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A new name has been spoken about as a possible option to take the Crystal Palace job this summer…

What’s the word?

It is widely expected that Roy Hodgson will walk away from Selhurst Park following the expiration of his contract next month, with London News Online recently claiming it is ‘highly likely’ he steps down after four seasons at the club.

The Eagles would need to find a new manager and plenty of candidates have emerged over the past few weeks. It is thought that Sean Dyche is their top target, whilst the club are said to have held talks with the currently unemployed Eddie Howe.

But now an intriguing claim has been made by Darren Bent on talkSPORT (Tuesday 11th May, 08:10am).

He said:

“What was good about [Scott] Parker, is that he understood the problems at the start of the season. They were conceding, getting battered, but he changed it and made it harder to beat. There is no reason why cannot go to Spurs. But he could also go to Crystal Palace.”

Fresh twist

Parker would certainly be an interesting option and a clear change in direction from Palace chairman Steve Parish; going from the division’s oldest manager to one of the youngest.

It is true that the Cottagers have struggled greatly this campaign, resulting in an instant relegation back to the Championship but their performances have been worthy of better results and there have been major signs of improvement throughout the season.

A switch to Palace, over Spurs, in the summer could be a wise move as he may not be ready to join his former club just yet.

The 40-year-old has rued the lack of a proven goalscorer in his side, something that would be fixed in an instant at the Eagles, with Wilfried Zaha at his disposal and he’s earned a reputation for his trust and development in young players, which could further suggest Palace’s change in plans.

Signings like Eberechi Eze are only going to continue going forward and Parish will need a young, progressive coach to match the exciting, high-potential additions.

Even though they were relegated on Monday night, we have seen vast improvement in Fulham defensively. They have leaked the second-fewest goals of any team tenth or below, including Palace, who have seen 12 more goals fly into their net – yet they are safe.

Once dubbed “intelligent” by Paul Robinson and “incredibly good” by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, Parker would be a very good option for Parish to consider and given he’s gone down to the Championship, it could make any move for him that little easier – especially over Dyche, who remains in work.

The Eagles CEO must now act to try and bring the Fulham boss to southeast London.

AND in other news, Parish handed Palace managerial boost amid fresh Hodgson claim, fans surely buzzing…

Ozan Kabak arrived at Liverpool on a short-term loan deal in January as the club aimed to put their injury woes behind them, but a decision not to make his stay permanent could prove to be a costly mistake.

According to The Liverpool Echo, Jurgen Klopp’s charges have not yet decided if they will be extending the 21-year-old’s stay on Merseyside and it looks like a move for RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate could take priority over the summer.

During his time with the English giants, Kabak has steadily improved and adapted to the demands of the Premier League, putting in convincing displays against the likes of Wolves, Sheffield United and Arsenal, as well as impressing in the Champions League last-16.

However, the Turkey international’s performances seemingly haven’t been enough to convince Klopp to activate a clause in his contract just yet, one which would allow the Reds to secure his services for just £18m from German giants Schalke in the upcoming transfer window.

Serious injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have left the Anfield outfit threadbare at centre-back this season, meaning youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams have had to step up in the trio’s absence, while Fabinho has often been displaced from his usual midfield role to fill in the gaps.

While the stand-ins have performed admirably at times throughout the current campaign, arguably none of them are the long-term solution to Liverpool’s defensive troubles.

Matip and Gomez are top-class players on their day, but their persistent injury issues mean they’re hardly a dependable duo to plan your season around, especially if you’re planning on wrestling back a top-flight title.

Leipzig’s Konate is also susceptible to significant fitness concerns, missing 49 days of 2020/21 with an ankle injury, and has repeatedly suffered from muscle problems during his short career.

His proposed arrival over summer would leave Klopp with a centre-back recovering from a potential career-changing injury in Van Dijk, three injury-prone options in Matip, Gomez and Konate, and three alternatives who are perhaps more suited to lower league football in Phillips, Williams and Ben Davies.

The enigmatic German manager was full of praise for Kabak earlier in the season, though, lauding the youngster’s impact: “Ozan came in at 20 from Germany, was a big prospect but wasn’t lucky with the last two teams he played for, one went down (Stuttgart) and the other will probably go down (Schalke). But nobody really doubted his quality,” said Klopp.

“Then coming here and making this big step and winning more games than before, it’s really good for him that he can show that.”

