last season. That wasn’t something that Ajer had in his locker but he did feature as a rampaging full-back on the odd occasion.Although the Irishman wouldn’t be an instant player for the first-team, his future in the game looks immense.AND in other news, Celtic may have just repeated their John McGinn howler…

Erik Lamela is probably best summed up by his derby performance against Arsenal in which he scored an exquisite rabona goal before being sent off later in the game, and his inconsistency is what stops him from reaching his full potential, according to Spurs legend Paul Stewart.

When the winger arrived from Roma back in 2013 as a replacement for Gareth Bale, he was the club’s record signing at £27 million but inconsistent season after inconsistent season even saw Bale, the man he was supposed to replace, ultimately contribute more for Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Reports have claimed that the 29-year old is all but set for a summer exit as Spurs are in desperate need of an overhaul of their squad that failed to even qualify for the Europa League this season, and are still without a manager.

£80,000-a-week man Lamela has rarely been able to maintain a starting spot under any manager and failing to live up to his price tag and he may well not be missed. That’s according to Stewart, who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“He scored that unbelievable goal and sometimes looks like a world-beater but we don’t see that enough from him.

“I just think his inconsistency is the reason why Spurs can afford to let him go because he just hasn’t been able to do it week in week out.”

Spurs have a young talented winger who spent the season out on loan with Hoffenheim in Ryan Sessegnon, and if the new manager fancies him then that could be the long term future of their left-hand side.

It appears very obvious that Spurs will have to spend big this summer and that may not be difficult to do if they end up losing Harry Kane as that will bring in over £100 million to the club.

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes there could be a shock twist on the future of Liverpool striker Divock Origi. 

The lowdown: Italy bound?

The 27-year-old, who once again endeared himself to the Anfield faithful with another Merseyside derby goal on Sunday, is widely expected to leave the club in the summer when his contract expires.

Recently, reputable journalist James Pearce admitted that an amicable departure was imminent with Serie A giants AC Milan the favourites to sign the popular Belgian frontman, with some reports even claiming an agreement will be found in Milan this week.

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However, a fresh update has emerged claiming it’s not too late for all parties to perform a major U-turn…

The latest: Jones makes claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones suggested there remains a possibility that Origi will still be plying his trade on Merseyside next season due to the ‘massive moments’ he produces.

“There’s loads of clubs that are a good potential fit for Origi, but I think it’s also going to depend on what he wants at this stage of his career.

“Whatever you say or think of him and whether he’s good enough to be in that Liverpool team, he has had some massive moments in a Liverpool shirt and he continues to have them.

“Jurgen Klopp absolutely loves him. If Klopp tells him he still has a role for him in that squad, I’d be surprised to see him leave.”

The verdict: Time has come

Seemingly on the brink of an exit for a number of transfer windows now, the prospect of keeping Origi and in turn offering the 32-cap Belgium ace a new deal is surely out of the question.

Albeit a man of multiple memorable moments, not least against the seven goals scored against cross-park rivals Everton, the striker who was hailed as ‘very unique’ by Jermaine Jenas has missed out on five Premier League match-day squads entirely in 2022 alone, suggesting he is not even a major option off the bench.

Despite a noteworthy return of nine direct goal contributions in 16 fleeting outings this season and well-established cult hero status on the Kop, the best option now for all parties would be a move away this summer.

In other news, a key Liverpool update has emerged regarding a superstar player. Read more here.