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Crystal Palace have offered Christian Benteke a two-year deal to remain at the club this summer after his impressive end-of-season form.

What’s the story?

According to Dutch outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, the power is now in the 30-year-old striker’s hands regarding whether he stays at Selhurst Park or seeks pastures new after Palace put fresh terms on the table.

Benteke had been linked with the top teams in Turkish football in recent weeks as he approaches the end of his current contract, but this latest revelation could mean the target man extends his five-year stay in south London.

Fans will be buzzing

The £8.1 million rated target man (as per Transfermarkt) enjoyed a renaissance in 2020/21, bagging 10 Premier League goals in 30 appearances, his highest return in four seasons.

In fact, Benteke’s haul means he managed to outscore his total for the last three league campaigns combined after he notched a miserly six goals between 2017/18 and 2019/20.

Once labelled a “colossus” by former manager Paul Lambert, Benteke has struggled to replicate the form that once earned him a big-money move to Liverpool from Aston Villa since he joined up with the Eagles.

However, his sharp change in fortunes means the 6 ft 2 forward has established himself as a key player at Palace in recent months, and news of his potential stay will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

With changes set to be aplenty at the capital club over the coming months, it’s important Steve Parish keeps hold of the most important pillars in the Palace dressing room, and Benteke is certainly one of those.

Doubts surrounding Wilfried Zaha’s immediate future continue to circulate as links to Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have recently surfaced, while fellow attacking force Eberechi Eze is set to be sidelined until the new year.

Therefore, Benteke’s influence and importance at Selhurst Park has arguably never been greater. Parish must do all he can to keep hold of the Genk academy graduate this summer in order to ease the transition to the club’s post-Hodgson era, and it appears as though he’s heading in the right direction. Palace fans should be delighted with this news.

And, in other news…Parish must seal swoop for £4.5m-rated powerhouse, Crystal Palace need him 

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is in for a busy summer transfer window as he looks to shape his squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

With the Gers currently sitting six points adrift of the Premiership leaders, the Dutch head coach is set to head into next season with the aim of winning the title back from their Glasgow arch-rivals – unless of course there is a very late twist in the current campaign.

This means that the club will have an extra edge in their transfer dealings, as they will be motivated to improve their squad to a point where they will be confident of finishing above the Hoops.

One player who must be brutally axed from the Rangers squad in the summer is Finland international Glen Kamara, as the timing is perfect for him to leave.

Ibrox chief Ross Wilson can seal a masterclass by cashing in on the 26-year-old, whose form has nosedived of late. He has only started one Premiership match since 5th March as John Lundstram and Ryan Jack have been preferred to him in the two deep-lying midfield roles.

In all competitions since that date, he has recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.8 or lower in each of his appearances, while he has struggled in the Europa League all season. He has averaged an underwhelming SofaScore rating of 6.68 in Europe across 11 appearances, showing that he has not been one of the key players in their charge towards glory in that competition.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the club value him at £15m. It would be a stroke of genius from Wilson if he is able to sell Kamara for that amount, as it would generate significant funds for Van Bronckhorst to strengthen the squad in other positions without weakening the club’s best XI.

In his last Premiership start, the Finland midfielder was culpable for Motherwell’s goal and was dubbed an “all-round shambles” by Andrew Dickson for his involvement in that play. The 26-year-old was given the opportunity to show Van Bronckhorst that he can be a reliable, regular starter for him in the middle of the park, but instead he let the manager down with a poor mistake.

Kamara has struggled to get into the team of late and has not been able to catch the eye whenever he has played, so that is why this summer will be the perfect time for him to be sold. Wilson must cash in on the player whilst his value is still reasonably high, whether that is the £15m previously quoted or a similar fee, and then use that money to reinvest in the team.

If he can pull that off, then it will be a transfer masterclass from the former Southampton chief…

AND in other news, Rangers now plot exciting bid for £1.8m-rated sensation, it’ll leave Van Bronckhorst thrilled…

Barry Fry insists that Liverpool need to splash the cash this summer if they are to return to the top of the Premier League, but has told Football FanCast that he doubts the money will be spent.