This obvious admiration, therefore, makes it even more baffling as to why Liverpool have not yet decided to pull the trigger and secure the £22.5-rated man on a permanent basis. He’s now used to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, he has bags of potential, and is undoubtedly value for money in the modern era at a fee of just £18m.

If he chooses to let Kabak go, it’s a decision that Klopp may live to regret should his side experience another injury-riddled campaign, although people will presumably have far less sympathy for his self-inflicted predicaments next time around.

And, in other news…Lost possession 17x: £34m LFC star proved Klopp right with another shocking display – opinion

A number of Derby County supporters want to see Jack Marriott leave the club permanently this summer, following his return from a loan spell.

The Rams secured survival in the Championship on the final day of the season, following a disappointing campaign at Pride Park.

Wayne Rooney kept his side in the division by the skin of their teeth and it’s time for a productive summer, in order to avoid similar happening again.

It was Derby’s 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday that helped them stay up on a dramatic last day – someone who played no part for the Owls was the on-loan Marriott.

Injuries hampered the 26-year-old’s time at Hillsborough and he ended up being restricted to just four league starts for Wednesday.

Marriott’s spell in Sheffield has now ended, meaning Rooney has a decision to make over the midfielder’s future.

Derby fans want Marriott to leave

These Derby fans don’t want to see him stay at Pride Park beyond this summer, saying he isn’t worth persevering with.

“Sell him, if anyone will buy him. Had multiple chances under different managers. On his day brilliant, but has far too few days”

Credit: @lunar_werewolf

“The problem with Marriott is he was never actually that good, made a million times better by Mount and Wilson. Had one truly outstanding game which was the Leeds game and never again repeated that. Get rid and get someone who consistent and won’t get injured all the time”

Credit: @TheWarsmith

“Try and get a few for him. Another terrible signing”

Credit: @DickyTaiwan

“Sell unless he shows improvement in his fitness during pre season. Didn’t pull up any trees at Wednesday and even went AWOL there”

Credit: @Chrissyh2711

“Sell him for whatever you can get”

Credit: @GreatKnowleyRam

“Release him and free up some wages”

Credit: @timjacks1973

In other news, one Derby player is set for a permanent exit this summer. Find out who it is here.

Millwall will not make a move to re-sign loanee centre-forward Kenneth Zohore this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to the Lions boss Gary Rowett, who claimed in a recent interview with News at Den that the West Bromwich Albion striker is unlikely to be a target for Millwall in the upcoming transfer window as a result of the 27-year-old’s poor record of injuries.

The 47-year-old manager said: “I think just Ken’s fitness, really, and injuries would make it difficult to pursue that any further. It’s probably unlikely that we would go back in for Ken.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Zohore was a player who arrived at The Den last October with plenty of promise, with Neil Warnock claiming that the striker is a “manager’s dream” to work with, as well as having scored 26 goals and provided 10 assists over his 94 appearances in the Championship prior to linking up with Rowett’s side, the £2.25m-rated man ultimately failed to live up to expectations during his time in Bermondsey.

Over his 17 league appearances for the club, only 10 of which came as starts, the 27-year-old scored just two goals, registered no assists and created no big chances, in addition to missing three big chances set up by his teammates.

The former Cardiff City man also managed an average of mere 0.4 shots on target per game in the Championship, as well as making an average of just 0.5 key passes in each of his appearances.

These metrics saw the Zohore earn a disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.65, ranking him as Millwall’s seventh-worst performer in the second tier.

As such, while his returns were undeniably affected by spending two long spells on the sidelines due to injury, with the centre-forward missing games from October 28 to January 2 and then again February 13 to April 2, the news that Rowett is not planning on bringing the West Brom man back to the club this summer is likely to leave Millwall fans buzzing – as his £16,500-per-week wages could easily be spent on a more reliable option – both in terms of fitness and goalscoring – in the upcoming transfer window.

In other news: Rowett must urge Millwall swoop for £293k-rated 7-assist dynamo who’s a “great talent” – opinion

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has claimed that Jack Harrison would be an ‘absolute snip’ of a signing for the Whites this summer.

The Lowdown: Brilliant player for Leeds

The winger has been a superb player for Leeds, shining on loan from Manchester City and being hailed as ‘exceptional’ by journalist Alex Stewart.

Harrison has scored 18 goals and registered 20 assists in 128 appearances, proving to be one of Marcelo Bielsa’s key players this season.

