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A major update has emerged on Stoke forward Lee Gregory, regarding Sheffield Wednesday’s interest in his services. 

According to Football League World, the Owls are poised to land the Stoke City centre-forward this summer. Gregory’s contract at Stoke expires at the end of the month and he is set to become a free agent in July.

Sheffield Wednesday are now looking to pounce on the former Millwall forward. The report claims that Hillsborough is the most likely destination for the attacker as it stands, with Darren Moore on the verge of adding him to his squad.

Back in 2019, former Millwall boss Neil Harris lavished praise on the “quality” attacker as he was heading for the exit door at The Den. He told London News Online:

“I can only thank him for his efforts while I’ve been in charge.

“Not just his goal-scoring record, but his quality as a person. 

“He is hugely, hugely popular in the changing room, massively popular with the staff because of his honesty, his trust, his performances and his work ethic. And he’s a fan favourite as well.”

In signing him, Dejphon Chansiri could land a major boost for Sheffield Wednesday.

Amidst all the bad news surrounding the club, with the unpaid wage situation, this could be a timely piece of positive news for Wednesday fans to enjoy. With Jordan Rhodes leaving the club at the end of the month, Moore is currently on course to have zero natural centre-forwards in his squad heading into next season. This means that adding a striker to the mix is a much-needed move.

The £12k-per-week dynamo has experience of delivering in League One. In two seasons in the third tier for Millwall, Gregory scored an exceptional 35 goals in 78 games, whilst also providing nine assists for his teammates.

This means that he is a proven goalscorer in the third tier and could help fire Sheffield Wednesday to promotion if he is able to rediscover his best form and settle in under the coaching of Moore. Therefore, fans should be buzzing that the club are on course to sign a proven player for their level.

Gregory would also arrive as a striker who has proven himself in the Championship. The 32-year-old scored four goals in nine starts for Stoke and Derby in the season just gone and has had four seasons of scoring six or more Championship goals in his career – hitting double figures twice for Millwall.

This shows that he is a useful player in the second tier and could be a valuable player for Wednesday to have if they are able to return to the division at the first attempt next season.

AND in other news, Major boost emerges for SWFC with £530-p/w sought-after dynamo, Moore will be buzzing…

Rangers will face Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox this summer.

The lowdown

Rangers will likely be preparing for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first full season at the helm. In addition to drawing up transfers, they’ll also have to arrange friendlies to help the squad build fitness for competitive fixtures.

If Rangers finish second in the Scottish Premiership and fail to win the Europa League, then they’re likely to enter the second round of Champions League qualifiers, scheduled for the second half of July.

Meanwhile, the start of the SPFL season is pencilled in for the weekend of 30/31 July.

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The latest

Football London’s Alasdair Gold writes that Rangers held talks with Spurs this week over a potential summer meeting at Ibrox.

The Lilywhites are due to jet off to South Korea for two matches, and wanted to line up a game in Glasgow on their return.

And those efforts have been a success, with the ‘excited’ Spurs officially confirming the fixture for Saturday July 23.

The verdict: Exciting indeed

This can only be good news. Rangers’ players get the chance to test themselves against elite opposition, and the added intensity should be of benefit to Van Bronckhorst’s side.

Last summer, when they faced Spurs’ North London rivals Arsenal, they could only welcome 2,000 spectators amid coronavirus restrictions, but this year, there’s no reason why they can’t get close to a full house and generate considerable funds too.

And the club hierarchy will be looking for alternative revenue sources this pre-season after backing out a friendly against Celtic in Australia following a backlash from fans.

In other news, read this journalist’s concerning Alfredo Morelos claim. 

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to increase the pressure on their Premier League rivals when they head to Leeds United in the Premier League this lunchtime.

A place in the top four is within touching distance, so a win over Marcelo Bielsa’s side would put the Lilywhites to within two points of Chelsea before they face league leaders Manchester City later this evening.

Last time out, Ryan Mason’s men demolished Sheffield United 4-0, and that will leave the 29-year-old interim boss with plenty to ponder in terms of team selection.

What sort of XI could we see from him at Elland Road? Here’s our predicted line-up, as well as the latest team and injury news from N17…

Mason could make just the one change to the line-up which won last Sunday. It’s certainly going to be difficult to tinker with the team after that performance, at least.

He does have two players back from injury as he revealed in his pre-game press conference.

“Ben Davies is the only one that has not been training,” Mason said. “Tanguy and Lucas didn’t train for the majority of last week, they trained the day before the game but this week we have had a fully fit squad.”

