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Barry Fry believes that Steve Parish may be in talks to sell Crystal Palace amid their hunt for a new manager.

Palace seemed to be on the verge of appointing Lucien Favre as their new boss following talks over a potential three-year contract.

However, The Guardian has reported that the 63-year-old had a last-minute change of heart and decided against putting pen to paper, following the departure of Roy Hodgson at the end of last season.

Palace had already applied for work permits for Favre, so advanced were the negotiations, but the former Borussia Dortmund manager has decided against a move to Selhurst Park.

Fry was surprised that the veteran was linked with potentially replacing Hodgson, but he has now claimed that he believes Parish, the club’s owner, is in negotiations behind the scenes to bring new investment into the club.

And he believes that may be a key reason for their failure to bring a new manager into south London.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “If that happens, why the hell get rid of Roy in the first place? I can’t understand that at all.

“But I think there’s something going on behind the scenes at Palace, I think Steve Parish himself is in talks with investors wanting to buy the club and if you want to buy the club, or invest in a club like Crystal Palace, and it’s multi-millions, you want your say. So I think the hold up with that is if they are getting new owners or new investors and you’re putting your money where your mouth is, then you want a say in what’s going on, and you want a manager of your choice because he plays your style of play.

“So I think there’s a lot behind the scenes and it’s a very difficult time for Crystal Palace.”

Steve Cooper is interested in taking over as Fulham’s new manager at Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon, who claimed in a recent post on Twitter that the only thing holding up Fulham’s move to appoint Cooper is the compensation fee the Cottagers would have to pay Swansea City, a figure believed to be around £3m.

It was previously suggested that Shahid Khan was not willing to shell out this amount in order to land the 41-year-old, however, with Scott Parker’s departure from Fulham now being confirmed, the west London club’s owner faces a rather big decision on the matter.

When asked by a fan whether Cooper was interested in the job, as well as if Fulham would be willing to pay the fee for the Swans boss, Nixon said: “It’s down to the figure… that simple.”

Fans should be delighted

While it remains to be seen whether or not Khan will indeed go on to pay the £3m fee in order to appoint the Welshman as the club’s next manager, the fact that Cooper appears to be interested in taking over from Scott Parker at Craven Cottage is something that should delight the Cottagers fan base.

While Parker is a young and progressive coach in his own right, as well as having what would seem to be a bright future ahead of him in management, the argument could easily be made that the current Swansea gaffer is actually a step up from the 40-year-old.

Having developed as a coach in the Liverpool academy set up, before taking over the England U17 side and leading them to victory in the U17 World Cup back in 2017, Cooper has proven in his relatively short time at Swansea that he is more than capable of being a success in adult football too.

Indeed, the 41-year-old has rather remarkably guided a largely unfancied Swansea side to back to back top-six finishes in the Championship since taking over from Graham Potter at the Liberty Stadium back in 2019, on both occasions being unfortunate to meet Thomas Frank’s Brentford in the play-off semi-final and final respectively.

However, what makes this feat all the more impressive is that the Welshman achieved this with the sixth-youngest squad in the second-tier, demonstrating both his faith in and success with fielding youth prospects.

As such, if given the opportunity to take over a squad that boasts a considerable amount of Premier League experience, as well as a side that has a history of developing their own extremely talented home-grown academy products, the sky would appear to very much be the limit if Cooper were to be given a chance at Fulham.

In other news: Khan must ruthlessly axe “unbelievable” £21k-p/w flop, he’s let Fulham down for years

Lots of Wolves fans have been left delighted as a transfer update emerged on Dominik Livakovic.

As per Sportske, the Dinamo Zagreb ace could be on the move to the Midlands club, assuming that the deal to take Rui Patricio to AS Roma goes through.

This comes after Jorge Mendes took a look at Livakovic while he was performing for the Croatia national team, and was clearly impressed by some of his performances at Euro 2020.

The goalkeeper made no fewer than 10 saves in the tournament as he helped his side get out of a group which included semi-finalists England and quarter-finalists Czech Republic.

He also achieved an 81% pass accuracy (UEFA), showing that he is comfortable playing out from the back if needed.

At just 26 years of age, Livakovic is still relatively young for a ‘keeper, and so the Molineux faithful could be getting a player who could provide safety in between the posts for years to come.

