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Spartak Moscow have revealed they are not in talks to sign Glen Kamara from Glasgow Rangers this summary despite speculation to the contrary.

The Lowdown: Spartak linked to Kamara

The 22-time Russian champions have been linked with a move for £5.4m-valued Kamara (Transfermarkt) this summer.

They are even said to have been in talks for the Finland international (RB Sport), but there has been an update on the former Dundee man’s situation.

The Latest: Spartak respond to speculation

Speaking to Sky Sports News, A Spartak spokesman has denied these claims. He said:

“Spartak are not interested in Glen Kamara, and are not negotiating with him or his representatives.”

The Verdict: Good news

This, of course, will come as a relief to Rangers supporters – Kamara is not a player they will want to lose. Since making the switch to Ibrox in January 2019, he has made 104 appearances for the club, scoring four goals and providing five assists.

A whopping 51 outings came last term as the Gers won their 55th league title (Transfermarkt), proving just how crucial the Finland star is to Steven Gerrard’s plans.

Of course, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding the midfielder’s future, with the likes of Watford (Gianluigi Longari) and Everton (Eurosport) linked with a move, and the Gers’ failure to reach the group stages of the Champions League could convince Kamara to move on.

However, the Glasgow outfit will be desperate to keep him, and Spartak’s denial means one less potential suitor is interested.

In other news, Rangers want to sign this Championship midfielder.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left ecstatic following reports of what GSB and the club are planning in January.

The upcoming mid-season transfer window could be the the club’s most crucial one in a very long time as David Moyes’ men continue to fight on all fronts.

Top of their Europa League group and third in the Premier League, West Ham are also set to play London rivals Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Depending on how they fare in the cups as they also aim to qualify for next season’s Champions League, Moyes could have it all to do, with a very congested festive schedule already awaiting him.

As such, West Ham may need to sign fresh faces in January to bolster the Scotsman’s chances of success, especially considering the lack of a natural backup option to Michail Antonio and Angelo Ogbonna’s cruciate ligament injury blow.

The Evening Standard shared an update on transfers after Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky officially bought a 27% stake in the club. They claimed that, while GSB aren’t planning a winter spending spree, Moyes will be sufficiently backed to bring in a centre-back, a striker and possibly 2020/21 loan star Jesse Lingard.

Flocking to this news from a reliable source, it’s little wonder that so many West Ham fans are ecstatic, as this development could plug most of their squad’s holes. As they voiced their opinions on Twitter, many heaped praise on GSB’s “brilliant” transfer plan for Moyes.

Check out some of their best verdicts below.

West Ham fans erupt over GSB transfer plan…

“Make it happen Moyeseyyyy”

Credit: @Kayron27

“This sounds positive”

Credit: @SamanthaWalsh1

“I’d be over the moon with that”

Credit: @RobWaldon

“That will do for me”

Credit: @bartong2011

“Yes yes yes, that would do me very nicely!”

Credit: @_samhowell

“This would be brilliant”

Credit: @colbyjaytait09

“a central defender, a striker and Lingard is a spending spree to us!”

Credit: @Hammer1966

“Hlozek, Lingard and Tarkowski and we’ve basically won the quadruple”

Credit: @AndrewIron85

In other news: ‘Huge’ – Sky pundit thrilled as West Ham eye ‘massive signing’ for Moyes, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Frank Lampard, regarding Rangers’ thoughts on potentially appointing him as their new manager.

What’s the talk?

According to Gers media partner Hearts & Hand Podcast, the club are not interested in a deal to bring the ex-Chelsea coach to Glasgow to replace his former England teammate Steven Gerrard in the dugout.

They Tweeted: “Just spoke to club: Lampard and Knutsen not on radar. Gio stuff already broken by Sky. Rangers engage with certain media outlets and not others. Don’t pay attention to the ones on the outside – they haven’t a clue.”

Delight

This update from a Rangers insider will surely leave fans delighted as it means that Ross Wilson has avoided a disaster. We published an article urging the Gers chief to avoid Lampard after it was reported that the club were set to hold talks with the 43-year-old over the role, however, this twist now suggests that was not the case.

His managerial C.V does not suit Rangers’ needs at this moment in time and he would represent a gamble Wilson does not need to take. The Scottish giants are currently top of the Scottish Premiership and need an experienced coach with a history of winning to ensure that they get over the line and are able to build on what Gerrard created at Ibrox.

Gerrard ended Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football by winning the league last season and has left the club four points clear of the Hoops after 13 games in the current campaign. This shows that he has built the foundations of a winning team and bringing in a coach who has not proven that he can win trophies in the dugout could derail their attempts to be the dominant force in Glasgow long-term.

Lampard has only managed two full seasons in his career, one of which came in the second-tier of English football with Derby, and is yet to win a single honour. He lost in the play-off final with the Championship outfit and in the FA Cup final with Chelsea, whilst finishing sixth and fourth in their respective divisions.

