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Carlton Palmer has offered his thoughts on what Crystal Palace should do at the end of Conor Gallagher’s loan spell with the club.

What’s the talk?

Former Premier League player Carlton Palmer has urged Crystal Palace to look into a permanent deal for on-loan midfielder Conor Gallagher.

When asked whether or not Palace should be trying to sign him at the end of his temporary spell, he told the Transfer Tavern:

“Yeah, obviously he’s doing well, you know where Palace are. There’s no hiding about where Palace are, their recruitment has to be smart, they haven’t got the biggest budget in the world and so your basis has got to be around good young players.”

Fans would love it

Steve Parish must look to get a 2022 agreement sealed for Gallagher to keep him at Selhurst Park in the long-term. Whether it comes in the January window or next summer, Palace fans could love it as he could be a terrific investment by the club, one to help them continue the transition from an ageing team into a younger, more vibrant side.

Scott Dann (34) and Gary Cahill (35) were replaced by Joachim Andersen (25) and Marc Guehi (21), whilst Andros Townsend (30) was replaced by Michael Olise (19). This suggests that Patrick Vieira is attempting to bring down the average age of the squad, which bringing 21-year-old Gallagher back for the 2022/23 campaign and beyond would contribute to.

The youngster already has Premier League experience under his belt. He played 30 games on loan at West Brom last season as they were relegated from the top-flight, with Gallagher averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.63 as he scored two and assisted two goals for the Baggies.

Earlier in his career, Gallagher was praised by Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews, who said that he has a “fantastic engine” and compared him to the likes of Lee Bowyer and Frank Lampard.

He said: “But the one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

Now he has started his Palace loan career in stunning form. He scored both goals in the 2-2 draw with West Ham at the weekend and has averaged a WhoScored rating of 8.09 over two matches. The dynamo has won five tackles, two interceptions, four aerial battles and made four clearances, to show that he can defend his own box whilst also being able to break into the opposition’s to score.

This is why fans will be over the moon if Parish is able to strike a permanent deal for Gallagher in 2022. It is now down to the Palace chief to make sure he can get a move over the line.

In other news, Crystal Palace have backed away from a deal to sign star forward…

Fulham failed with a deadline day move to bring Jonjoe Kenny to Craven Cottage.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Liverpool Echo, who claim that Marco Silva made a last-minute enquiry regarding the possibility of signing the Everton right-back.

However, the report continues to state that, despite the 24-year-old having been available for loan and transfer for the past three seasons, Rafael Benitez rejected Fulham’s approach for the defender as the Spaniard could not find a replacement for the former England U21 international.

Silva surely fuming

While Silva is not particularly short of options at right-back, with Steven Sessegnon, Cyrus Christie and Denis Odoi all currently available for selection in the position, the injury to Kenny Tete has left the 44-year-old manager without an out and out first-choice on the right-hand side of his defence.

And, considering how highly Kenny impressed while on loan at Celtic last season, it is clear to see why the Fulham boss was keen on a move for the 24-year-old, and why missing out on his signing would have left the Portuguese manager fuming.

Indeed, over his 14 Scottish Premiership appearances for the Bhoys last season, the £5.22m-rated man helped his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.9 tackles, 1.3 clearances and winning 4.2 duels per game.

The defender also impressed for Celtic in a creative capacity, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 1.4 key passes per league fixture.

These returns saw the man Everton insiders dubbed a “reliable” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as the club’s eighth-best performer in the top flight of Scottish football.

As such, it is clear to see that Kenny would have made a fine addition to the Fulham squad, as the Everton full-back would have provided Silva with further depth to an already impressive Cottagers backline – which has played a major role in helping their side sit atop the Championship table after five games played.

In other news: Report sheds light on Fulham deadline day disaster, Silva could’ve made a big mistake

Rob Newman has finally started his new role as West Ham’s head of recruitment and an exciting claim has emerged from behind-the-scenes at Rush Green…

What’s the word?

ExWHUemployee told ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast this week that the former Manchester City talent-spotter is effectively replacing David Sullivan when it comes to transfers, whilst the 57-year-old is already getting to work around the east London club.

“He has already started watching the academy under 23s and under 18s games, so he’s already started to get involved as such with West Ham before resuming his full-time role with us.

“It will be interesting to see what an impact he has because potentially this summer window was the last time David Sullivan would be the head of recruitment, so to speak, and Rob Newman is very highly rated.

