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Liverpool have been handed a boost in their reported chase of RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka as the opening of the transfer window approaches, with the player given time off international duty to perhaps secure a move away from Austria.

What’s the story?

According to a report from Spain last week, the 22-year-old could become Jurgen Klopp’s second summer signing in the coming days, seeing off competition from West Ham United.

Zambia coach Milutin Sredojevic has since provided an update on Daka’s future, revealing that the forward has been omitted from his latest international squad so he can sort of his future, perhaps indicating that a transfer is on the horizon.

“Daka, Mwepu and Kangwa have to decide on their next future, and it is just fair that they can make a decision that is in the best interest of the country,” he said.

Could be a top signing

The youngster enjoyed a sensational 2020/21 campaign with Jesse Marsch’s men, bagging 34 goals and providing 12 assists in 42 appearances as Salzburg recorded a domestic double.

His arrival would signal the second Liverpool purchase from a Red Bull side this summer, following the arrival of centre-back Ibrahima Konate from Leipzig.

The duo would add to Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino on the list of players Klopp has purchased from the energy drink company’s footballing system, with the German manager a known fan of their pressing style.

It means Daka could be a natural fit at Anfield and arrive with an understanding of the demands that the former Borussia Dortmund boss would put on him.

While injuries to key defenders Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip ensured Liverpool’s Premier League title defence never got off the ground, the disappointing form of their forwards also severely undermined their efforts.

Mane and Roberto Firmino had hugely underwhelming seasons, while the likes of Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri failed to step up during their droughts.

With Origi, Shaqiri and Minamino all linked with moves away from the Reds in recent weeks, Klopp will be in desperate need of attacking reinforcements and perhaps none will be as appealing as Daka.

Former Zambia head coach Herve Renard once described the clinical speed demon as a “very promising player,” and he’s certainly had no problem living up to that billing since.

At 22, Daka is only going to improve and his extra firepower could catapult Liverpool back to the summit of English football next season.

And, in other news…Liverpool receive huge transfer blow over £68m “conductor”, Klopp will be gutted 

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that Frank Lampard’s history of dealing with younger players would make him an ideal fit for Crystal Palace.

Lampard has been a free agent since his sacking from Chelsea back in January and has been strongly linked to replace his former England manager Roy Hodgson, whose deal at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the season.

Whilst his tenure at Stamford Bridge was underwhelming, he turned both Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham into England internationals, whilst he brought Billy Gilmour through the Chelsea Academy.

Palace have several experienced faces at the club, with many expected to be moved on, but the likes of Tyrick Mitchell, Nathan Ferguson and Eberechi Eze are the future of the club, which could make for a perfect match for Lampard.

Other young names like Patrick Vieira, Eddie Howe and Thierry Henry have also been mentioned as potential Palace managers, although Lampard is in pole position should Hodgson decide to retire.

And Fry told Football FanCast that he has no doubts the 42-year-old would do well at Palace:

“I think wherever he went, Frank, he would be a success – he’s just got that way about him.

“I can understand Steve Parish going for him because he’s a young manager that gets the best out of young players, and he’s had a year of not spending any money in the window and did very well.

“But I don’t think Parish and the American owners will have the money and say to Frank, ‘here’s £200m, improve the team’. He will have to do it by himself and use his judgment and knowledge of younger players, but he would improve Palace and would improve individual players that are young.”

West Ham could sign one of their mooted transfer targets for nothing this summer, if emerging claims are to be believed…

What’s the word?

Last summer, 90min reported that the Irons were one of several teams eyeing a move for Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham, whilst over a year ago, it was thought that the two were in advanced talks over a transfer, as per Foot Mercato.

The 25-year-old joined Ligue 1 outfit Marseille during the January transfer window after they failed to secure Hammers star Manuel Lanzini, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

It appears that his future at Parkhead is in serious doubt, if not already over. Celtic are set to terminate his contract a year early, meaning he would be available on a free transfer this summer.

And now it has been revealed by the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee that the Frenchman is represented by a familiar figure, Will Salthouse, who also has the likes of Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell, Craig Dawson and Ryan Fredericks on his books.

Squad depth option

Now that the season is done and dusted, and the unthinkable has been achieved, it’s time for David Moyes and the club’s hierarchy to move on with plans ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 58-year-old has transformed the East Londoners from firm relegation candidates to sealing a place in Europe in the space of just one year.