Leeds are widely expected to make the 24-year-old’s temporary move permanent this summer, with City seeing no future for him at the Etihad Stadium.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The Latest: Whelan talks up Harrison

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed that Harrison would be a cheap signing for the Whites, talking up his brilliance as a footballer as he said:

“I think the deal is £11million. That’s what was agreed. It was £2million on the £9million from last season when we took him on loan.

“It’s an absolute snip. He is Leeds United now. He’s been here for years now, it’s his home. We saw progression last season and how important he is. I think he’ll be pushing for an England call up in the near future.”If he keeps putting in those levels of performance with assists and goals and his overall game then we have a massive bargain on our hands.”If you look at the wings, Raphinha and Harrison, that’s not even £30million for the two of them. A real bargain.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer for Bielsa

It makes complete sense for Harrison to join Leeds permanently, considering what an effective player he has been with Bielsa at the helm.

Only Patrick Bamford (17) scored more goals than the attacker’s eight in the Premier League last season and the loanee also chipped in with eight assists (WhoScored).

At 24, Harrison has the potential to be a Leeds hero for many years to come, hopefully settling at Elland Road and maturing even more as a player.

In other news, a pundit believes one Leeds player could be ‘devastated’ about his current situation. Find out who it is here.

Fabrizio Romano has corroborated a report that Wolves’ Adama Traore is on Chelsea’s radar this summer.

The lowdown

Wolves paid £18million to sign Traore from Middlesbrough ahead of the 2018/19 season and he’s since gone on to rack up 131 appearances for the club.

Last season, he played 41 times in all competitions, scoring three goals and assisting three more.

Traore led the league for successful dribbles per 90 minutes with 4.1, edging out Newcastle United’s Allan Saint-Maximin (via WhoScored).

The Spaniard, who is valued at £27million by Transfermarkt, is about to enter the final two years of his contract at Molineux.

Tim Sherwood, who oversaw Traore at Aston Villa, perhaps best summed up his abilities, calling the winger a ‘fantastic talent’ and describing him as ‘dynamic’ in possession.

The latest

Romano tweeted that Chelsea are rivalling Paris Saint-Germain in the race for Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi.

Newly-crowned Serie A champions Inter are said to want €80million for the Moroccan.

If the Parisians were to beat Chelsea to Hakimi’s signature, then Traore could be an alternative for their wing-back position.

The Euro 2020-bound star is on a ‘list’ of options for the Blues, confirmed Romano.

The verdict

From Chelsea’s point of view, Traore would arguably be a more sensible addition than Hakimi.

Reece James is already an excellent option in the right-back or wing-back role, so there’s little point shelling out €80million on another out-and-out wing-back.

Traore would be a strong back-up option from whom Thomas Tuchel would hope to extract more consistency, but he could also excel further up the pitch, as he has done in the past for Wolves.

It could well be the end of road in the Midlands, but one would have to assume the Molineux outfit will have a decent negotiating position with two years still left on his deal.

In other news, is there a rival for Bruno Lage in the Wolves manager race? 

According to The Sun, Tottenham are to be offered Raheem Sterling by Manchester City as they attempt to sign Harry Kane.

The Lowdown: Kane wants to leave Spurs

The 27-year-old dropped a bombshell on Spurs in May as he revealed to the club that he wants to leave for pastures new this summer (Sky Sports).

The Citizens have been heavily linked with a move for the England captain (The Guardian), and there have been suggestions there could be a part-exchange offered.

The Latest: City could offer Sterling

It is now being suggested that City could offer Sterling, along with Gabriel Jesus, to Tottenham as a sweetener to capture Kane’s services.

Pep Guardiola is prepared to let both players go as he aims to freshen up his squad following the 1-0 Champions League final defeat to Chelsea.

The Verdict: Interesting deal

Losing Kane will be a hammer blow for Spurs, of that there is no doubt. In 336 games for the club, he has scored 221 goals (Transfermarkt), and he picked up the Premier League Golden Boot for the third time this season (premierleague.com). He is Tottenham’s best player and, quite frankly, he will be all but impossible to replace.

If he does leave, however, Tottenham must secure the best possible deal. While £81m-valued Sterling (Transfermarkt) has not enjoyed his best season, he still managed 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. Throughout his career, he has found the back of the net 137 times – he is still only 26 and predominantly plays as a winger.

Along with Jesus, Spurs could be getting themselves two top players with plenty to prove – their potential arrival would more than cushion the blow of Kane’s departure.