“Apparently he speaks a number of languages quite fluently. [He ]did a very good job at Man City – he is highly rated at that level. In terms of new signings, of course they were going to wait until he was in and make sure he is on board before they start to sign people.”

An encouraging sign

This latest development from Ex should leave plenty around the London Stadium absolutely buzzing as it seems as if there are exciting times ahead.

Newman was heavily involved in City’s recruitment over the years, having first joined them in 2008.

During his time there, he was partly responsible for finding young talent that had the potential of being sold for much more later down the line.

For example, he helped spot the likes of Brahim Diaz, Angelino and Pablo Maffeo, who were signed for a combined £200k. They were all sold for a combined total of £40m, as per The Athletic.

The former Norwich City defender also helped secure Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao back in 2018.

This is something that Moyes wants to make happen at West Ham and Newman’s arrival will help the Scotsman do that tenfold.

The Irons have often been too reliant on Sullivan and his ‘preferred’ agents, such as Will Salthouse who has no fewer than six first-teamers on his books, but this move largely puts a stop to that.

“I want to get us a state-of-the-art recruitment department for the future which we can look to use,” Moyes said shortly before last year’s January transfer window. “We are undoubtedly behind, I would argue, probably every other club in that area. But it’s something I will fix, it’s something I want to get in place better.”

Again, Newman’s arrival helps this. And he’s already attending the club’s youth matches to get involved early and spot where they may need additions or even see who could be the next Declan Rice.

Now that he’s through the door, proper preparations for the winter transfer window can begin and after signing players like Kurt Zouma, Said Benrahma and Tomas Soucek in recent windows, it is certainly an encouraging time to be a Hammers fan.

The London Stadium faithful must be buzzing by this latest claim.

AND in other news, West Ham source reveals worrying Rush Green development, it’ll leave fans furious…

Dean Windass has virtually ruled out Gareth Bale returning to Tottenham for a third time.

The Welshman made a sensational return to north London on a season-long loan spell last summer after being forced out due to his toxic relationship Zinedine Zidane.

Bale hardly featured during the first half of the campaign, but his blistering goalscoring form from February onwards led to the possibility of a third return.

However, Zidane left Real Madrid and the end of last season and was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti, the man who signed Bale from Tottenham back in 2013, which appeared to end any possibility of the 32-year-old re-joining.

Bale was asked about his future by Sky Sports on the final day of the Premier League season, but revealed that his answer would cause chaos and said he would wait until after the Euro’s.

However, Bale hasn’t touched on his Madrid future since Wales were knocked out by Denmark in the last 16, although the fact he’s already featured in pre-season would suggest he’s remaining with the Spanish giants for the final year of his deal.

Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think with Zidane leaving, that’ll be a relief for Gareth. He’s got a new manager, it’s a fresh slate. The only unhappiness was him and Zidane.

“He’s clearly happy living there, because he’s always dug his heels in, I can only see Gareth Bale staying another two years and then retiring. I can’t see him going back to Tottenham, not in a breath.”

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered an exciting update on where things stand with Leeds United’s pursuit of Kristoffer Klaesson.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days from Football Insider had claimed that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are in advanced talks with Valerenga over bringing the 20-year-old goalkeeper to Elland Road.

They claimed that a Leeds source has revealed: “Klaesson is now the top keeper target and discussions are progressing well over a potential deal. The Premier League outfit have offered a contract to the Valerenga number one and a deal is edging closer.

“Leeds have already applied for a work permit for the youngster, who is not yet a full Norway international. However, he has represented his country all the way through the age groups up to Under-21 level and United are confident of their application being successful.”

Now, writing on Twitter, Hay said: “Kristoffer Klaesson poised to fly to England for a medical next week. Leeds United getting close to wrapping up a deal for the Valerenga goalkeeper.”

Fans will be excited

While Klaesson is unlikely to make too many waves next season given that Illan Meslier is firmly established as the club’s number one goalkeeper, he’s yet another potential signing who very much has the best years ahead of him.

The likes of Amari Miller and Lewis Bate have already arrived to bolster Mark Jackson’s under-23s side, while Junior Firpo, who was brought in from Barcelona, is only 24.

