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Michael Ball has urged Manchester City to sign Danny Ings if it becomes clear Tottenham Hotspur are unwilling to let Harry Kane leave.

England captain Kane has been City boss Pep Guardiola’s number one striker target this summer and the club reportedly made a bid of £100million last month.

However, Kane remains on Spurs’ books despite publicly stating he wants to leave the club to challenge for trophies.

Ball believes Southampton’s Ings would be an ideal back-up option if the Kane switch fails to materialise.

Ings, who counts Liverpool among his former clubs and has drawn interest from Spurs, scored 13 goals in 33 appearances last season.

With his £75,000-per-week contract expiring next summer and the frontman rejecting a new deal, Saints may look to cash in on Ings before the transfer window slams shut.

Ball feels, following Sergio Aguero’s departure to Barcelona, Ings would bag plenty of goals as City look to secure back-to-back Premier League titles.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former City left-back Ball said: “Unfortunately, he broke down at Liverpool and I think he is desperate to go back to a big club and prove he has the talent to be part of a big team.

“It doesn’t look like the Tottenham move is happening because their relationship with Southampton has soured, so that could leave the door open for Manchester City to snatch the player.

“I think he’d be a perfect fit for the way Manchester City play. He’d be a great replacement for Aguero.”

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Milan News), Wolves are interested in signing Rafael Leao from AC Milan this summer.

The Lowdown: Movement at Wolves

Wolves struggled in terms of strikers last season. Raul Jimenez spent the majority of the campaign out with a head injury (Transfermarkt), while 18-year-old Fabio Silva managed only four goals in 32 Premier League appearances.

As such, new Wolves manager Bruno Lage may be looking to bring in a striker, and it seems he already has one on his radar.

The Latest: Wolves eye Leao

It is now being reported that the Old Gold are interested in Milan striker Leao.

They are not the only clubs in pursuit, though, with both Borussia Dortmund and Marseille also linked with his services, as per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Milan News).

The Verdict: Plenty to prove

Leao is certainly an interesting talent. He has already played for Sporting Lisbon and Lille as well as Milan and has previously earned high praise. In 2019, his previous Sporting coach Tiago Fernandes described him as “another Ronaldo” in reference to the former Brazil and Real Madrid striker (Football Italia).

However, he has struggled so far in Italy to find the back of the net on a regular basis. In 73 appearances for Milan, he has managed just 13 goals, only five more than he managed in 47 fewer games in France. Valued at £22.5m (Transfermarkt), Wolves would be paying an awful lot for a player who still has plenty of prove, and they might get better value elsewhere.

In other news, Wolves make an enquiry for this Euro 2020 star.

Selling Adama Traore would be a mistake, former Premier League forward Dean Windass has warned Wolves amid interest from Chelsea.

According to The Telegraph, the 25-year-old is a target for Chelsea as Thomas Tuchel looks to bring in competition for Reece James at right wing-back.

Prior, it had been reported that Traore was close to signing a new deal at Molineux, but interest from the European champions could now easily change that.

For Windass, though, the decision to sell the Spanish winger this summer would be a bad one. He told TT in an exclusive interview:

“I think it’d be a mistake because obviously, listen, the kid’s only young, but he catches pigeons. He’s probably the quickest lad in the Premier League.”

While Traore has yet to sign the new deal that is reportedly being discussed, he still has a couple years left on his current contract, so Wolves are under no immediate pressure to sell.

Last season, the Spain international averaged a whopping 4.1 dribbles per game, the most in the Premier League (per WhoScored), so he is virtually irreplaceable on that front. Furthermore, you can see why Windass is urging Wolves not to part ways with their man this summer.

Aston Villa transfer target Ashley Young could solve a major problem for Dean Smith in the Premier League next season.

What’s the story?

The Athletic have claimed in recent days that Smith is keen on signing the £120k-a-week earning ace, and that he sees him as a valuable addition to his first-team squad.

