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Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl made a transfer claim earlier this week which will surely come as a relief to the majority of Saints fans ahead of the new Premier League season.

What’s the word?

After a shocking second half of the 2020/21 campaign, Southampton fans will undoubtedly have wanted to see their squad strengthened in the summer transfer window, with a lack of squad depth a real issue for the Austrian last season.

However, with only two weeks until the opening game against Everton at Goodison Park, Southampton have added just one new player to their senior squad, with French left-back Romain Perraud arriving as a direct replacement for Ryan Bertrand, which suggests that they are not much stronger than they were last season.

Theo Walcott has been added on a permanent basis after spending the 2020/21 campaign on loan, whilst Dynel Simeu has joined Southampton’s academy from Chelsea, but neither of these signings appear particularly inspired.

Fortunately for Southampton, Hasenhuttl spoke about squad depth earlier this week and assured fans that he would be adding new players before the end of the window, saying: “We will definitely get a few more [players] in at full-back, also maybe a six (defensive midfielder) and a centre-back.

“The market is now getting a little bit hotter. We have our fingers in the market but we must wait until the right moment.

“We are clear that we need more players than last season.”

Where do Southampton need to strengthen?

As the Austrian suggests, full-back is currently an area in which Southampton appear particularly weak. Perraud is the only natural left-back at the club after Jake Vokins joined Ross County on loan, whilst Yan Valery’s performances in recent seasons suggest that he is far from the ideal understudy to Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back.

Brandon Williams is someone who can play on either side and has been heavily linked with a loan move to the Saints, but Manchester United’s asking price and his wages are currently proving to be sticking points in any deal.

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However, Hasenhuttl seems confident that more signings will be made before the end of the window, which will hopefully dispel any Southampton fans’ fears about relegation next year and offer some relief following the tame end to 2020/21 and quiet summer thus far.

In other news… Hasenhuttl dealt potential blow over “outstanding” beast

Some Liverpool supporters have been reacting to Thiago’s latest omission from Spain’s starting lineup at Euro 2020, with many left bemused by the decision to leave him out.

The 30-year-old enjoyed a good first season at Anfield, recovering from a slow start to become one of their most in-form players come the end of the campaign.

Thiago produced some superb performances in the middle of the park during the final few games of 2020/21, highlighting why so many consider him to be a world-class midfielder.

Despite this, Thiago has been criminally underused by Spain at Euro 2020 so far, not starting either of their group stage matches against Sweden or Poland. Luis Enrique’s side have subsequently drawn both of their games, putting their involvement in the knockout rounds under threat ahead of their final group game against Slovakia on Wednesday.

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Liverpool react to Thiago omission

A number of Liverpool supporters has been left perplexed by Thiago’s lack of involvement at Euro 2020, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts on his “unbelievable” omission.

“Maybe start Thiago next time?”

Credit: @DHardayal

“Pedri might well be very special…..one day. But Thiago man. Thiago”

Credit: @SimonBrundish

“84 minutes gone and no Thiago… Spain but the S is silent”

Credit: @calcio_danny

“Trent, Thiago and Fabinho are incredibly disrespected on the international stage by their coaches. The lack of minutes for three world class players is genuinely staggering”

Credit: @TheAnfieldTalk

“How Spain start with Koke & Rodri over Thiago & Fabian Ruiz is staggering, same with Brazil, Casemiro & Richarlison over Bobby & Fabinho, unbelievable”

Credit: @deedna00

“Not even Thiago’s biggest fan as most of you probably know, but him not starting for Spain is actually a joke, how do Spain still pick absolute jabronis like Rodri and Koke over Thiago is beyond me. No complaints though”

Credit: @AzzurriLFC

In other news, some Liverpool fans are bemoaning a fresh transfer story that has emerged. Read more here. 

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has been linked with a summer move to Atletico Madrid as his disappointing Reds career potentially nears an end.

The Lowdown: Disappointing Liverpool career

The Guinean arrived at Anfield in 2018 for a seismic £52.75m but, now rated at £34m by Transfermarkt, he has flattered to deceive during his time on Merseyside, only making 76 appearances in three seasons at the club.

A string of injuries have played a part in the 26-year-old’s struggles, but a paltry return of seven goals (and only one since the start of 2020) illustrates that he has been a disappointment, and a summer exit could now be on the cards.

The Latest: Atletico linked with Keita move

According to AS [via Sport Witness], Atletico are eyeing up a move for Keita this summer, with the report stating that he has been offered to the La Liga giants.

The midfielder’s current Liverpool deal expires in the summer of 2023, so the Reds are in no great rush to get rid of him.

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The Verdict: Time to go?

Keita is a hugely effective player when he it fit and firing – he was hailed as “world-class” by none other than Virgil van Dijk last year, while scoring bursts in April and December 2019 showed what he can bring to the table when on form – but unfortunately that has proved to be a rare occurrence in a Liverpool shirt.

Should a big offer come in for him this summer, the Reds could be wise to accept it, allowing them to sign a more reliable replacement.