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However, just one of the duo is in line for an instant return to the starting XI as Tanguy Ndombele could come in for Giovani Lo Celso in the heart of midfield.

The Argentine took a knock to the head after a questionable stamp from John Fleck and was seen with ice strapped around him following his withdrawal. Although he will likely be fit to feature here, he was perhaps one of the few poor performers last weekend, so Mason may want to freshen it up with the £45m-rated Ndombele instead.

It means that both hat-trick hero Gareth Bale and Dele Alli keep their places in a bold call from the 29-year-old interim boss.

Lucas Moura will need to earn back his place after the Welshman’s exploits, whilst the 25-year-old Englishman impressed with his work rate off the ball (winning three tackles), and more of the same will surely be required against the relentless press of Leeds.

The back four of Sergio Reguilon, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld and Serge Aurier, in front of Hugo Lloris, should remain untouched, whilst Harry Kane and Heung-min Son continue to be the focal points of Mason’s attack.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Sanchez: Levy must sanction Spurs swoop for £18m “leader” who’s like Van Dijk…

Evening Standard reporter Jack Rosser believes Alphonse Areola’s arrival at West Ham United has ended the chances of Sam Johnstone securing a move to the London Stadium.

Areola has joined the Hammers on a season-long loan deal, which also has the option to make the move permanent, from French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The 28-year-old has headed back to the Premier League having impressed with Fulham, where he made 37 appearances, last term.

It comes despite West Ham boss David Moyes also targeting 6 ft 4 West Bromwich Albion shot-stopper Johnstone and reportedly failing with a £10million bid last month.

Moyes, who has led the east Londoners into the Europa League thanks to registering a club record Premier League points tally last month, had made signing a new goalkeeper a priority.

First choice custodian Lukasz Fabianski has entered the final 12 months of his £65,000-per-week contract and Areola will now provide competition.

Rosser believes the Hammers’ pursuit of Johnstone has now come to an end.

He told Football FanCast: “I’d be surprised if they got both [Areola and Johnstone].

“I think they wanted to bring in some competition for Fabianski. Moyes was pleasantly surprised by how well Fabianski did last season but then there were a couple of niggling injuries that he had to put up with.

“They’re looking beyond him now, with competition for Fabianski and then an eventual successor.”

West Brom may have been handed a boost in their rumoured pursuit of Manchester City youngster Liam Delap, with the youngster admitting he’s keen to get regular game time under his belt.

What’s the story?

Delap has caught the eye with some strong performances for Manchester City’s Under-23s team in recent seasons, which has seen him feature in Pep Guardiola’s senior side in recent months.

The 18-year-old signed for Manchester City back in 2019 and will be looking to go from strength to strength with the Premier League champions moving forwards.

Speaking in a recent interview with Sky Sports (via Football Daily), Delap has revealed that he trusts the club to make the right decision on his future, when quizzed on West Brom’s rumoured interest in landing his signature.

“Every minute that I get, it’s just an added bonus. As a footballer, you just want to play as much as you can, and that’ll be my target this season. 

“Obviously it’s up to the club. What’s happened at the club so far has been amazing for me, and I trust them to make the right decision, as I’ve been extremely happy with everything that’s happened at City, and I’m really happy here. I’ll see what the club want me to do from here.”

The Express and Star have previously revealed that West Brom are interested in a deal to sign Delap on a season-long loan deal, and the forward’s recent comments on his short-term future could heighten the Baggies’ interest in landing his signature this summer.

‘Phenomenal’

Delap has scored 40 goals in 54 appearances across all age groups so far in his career in professional football, but now could be the ideal time to send him out on loan.

He’s unlikely to be a regular starter in the City first-team, so a temporary move away from the Etihad Stadium could be the best possible move for all parties involved, as he looks to further his experience in senior football.

A move to West Brom could be the ideal destination for Delap as well, with Valerien Ismael looking to strengthen his attacking options this summer as he targets promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The former Barnsley boss already has some strong and proven options in a similar position in his squad, with the likes of Callum Robinson, Kenneth Zohore and Karlan Grant being on the club’s books.

But Delap could provide West Brom with something different, as he’ll be eager to make a name for himself in first-team football.

You don’t feature for City’s first-team by chance, and that’s a credit to the quality that Delap has managed to get gam time so early into his professional career.

The youngster was labelled as ‘phenomenal’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, and it’ll be interesting to see where the City talent ends up this season.

