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Manchester United duo Anthony Martial and Dan James are set to return to the first team squad for this evening’s fixture against Fulham, providing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a huge boost ahead of the Europa League final.

What’s the latest?

Martial has been sidelined with a hip injury and a ruptured knee ligament since early March, missing United’s last 13 games in all competitions, while James has been absent since the second leg against Roma with an injury issue.

After the 25-year-old France international incurred his injury setback on international duty, Solskjaer revealed his fears that Martial may be out for the remainder of the season, but it seems as though the forward has recovered ahead of schedule.

In a recent press conference (via Manchester Evening News), the Red Devils boss provided a fresh update on the attacking duo ahead of tonight’s clash with the already-relegated Cottagers, disclosing how they are expected to play some part at Old Trafford.

“I’m hoping to get Anthony (Martial) and Dan (James) back involved in this game which is a very good boost for us. Maybe they can even start against Wolves, and then maybe if they’re sensational? It’s hard to leave players out if they really perform at their highest level,” said Solskjaer.

A significant boost

While Martial has not enjoyed his most fruitful campaign in a United shirt, the former Monaco man has still managed to record some respectable numbers throughout 2020/21

The Frenchman has bagged seven goals and provided nine assists in 36 appearances for the 20-time English champions and could play a significant role as they attempt to end the club’s longest trophy drought in more than 30 years.

Although James has struggled at times since making the step up from Swansea two seasons ago, the Wales international has enjoyed some of his best displays for the Red Devils in the Europa League, as his 6.99 WhoScored rating illustrates. His performance in the 4-0 win over Real Sociedad in February, when he scored one goal and set up another, showcased what he is capable of producing when at his best.

Therefore, the duo’s return to action tonight should provide a significant boost to Solskjaer’s attacking options ahead of the showpiece event against Villarreal, and the Norwegian must be buzzing to see Martial and James form part of his matchday squad once again.

In other news…Major Manchester United transfer update emerges; fans will surely be buzzing – opinion

Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a move for Mallik Wilks in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Wilks on fire this season

Wilks has been on fire for Hull City in the 2020/21 term, with no fewer than 31 goal contributions in 50 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

A player that is capable of playing anywhere across the front line, he would certainly add some welcome squad depth at St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Newcastle plot Wilks move

As per Football Insider, the Tyneside club are plotting a move to bring Wilks to the North East once the summer transfer window officially opens.

However, Crystal Palace also hold a strong interest in the former Leeds United product, as a recruitment source has told the news outlet that his form has caught the eye of many teams at the top of the English game.

The Verdict: Newcastle should sign Wilks

Even though Wilks has been playing in League One, two divisions below the Premier League, 31 goals and assists combined is not something to be sniffed at.

At just 22 years of age, the six-foot ace still has a lot of potential as well, and will be hungry to climb up the footballing pyramid as he continues his development.

Nonetheless, the Magpies could do a lot worse than sign up Wilks, whose proven end product would ease the attacking burden off of the likes of Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin.

In other news, find out what promising insight Lee Ryder has shared from takeover observers on arbitration here!

Leeds United could be set for a huge boost as some major news emerges from Thorp Arch about Marcelo Bielsa’s future at the club.

What’s the story?

The Argentine has been an inspirational figure at Elland Road, guiding the Whites out of the Championship and steering them to an impressive first season back in the Premier League.

Now, Football Insider claim that the club “will start work this week on finalising new contracts for Marcelo Bielsa and his coaching assistants”, and that “United chiefs have held preliminary talks with Bielsa’s representatives over a new one-year agreement that will see him extend his spell to a fourth season”.

The report adds that a Leeds source has revealed the club are “confident” Bielsa will put pen to paper on a new deal now that the season is over.

Fans will be buzzing

When reports emerged back in April that Bielsa was close to signing a new deal, Leeds fans took to Twitter to voice their delight at seeing the Argentine commit his future to the club.

And while it seems to have taken a while, the fresh news that Bielsa is close to finalising that new contract will undoubtedly have fans of the Yorkshire club absolutely buzzing, especially given the incredible moments that he has given them as manager.

