Sheffield Wednesday fans adore Bannan comments

Sheffield Wednesday have had a pretty quiet summer on the transfer front, but Barry Bannan’s latest comments are the best news fans could possibly hear.

It’s pretty normal for your best players to be linked with moves away in the transfer window, but Owls fans were annoyed earlier this summer when both Bannan and Fernando Forestieri were linked with Championship rivals.

The 27-cap Scottish midfielder has now quashed any concerns about a possible departure though, telling the Sheffield Star he wants to finish his career at Hillsborough.

The 28 year-old made the switch from Crystal Palace in 2015, and has consistently been one of the Owls’ best players whenever fit.

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Having him not only at the club but fully committed and connected with the club is a huge boost, so fans are absolutely loving these comments.

“I know I’ve got a year left on my contract but there is plenty of time to sort it out,” the midfield ace told The Star.

“I’ve made it clear I want to finish my career here if I can. I love it here.”

Bannan grabbed a goal and three assists in all competitions last season, averaging over one tackle and one interception per game. With just 12 months left on his contract, fans are desperate to get a deal tied up.

While the lack of any real spending money for incoming transfers might be infuriating, the Bannan comments are music to fans’ ears, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

West Ham keen on bringing N’Koulou to England

According to L’Equipe, West Ham United are interested in signing Nicolas N’Koulou from Torino in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the story?

To suggest that West Ham have been active in the transfer market this summer would be a slight understatement.

There has been no messing around from the capital club, with no less than seven players arriving at the London Stadium ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

It is understood that new head coach Manuel Pellegrini is still in the market for fresh blood, however, with the Chilean believed to want another centre-back.

Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena have both arrived this summer to boost that area of the field, but according to L’Equipe, the Hammers are also interested in Torino’s N’Koulou.

Newcastle United are also believed to be in the mix for the 28-year-old, although there is no question that West Ham would be in a better financial position to get the deal done.

What are N’Koulou’s credentials?

A 72-time Cameroon international, N’Koulou started his professional career with Monaco, and played 78 league matches for the principality outfit before moving to Marseille – where he made more than 200 appearances.

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The centre-back then joined Lyon in 2016, and played 22 times for the French club before moving to Torino on loan for the 2017-18 season.

N’Koulou played in all but one of Torino’s Serie A matches last term, and is now permanently contracted to the Italian club until the summer of 2020.

According to L’Equipe, however, N’Koulou could be on the move again, with Torino facing a difficult task to keep the Cameroonian ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

Tall, strong and quick, N’Koulou is a very talented central defender, and it would be another huge statement of intent if West Ham managed to bring him to the London Stadium in this summer’s transfer window.

Solanke unlikely: Gerrard must now focus on luring Danny Ings to Rangers

According to a recent report from The Daily Express, it seems unlikely that Rangers will be able to do a deal for Dominic Solanke this summer. The Liverpool striker has been on the peripheries of the first team at Anfield since his move there 12 months ago and as such has been linked with a move away this summer, with Steven Gerrard’s Gers one side reportedly keen on the 20-year-old.

However, reports suggest that the one-time England international is not on Jurgen Klopp’s list of possible departures this summer, which is why Gerrard’s Rangers must turn their attentions towards his compatriot and Reds teammate Danny Ings in a bid to boost their striking ranks.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, Rangers made it through to the second qualifying round of the Europa League last week with a 2-0 aggregate success over Shkupi, although manager Gerrard was somewhat frustrated that his forward players didn’t get on the scoresheet.

In fact, the Light Blues boss even admitted that he may have to delve into the transfer window if the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Josh Windass don’t prove their worth in the early phase of the campaign, which is likely why interest mounted in Solanke.

However, with a deal for the 20-year-old seemingly unlikely this summer, Gerrard must seek to land his Liverpool teammate Ings, who appears to be one man who will be allowed to leave Anfield.

The 25-year-old has struggled with injury ever since making the move to Liverpool back in 2015, with the Englishman mustering just 25 senior appearances for the Reds in the last three years.

And with the front three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah producing the goods for the Merseysiders, first team football is unlikely for Ings at Anfield, hence he has reportedly been made available for transfer this summer.

Yet one mustn’t forget that the one-time England international earned a move to Liverpool as a result of netting 11 goals in 35 Premier League games for Burnley in the 2014/15 season, so the striker clearly has pedigree in front of goal at top-flight level, and as such would certainly be an asset to Gerrard and his Rangers side this term.

Whether Rangers are able to financially bring Ings to Ibrox remains to be seen, but the increased likelihood of first team football alongside the chance to work with Gerrard may well be of keen interest to the 25-year-old, as he bids to get his career going again.

Thus, with a move for Solanke unlikely, Rangers must turn their attentions to fellow Englishman Ings in pursuit of much-needed striking reinforcements.