Klaesson is likely to find himself as Meslier’s backup but could potentially grow behind the Frenchman as an eventual successor to the former Lorient man if clubs like PSG circle once again – it was claimed in recent weeks and months that the Paris giants are keen on taking the 21-year-old back to his native France.

Klaesson would represent a seamless transition into the number one slot if that ever happens, and once he’s fully acclimatised to life in England, he’ll surely back himself to compete with Meslier and overtake him on his own merits as well.

Leeds fans will no doubt be excited at the prospect of another talented young gem joining the ranks at Elland Road ahead of the new Premier League season next month.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign their new Pablo Hernandez in this star…

Celtic could look to sign Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers on loan with an option to buy, according to The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers profiled

Carter-Vickers has been linked with a move to Parkhead for some time now.

The 23-year-old, primarily a centre-back who can also play at right-back, has less than 12 months remaining on his Spurs contract. He’s had six separate loan spells away from Tottenham, one of which was with Luton Town, where then-team-mate Sonny Bradley described Carter-Vickers’ as ‘fantastic’.

The USA international has made just four appearances for Tottenham, and it seems as if he could be on the move yet again.

The Latest: Loan to buy?

The Daily Record’s live transfer blog on Monday (22:43) shared some interesting news on Celtic’s interest in Carter-Vickers.

They suggested that Carter-Vickers would want to leave on a permanent basis, if he does indeed depart north London this summer.

However, Celtic are thought to be exploring a loan with a possibility to buy for £5m, with The Daily Record believing that is a ‘live option’.

The Verdict: Could be Celtic’s biggest signing of the summer

It appears as if the Hoops are looking at a potential loan with an option to make it permanent next year.

However, should Celtic decide to sign Carter-Vickers this summer on a permanent basis instead, he seems likely to be the club’s most expensive addition of the window due to Spurs’ £5m valuation, surpassing a £4.86m deal for Kyogo Furuhashi.

It appears as if a deal for the American should be one to keep a close eye on, especially as Celtic are short of senior centre-back options following Kristoffer Ajer’s exit and Christopher Jullien’s injury and hence could look to push through a deal relatively quickly.

In other news: Wednesday medical – ‘Excellent’ Celtic ace now set to leave after recent development.

Reliable reporter Kieran Devlin confirmed on Wednesday evening that Celtic are in discussions for VVV-Venlo striker Georgios Giakoumakis.

The Lowdown: Tuesday rumours

Reports on Tuesday linked Celtic with a move for Giakoumakis, suggesting a figure of £2.5m would be enough to take him from the Eredivisie.

Giakoumakis, on just €750-a-week (£639), has just come off the best goalscoring season of his career, netting 26 league goals in 30 appearances.

Ange Postecoglou has personally called the 26-year-old over a potential Parkhead move, and Devlin had his say on the links prior to Celtic’s 2-0 win over AZ Alkmaar.

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The Latest: Devlin confirmation

Devlin, Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, ran a Q&A with supporters on Wednesday, where he admitted Josip Juranovic and Liam Scales are pending incomings at Celtic Park.

He was also asked about the links to Giakoumakis, stating Celtic are in discussions for the Greece international.

“There’s definitely truth to them, club are in discussions as far as I’m aware. Think it’s interesting (but welcome!) that the club have gone from two weeks of only seriously pursuing loan deals to looking to spend money again.”

The Verdict: Edouard future to be resolved first?

You’d expect that a possible move for Giakoumakis could be with a view of replacing Odsonne Edouard.

The French forward has been working on a Parkhead exit since his move to Leicester City collapsed, however, he is holding out for £85,000-a-week at any new club.

His situation may need to be resolved one way or the other, ideally quickly, before the club either firm up their interest or pull out of talks for Giakoumakis, but it’s good to see the Hoops are touching base over a move for a free-scoring forward.

In other news: ‘I’m told’ – Anthony Joseph’s negative Celtic transfer update. 

Michael Ball thinks it would be the ‘perfect time’ for Manchester City to sign Yves Bissouma.

The central midfielder starred for Brighton & Hove Albion last season, making 39 appearances as the Seagulls steered clear of the Premier League drop zone.

Bissouma, 24, joined Brighton from French outfit Lille in 2018 and still has two years remaining on his £25,000-per-week contract.

While that means Graham Potter’s side are not in a position where they need to sell, a tweet from Blue Moon earlier this month suggest Bissouma would be excited at the prospect of a move to the Etihad Stadium, having been reported as a target for Pep Guardiola in May.

