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West Brom are reportedly interested in signing former Sheffield Wednesday winger Adam Reach in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Reach leaves Wednesday

The 28-year-old suffered relegation with the Owls last season, and with his contract at Hillsborough expiring last month, he is currently searching for a new club.

Reach might not be without potential suitors, having scored 31 goals in 306 Championship appearances in his career.

The Latest: West Brom linked with move

According to journalist Alan Nixon on Twitter, Reach is a target for West Brom, as they prepare for life under Valerien Ismael back in the Championship:

“West Brom. Surprise potential squad addition is Adam Reach. Ex Sheff Wed. Also on Blackburn list.”

The Verdict: Good squad player

Reach may not necessarily come in as a guaranteed starter for the Baggies, but he has the quality and experience to more than justify a squad place.

At 28, he is arguably in the peak years of his career and he possesses an eye for the spectacular, having scored some memorable goals for Wednesday down the years.

A powerful player who can thrive both out wide and centrally, Reach could be an intriguing signing by West Brom, as they look to make a swift return to the Premier League.

In other news, one player has been tipped to be a great signing for West Brom. Find out who it is here.

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…

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have now held three rounds of talks with Roberto Martinez and more in recent days as the club ‘close in’ on appointing a new manager.

The Lowdown: Spurs hold ‘extensive’ Martinez discussions

Recent reports by the same outlet indicated that ‘extensive discussions’ have been held with the 47-year-old who has been shortlisted by Tottenham for the role.

They also emphatically claimed that the Spaniard has been making a ‘huge play’ for the job behind closed doors and is very keen on succeeding former boss Jose Mourinho.

The Latest: Further talks emerge…

Bringing an update on this story, Football Insider now believe that further negotiations have been held in recent days which brings the total to three rounds of Spurs discussions with Martinez.

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The first two came before the 2020/2021 Premier League season ended last weekend, meanwhile the third round of talks have come only in the last few days.

Football Insider also say that the Lilywhites also closing in on a new manager with Martinez shortlisted.

Indeed, in an encouraging claim, the outlet believe that Tottenham are ‘confident’ of appointing a new manager this week and in a matter of days.

The Verdict: Mixed bag…

While it is fantastic news that Spurs are allegedly close to an appointment behind the scenes, Spurs fans may be hoping that man isn’t Martinez despite former Scotland boss Alex McLeish lauding him as ‘world class’ recently (Football Insider).

Reports have now emerged that former fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino has held talks with Spurs and is apparently eager to make a return to the north London club (The Athletic).

Depending on the validity of these claims, with conflicting reports also emerging, we believe that the Argentine would be a far superior candidate to Martinez given everything he achieved at Tottenham in his first spell – including a Champions League final appearance.

However, if Spurs want to appoint him, they will apparently have to fight tooth and nail given PSG’s alleged stance.

In other news: Spurs now want to sign this ‘nearly unplayable’ star, find out more here.

Newcastle United have been handed a major boost in their hopes of finally seeing their Saudi-backed takeover go through, and it’s an update which should have fans buzzing.

What’s the story?

Mike Ashley took legal action against the Premier League after the PIF-backed consortium saw their takeover attempts fall through at the 11th hour, but it appears there is now a lot more positivity surrounding it.

According to Football Insider, the Magpies “are privately confident the Premier League will sanction the Saudi-backed takeover after arbitration proceedings in July”.

The report added: “A Newcastle source has told Football Insider that all parties are still committed to the deal and there is growing hope it will be concluded by the end of July. That could pave the way for huge changes at the club.”

Mike Ashley and the fans will be buzzing

The Magpies’ owner took matters into his own hands when the Saudi takeover fell through, hiring lawyer Nick De Marco to enter into an arbitration process in order to secure the Premier League’s approval, and this latest update should have both Ashley and the club’s fans absolutely buzzing.

Ashley will get the money and the chance to walk away from St James’ Park and rid of his hands of a situation and environment which has become incredibly toxic against him, while the fans will get the opportunity to finally see the much-criticised owner get out of the club.

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It’s a deal which suits all parties and will give everyone the chance to simply move on. Ashley can walk away to deal with his own interests, while Newcastle fans can look forward to a far more exciting future under an ownership which could catapult them into the Premier League’s elite with a massive spending spree.

Meanwhile, Bruce could sign a new Saint-Maximin in this South American starlet…

Wolverhampton Wanderers are keeping a close eye on free agent striker Diego Costa, according to UOL journalist Bruno Andrade.

Costa’s contract at Atletico Madrid was terminated at the end of December, and he has been a free agent ever since.

The Spaniard agreed to rip up the deal six months early after marking only two La Liga starts prior to Christmas.

He has, of course, played in the Premier League before, enjoying a three-year spell at Chelsea from 2014 to 2017.

Costa landed two titles in that time and scored 52 goals in 89 appearances.