However, if the Irons go into battle next season as they are, they could well struggle due to the lack of rotation options at Moyes’ disposal.

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For instance, the Scotsman is just one injury to Michail Antonio away from not having a senior striker and this is a similar case right across the squad, with the Hammers lacking depth in midfield and in defence.

If Ntcham is available for nothing, then it could be a very shrewd decision to swoop for him, especially given his ties to a reliable figure in Salthouse.

Things have not gone to plan for the Bhoys midfielder at Marseille, where he has averaged an abysmal rating of 6.13, whilst L’Equipe rated one of his performances a brutal 3/10 back in March (via The Sun).

But, truth be told, his stint at the Stade Velodrome was hampered from the minute he walked through the door as then-manager Andre Villas-Boas resigned because he did not want the player.

It wasn’t too long ago that Ntcham was being touted as a £7m target for Premier League teams, whilst current Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has always been a fan of his, having described him as a “terrific talent” in 2018.

Even Neil Lennon lauded him as “one hell of a player” during his time in charge of the Glasgow giants, so to get him for nothing would be a steal.

Another body in midfield is certainly needed this summer as next season will be Mark Noble’s final campaign in the claret and blue, with Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice the only other two out-and-out central options available to Moyes.

Ntcham won’t be expected to pull up many trees but is surely a worthwhile candidate to consider. He’s set to be available for nothing and Salthouse could well do GSB a major favour.

AND in other news, Moyes could secure his own Vardy with a West Ham swoop for “crazy” £27m-rated talisman…

Football FanCast can exclusively reveal that Everton are in the market to sign a right winger when the summer transfer window opens.

Marcel Brands and Carlo Ancelotti have been busy preparing for the next market and view that area of the pitch as their top priority.

Although a specific name hasn’t formally been considered yet, the Toffees have already begun their search as they look to add more depth and quality to their offensive options.

We can confirm that behind the scenes, Everton have been in contact with various clubs and agents to discuss potential targets and that are ready to step up their hunt in the coming months as signing a right winger is their number one priority.

James Rodriguez has regularly been used in that third of the field since signing from Bayern Munich in the summer but his deal expires in 2022.

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Theo Walcott could head to Southampton after being linked with a permanent switch by reports elsewhere, while Josh King has failed to set the world alight since arriving in January.

Ancelotti identified King as a player to add greater depth in an attacking area but he is yet to score after signing a six-month deal.

With Bernard courting interest from elsewhere too, it would leave the Merseyside outfit rather light in the wide areas if all three depart.

Richarlison remains a focal point of the Everton side but there is a lack of genuine quality below him. Alex Iwobi has scored just twice all season and hasn’t lived up to his £34m price tag.

It’s not known what sort of budget they have in mind but they’ve shown in recent years that they aren’t afraid to spend big money on their top priority transfers.

The Toffees will, however, need to use their funds more wisely after some expensive disasters in recent years.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Coutinho: Brands can form dream duo if Everton land “unique” 97-cap star…

Xisco Munoz’s Watford side are considering allowing Ben Wilmot to leave Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that the Hornets are yet to decide whether or not to extend the 21-year-old’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of next season.

It is reported, however, that the club have the option to extend the centre-back’s stay until 2023 due to a clause in his current deal.

As a result of Watford’s apparent indecision regarding the £2.7 million-rated man, The Athletic claim that Swansea City are keeping a close eye on the England U21 international ahead of a potential move this summer.

Wilmot must stay

Despite his tender age, Wilmot nevertheless played an important role in helping Watford achieve automatic promotion to the Premier League last season, with the centre-back making 25 Championship appearances for Xisco’s side, over which he helped to keep six clean sheets as well as averaging a respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.76.

However, it is not exactly the defender’s performances in the season just past that are the reason why Watford should look to keep the youngster on their books, but rather those that are to come in the future.

Having progressed through the England youth setup, while currently playing for the U21 side, it is clear that, from a national perspective, the perception is that Wilmot’s game bears a great deal of promise.

Indeed, this was an opinion shared by his former centre-back partner, Jack King, during his time at Stevenage, who stated his belief that Wilmot has a “bright future ahead of him.”

