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A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted that Kaide Gordon has signed a new deal with the Reds, tipping him for a bright future.

Mohamed Salah’s future has dominated much of the headlines of late, with the Egypt superstar still not signing a new contract at Anfield.

Away from the ‘Egyptian King’, however, some positive contract news emerged on Friday, with Gordon signing the first deal of his professional career, as confirmed by Liverpool’s official Twitter account.

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The 17-year-old is one of the most exciting young players at Anfield currently, making his debut in the 3-0 win at Norwich City in the Carabao Cup last month.

The hope is of course that Gordon is a future superstar at Liverpool and this news has to be considered extremely positive, as the Reds aim to continue battling for major trophies for many years to come.

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Liverpool fans react to Gordon news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react positively to the news.

“LET’S GOOOOOOO”

Credit: @MAFID0N

“Legend in the making, the kid has it all”

Credit: @NiHADlfc

“Great news. Big future”

Credit: @chrishlfc7

“OMGGGGG. The next starboy in our squad”

Credit: @Sarrvish

“This kid is special”

Credit: @JordanYap35

“Love to see this”

Credit: @Valiant_Virgil

In other news, some Liverpool fans have fumed about some fresh injury news. Read more here.

Liverpool could be set for a sizeable payday thanks to a clause inserted into the deal which took Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barca will be forced to pay Liverpool a €20m (£17.1m) bonus if the 29-year-old makes more than 100 appearances for the Catalan giants.

The Brazil international has played 90 games for the Camp Nou outfit since joining them from the Reds back in January 2018, meaning that Jurgen Klopp’s charges could receive a substantial windfall later in the season.

Jurgen Klopp will be absolutely delighted

During his time at Anfield, Coutinho bagged 54 goals and provided 45 assists in 201 appearances for the Reds after being brought to Merseyside by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

Things haven’t worked out for the South American at Barcelona, though. Following an underwhelming 18 months, the Blaugrana hierarchy shipped him out on loan to Bayern Munich for the 2019/20 season.

The Bundesliga champions saw improved performances from the technically gifted talent, with Coutinho bagging 11 goals and providing nine assists in 38 appearances for the club, helping them to secure the treble along the way.

However, upon his return to Barcelona, his poor luck returned. A serious knee injury ended his season in December after just 14 uninspiring appearances under Ronald Koeman, resulting in speculation that Coutinho could join the likes of Lionel Messi and Miralem Pjanic in walking out the exit door.

A departure didn’t materialise, though, so the former Liverpool ace is part of Koeman’s first-team squad for the current campaign and was on the bench for Barca’s 2-1 victory over Getafe last time out.

With the Anfield outfit known to be restricted in their attempts to sign another forward player and possibly an additional midfielder due to their limited budget over the summer, the addition of £17.1m would leave Klopp feeling delighted.

It would allow the German far more room to manoeuvre in the transfer market come January or next summer, and if he is able to secure a top target, then it would surely go down as another masterclass from director of football Michael Edwards.

In other news… Huge blow: Liverpool suffer setback ahead of Leeds clash, Klopp will be fuming 

Bruno Lage has had a difficult start to life at Wolverhampton Wanderers with his side winning just twice in all competitions since he took charge.

This was never going to be an overnight fix for the Portuguese but Wolves need to start picking up points and scoring goals sooner rather than later.

They have found the net just once via their own player in the league and they have only picked up three points so far.

However, they have an ideal opportunity to start finding some momentum against a Southampton side who have also endured mixed fortunes.

Wolves played well against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup a few days ago, holding them to a 2-2 draw before losing on penalties.

However, they should take a great deal of confidence from that, especially after their fringe players shone. With that in mind, will any of them make the starting XI on Sunday?

Here’s what we’re predicting…

We are tipping Lage to make seven changes from the team that lost to Spurs a few days ago.

Jose Sa resumes his duty in goal against the Saints after he was displaced by cup ‘keeper John Ruddy against Tottenham.

Yerson Mosquera and Rayan Ait-Nouri have been ruled out with injuries so Conor Coady comes back into the team while Marcal is brought back at left wing-back.

