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Aston Villa have been extremely busy in the transfer market already, and Dean Smith now wants to add to his coaching ranks.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Smith is looking to strengthen his backroom team this summer with a specialist set-piece coach.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to Percy’s claim on social media.

Villa are aiming to sign set-piece specialist James Ward-Prowse from Southampton prior to the start of pre-season, so should a move materialise for the Saints midfielder, he could end up benefiting from a set-piece coach.

Smith’s side scored 20% of their goals last season from set-pieces, but it seems as if he wants to improve on that going forward and perhaps defending them as well.

It’s not the first time the Villa manager has looked at a set-piece coach during his tenure at Villa Park. Back in 2018, Smith was considering one after seeing the benefits at former side Brentford.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the news on Smith’s backroom staff plans on Twitter on Tuesday evening. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many sharing their positive thoughts.

“We sign who we want we’re Aston Villa we sign who we want Deano is the best”

Credit: @1998_David_

“Finally man”

Credit: @will_avfc

“More excited about this than any player, our set pieces are absolutely dire”

Credit: @mickylyons1

“This would be signing of the summer.”

Credit: @sammmsmith_

“About time. Seems crazy to me that pretty much all teams don’t already have a specialist set-piece coach given how important they are…”

Credit: @sportdw

“Would be all over this, we all know it’s an area of our game we could improve on. Can win you points if you get it right”

Credit: @Reece_AV

In other news: ‘Crown us champions’, ‘Massive’ – Many AVFC fans erupt at ‘tasty’ Percy claim, find out more here. 

A number of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to John Percy’s post regarding Manchester City’s interest in Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

Reports on Friday morning from talkSPORT suggested that City were closing in on a £100m move for the 25-year-old. As to be expected, that left a number of Villa supporters worried, but two hours on from Jim White’s post, Percy gave his take on the situation.

The reliable reporter, who writes for The Telegraph, admitted that City have a genuine interest in Grealish. He added [via Twitter] that Villa intend to keep hold of the attacking midfielder and are in talks over a new contract, saying:

“Manchester City have a genuine interest in Jack Grealish and are set to make their move.. but #avfc are intent on keeping him at the club, with talks ongoing over a new contract. Villa’s owners are ambitious and serious about continuing the club’s progress”

Grealish’s current Villa deal is thought to be worth £120,000 per week until 2025, but it seems as if the club’s owners are willing to improve on that in order to keep him in the Midlands. His importance to the team is evident in his status as captain, along with his provision of 16 goal contributions in the league last season, second only to Ollie Watkins (WhoScored).

Villa fans react

Percy’s Twitter post had plenty of Villa fans excited on social media, with one describing his update as ‘class’.

“Yes, this is what I wanted @JPercyTelegraph is the man”

Credit: @martyn_03

“Beautiful”

Credit: @espenstrand

“I think I’d marry Percy”

Credit: @JonBeeAVFC

“Class”

Credit: @Grealish10i

“Percy making me feel a bit better”

Credit: @_JackAvfc

“Percy clearing it all up as per”

Credit: @NoContextRonav

In other news: Villa willing to break club-record for one man if Grealish leaves, find out more here. 

Following the appointment of Nuno Santo as Tottenham Hotspur’s next manager, an exciting transfer claim has been made…

What’s the word?

The 47-year-old was finally hired as Jose Mourinho’s successor after a long ten-week process and now, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the North Londoners will turn their attentions to the transfer market.

He delivered the fresh claim to supporters on Twitter, where he wrote:

“Tottenham director [Fabio] Paratici now at work for Nuno. Levy still intentioned to keep Harry Kane.

“[Heung-min] Son expected to extend his contract soon.

“Talks ongoing with Bologna for [Takehiro] Tomiyasu offering €18m (add ons included).

“Spurs have also [Jules] Koundé and [Joachim] Andersen in their list.”

Full steam ahead

There are a few things to take away from this update but overall, it should not only leave fans buzzing but also Nuno too.

It’s no secret that Spurs’ defence was one of their biggest problems under Mourinho, particularly during the 2020/21 campaign. A combination of individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion in the backline meant the Lilywhites had one of the worst defensive records in the top eight.

The central partnership of Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier was slammed as one of the worst in the Premier League, Sergio Reguilon’s form tailed off massively following injury, whilst Serge Aurier has been back to his calamitous ways, being dubbed a “liability” once again.

It was so bad that at one stage Mourinho utilised 16 different defensive combinations.

