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Derby County have a 50/50 chance of avoiding liquidation following the Rams’ announcement that they intend to appoint administrators.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who revealed that a source close to the club believes that there is a 50/50 chance the club survives after being entered into administration, while another claimed that they could not see how the Rams could possibly find a way out of their current financial mess.

This is because any potential buyer of the club would be required to pay around £60m to clear Derby’s current debts – something that is made up of £10m owed to creditors, £20m owed to an American private equity firm and £30m owed in tax – before even spending a penny on the rebuilding of the club.

Fans should be worried

It will not need explaining to Derby fans just how dire their club’s current financial situation is, but the sheer amount of money the Rams owe is something that should have the Pride Park faithful extremely worried.

As the sources mentioned above suggest, there would appear to be very few prospective buyers willing to write off the club’s current £60m debt just to keep Derby functioning, let alone one who would do this and then subsequently invest a significant amount of money in order to make the club competitive again – as the rewards would simply not appear to be worth the risk.

Indeed, with Wayne Rooney’s side facing an EFL standard 12-point deduction from their current tally for the club’s appointment of administrators, as well as a nine-point deduction for a separate breach of financial rules, it would seem as if the club’s relegation to League One is all but a certainty at the end of this season – if they manage to survive that long.

As such, other than for love of the club, there would seem very little reason for anyone to purchase Derby, something that does not bode well for the future of the Rams whatsoever.

In other news: Reliable journalist reveals fresh off-field Derby EFL development, fans will be livid

Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bornauw has told the print edition of Het Nieuwsblad (via Sport Witness) that he held talks with Crystal Palace during the transfer window.

The lowdown

Bornauw sealed a £12.15million transfer from FC Koln to VfL Wolfsburg back in July.

The 6 foot 3 22-year-old had made 24 appearances for Koln the previous season, helping them avoid relegation through the play-off.

His average of 4.2 clearances per 90 minutes ranked him eighth in the Bundesliga, while he was in the top 20 for successful aerial duels with 2.7 (via WhoScored).

Palace ultimately added two centre-backs – Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen – to their ranks over the summer for a combined fee of £36.75million.

The latest

Reflecting on the events of the summer, Bornauw explained that the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Wolfsburg was too good to turn down.

He’s also confident the Volkswagen Arena is an ideal place for a young player to develop.

“I also spoke to English clubs, and one day I want to play in the Premier League,” he said, naming Crystal Palace and Norwich City as the two suitors.

“But when Wolfsburg knocked on the door, I was immediately won over by their project.

“This club makes young people better; we aspire to the top three and play Champions League.”

The verdict

Wolfsburg’s place in Europe’s elite football competition was always likely to prove a trump card in negotiations, but Palace can be pleased with their business in the centre-back department regardless.

Andersen and Guehi both enjoyed impressive 2020/21 seasons and have the potential to form an excellent partnership.

If 21-year-old Guehi reaches his full potential and makes a step up to a top club in the coming years, perhaps Palace could revive their interest in Bornauw, who does fancy taking on the Premier League one day.

In other news, fans flock to this transfer tweet.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has hit back at criticism towards Patrick Bamford following his England debut.

The Lowdown: O’Hara on talkSPORT

The 28-year-old, who famously replied to a talkSPORT post last year after they questioned him leading the line for Leeds in the Premier League, made his England debut on Sunday.

He started in the Three Lions’ 4-0 win over Andorra at Wembley but made way for Harry Kane just after the hour mark.

Speaking live on talkSPORT on Monday, Jamie O’Hara said that Bamford ‘shouldn’t’ be in the England squad and hit out at Gareth Southgate for ‘handing caps out like confetti’ in reference to the Leeds marksman.

The Latest: Kenny’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider about the negative comments on Bamford, Kenny was quick to defend the Leeds striker, saying:

“Some of the criticism is ridiculous, 100 per cent.

“Give the lad a chance, for God’s sake. It’s his first cap and it’s a big occasion. He’s never been in that position before, it’s brand new to him.

“England weren’t that good in the first half anyway. And every time I’ve seen him play, I’ve always thought ‘Wow’.

“You just have to give him a better crack of the whip, give him time. Everyone is too quick to jump on people’s backs these days.”

The Verdict: Kenny is spot on

Kane was the only English striker to score more Premier League goals than Bamford last season, with the Leeds marksman netting more than Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.