Although 36-year-old Fernandinho has signed a new one-year contract, it appears likely that next season will be his last at City.

Ilkay Gundogan is also 30, along with Kevin De Bruyne, so boss Pep Guardiola is keen to welcome younger additions to the squad.

Former City left-back Ball feels Bissouma would flourish at the heart of the Premier League champions’ midfield in the years to come.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “I think it could be a clever move by Manchester City.

“He’s 24 and had a fantastic year at Brighton. City have got a couple of ageing midfielders and it could be the perfect time for City to bring him in so he can get used to the club.

“Manchester City could bring him in now for the future.”

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has described Marcelo Bielsa as ‘incredible’, following a revelation which sums up his dedication at Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Bielsa transforms Leeds

The 65-year-old has arguably been the most influential figure at Elland Road for many years, transforming the Whites’ fortunes and guiding them back into the Premier League.

Bielsa has got Leeds playing some of the most entertaining football in the club’s history and his down-to-earth nature means he is adored by supporters – he recently stopped by a local youth team for an impromptu coaching session.

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The Latest: McLeish hails ‘incredible’ Argentine

It has now emerged that the Argentine hasn’t even taken a summer holiday after a gruelling season, instead overseeing upgrades being made at Thorp Arch.

Speaking to Football Insider after that news, McLeish waxed lyrical over Bielsa, lauding his all-round brilliance:

“The guy just lives and breathes football, doesn’t he? The Leeds fans adore him. It would be like losing a family member if he was to leave Leeds.

“That is why they are acquiescing to a lot of his visions for the club. A pure football genius. He’s an incredible man in terms of the nature he goes about things.

“He is certainly an awesome coach when you consider the improvement to the many teams he’s been at.”

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The Verdict: Please stay, Marcelo

This story perfectly sums up Bielsa’s remarkable work ethic and obsession with football, highlighting why Leeds need him to stay on for as long as possible.

He is a truly an enchanting character, much in the way Jurgen Klopp is at Liverpool, and it will be a desperately sad day when he eventually leaves the club.

The hope is that is still a long way away, however, with a new deal potentially being signed imminently.

In other news, a pundit has revealed who he thinks would be a perfect fit at Leeds this summer. Find out who it is here.

The Athletic have dropped an update regarding West Ham’s pursuit of Genk striker Paul Onuachu…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, the Irons are one of the Premier League clubs interested in a deal to sign the 27-year-old this summer. The report claims that Watford, Arsenal and the Hammers have all looked at the attacker as a potential target ahead of next season.

Genk are demanding a fee of £20m for their top scorer and this has put Watford off as they may not have the funds to facilitate such a transfer following their promotion back to the Premier League, handing a boost to West Ham’s hopes of signing him.

Fans will be buzzing

West Ham fans will surely be buzzing with this news. For starters, the update has seemingly ruled out Watford as serious contenders for his signature as they do not have the financial muscle to compete with the Hammers or Arsenal in a straight transfer shootout. This means that David Moyes could have a greater chance of being able to sign the attacker to bolster his squad.

The injury-prone Michail Antonio has been the club’s top scorer in each of the past two seasons with 10 goals in the Premier League. This suggests that there is room in West Ham’s squad for a prolific goalscorer to come in and be the main source of goals in the top flight, which is where Onuachu could come in useful.

Former England international John Fashanu hailed the Nigerian forward as a “goal king” earlier this year and said that he is proving to people that he is a number one option at the top end of the pitch.

He told The Punch, via Goal.com: “I remember when I said he was a great player and that he was the player that we needed and now I was right. I think everybody else has seen how football has to be understood at the right level.

“I want to tell Onuachu well done and a big congratulation because he has proved to everybody that he is still number one and indeed a goal king.

“Let’s just try to say we are not trying to prove anybody wrong but that we can have a successful team with the right players.”

This shows how highly Onuachu is regarded as a goalscorer. His record for Genk in Belgium is outstanding, with 45 goals and seven assists in 69 competitive games for the club, including 29 goals in 33 league matches during the 2020/21 campaign.

Therefore, he could be a sublime signing for the Hammers and hopefully become the potent starting striker they are currently lacking, which is why their fans would surely be buzzing to see him come through the door at the London Stadium.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Soucek: West Ham must seal swoop for £17m maestro, Moyes needs him…