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Alessia Russo has been honoured with Freedom of Maidstone for her heroics with England as the Arsenal star aims to "inspire the next generation".

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Russo conquered Europe with the LionessesInspired England to the World Cup finalBecame the eighth person to receive awardGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Russo's remarkable journey with the England women's team includes a stellar performance in Euro 2022, where she played a pivotal role in the nation's triumph, netting four goals during the tournament. Additionally, her incredible contributions propelled the Lionesses to their maiden World Cup final, marking a historic milestone for the team.

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Hailing from Maidstone, Russo boasts of having a special bond with her hometown. She became the eighth recipient of the honourary freedom, which is awarded to local people for their outstanding contribution to the borough.

WHAT RUSSO SAID

Expressing her gratitude, Russo remarked: "It's a huge honour for me to receive this accolade. Maidstone is my home and always will be, so I'm delighted to have been awarded the freedom of the borough."

Beyond her personal joy, Russo remains committed to using her platform to advocate for women's football in the community. She aspires to inspire the next generation of Lionesses, fostering a legacy of empowerment and inclusivity in sports.

"I will continue to promote women's football in the area and hopefully I can help and inspire the next generation of Lionesses," she said.

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DID YOU KNOW?

The Maidstone Borough Council, in collaboration with Russo's family, has orchestrated efforts to commemorate her remarkable contributions to women's football. Recognising the significance of Russo's legacy, alongside that of the Lionesses, the council anticipates a positive impact on sports participation, particularly among young girls aspiring to follow her example.

Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Gordon Newton, expressed pride in Russo's achievements and said: "We are very proud of Alessia's achievements and continued contribution to the game of football. I sincerely hope that she will encourage more young people – both girls and boys to follow in her footsteps."

Manchester United look set to miss out on a potential transfer swoop for Ajax winger Antony.

What’s the word?

That is according to a fresh report from The Mirror which claimed that the Brazilian has uploaded a picture of him and his agent Emerson Santos in France to social media, which has fuelled transfer speculation around the 22-year-old.

As per the report, it is believed that Erik ten Hag – having just won the Eredivisie title with the Brazilian – is interested in bringing him to Old Trafford in what looks to be a huge rebuild project for the Red Devils.

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However, it is said that Thursday evening’s photo could hint at Antony playing his football elsewhere, with both him and his agent pictured in what is believed to be Nanterre, a suburb in Paris.

Back in March, it was said that Paris Saint-Germain were leading the race for his signature, so with the starlet pictured in the French capital, it looks as though he is set to engage in talks with the Ligue 1 champions.

Disaster for Ten Hag

The latest report comes as a big blow for United, who would have fancied their chances of signing the €35m-rated (£30m) player due to their new contact in Ten Hag.

The 52-year-old is also bound to be disappointed, having understood exactly what the “supremely skillful” Brazilian’s game is all about, as they recently achieved what was their second Eredivisie title together in Amsterdam.

Despite starting only 64% of Ajax’s matches this season due to two injuries which kept him out for around 10 games, Antony played a big part in helping Ajax to realise their ambitions of winning the Dutch league title once more.

His eight goals and four assists in 23 appearances have reiterated the quality which was on display throughout the season. Also, with the nine-cap Brazil star being a natural left footer, he could have offered United an option they have not had in years, an inverted winger who could operate in the half-space and punish teams with his directness, in the same way that Pep Guardiola utilises Riyad Mahrez for Manchester City.

Ten Hag may not be forced to look elsewhere for that option, if the social media image of Antony and his agent is anything to go by.

In other news: Man United now plot bid for £63m-rated “monster”, imagine him and Ten Hag 

Crystal Palace youngster Tayo Adaramola looks set to make his Premier League debut before the end of the season, with the Eagles having just three matches left to play.

What’s the news?

As per football.london, Palace manager Patrick Vieira is set to hand the 18-year-old left-back his Premier League bow before the end of the campaign, having impressed for both the Eagles’ under-18 and under-23 sides, whilst winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has also been training with the first team ahead of a potential opportunity.

Vieira said: “I think [this] is important as it is part of their development. It’s good to see them around the first team and to see their personality and how they conduct themselves in training and in the dressing room with the other players. That will allow me to learn more about them.

“We have Jes and Tayo with us who have been training with us since the academy has been closed. They will be around the first team for the next three games and for some of the games they will be on the field. We need to create those kinds of opportunities to see how they will react under pressure.

“Jes and Tayo show that they can play in our team and in the Premier League, it’s just about having the right players around them to support what they are missing. The balance has to be right to allow them to play with confidence and belief.”

Imagine him and Guehi

Having made his first-team debut off the bench in the FA Cup victory over Hartlepool United before playing 65 minutes against Stoke City in the following round, this season has been a breakthrough one for Adaramola.