The Reds have fallen way off the pace in the league this season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently sixth in the table, 22 points behind current leaders Manchester City.

They have lost nine games and drawn seven this season, having lost three and drawn three last term, as they chalked up 99 points from 38 games.

Were they to win every game remaining, they would finish with 73 points, and there is also a doubt over whether they will manage to qualify for the Champions League, as they currently sit three points behind fourth-placed West Ham United.

And Fry, who is currently working as Peterborough United’s Director of Football, has said that the club need to ensure that there is better squad depth at the club if they are to succeed next term, but he doubts the funds will be made available to Klopp.

He told FFC: “Well, I think they’ll have to be big spenders, although listening to the manager, I’m not sure that the club will back him.

“I think everybody in the country has been hit by this pandemic and it makes it difficult for everybody. But they are a big club with big ambitions. And I think they’ll have to do quite a lot of business in the summer to put them back on track.

“I mean, obviously, you can’t lose the players that they’ve lost over long term because they’re top players and you can’t replace them with your squad players. But they certainly need more of the class player that they’ve got to strengthen their squad, because I think if Liverpool can pick eleven players that want to play, then they’ll give anybody a game.

“However, if there’s three, four, or five of them short, they haven’t got the backup required to maintain that success.”

An update has emerged on Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Newcastle are battling it out with Crystal Palace to land Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on a season-long loan.

Both clubs are looking to snap him up following his impressive loan spell with West Brom in the Premier League last season. The report also states that Chelsea are not interested in selling him and a loan is the only option for Newcastle.

Forget Willock

Newcastle are reportedly keen on signing Joe Willock from Arsenal, but as it stands they do not have the requisite funds to land him on a permanent deal. This means that their pursuit of the midfielder could be all but over and they will need to look elsewhere in the market to strengthen the middle of the park, which is where Gallagher comes into play.

It is time to forget about Willock and start concentrating on the prospect of the 21-year-old Blues ace arriving at St. James’ Park.

He was in a difficult situation at The Hawthorns as Sam Allardyce’s side were scraping for survival throughout the campaign, eventually succumbing to demotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking, and that made it tricky for him to stand out.

However, he rolled his sleeves up and showed that he can be a combative nuisance in midfield at the top level. The youngster averaged 3.6 tackles and interceptions per game for the Baggies, proving that he can get about the pitch to break up the play and win the ball back.

Whilst he was on loan at Swansea previously, Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews lavished praise on the midfielder and his “unbelievable” energy. He called him the ‘classic No 8’ in the sense that he can make an impact in both boxes.

He said: “But the one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

The £17k-per-week beast could, therefore, be a great addition to Bruce’s squad and strengthen his options in midfield. This is why the former Villa boss would love to bring Gallagher in on loan as he could add some steel to their side to attack the Premier League next season.

AND in other news, Ashley must sanction NUFC deal for “tremendous” £38k-p/w powerhouse, Bruce needs him…

Many Liverpool fans have been left buzzing as a transfer update emerged on Franck Kessie.

Speaking on Sport Mediaset (via Sport Witness), journalist Claudio Ramondi has claimed that the Anfield faithful have already put on the table a personal offer for the AC Milan ace, offering him a ‘huge’ amount in wages.

However, there are ‘no signs’ that Kessie wants to leave the Serie A club, despite him only having a year left on his current deal at the San Siro.

Nonetheless, the Ivory Coast international would certainly be a statement signing, having just come off the back of scoring a crucial goal in his country’s 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia at the Olympic games.

At club level in the 2020/21 season, he scored no fewer than 14 goals and made a further six assists in 50 matches in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), which are very impressive numbers for a central midfield player.

Liverpool fans on Kessie transfer update

These Reds supporters buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one Kopite even going as far as to claim that it was ‘beautiful’:

“Him over any other midfielder we’ve been linked with”

Credit: @LfcYyz

“This is our quality. I’ll take him”Credit: @_MrChase”The tank would be a good signing if it does happen”Credit: @AfriCharlie”Yes please”Credit: @LfcKenzie”Beautiful I just love this my man”Credit: @dayimant”imagine”Credit: @finhol1yIn other news, find out Caoimhin Kelleher update has LFC fans talking here!