Solving Dean Smith’s problem

While Villa enjoyed a superb campaign in the Premier League last season, Smith was very fortunate with the lack of real significant injuries to any of his key first-team stars – barring the late Jack Grealish one of course.

The likes of Ollie Watkins, Ezri Konsa and Matt Targett for example stayed clear from the treatment table, and were able to perform week-in and week-out for Villa.

But in respect to Targett, and Matty Cash, the real lack of cover for Villa at right-back and left-back is something that simply needs to be addressed this summer, and Young’s arrival would certainly do that.

With Ahmed Elmohamady and Neil Taylor both being confirmed to leave Villa Park following the expiration of their contracts, it’s absolutely imperative the Midlands club bring in cover for their first-team stars.

And in the versatile Young, who can play on either side, they would be getting someone with tonnes of Premier League experience from his time at Villa and Manchester United, and can fill in whenever needed.

Despite his age, he’s come in for some fine praise, with Andreas Brehme a big fan of his during his spell at the San Siro.

The Inter and Germany legend said: “He’s a great player and has many years of experience in England.  I think he’s a fine left-back, strong in technique and mentality.”

While Smith will be hoping that both Targett and Cash can stay injury-free, having valuable cover in the shape of someone like Young would go a long way to ensuring that Villa don’t get found short.

Johan Lange could solve a major problem for Smith by landing the veteran full-back.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein has dropped an exciting Aston Villa transfer update…

Liverpool have received a crushing blow in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, following reports that Paris St-Germain are set to offer the France international a contract extension [Liverpool Echo].

Enjoying a remarkable 2020-21 campaign, Mbappe notched an unbelievable 53 goal contributions in 47 appearances for the Coupe De France winners [Transfermarkt].

Sparking rumours of a switch to the Premier League, Liverpool alongside Real Madrid have been heavily rumoured with a move for to secure his signature.

However, this now looks set to fall by the wayside after the Parisians have stepped up their attempts to keep him at the Parc De Princes.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has taken charge of negotiations, whilst the 22-year-old looks likely to tie himself to his current employers for the foreseeable future [Liverpool Echo].

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Liverpool diehards took to Twitter to voice their opinions to the rumours.

Reds fans react:

Replying to The Liverpool Echo’s Twitter feed, here is how some Reds fans summarized these latest developments:

“Oh, for god’s sake, give it a rest. For a paper whose credibility among Liverpool fans is already low you seem determined to hang yourselves on this non-story. We Are Not Signing Mbappe!!”

Credit: @poggiolino”Oh no, nO, NOO! I’d already ordered my new shirt with his name on the back, thought it was a sure bet! For Gods sake people, Mbappe is not coming to LFC, not even on a free, not now, not ever. LFC would never pay that kind of salary on a player even if he was free!”Credit: @chara2_john”Double blow? What? 1. He’s not coming to Liverpool and 2. He was never coming to Liverpool anyway.”Credit: @FireGrd”No way. It looked nailed on a few days ago”Credit: @khan45887895″Only bloody fools will believe we are even in the running to bid mbappe”Credit: @ErnestYap9″Its only a blow if you were stupid enough to full invest your hope on this being true.”Credit: @GregB_LadIn other news, Liverpool fans react to a pursuit of a reported transfer target.

Aston Villa are battling it out with Arsenal for Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia and are now thought to be readying an official offer, according to The Telegraph.

And, as to be expected, plenty of Aston Villa fans have been sharing their delight at the news on social media.

The 24-year-old could cost up to £40m, which may see him become Villa’s club-record signing. The report suggests that Villa are looking at players who have already played in English football, with a creative midfielder – or a No 10 – a priority at Villa Park this summer.

Buendia helped Norwich return to the Premier League last season, scoring 15 times and registering 17 assists in 39 Championship appearances.

The Argentine played on the right-wing at Carrow Road during the 2020/21 season but does have experience of turning out on the left and in an attacking midfield role.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the news on Villa ready to step up their interest in Buendia on Twitter. This is what these supporters had to say in reply, with one describing a potential deal as ‘wonderful’.

