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Huddersfield midfielder Juninho Bacuna only signed fresh terms with the club in May, but Football FanCast’s EFL spy reckons has suggested that Fulham sign him this summer.

The Dutchman was out of contract at the end of last season but exercised the option to extend his deal for an additional 12 months.

Bacuna has been with the Yorkshire outfit since joining in January 2019, the campaign when they were relegated back to the Championship.

And the tough-tackling midfielder man has returned impressive numbers in the second-tier – scoring 11 times and adding nine assists in 81 appearances having been a regular for Huddersfield across the last two years.

The 23-year-old is predominantly a central midfielder, but offers more versatility than most, having played in a crazy number of different positions last season, including right-back and centre-forward.

With that in mind, when asked whether he could be a potential addition for Marco Silva’s Fulham outfit, the EFL insider exclusively told FFC:

“He’s an industrious midfielder who was one of Huddersfield’s better players last year.

“He’s a tackler when needed but gets into good positions also, and helps set up breaks and counters.”

A number of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to more details on Lucien Favre’s proposed move to Selhurst Park provided by Michael Bridge.

It emerged on Wednesday evening that Favre has agreed to take over at Palace and become Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor.

Favre is now waiting to be awarded a work permit to manage in England, a complicated process that is already underway.

Sky Sports reporter Bridge reiterated on Twitter that talks between Favre and the Eagles went ‘very well’, adding that discussions regarding the players from the academy have also gone well.

The likes of Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and David Omilabu were two standout players from the club’s academy to sign professional deals last season, and it seems as if Favre likes what he sees in the club’s youth ranks.

Palace fans react

Bridge’s social media post received plenty of interaction from Palace supporters, with the majority excited about the pending appointment and mention of academy talks.

“We love you Bridgey and you know it!!”Credit: @kevintasteph”Inject it”Credit: @NAL_UK”Hello.”Credit: @ohjoewalker”Lucien Favre is excited to work at palace and likes our academy If we pull this off I won’t doubt anything again”Credit: @ReeceJMT”Okay, now might be the time to start to get slightly excited.”Credit: @palacecarlton”Let’s goooo”Credit: @Adam_Palace

In other news: ‘Please admin’ – Many CPFC fans think £67k-p/w ace may stay after club tweet, find out more here.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman could hit the jackpot with a deal for Wolves centre-back Dion Sanderson as he prepares to table an opening offer for the 21-year-old.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Speakman is preparing to make a bid for Sanderson following the end of his loan spell at the Stadium of Light. Speakman wants to bring Sanderson back for a second season in League One and is ready to test the water with an opening salvo. Sunderland are hoping that the relationships built with Sanderson inside the club will be enough to convince him to make the switch.

The report claims that a number of clubs are tracking Sanderson, with Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield and Sheffield United named as some of the teams interested in the centre-back – who has one year left on his contract at Wolves. The Premier League side, Wolves, are open to selling Sanderson and would like a fee in the region of £2m for the 21-year-old defender.

After an impressive performance against Crewe earlier this season, Sunderland boss Lee Johnson hailed Sanderson as a “Rolls-Royce” of a defender. He told The Chronicle:

“He was the one that was kind of a shining light in terms of the defensive performance.

“That can be clouded sometimes by the team [performance] because individually he has done alright. I think that’s where it starts for all of us – make sure you are a leader for at least two people.

“If you’re playing at centre-back, then look after a central midfielder, the other centre-half, and maybe the right-back. If you look after those, it switches you on and helps you to focus and concentrate.”

“He’s a centre-half and at his age level he is an absolute Rolls-Royce.”

Jackpot

The £135k-rated beast showed maturity beyond his years during his loan spell with the club and clearly impressed enough for the higher-ups at Sunderland to want to snap him up permanently. Sanderson only turned 21 in December of 2020 and his performances for the club suggest that he could have a very bright future ahead of him, as he has been able to catch the eye at League One level, despite this young age.

In 26 League One appearances for Sunderland, Sanderson averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 6.72. However, his overall rating is marred by seven substitute appearances dragging it down, as his displays whilst starting were where the eye-catching statistics came from. Sanderson averaged a score of 6.87 in two games at fullback – playing right-back and left-back – and averaged a score of 6.88 in 17 starts at centre-back for the Black Cats.

His age and his performances for Sunderland during the 2020/21 campaign mean that Speakman could be hitting the jackpot if he brings him in on a permanent deal. Lee Johnson could have the chance to coach the “Rolls-Royce” into developing further as a player and that could then open the door to Sunderland selling him on for greater profit in the future.

Take a club like Norwich, for example, who signed James Maddison and Ben Godfrey in 2016 for similar fees to the one it could take to sign Sanderson. They later sold Maddison for £24m to Leicester and Godfrey for £30m to Everton. Bringing Sanderson in for just £2m could result in a huge payday for the club down the line if they are able to handle his progress in the right way and nurture him into becoming a top player.

AND in other news, fans should be delighted as £4k-p/w beast has been backed to sign a new deal

Leeds United are eyeing a move for Croatia international Borna Barisic in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

With Gjanni Alioski’s long-term future not yet secure – the latest report has suggested the Whites are keen on tying him down to a new deal at the Premier League club – it’s no surprise that Bielsa’s side are keen on landing a new first-team left-back.