Conor Coady has taken criticism from some Wolverhampton Wanderers fans ahead of the trip to The Hawthorns for Monday’s Black Country derby.

Wolves head into the game in 12th place, a full seven points adrift of the top half. They are looking to make amends following a woeful 4-0 defeat against Burnley last time out.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have finished in a highly creditable seventh place in the last two seasons, but they have struggled this time around amid the long-term absence of last year’s top scorer Raul Jimenez.

What did Coady say about Wolves’ season?

Speaking to the club’s official website, Wolves captain Coady admitted that his side’s efforts hadn’t been ‘good enough’.

The £16,500-per-week centre-back went on to concede that they had regressed from their high-flying campaigns of the last two years.

Having led 2-1 when they last met Albion in January, Wolves were beaten 3-2 on home soil, but they know that gaining revenge on Monday would go some way to ensuring West Brom aren’t playing top-flight football next season.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed Coady’s comments, and here’s how some supporters reacted.

Wolves fans call for Coady to do talking on the pitch

“Obviously scripted words. I’m sure the whole club is disappointed in this season, it’s just talking for talking sake. Just win on Monday.”

Credit: @richierooster69

“Unhappy is putting it mildly!”

Credit: @MichaelPoulter3

“Cue another gutless performance Monday”

Credit: @David44809679

“I wonder how long it took the press office to write that for you Conor, you’re better off telling #nuno you, Saiss and Donk aren’t defenders”

Credit: @mark_mcgrane

“Talk is cheap”

Credit: @purplefirefly

“You are the problem”

Credit: @leaoinwolves

In other news, many Wolves fans want to see this man start at The Hawthorns

Jadon Sancho could be set for a move back to Manchester, however not with his former club Man City as Man United are reportedly in a strong position to get him, but former City star Paul Stewart can only see his former club signing the winger.

Sancho has established himself as one of the best right-sided wingers across Europe with his staggering record of 50 goals and 64 assists in 137 games for Borussia Dortmund, however his time in Germany could be coming to an end as the winger has a gentleman’s agreement with the club to let him leave for the right amount of money.

Last summer Dortmund were demanding over £100 million from Man United for the winger and with a deal never appearing close, the Red Devils have returned to the negotiating table once again and have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the England international.

Whoever ends up signing Sancho will be getting a world-class winger that is still only 21-years-old, but despite the United rumours Stewart believes that if City enter the race for his signature, he’d end up back at the Etihad, as he exclusively told Football FanCast:

“There’s only one winner if both clubs are going for him and that’s Manchester City, and I would like to see him back in the Premier League.

“I think he’s one of the best right-sided players out there and he’s gone away and proved it.”

Sancho was bought by Dortmund back in 2017 and since arriving in Germany he has been a main threat for the Bundesliga outfit with his chemistry with Marco Reus and Erling Haaland being incredible to watch.

It would appear that Man United need a player like Sancho more than Man City do, however, with the pandemic hitting most clubs hard it would be no surprise to see City flex their financial muscle and move their rivals out of the running for their former winger.

Manchester United had to rely on a last-minute Cristiano Ronaldo strike to seal a victory against a well-organised Villarreal side in an entertaining Champions League encounter.

The Red Devils were searching for their first points in Group F on Wednesday night after an opening day defeat away at Young Boys, but it was another underwhelming performance from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges.

Alex Telles’ magnificent volley and Ronaldo’s dramatic first-time finish earned a comeback win for the Old Trafford outfit, although it could have been a different story if it wasn’t for their in-form goalkeeper.

A bright start from the visitors forced David de Gea into an early save after Arnaut Danjuma drove his effort towards goal, and the Spanish shot-stopper would be called into action on several occasions in the remainder of the half.

Danjuma again stung the palms of De Gea just 10 minutes later, this time firing across the keeper’s body, but he was able to force the former Bournemouth winger’s strike wide when at full stretch.

Just moments later, United’s No.1 was called into action once more, this time tipping a glancing header from Villarreal striker Paco Alcacer over his crossbar.