“I love this club”Credit: @kurtis_murphy40″on my knees”Credit: @WoodyAV__”This could be wonderful, emphasise the word could…..”Credit: @shauned88″If Percy is saying it then it must be true, would be some signing”Credit: @callumavfc_”If we pull this off…”Credit: @Cameron_Avfc”Imagine”Credit: @Kevavfc1993

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Tammy Abraham tweet, find out more here. 

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes a new Hoops manager could be in place by next weekend.

The Lowdown: Celtic managerial latest

The Hoops remain on the hunt for Neil Lennon’s long-term successor, with John Kennedy still in interim charge of the club.

Both Eddie Howe and Roy Keane have been heavily linked with the vacant role, with the former even verbally agreeing on a deal to Parkhead before having second thoughts.

Keane, meanwhile, is now back in the picture as a result, however, the manager pendulum appears to have swung back in favour of Howe, who is reportedly finalising his Celtic Park backroom staff.

Howe, who spoke to Crystal Palace about potentially succeeding Roy Hodgson this summer, is now thought to be behind Burnley’s Sean Dyche in the Palace pecking order.

The Latest: McAvennie’s announcement claim

McAvennie, taking to Football Insider following the development at Selhurst Park regarding Dyche and Howe, was asked as to when he feels a deal could be announced for Lennon’s long-term successor.

The 61-year-old replied, believing a new manager could be officially announced by ‘Saturday of next week’ – four words that could be of particular interest to a number of Hoops fans.

“The new manager won’t want anything to do with this season.

“Now they can be announced because the Rangers game has gone. That’s the season over.

“I don’t know for sure but it wouldn’t surprise me if there was an announcement before the end of the season, by Saturday of next week. There was no point in the new guy coming in because most of the players won’t be here soon.

“If he came in before, he’d be teaching those players for nothing. They won’t be here so what’s the point?

“The big games are out of the way now. They can announce it now and it won’t be associated with this season.”

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The Verdict: Dates don’t add up

Should that new manager be Howe, we don’t think it will be announced by Saturday of next week, purely due to reports regarding his coaching staff.

Bournemouth scout Mark Burchill, along with coaches Simon Weatherstone and Stephen Purches, are names who have been linked with moving to Glasgow alongside Howe.

However, the Cherries are currently preparing for the playoffs in the Championship, so it would come as a major surprise to us if a deal is announced in line with Celtic’s last game of the season on May 15.

The second-tier playoffs don’t end until the end of the month, so we feel as if the Hoops hierarchy may need to bide their time to get a deal for Howe over the line.

That said, if the wind changes back towards someone like Keane again, perhaps McAvennie’s prediction could come true after all.

In other news: Celtic transfer update emerges on £7.7k-p/w star; looks as if Lawwell’s made a big mistake, find out more here. 

Football Insider pundit Danny Mills doesn’t believe that interim Celtic boss John Kennedy will land the manager’s role on a full-time basis.

The Lowdown: Kennedy in the dark

Reports last month hinted that Kennedy was still in the running to take over from Neil Lennon on a long-term basis. The 37-year-old has been in temporary charge following Lennon’s resignation back in February, however, a Celtic source has recently revealed that he is in the dark over his future in Glasgow.

Kennedy is unsure whether he’ll be at the club next season, with the Hoops hierarchy remaining tight-lipped when it comes to their managerial move.

The Latest: Mills makes manager claim

Talking to Football Insider regarding the development on Kennedy, Mills (43) said:

“That means Kennedy’s not getting the job.

“It depends on who comes in and what they want to do. Maybe if it’s a foreign manager they’ll want to keep him on to be that go-between.

“It might not be as a first-team coach but just keep him around to help integrate. We saw how much David Moyes struggled with that when he went to Manchester United even though he knew the league very, very well.

“A new manager may just say ‘I want all my own backroom staff, out you go.’

“It will all depend on who comes in and what they want to do and how much trust and faith that the hierarchy put in the new management team.”

The Verdict: Will the new boss have a say?