But his recent admission on wanting regular game time could be a real boost in West Brom’s hopes of signing him, as the Baggies are much more likely to be able to offer Delap minutes this term, especially compared to City.

West Brom supporters would love to see a young, quality player like Delap arrive this summer to give their club a boost as they look to get promoted at the first time of asking.

AND in other news, West Brom have seemingly made a decision about the future of this player…

According to The Daily Record, Southampton are interested in signing Farense midfielder Ryan Gauld this summer.

The Lowdown: Busy summer ahead

This season was a mixed one for the Saints. They started fantastically and even reached an FA Cup semi-final, but they ended up finishing in the bottom half and put in an awful display at Wembley.

As such, Ralph Hasenhuttl is likely to demand new arrivals at St. Mary’s Stadium this summer.

The Latest: Saints eye Gauld

One of the players linked to the south-coast outfit is Gauld, who currently plays in Portugal for the recently relegated outfit Farense.

Legia Warsaw, as well as teams from the MLS and the Championship, are said to be interested in signing the 25-year-old this summer but the report indicates that a move to Southampton appeals to him.

The Verdict: Plenty of ability

Gauld may be a name familiar to some, especially in Scotland. He started his career at Dundee United, and his showings there even earned him comparisons with Lionel Messi (via The Sun). He has mainly struggled to live up to the huge expectations on his shoulders, but this term, he has impressed.

Although Farense were relegated to the second tier, Gauld scored nine goals and provided a further seven assists (Transfermarkt). Last term, he scored nine in 21 in the division below, indicating this campaign’s form is no flash in the plan. Valued at just £4.5m (Transfermarkt), his contract runs out at the end of this term – on a free transfer, this could be an inspired move from the Saints.

In other news, Hasenhuttl reveals the Saints are in talks to sign this 87-goal man.

Paul Robinson has lauded Denzel Dumfries as Fabrizio Romano gave the latest on Everton’s pursuit of him in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Dumfries competition

There have been various reports throughout the window so far that the Goodison Park faithful are set to face competition from Inter Milan to sign Dumfries.

However, Italian football journalist and transfer expert Romano has recently given an update on his Twitch channel (via Football Insider), regarding talks of the Merseyside club signing the PSV ace, claiming that they have ‘gone quiet’.

The Latest: Robinson lauds Dumfries

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson, former goalkeeper for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and England, has lauded Dumfries, and claimed that Rafa Benitez’s team should do everything that they can to sign him:

“Everton should do everything they can to get Dumfries.

“He was brilliant at the Euros and I think he was the best player for the Dutch.

“For the Netherlands he plays very high up the field and he showed that he can play wing-back as well as full-back. He can go forward and he can create.

“Everton will not be the only suitors. I think a number of Premier League clubs will be looking at him. If Everton can get him it would be a big coup.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is certainly a no-brainer that the Toffees should be going all out to try and sign Dumfries ahead of the likes of Inter in this window.

As Robinson rightfully points out, the right-back impressed at Euro 2020 with The Netherlands, scoring two goals in the group stages (Sofascore).

At club level, his attacking exploits are no different, scoring four times and making a further nine assists in 41 games over all competitions in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, at 25 years of age, and being the captain of PSV, he is the perfect long-term successor to the ageing Seamus Coleman, and so the Blues should be all over a deal.

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians buzzing here!

Southampton have a big chance to secure their second Premier League win of the season at the weekend with a home clash against Burnley next up for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side following on from their 1-0 win over Leeds United last week.

With eight league games played, the Saints have won one, drawn four and lost three, leaving them 15th in the table with seven points on the board.

Sean Dyche’s Clarets side head into the weekend clash at St Mary’s still looking for their first league win of the season, making it an important match for both teams.

Salisu should start v Burnley

One player who was involved in the victory over Leeds that we feel should be in the Saints’ starting XI to face Burnley is Mohammed Salisu, who has been described as “nasty” by Hasenhuttl in recent weeks in terms of competing in duels against opponents on the pitch.

The 22-year-old played the full 90 minutes against the Whites and made three tackles, three interceptions and two clearances, blocked one shot and won eight out of his 12 duels, ultimately earning himself an impressive overall match rating of 7.4/10 from SofaScore.

In addition to this, the £23k-per-week defender (according to Spotrac) has averaged 2.1 tackles and 3.5 clearances per game so far this season, showing how useful a defensive unit he has been for the Saints. Those figures indicate why he should be in the starting XI to face Burnley, as he could potentially bully their forward players with his no-nonsense nature.