Lage assembles his striking options at Wolves

Bruno Lage, newly appointed as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor at Molineux, will evaluate Costa with a view to a possible move.

Wolves are set to welcome striker Raul Jimenez back into the fold next season after he missed much of the 2020/21 campaign with a fractured skull, while teenager Fabio Silva is also an option in the forward ranks.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed the Costa report, and here’s how fans reacted.

These Wolves fans excited by links to Costa

“With Mosquera signed and rumoured now on Ruben Semedo and Diego Costa, I think Lage is looking to add a bite down the spine. Just what we need.”

Credit: @gjp12775

“He’s on the same plane as Talisca”

Credit: @Greener099Sam

“Yes please”

Credit: @MrAndyLowe

“Surely we go for it”

Credit: @TomWWFC_

“Please let this happen Jeff”

Credit: @mjp467

“Oh get him in”

Credit: @wwfcglover

In other news, Ruben Vinagre may be sacrificed to make room for this signing.  

Manchester City have been linked with Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz recently and he could form a superb partnership with Kevin De Bruyne in Pep Guardiola’s midfield should he make the move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

According to Don Balon, City are in talks with the Spain international after making contact with Napoli ahead of a potential summer move.

The “spectacular” 25-year-old – as hailed by Quique Setien, his former boss at Real Betis – has made 127 appearances for the Serie A side since joining from the Andalucian outfit in 2018, contributed 15 goals and 10 assists in his three years in Italy.

He has continued as a regular at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this season, making 32 appearances in Serie A, with three goals and one assist to his name, which has helped him average an impressive 6.97 rating from WhoScored.

This is enough to rank him as the fifth-best performer in Gennaro Gattuso’s squad this season, which emphasises that he will surely be highly valued at Napoli this summer and that they won’t be keen to lose him.

Transfermarkt currently values the Spaniard at £39.6m and he is contracted until 2023, which suggests that any potential deal for Ruiz this summer would not be cheap. However, his style of play suggests that he would be a perfect fit in Guardiola’s side next season, and he could compliment De Bruyne excellently in midfield.

According to WhoScored, the 25-year-old’s main strengths are passing, through balls, key passes, long shots and concentration, which immediately suggests that he would adapt well to the demands of playing in a Guardiola team.

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Ruiz’s has registered a 90.5% pass accuracy in the Italian top flight this season, which would rank him as the ninth-best passer in Guardiola’s side this term had he averaged the same rate in the Premier League.

It seems that the Spanish midfielder could fulfil a similar role to Ilkay Gundogan at the Etihad, in the sense that he could help City retain possession and allow De Bruyne to take up a more attacking role, whilst his 1.8 tackles per game in Serie A also demonstrates that he can be solid defensively when required.

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Therefore, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider a move for Ruiz this summer, as the 25-year-old could prove to be a superb addition to Guardiola’s side next season.

In other news… Man City handed huge boost in race for “special” Premier League beast, Txiki must deliver

Glasgow Rangers legend Ally McCoist is livid with comments from Chris Sutton ahead of the Old Firm derby this weekend.

McCoist livid at Sutton

The Gers face Celtic on Sunday in the final clash between the two of the season. Sutton suggested on BT Sport Extra on Friday, with the Premiership title already wrapped up by the Gers, the match didn’t matter.

McCoist was livid with the former striker’s words. He responded (via Ibrox News):

“So it does matter.

“I’m about to explain why Chris says it doesn’t matter…because he’s running scared again.

“He’s covering his angles, it’s embarrassing to listen to.

“Celtic haven’t won a game against Rangers since they were unbelievably fortunate to win that League Cup final which they never should have won.

“He’s saying to himself ‘they might beat us again here, so therefore it doesn’t matter’.

“Away and don’t talk a load of nonsense, of course it matters.

“It will matter to Scott Brown, it will matter to all these guys.”

Bang on

It is so easy for Sutton to turn around and say this match doesn’t matter. After all, Celtic are yet to beat the Gers in four matches this season, losing three (Sky Sports), and they are no longer playing for the title. Another defeat against the 55-time Scottish champions would be one more blow for the Bhoys, and Sutton is trying to pre-empt that possibility.

The truth is, though, every Old Firm derby matters. These two teams are the fiercest of rivals and, with the Gers still chasing an unbeaten league campaign (BBC), Celtic have a chance to upset the party. The Gers must be expecting their rivals to give their all in the clash.

In other news, Rangers are interested in this goalscoring midfielder.

Xisco Munoz’s Watford side are interested in bringing Ashley Young back to Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who revealed on Twitter that the Hornets have opened talks with the 35-year-old midfielder regarding a potential return to the club.

The Italian journalist also claims that, should Inter Milan chose not to extend his contract at the San Siro, there will be a “huge chance” of the switch to Watford going through.

