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Liverpool could have made a mistake in letting Georginio Wijnaldum run down his contract and leave the club, according to former Premier League striker Marcus Bent.

Wijnaldum’s five-year spell with Liverpool has come to an end and the central midfielder has joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

The ex-Newcastle United man played a key role as Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to their glory days, with Wijnaldum claiming the Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup titles during his time at Anfield.

However, Wijnaldum has moved onto pastures new and linked up with former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino as PSG will look to reclaim the Ligue One title after being beaten to the crown by Lille last term.

Wijnaldum, who scored three goals at Euro 2020 before the Netherlands crashed out at the hands of the Czech Republic at the last 16 stage, opted for a move to France after a move to Barcelona failed to materialise.

It came after the 30-year-old turned down a new Anfield deal earlier this year and although former Everton frontman Bent is confident Klopp has enough options to make up for the loss of Wijnaldum, he feels Liverpool could have done more to keep him at the club.

Bent exclusively told Football FanCast: “Everyone makes mistakes and players deciding to leave could have been down to a number of reasons. It could come down to where you’re living, your nationality, if you can speak the language or if you and your family feel at home. It’s not just about on the pitch, but off the pitch.

“He’s gone to PSG and he could have a whirl of a time. You could see the confidence within his play at Euro 2020. You could see it in his passing, he has a shot on him and can score a goal.

“Will Liverpool be bowing their heads in disgrace that they let him go? I’m not sure they will. Liverpool have an abundance of talent in their squad. Although they’ve let him go, I’m sure they will make up for that somewhere else.”

Ayoze Perez could be deemed surplus to requirements after falling out of favour at Leicester City, according to Steve Howey.

Perez joined the Foxes from Premier League rivals Newcastle United in a £30million deal two years ago.

The Spaniard was named in Brendan Rodgers’ starting line-up just 21 times last season and scored three times.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s best form since switching from Manchester City in 2017 resulted in Perez’s minutes on the pitch being restricted and the former Tenerife attacker has been linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium this summer.

Ex-Premier League striker Marcus Bent told This is Futbol that Perez could be on Everton’s radar following the appointment of Rafa Benitez as the Toffees’ new manager.

Perez worked under Benitez during a fruitful spell at St James’ Park and Howey – who, like Perez, featured for Leicester and Newcastle during his playing days – would not be surprised to see him leave the Foxes.

Howey exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “I think Perez has done okay but he has been in and out of the team.

“Ultimately, Rodgers is always going to pick Vardy and Iheanacho. He also has competition from other signings who have come to the club. He could be surplus to requirements.”

A statistic has emerged which showcases just how brilliantly Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips performed at Euro 2020 for England.

The Lowdown: Phillips excels for England

Gareth Southgate’s team suffered final heartbreak on Sunday, losing to Italy on penalties as their long wait for another major trophy goes on.

Phillips was outstanding for the Three Lions in the tournament, starting every game and providing non-stop energy in the middle of the park.

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The Latest: Amazing stat emerges

With the competition now done and dusted, BBC Sport has revealed a host of interesting statistics from the Euros, with one about Phillips catching the eye.

It is confirmed that the 25-year-old produced an impressive total of 229 pressing actions, which is 78 more than Austria’s Konrad Laimer in second place.  Not only that, but Phillips also covered the second-greatest distance in the entire tournament (83km), with only Jorginho (86.6km) getting the better of him.

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The Verdict: Same again for Leeds, please

Such figures will come as no surprise to Leeds supporters, with Phillips such a formidable performer for the club over the years, averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the Premier League last season.

The hope is that the midfielder grows in confidence and stature even more for the Whites next season, hopefully inspiring them to a European finish.

Phillips’ performances may have alerted some top clubs, however, so Leeds must do all they can to keep hold of arguably their most important player – one who illustrated his brilliance by being a performance leader at a star-studded Euro 2020.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting wide man – find out who it is here.

Matt Maher has dropped a promising update on the future of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish… 

What’s the talk?