Claimed by Vieira to be “full of energy”, the 18-year-old Irishman has racked up five appearances in the Under-18 Premier League whilst also playing twice in the FA Youth Cup, but it has been in the under-23s where the youngster has really impressed, with 16 appearances in Premier League 2. [Transfermarkt]

Having seen Tyrick Mitchell come through the ranks and establish himself as a first-team regular whilst also being handed his senior England debut, Adaramola can take plenty of confidence that with hard work he can follow the Palace left-back’s footsteps.

Moreover, Vieira could certainly do with the extra depth at left-back, with Mitchell the only natural option in that role, whilst on the right the likes of Nathaniel Clyne (31) and Joel Ward (32) are starting to approach the latter years of their respective careers.

The Frenchman has integrated a youthful identity into his defence, with centre-back Marc Guehi particularly emphasising that claim by seriously impressing in his first season at Selhurst Park, and he could also prove to be an excellent mentor for the Irishman.

Therefore, with the south Londoners safe from relegation, now is the perfect opportunity to integrate Adaramola into the first team and hand him his Premier League debut.

If the 18-year-old can take his chance and establish himself in the first team like Guehi and Mitchell, he might save Palace the need to go out and spend millions on reinforcements in the transfer market.

AND in other news – Imagine him and Olise: CPFC must swoop for £13.5m-rated wizard, Vieira would adore him

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has admitted that it would be a ‘huge’ bonus for West Ham if they manage to get Jarrod Bowen to commit his future to the club following a new contract update.

The Lowdown: Bowen’s reward

The 25-year-old first arrived at the London Stadium for an undisclosed fee from Hull City two years ago where he put pen to paper on a five-year deal with the Irons, with his contract keeping him in the capital until at least 2025.

In a fresh update, it was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this week that the Hammers want to reward the forward with a new bumper deal for his outstanding displays, which according to the source, could see him double his £60k-per-week wage packet.

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The Latest: ‘Huge’ news for West Ham

When asked for his opinion on Bowen possibly being offered a new contract, Campbell gushed over his ‘brilliant’ form and claimed it is a ‘huge’ piece of news.

He told Football Insider: “It would be huge, without a shadow of a doubt.

“He has been the star performer for West Ham this season. He has produced goals, assists and performances this season.

“Listen, he torched [Oleksandr] Zinchenko at the weekend. Zinchenko did not know what had hit him. Bowen’s movement took him way beyond Zinchenko.

“He has calmness in front of goal as well. It was a brilliant performance.

“If West Ham could tie him down that team can go again next season. He is still a young man as well. He will only get better.”

The Verdict: England call up on the cards?

There’s no doubt that the winger has been one of the Premier League’s most eye-catching players this season, with 18 goals and 11 assists to his name, higher than any of his other West Ham teammates, via BBC Sport.

Bowen will be hoping that his performances have drawn the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate, who has a big decision to make over whether or not the former Tigers man will be boarding the plane to Qatar with his World Cup squad later this year.

Whatever the outcome is against Brighton for the final game of the season on Sunday afternoon, the Irons are guaranteed to qualify for the Europa Conference League at the very least, but do still have an outside chance of making the Europa League group stage should Bowen help carry them to another massive three points.

In other news… a journalist has claimed that a ‘beast’ could be about to join West Ham this summer.

West Ham United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, with the Hammers currently engaged in talks with the Ligue 1 outfit.

What’s the word?

As per 90min, the east Londoners are ‘continuing to hold talks’ with the French club in the hope of coming to an agreement for the Morocco international, with David Moyes ‘close to agreeing a fee’ for the 26-year-old.

The report suggests that the centre-back has emerged as West Ham’s ‘primary target’ to solve their defensive woes, having been caught short this season due to a lack of depth in the centre of defence.

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Nonetheless, it is believed that one of the club’s current options will still be moved on in order to accommodate the arrival of the 19-cap colossus, with previous reports suggesting that a fee of around £20m could be enough for the Irons to get their man.

West Ham’s own Pique

The arrival of the former Dijon player would no doubt be a major coup for GSB, with the £8.1m-rated defender having been dubbed a “real boss” by the French media earlier this season for his impressive form, having helped his current side secure an impressive fourth-place finish in the league.

The £8.9k-per-week gem netted twice and registered two assists in 31 league outings in the most recent campaign, while also averaging four clearances per game and winning 62% of his total duels.

His ability in possession could also prove hugely beneficial to Moyes’ side, as he ranks in the top 10% for passes attempted and in the top 16% for pass completion among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

That ball-playing ability could mean that the east Londoners may well have their own Gerard Pique on their hands, with the pair noted as similar players by FBRef due to their closely mirrored statistical profiles.

While at 34 the Barcelona icon may no longer be quite at his peak, it is Aguerd (30) who made more tackles than the Spaniard (22) in the league in 2021/22, while the Rennes defender has also come out on top for interceptions made (54 to 35).