That being said, the idea of Keita staying for another year would be no bad thing, with Jurgen Klopp then assessing the situation at the end of next season when the midfielder will then be entering the final 12 months of his current contract.

In other news, one Liverpool hero could potentially sign a contract extension at the club. Find out who it is here.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez has suggested an infamous incident involving Duncan Ferguson and Moise Kean has cost the former the Everton job.

The Merseyside club have turned to Nuno Espirito Santo following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to Real Madrid, and some reports have suggested that Ferguson turned down the chance to join the 62-year-old in Spain, as he wanted the top position in the Goodison Park dugout.

Prior to Ancelotti’s arrival, Ferguson had a short spell as interim boss which saw him substitute Kean in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United despite having only just brought him on as a substitute.

And now Sanchez believes that sort of management that day has come back to haunt the Scotsman.

“Duncan wears his heart on his sleeve,” the former Fulham boss said. “What you see is what you get from Duncan, so if he doesn’t like you, he tells you.

“I always remember the Moise Kean incident. You can’t really do that as a manager, not in the modern age where you have to understand players better.”

It is a shame that Everton have sort of overlooked Ferguson. Those few games he had in charge, which included a win against Chelsea and draw with Manchester United, were really promising to say the least.

A number of Liverpool fans are unsure about the prospect of the Reds signing Kingsley Coman following an update over the weekend.

Jurgen Klopp may be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements this summer, providing even more competition for places. Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino will all be vying for playing time next season, but a fifth strong option wouldn’t go amiss.

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According to Sport 1 journalist Florian Plettenburg on Twitter on Sunday, Liverpool are interested in signing Bayern Munich winger Coman. The Reds are thought to be ‘in contact’ with the 25-year-old’s management, although a decision won’t be made until after his participation at Euro 2020 with France.

The £58.5m-rated attacker has scored 41 goals and registered 50 assists in 200 appearances for Bayern, famously netting the only goal in the 2020 Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

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Liverpool fans excited after Coman update

Despite this, these Liverpool took to Twitter to show their displeasure at Coman being linked with the Reds, with some citing his injury record as a reason for their negativity. Others cited concerns over previous off-field misbehaviour and how that might negatively impact the Anfield dressing room.

“Ahhhh he’s so good but he’s injury-prone as it is, and with our horrible medical team it will be even worse”

Credit: @BackAgainBro

“I seriously don’t know what to make of this, seems very unlike Liverpool to go after someone so injury prone, personally I’d take him but who’s he going to be playing over? Won’t happen anyway cause FSG won’t spend a penny”

Credit: @Matty1999lfc

“I couldn’t think of a worse player to move for from LFC point of view. Poison in a dressing room and this stinks of using LFC to leverage that new contract at Bayern he’s after lately “

Credit: @John__Chubb

“He’s a baller but he’s so injury prone. I don’t want to be sold dreams again”

Credit: @ahmedlfc

“Another injury-prone Bundesliga player? Jurgen bro other leagues exist…”

Credit: @lfcOscar11

“If we sign Kingsley Coman then this club is finished”

Credit: @buuuugsas

In other news, a reliable journalist has provided a key update on one rumoured Liverpool transfer target. Find out who it is here.

Manchester City fans are delighted after they were linked with a move for Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

With the Premier League and League Cup wrapped up and just the Champions League final left to play this campaign, the Citizens will have already begun preparations for the new season. That will ultimately mean new signings, and Pep Guardiola will be eager to add fresh impetus to his squad.

With Fernandinho approaching the end of his career, a new midfielder would not go amiss. According to FR Blue Moon, City are interested in Marseille midfielder Kamara. Currently valued at £33.3m (Transfermarkt), he made 35 appearances for the club in Ligue 1 and actually played against City in the Champions League earlier this term, although his side were twice on the losing end.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the City supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Kamara news below

“This would be a great signing”

Credit: @JM1047

“Oh please make it happen what a player”

Credit: @TomYates9816

“Get him in”

Credit: @shelovesyisa

“GET IT DONEEE MY FIFA CAREER MODE HAS APPROVED HIM”

Credit: @Prince_Ederson

“he’s good. can play CB as well if need be. Pep loves versatility”

Credit: @BernardoControl

“Would love for this transfer to happen he is extremely talented and good at winning the ball”

Credit: @Your81377012

In other news, Man City fans react to this transfer news.

Frank McAvennie believes Glasgow Rangers should expect more shocks in the future following their defeat to St. Johnstone.

McAvennie makes Gers claim

The Gers were dumped out of the Scottish Cup quarter-finals as they were defeated on penalties by the Saints after a 1-1 draw.

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie suggested the Ibrox outfit should get used to such losses because being champions prompts the best from opposition teams. He said:

“The biggest problem Rangers have is that they’re the champions.

“People stand up to them, they fight more. It’s not happened with Celtic this season because they’ve not been scared of them. 

“I don’t think Rangers underestimated St Johnstone and I wouldn’t say they were disrespectful either. 

“They thought they had the game won and took their foot off the gas, they didn’t mark the goalkeeper because they didn’t think he’d do anything. 