According to Matt Maher of the Express & Star, Aston Villa are determined to keep hold of star player Jack Grealish this summer and will look to rebuff any interest from Premier League champions Manchester City.

The report claims that Villa are preparing to offer him a significant wage increase from the £125k-per-week he is currently earning in an attempt to stop him from completing a switch to The Etihad.

Fans will be buzzing

Villa fans will be buzzing with this update as it is a promising piece of information in regards to the hopes of Grealish remaining at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.

This news comes shortly after Football Insider reported that City are lining up a £90m offer for the midfielder, which is said to have piqued his interest.

However, the club are seemingly ready to counter that by offering him fresh terms. Hopefully, awarding him a lavish new contract will change his mind and convince him to stay ahead of next season. This would leave fans on cloud nine as there is no doubting his importance to Dean Smith’s side.

Grealish averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.56 in the Premier League last season, the highest of any Villa player, as he provided six goals and 10 assists from 24 starts.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola made his feelings on Grealish clear back in 2019. The Spaniard called him “incredible” and admitted that he was too expensive to sign at the time. 

He told The Mirror:

“He’s incredible.

“A top player. I’m happy he [initially] stayed in the Championship to defend his club.

“He’s a talented player who always creates something.

“An exceptional player but too expensive for Manchester.”

This shows that there has been a long-standing interest from the ex-Barcelona man in Grealish and that level of determination to sign him could be an attractive proposition for the winger.

Villa fans will be hoping, however, that this update on the club’s attempts to pin him down to an extended deal will override that and allow them to continue to enjoy watching him dazzle in the Premier League in claret and blue next season.

AND in other news, “Villa are willing to accept that” – Journalist drops verdict on AVFC star amid £60m claim…

The ship has sailed when it comes to Valencia striker Maxi Gomez and West Ham, says former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

West Ham came close to signing Gomez from Celta Vigo back in 2019 when Manuel Pellegrini was still in charge, only for the 24-year-old to join Valencia in the end.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, though, the east London club have revived their interest in the player and could now make another move for him as they look to build on their impressive 2020/21 campaign.

Palmer, however, has his doubts, feeling that the train has left the station with that one.

“That ship has sailed,” the ex-Leeds United player exclusively told TT. “It was a target for the previous manager. It’s not somebody David Moyes has earmarked to bring to the football club.”

Indeed, with Gomez being a Pellegrini target, it would be a surprise to see West Ham reignite their interest in the Uruguay international.

The Hammers do seem to be in the market for a new striker this summer. However, according to The Athletic, Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham is the one they want.

Ultimately, while you can never say never, a move for Gomez this transfer window looks highly unlikely.

Tottenham Hotspur run the risk of repeating one of last summer’s most disastrous mistakes.

The Premier League side have regularly been linked with a move for Lyon centre-back Joachim Anderson, who excelled during a loan spell at relegated Fulham last season.

Back in May, Eurosport journalist Dean Jones claimed Spurs were in “pole position” to secure his signature over arch-rivals Arsenal, whilst renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had suggested that the 23-year-old was a “main target” for the club.

However, it appears the Denmark international is no longer a priority – or even an option.

According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Spurs are now looking elsewhere after it was revealed that the Ligue 1 outfit were looking for a fee in the region of £26m.

If this is true, then recently-appointed sporting director Fabio Paratici may well copy Steve Hitchen and Daniel Levy’s error from a year ago.

The North Londoners were very close to sealing a move for Inter Milan colossus Milan Skriniar, even to the point of Hitchen flying out to Milan to try and get a deal over the line.

However, as per The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare, Spurs were some way apart from matching their asking price. This turned out to be an absolute disaster.

By not signing a new centre-back of the calibre of Skriniar, the Lilywhites went on to record the worst defensive record of any of the traditional ‘big six’, and former manager Jose Mourinho was plagued by a lack of leadership and regular individual mistakes.

The state of play right now is the same, so Spurs must look to pay what’s required for Andersen.

Despite it being his first season in the English top-flight, the Danish colossus was handed the armband in 17 of his 31 appearances (54.8%), which is a rather glowing endorsement from Scott Parker on his ability to lead the side out.

