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Newcastle United were offered Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey during the summer transfer window, The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder writes. 

The lowdown

The former Arsenal midfielder started 13 Serie A games for the Italian giants last season and has only been selected for one of the first six this term.

The persistent injury problems that dogged him at The Emirates Stadium have followed him to Turin (via Transfermarkt).

Ramsey did provide a reminder of his class at the summer’s European Championships as he helped Wales reach the Round of 16. Team-mate Joe Allen said he delivered an ‘incredible’ performance in a crucial victory against Turkey, silencing the critics ‘in special fashion’ with the opening goal.

The latest

Ryder says that the opportunity to land Ramsey on a free transfer presented itself early in the transfer window, but ‘the conversation was a non-starter’.

That wasn’t because they didn’t rate the player, but simply because of his almighty £400,000-per-week salary.

Juventus are now said to be inviting January offers for the 30-year-old midfielder.

The verdict

If Ramsey is to return to the Premier League at some stage, then you’d think he’ll have to accept a huge pay cut. Indeed, Ryder says clubs like Newcastle ‘can’t even contemplate’ his current salary, and it’s hard to imagine him making his way back in with a ‘big six’ side if Arsenal were happy to let him leave.

The free transfer market could prove important for the Toon. Mike Ashley is injecting very little money, and loan deals have proven difficult because of ‘expensive fees’, so this may be one to keep an eye on if the goalscoring midfielder decides to cut his demands and seek more playing time.

In other news, this came under fire against Watford. 

Speaking to AS, Villarreal defender Pau Torres has made a summer transfer admission involving Tottenham Hotspur – revealing why he swiftly rejected a move to N17.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Torres…

Near the end of the summer window, Tottenham became heavily interested in a move for the Spain international and some sources even suggested a €45 million (£38.5m) offer, plus an extra €5 million (£4.2m) in add-ons, was accepted by his club (Pedro Sepulveda).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Lilywhites were in the market for another defender even after putting pen to paper on a deal for Serie A MVP award-winner Cristian Romero, with the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu also linked at the time. 

Now, Torres has come out with an admission involving Spurs.

The Latest: Torres reveals Spurs rejection…

Speaking candidly to AS, the centre-back has revealed why he swiftly rejected a potential move to north London in the summer window.

The 24-year-old, who was described as ‘one of the stars of Spain’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020’, was apparently ‘informed’ of Tottenham’s summer interest but opted to stay at his current club – admitting it was a ‘quick decision’.

“I was informed of Tottenham’s interest, but I have always been clear that I wanted to stay at Villarreal,” he explained to AS, as translated by Sport Witness.

“My idea was to have an exciting season, I was very clear about what I wanted, and that was to stay at home and at Villarreal. That’s why it was a quick decision.

“All decisions are respectable; I wanted to stay. I’m happy with the decision I made, my idea was to stay at home and I’m happy about that.”

The Verdict: Missed out?

Time will tell whether Romero is enough to plug Tottenham’s gaping holes at the back, but the current form of both Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez has certainly helped in that regard.

Torres would have been a brilliant capture for Nuno Espirito Santo going by his age, performances at the Euros and physical presence (6 foot 3).

Called ‘sensational’ by Levante head coach Paco Lopez (The Athletic), we believe Spurs certainly missed out on a transformative defensive signing.

In other news: ‘Finished article’…Sky pundit in awe of Spurs starlet who’s an ‘improved version of Ndombele’, find out more here.

While Mike Ashley certainly hasn’t done much good at Newcastle United – the numerous fan protests are a testament to that – the one thing he did get spot-on, was his sale of Ayoze Perez.

Having signed him from Tenerife for just £1.5m, there’s no questioning that Newcastle got their money’s worth from Perez.

The Spaniard arrived as a little-known youngster back in the summer of 2014, but then Magpies boss Alan Pardew wasn’t shy in waxing lyrical about his latest recruit.

He said: “We’re delighted to confirm our first signing of the summer and very pleased to have Ayoze at Newcastle United, as a number of other clubs were chasing his signature too.

“He had a terrific season in Spain last year and is a player who we hope to develop further on Tyneside. He’s only 20 but has a very good eye for goal and that’s a great asset for any young player to have.”