And, speaking exclusively to FFC, Lawrie Sanchez insisted he could always see Bielsa staying, saying: “Where does he go? He isn’t going to another Premier League club. I think he’s a bit like Roy Hodgson. He wants to work, doesn’t he?  He’s working now in the biggest league in his life, and as much as he comes across as not that interested in it, when people tap you on the shoulder back home and say, ‘I saw you on the TV the other week, your team did brilliant,’ it’s a massive boost to you.

“I think he will stay. They call him a maverick; he dances to his own tune, doesn’t he?  So, if he did leave you would say ‘that’s Bielsa’. But if he were to stay involved in football and having come all the way to Leeds and having seen how well the team has done this year, and obviously they will be backed next year, so I can see him staying.”

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News of Bielsa’s impending new contract is a major boost for Leeds just after the Premier League season has finished.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa is heading for a major early window howler at Leeds…

Crystal Palace are believed to be eyeing a move for FC Köln defender Sebastiaan Bornauw, according to Voetbal24.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements required

The Eagles unquestionably need long-overdue reinforcements due to their ageing squad. With the additional caveat of former manager Roy Hodgson’s retirement [Guardian], there will be a very different feel to Selhurst Park in 2021/22, with countless players reaching the end of their contracts.

As rumblings of the potential successor to Hodgson intensify with Nuno Espirito Santo the latest to be linked [Sky Sports], the Londoners seem to have been identifying potential signings in the background.

The Latest: Bornauw to SE25?

One of these reported targets is the aforementioned Bornauw, with Voetbal24 claiming the Eagles have ‘set their sights’ on the young defender.

The report also claims Bornauw would ‘like’ a move to the Premier League, although he does not want to decide his future immediately.

Highly rated in his homeland, a prospective move to the riches of English football looks favourable – his current employers are expected to be ‘dependent on sales’ this summer transfer window, suggesting they could well cash in on their prized assets [BILD via SportWitness].

The Verdict: Exciting Potential

The 6 foot 3 defender successfully aided his side to Bundesliga survival in 2020/21 [BuliNews]. He is currently valued at £10.80 million on the Transfermarkt database, so at just 22 years of age could perhaps have considerable sell-on value for Palace in the future.

No stranger to the limelight, he is also a fully-fledged Belgium international; making two appearances for the The Red Devils at senior level [Transfermarkt].

Leading his club in both clearances and blocks per game, the youngster is a beast at the back, but also calm in possession, boasting an 82% pass success rate this season.

Of course, the absence of a new manager at Selhurst Park may throw a spanner into the works, but this feels like a deal Steve Parish and co should be looking to get done, landing an exciting young talent with plenty of room to improve further still.

In other news, a reported Crystal Palace target has recently become a free agent.

Manchester City fans praised Carlos Borges after he was named the Citizens’ U18 Players’ Player of the Year.

The Citizens have enjoyed highs and lows this campaign, winning the Premier League and League Cup but also losing the Champions League final against Chelsea 1-0. Of this term’s squad, Phil Foden is the only player to come through City’s youth system to have any real impact in the first team.

City fans will be hoping they have another great hope on their hands, however, in Borges. He has enjoyed a wonderful season, scoring 13 times and providing 19 assists in just 24 matches (Transfermarkt) – that has earned him recognition from his fellow teammates.

Perhaps that kind of record will see him follow in the footsteps of Foden sooner rather than later.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the City supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the matter, with one fan describing the youngster’s performance level as ‘insane’.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Borges below

“Some player him”

Credit: @zxlini

“Already better than Sterling”

Credit: @WandersonCris18

“Promising lad….. Success”

Credit: @eduh_chege

“That’s insane numbers”

Credit: @Ali_Szn14

“Promote him to the first team”

Credit: @mcfcabdull

“Remember his name.. he’ll be better than Mbappe”

Credit: @DiasCEO

In other news, Man City fans slammed this man’s performance in the Champions League final.

A source from Newcastle United has shared some promising insight from Mike Ashley on the potential takeover.

The Lowdown: Arbitration awaits

The arbitration hearing between the North East club and the Premier League is set to take place in July, as the separate anti-competition lawsuit could also be launched after, depending on the results of the case.

It should give a much clearer picture over the direction of where the proposed deal between Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium is heading, but until the results are found out there is still uncertainty surrounding St. James’ Park, especially considering its timing in relation to the summer transfer window and the start of the new campaign.