And now, according to Football Insider, Victor Orta is plotting a move for Barisic this summer as he looks to strengthen Bielsa’s options in that left-back position.

The report claims that “the Yorkshire giants have made a new senior left-sided defender a priority in the summer window”, and that “international broker Simon Conning has been mandated to sound out interest in Barisic”.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Hailed as “outstanding” by Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, the man with 56 career assists to his name appears to be the perfect attack-minded left-back that Bielsa would want at Elland Road.

Last season saw him deliver a whopping 14 assists in all competitions, providing a real threat down the left-hand side and coming up with some real telling contributions in the big games – in Rangers’ Europa League run, the Croatian scored three times and provided another three assists too.

The man who signed him for his former club, Osijek, Zoran Zekic, said: “We used to make a made a plan for every game and every game we made that plan 90 per cent around playing it to Borna Barisic. He is technically good, understands football, his timing is very good too and he has great crossing ability. He played maybe 45 games in the season and for 40 of them he was the best player.”

The fact that a left-back was a mahjor part of his team’s game-plan is a major statement on just how influential he can be, and is surely another big reason why Bielsa will be excited at the prospect of managing him at Elland Road.

In comparison, Alioski managed just two goals and three assists in the Premier League last season despite playing 36 games at both left-back and even further forward as a left-winger too – a measly return when compared to Barisic, and the kind of offensive football Bielsa’s side like to play.

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A swoop for Barisic would be an exciting one given his current attacking exploits, and it is one that should have Bielsa absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing a reunion with this Leeds United hero…

Lee Ryder has dropped some potential timeframes on both Newcastle United takeover cases against the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Ashley vs Premier League

Mike Ashley has launched two separate claims against the English top flight over the failed deal between him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

One is the arbitration case, which is set to take place over the coming months, and there is also the Competition Appeals Tribunal (CAT) claim over the Premier League’s decision-making process regarding the failed takeover bid.

The Latest: Potential timeframes

Writing in a Q&A session for The Chronicle, football journalist and takeover follower Ryder has shared that the arbitration hearing, which is set to take place in July, could take three weeks to yield a result.

He also outlined that the separate anti-competition claim could take up to nine months for an outcome.

The Verdict: Arbitration key

Newcastle will certainly not want to come out of the arbitration proceedings with a negative result, as it means that they may have to rely upon the CAT claim, which would take much longer to find an outcome.

The timing of arbitration is not ideal either, given that the summer transfer window has already begun and the new 2021/22 season is set to start in August.

Nonetheless, a positive result could speed up the takeover process, which would be the best outcome for the Tyneside club as they look to go into the new campaign as best prepared as possible.

In other news, find out what FFP claim has been dropped on the potential takeover

Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in signing Xherdan Shaqiri this summer, as his Liverpool career slowly reaches its conclusion.

The Lowdown: Peripheral figure for Reds

The Swiss playmaker has had a curious Reds career, in many ways, never really becoming a regular starter and seeing injuries disrupt his progress.

That being said, Shaqiri has still scored eight goals and registered nine assists, famously netting twice in a 3-1 win over Manchester United in 2018/19.

The forward’s current Liverpool deal doesn’t expire until 2023, but it seems he is set to leave and begin the next chapter in his career this summer.

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The Latest: Fenerbahce eye up Shaqiri move

According to Sabah [via Sport Witness], Fenerbahce have offered to sign Shaqiri on loan, with an obligation to buying him further down the line.

The 29-year-old is keen to leave Liverpool, and the Premier League in general, asking his agent to sort him a move elsewhere.

The Reds are believed to want €7million (£6m) for Shaqiri, who hasn’t started a game since the 1-0 defeat at home to Fulham in early March.

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The Verdict: Good for all parties

It is time for Shaqiri to leave Liverpool, with Harvey Elliott potentially coming in to take his position as a back-up creative forward next season, following an excellent season on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

There is no denying the Switzerland international’s quality as a player – he has been hailed as ‘incredible’ by James Pearce in the past – but his lack of availability is an issue.

Liverpool will be keen to receive a healthy fee for Shaqiri as soon as possible, so a permanent exit may appeal to them more than a temporary one.

Whatever happens, it would be better for the Reds and Shaqiri if he was plying his trade away from Anfield next season.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to sign a hugely exciting Premier League player this summer. Find out who it is here.

During the first half of Tottenham Hotspur’s encounter with Leeds United at Elland Road, many Lilywhites supporters have slammed the first half display of Sergio Reguilon following his contribution to the home side’s opening goal.

The Spaniard was handed another start in a back four alongside the likes of Serge Aurier, Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier – and it’s safe to say supporters aren’t impressed with his first half showing.

Among the lowest-rated players on SofaScore, the 2020 Spurs summer signing played a heavy hand in Leeds’ first half goal which opened the scoring in Yorkshire.

Indeed, the 24-year-old almost scored an own goal only for keeper Hugo Lloris to somehow keep it out.