That’s why the links to new defenders are hugely encouraging as it means new sporting director Paratici has already noted the key areas of weakness and is looking to instantly rectify them to give Nuno the best chance of success.

In Tomiyasu, the Portuguese head coach would be getting a versatile option that can play through the middle and on the right, meaning whatever formation he opts to deploy, there will be a space for him.

Whilst Kounde and Andersen could be upgrades on the aforementioned duo of Sanchez and Dier, the latter is rather interesting considering the 25-year-old impressed during a loan spell at Fulham last term. He would need no time to settle in.

There is also encouraging news on both Son, who looks set to sign a new long-team deal, and his goalscoring partner Kane, who appears to be staying at the club despite requesting to be sold this window, leading to interest from Spurs’ top-flight rivals, as per Sky Sports.

The Portuguese boss would be dealt an instant blow if he were to lose their leading talisman.

Both of those updates gives Nuno a further boost and that should leave many thrilled ahead of the new season.

AND in other news, Nuno Santo can save Spurs millions by unleashing 20 y/o “machine” who is “Tottenham’s future”…

Many Wolves fans have been left buzzing as a claim emerged on Conor Coady from Steve Holland.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference before England beat Denmark 2-1 after extra time at Wembley in the Euro 2020 semi-final on Wednesday night, the Three Lions assistant manger claimed (via Talking Wolves): “My player of the tournament so far is Conor Coady. He’s not got on the pitch yet but on the training pitch he gives everything, in the dressing room before the game he speaks like he’s captain.”

Coady has not played a single minute at the tournament so far for Gareth Southgate’s team, despite them making it all the way to the final, where they will face Italy on Sunday night.

Nonetheless, the defender is clearly a great player to have in and around the dressing room judging by Holland’s praise, and he is a big character and a leader, as illustrated by his status as captain at Molineux.

The verdict that he ‘gives everything’ in training means that he is setting the standard for other members of the England squad, which can only benefit them come matchday.

Wolves fans on Coady claim

These Wolves supporters on Twitter were buzzing as Holland’s claim emerged, with one describing Coady as ‘immense’:

“Yes Coady”

Credit: @Jessy_Wolves

“Conor Coady is immense off the field. He represents his country the same way as he represents @Wolves. A highly popular member of the @England squad.”

Credit: @gjp12775

“Big future ahead no matter what, I think, I just hope he stays around football, seems an infectious character”

Credit: @goldenballwolf

“So proud that he’s our captain”

Credit: @bishop_darran

“Heard him say that. That’s some acclaim”

Credit: @MrAndyLowe

“He’s a class act”

Credit: @Cundy79

In other news, find out which ‘exciting’ ace Wolves could be in line to sign

A number of Manchester City fans have been reacting to the news that Antoine Griezmann’s agent is in good contact with the Premier League champions.

The Citizens are preparing for the new season as they look to recover from the disappointment of losing to Chelsea in the Champions League final in Porto six weeks ago. They need a new striker, having already lost Sergio Aguero to Barcelona during this transfer window.

City have been heavily linked with a move for Harry Kane (Sky Sports), but it seems that the Tottenham striker may not be accessible for Pep Guardiola (Sky Sports via ESPN). As such, they are looking at alternative targets, and one of those may be £54m-valued Griezmann (Transfermarkt), who plays for Barcelona.

According to journalist Shay Lugassi, Griezmann’s sister and agent Maud is in good contact with City after the 2018 World Cup winner was offered to the club last summer, when the Etihad Stadium outfit backed out due to his price being too high. However, given Barcelona’s financial situation, he could be available for a much lower cost.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with one even happy to see Kevin De Bruyne being sacrificed if it meant getting Griezmann in.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Griezmann news

“This club will kill me.”

Credit: @Ziniology

“If we cant get Kane, Lukaku or Haaland, he’s the next best option by far and he’s world class. Don’t understand why anyone would be against this signing if it even happens”

Credit: @SilkyCyrus_74

“Definitely take him.. quality player”

Credit: @Hedghog111

“Since we’re not getting Kane I’d rather have us get Griezmann not Ings”

Credit: @Elvisagumire

“Great player by far world class, give him a chance to show in the Premier League and he just might show a few of you up!!!”

Credit: @Johnnymcfc1

“Sell KDB then”

Credit: @OleksV2

In other news, some Man City fans slammed this man’s comments.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

The report claimed that Braithwaite is likely to be deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou after the arrival of Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay bolstered the club’s attacking ranks.