On that basis, an England debut was the least the 28-year-old deserved. Yes, he was the worst-rated starter at Wembley as per WhoScored, but it was always going to be tricky for the forward to make an impact against a team playing a low block with three central defenders in a much-changed England side.

His first appearance as an England player shouldn’t be his last, and as Kenny rightly says, time will be required when it comes to his international career.

In other news: Ian Doyle thinks another Liverpool regular may now miss Leeds game alongside three Brazil stars. 

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension managing director Fabio Paratici, have been in contact to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha as they register their interest.

The Lowdown: Paratici time…

Since the Italian’s appointment, Tottenham have been active in the transfer market in terms of both incomings and outgoings as they aim for a major summer rebuild.

The arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo as new Spurs boss also sets the tone for what will be an interesting 2021/2022 and Paratici’s work has, so far, arguably strengthened the Portuguese’s chances to oversee a successful campaign.

Cristian Romero, Bryan Gil and Pierluigi Gollini have arrived this summer with the likes of Juan Foyth, Joe Hart, Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose, Erik Lamela, Paulo Gazzaniga all departing (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Paratici makes contact for Palhinha…

As per a Spurs source at Football Insider, another target has emerged on Paratici’s radar as Tottenham continue their long overdue rebuild.

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Indeed, the Lilywhites have now registered their interest in Palhinha, already making contact with Sporting over his possible signing.

While the 26-year-old has a huge release clause, FI claim that he could leave this summer for as little as £14 million and Nuno is personally a huge admirer of the colossal midfield player.

As Spurs look to strengthen in the final weeks of the window, it appears the Portugal international has emerged as a possible bargain.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Palhinha could be Tottenham’s ideal midfield enforcer signing – especially if they can prise him away for a meagre £14m fee.

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, speaking to MaisFutebol via Manchester News Today, branded the 6 foot 3 powerhouse as a ‘special player’ – as highlighted by his impressive defensive stats.

According to WhoScored, Palhinha averaged a head-turning 3.3 tackles per 90 in the centre of the park over 28 Liga NOS starts last season – more than any Tottenham player managed in the Premier League.

Therefore, we believe he could be a perfect acquisition for Nuno as Spurs aim for a final transfer flurry before August 31.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘Buzzing’, ‘Game changer’…Many Tottenham fans erupt as ‘beautiful’ news confirmed, find out more here.

According to a report by 90min, Tottenham Hotspur have now made an enquiry to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto alongside the likes of Liverpool and Juventus.

The Lowdown: Molineux raid?

Since Nuno Espirito Santo’s arrival and appointment as new Spurs boss, the Lilywhites have been linked to a few Wolves stars as the Portuguese sets sights on raiding his old club.

As per talkSPORT, both Daniel Podence and Willy Boly are names who Nuno could swoop for and try to sign for Spurs this summer.

Elsewhere in the team, they have also been linked with defender Conor Coady, with 90min now namedropping Tottenham alongside another star at Molineux.

The Latest: Spurs make Neto enquiry…

Indeed, according to the outlet, Spurs have now made an enquiry to sign Neto alongside the likes of Liverpool and Juventus.

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As well as Tottenham making an approach, it is also claimed that Wolves are tempted to sell him this summer amid all the interest in his services.

Wolves owners are indeed ‘open’ to letting any of their star men leave, though it would take a bigger offer to seal Neto’s signing.

They hadn’t previously been listening to offers for the exciting 21-year-old, but interest from top clubs all over Europe, including Spurs, is apparently now making them contemplate.

The Verdict: Most exciting one yet…

Amid the plethora of Wolves players linked with a move to Spurs, we believe Neto comes as the most exciting one yet.

As per WhoScored, the young starlet was Wolves’ joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League last season and also notched the most assists.

He also averaged more shots per 90 (2) than any other member of their squad with over 10 league starts – all while completing the most key passes per 90 (2) for Wolves (WhoScored).

Lauded as a ‘phenomenal talent’ by Gabriel Agbonlahor, who raved over him to Football Insider, it’s safe to say the £31.5 million-valued ace would be quite a coup.

In other news: ‘Massive’, ‘Exactly what Levy wants’…Sky pundit in awe of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium news, find out more here.