As such, while the argument could be made that the defender may not be ready for Premier League football just yet, it would be highly advisable for Cristiano Giaretta to avoid cashing in on the 21-year-old this summer, as, after gaining more experience at Championship level – perhaps on a loan deal – we would not bet against Wilmot flourishing into an extremely good option for the Hornets at some point in the not so distant future, as well as one who has the potential to become a lot more valuable financially.

In other news: Watford suffer huge blow in pursuit of “talented” £25k-p/w gem, Giaretta will be livid – opinion

Southampton produced a stirring comeback on Sunday afternoon to beat Burnley 3-2 and earn their first three points at home in the Premier League in three months.

A Chris Wood penalty gave Sean Dyche’s side the lead before Matej Vydra’s volley made it 2-0 and at that point, it seemed as if Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were going to be on the end of another defeat in the Premier League.

However, they hit back quickly through Stuart Armstrong’s strike from the edge of the box after a Danny Ings flick, before the 28-year-old marked his return from injury with a well-taken goal against his old side to make it 2-2 before half-time.

Nick Pope made a series of excellent saves in the second half to keep the Saints out but he could do nothing when Nathan Redmond volleyed home the winner from Theo Walcott’s cross.

Redmond was arguably the game’s outstanding player, as he caused a lot of problems for Burnley with his direct running and dribbling, whilst he also picked up the assist for Ings’ equaliser.

As per SofaScore, the former Norwich City man earned an impressive 8.5 match rating for his display, which comfortably ranked him as the man of the match, with the winger picking up where he left off last time out against Bournemouth when his brace helped Southampton to a 3-0 victory in the FA Cup.

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During the 90 minutes, Redmond would complete four out of seven dribbles, which was joint with Ings as the most of any player from both sides.

Too often this season we have seen the 27-year-old dribble at opponents with no end product but he was on top form again today, as he contributed a superb four key passes, which is far more than the 0.7 key passes he has averaged per game in the Premier League this season.

He would also create two big chances for his teammates, whilst his pass accuracy rate of 78% was again above his average of 76.4% in the top-flight so far this season.

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Considering the £16.2m-rated Redmond had just one goal and one assist in the Premier League before today, Hasenhuttl will be delighted that his winger was on top form for the second match in a row and hopefully he will be able to maintain that sort of performance for the rest of the season, now that the Saints have eased their relegation fears following today’s impressive comeback.

And, in other news… No goals this season: Hasenhuttl must axe 25 y/o flop, he’s stealing a wage

Manchester United have once again been urged to make a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland.

The Red Devils have long been linked with a switch for the sensational Norwegian, with Gazzetta dello Sport recently suggesting that talks between the Old Trafford club and the striker have already taken place.

He seemingly has plenty of suitors heading into the summer transfer window but former United midfielder Paul Scholes has encouraged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to make a move sooner rather than later, with Haaland being a “perfect choice” for the club.

It’s a statement that is certainly tough to disagree with. Since arriving in Germany from Red Bull Salzburg just under a year-and-a-half ago, the 20-year-old has continued his stunning goalscoring form for Borussia Dortmund.

In 53 appearances for the club, he has plundered an incredible 49 goals in all competitions. That finishing expertise would certainly be welcome at Old Trafford heading into the 2021/22 campaign.

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Current Red Devils striker Edinson Cavani could apparently be set to leave the club in the summer, with a move to Boca Juniors being mooted. Having struck nine goals in all competitions so far this season, including two in his last two matches, the Uruguayan would certainly need replacing should he depart.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer’s current alternative options are struggling to find their top form. The currently injured Anthony Martial has scored just four goals in the Premier League this season, whilst Mason Greenwood only has three strikes of his own in the league.

Haaland should certainly rectify all of those problems if he makes the move from Borussia Dortmund. It could then be concluded that he would be the “perfect” signing as suggested by Scholes, and one which Ed Woodward should absolutely consider in the summer transfer window.

AND in more news, take a closer look at Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s dominant performance against Granada on Thursday evening…

Southampton have reportedly been scouting Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo this season ahead of a potential summer move for the 21-year-old and, if he were to make the move to St Mary’s, it could be a repeat of the deal which saw Che Adams join the south coast club in 2019.

