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Crystal Palace officially unveiled their brand-new Academy project on Thursday.

And, as to be expected, a number of supporters were quick to react to footage shared by the Eagles on social media.

Palace spent £20m on redeveloping the club’s Academy base, with former youth player and England boss Gareth Southgate officially declaring the site open.

Along with Southgate, manager Patrick Vieira and former bosses Roy Hodgson, Alan Pardew and Ian Holloway were also in attendance.

More than 220 players will benefit from the facilities, which includes six full-size pitches, an outdoor 3G pitch, a show pitch with a 500-seater stand and a full-size covered indoor 3G training pitch.

Palace fans react

Palace posted a video on their official Twitter page, with a drone flying through the building to give supporters a detailed look at the facilities.

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many impressed and one labelling it as ‘incredible’.

“Wow. This is MY Palace, this is OUR Palace. What a place to go and live, work and play”

Credit: @JustMattWatts

“Yh this is nuts”

Credit: @palacealfie

“Looks incredible”

Credit: @palacedann

“My god, as if we have this. Amazing!!”

Credit: @CpfcWill

“This is absolutely unreal, can’t believe this is palace now. On a different note but will this mean no more Soho offices?”

Credit: @TalkCPFC

“Wow just wow”

Credit: @L4MZ1

“We are massive”

Credit: @machutuck

In other news: ‘What’s that?’ – Many CPFC fans go wild as injury update emerges. 

Phil Hay has dropped a promising claim concerning Raphinha’s links with a move away from Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

What’s been said?

In a recent Q&A on The Athletic, Hay revealed that, despite reports suggesting that the Brazilian has a release clause in his current contract at Elland Road, this is in fact not the case – with the only clause in the winger’s deal relating to relegation – before the journalist also went on to claim that, at present, Barcelona are yet to submit any offers for the 25-year-old.

In his article, the journalist said: “What we can say at this stage is that [Barcelona] have not submitted any offers to Leeds.

“You’ll have read in various places about a release clause in Raphinha’s current deal. I’ve asked about this several times and been told consistently the only release clause in the contract relates to relegation (and in that scenario, it goes without saying that he would be leaving the club anyway).”

Great news for Leeds

Considering just how important a part of the Leeds United side Raphinha has become since his £17m move to Elland Road back in October of 2020, the news that there is no release clause – aside from the one relating to relegation – in the forward’s deal is undoubtedly great news for everyone involved with the Whites.

Indeed, over his 27 Premier League appearances this season, the £36m-rated dynamo has been one of Leeds’ standout performers, scoring nine goals, registering three assists and creating nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots and making 2.1 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £63k-per-week winger average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the Whites’ second-best performing outfielder this term.

As such, the fact that there is no set price at which Victor Orta will be forced to accept a bid for the 25-year-old is undoubtedly good news for the Premier League side, as this provides the sporting director with a fantastic opportunity to command what will more than likely be a record-breaking fee for a talent who is one the most gifted players to have graced the Elland Road pitch in recent memory.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Phil Hay drops 7-word behind the scenes Leeds update, Marsch will be gutted

Steven Gerrard has a key decision to make over the future of Rangers winger Brandon Barker…  What happened?

According to Rangers News, the 24-year-old was expected to leave Ibrox on loan before the end of the summer transfer window.

He is out of contract at the end of the season and Football Insider reported that the club told him he could find a loan move or permanent exit on deadline day.

The winger failed to secure a deadline day switch and is now in limbo at Ibrox, having been left out of the Gers’ Europa League squad and not being in Gerrard’s current Premiership plans.

Gerrard faces decision on Barker

Gerrard is now in a position where he needs to take charge and make a crucial decision regarding what to do with Barker. It would be a waste to see the winger kicking his heels and doing nothing until January, so the Rangers boss needs to decide whether he wants to allow him to play for the B team and/or first team or have him do nothing for four months.

Rangers B have an SPFL Trust Trophy clash against Ayr United on Wednesday and Barker is eligible to feature in the game. Gerrard must allow the 24-year-old to feature in it in order to gain some match fitness and show that he has the quality to be a first team option further down the line.