If the West Ham target can enjoy even a fraction of the success that the Spanish legend has had, then the Premier League side will be in for a treat with Aguerd, with it rare that such a commodity comes available for what is seemingly a relative bargain price.

IN other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop 

The Athletic’s Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers has provided an update on the possibility of the West Midlands club luring Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes to Molineux this summer.

What’s the story?

Speaking on the Talking Wolves YouTube channel, Spiers explained: “So he’s one, again, given who he is and his agency, he’s just constantly on Wolves’ radar, obviously because they know it’s a deal that they can do.

“So that link will perpetually be there, really. If a forward option came up this summer, he’d be right at the top of the list for them.”

The winger has one year left on his current deal with the La Liga outfit and is a client of Jorge Mendes, who represents numerous members of Wolves’ squad.

Therefore, the Portuguese agent’s association with Guedes could seriously increase the likelihood of the 25-year-old signing for Wolves this summer.

Wolves must sign Guedes

If Wolves are to strengthen any position this summer, you would argue that it would have to be in attack, with Bruno Lage’s side ending the campaign with one of the Premier League’s lowest scoring records.

Despite finishing 10th, the Old Gold scored just 38 goals in as many top-flight matches, with only the three relegated clubs scoring fewer goals.

Moreover, creativity from the flanks has been limited in the league this term, with Daniel Podence being Wolves’ most potent winger with two goals and three assists.

Guedes would undoubtedly improve Wolves’ front line, with the 29-cap Portugal international scoring 11 goals and setting up a further six in La Liga this season as Valencia finished ninth in the Spanish top flight.

This campaign has been a major improvement in front of goal for the winger, who scored just five goals in La Liga last season alongside six assists.

Guedes’ strong pedigree is clear to see, making him an excellent prospective signing for Wolves.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old can be accommodated straight into the team, with Francisco Trincao set to return to Barcelona after an unsuccessful loan spell, whilst Adama Traore could still leave despite Barcelona not taking up the option of making his loan deal permanent.

Wolves supporters will want to see intent from the board this summer, particularly after such a poor end to the campaign. With the prospective signing of Guedes, fans would certainly be appeased.

AND in other news: Wolves now closing in on “special” £23.4m-rated signing, it could be bye-bye Neves

West Bromwich Albion had one of the strongest defences in the Championship this season as only AFC Bournemouth (21) and Sheffield United (20) ended the campaign with more clean sheets than the Baggies (19).

One figure that played a significant part for the Midlands club at the back this season was Semi Ajayi.

With 31 league appearances to his name, the Nigerian racked up an average of three clearances per game, leaving only Kyle Bartley (4) and Matt Clarke (3.1) with a higher rate.

Last month, the centre-back put pen to paper on a new contract which will see him stay at the Hawthorns until 2025.

This shows just how valued he is at the club and how highly they rate him and his talents on the pitch.

Now that the season has ended and the summer transfer window is upon us, this will give the Baggies and Steve Bruce the chance to strengthen the squad and give them a better chance at securing promotion back to the Premier League.

While their current defensive players certainly proved their worth, one player that the club have been linked with recently that could be a potential upgrade on Ajayi is Darragh Lenihan.

With a total of 219 appearances in the Championship under his belt, the 28-year-old certainly has enough experience to come in and be a ready-made first-team option for Bruce.

In terms of his defensive capabilities, the Irishman made 58 interceptions and won 43 tackles in 41 league games this season, the second and third-highest in Blackburn’s squad respectively.

Having totalled an average of 4.1 clearances per game as well, this further highlights how significant the £14k-per-week centre-half can be at the back and why he could be an upgrade on Ajayi.

His overall performances earned him an impressive season rating of 7.1/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at Rovers.

This would also make him the highest-rated player for West Brom by the same metric.

Labelled as a “special footballer” by Tony Mowbray, Lenihan could be just what the Baggies need if Bruce feels the need to make what is already a solid defence into a formidable one.

In other news: Bruce can finally replace Pereira as WBA eye move for “inspirational” £27k-p/w dynamo

Celtic are still hot on the pursuit to sign former loan stars Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis this summer, claims Record Sport.

The Lowdown: Successful loans

Both players enjoyed massively successful loan spells at the Glasgow outfit during the 2021/22 season.

Having arrived from Portuguese giants Benfica, Jota scored seven goals and produced eight assists in 24 league appearances for the Hoops. As a result, the 23-year-old was rated Celtic’s third most valuable player this season, with a stunning 7.56 SofaScore rating.

Arriving on loan from Premier league side Tottenham, Carter-Vickers played 33 games in the Scottish Premiership, where he contributed to the side’s Championship winning campaign with 4.2 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game, earning himself a 7.33 match rating (via SofaScore).

