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West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Liam Delap to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alan Nixon, with The Sun journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Stoke City look to be the centre-forward’s most likely destination if he is to leave Manchester City on a temporary deal in the summer transfer window.

In his tweet, Nixon said: “Everybody interested thinks he goes to Stoke.”

Previous reports have suggested that West Brom manager Valerien Ismael is also extremely keen on a move for the 18-year-old, as the Frenchman believes that his Albion squad is lacking depth in the number nine role.

Fans will be gutted

While it may seem that West Brom are not in desperate need of attacking reinforcements at present, as the Baggies have scored a league-high 11 Championship goals over their opening four fixtures of the season, Ismael’s concerns regarding his lack of depth up front do seem well-founded.

Indeed, while it is true that both Karlan Grant and Callum Robinson are more than capable of operating in the middle of a front three, both players are perhaps more suited to cutting in from the wing rather than being the focal point of the attack – with Kenneth Zohore being Ismael’s only real option as an out and out centre-forward.

And, considering the 27-year-old was loaned out to Millwall last season, where he scored a mere two Championship goals over 17 appearances, it would certainly appear as if the Denmark international could be upgraded on.

As such, a move for Delap would have seemed to make a great deal of sense for West Brom, with the Man City starlet appearing to boast a substantial amount of potential, having scored a whopping 30 goals across his 27 appearances for City’s U23 side and first-team last season.

However, if Nixon is to be believed, it looks as if Ismael’s apparent hesitation in sanctioning a swoop for the 18-year-old has presented Stoke with something of a clear run at the striker, which will be gutting news for Albion fans to read.

And, with the Potters highly impressing over their opening fixtures of the new Championship season, only sitting behind Albion in the league on goal difference, should Michael O’Neill’s side indeed go on to land Delap this summer, his potential goals for Stoke could well directly impact the Baggies’ chances of securing a top-two finish in the league.

In other news: Journalist drops West Brom transfer claim on “surprising” £6m beast, Ismael would love him

As the never-ending saga surrounding Tottenham Hotspur and their chase for defender Takehiro Tomiyasu continues, local Italian news outlet Corriere di Bologna (via Sport Witness) have brought an interesting update.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Tomiyasu hunt..,

You can trace Tottenham’s talks to sign the Japan international as far back as early July with Sky Sports confirming that an offer of around £12.9m (€15m), plus an extra £2.6m (€3m) in add-ons, had been rejected by Bologna.

The Athletic then stated that Spurs were closing in on a move and finalising terms on a deal amounting to around £15 million plus add-ons.

Once the Olympic games commenced, however, the move appeared to collapse with little to no movement until Alasdair Gold shared information from the player’s side – with the journalist saying sources were ‘confident’ a move could happen (football.london).

Just two weeks remain of the transfer window and there is still no sign of Tomiyasu to Spurs nearing completion, but Corriere di Bologna may have just offered an interesting update at the very least.

The Latest: Tomiyasu green lights move to England as Spurs push…

As per the regional Italian news outlet, Fabio Paratici’s defensive target has ‘already given the OK to the transfer to England’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

While Tomiyasu green lights a switch to the Premier League, both Tottenham and Leicester City ‘keep pushing’ to sign the 22-year-old with ‘new contacts’ recently taking place.

As well as this, ‘economic proposals’ made by the interested clubs edge towards Bologna’s ‘minimum requirements’ for a sale agreement this summer.

The versatile ace appears to be a man in demand as both the Foxes and Tottenham lead the chase for his signature.

The Verdict: Please, just get it done…

Over a month and a half since Tottenham first lodged their bid for the player, this move seemed like it would be a fairly straightforward one at first, leaving us to wonder how it has dragged on this long.

That being said, Tomiyasu would still be an astute option to strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s options in defence and could solve two glaring problems for the Portuguese.

He can deputise as both a right-back and natural centre-half, potentially coming as an alternative to impressive youngster Japhet Tanganga who doesn’t exactly have a spotless injury record (Transfermarkt).

Still young, the defender also comes with plenty of sell-on value.

In other news: Bid pending: Spurs offer now expected to sign ‘incredible’ player after behind the scenes talks, find out more here.

According to The Daily Mail (via Glasgow Live), Glasgow Rangers are bracing themselves for an offer from Leeds United for Ryan Kent.

The Lowdown: Long-standing interest in Kent

The Whites have long been linked with a move for the winger, who made the switch to Ibrox from Liverpool.