Perez ended up playing 195 times for the club, scoring 48 goals and providing a further 17 assists across all competitions. He made his biggest contribution for the club during Rafa Benitez’s stint as manager, making over 100 appearances for his fellow Spaniard.

The former Newcastle boss even said: “Ayoze is a player that is keen to learn and I am telling him all the time it is about staying consistent. He has given us a lot of things. But the main thing for me is he knows that he can improve and he is keen to learn.”

In the end, following Benitez’s departure from the club, Perez also followed suit. The Magpies got some big-money for the forward though, collecting a reported £30m from fellow Premier League side Leicester, thus making them an impressive £28.5m profit.

And since his move to the Foxes, the 28-year-old hasn’t shown much to justify the price tag, playing 79 times and scoring just 11 goals, struggling to break into the side on a consistent basis – not surprising when you consider he has Jamie Vardy in front of him.

In fact, according to CIES, his market value now just stands at a measly £6m – quite the significant drop-off from what the Foxes paid for him to bring him in from St James’ Park.

Given that some Newcastle fans were up in arms over the club selling Perez, it’s now clear to see that the Magpies and Ashley played a blinder by selling him for that much.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United could have their next breakout star from the academy…

David Norris believes Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has missed a trick by splashing out on another inexperienced goalkeeper rather than targeting Joe Hart.

Bielsa has added competition for first-choice shot-stopper Illan Meslier by signing Kristoffer Klaesson from Norwegian side Valerenga.

The move came after Kiko Casilla, who was previously 21-year-old Meslier’s understudy, completed a season-long loan switch to Spanish outfit Elche last month.

However, with Klaesson being a year younger than Meslier, former Leeds midfielder Norris feels the Yorkshire side should have plumped for a more experienced goalkeeper who was available.

Hart, who boasts 75 England caps, was deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham Hotspur after the loan arrival of Atalanta’s Pierluigi Gollini.

While Leeds headed to Norway to secure Klaesson’s services, Scottish Premiership giants Celtic pounced on Hart’s situation and confirmed the ex-Manchester City goalkeeper’s acquisition earlier this week.

Norris thinks Bielsa missed a glorious opportunity to add a Premier League champion to his ranks.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “I think that he would have been perfect. He’s a good goalkeeper and had a great career.

“He wouldn’t have been desperate to play because he probably knows he’s on the way down but he has so much experience, is in good shape and is a good pro. I think that would have been a great signing.”

Glasgow Rangers legend Brian Laudrup has admitted he is worried about the future of Connor Goldson as the central defender’s reported new contract remains unsigned.

The Lowdown: Goldson future uncertain

At the moment, Goldson has just one year left on his contract at Ibrox (Transfermarkt), but there were reports the Gers were looking to offer him a new three-year extension (Football Insider).

However, negotiations seem to be taking forever, and there has not yet been any breakthrough.

The Latest: Laudrup worried

Writing in his column for The Daily Mail (via The Daily Record), Laudrup expressed his concern. He said:

“Goldson has been regarded as the best central defender at the club rightly so, in my opinion – so why didn’t he sign a new contract months ago?

“All the noises have been very positive. Yet nothing has been confirmed. What’s the issue? It seems strange.

“I always think clarity is key for a player. Otherwise, performances can be affected.

“I know fans will say you are paid a lot of money to get on with it and that’s absolutely true.

“But it’s not easy to just switch your brain off from thinking about what’s next for your family, how and where will they be settled? I can sympathise with anyone in that position.

“You go home and talk about it with your wife or partner. You discuss all the options and worries.

“It uses up energy. When those aspects of your life are sorted, you can concentrate fully on being a footballer.

“I don’t know Goldson personally, or what’s in his mind just now, but finalising his situation one way or the other would surely be best for all parties. There has to be an outcome soon.

“He hasn’t started the season in great form and maybe this issue has been a contributor.”

The Verdict: Get it sorted

Time is running out for Rangers to sort out the 28-year-old’s future. With just one year left on his contract, it means £6.75m-valued Goldson (Transfermarkt) can negotiate with other clubs as early as January if a deal is not signed before then and he does not leave this summer.

Last season, the former Brighton man played every single minute of every single game in all competitions, and has already done the same so far this term – it is clear he is a hugely important player for Steven Gerrard. As such, the boss and Ross Wilson should push to get Goldson’s future resolved as soon as possible.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this interview.