Writing on Twitter, Argentinian journalist Adrian E Magnoli has made a major Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving centre-back target Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Romero talks…

As per numerous sources, Spurs have been in talks to sign Romero from Serie A side Atalanta over this last week, with Sky Sports even lifting the lid on a £34m (€40m) offer from the Lilywhites.

Fabrizio Romano also says that personal terms have been agreed with the player himself, but his current club have been unwilling to let him go too easily.

Romero is said to want the move to north London as a ‘priority’ this summer, with Magnoli now dropping a major claim on the transfer saga.

The Latest: Romero ‘arrives at Tottenham’…

According to Magnoli, who works for Argentinian outlet DIRECTV, some major news has emerged regarding the 23-year-old and his impending switch to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

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Indeed, he claims that Romero ‘arrives at Tottenham’ from Atalanta for €50 million (£42.6m) ‘plus bonuses’ with an agreement now reached for him to become Spurs’ third major summer signing.

Nuno Espirito Santo has already overseen the confirmed arrivals of both Pierluigi Gollini and Bryan Gil as new managing director Fabio Paratici looks to complete a summer overhaul.

The Verdict: Big claim…

There is little denying that Romero will gift Spurs some real defensive solidarity upon his alleged arrival at N17.

The Argentine colossus made a brilliant 3.1 interceptions per 90 on average over 29 Italian top flight starts last campaign, far more than any Spurs defender managed in the Premier League (WhoScored).

Italian football expert Conor Clancy also lavished the player with praise recently, calling Romero ‘one of the most exciting centre-backs in the world’ in an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern.

As per this fresh update, Spurs may have just landed themselves a huge coup.

In other news: ‘Speaking to people involved’…Alasdair Gold believes another Spurs signing ‘will happen’, find out more here.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have now ‘pulled the plug’ on plans to let Japhet Tanganga complete a move away for 2021/22 after his performance against Man City – coming after the club were ‘set’ to loan him out.

The Lowdown: Tanganga impresses against the Champions…

The 22-year-old put in a phenomenal display against Pep Guardiola’s side on the opening weekend of Premier League action, coping very well with England star Raheem Sterling on that side and attracting much praise for his performance.

Gary Neville was one of many to lavish the youngster with praise, claiming his individual showings in one-on-ones against the likes of Sterling and Jack Grealish on the side were ‘really special’ (The Gary Neville Podcast via This is Futbol).

Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo also waxed lyrical over his ‘huge’ performance against the Sky Blues, with the Portuguese head coach now stopping plans to offload him this summer.

The Latest: Spurs pull plug on Tanganga move away…

As per a Lilywhites source, speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham have now ‘pulled the plug’ on plans to let Tanganga leave on loan – coming after he was ‘set’ for a move away from N17.

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After his display against City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, manager Nuno ‘changed his mind’ on letting the Englishman leave north London for a temporary spell away from the club.

Indeed, the homegrown man is ‘now set to remain’ and be a key member of the squad after his man-of-the-match display in Tottenham’s first league game of the season.

The Verdict: Correct call…

We believe allowing Tanganga to stay and fill the right-back void could be a brilliant call by Nuno and one which may be popular among Spurs supporters.

The starlet showcased exactly what he can bring to this new look Spurs side at the weekend and his presence could mean that the club may not have to significantly invest in a new right-back signing after all.

Fabio Paratici has been touted to bag one this summer after being linked to a host of full-backs on that side but time will tell whether he now follows through, with any money saved from not doing so potentially put to better use at centre-back.

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Omg’, ‘I beg’…Many Tottenham fans erupt as ‘perfect’ news emerges, find out more here.

Aston Villa are reportedly frontrunners in their pursuit of Burnley talisman Dwight McNeil, with Everton also keen on his services [Liverpool Echo].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the 21-year-old registered seven goal contributions from 40 appearances; two goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

Now garnering attention from bigger Premier League sides, he could have a decision to make over his Turf Moor future this summer.

The Villains are thought to be in pole position to acquire the wide-man, however Everton are also in the hunt for natural wingers who would cost around £25 million [Liverpool Echo].

Having already signed free agent Ashley Young alongside creator Emiliano Buendia for a club record fee, bringing in McNeil would undoubtedly create a sense of excitement at Villa Park [Transfermarkt].