There is an alteration on the right as well where the dynamic Nelson Semedo replaces Ki-Jana Hoever.

Leander Dendoncker scored in midweek but drops out of the team with Joao Moutinho preferred in the middle of the park alongside Ruben Neves.

The most prominent changes come in attack where Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore are brought back ahead of Fabio Silva and Daniel Podence.

The £52k-per-week weapon is the club’s top scorer this term but has only played 47 minutes of league football so is unlikely to start.

That means there is a first Premier League start for Hwang Hee-chan following his loan move from RB Leipzig.

He’s been a vibrant threat for the Old Gold and remains the only player to find the back of the net in league action for them this season.

AND in other news, Bruno Lage could soon replicate one of Nuno’s big Wolves blunders from last season…

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an Arsenal transfer update on their pursuit of Real Madrid’s Martin Odegaard.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that the Gunners were lining up a swoop for Leicester City play-maker James Maddison, but it appears Mikel Arteta’s side have instead closed in on a deal for Odegaard.

On Twitter, Romano said: “Martin Ødegaard has always been Arsenal priority… and now the deal is set to be completed, confirmed! Talks at final stages and here-we-go soon! #AFC Ødegaard will re-join Arsenal on permanent deal. Fee to be decided in the next hours. Contract until June 2026.” 

Arsenal fans will be buzzing

While Odegaard may not have enjoyed an incredible loan spell at the Emirates last season, he did show enough to suggest that he could become a real star over a longer period for the Gunners.

As per WhoScored, the Norwegian averaged 1.4 key passes per game in the top-flight, which was the joint-highest of any Arsenal player last season along with Emile Smith Rowe.

Add to that, his 0.9 dribbles per match put him in the top five, while his impressive 90.9% pass accuracy was good enough to place him second in the Gunners’ entire squad.

Arteta himself meanwhile has been quick to rave about just how much he rates Odegaard, saying: “Well, he’s showing that I think from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.

“I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.”

Given the Gunners’ opening day defeat to Brentford in the Premier League, Romano’s news that the north Londoners are closing in on a deal for Odegaard is sure to have Arsenal fans buzzing.

They desperately need reinforcements in the final couple of weeks of the transfer window, and Odegaard’s imminent arrival is a great step in doing so.

Meanwhile, this Arsenal man was Mikel Arteta’s villain vs Brentford…

Crystal Palace target Odsonne Edouard would be a success in the Premier League, according to The Celtic Way reporter Anthony Haggerty.

Celtic striker Edouard is expected to leave the Scottish Premiership giants before the transfer window shuts next week and new Palace boss Patrick Vieira, who was appointed as Roy Hodgson’s successor last month, has taken an interest.

Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion, who reportedly lodged an £18million bid earlier this month, are also hoping to do business after Edouard entered the final 12 months of his contract at Celtic.

Edouard has been looking to leave Parkhead for some time, with the striker even changing agents earlier this year in the hope of completing a move.

The 23-year-old has scored 86 goals in 177 appearances for Celtic and has already found the back of the net three times this season.

With Palace yet to score a goal this term, Haggerty believes Edouard would turn the Eagles’ fortunes around.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “If you give the ball to Odsonne Edouard in front of goal, he will score. No doubt about it. He’s a sublimely talented footballer.

“He is France’s all-time top goalscorer for the under-21s as well, so he has talent. He might kick on again by getting the move he wants. A happy Odsonne Edouard is a very good footballer.”

Speaking to Football Insider, a ‘source with knowledge’ of Harry Kane’s situation has dropped a damning three-word claim on just how far he will go to secure a move away from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Kane in training hiatus…

Over the last two days, the superstar striker has failed to report for training in a statement move, with Sky Sports (via Football Daily) believing that he has showcased his frustration at not being allowed to leave this summer.

Fabrizio Romano says that the 28-year-old will return to training ‘later this week’ but his future is still unresolved as Spurs fans can expect discussions (Twitter).

The Latest: Kane source drops three-word claim…

In a possible blow for Spurs, a source with knowledge of Kane’s situation has come out with a three-word claim on just how far the England captain will go to secure an exit away from north London this summer.