The Latest: Ashley confident

According toThe Sun, Ashley believes that he is going to be given the green light with regards to the takeover bid.

A Tyneside club source has shared that the chief executive of Sports Direct is ‘certain’ that he will win the case, adding that ‘he has told the consortium to have their money ready to complete in a month’.

Ashley has also maintained close contact with Amanda Staveley, as he expects to win his appeal against the top flight.

The Verdict: Confidence helps

The confidence of Ashley that he will win the case against the division can only be seen as a good thing going into the arbitration hearing.

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The results of the case will likely determine whether or not the original bid can be revived or not, and if they are positive for the Magpies, then there is likely no need for the separate anti-competition lawsuit.

Nonetheless, the PL will also surely be feeling confident from their point of view, and so the legal battle really does look to be an interesting one, especially given that arbitration is set to take place shortly before the new season starts.

In other news, find out what transfer insight Mark Douglas has dropped on the potential takeover here!

According to a report by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, via Sport Witness, West Ham United have commenced talks to know the fee needed to sign Boavista forward Alberth Elis this summer.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye attacking options…

It is well documented that manager David Moyes is eager to bring more attacking options to the London Stadium this summer.

As well as a permanent deal for 2020/2021 loan sensation Jesse Lingard, West Ham are said to be on the hunt for a new talismanic striker as they look to shore up a problem position (Claret & Hugh).

Michail Antonio played a starring role at points for the Irons last season but was often ruled out of action through injury.

The Latest: West Ham enter Elis talks…

Now, as per A Bola (via Sport Witness), West Ham have commenced talks to find out the fee needed to sign Boavista forward Elis.

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As well as the Hammers, Premier League rivals Southampton are said to have done the same – with Brighton and Watford also closely following him back in April.

It is claimed by this report that the 25-year-old is ‘likely to leave’ the Estádio do Bessa this summer in what could be a boost for West Ham in their pursuit.

Elis completed his first full season in Europe’s top five divisions over 2020/2021 and finished it with a notable eight goals and seven assists over the Liga NOS campaign (Sport Witness).

Boavista have told West Ham what they need to pay for his signature, around €10 million (£8.5m).

The Verdict: Not a priority…

Despite being only 25, Elis already has much experience on the international stage – earning 42 caps for his native Honduras (Transfermarkt).

He has also earned praise form ex-Celtic defender and compatriot Emilio Izaguirre, who told the Herald Times and Sport he is ‘very fast and strong’ (via Glasgow Times).

However, given his lack of experience at the top level, it could in fact be a gamble – with the likes of Tammy Abraham and Youssef En-Nesyri, who have been linked (ExWHUemployee), potentially better options.

In other news: ‘Incredible’…Sky Sports pundit raves as West Ham allegedly eye ‘fantastic signing’, find out more here.

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left baffled by an alleged transfer development at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs on the keeper hunt?

Tottenham have been linked with moves for new goalkeepers recently amid question marks surrounding the future of current number one Hugo Lloris.

The France international has just one year remaining on his current deal in north London with there still being no sign of a new contract offer.

According to reports, Spurs have been weighing up the likes of Sam Johnstone and Nick Pope as possible transfer options over recent months.

The Latest: Robinson baffled by Spurs developement…

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has been left baffled by the development that Spurs are now targeting Sheffield United shot stopper Aaron Ramsdale.

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Indeed, as reported by the Daily Mail, Spurs are now eyeing a swoop for the 23-year-old alongside the likes of Wolves.

“I am hugely surprised to hear him linked with Spurs because he is not good enough,” he explained to FI.

“He got relegated with Bournemouth and he got relegated with Sheffield United and a while a lot of goals were not directly his fault, he could have effected them in some way. I don’t think he is at the level that others are.

“He has been pulled into the England squad now because Dean Henderson has had a hip injury. I think he’s very fortunate to be in the squad.

“If Spurs were looking to replace Hugo Lloris then Nick Pope and Sam Johnstone should be top of the list.”

The Verdict: Not worth the gamble…

Robinson makes a fair argument and we are in full agreement with him on this one, especially when it comes to Ramsdale’s reported price tag.

The Englishman finished last campaign in fine form despite Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League, with former interim boss Paul Heckingbottom calling him ‘excellent’ for his performances (Yorkshire Post).