His performance in this game, if he is allowed to play, could determine what happens with him between now and January. Given that he is out of contract next summer, January will be the club’s final chance to recoup some money for the former Manchester City man and giving him some game-time leading up to the transfer window could drum up some interest in his services.

Commenting on Barker and Jordan Jones previously, Gerrard hailed the pair as exciting players who can provide quality in the final third.

He said: “Last year I didn’t feel we had enough in the final third. The idea this year was to build a squad with exciting players who can open the door in different ways.

“Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker open the door in one-v-one situations then provide crosses or cut in to score goals.”

This shows that Gerrard had faith in Barker at the start of his career at Ibrox and maybe he could still have the potential to be a success. He scored three goals and provided four assists in 22 games on loan at Oxford last season, having scored twice in 10 Premiership matches during the first half of the campaign for Rangers.

Giving him a few opportunities in the league between now and January could be worthwhile for the Gers for multiple reasons. Firstly, it allows him to show that he has improved since the start of last season and it could open the door for him to work his way into Gerrard’s plans, but it also gives interested clubs a recent set of performances to analyse and make decisions upon – potentially helping him to secure a transfer.

AND in other news, Rangers flop has seen value soar by 203% since leaving Ibrox, he deserved more time…

Mark Douglas has revealed some details regarding Newcastle United’s signing of Santiago Munoz.

The Lowdown: Munoz signs

On transfer deadline day, the St James’ Park club confirmed on their official website that Munoz has joined their Academy on a loan deal for 18 months.

There is also an option to make the deal permanent should he impress in the northeast.

The Latest: Douglas on Munoz

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Douglas has now confirmed that Munoz has indeed signed on an 18-month loan and will link up with the under-23s.

However, the journalist also revealed that the 19-year-old has signed a four-year deal with his parent club Santos Laguna, who would be ‘happy’ to take him back if Newcastle do not end up exercising their option to buy.

The Verdict: Under the radar

The signing of Munoz has gone somewhat under the radar given the focus on Steve Bruce’s team bringing in Joe Willock from Arsenal on a permanent deal. However, it is one which makes a lot of sense, as the teenager is certainly a player who can develop in the Academy.

The Mexican has already shown that he can score goals for both club and country, netting eight times in 16 games for the nation’s under-17s in addition to bagging three goals in 19 matches for Santos (Transfermarkt).

At just 19 years of age, the Magpies will be hoping that he can fulfil his potential with them, and hopefully his loan deal will ultimately be made permanent if all works out well.

In other news, find out which five players NUFC could sign outside the transfer window

The versatility of summer signing Odsonne Edouard is a major bonus for Crystal Palace, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What’s the story?

Although he is a natural striker, the 23-year-old is also comfortable playing on either flank and was deployed on the left wing during Palace’s recent draws with Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Due to Wilfried Zaha’s enforced absence through illness, the Frenchman was deployed in (and scored from) the more unfamiliar position by Patrick Vieira at the Emirates Stadium, but Barclay believes he is more than capable of fulfilling that role, claiming that he’s comfortable out wide due to his well-rounded skillset.

Referring to Edouard, Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s not a centre forward playing out of position, he can play along the forward line in all three positions. You wouldn’t play him, I don’t think, as a winger in a 4-4-2, but as an inside forward or a player who doesn’t have to defend as much, he can definitely do that.

“And that’s another great option for them. He’s got great pace, he’s obviously physical, he’s got good technical ability, and a great finish again for that goal (against Arsenal).”

Crystal Palace fans will love him

Edouard has already made a big impression at Selhurst Park following his arrival for £14m in August, bagging three goals in just six Premier League appearances.

Despite his impressive exploits on the left-hand side in recent weeks, though, the 23-year-old’s future is likely to remain through the middle, especially when Eberechi Eze returns to full fitness.

The prospect of Zaha, Edouard and Eze forming a formidable front three in south London is an exciting one for Palace fans, and they’ll surely love their new French forward for many years to come if he maintains his current form.

In other news… Journalist reveals £18m-rated Palace gem “loves” Vieira, they could form a formidable duo

Ex-Premier League striker Nigel Jemson believes that Curtis Jones will play a decent role in Jurgen Klopp’s side this season.