According to the Bristol Post, Southampton scouts have been in attendance at Ashton Gate in recent weeks to take in the performances of Semenyo, who is also reportedly attracting interest from Wolves, Norwich City and Bournemouth.

The young striker is a product of Bristol City’s academy and has only this season established himself as a regular with the Championship club, having spent previous seasons on loan with Newport County and Sunderland in League Two and League One respectively.

Although his goal record isn’t anything to write home about, with just 11 senior goals in his career thus far, his general performances with the Robins this season have clearly attracted the interest of some Premier League and top Championship sides.

In 37 appearances in the second tier, Semenyo has managed two goals and five assists, whilst he also has a further three goals and two assists in cup competitions.

Semenyo can feature up front but also on both wings, which suggests that he is very versatile and would fit in well at Southampton, with Ralph Hasenhuttl a big fan of players who can feature in multiple positions.

WhoScored also suggests that his main strengths include his through balls, dribbling and defensive contribution, and considering the defensive work rate the Austrian manager demands of his players at the south coast club, it seems that he would love to have a player such as Semenyo in his side.

If he were to join, it could prove to be a repeat of the deal which saw Adams join Southampton in 2019 after he impressed in the lower leagues with Sheffield United and Birmingham City.

Adams was just 22 when he joined and, like Semenyo, had struggled to find the back of the net with much regularity before discovering his shooting boots and hitting 22 goals in the Championship for Birmingham the season before his move to the Saints.

Therefore, Southampton could jump the gun and sign Semenyo before he starts hitting the back of the net on a consistent basis, as that will only see his market value rise further after his impressive 2020/21 campaign.

If they do bring in Semenyo this summer, there seems no reason why he can’t follow in Adams’ footsteps under Hasenhuttl’s guidance and become a regular goalscorer in the Premier League.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl suffers huge potential Southampton blow with “outstanding” £19.8m-rated beast

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 99 appearances for Manchester City, believes Brendan Rodgers would not be a manager City would look at as a Pep Guardiola replacement.

Rodgers has proven his ability at every club he’s managed. He turned Swansea from a Championship side into Premier League regulars before taking Liverpool close to the title and winning seven trophies in two and a half years at Celtic.

However, it’s his current job at Leicester City which is getting rave reviews because of his he’s made them regular top four contenders as well as bringing in great players such as Youri Tielemans, Anthony Castagne and Wesley Fofana.

Speaking on how Rodgers would not be someone the champions to be would look to appoint, Howey told FFC:

“It all depends on what the hierarchy at Manchester City wants to do, but probably not for me.

“It isn’t because he’s not a very good manager because he is, and he has had success everywhere he has been.”

The 48-year-old has been tipped to be one of the candidates to succeed Guardiola at the Etihad when he eventually does depart.

Leicester have enjoyed a great season domestically as they find themselves in the top four of the Premier League as well as in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to the news that Darren Moore is the new manager of the club and will take over immediately from Neil Thompson.

The club announced the appointment on Twitter, and following confirmation of the news, journalist Dom Howson tweeted: “Darren Moore is set to meet his new #SWFC squad this morning and take training”

Moore was at League One side Doncaster Rovers and was doing a stellar job as they are currently sixth in the division (SofaScore). In total, the manager had taken charge of 77 games (Transfermarkt) and had won 36, drew 14 and lost 27.

It is quite surprising to see him make the move, despite the fact that the Owls are in the division above, as Wednesday feels somewhat like a sinking ship during current times, especially with them in a huge relegation dogfight as they are six points from safety and have lost their last four games (SofaScore). Owner Dejphon Chansiri will be hoping that this appointment can turn fortunes around sooner rather than later.

Here is how fans reacted to the news:

“I am absolutely gobsmacked!! Happy, but gobsmacked!! Welcome to the roller coaster Darren, strap yourself in, & wish you all the best in the world”

Credit: @Chezricho

“Big Dave as West Brom supporters called him.”

Credit: @DenJSW

“Can he still play? Be decent next to Lees and Dunkley”

Credit: @hawky06

“Speechless. I’m back on side”

Credit: @LHambling

“You bet he is. Come on DM. Keep us up”

Credit: @Wednesdayite4

“Attacking football please and put the ball in the net , that’s all we want”

Credit: @Nowak9148365

In other news, fans fume at this Dom Howson tweet!