The Elland Road outfit even made an offer of £10m for the 24-year-old last summer, but the bid was rejected by the 55-time Scottish champions (BBC).

The Latest: Gers prepare for another bid

Via Glasgow Live, The Premier League side have been looking to sign Noa Lang from Club Brugge, but they have so far been unable to do so.

As such, they may return for Kent between now and the end of the transfer window.

The Verdict: For the right price

Since making the move north of the border – first on loan and then on a permanent deal – Kent has shown he has plenty of raw ability. In 134 games for the club, he has 27 goals and 30 assists and has displayed his ability to beat a man (Transfermarkt).

However, despite now having garnered a bit of experience, the Oldham-born man remains inconsistent. He has come in for criticism from both supporters and pundits, meaning he cannot always be relied upon.

Valued at £12.6m (Transfermarkt), the Gers would be able to attract a big fee for his services if they were to sell this month given that he is young, English and now has the added bonus of having helped guide a team to a domestic title win. Perhaps it is something they should consider.

In other news, Rangers fans were delighted with this man’s performance against Ross County.

A number of Rangers supporters have been critical of Ryan Kent’s performance in the first half against Celtic.

Steven Gerrard’s side are facing their biggest foes in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox, in what is a crucial early battle in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Both the Gers and Celtic have six points from three games currently, surprisingly already losing once apiece and sitting behind leaders Hearts and Hibernian as things stand at half time.

Victory for either team would act as a huge psychological triumph going into the international break, with a full crowd back at Ibrox to witness the game.

Kent has been a key man for Rangers for a while, but he has disappointing opening 45 minutes, firing over in rash fashion at one point, before cannoning another great chance off the post.

Rangers fans critical of Kent display

These Rangers fans reacted to Kent’s performance on Twitter, with Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston dealing masterfully with the winger so far.

“Doing well. Kent not covering himself in glory though. Not been at it since start of season”

Credit: @rfc_sparky

“Kent man haha”

Credit: @OnlyTeamForMe

“Ryan Kent’s decision-making is absolutely appalling. It’s what makes the difference between how good he is & how good many of our fans think he is. He makes the choice of run that goes against his skillset time & again”

Credit: @StyoorT

“Kent try not to put the ball over the bar challenge (IMPOSSIBLE)”

Credit: @RampantRyanJack

“What’s he doing this season”

Credit: @Wearethepeople

“Kent off Hagi on! Half time”

Credit: @CrossleyJimbo

In other news, a pundit has claimed a Premier League club are after one Rangers player. Find out who it is here.

Douglas Luiz has taken to Twitter to tell Aston Villa fans he’s ‘happy’ at the club. 

Luiz tweeted a three-word message alongside two images of him training at Bodymoor Heath.

Speculation had swirled around Luiz

The Brazilian was reportedly the subject of interest from abroad in the final part of the transfer window, with Italian outlet Calciomercato claiming that he was one of AS Roma’s primary targets.

Luiz joined Villa from Manchester City ahead of the 2019/20 season for a fee of £15.12million. He’s gone on to make 78 appearances for the club in all competitions.

He missed the season-opening defeat at Watford following Olympic commitments with Brazil, but has started the last two league matches.

Across the two games, he’s registered 70 passes, 11 ball recoveries and six fouls (via Premier League).

Luiz has two years remaining on the four-year deal he signed upon arrival at Villa Park. He may soon be looking for a boost to his present salary of £33,000 per week.

Aston Villa fans flock to Douglas Luiz assurance

“Deano was pointing a gun at him when he tweeted this”

Credit: @mcBrodz

“We’re happy you’re here fella”

Credit: @publad

“Yes because Villa is the best club in the world lad”

Credit: @Saf1AVFC

“Dougie we love you at Villa mate. We hope you stay for a long time. You will win trophies with this club”

Credit: @GMP4AVFC

“Good man Douglas sign a new contract and keep improving”

Credit: @Drewwalsh32

“Hero”

Credit: @avfck1eran

In other news, Lange wanted to see more of this man.

Leicester City have received a quadruple selection boost ahead of their Premier League clash with champions Manchester City on Saturday.

What’s the word?

The Foxes will be hoping to make it consecutive victories when they welcome Pep Guardiola’s charges to the King Power Stadium this afternoon, and their chances of doing just that have significantly increased given the team news which emerged recently.

That’s because the defensive quartet of Jonny Evans, Ricardo Pereira, Jannik Vestergaard and Ryan Bertrand have all returned to training and should be available for selection against the Cityzens.