Regardless of where Harry Kane’s future lies Tottenham must bring in at least one striker this window, and Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told Transfer Tavern that Dusan Vlahovic is their number-one target.

Kane has been Spurs’ only recognised senior striker for the majority of his time in the first-team, and even when someone like Carlos Vinicius was brought in last season, he wasn’t up to the challenge.

With Tottenham in Europe once again, albeit in the third-tier and the UEFA Conference League, they’re expected to be fighting on four fronts, which means they need someone to support the England captain.

The Telegraph, who recently claimed that Nuno Espirito Santo wants to bring in Danny Ings to play with Kane, believe that the Spurs boss is now looking to sign Serbian and Fiorentina striker Vlahovic, who Serie A expert Conor Clancy told This is Futbol is “incredible”.

He scored 21 goals during his breakthrough season in Serie A last term, which saw him named as the league’s best young player.

Vlahovic is the latest Italian-based player that director of football Fabio Paratici has set his sights on and would cost Tottenham around £50m.

Spurs have already signed goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and young winger Bryan Gil from Sevilla, and Bridge told The Transfer Tavern that Vlahovic is their priority at present:

“I know that Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic is their number one choice at the moment, and I think it would be to play with Kane.”

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his forward line for the upcoming campaign.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Reds are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal also credited with an interest.

The report claimed that Real Madrid are set to demand €50m (£42.7m) for Odegaard following impressive loan stints at Real Sociedad and the Emirates Stadium in recent campaigns.

Imagine him and Mohamed Salah

Odegaard arrived in the Spanish capital to much fanfare back in 2015 after being dubbed the ‘Norwegian Messi’ by many due to his slight stature and magnificent dribbling skills. However, the Scandinavian talent initially struggled to live up to those incredibly high expectations and was loaned out to Eredivisie sides Heerenveen and Vitesse.

His time in Dutch football came with mixed reviews, but it was upon his return to La Liga where Odegaard finally started to fulfil his early promise. In the 2019/20 campaign, he bagged seven goals and provided a further nine assists in 36 appearances for Sociedad, playing a pivotal part in their eventual Copa del Rey success.

Despite his impressive performances at the Reale Arena, Odegaard struggled to break into Madrid’s starting lineup upon his return to the Bernabeu, featuring from the off on just five occasions in the first half of last season.

A short-term loan move to Arsenal followed, resulting in a string of glowing reviews for his solid displays, including from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

“I’ve been very impressed with his leadership. He looks a little bit calm and reserved, but on the pitch, he’s got something about him. I’ve been really impressed with him,” said the Spanish tactician.

“When I talk about leadership, it’s how he talks to his teammates, how he commands, for example, the high press. And then there’s the personality he shows every time an opponent is close to him, he still wants the ball in the right areas, his decision-making is really good. He’s a really intelligent player.”

A move to Liverpool this summer would see the Norway international line up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah at Anfield, a prospect which would surely intimidate Premier League defences.

As per WhoScored, Odegaard recorded 1.4 key passes per league game last term, more than any other Arsenal player. Meanwhile, the Egyptian plundered 22 top-flight goals despite the Reds’ struggles in 2020/21, so imagine how lethal he could be if he had the Norwegian’s creativity from which to benefit.

Therefore, Liverpool director of football Michael Edwards must swoop for the Real Madrid youngster, providing Salah with a top-class creative talent capable of setting up golden opportunities on a regular basis.

In other news… Liverpool could finally replace Coutinho with £34m gem, he has an “unlimited ceiling” 

An update has emerged on West Ham target Adam Armstrong, regarding Southampton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Lancashire Post, Southampton have had an offer rejected for West Ham transfer target Adam Armstrong. The Saints are the first Premier League side to firm up their interest with a bid, but Blackburn have deemed it unacceptable as they hold out for £20m.

The Daily Mail reported earlier this summer that Norwich, Southampton and the Hammers are all keen on signing the attacker, who has 12 months left to run on his current deal at Ewood Park.

Fans would love him

David Moyes must act swiftly to secure a deal for Armstrong this summer. Southampton are showing that they are serious about a move for the forward by submitting an official offer for his services.

This means that they look to be ahead of the Hammers in the race as they have already been able to make a concrete bid and make their interest known to Blackburn, whereas West Ham appear to be just eyeing him, as it stands.