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As per Football Insider, it is believed that the forward will do “whatever it takes” to seal his move and has told international colleague Jack Grealish that nothing will stop him leaving by August 31.

Kane also feels he has to ‘pull out all the stops’ if he wishes to potentially join the Aston Villa playmaker at the Etihad Stadium, with the 25-year-old reliably believed to be signing for Manchester City in a sensational £100m move barring any late twists (Fabrizio Romano).

The Verdict: Blow for Spurs?

New Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who is tasked with picking the club back up after a regretful spell under Jose Mourinho, would surely find life at Spurs unbelievably difficult in his first full season in charge without Kane.

While chairman Daniel Levy arguably holds all the cards as things stand, there have been suggestions that the forward could even lodge an official transfer request to get his wish to leave (The Independent).

This three-word claim that Kane will do ‘whatever it takes’ to secure a move away only backs claims of that nature and it could be a nervy few weeks ahead for Spurs before the transfer window’s closure.

In other news: ‘Excited’, ‘Huge coup’…Sky Sports pundit in awe of announcement at Tottenham, find out more here.

Southampton have been linked with a move for Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard recently and the Frenchman could be the Saints’ next Graziano Pelle should he complete a move to St Mary’s this summer.

What’s the word?

Following Danny Ings’ surprise move to Aston Villa earlier this month, Southampton have unsurprisingly been linked with a whole host of strikers.

The Athletic have claimed that Alexander Sorloth, Tammy Abraham, Adam Armstrong and Edouard are all names being considered by the Saints, although the fee involved for the Celtic striker could be a sticking point in any potential deal with the Hoops.

Southampton have enjoyed a lot of success in signing players from Celtic in the past, with Virgil van Dijk, Stuart Armstrong and Victor Wanyama notable examples, so perhaps they could turn to the Scottish side once again as they look to replace the talismanic Ings.

Southampton’s next Pelle?

Ralph Hasenhuttl needs someone who is capable of replacing the 35 Premier League goals Ings contributed for Southampton in the last two seasons, and if Edouard could replicate his form from Scotland in England, then he could be the ideal replacement.

The 23-year-old has managed an impressive 84 goals and 38 assists in 174 appearances for Celtic in his career thus far and is widely expected to leave Celtic Park this summer, so could be a stellar addition to Hasenhuttl’s squad.

It was suggested by Ally McCoist last year that Thierry Henry is a big fan of Edouard and feels he has what it takes to reach the top and given his huge success in the Premier League with Arsenal in the past, Southampton should perhaps take his praise seriously and bring the Celtic man to St Mary’s.

If he were to join, Edouard could perform a similar role to Pelle, who contributed 30 goals and 10 assists in 80 appearances for Southampton between 2014 and 2016.

Since his departure, Southampton have lacked a natural target man, with Hasenhuttl seemingly preferring smaller, more agile strikers in his 4-2-2-2 system.

However, now that Ings has left, it gives the Austrian manager the opportunity to re-think his attack ahead of the new season, and Edouard could provide a very different option to the attacking players currently in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely consider a move for the £15.3m-rated forward this summer.

And, in other news… Tom Leach shares exciting Southampton transfer news, fans will be buzzing

Evening Standard journalist Jack Rosser says West Ham United are not willing to meet West Bromwich Albion’s demands for Sam Johnstone.

Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League, England international goalkeeper Johnstone was one of the Baggies’ leading lights and made 37 appearances.

Thanks to his impressive performances between the sticks, new West Brom head coach Valerien Ismael has conceded he expects to be without Johnstone when the Championship campaign gets underway next month.

West Ham reportedly saw a £6million bid for the 6 ft 4 stopper rejected last week, while The Athletic has revealed his current employers rate him at double that value.

Hammers boss David Moyes also holds an interest in Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who suffered relegation during a loan spell with Fulham despite some inspired displays last season.

West Ham are keen to welcome a new shot-stopper to the London Stadium as Lukasz Fabianski has entered the final 12 months of his £65,000-per-week contract.