Meanwhile, English top flight legend Alan Shearer lauded him as a ‘fearless’ young player (Premier League YouTube channel), but these plaudits do little to mitigate his sky high valuation.

Bramall Lane officials estimate he could cost up to £40 million this summer (The Star) and Spurs have much bigger priorities like the search for a star centre-half.

In other news: ‘Tottenham are now planning’…Fabrizio Romano shares big transfer development coming out of N17, find out more here.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu.

What’s the story?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, the Red Devils have identified the 25-year-old as a potential partner for Harry Maguire in the heart of their defence.

A new centre-back is thought to be high up on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list for the current window, and Soyuncu is the latest name to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.

The new Harry Maguire

The trio of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe have failed to prove their long-term suitability at centre-half in recent years, leading to the club prioritising the position this summer.

Real Madrid reportedly turned down a £50m offer for Raphael Varane recently, while Villarreal’s Pau Torres is another candidate on Solskjaer’s wish list.

While Soyuncu may not carry as much excitement or intrigue as the Spanish-based pair, the Leicester man has Premier League experience and may be viewed as a safer option by the United hierarchy.

In his three-year spell at the King Power Stadium, the Turkey international has been in impressive form, helping the club to consecutive fifth-place finishes and last season’s FA Cup triumph.

Soyuncu’s standout displays have attracted many plaudits, including some from his current manager Brendan Rodgers.

“He has been absolutely fantastic, and he is only going to get better with experience,” said the Northern Irish tactician. “He will go to Old Trafford. He will go to Anfield. He is not frightened of anything.

“He is quick; he is aggressive. He can defend first and foremost. He has absolutely no qualms whatsoever of just smashing the ball over the stand. He wants to defend.

“But he can play football, and that’s important if you want to be a top team. You have to be able to defend, but you have to be able to play, and he can do that.”

The last time United signed a central defender from the Foxes, things turned out pretty well. Maguire quickly established himself as the club’s key figure at the back and was made captain after less than a year with the 20-time English champions.

If departing chief executive Ed Woodward can secure a reasonable price for the £40.5m-rated Soyuncu, there’s no reason why he can’t follow in Maguire’s footsteps and take United to the next level.

In other news…Woodward could deliver dream Lindelof upgrade for Man Utd in “sensational” £51.5m gem 

Crystal Palace could be closing in on their ideal Roy Hodgson successor after holding talks with former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre.

What’s the story?

According to Ed Aarons of The Guardian, the 63-year-old tactician has held talks with the Eagles, and he is interested in filling the vacancy at Selhurst Park.

However, it’s also claimed that Favre is attracting offers and interest from other clubs, including from the Premier League, so Palace may have to move quickly in order to secure their man.

Fans should be buzzing

The south London outfit have been searching for Hodgson’s replacement for several weeks now, and it seemed as though ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo was set for the role until that deal broke down at the last minute.

Other candidates such as Frank Lampard and Steve Cooper were thought to be in the running after Santo’s collapse, but a fresh contender emerged in the last few days in the shape of Favre.

He’s established a solid reputation across the continent in recent years, guiding Nice to a third-place finish in Ligue 1 before achieving consecutive second-place finishes with Dortmund in his only two full seasons in charge at the Signal Iduna Park.

The Swiss manager has a history of building exciting, attractive teams throughout his career and has also overseen the development of many young prospects, attributes which have seemingly caught the eye of Palace chairman Steve Parish.

With a highly respectable win rate of 49% from his 796 games in management, Favre ticks many boxes for the capital club.

They need an experienced head to oversee a major squad overhaul following Hodgson’s departure, while the club’s hierarchy are thought to also want someone capable of implementing a modern, forward-thinking style of play.

Therefore, the news that Palace have opened talks with Favre will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing as he seems like the ideal man as he is a hugely experienced manager who likes his teams to play on the front foot.

His arrival at Selhurst Park would be seen as a major coup for the Eagles as they enter a potential turbulent summer, and he has the potential to be the most significant addition Parish makes over the coming months.

The fact that Favre would be interested in a move to Palace should be music to the ears of Eagles fans, now it’s up to the club to get a deal done to get him in the Selhurst Park hot seat.

And, in other news…Major update emerges in Palace’s managerial pursuit, it’ll surely leave fans gutted