However, this update should spark Moyes into action. The Scot should realise that Southampton will be able to snap him up unopposed unless West Ham react quickly and make an offer of their own.

They should be looking to do this as he could be a superb addition to the squad as he could compete with the likes of Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio for a spot in the side.

During the 2020/21 campaign, Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray lavished praise on the “explosive” forward, pointing out his maturity in spite of his age and his pace at the top end of the pitch.

He told FourFourTwo:

“Adam does (make a difference) as he has done all season. I think Adam has matured and he’s only 23.

“He’s a boy really, but his explosive pace at the top end of the pitch allows you to play both ways, to not be overly concerned if you’re pinned back around the edge of your box because one pass releases pressure to someone like (Harvey) Elliott to play the pass that he can hit just leaving it in the space for the speed and dynamic movement of Armstrong – it’s a devastating effect for the team.”

Armstrong has the mentality and pace to be effective at Premier League level. His record in the second tier for Blackburn is phenomenal, with 28 goals last season and 16 the year before. This suggests that he could also have the finishing ability to make the step up.

West Ham should look to sign Armstrong, as fans would love watching him play at the London Stadium.

As Mowbray explained, he is explosive and able to utilise his speed to create chances for himself by running in behind. This could get supporters excited as he could be able to provide entertainment with his direct style of play and his phenomenal goalscoring ability.

AND in other news, West Ham make contact over £25m machine who lit up Euro 2020, Moyes would love him…

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of defender Marc Guehi from Chelsea on a five-year-deal, as per Sky Sports.

The England Under-21 international was almost ever-present on loan at Swansea City last season, making 45 appearances in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

He has now formalised a move to Selhurst Park to join the Eagles in a transfer believed to be worth around £20m, according to Goal.com.

Within the agreement, his former employers are said to have included sell-on incentives should he depart Selhurst Park for pastures new in the coming years. Furthermore, Chelsea also have also included the option to match any future bids which come in for the 21-year-old [Sky Sports].

After the deal was confirmed by the club, loads of Palace fans took to Twitter to express their delight at the news of the “quality signing”.

Crystal Palace fans react

Replying to the Eagles’ official Twitter account, here is how some supporters summarised their opinions on the signing of Guehi:

“Welcome to Palace & the famous red n blue Marc. Great signing and wish you the best of luck”

Credit: @HC15OnTour”never in doubt”Credit: @localpla6tic”Unreal signing for this club.”Credit: @Matchday365″Well he comes across as a really great person and footballer. I think that is what Dougie is after. Not just the ability but the right personality too”Credit; @Imaj1ca”DOUGIE AGAIN”Credit: @paIaceawayy”Quality signing, two of the best from the Championship last year already signed up”Credit: @FreddieGood15In other news, many Crystal Palace fans flock to a tweet about Steve Parish.

West Ham have recently announced that Jayden Fevrier has signed his first professional contract with the club. 

The Hammers youngster has penned a one-year contract, with the option to extend this for an additional year if he can make a good impression in the upcoming 2021/22 campaign.

Speaking in an interview with West Ham TV, Fevrier expressed his delight at signing the new contract, and labelled it as a ‘big step’ in his career.

“I feel proud to have signed. Very proud. When I was young, this was all I wanted to do: work towards becoming a professional footballer. I feel like this is a big step in my career and I’m just happy that I’ve had this opportunity.”

Fevrier is yet to make a senior appearance for West Ham, but scored six goals and was on hand to provide four assists from his 21 appearances for the academy teams last term, which certainly makes for good reading for a full-back.

Plenty of West Ham supporters took to social media to react to the news of Fevrier’s new contract with the club.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter below, as supporters hailed the ‘good news’…

“The academy of football. Lets hope we keep these lads and they do well.”

Credit: @spencer7ii

“The academy always produce a promising defender. Perhaps midfielder & striker next.”

Credit: @SyaherAzman

“The academy of football is back.”

Credit: @whuccierann

“Looks a good prospect.”

Credit: @willearle_

“Yes I’m so happy.”

Credit: @CharlieWestHam0

“Finally. The Academy of Football is taking shape once again.”

Credit: @Chaz_B_Cole

“The academy of football is back which is a good sign.”

Credit: @JamieWHU__

“Good news this, stands out for the youngsters.”

Credit: @adambrown93