We feel that the new Celtic manager should have the final say on his backroom staff, but Mills’ fellow Football Insider pundit Gabby Agbonlahor recently declared that any new boss may have to keep Kennedy around.

The ex-Aston Villa striker has been informed that the club won’t give Lennon’s successor the choice on Kennedy’s future and won’t be able to change the entire coaching staff.

Should the new man in the Parkhead dugout turn out to be Eddie Howe, reports suggested last month that he would be happy to work with Kennedy and Gordon Strachan.

That could work for all parties involved, as long as Howe – who has reportedly agreed to become the club’s new manager – is also allowed to bring some members of staff from Bournemouth with him, as reports have suggested.

In other news: Celtic looking at two targets in possible big-money moves, find out more here. 

Aston Villa have been handed a major boost in their transfer pursuit of Norwich City star Emi Buendia this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that the Argentine is a target for Dean Smith’s side, with Buendia helping to fire the Canaries back into the Premier League for next season.

Sky Sports recently claimed that both Villa and top-flight rivals Arsenal are ready to renew their interest in the diminutive playmaker, with both clubs making enquiries about potentially signing him this summer.

And despite the significant competition from the north Londoners, Football Insider claim that it’s Villa who have gone ahead in the race to land Buendia, and that they have made progress on his signing since the season ended.

Fans will be buzzing

The £20,000-a-week earner enjoyed a superb campaign for the Canaries, scoring 15 goals and providing an incredible 17 assists in the Championship.

His teammate Max Aarons has raved about Buendia’s abilities, saying: “He’s not really a player who will get on the ball and take you on as a full-back. His game is more about getting into pockets, playing neat passes and creating things.

“When you’ve got someone, who wants to run at you, then it’s easier to lock them down whereas someone like him is quite intricate so it’s hard to get near him. He’s tenacious and very strong. He’s got a lot of attributes.”

Dubbed as a “very special talent” by Norwich’s Ben Gibson, the early signing of Buendia would be absolutely huge news for the club’s fans who will be keen to see their team get off to a good start in the transfer market.

Villa had some fantastic success in last summer’s window with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, and it helped Smith no end that Villa got those targets in early doors.

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What makes this potential deal for Buendia even sweeter is the fact they would be beating one of the Premier League’s heavyweights in landing him – a major sign of the progress that Villa have made under Smith.

The latest update on Buendia should have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Villa are facing a major transfer nightmare…

The upcoming transfer window could be the perfect time for Crystal Palace to wave goodbye to a costly arrival.

According to Correire dello Sport, centre-back Mamadou Sakho is on a list of potential summer targets for Serie A giants Lazio alongside the likes of Arsenal’s David Luiz and Chelsea’s Thiago Silva.

Out of contract at the end of the season after four years as a permanent Eagles player, Palace should certainly not fight too hard to keep the Frenchman at Selhurst Park.

Having arrived from Liverpool, initially on-loan, Sakho has endured a rollercoaster period with the club.

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He has, at points, been an excellent option at the back for Roy Hodgson, specifically during the 2018/19 season where he played 27 times in the Premier League alone as the club finished 12th in the standings.

However, he has also endured frustrating injury problems, having missed a total of 67 matches through injury, whilst he has only appeared on six occasions throughout the current campaign.

For context, the defender has only actually appeared on 75 occasions for the club in his four years at the club since arriving for what was a reported fee of £26m from Liverpool.

As a result, Sakho has now fallen considerable down the pecking order, finding himself behind the likes of Gary Cahill, Cheikhou Kouyate, Scott Dann and James Tomkins for a starting berth at centre-back.

Considering that lack of action then, the £6.3m-rated French international has certainly not justified his £100k per-week wages at Selhurst Park.

With Lazio then now swooping for his signature, Palace now have the perfect opportunity to let him go as opposed to extending his contract.

It really now could be time then, for the Eagles to wave goodbye to Sakho in the upcoming transfer window.

AND in more news, Palace have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Aaron Ramsey…