That should encourage Spurs immensely, considering they never plugged the void left behind by Jan Vertonghen.

Furthermore, Andersen recorded an average of 4.8 clearances, 3.2 aerial duels won, 1.4 interceptions and 1.1 tackles per game, on top of an impressive 81.4% passing accuracy, as per WhoScored.

It’s no wonder the 6 foot 4 beast was described as “absolutely sensational” by Tony Gale. Similarly, The Sun’s Tom Barclay claimed that he was a “[Harry] Maguire-type”, also adding that he’s “a great talent, captain material, good in the air.”

Valued at €20m (£18m) by CIES Football Observatory, Andersen’s experience and subsequent performances in the Premier League make him a very appealing candidate to help solve Spurs’ defensive issues.

Paratici must reconsider his stance here to give Nuno Santo the best chance of success. Both of Spurs’ other central targets, Cristian Romero and Jules Kounde, are expected to cost around double the £26m mooted with Andersen.

Therefore, Spurs must return to the Fulham loan sensation before next month’s transfer deadline.

AND in other news, “I’ve been told”: talkSPORT drop big Spurs transfer claim, fans will be buzzing…

Speaking to FootballFanCast, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has now shared what he knows on Gareth Bale when asked if Tottenham Hotspur could pursue another loan deal this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs linked with Bale re-signing…

Spurs have been linked to possibly re-signing the Welshman again in recent months, coming nearly a year after he completed a sensational temporary return to Spurs in one of the headline transfers of 2020.

The move turned out to be a slightly mixed homecoming overall with Bale going on to start just 10 Premier League games.

In that time, however, he did finish the season as Tottenham’s third-most prolific player in terms of goals and assists combined (G11, A2) – as well as being called ‘world class’ by pundits (Jermaine Jenas, Match of the Day via Wales Online).

Now, Sky reporter Bridge has shared what he knows on Bale and if Spurs could try to sign him again on loan.

The Latest: Bridge drops Bale update…

Speaking to FFC, Bridge has dropped an update involving the 32-year-old.

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It’s not exactly good news for Spurs fans who would be keen on a return for Bale this summer, with the journalist’s information indicating a move appears unlikely.

“One thing I have heard is that Ancelotti wants to keep him, so I don’t know whether has changed there,” he explained.

“Let’s face it, Real Madrid don’t have the Galacticos like they used to.

“They’ve just lost Ramos, Varane has gone to Manchester United. Ancelotti is probably thinking, I’ve seen first-hand that there’s still a lot left in the tank for Gareth.”

The Verdict: Move on…

Re-signing Bale again should be nowhere near Tottenham’s list of transfer priorities anyway.

While the attacker impressed at times for Spurs, the signing of starlet Bryan Gil arguably mitigates Nuno Espirito Santo’s need for another winger.

Bale also earns a staggering €692,600-per-week (£591, 501-per-week) salary at Real Madrid, and even if managing director Fabio Paratici somehow negotiated that Spurs pay half again, it could be too big of a financial drain in an already difficult climate.

In other news: ‘Speaking to people involved’…Alasdair Gold believes another Spurs signing ‘will happen’, find out more here.

Steven Gerrard has revealed Ianis Hagi is now a doubt for Glasgow Rangers’ Champions League clash with Malmo on Tuesday.

The Lowdown: Hagi injured vs Livingston

Hagi started the Gers’ opening Premiership match of the season on Saturday, and he even scored the first goal of the game to give his side the lead.

However, he was the subject of a hefty tackle soon after that strike, and was forced off within the first 30 minutes as a result.

The Latest: Hagi a doubt for Malmo

Speaking to the press after the match, Gerrard suggested Hagi will miss that all-important European clash. He said (via Glasgow Live):

“It’s never helpful to lose a player that early, especially when you only have three subs. Last year you probably get away with that a bit more because you have the extra couple of subs.

“He scored a massive goal for us to get us up-and-running and hopefully the kick isn’t too serious. He’s a bit sore now but it shouldn’t keep him out for too long.