Jones featured 34 times in all competitions for Liverpool last season, scoring four goals and provided five assists for his teammates.

The 20-year-old, who predominantly featured as a central-midfielder, missed the Reds’ first game of the season against Norwich City with concussion, but returned to the bench for Saturday’s victory over Burnley.

And Jemson believes that the youngster will have a much more important role to play under Jurgen Klopp this season with the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Xherdan Shaqiri gone, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “I think he’s proved it already how good he is. You know, so again, you talk about Wijnaldum going and Shaqiri leaving then this may be the opportunity for someone like Curtis Jones to be there again. 

“Curtis Jones did ever so well when he came in last year, full of energy, he was exciting, his touch was great and is a real joy, local lad at Liverpool. I think he’s going to look forward to the season ahead of him and I’m sure he will play a decent part.”

Jones has been brilliant for the Liverpool youth teams also, scoring 13 goals and provided a further six for the U23 squad, while he scored 15 goals for the U18s and he also scored 13 goals for the UEFA U19 team, providing three assists.

According to a report by Italian news outlet Centrotrentuno, as also translated and relayed by Sport Witness, a Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving Cagliari star Nahitan Nandez.

The Lowdown: Spurs make summer move…

As widely reported in the summer transfer window, Tottenham were firmly interested in the Uruguay international with Sky Sports even lifting the lid on an approach to sign him.

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Nandez was seen by Spurs as a potentially versatile signing who could help to shore up a lot of gaping holes in the squad, mainly due to his ability to play as a right-wing back, in front of the back four and further forward on the wing (Sky Sports)

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Sardegna Arena and it appears Spurs could still sign the player, with Centrotrentuno dropping an enticing claim.

The Latest: Spurs ‘should not be overlooked’…

According to their information, relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham ‘should not be overlooked’ in the race to sign Nandez as Cagliari also soften their sale stance.

It is believed that the Serie A side are more willing to agree a transfer for their star player, so much so that they will green-light a temporary move.

Cagliari are now ‘ok with the loan and above all ok with the simple option to buy’, with the hope being his performances with another club will persuade them to buy the South American outright.

In another promising claim, it is even hinted that they are willing to negotiate a much better price than his €36 million (£30m) release clause.

The Verdict: Get it done…

This move would be a fairly risk free one as far as Spurs are concerned, especially on a loan with an option to buy, and the fact they are willing to sell for less than his release clause is a further incentive.

A versatile player barely in his prime, Nandez stands out as a key player for Cagliari both defensively and further forward – having averaged the most completed dribbles per 90 (1.5) and tackles won (2) out of their entire squad (WhoScored).

Amassing nearly half a century of caps for his country, he possesses the right amount of experience at both league and international level to be a real asset for Antonio Conte.

Lauded as ‘unstoppable’ by Serie A pundit Mina Rzouki, with fellow Italian top flight expert Conor Clancy calling him a ‘machine’ (This is Futbol), you can clearly see a swoop for Nandez has it’s merits – especially with his club eager to do a deal.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Marcelo Brozovic rejected the chance to link up with Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent appearance on Telelombardia (via Sport Witness), Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin revealed that, prior to the 29-year-old midfielder putting pen to paper a new four-year deal with Inter Milan, all three of Tottenham, Newcastle United and Barcelona made contact with the Croatia international regarding a potential summer switch.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Concerning Spurs’ interest in Brozovic, Biasin said: “I can say that they tried for Brozovic. Tottenham made an attempt, but Brozovic, a man of his word, said he wanted to stay and he did it by signing the renewal. He had [offers from] Newcastle, Barcelona and Tottenham, and he stayed. Barcelona had offered him €8m [£6.5m] per season.”

Conte will be fuming

With it being reported that Antonio Conte was extremely interested in securing a reunion with his former Inter midfielder in north London, the news that Brozovic rejected Tottenham in favour of remaining at the San Siro is sure to have left the 52-year-old fuming.

Indeed, it is easy to see why the Italian was keen on a move for the 29-year-old, as Brozovic was a hugely important part of Conte’s title-winning Inter team last season.