The Latest: Celtic still in pursuit

According to Record Sport, Celtic are continuing in their pursuit to sign former loanees Jota and Carter-Vickers. Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou personally wants the pair signed up on a permanent basis.

It is understood that a £6.5m fee was included in Jota’s loan agreement from Benfica, whilst Carter-Vickers is available for an initial £6m, with future add-ons raising the price to £10m.

The Verdict: Good signings

Having formed a core component of Postecoglou’s dominant Premiership winning side, it is clear to see why the Hoops boss is so keen on a reunion with the pair at Celtic Park.

Carter-Vickers was instrumental in Celtic’s back-line, demonstrated by comparisons made to positional peers across Europe, where he ranked in the 84th percentile for aerials won and in the 82nd percentile for interceptions made over the past year (via FB Ref).

Jota was equally important to the Hoops, having finished the season as the side’s top assister. His 2.7 shots and 1.7 dribbles per game added a direct threat to Postecoglou’s attack, with the Glasgow side scoring an emphatic 92 goals in the league this season.

If Celtic can get these signings over the line, they could prove to be more important than any other signings this summer.

In other news: Alex McLeish urges Hoops to get Jota deal done ASAP!

Everton are in need of big changes this summer following a disappointing season in the Premier League, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s transfer plans for one particular player.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, Everton are planning to sell Andre Gomes this summer.

As per the report, Everton sources have told the publication that the club are willing to listen to offers for the midfielder over the transfer window, with the Toffees telling Gomes he is free to leave this summer as he will no longer be part of the plans at Goodison Park next season.

Klaassen 2.0

Farhad Moshiri has built quite the reputation for making transfer blunders over the years, and Gomes is definitely a player that has become one in a long list of ineffective signings.

Everton signed the Portuguese player for £22m back in 2019 and since then has made exactly 100 appearances scoring two goals and delivering seven assists over the last three years, and this season his string of poor performances seems to have sealed his fate on Merseyside.

The 28-year-old flop who was dubbed a “walking red card” by Greg O’Keeffe ranks 27th in the squad with a 6.35 SofaScore rating, and it’s not hard to see why when you look at his statistics in his 14 Premier League appearances this season.

Gomes delivered one assist, created no big chances, lost possession of the ball every 3.8 touches per game, lost the large majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (64%) and was dribbled past 1.7 times on average per game, proving that the midfielder was completely ineffective in his advanced midfield role this season.

To add insult to injury, the player is on a staggering £120k-per-week making him the joint highest-paid player in the team ahead of both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison which is damning. Thus, Everton should be desperate to offload him due to their current financial worries.

The three-year tenure of Gomes reflects similarities to the signing of fellow attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen who also proved to be a rather useless signing for the Toffees.

He made just 16 appearances and contributed one assist before he was sold for £12m less than his £23.6m transfer fee just 12 months later.

With that being said, Lampard must do everything he can to finally axe Gomes to save millions on his wages over the last two years of his contract and reinvest the money by identifying players who can make a real impact on the team next season.

AND in other news: Everton currently plotting bid to sign “unstoppable” £20m ace, he’s Bolasie 2.0

A big Rangers transfer twist has emerged that will leave supporters at Ibrox unhappy amid uncertainty over who will be the club’s number 1 next season.

What’s the news?

That’s according to the Glasgow Evening Times, who reveals that Rangers have dropped their interest in Bosnian goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic despite having him scouted him on numerous occasions.

The player has two years left on his current contract and the Ibrox side would have had to pay a fee to secure his services, but it appears the club are moving on to other targets in a fresh twist to the tale.

Supporters will be gutted

One area that Giovanni van Bronckhorst will need to strengthen ahead of next season is between the posts, with the future of Allan McGregor still uncertain, there will likely be a new keeper arriving in Glasgow to provide competition for Jon McLaughlin and Robbie McCrorie.

The club have earmarked a host of players who could arrive in the position over the previous few weeks, with names such as Jack Butland, Sam Johnstone, and Martin Fraisl all being linked with the jersey.

But it is the news regarding Kovacevic that will leave the supporters gutted, as the 24-year-old appeared to be an excellent fit.

He kept 11 league clean sheets in 27 appearances this term, conceding 0.9 goals per match, similar stats to McGregor (12 clean sheets, 0.9 goals conceded per 90).

This area is a priority for the Dutchman and even though competition between McLaughlin and McCrorie would be beneficial for both, a new ‘keeper really needs to be brought in.

Despite the Europa League run boosting the Ibrox coffers substantially, it appears that the club doesn’t want to be spending big fees on players, that’s unless there is an outgoing or two.

It will be tough to replace McGregor, who made his Gers debut in 2002, but life moves on and the manager will have a big ask to fill a position that the club has been well versed in over the years.

AND in other news, “Rangers will…”: Jordan Campbell drops big transfer update, supporters will be livid…