Since joining the Saints in August 2020 from Real Valladolid for a reported fee of £10.8m, Salisu has made only 24 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Looking ahead to the Burnley match, though, we think he should definitely be in the starting XI and probably beyond that, particularly while fellow centre-back Jack Stephens is out recovering from the knee injury that he picked up during Southampton’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City last month.

In other news: Southampton could already have their next Gareth Bale in “quality” 17 y/o starlet

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard may need to start thinking about what his midfield will look like beyond the end of the current campaign.

Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo have both been the subject of transfer speculation, from Arsenal and Crystal Palace respectively, and that could leave the Gers in need of a central midfielder to bolster their first team squad next summer should one, or both, of those depart.

Whilst Ross Wilson could dip into the transfer market to provide a readymade replacement, Gerrard could unearth a current Ibrox gem in youngster Ben Williamson, who is currently on loan at Livingston.

Charlie Adam 2.0

Williamson could be Rangers’ new Charlie Adam if Gerrard is able to successfully integrate him into the first team for the 2022/23 Premiership campaign.

He turned 20 earlier this year and has already accumulated experience in the Championship and Premiership with Arbroath and Livingston on loan. Adam also experienced loan spells after coming through the academy at Ibrox before becoming a first team regular, playing 77 games for the club.

Williamson has admitted his admiration for the former Gers beast. He played against the veteran whilst on loan at Arbroath last season and made it clear that he takes inspiration from the former Liverpool man, saying: “We had a good battle on the pitch and I need to take everything he said to me on board. He’s been to the very top of football and that’s where I want to go as well.

“Charlie’s an inspiration for me, 100 per cent. I like the way he handles himself. He realises he doesn’t need to try and do the hard thing all of the time, he just does the simple things so well that he makes them look easy.

“I take everything Charlie has done in his career on board and try to work it into my game.”

This suggests that he could have a similar playstyle to the Scotland international in midfield, keeping things simple and making the play tick over. He could control the middle of the park for the Gers if he is able to put his words into action on the pitch.

Livingston boss David Martindale has claimed that the youngster has a big career ahead of him and thanked Rangers for allowing him to leave on loan.

He said: “I really believe he has a great future in the game and I’m happy to get him on board here. Ben hasn’t long made his Scotland U21 debut which tells you the quality the lad possesses. I must say a big thank you to Rangers Football Club, Ben and his agent Pete Cormack for working with us to make the deal happen.”

This suggests that Williamson has the potential to deliver on the pitch for Rangers in the future and become the new Charlie Adam. Therefore, Gerrard must unleash him in pre-season next summer to see if he has what it takes to make the step up.

AND in other news, Rangers handed key injury blow ahead of Motherwell clash…

Aston Villa are closing in on signing Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Cantwell profiled

Cantwell progressed through Norwich’s youth system and penned professional terms in 2018. Since then, the 23-year-old has made 102 appearances for the club, scoring 14 times and registering 12 assists.

The 5 foot 8 ace, described as ‘wonderful’ by Dean Ashton, is primarily a left-midfielder but can also play as an attacking midfielder or on the right-hand side.

Cantwell, valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, has less than 12 months left on his Canaries contract, and it seems as if he could become the second player to leave Norwich for Villa this summer.

The Latest: Source shares update

A Villa source informed Football Insider on Wednesday that talks are progressing well and there is confidence a deal can be struck.

The report suggests that talks are at an advanced stage, adding Villa are closing in on Cantwell as their second big-money transfer of the summer behind Emiliano Buendia, who also left Carrow Road for Villa Park.

Finally, the site claim that a move for Cantwell is alongside any deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey, so it’s not a case of the Englishman being an alternative to the Jamaican.

The Verdict: Could this mean anything on Grealish?

With both Cantwell and Bailey possibly moving to the Midlands before the new season, could this mean anything about the future of Jack Grealish?

The club captain has been linked with a move to Manchester City for some time, with recent reports suggesting personal terms have been agreed on over an Etihad switch.

Villa initially wanted two wide men back in April and have already got one in Buendia, so signing both Cantwell and Bailey could mean Villa are looking at life without Grealish.

Of course, no fan wants to see their captain and talisman leave, but would Buendia, Bailey and Cantwell be sufficient quality in return?

In other news: ‘We’re winning it all’ – Many AVFC fans ‘buzzing’ at Sky Sports’ transfer update.