This means that he does not have the requisite experience required to suggest that he is the right man to come in and see out the job for Rangers this season. Therefore, fans will be delighted that Wilson is not even considering him as an option.

AND in other news, Davis 2.0: Rangers could sign new metronome in gem who “quietly impressed” ex-EPL boss…

West Ham manager David Moyes has now made Torino star Andrea Belotti one of his side’s main transfer targets…

What’s the story?

According to WestHamFans.org, the Italy international has been identified by the Irons boss as one of his principal striker targets, and the 28-year-old has recently snubbed a move to the likes of Newcastle and Al-Hilal.

The report adds that West Ham would be able to sign him on a pre-contract deal for this summer due to his contract expiring rather than right now in this January transfer window.

Fans will be buzzing

If Hammers fans wanted a genuinely proven option up front to help compete with Michail Antonio, then Belotti certainly does fit that bill to a tee.

Vastly experienced with his time in Italian football, the forward was of course part of the Italy side that won last summer’s EUROs, and has got a phenomenal goal-scoring record, bagging 107 goals in just 238 games for Torino, and 137 goals over his senior club career.

Joe Hart, who played with Belotti in his time at Torino, praised him for his “instinct for goals”, and that kind of knack is something that you just don’t lose.

In the £25.2m-rated Belotti, they would be getting someone who has been banging in the goals in Serie A for a number of years now. The 28-year-old is the man who wears Torino’s armband, and has been hailed as a “real captain” for his performances for the club.

As well as the supply of goals that he would bring to the table, Belotti would bring some real leadership too, and fans will surely be buzzing at seeing him join.

Meanwhile, West Ham are also eyeing this “unplayable” winger…

Norwich City have reportedly joined the race to sign Argentine sensation Pedro De la Vega this summer, in what could be a hugely exciting move.

The Lowdown: Norwich eye up additions

Daniel Farke’s side enjoyed a superb 2020/21 season, winning the Championship and sealing a place back in the Premier League.

The key now is to avoid an immediate return to the second tier of English football again, with new signings arguably needed to prevent that from happening, especially after a deal was agreed to send Emi Buendia to Aston Villa.

The Latest: De La Vega linked with Canaries move

According to TyC Sports [via Sport Witness], Norwich see the Lanus forward as an ideal replacement for Buendia.

The Canaries and Fiorentina are believed to be the latest teams to enter the race to sign De la Vega, with Leeds United also mentioned in the report.

No bid has been placed for the 20-year-old yet, but it does appear as though there is genuine interest from Norwich.

The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect

While De la Vega may still be fairly unproven, signing him for a rumoured €10million (£8.5m) could end up being a bargain over time, especially considering he has been linked (Goal.com) with a move to Manchester City in the past. The youngster has even been compared to a ‘right footed version’ of PSG superstar Angel Di Maria.

He has already won 15 caps for Argentina’s Under-20s, while 10 goals and five assists for Lanus, in 67 appearances, is a solid return for someone so young.

If Norwich managed to snap up De la Vega, the hope is that he could swiftly adjust to life in Europe, thriving in Farke’s ball-playing style of play and making supporters forget all about Buendia.

In other news, some Norwich fans have been reacting to a huge piece of news that has emerged in the last week. Read more here.

Watford midfielder Will Hughes appears to be closing in on a move to Crystal Palace, according to The Athletic’s Dominic Fifield.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been sharing their thoughts on social media.

Fifield posted an update on Twitter on Thursday, suggesting Hughes could be the first of a few late additions at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles look set to pay Watford an initial £6m for Hughes which could rise to £10m in the future with various add-ons.

The 26-year-old is now set to undergo a medical with Palace and discuss personal terms.

Fifield’s story also claimed that Patrick Vieira’s side are in the market for a new striker and a right-winger before the deadline closes.

Palace fans react

The news regarding Hughes and other possible arrivals at the club in the final days of the window went down well with these Palace supporters, with one ‘excited’ at the update and another labelling it as ‘great news’.

“Yesssss”

Credit: @JoelGray_

“Finally we move”

Credit: @PrideOfSouthLDN

“Happy days.”

Credit: @wallHil59834857

“Pretty excited about this signing. As close to a Cabaye replacement as we’re going to get”

Credit: @PeterJM83

“Finally some news”

Credit: @ReeceJMT

“Cheers Dom! Great news! Here’s to a few more in due course! Hopefully a striker or two and a winger”

Credit: @stephenpengi69

In other news: ‘Imagine’, ‘No way’ – Lots of CPFC fans go wild as ‘absolutely incredible’ transfer link emerges. 

Anthony Haggerty from the Daily Record believes that Celtic fans have already fallen in love with Joe Hart.