Giaretta should not sanction swoop

So far this season, Young has been in decent form over his 23 Serie A appearances for Antonio Conte’s side, with the midfielder registering three assists and creating two big chances, as well as making an average of 1.1 key passes per match, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 6.73 – ranking him as the club’s 19th-best performer in the Italian top flight.

However, while Watford could well be in need of a new left-back this summer, with Achraf Lazaar looking likely to leave the club at the end of the season, and with Young demonstrating at his time at both Manchester United and Inter that he is capable of playing in the position, there is still one overarching negative to his potential signing.

Currently, the England international is reported to earn a whopping £91,000-per-week at Inter, an amount that would comfortably make him Watford’s highest earner – topping Troy Deeney’s weekly wage by around £14,000.

And, with the 35-year-old potentially arriving on a free transfer, along with Watford receiving a windfall of Premier League cash following their promotion from the Championship, it is not an unlikely scenario that Young would demand a higher wage than he currently takes home a week in Italy in his potential switch back to the club.

As such, an extremely substantial weekly wage for a player with not many years left ahead of him in his footballing career would not appear to be a very forward-thinking or cost-effective move from Cristiano Giaretta and the Watford hierarchy, regardless of how romantic a return to Vicarage Road may be for Young.

In other news: Get him gone – Xisco must ruthlessly axe £18k-p/w Watford flop with “great qualities” – opinion

Liverpool have been handed a huge boost for tonight’s clash against Burnley after Jurgen Klopp confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is back in contention and that James Milner may also be fit enough to make a return.

The Reds travel to Turf Moor this evening to take on Sean Dyche’s men in what could prove to be a pivotal encounter for their Champions League qualification hopes.

Klopp’s charges are currently sitting in the fifth position in the Premier League standings, just three points behind fourth-placed Leicester City. However, the six-time European champions have a game in hand over the Foxes, and their superior goal difference means Liverpool are in control of their own destiny.

A dramatic win last time out against West Bromwich Albion, courtesy of goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s injury-time effort, has kept the Anfield outfit’s top-four dreams alive, and now they’ve been handed another significant lift.

In a press conference on Tuesday (as reported by the Liverpool Echo), Klopp revealed experienced midfielder Milner was set to take part in training, while Oxlade-Chamberlain had recovered from illness.

“Milly will train today but is that enough to be involved tomorrow? I will see,” he said. “Ox was ill. Ox is back.”

The potential return of the duo is bound to have Klopp buzzing after having to cope without several key players throughout the current campaign due to injury.

It would allow the enigmatic German manager to field Fabinho in the centre of defence if he so wishes knowing he has experienced heads to call upon to fill the gap left in the engine room, or simply offers him more experienced options from the bench should he require them.

Liverpool’s season hinges on tonight’s result against Burnley, but the return of Milner and Oxlade-Chamberlain is certainly a big boost to their chances, whether either of the duo start or are able to come on from the bench, as tonight has the feel of a game where experienced stars will be more beneficial than raw youngsters.

And, in other news… Asking price set: Edwards must act to sign Reds target with a pass accuracy of 87.1%

Queens Park Rangers got back to winning ways with an emphatic 4-1 victory over lowly Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.

A Lyndon Dykes brace stole the headlines – quite understandably, too – as he became the first player in the second-flight to achieve that feat with two headed efforts.

The Scotsman also drew high praise from the EFL on Quest show, where his display was dubbed a “10/10 target man performance,” but there was another name that deserved just as much acclaim.

Playing in just behind the striker, former Arsenal academy graduate Chris Willock arguably stole the show, capping off his efforts with a 90th-minute strike that even his goal-laden teammate would’ve been proud of.

He had set up Dykes’ second on the hour mark with a deft header inside the area, just one of three key passes throughout the match as he proved to be a serious creative outlet for Mark Warburton.

No other Hoops player managed as many chances created, whilst his 90% passing accuracy was amongst the best performers on the pitch – across both teams. It was even better than the Owls’ playmaker Barry Bannan.

The 23-year-old dynamo proved to be a real thorn in the side as he also chipped in with two successful dribbles and a total of three shots.

Willock was even a hard man to shake off the ball – he won five of six (83%) of his battles, both on the ground and in the air and crucially, his one aerial duel won resulted in that assist.

West London Sport graded the attacking maestro as QPR’s best player, alongside Dykes, in their post-match ratings column.

‘Excellent display from the former Arsenal man, who was outstanding throughout playing in a more forward role alongside Dykes,’ wrote Ian McCullough. ‘Set up the move for the second goal and nodded the ball down for the Scot to score his second. Scored a richly deserved goal in the final minute with a clinical finish.’

This was only Willock’s 15th league start of the season, which as one of the Rs’ highest-earners on a reported £10k-per-week may come as a surprise. The £1.1m-rated gem may have even just fired a huge message to Warburton that he should be starting more often.