The remainder of the first half carried on in a similar fashion, with De Gea repelling the La Liga’s outfit’s advances via some outstanding saves, yet the deadlock was finally broken just eight minutes after the interval.

This time, Alcacer’s effort squeezed between his compatriot’s legs after latching onto another Danjuma cross, although it didn’t take the shine off of what was a classic performance from the 30-year-old gem.

As per SofaScore, De Gea received a match rating of 7.7 out of 10, the highest total awarded to any player on the pitch. And when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

The ex-Atletico Madrid ace made a huge six saves on the night, all from within his own penalty box. He also achieved a passing accuracy of 100%, illustrating his ability with the ball at his feet and picked out a teammate with both of his attempted long balls.

It’s been a fabulous return to form for De Gea after several years struggling for consistency between the sticks, and he’ll now be hoping to continue in a similar vein for the remainder of the campaign.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Pogba: Man Utd must complete swoop for £60m beast, he’s a big upgrade 

Even though Liverpool are currently second in the Premier League table with 15 points from their opening seven games, they have conceded more goals than the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Despite having the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Nat Phillips as centre-back options, it seems as though the Merseysiders have their eye on acquiring a new defensive star.

What’s the news?

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool – alongside fellow Premier League clubs Everton and Arsenal – are reportedly eyeing up a move for Olympiacos centre-back Pape Abou Cisse.

The Senegal defender signed for the Greek club back in the 2017 January transfer window from French side AC Ajaccio. Since then, the 26-year-old, who is currently valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, has made 105 appearances for Olympiacos across all competitions, racking up an impressive haul of 12 goals for the club.

In his team’s previous Europa League fixture against Fenerbahce, which saw the Greek side secure a 3-0 victory, Cisse made three tackles, won five out of his six duels and made one block and one clearance, ultimately earning himself a decent overall match rating of 7.1/10 according to SofaScore.

Next Van Dijk?

Regarding a potential move to Liverpool, we feel that Cisse, who stands at 1.97m which equates to 6 foot 5, could well be a good addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad for some extra defensive depth.

With current Liverpool centre-backs Van Dijk and Matip both 30, perhaps the Reds are apparently eyeing a move for the Senegal defender as a replacement for one of their older centre-back options.

In our view, we feel that Liverpool should try and sign Cisse either in the upcoming January transfer window or next summer to add an extra centre-back who could then go on to be a regular figure for the team alongside Konate, Gomez and Phillips once Van Dijk and Matip eventually leave Anfield.

In other news: Klopp disaster: £200k-p/w LFC star’s value down by more than £20m since Anfield move

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed that the Gers are closing in on a new signing and could have an announcement soon.

The Lowdown: Gers slow in transfer market

The Gers enjoyed a magnificent term last time out as they lifted the Premiership trophy for the first time in 10 years – they didn’t even lose a game in the division (thefishy.co.uk).

A title defence and a place in the Champions League third qualifying round would suggest the Ibrox outfit need to make reinforcements, but so far only Fashion Sakala has arrived at the club (rangers.co.uk).

The Latest: Gers close to new signing

However, that appears like it may change soon. Speaking to Rangers TV, Gerrard had a transfer tease for supporters as he said:

“The recruitment lads, Ross (Wilson) and myself have worked ever so hard to identify the targets we want.

“The board and Ross know the players I want to strengthen us and make us better and give us the best chance to be successful next season.

“Hopefully we can go and deliver them. We’re really close on one piece and hopefully in the coming days we’ll have an announcement for the fans.

“I like to get them excited this time of year, they’ve been patient. There won’t be wholesale signings because the squad is strong and good.

“We’ve brought some good additions in six months ago so we’re looking for quality rather than quantity at this stage.”

The Verdict: Important

Of course, the Gers already have a strong squad which saw them win a major trophy and reach the round of 16 of the Europa League last term. However, it is vital that, even when they are on top, they do not stand still and instead continue to try and bring in players who can provide something to the team.

It is unclear as to exactly who this rumoured new arrival might be, but as Gerrard said, the 55-time Scottish champions will have done their due diligence and will have looked down every avenue. Hopefully, it will be the first in a list of several strong new acquirements.

In other news, this Rangers man has received a four-game ban.