Following their horrendous goalkeeping difficulties last season, the former Manchester City and England shot-stopper arrived hoping to become Ange Postecoglou’s number one.

And whilst it remains early days in Hart’s Parkhead career, he’s already made a huge impact during his three weeks in Paradise.

Prior to the 34-year-old’s arrival, Celtic had made a winless start to their season and had already crashed out of the Champions League in the qualifying round.

However, some three weeks later and the Hoops have won all six matches with Hart in between the sticks – recording consecutive 6-0 wins in the league, progressing in the Scottish League Cup, whilst his impressive first-leg performance against AZ Alkmaar has put the Glasgow giants 90 minutes away from securing their place in the Europa League groups.

When asked what he’s made of Hart’s time in Scotland, Haggerty told Football FanCast:

“I think the Celtic fans love Joe Hart; they just took him to their hearts. Joe Hart gets what it means to play for a big club, this is a former England number one goalkeeper.

“When goalkeepers hit a dip in form, there’s no hiding place, but Joe Hart has been up there, seen it and done it.”

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he is “inviting players like” Brighton’s Yves Bissouma to Villa Park.

Bissouma has been in superb form for the Seagulls this season, boasting some good numbers for dribbling when compared to the rest of Graham Potter’s squad (via WhoScored), and is now being linked with an Amex exit.

According to The Times, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have all looked at the player, while there is also said to be interest coming from France.

Hendrie, however, would love it if Dean Smith could lure the 24-year-old midfielder to his old club.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Bissouma, the ex-Villa player said:

“I did a chat with myself and Paul Merson on Soccer Saturday a few weeks ago talking about Bissouma, and we highlighted what he actually does. I mean, his stats are absolutely phenomenal, the way he breaks the game up, his forward play.

“He’s got a good football brain. Like I said, when you’ve got someone who breaks the game up so well and can go join in and play, I’m inviting players like that to the football club.”

Villa look in danger of losing one of their midfielders in Douglas Luiz, with Manchester City weighing up whether to trigger a buy-back clause, so Smith may find himself needing to dip into the market to sign a new man for the middle of the park.

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has tipped Tottenham Hotspur defender Joe Rodon to leave the Lilywhites in the summer and join a newly-promoted Premier League club.

The Lowdown: Rodon’s position

According to a report by Football Insider, Spurs have informed the Wales international that he is free to find himself a new club when the transfer window opens.

The 24-year-old was keen on leaving Hotspur Way in January, with the likes of Brighton and Newcastle interested in signing the defender, but a move away from north London failed to materialise.

Rodon has shone on the international stage, drawing praise as ‘flawless’ and ‘special’ from journalist Ian Mitchelmore.

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The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Rodon

Whelan has claimed that if Rodon aims to stay in the Premier League, he should consider joining a newly-promoted team as the defender is not the sort of player Conte wants.

Speaking with Football Insider, the former Leeds striker said of the 24-year-old: “He’s not in the category Conte wants in a centre-half. I don’t expect him to have a life at Tottenham.

“There are teams like Fulham who have already been promoted. There will be teams who look at him because of the Premier League status that he has had at Tottenham.

“Also, the fact that he’s an international and could be going to the World Cup. You never turn your nose up at a young centre-half.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if people who are promoted want to look at him as a possibility to take on.”

The Verdict: Needs a move

The Welshman has made just one appearance in the league this season, and with Conte’s desire to sign a new left-footed centre-half, it would appear that Rodon’s career with the Lilywhites is over. Therefore, if the player hopes to reinvigorate his career at the top level, a move elsewhere will be crucial in doing so.

Having enjoyed a number of strong performances with the Welsh national team, Rodon will be hoping that will be enough to secure a transfer away from N17 in the summer and reignite his career elsewhere.

In other news: Rodon isn’t the only Tottenham player being discussed over a possible exit

Dean Windass has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he’d be surprised to see Tottenham rival north London neighbours Arsenal to sign Ben White.

The 23-year-old defender, who first caught the eye playing for Leeds in their promotion-winning season in 2019-2020, became a key part of Brighton’s back four last term, starting all but two of their Premier League matches.

Such was White’s form during his debut topflight season, he was rewarded by being named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the Euros.

And whilst the centre-back is yet to feature in the tournament, it’s been a rapid rise for White, who was playing in League Two with Newport County ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

It’s not just Southgate who’s been impressed, though. Arsenal have been strongly linked with a £50m move for the Brighton man, according to The Athletic.

Despite Tottenham’s need for a centre-back as desperate as the Gunners, Windass told The Transfer Tavern that he’s not even sure White is a better option than Eric Dier:

“Strange one for me, Ben White. I know he’s been picked for England, but I think Dier is more experienced, and he will stay there.

“I’m not saying he’s a better player, but he knows the club, so I can’t see that happening.”