In light of this, loads of Aston Villa diehards took to Twitter to voice their delight at recent developments.

Aston Villa fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa FC outlet villareport, here is what some supporters had to say about a potential move for the ‘great addition’:

“Maybe goes to show things are bubbling away behind the scenes, and very quietly, this would be a great addition IMO. #avfc”

Credit: @LordMillman29″Would be over the moon with this.”Credit: @LincolnClarets”25 mill would be a bargain for him tbh”Credit: @GW_94″If it’s 25mill snap him up”Credit: @av_reece”As long as the price is right I’m happy”Credit: @avfck1eran”offer £20m + £5m in add ons rn villa”Credit: @JackAVFC__In other news, Aston Villa fans react to a transfer update.

According to Portuguese outlet Antena1, Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has agreed a move to Porto this summer.

The Lowdown: Porto want Morelos

£10.8m-valued Morelos (Transfermarkt), who is currently competing for Colombia at the Copa America, is a strong target for Portuguese outfit Porto this summer.

It has been said the two-time European champions had hoped to sign the forward for a fee of €12m (Bruno Andrade), which is about £10.3m.

The Latest: Deal agreed

Now, it is being said that Morelos has already agreed personal terms with Porto ahead of a move.

Antena1 are now certain that he will make the switch to Portugal before the end of the transfer window with a ‘full agreement’ in place.

The Verdict: Hammer blow for Gerrard

This will come as a huge blow to Steven Gerrard and the rest of the Rangers set-up. Morelos has proven to be a consistent goalscorer for the Ibrox outfit, netting 94 times in 182 matches (Transfermarkt), and his record of 23 in 45 Europa League games shows he is capable of finding the back of the net at a higher level.

Gerrard and co will always have been aware Morelos will leave the Gers at some point – he has previously indicated a desire to play in a more competitive league (Goal.com). However, they will perhaps be shocked of the timing of the move. The Gers have the chance to reach the Champions League group stages this term – if Morelos’ goals were to help them get there, he could cement his status as a modern-day club legend.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this 21/22 reveal.

Liverpool have made the first move in their bid to bring Nicolo Barella to Anfield this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Calciomercato journalist Enrico Camelio, who revealed on the Calciomercato Show (via Sport Witness) that Jurgen Klopp’s side have made contact with Inter Milan regarding a move for the 24-year-old.

According to Camelio, the Reds have asked the Serie A side for information on the central midfielder, although Simone Inzaghi’s team are believed to have told Klopp that the Italy international is non-transferable this summer.

However, it is then claimed that Inter need to sell players in order to ease their financial troubles, with Sport Witness claiming that the sale of Barella is a possibility in the summer transfer window.

Klopp would love him

Barella was one of the most exciting players in Serie A last season and has starred for Italy at Euro 2020 so far this summer. With Georginio Wijnaldum recently leaving Liverpool on a free transfer, the signing of the 24-year-old is one which Klopp would surely love to get over the line ahead of next season.

Indeed, over his 36 Serie A appearances for the Nerazzurri last term, the £60m-rated Italian scored three goals, registered seven assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking one shot and making 1.3 key passes per game.

The midfielder also impressed in more typical metrics for his position, with 0.7 interceptions, 1.6 tackles 4.9 successful duels per league fixture, in addition to averaging 65.8 touches and completing 43.4 passes in each game.

These returns saw the man who Alberto Zaccheroni dubbed a “warrior” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Antonio Conte’s joint fifth-best performer in the Italian top flight as the 24-year-old played a huge part in the Nerazzurri’s first title win for 11 years.

Barella’s form has also continued for Roberto Mancini’s Italy side this summer, with the £80,000-per-week man scoring one goal and providing two assists over his four appearances at Euro 2020, earning an average SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Italy’s seventh-best player in the competition, helping his side reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

As such, with Klopp having waved goodbye to Wijnaldum earlier this summer, the German will undoubtedly be looking to replace the 30-year-old prior to the kick-off of Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League campaign. Considering Barella’s recent performances for both club and country, as well as him being significantly younger than the aforementioned Dutchman, the 24-year-old would very much appear to be a fantastic addition to the Reds midfield if they can lure him to Anfield.

In other news: Liverpool dealt big transfer blow over “extraordinary” 15 G/A gem, fans will be gutted