“We have most of our players back available now, although some are still short of fitness,” manager Brendan Rodgers said at his press conference on Thursday. “The likes of JJ (James Justin) and Wesley Fofana are the only two out at the moment.

“Ryan Bertrand will be back and available. Jonny Evans and Jannik Vestergaard are progressing very well. We’ve had a good international break with players increasing their fitness levels. Hopefully, all those players should be fit and available.

“(Ricardo) trained today. He was out on the pitches yesterday and came through a session today, and looked very good.

On Evans and Vestergaard, he added: “That’s what we have to assess in this final 24 hours (if they can play v Man City). We had a training game last week that both of them played in here at the training ground. They came through that.”

Brendan Rodgers will be delighted

Rodgers will surely be delighted at the return to action of so many of his defensive stalwarts following injury and illness, especially with such a big game on the horizon.

Centre-back Caglar Soyuncu has endured a nightmare start to the new season for both club and country, making Evans’ and Vestergaard’s availability even more important.

It remains to be seen whether this multiple selection boost is enough for Leicester to see off Manchester City this afternoon, but Rodgers and the club’s supporters will surely be looking forward to seeing some of the Foxes’ key defenders getting back out on the pitch.

And, in other news…Get it done: Leicester make contact over £30m wizard, he’s a “great talent” 

While the Longstaff brothers have yet to really stamp their mark at Newcastle United, the club may already have their next breakout star in 18-year-old starlet Dylan Stephenson.

Able to play anywhere across the front-line, but at his most lethal through the middle, Stephenson has already the caught eye at academy level, with the club’s U18 manager, Neil Winskill, left raving about him following a hat-trick against Leeds United in the FA Youth Cup late last season.

He said: “I’m thrilled for Dylan because he is such an honest, hard-working lad. He’s the type of player any team would like to have in their XI, who’s going to really put a shift in for you.

“Every game and training session, the physical stats come through and he’s always top of the charts but we had a chat during the week about the need for him to be consistent with his quality, and he spoke to me about how he thinks people will judge him on goals.”

As per Transfermarkt, in the 18 games that he played up front at youth level, Stephenson has scored 13 times and set up another, while in the 22 games he’s featured out wide on the right, he’s bagged on eight occasions and again set up another.

It was no surprise that the teenager was one of a few young talents who were given their first pro deal by the club, and he’s already started repaying that trust on the pitch – his five goals in three games last month has seen him nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for August.

Newcastle fans have already been quick to voice their excitement about the youngster following a fine display against Birmingham City for the club’s U23s this season, and given the lack of genuine optimism surrounding the first-team at the moment, his introduction into the senior side could bring in a breath of fresh air.

The likes of Matty and Sean Longstaff were no doubt seen as the Magpies’ hopes for the future after their breakthrough games, but neither have really asserted themselves in the first-team since then.

In Stephenson, the Tyneside club may well have their new breakout star from the academy.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must finally unleash this academy starlet…

While Mike Ashley’s reign as Newcastle United owner has not exactly been short of calamities, there are few deals which better illustrate just how poor the 57-year-old’s business in the transfer market has been than the sale of Adam Armstrong.

Indeed, in spite of scoring an impressive 17 goals and registering five assists over his 26 appearances for the Magpies’ under-23 side, Ashley decided to sanction the sale of the striker upon receiving an offer of £1.71m from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2018 – a figure just £360,000 above his Transfermarkt value at the time. That was despite the fact that the club’s top league goalscorer in the season prior was Ayoze Perez with a mere eight goals.

Subsequently, and rather unsurprisingly, Armstrong went on to enjoy a fine season with Rovers in the following campaign, scoring five goals, registering three assists and creating six big chances over his 44 Championship appearances – returns which saw the 24-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.69.

However, the former England under-21 international really began to find his feet in the division over his 46 league appearances in 2019/20, scoring 16 goals, providing six assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.83.

The centre-forward continued his meteoric upward trajectory over his 40 Championship appearances last season, scoring a whopping 28 goals, registering five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, seeing the forward earn a rather remarkable average SofaScore match rating of 7.20.

This form convinced Southampton to spent £15.93m of their summer transfer budget on the former Blackburn star, ensuring that the 24-year-old will be plying his trade in the Premier League this season – all just three years after leaving Newcastle.