Regardless, the left-back wasn’t watching Stuart Dallas for the rebound who proceeded to smash home the loose ball.

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Following this crucial moment in the first 45 minutes, many Lilywhites supporters were livid – find all of their verdicts on the defender’s first half from Twitter down below.

Tottenham fans hammer Reguilon

“REGUILON HAS BEEN AWFUL RECENTLY”

Credit: @xstarboyspurs

“We got duped with reguilon he is shocking”

Credit: @DavidWi54260417

“reguilon is a fraud”

Credit: @Ay7evn

“SELLL REGUILÓN”

Credit: @thfcVC

“reguilon has been awful since coming back from injury, just ain’t the same”

Credit: @thfcluca_

“Reguilon has been really poor recently”

Credit: @HugoTHFC

“Reguilon is a bit of a liability. Let’s just hope his attacking ability compensates enough…”

Credit: @gserji22

“Reguilon isn’t very good is he”

Credit: @Dazzathfc1882

In other news: Spurs keen to sell this 66-cap ace, find out more here.

Carlton Palmer has exclusively told Football FanCast that it would be unfair to pin West Brom’s relegation on Callum Robinson.

Robinson joined permanently last summer following a successful loan spell in the Baggies’ promotion winning campaign 12 months ago.

The striker scored three times in 16 Championship appearances to help West Brom make an instant return, but has struggled to cope with the step up in quality this time around.

Robinson has netted in just three games this season, although that does include two braces against Chelsea.

Only Matheus Pereira (11) has scored more than the Republic of Ireland international, but his five goals in 27 Premier League outings weren’t enough to save Sam Allardyce from suffering a first ever relegation as a manager, which was confirmed following their defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.

But whilst Robinson was signed for a seven-figure fee believed to be around £4.95m, Palmer doesn’t think he should take more of the blame than his teammates.

Asked whether he had potentially let West Brom down, he told Football FanCast:

“When you get relegated, there’s a reason why you get relegated.

“There’s a reason why it’s called a team – it’s not one person’s fault. To blame it on one player is unfair.

“Some players when the team is not going well, struggle to find their best. I think that’s a bit unfair criticism.”

Rangers’ hopes of signing Ryan Gauld this summer have taken a blow after it was revealed that SC Farense have triggered an extension to his contract, meaning that Steven Gerrard will no longer be able to bring him to Ibrox on a free transfer.

The former Dundee United man has been linked with a move to Rangers in recent weeks and it had seemed as if he would be available on a free transfer, as his contract was set to expire in the summer.

However, Portuguese news outlet O Jogo have now revealed that Farense have taken up their option of extending his contract by another year and will only let him go for €4m (£3.5m) this summer.

It is no surprise that the Lions of Faro are keen to receive a fee for the 25-year-old, although they will perhaps be resigned to seeing him leave following their relegation from the Portuguese top flight, especially with a number of Premier League and Championship clubs also reportedly showing an interest.

Despite his price tag, which would likely make him the third-most-expensive signing of the Gerrard era at Rangers behind Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe, his performances in recent seasons certainly suggest that this would be a deal worth doing for Ross Wilson this summer.

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Farenese’s former manager Sergio Vieira was full of praise for Gauld last season, saying: “He has given us fantastic individual quality, played most of every 90 minutes and has been crucial in contributing with assists and goals.

“He’s a great player, technically very developed and, with the ball at his feet, capable of realising actions that only the best players do.”

Gauld contributed an impressive nine goals and seven assists in 33 league appearances this season and has averaged a solid 7.19 rating from WhoScored, which certainly suggests that he could be a stellar addition to Gerrard’s side ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.

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Therefore, despite this setback, Wilson should definitely act quickly if he wants to bring Gauld to Ibrox this summer.

In other news… Gerrard dealt Rangers blow with “very dangerous” 32-goal beast, time is running out

Liam Kennedy has dropped a definitive answer on what relegation would mean for the potential takeover of Newcastle United involving Mike Ashley.

Writing in his latest piece for The Shields Gazette, the football journalist has claimed that potentially being relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship at the end of the 2020/21 term is ‘massive’ and that the proposed deal between Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group ‘dies with relegation’.

He added that ‘things become too complicated’ if the St. James’ Park faithful were to find themselves facing the drop, and he does not think that Ashley would sell the North East club at a Championship price.

Kennedy also believes that the potential buyers would not want to pay a premium sum if the Tyneside club were in a lower division, meaning that there would be ‘at least another season, if not more’ of Ashley being in charge.

Newcastle relegation nightmare

It is very understandable that Ashley may not want to sell at a lower price and the potential buyers may not want to invest in a Championship club, meaning that avoiding the dreaded drop becomes essential for Steve Bruce’s team.

In a weird way, with many expecting Bruce to be axed if new owners come in, the former Aston Villa boss is almost fighting for the right to be replaced by keeping his side up.

An encouraging 2-1 away win and performance against Burnley last weekend should give members of the Toon Army a lot of hope, but NUFC need to replicate that form going into the last few games of the campaign, with the clash against Fulham of course the most crucial fixture on the list.

 In other news, find out what behind-the-scenes claim on the takeover consortium Ben Jacobs has dropped here!