Rangers fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Bernard should not be a priority for West Ham in this transfer window

West Ham have signed Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere, Issa Diop, Lukasz Fabianski, Fabian Balbuena and Ryan Fredericks this summer, but Manuel Pellegrini’s work in the transfer window does not look finished yet.

Another midfielder could still be brought in ahead of deadline day with Cheikhou Kouyate having recently been sold to Crystal Palace, while West Ham continue to be linked with a move for a new striker.

As well as up front, though, the Hammers may attempt to strengthen the positions behind the striker even further.

The Breakdown

Pellegrini has already added both Anderson and Yarmolenko to his squad to improve his attack but, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, the former Manchester City boss is keen to see Brazilian Bernard arrive at the London Stadium before the transfer window closes.

Bernard, who is valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, is a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Shakhtar Donetsk last month and is attracting interest from a host of clubs in Europe.

Bernard has probably not reached the heights expected of him since arriving in Ukraine from Brazil, but the 25-year-old is still a very skilful and tricky player that still has time to reach his potential, although West Ham may not be the place for him to do so.

On top of summer acquisitions Anderson and Yarmolenko, the Hammers also have Marko Arnautovic, Robert Snodgrass, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini once he returns from injury to call upon.

Bernard, however, with the ability he possesses, may fancy his chances. But from a West Ham point of view, while the Brazil international would undoubtedly be a good signing, the club’s priority for the remainder of the transfer window should be elsewhere.

West Ham could do with at least one more face arriving at the London Stadium before the return of the Premier League, but Bernard should not be the first name on their list.

Bargain Lucas Perez deal could prove to be a West Ham transfer masterstroke

According to a recent report from The Daily Mirror, West Ham are on the verge of sealing a deal for forward Lucas Perez. The 29-year-old currently plays his football at fellow Premier League side Arsenal and has done so since the summer of 2016, although his lowly position in the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium saw him shipped out on loan to Deportivo La Coruna for the entirety of last season.

Yet it appears that Manuel Pellegrini is on the verge of completing a £4 million deal for the forward, a deal which could well prove to be the shrewdest of an already excellent summer transfer window at the London Stadium.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, things haven’t gone at all well for Perez since his move to Arsenal back in 2016, what with the Spaniard managing just 21 appearances for the Gunners in the 2016/17 season, of which only 11 came in the Premier League.

And with just one goal to show for his efforts in English football’s top-flight, many could be forgiven for thinking that West Ham are wasting £4 million on the 29-year-old, yet his efforts in other competitions for the Gunners, alongside a fine season last term in Spain, suggests that it could prove to be money very well spent indeed.

Perez actually netted a hat-trick for Arsenal in their Champions League victory over Basel to complete an excellent group stage campaign for Arsene Wenger’s side back in 2015, while he netted once and laid on two assists to help the North London giants win the FA Cup later that season.

Add in that the one Premier League goal he scored was an absolute beauty against Bournemouth, and one wonders whether regular football in the top-flight could well get the very best out of Perez, as was seen at Deportivo last time round.

The Spaniard, who left the La Liga outfit to join Arsenal two years ago, scored nine times and laid on eight assists in 37 appearances for the club but ultimately wasn’t able to keep them in the top-flight, comfortably finishing the season as the club’s top-scorer in a side that struggled for goals, which itself is surely a good sign.

Thus, in a team with the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini, and indeed new signings Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko, the 29-year-old could be a huge asset to Pellegrini as he seeks to take West Ham forward this summer – and for £4 million, it could be prove to be a masterstroke.

As such, while some may be unsure about Perez given his previous Premier League exploits, a £4 million deal for the forward could well prove to be Pellegrini’s shrewdest of the window so far if Perez re-discovers his Deportivo form at the London Stadium.

West Ham fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Leeds should sign Marcus Maddison before Championship rivals do

Leeds have started the season incredibly well and look like one of the best teams in the Championship, if not the best.

With Kemar Roofe up front and Samuel Saiz as the 10, Leeds’ brand of attacking football has been great to watch.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men have already dismantled both Derby and Stoke and will host Rotherham on Saturday.

So far Bielsa hasn’t made too many moves this summer but a player that could add even more quality to his midfield, is Peterborough midfielder, Marcus Maddison.

The club had been linked with a move for Maddison earlier in the window, although he had also been linked with Reading and West Brom.

According to the Peterborough Telegraph via Birmingham Live, Maddison will leave the club this window and Leeds should be looking to bring him to Yorkshire.

The Breakdown

In tandem with now Derby striker, Jack Marriot, Marcus Maddison was one of the best players in League One last year.

Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder and as a winger, Maddison scored eight goals last season to go along with 18 assists.

If Leeds could bring him in, his versatility could prove to be vital for club’s season.

Samu Saiz, Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski have all been superb so far this year but outside of Jack Harrison or Stuart Dallas, there isn’t much in terms of quality depth.