But Rosser reckons West Brom may have priced Johnstone, who was in England’s Euro 2020 squad, out of a switch to east London.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Rosser said: “Sam Johnstone is someone they like but I think they don’t want to pay over the odds for him.

“With Fabianski still being able to be the number one, it’s not a priority.”

Aston Villa are now eyeing a swoop for Oxford United goalkeeper Jack Stevens in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Having waved goodbye to Tom Heaton earlier this summer – the 35-year-old made his return to former club Manchester United – Dean Smith’s side are light on goalkeeping options, especially with Lovre Kalinic once again heading out on loan for the season.

And, according to The Sun on Sunday (July 25, p62) via (Football League World), the Midlands club are interested in signing Stevens.

The report adds that Villa were initially keen on landing Paulo Gazzaniga, but following his move to Fulham, they have now turned their attentions towards the 23-year-old Stevens.

Dean Smith will be delighted

After completing deals for Emi Buendia and Ashley Young, Stevens’ arrival would be Villa’s third in terms of first-team squad acquisitions and could prove to be a very shrewd one.

With Emi Martinez firmly established as the club’s number one shot-stopper for next season, and the years beyond really, bringing in a number two who is comfortable in that role is paramount.

And in Stevens, they would be getting someone who has already earned rave reviews for his performances, and at just 23, still has plenty of time to grow himself.

His manager at Oxford, Karl Robinson, has waxed lyrical about his displays this calendar year, and after seeing him make a late penalty save to clinch a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Charlton, he said: “Seeing it again, it’s an even better penalty save than I first thought. Jack’s riding a perfect wave at the moment, and is part of a group that is making us a very competitive team.”

The 6 foot 2 titan would arrive at Villa Park as Martinez’s understudy and ensure that Smith has adequate cover in the goalkeeping positions ahead of the new Premier League season next month.

The Villa boss will be delighted with the news the club are quickly addressing their need for a new back-up goalkeeper this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing this Brazilian ace…

Fulham will be keen to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, whilst under the management of newly-appointed boss Marco Silva.

The Cottagers were promoted into the top-flight in the 2019/20 season, after beating Brentford in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

But their stay in the Premier League was a brief one once again, as they finished 18th in the top-flight standings under the watchful eye of Scott Parker.

Parker has since left the club in favour of a move to fellow Championship side AFC Bournemouth, and the Craven Cottage faithful will be keen to see their side have no trouble in their efforts in attempted to return to the Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign.

Fulham are set to take on Middlesbrough in their season opener on Sunday 8th August, in what could potentially be a tricky test for Silva’s side.

Before that game takes place though, Silva will be looking to add to his squad, as they look to adjust to life back in the second tier of English football.

One player that has already been linked with a move to Craven Cottage is defender Kean Bryan, who is currently a free agent after his time with Sheffield United reached a conclusion at the end of June.

But Fulham face tough competition to land Bryan’s signature, with Watford and West Brom also believed to be keen on finalising a deal to sign the 24-year-old.

Bryan made 15 appearances in total for the Blades, although his efforts weren’t enough, as they joined Fulham in being relegated into the Championship in the 2020/21 season.

Praise from pundit

Speaking in an interview with West Brom News, former Baggies striker Kevin Phillips felt as though Bryan has been ‘fairly solid’ in his time with Sheffield United.

“I don’t know too much about him but from what I have seen, he’s fairly solid. He could fit quite nicely into the defence.”

It remains to be seen as to which club is leading the race to sign the defender, but Fulham should be looking to do all they can to strike an agreement with Bryan in the near future.

Age is on Bryan’s side

At the age of 24, Bryan is likely to still have his best years ahead of him, and he could be a shrewd signing by Marco Silva’s side, especially if he can hit the ground running and play his part in Fulham’s bid for promotion this term.

Being on the books with Manchester City doesn’t just happen by chance, and it says a lot about his ability and potential to go further moving forwards.

He’s shown that he can perform to a relatively high standard whilst with Sheffield United in the Premier League, having made 13 appearances for the Blades, and on a free transfer, you have to feel as though this could be a great investment in the long-term for Fulham.

Bryan could be a great early addition to Silva’s squad if Fulham can get a deal done.