Barcelona are hoping to pocket around €15m (£12.9m) from the striker’s sale, a loss on the €18m (£15m) they paid to sign him from Leganes in February 2020.

Along with Wolves, Premier League rivals Brighton and West Ham are also said to be keen on the Danish forward.

How has Wolves target Braithwaite performed recently?

Braithwaite started all six of his country’s games at the recent European Championship. He found the net in stoppage time to complete a 4-0 rout of Wales in the round of 16.

The 30-year-old made 29 La Liga appearances for Barcelona in 2020/21, 11 of which were starts. He was directly involved in four goals – two goals and two assists (via WhoScored).

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed the link, and here’s what supporters made of it. One referenced how Raul Jimenez was far from a prolific goalscorer before thriving upon his arrival at Molineux in 2018, believing that Braithwaite could make a similar impact.

These Wolves fans make the case for Braithwaite

“Jimenez was bang average before he joined”

Credit: @BulletRobinson

“Would do a great job for us and a steal at that price. We should get in there fast!”

Credit: @dougan_the

“I know it sounds strange, but this could be a great signing. He’s a huge work rate striker that can really perform with the right system, look at Leganes, his purple patch with Barca and the national team. Him alongside Raul could do wonders, always performed in a front two.”

Credit: @_matt_wwfc_

“As a back up option this wouldn’t be bad all round, he would be fairly cheap and could be decent back up option. Never gonna work out at Barca for him”

Credit: @mattwwfc13

“Actually looked half decent at the Euros”

Credit: @mikeylenihan

“That would be a good piece of business”

Credit: @QuestionerMoney

In other news, many Wolves fans also reacted to an intriguing link with this defender.

Celtic are really beginning to ramp up their efforts in the transfer market this week with Ange Postecoglou desperately requiring further bodies.

The Hoops have impressed in pre-season under the new manager but there is a sense that more senior faces are needed ahead of their Champions League qualifying campaign.

What’s the word?

Celtic are moving quickly to secure the services of a number of players in key areas.

Their chase for Carl Starfelt initially looked to be off the table but an early update on Wednesday suggests they have now actually agreed a deal.

The Bhoys are working on a switch for Rennes defender Brandon Soppy but talks have also been held over his teammate, Sacha Boey.

That’s according to Le Parisien (via Get Football News France) who suggest that formal discussions are ongoing over the 20-year-old.

The right-back is currently valued at £2.2m by Transfermarkt.

Postecoglou needs him

Make no mistake about it, signing a right-back is the most important task on the new manager’s agenda this summer.

Jonjoe Kenny left at the end of last month following his loan spell with Celtic and after he failed to impress, they have sought alternatives.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-news-doig-nketiah-mccann” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

At the moment, the Glaswegian side have only a few options they could use on the right-hand side of defence.

That includes Anthony Ralston who made just one appearance in the entirety of last season and Lee O’Connor who was on loan at Tranmere in the fourth tier of English football.

Postecoglou could also field new signing Osaze Urhoghide at full-back but they need some more convincing options.

In Boey, they’d receive a player with a solid level of experience in Europe’s top five leagues.

The youngster spent last term on loan at Dijon and played against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. His side were ultimately relegated from Ligue 1 but Boey was named their best prospect throughout 2020/21.

Dubbed a “talented” footballer by Zach Lowy, it’s easy to see why he’s caught the eye of Celtic’s talent spotters.

First and foremost, he’s a physically robust full-back capable of dominating in the tackle. Last season, he made 2.3 tackles per game – more than any player in the green and white Hoops.

He makes more challenges than 99% of other full-backs and is ranked in the top 20% for right-backs when it comes to his successful tackling rate of 69%.

On top of that, Boey loves to get forward. Despite featuring in a team that were forced to play on the back foot, he performed 0.9 dribbles and 0.8 key passes per game.

With that in mind, he looks like he’d be ideal for Postecoglou’s system. He can defend capably and get forward when necessary.

The Hoops now just need to decide whether they want to sign him instead of Soppy.

AND in other news, Celtic heading for potential disaster after Hoops news emerges, fans must be seething…

Celtic are interested in signing Rennes striker M’Baye Niang, according to Foot Mercato reporter Sebastien Denis.

The Lowdown: Niang profiled

Niang has been with Rennes since 2019 and is under contract until 2023. He’s primarily a centre-forward but can also play out wide on either side.