“Potentially, but we’ve got good physios here and good doctors so hopefully they can pull a rabbit out of the hat and get him ready because he’s going to be important for us.”

Then, speaking about Scott Wright, he said:

“Scott could have started today. His performances in pre-season have been outstanding, we’re walking on him a lot in the final third in terms of getting numbers into his game.

“He came on today and was a right bright spark, he was full of energy and sees a pass. He’s always looking forward and looking to penetrate. He’s quick and he got his rewards from another strong performance. He’s in my thinking for Tuesday night now.”

The Verdict: A blow

This will no doubt be a blow for Gerrard and his staff. Hagi, of course, was prevented from travelling to the Olympic Games in Tokyo to represent Romania as he was needed for the start of the Gers’ Champions League campaign (via The Scottish Sun) – for now, at least, the discussion surrounding whether that was the right decision is no longer important.

In the first 30 minutes against Livingston, as well, he impressed, and his strike – his 12th for the club (Transfermarkt) – was well-taken. The good news for Gerrard, at least, is that Wright took his chance when he was introduced, also finding the back of the net. The Gers’ squad depth gives them a good chance of success.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this article.

David Norris has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he doesn’t think Leeds need to sign someone like Gary Cahill.

Whilst Marcelo Bielsa currently has a squad that are short on Premier League experience, he has no less than five players that can play centre-back at his disposal.

Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk were Bielsa’s preferred pairing for much of last season, but mainly because big money signings Diego Llorente and Robin Kock spent big spells on the sidelines through injury.

Leeds could add another central defender to their ranks in 6 ft 4 Cahill, who’s now available on a free transfer having recently announced that he won’t be returning to Crystal Palace despite recent talks.

Cahill was out of contract this summer and turned down Palace’s new offer meaning the 35-year-old defender, who’s racked up almost 400 Premier League appearances in his career, is now unattached.

Asked whether the former Chelsea and England defender is someone that Bielsa might consider, Norris told The Transfer Tavern:

“I’d say that he’s on the way down. I think he could still do a job, but it wouldn’t inspire me at this stage to bring a Gary Cahill in, they’ve got Liam Cooper, who’s got bags of experience, so I would be looking elsewhere.”

An update has emerged on Leeds target Matheus Cunha, regarding his thoughts on a move to Elland Road.

What’s the talk?

According to German outlet Berliner Kurier, via Tribal Football, Hertha Berlin midfielder Matheus Cunha has been ‘flirting’ with Leeds throughout the transfer window.

Leeds, Monaco, Napoli and Inter are all said to be interested in the Brazilian, who is expected to leave the Bundesliga club before the end of the month.

Bielsa will be delighted

This comes as a boost to Leeds as it seems to suggest that the midfielder is open to a move to Elland Road. If he is flirting with the Lillywhites ahead the likes of Monaco, Inter and Napoli then that could them a major boost should it come down to Leeds fighting those clubs for his signature. He seemingly prefers a move to Elland Road over France or Italy and this could give Leeds the edge over their rivals.

Marcelo Bielsa will, therefore, be delighted as this news could increase his side’s chances of being able to land the attacker. The Argentine coach will be over the moon as Cunha could be a terrific addition to Leeds’ squad and add another talented forward to the ranks, given his form for Hertha last term.

Former Hertha head coach Bruno Labbadia said that he has something special, as he has the quality to create magical moments. He said: “Matheus has something special. He can always produce something with a moment of individual brilliance.”

He backed that up with his performances in the Bundesliga last season. The 22-year-old provided seven goals and four assists in 25 starts for the German side, averaging a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.33.

This shows that he was able to consistently deliver high-end displays for Hertha, whilst also chipping in with goals and assists from the midfield position.

If he can translate that over to the Premier League, Bielsa would love to have him in his squad as he is reliable and can add an extra goal threat to his side, alongside the likes of Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford and Raphinha.

It will now be down to Victor Orta to ensure that he can get a deal over the line before the end of the window to take advantage of the maestro’s flirtations with the club.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Raphinha: Leeds must land “unplayable” beast to seal terrifying attack…