While he’s attracted interest from a host of clubs, Leeds should hijack any deal for him as he could be a star for Bielsa in the long run.

Would you like this deal Leeds fans?

Nottingham Forest fans think it’s too early to sell Ben Brereton

Nottingham Forest striker Ben Brereton is a reported transfer target for Blackburn Rovers according to The Sun.

The 19-year-old burst onto the scene two years ago, and the striker has gone on to make 53 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals.

However, the England U19 international hasn’t been named in any of Aitor Karnka’s squads so far this season, including their Carabao Cup clash against Bury when he rested a number of key players.

According to the report, Blackburn are keen on the young striker after owners Venkys have enjoyed success in their chicken business and they are ready to splash the cash according to the report.

Blackburn have reportedly bid £6million for the youngster but Forest are holding out for £12million as they look to make big money on the teenager they brought to the City Ground in 2015.

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Nottingham Forest fans have been reacting to the transfer links on social media and here’s what they’ve had to say about the rumours.

Leeds United should be doing all they can to land Cameron Carter-Vickers

Leeds United remain unbeaten since Marcelo Bielsa took the reins at Elland Road.

The Whites made the former Argentina and Chile boss their highest paid manager in history after parting ways with Paul Heckingbottom at the end of the season. Bielsa has quickly repaid their faith with three wins from four in the Championship. Leeds maintained their unbeaten run against Swansea, fighting back from two goals down to rescue a point.

The draw against the Swans highlighted the need to bring in a centre-back before the end of the month. EFL clubs can still sign players on loan despite the window closing two weeks ago. Liam Cooper pulled out of the fixture with injury leaving the Whites low on options at the back.

The perfect addition to the squad could be Tottenham defender – Cameron Carter-Vickers. Valued at £900k by Transfermarkt, the defender joined the Lilywhites at the age of ten and has spent multiple seasons out on loan. With his route to the first-team still blocked, reports have confirmed that the 20-year-old will spend another spell away from the club. Swansea are reportedly keen to sign him, but Leeds should do everything in their power to beat them to it.

The American is a no-nonsense defender who would be an excellent addition to the squad. Working with Bielsa could do wonders for his development and exposure to first-team football will be key. Carter-Vickers already has experience in the Championship following loan spells with both Sheffield United and Ipswich Town meaning settling in at Yorkshire should be no problem.

Moving to Elland Road this summer is a move that works for all parties.

Leeds United fans, thoughts?

Everton should reject offers for Niasse as he still has a role to play

Galatasaray are considering a move for Everton striker Oumar Niasse before the Turkish transfer deadline on September 1, according to Fanatik.

What’s the word?

The 28-year-old has had an eventful two-year spell at Goodison Park but he still remains on the fringes of the team.

At one point under former manager Ronald Koeman, Niasse did not even have a locker in the dressing room.

However, his determination has won over plenty of Everton fans and he has since had more game time.

According to Fanatik, Galatasaray are weighing up a move for Niasse, but only if a deal for their first option Anthony Modeste does not come through.

How should Everton approach this?

Niasse has not yet started a game for Marco Silva this season and he only has nine goals from 34 outings, but he is an impact player.

The Senegal international has scored some important goals for the Merseyside outfit in recent history.

To have a hard-working attacking player ready to call upon in difficult moments is a necessity.

Niasse provides that for Everton, so if they can keep hold of the striker then it will be beneficial for them.

If the striker has a desire to play more regularly then it may be tough for Everton to convince him to stay, but they should certainly not be attempting to offload him.

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Felipe Anderson and Ryan Fredericks have shown that the board are backing their new manager

As we head into the international break, West Ham are still yet to register any points in the league. 

While losses to Liverpool and Arsenal shouldn’t be too heavily criticised, the Hammers didn’t put in a good display against Wolves or Bournemouth. After a summer where the east-London club broke their transfer record twice and spent £100 million overall and brought in nine new players, it was always going to take time for the players to settle into a new style of play.

According to the Daily Star, the West Ham board have made it clear that they have no intention of sacking Pellegrini following the manager’s tough start to the league campaign.

Although West Ham haven’t been great so far this season, Felipe Anderson and Ryan Fredericks have shown that the West Ham owners have given Pellegrini some suitable backing this season.

The Breakdown

Amid their four league losses both players have shown that they could be excellent buys by the club.

Having loaned out Sam Byram in the summer, West Ham brought in Fredericks on a free transfer and the 25-year-old full-back has fitted in seamlessly into the team. Defensively, the back four is still jelling together but going forward Fredericks has already shown that he is a capable outlet.

Former Lazio man, Anderson has been even better. The club’s record signing had an inconsistent time in Italy but in tandem with Marko Aranutovic, he has probably been the club’s best player.

Yes West ham are struggling at the moment but signing these two has shown that the board are backing Pellegrini at least.

What do you think West Ham fans? 

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