The 26-year-old has scored 67 goals during his career for club and country and is currently valued at £4.05m by Transfermarkt after his market valuation plummeted from £13.5m in August 2020.

Niang, who is on £62,000-a-week with the Ligue 1 side, is attracting interest from clubs in four different countries.

The Latest: Denis’ tweet

Denis posted on Twitter on Thursday evening on Niang. He claimed that Serie A side Venezia are ‘very hot’ on Niang, with Celtic, Fenerbahce and Shanghai Shenhua all ‘interested’, but to a lesser degree.

“As reported in Italy, the Italian team from Venezia is very very hot on M’baye Niang for a dry transfer. Fenerbahce, Celtic Glasgow and Shanghai are interested in the Rennes striker but to a lesser degree.”

The Verdict: A gamble

Celtic’s reported interest in Niang could be due to Odsonne Edouard’s stance on his Parkhead future.

The French forward still wants to leave Celtic Park after his move to Leicester City fell through, but bringing in Niang could be a gamble.

His wage in France is over three times the amount of Celtic’s highest earner, Callum McGregor, and his form last season didn’t represent that of a player on £62,000-a-week.

Niang scored just once in 17 appearances in all competitions, so perhaps Celtic would be better off looking elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.

In other news: £5.4m-rated club captain admits he would ‘immediately’ sign for Celtic; he’s on £18,000-a-week. 

Many Southampton fans were far from happy with a photo from manager Ralph Hasenhuttl as the club continue their preparations ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Saints are ramping up their plans ahead of the new season. Last term, they fell to a disappointing 15th-placed finish despite a positive start, and they will duly be looking to improve significantly this time around.

However, so far they have made just one signing in the form of Romain Perraud (southamptonfc.com), and they will likely be hoping to add more fresh faces to their squad.

They were in action against Fulham over the weekend in a behind-closed-doors friendly, with the match ending 1-1. However, it was Hasenhuttl’s attire on the touchline which was the topic of debate, with many questioning why he chose such an outlandish ensemble.

A photo of his garish clothing was shared on Twitter by Southampton’s official channel, and it attracted plenty of attention from Saints supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Hasenhuttl photo

“Terrible!”

Credit: @RussTimms1

“That’s a more sackable offence than losing 9-0”

Credit: @rcdH94

“He’s lost the plot”

Credit: @sfcjamo

“we’re getting relegated, aren’t we”

Credit: @bruhsound1111

“I mean some kind of bet has been lost, right?”

Credit: @SaintsinBrum

“OMG it gets worse”

Credit: @richargr001

In other news, many Southampton fans loved this contract update.

Speaking on live TV (via Football Daily), broadcast giant Sky Sports have made a West Ham United transfer claim involving Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

The Lowdown: West Ham in centre-back race?

Former central defender Fabian Balbuena’s exit from east London has left manager David Moyes with fairly few options in that position.

The Scotsman has just Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson as senior first team options, and with the August transfer deadline looming, time is slowly running out to strengthen.

Signing a new centre-half had been tipped as one of Moyes’ top priorities at the start of this window and Sky Sports have now brought news on their hunt.

The Latest: Sky Sports make Zouma to West Ham claim…

Speaking live on air (via FD), the broadcaster has dropped some pretty big news involving Zouma and West Ham.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments/” title=”West Ham latest developments…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, they claim that talks have now commenced over signing the 26-year-old from London rivals Chelsea.

“This involves West Ham, we’re told you’re in talks with Chelsea over the signing of defender Kurt Zouma,” Sky stated.

“West Ham, we’re told, are prepared to pay around £20 million for Zouma, now that would fall under Chelsea’s valuation.

“However, key to this is that Zouma is settled in London and, as it stands, would welcome that move over being part of a swap deal involving Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

If West Ham can secure a deal for Zouma, there is little doubt he would reinforce Moyes’ central defensive options.

The towering 6 foot 3 colossus has experience playing at the highest level of European football as well as the Premier League, and at 26-years-old, could still have many years ahead of him.

As well as this, the Frenchman averaged a cool 90.9% pass accuracy over 22 league starts for Chelsea last campaign (WhoScored) – perhaps indicating he could be the composed figurehead of West Ham’s backline.

Zouma also bagged five Premier League goals over 2020/2021, highlighting the fact he can also be a threat at the other end.

Given his credentials, there appear to be very few downsides to this possible move.

In other news: Offer made: West Ham table bid to sign ‘devastating’ attacker for Moyes, find out more here.