Wolves fans on Livakovic transfer update

These WWFC supporters gushed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is ‘fantastic’:

“YESSSSS!!!!!!!!”

Credit: @TheBoringfollwr

“Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes”

Credit: @charliewwfc_

“Hope this is true, I would take him over Sa for sure and potentially Dragowski also, he’s in the middle of the 2 for age, he is his national teams first choice keeper and will be for the significant future, plus seems to have bags of potential being a CM and FM wonderkid.”

Credit: @ZvirLoL

“He is a fantastic GK can’t give this guy enough praise would be a brilliant replacement and would be able to get him on the cheap, as well he has good European experience”

Credit: @youraight

“Would definitely take him over Sa, this could be a great signing. Out of those linked Dragowski’s still my first choice”

Credit: @_matt_wwfc_

“Yes please”

Credit: @JDHWOLVES

In other news, find out other transfer update has Wanderers buzzing here!

West Ham United are reportedly among a number of top clubs in Europe who have asked about signing Robin Olsen in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Olsen impresses

The Irons would have had a good opportunity to keep a close eye on Olsen when he was on loan at Everton in the 2020/21 season as well as starring for Sweden at Euro 2020.

The goalkeeper only played in seven games in the Premier League as he was forced to play understudy to Jordan Pickford, but he averaged three saves per match and made no errors leading to goals (Sofascore).

His overall displays were largely impressive, with pundit Kevin Phillips describing his performance as ‘amazing’ in a match against Leeds United back in February. Olsen took that form into the Euros, helping Sweden to reach the last 16 and receiving a lot of praise in the process as he earned a 7.05 tournament rating from Sofascore and kept two clean sheets.

The Latest: Olsen eyed

According to AS, David Moyes’ side, as well as Atletico Madrid, Lille and Real Sociedad, have asked about the possibility of signing him.

Lukasz Fabianski is likely to relish some healthy competition if the 31-year-old arrives in east London, providing that the Hammers can beat off the high level of competition for his signature.

The Verdict: Sign

Given his performances for Everton and Sweden recently, Olsen would no doubt be another good option for Moyes to have in his squad alongside Fabianski.

Proven in English football and on one of the biggest stages in international football, he seems more than capable of challenging the Pole for the number one spot at West Ham, who would do well to beat off what looks like strong competition for his services.

In other news, find out what recent development has left some West Ham fans baffled

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Alan Hutton has heaped praise on West Ham United target Tammy Abraham and believes he’d be a ‘fantastic signing’.

The Lowdown: Hammers enter pole position…

The Chelsea striker has been a target for David Moyes over these last few months, with reliable reports from as far back as April detailing West Ham’s interest (The Telegraph).

Abraham was said to be rated at around £40 million, a figure the club cannot afford according to Moyes, but Football Insider have recently shared that his price could drop to £35m, perhaps even an ‘initial’ £30m.

His potential lowering of valuation has apparently propelled West Ham to the front of the queue for Abraham’s signing, with Hutton now giving his verdict.

The Latest: Hutton raves over Abraham…

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton has detailed his approval of the possible signing, knowing exactly what he could bring to the West Ham table.

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

“I think he’d be a fantastic signing for West Ham,” the former Aston Villa man explained.

“It would especially enhance their squad a lot. I’ve worked with him, I know what he brings, I know what he gives to the team.

“Tammy Abraham’s a guy who was very in and out at Chelsea last season but still got his goals. He still helped the team.

“I think the one problem West Ham had last season is when Antonio wasn’t fit, who played? Who came in?

“You could play them as a two, you could play them up there on their own. Antonio could even play out wide.

“Overall, if they can get the fee right, I doubt it’s going to be a small one, I think it’d be a good move for Tammy.”

The Verdict: Priority target?

Homegrown, a proven goal scorer in the Premier League and a physical presence at 6 foot 2? We say go for it.

Bagging 26 goals and eight assists in 89 English top flight appearances (Transfermarkt), Abraham also still has plenty of years ahead of him at just 23.

The only caveat will be his valuation and whether Chelsea will indeed lower his reported £40m asking price, but Moyes cannot afford to spend too much time chasing the forward at this late stage of the window.

Abraham should be a priority target for West Ham and we urge the club to enter talks as soon as possible, especially given their desperate need for another striking option.