“Look what happened there. There was some naivety there, that’s what it was. When you’re champions, everyone wants to knock you off your pedestal. It will probably happen again.”

In Rangers’ hands

Of course, the Gers are now an even bigger scalp than they were before. That comes with the territory of being the Premiership champions, and Steven Gerrard will not be complaining. However, the Gers have proven in the league that they are more than a match for every other side – they remain unbeaten in that competition (BBC).

The defeats to St. Johnstone and St. Mirren – they were beaten by the Buddies 3-2 in the Scottish League Cup – were disappointing, especially given how comfortable Rangers have been in the Premiership. Of course, teams will want to beat the Gers, but that does not mean they need to get used to losing. What kind of message would that send? The 55-time Scottish champions play to win every match – a couple of poor defeats will not change that.

In other news, Rangers are believed to be interested in this goalscoring midfielder.

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Tammy Abraham could become one of Aston Villa’s key players should he join them this summer.

The England striker has slipped down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and has been strongly linked away from Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.

Abraham is still the Blues’ top goalscorer having netted 12 times in all competitions but has scored just once under Tuchel and hasn’t started a Premier League game since February, with Timo Werner often preferred.

He’s been an unused substitute in each of Chelsea’s previous four Champions League matches, which has led to increased speculation surrounding his future.

Villa are one of several clubs interested in signing Abraham, who scored 26 times during their promotion-winning campaign two years ago.

And Bent told The Transfer Tavern that a return to the East Midlands would suit the 23-year-old frontman, although he also hinted at a possible move to West Ham:

“He spent a little bit of time at Villa and done quite well. But the price-tag they have put on his head is unbelievable for someone who isn’t playing.

“But again, those price-tags are getting thrown about everywhere. Of course, he wants to stay at Chelsea, but I think the best club for me would be Villa or West Ham.

“Villa, great stadium, great city and I think if he was to go there, he would be one of the key players for their stability and scoring goals. And that’s what players thrive on, and we know he can score a goal, he plays for his country, so Villa or West Ham for me.”

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to transfer news shared by The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans.

The journalist shared a story on Friday morning, looking at the club’s plans for the summer window. The main takeaways from the piece are that Villa are looking to add two or three key players to their ranks this summer and are chasing Burnley’s Dwight McNeil and Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia.

Villa have already laid extensive groundwork over deals for the pair, with moves not being viewed as replacements for Jack Grealish but rather to supplement the club captain.

Elsewhere, Evans admitted that West Brom’s Matheus Pereira isn’t rated as highly as McNeil or Buendia by Villa chiefs, while Celtic’s David Turnbull is not a target for the club.

However, as to be expected, it was the news on the Burnley and Norwich stars (who provided a combined 17 goals and 22 assists this season) which had a number of Villa fans excited.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the news on Twitter on Friday morning and here is what some supporters had to say in reply, with one describing potential deals for Buendia and McNeil as ‘outstanding’.

“We are winning the league”Credit: @Nathhhavfc”love that”Credit: @catrinedwards18″Outstanding business if we can get this done. Young, forward, creative players!!”Credit: @viIlajake”Both would be excellent signings for us”Credit: @RossMatthewman7″They would be perfect for us”Credit: @1998_David_”Naaaa! I’m dreaming.”Credit: @RHAVFC

In other news: Villa linked with move for outgoing Tottenham ace, find out who it is here. 

Crystal Palace took a humbling Premier League defeat on Saturday as Chelsea departed Selhurst Park with a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

It was a poor performance from Roy Hodgson’s Eagles, who have now won just one out of their last six Premier League games.

However, one man was particularly disappointing and that was youngster Eberechi Eze.

The former Queens Park Rangers winger turned in a desperate performance against the Blues as he really struggled to affect proceedings.

Eze, rated at £18m, did not contribute a single goal or a key pass throughout the game according to WhoScored, although that was not an uncommon feature throughout the Palace side.

In fact, the 21-year-old’s only contribution against Chelsea was just a solitary dribble, an extremely poor showing considering his immense potential.

He only had 38 touches of the ball throughout the match, with only Jairo Riedewald of the Palace starters having fewer.

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In all, he was handed a poor WhoScored rating of 5.1 which ended up being the lowest of every single player on the pitch.

Whilst he did not affect the game all too much from an attacking standpoint, Eze also had to shoulder the blame as Chelsea took the lead. Having been sloppily robbed by Kai Havertz far into the Palace half of the pitch, he then allowed the former Bayer Leverkusen man to run in behind him and score.

Eze’s dreadful afternoon was eventually brought to an end by Roy Hodgson in the 58th minute as he was replaced by Jeffrey Schlupp who in the end notched an assist for what turned out to be Christian Benteke’s consolation goal.

Having so far displayed his promise in the Premier League this season with three goals and three assists, Eze was bitterly disappointing against Chelsea on Saturday.

He will surely be hoping to get back to his in just over two weeks’ time as the Eagles go up against Leicester City.

AND in more news, take a closer look at another awful Crystal Palace performance against Chelsea…