Over his 33 Serie A appearances in 2020/21, the £41.5m-rated Croatian was in sensational form for the Nerazzurri, scoring two goals, registering six assists and creating nine big chances for his team-mates, along with making 1.4 key passes and taking 0.8 shots per game.

The €6m-per-year – roughly £96k-per-week – central midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making 59.7 passes, 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 4.3 long balls and winning three duels per match.

These returns saw the player who Gianfranco Matteoli dubbed “irreplaceable” average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.28, ranking him not only as Conte’s second-best performer in Serie A but also the 14th-best player in the entire league last season.

As such, it is clear to see that Brozovic would have made a fantastic addition to Spurs’ current options in the middle of the park this summer, while it is also evident why Conte will be raging at missing out on the 29-year-old’s signature, especially as he wouldn’t have cost the club a penny in transfer fees.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…” – Alasdair Gold drops teasing Spurs claim which supporters will love

Wolves making a move for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli in January would not be a wise decision, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Alli’s career on the slide

There was a time when Alli seemed like the golden boy of English football, but his reputation has diminished in recent years, with the midfielder making very little impact at Tottenham.

Alli has been limited to six Premier League starts and he is struggling to force his way into new manager Antonio Conte’s plans currently, leading to speculation over his next destination, with Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson linking him with a possible move to Wolves.

Indeed, Spurs could look to cut their losses on a player who has been described as ‘fantastic’ by Ian Wright, with the 25-year-old someone who Hatfield has been quizzed about.

The Latest: Hatfield doesn’t want move to happen

Speaking to Give Me Sport, it was clear what his stance on the matter is, with the journalist urging Wolves to stay away from any possible deal:

“For the player, I could understand the move, but not for the club. I couldn’t understand Wolves making a move for Dele Alli, to be honest.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“375704”]

The Verdict: Avoid it, Wolves

Alli looked like he would be a world-beater as a youngster, scoring 18 league goals for Spurs back in 2016/17, not to mention netting in the 2018 World Cup quarter-final for England against Sweden.

Sadly, he just hasn’t kicked on, however, and while he is still only 25 years of age, it would be extremely risky for Wolves to sign him.

The fire seems to have gone out with Alli, with his impact on matches so often unnoticeable – he has only scored one league goal since 2019/20 – so he could be more of a hindrance than an effective signing.

In other news, some Wolves fans have erupted over a transfer claim. Read more here.

Jurgen Klopp and Julian Ward could bring a new striker to Liverpool this summer in the shape of Lautaro Martinez.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the latest reports from TuttoMercato, who claim that the 24-year-old has decided that he wants a move to a “big club with many titles” and the Reds have him in their crosshairs as a result.

The Italian outlet suggests that Martinez will not be playing his football for Inter Milan next season, with the Nerazzurri looking to free up some budget.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

The fee will of course depend on the way he ends the season but is reported to be around €80m (£67m).

It is said that Arsenal and Atletico Madrid had made their interest known, though the Argentinian striker was not willing to entertain a move to either side, with his sites set on joining a club that has won “many titles.”

Possible destinations suggested by TuttoMercato are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City or Bayern Munich.

An elite club

Thanks to their historical success and silverware as of recent, Liverpool are in an elite and forthright position to sign the “sensational” £76k-per-week talent.

Klopp would be right to do so, with Martinez notching up some impressive numbers in regards to his goal returns. In 42 appearances this season, the Argentina international has three assists.

Lautaro has demonstrated that he can be more creative, having created 11 assists last season, when Lukaku was the main man in Milan.

Being an out-and-out striker, he would offer a presence up-top that Liverpool have not had since Luis Suarez.

Capable of adapting to the style of Lionel Messi, his teammate in the national team, Martinez could find a new partnership with Mohammed Salah.

Of recent, Salah has established an identity as a top goalscorer, and if he would be willing to collaborate with the 24-year-old in Liverpool’s frontline, we could well see a deadly duo in the Premier League.

This is a transfer that few clubs have the opportunity to pull off, so it would be worth a look at least from the perspective of Jurgen Klopp.

In other news: Julian Ward could now unearth Liverpool’s next Trent in £540k-rated “wonderkid”…