Dubbed a “special” talent by former Ewood Park team-mate Richie Smallwood, now valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt and having already scored his first league goal for Saints, it would certainly appear as if Ashley’s decision to sell the £17k-per-week striker for peanuts back in 2018 has turned into something of a transfer nightmare from the Magpies owner.

In other news: Ashley must sanction Newcastle swoop for £9m-rated beast in January, he’d be a big coup

Bruno Lage hasn’t done a lot wrong since being appointed as the manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

His team has played some vibrant attacking football but when it comes to the end product, they are lacking significantly.

On the chalkboard

Lage has so far witnessed his team claim just three points and score two goals in their opening handful of matches this season.

Adama Traore and Trincao are dazzling with the ball at their feet but they lack goals and crucially, their supply line to Raul Jimenez has been near non-existent.

They sit towards the bottom of the Premier League table but they have thrived in the Carabao Cup.

Wolves defeated now managerless Nottingham Forest 4-0 a few weeks ago but they face a much tougher test in the same competition on Wednesday.

The Old Gold will face their former manager in Nuno Santo as Tottenham await in round three.

It’s unlikely Lage will make too many changes but if they want to protect themselves against the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, they must make an alteration to their backline.

The Molineux outfit kept their first clean sheet of the season against Watford but were they undone by another newly-promoted side in Brentford last weekend.

Marcal gave away a mind-boggling penalty after he bundled Ivan Toney to the floor and he could be replaced by Rayan Ait-Nouri this week.

Yet, another player that should come into the team at the expense of either Romain Saiss or Max Kilman is Willy Boly.

The Frenchman missed the opening weeks of the campaign with an injury but has been on the bench in the last few weeks.

A Carabao Cup tie feels like the ideal time to build the £46k-per-week earner’s match fitness but crucially, he could make Wolves tougher to beat.

Speaking about the centre-back last term, reporter Tim Spiers said: “Boly is just ridiculous. I mean, it looks like he’s never been away. He looks a better player to me.

“Boly makes such an impact, he rarely makes mistakes, is so dominant in both boxes and vastly underrated by anyone outside the club.”

He’s certainly earned that acclaim, particularly after the way he improved Nuno’s defensive organisation in 2020/21.

During a three-month ankle injury layoff last term, Wolves played 15 league matches and kept just one clean sheet. Once Boly returned, they didn’t concede over the next 283 minutes of league action.

They had let in 13 goals in their last eight league games before he returned but conceded as few as two in their first six matches when he was back on the field.

It’s evident that Wolves miss his rock solid presence so bringing him back into the fold on Wednesday will be a huge boost.

AND in other news, Signed for £18m, now worth £50m: Fosun played a blinder over “unbelievable” Wolves ace…

Manchester City will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games as they face PSG in Paris tonight.

City travel to France to play PSG in the Champions League, having won six of their last seven matches. Pep Guardiola’s side have not been beaten since their opening day Premier League defeat to Tottenham, with their most recent success coming against Chelsea.

The Cityzens beat Thomas Tuchel’s side 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a deflected winner from Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus.

How many changes will Pep make from the win over Chelsea? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three changes to his team, with Raheem Sterling, Ferran Torres and John Stones coming in.

The first change we believe could be made is John Stones in at centre-back for Aymeric Laporte. Stones is still awaiting his first appearance of the season and is now back fit after injury, which could tempt Guardiola to hand him some much-needed minutes against PSG.

He proved last season that he has the quality and consistency to be a huge player for the club. The England international averaged a terrific SofaScore rating of 7.22 in the Premier League as City kept 14 clean sheets in the 22 league matches he started.

It would also give Laporte a rest ahead of a big Premier League clash with Liverpool at the weekend. Rest and rotation are important with a sizeable squad to maintain fitness levels and keep everyone on their toes, which is why this change could make sense.

There could also be two changes to the front three, with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish being axed from the XI. We published an article earlier this week explaining why Torres should return to the team with Foden dropping out, due to the Englishman’s performance against Chelsea.

However, we also believe that Sterling could be given a chance to strut his stuff instead of Grealish. The summer signing from Aston Villa has been wasteful in front of goal in the Premier League, missing a ‘big chance’ and taking three shots without scoring against Chelsea.

Sterling has scored 10 or more Premier League goals in each of the past four seasons for City and has proven over time that he can find the back of the net on a regular basis. This is why he should come in for Grealish to start out wide on the left against PSG.

AND in other news, Pep must unleash 21y/o Man City “top player” vs PSG, he could be the match-winner…