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘Absolutely amazing’…West Ham fans react as transfer claim surfaces, find out more here.

Joel Ward has re-joined Crystal Palace, signing a two-year deal at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles shared the news on Thursday afternoon, and, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans were quick to share their positive thoughts at the update on social media.

The right-back’s previous contract expired on July 1, so he was technically a free agent for over two weeks.

He was just one of 11 senior Palace players who were without a club at the beginning of the month and becomes the first to re-sign for the Eagles under new manager Patrick Vieira.

Ward, who has been at Palace since 2012, has made 273 appearances for the club.

He’s turned out 225 times in the Premier League, scoring five times and registering 10 assists in Palace colours.

Palace fans react

Palace posted on their official Twitter account regarding Ward’s new deal. These Eagles fans were delighted, with one describing the update as ‘outstanding’.

“Best news so far”

Credit: @DDwasps

“inject ittttttt”

Credit: @notconnorlmao

“Outstanding news. Clubs are built on pros like Ward. He hasn’t been on talksport gobbing off about himself, but I can guarantee it means a lot to him and he will give his best whenever called on. Great stuff”

Credit: @ARJW78

“SIUUUU Guehi next admin”

Credit: @DrizzyCPFC

“Brilliant news!! Club legend”

Credit: @PeterHoward01

“Let’s go”

Credit: @joelcpfc_

In other news: ‘Oh my god’ – Many CPFC fans erupt at ‘sensational’ news from trusted reporter. 

Gabby Agbonlahor has backed forgotten Celtic man Boli Bolingoli to be granted another chance by Ange Postecoglou in 2021/22 [Football Insider], comparing the defender’s situation to his own under Steve Bruce.

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for the 2021/22 season

Moving towards the new campaign, Australian boss Postecoglou will be desperate to utilise all viable avenues in order to sustain a Scottish Premiership title challenge this term.

Acquiring high-profile players will be key to this process, however rejuvenating existing tools at the club will also take precedence.

One man who may be given a surprise opportunity this season is 26-year-old Bolingoli, who was farmed out on loan to İstanbul Başakşehir last year following a major breach of COVID-19 guidelines [Daily Record].

The Latest: Agbonlahor backs Bolingoli to be gifted another chance by Postecoglou

Prompting former Aston Villa man Agbonlahor to respond in an interview from Football Insider, the 34-year-old was very complimentary of his chances of re-claiming a first-team berth, stating:

“I think he will do.

“When a new manager comes in it’s a fresh start for everybody. It happened with me with Steve Bruce when he came in he brought me back into the Aston Villa squad.

“I’m sure that’s what Postecoglou will be doing with Bolingoli. He’ll look at everybody over pre-season and give those that weren’t involved last season a chance to impress.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Bolingoli should be given an opportunity to prove himself again at Parkhead

Correctly, the ex-England international identifies the need for a clean slate at the football club, upon the appointment of a new manager.

Capable of providing a forward threat from the left-hand side, Bolingoli is capable of producing consistent performances when given the platform to do so.

In 2020/21, the Belgian made 18 appearances for Boz Baykuşlar as they finished in 12th position [Transfermarkt].

Never afraid to muck in defensively, the former Rapid Vienna full-back made 1.8 tackles per game across the piece in the Turkish Super Lig [WhoScored].

Progressing through the next few months, Celtic should look to reintegrate Bolingoli back into the first-string picture at Parkhead, giving him six months to impress before the next transfer window in January.

In other news, Noel Whelan has dropped his verdict on a Celtic winger.

Crystal Palace and Everton are weighing up moves for Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, according to The Daily Mail.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been sharing their thoughts at the exit links on social media.

The Daily Mail claim that Nakamba features high on Rafael Benitez and Patrick Vieira’s midfield target lists, with both clubs ready to test Vila’s resolve with offers for the 27-year-old.

Nakamba, who arrived at Villa Park in 2019 at a cost of £10.8m, has made 50 appearances in the Midlands.

Fellow holding midfielder Douglas Luiz is away with Brazil at the Olympics, possibly until August 7, and Villa are reluctant to lose Nakamba during the current window.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the rumours regarding Nakamba on Friday evening.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one describing a possible exit as ‘tragic’, possibly due to Villa losing just three times in 13 Premier League fixtures last season when the midfielder featured.