In other news, Spurs eye this league-winning manager.

Everton have reportedly contacted Manuel Pellegrini about potentially becoming their new manager.

The Lowdown: Everton still searching

The Goodison Park faithful are still searching for a coach to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who has left the Merseyside club to go and manage Real Madrid.

As per the Daily Mail, Nuno Espirito Santo is still the overwhelming favourite to take charge, but Rafa Benitez, Christophe Galtier, Graham Potter and Roberto Martinez have also been named as potential successors to Ancelotti.

The Latest: Everton eye Pellegrini

According to the Daily Mail, Pellegrini has emerged as another potential target for the Toffees, and has been contacted by intermediaries over the vacant manager’s job.

The news outlet also recalls that Farhad Moshiri spoke to him back in 2016 when he was looking for a replacement for Martinez, who is now the boss of the Belgium national team and will be taking charge of them in Euro 2020.

The Verdict: Pellegrini a good option

Pellegrini is certainly a good option for the Blues, having already shown his credentials in the Premier League by winning the title with Manchester City back in the 2013/14 season.

More recently, the Chilean has done very well with Real Betis, guiding them to a sixth-placed finish in La Liga and thus gaining a UEFA Europa League spot.

At 67 years of age, having also managed the likes of Real Madrid and West Ham United, Pellegrini is clearly very experienced, and so would emulate Ancelotti in this sense.

However, there are other good candidates, and so EFC should not rush into such a decision just yet, with plenty of younger and fresher options perhaps more enticing.

In other news, find out what manager update has left Toffees fuming here!

Tottenham Hotspur are looking at Inter Milan’s Croatia international Ivan Perisic, according to a report from Fussball Transfers.

The lowdown

32-year-old winger Perisic is about to enter the final year of his contract at San Siro and is valued at £9million by Transfermarkt.

English fans had a glimpse of him on Sunday as Croatia fell to a 1-0 defeat at Wembley in their Euro 2020 Group D opener.

Perisic scored five goals and provided five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions for Inter last season.

He spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan at Bayern Munich, helping Hansi Flick’s men to win the treble.

The latest

The report states that the list of clubs interested in Perisic is growing ‘longer and longer’.

Spurs’ arch-rivals Arsenal are said to have lodged an enquiry, while Manchester United are also monitoring the situation.

The player himself is ‘drawn’ to a move to either England or Spain.

He would only consider returning to Germany with Bayern, the report adds.

The verdict

Perisic’s age may make this transfer look somewhat undesirable, but you’d expect the fee to be relatively low, and he’s proven himself to a consistent performer.

He’d be an excellent squad option for Spurs, or indeed, one of their Premier League rivals, for a couple of seasons.

Spurs will want to maximise their chances of landing some long-awaited silverware in the Europa Conference League and securing a top-four finish in the Premier League. To do that, they’ll need dependable depth, and that’s exactly what Perisic would represent.

In other news, Spurs fans flocked to Fabrizio Romano’s transfer news. 

Aston Villa have made preliminary moves in their attempts to sign Southampton star James Ward-Prowse, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Villa hoping to sign Ward-Prowse by July 5

Villa were linked with a move for the Saints captain a day after agreeing a club-record deal for Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia.

Reports since then have suggested that owners Wes Edens and Naseef Sawiris will back a move and want a deal finalised in time for Villa’s pre-season return, which is July 5.

That’s in just 16 days’ time, and it now seems as if Villa are starting to ramp up their attempts to sign the set-piece specialist.

The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider shared a story on Saturday morning, talking to pundit Noel Whelan about a possible Ward-Prowse transfer.

Within the story, they claimed a Villa source has informed them ‘the club have made preliminary moves’ for Ward-Prowse – six words which appear to show Villa’s intentions when it comes to signing the midfielder.

The Verdict: How many more signings will Villa make?

A deal for Buendia is now official, as is one for Ashley Young, so Ward-Prowse could well become the club’s third senior addition of the current window.

If Villa are successful in their pursuit of the 26-year-old, Dean Smith may still decide to bolster his squad, especially with two pending exits.

Tom Heaton will leave the club when his deal expires at the end of the month, whereas Bjorn Engels is finalising a move to Royal Antwerp this weekend.

Cover for Emiliano Martinez and a fourth senior centre-back may appeal to Smith, so Villa may not be done just yet, even if they spend big on Ward-Prowse.

In other news: Villa make contact for international defender, find out more here.