“WHAT”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“There’s no way we let him go.”

Credit: @tom_avfc1

“Tragic if it happens. This one will come back to bite us if it happens. He is a better dm than Luiz”

Credit: @shadow_villa

“Don’t you dare”

Credit: @Aitken26avfc

“I am not ready for this….”

Credit: @Zeus_AVFC

“Noooooooooooo”

Credit: @brazilianwizard

In other news: Bid is in: Aston Villa source shares Friday development regarding move for Leon Bailey.

Liverpool could finally sign a replacement for former playmaker Philippe Coutinho after being linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio.

What’s the story?

According to reports in Spain (as relayed by the Liverpool Echo), the Reds are ‘in the mix’ for the 25-year-old’s signature this summer, although they’re expected to face competition from fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

The report states that Los Blancos are set to demand around £34 million for Asensio’s services, with the Gunners said to be leading the race for the highly-rated creative talent.

He could be a Philippe Coutinho replacement

When Coutinho departed Anfield back in January 2018 for an astronomical fee, one potentially rising to £142m, Jurgen Klopp didn’t spend the funds generated from his sale on a direct replacement.

Instead, the enigmatic German tactician brought in centre-back Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker from Southampton and AS Roma, respectively.

Klopp’s bold move was certainly justified as the duo played a crucial part in Liverpool’s subsequent Premier League and Champions League successes, but now the time may have come finally sign the Brazilian’s successor.

Liverpool struggled last season, relinquishing their top-flight title without a fight. And while their woes were largely down to a severe injury crisis, a huge drop-off in form from their attacking players also heavily contributed.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were way below their scintillating best in 2020/21, and Klopp didn’t have the strength in depth or the variety of options within his squad to change his team shape to alter the Anfield outfit’s fortunes.

The lack of a natural No.10 meant he had to stick with his usual 4-3-3 despite the Reds’ poor performances. However, Asensio’s arrival would provide a new element to the club’s forward line.

He burst onto the scene in Madrid following his arrival from boyhood club Mallorca, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young talents with a string of impressive performances.

Asensio’s outstanding displays caught the eye of several onlookers, including Madrid legend Guti.

“Asensio is a lot better player than I was. He has an unlimited ceiling, his head is very well furnished, and will depend on what he wants to do in the world of football. The future is in his feet,” said Guti.

A ruptured cruciate ligament in 2020 stunted the midfielder’s progress, though, limiting him to just 10 appearances throughout the 2019/20 campaign.

Nevertheless, he made a solid return to action last term, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 48 appearances, and at just 25, he still has plenty of time to fulfil his potential.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool follow up this reported interest in Asensio with a concrete offer, but he could provide the spark in the final third that the club have been desperately missing over the last 12 months, and Klopp should surely be contemplating making a move.

And, in other news…Liverpool handed boost in their pursuit of £27m-rated “machine”, Klopp would love him 

Football.london writer Sam Inkersole believes that Tammy Abraham would certainly bring something different to West Ham.

There has been much speculation about Abraham’s future this summer, with Football Insider reporting earlier this month that West Ham were in pole position to sign the striker, but now Arsenal appear to be leading the race, according to the Mirror.

David Moyes has made a striker one of his top priorities this window, with Inkersole believing that Tammy Abraham would bring the club something different up front, telling Football FanCast: “He would certainly bring them something different. If Abraham went there, he’s excellent at holding the ball up, he’s just not as mobile as you would perhaps like your striker to be. 

“I think he would suit West Ham’s playing style; I think with Declan Rice seeing a lot of the ball in that West Ham midfield and playing through the lines to Abraham, get him to hold the ball up and because they do like their wide players, Fornals, Jarred Bowen bringing them in, Said Benrahma I think’s going to have a big season next season as well, I think it would be a good move for the Hammers.”

With West Ham qualifying for the Europa League, David Moyes needs to increase the size of his squad in order to cope with the demand of having at least six extra fixtures to play.

If the Hammers do decide to go for Tammy Abraham, they will be getting a player who knows where the back of the net is, as he has goal-scoring pedigree in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Abraham featured 32 times in all competitions last season and helped himself to 12 goals in the process. This was a continuation of his goal scoring form the season prior, where he found the back of the net on 18 occasions in all competitions, including three in the Champions League.