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Vitinha starred for Portugal at the U21s European Championships earlier this month and despite limited chances at Wolves last season, former striker Steve Bull would like to see his former club keep the 21-year old.

Wolves brought Vitinha in on loan last summer under the watchful eyes of Jorge Mendes and Nuno Espirito Santo, but despite failing to set the place alight the Midlands club have an option to buy him for just £18 million.

If Nuno was still at Molineux it would likely just be a formality that Vitinha would sign permanently, however, under new boss Bruno Lage it’s unclear what type of players he wants to bring in. Not bringing Vitinha in for just £18 million could be a mistake, though.

Wolves have often operated with both Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho in midfield and Bull believes they need a more physical presence in the middle of the pitch, but that does not signal the end for Vitinha at Molineux, as he explained exclusively to Football FanCast:

“We need somebody bigger in the middle of the park with a bit of height who can get the odd goal and I don’t think he could do that for us.

“I would keep him for that amount of money because you’re going to get a lot back when he establishes himself as a top player.”

Vitinha was never given a real chance to impress with his first start in the Premier League not coming until December 29th and then only another four followed for the 21-year old.

It would appear to be a sensible decision to keep Vitinha at the club as Wolves would likely be able to sell him on for a profit in a few years or he could develop into a first-team regular if given more minutes to play alongside the likes of Neves and Moutinho.

Fulham are interested in appointing Slaven Bilic as Scott Parker’s successor at Craven Cottage.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that, with Parker looking set to leave the Cottagers in the coming days, Shahid Khan is considering a move to appoint the 52-year-old as Fulham’s next boss.

The report also suggests that the Swansea City manager Steve Cooper is a name of interest to the Fulham hierarchy, with the west London side looking to appoint a coach who will be capable of leading the side back to the Premier League next season.

Bilic could transform Fulham

Having highly impressed during spells at both West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion, Bilic is certainly a manager who boasts a great deal of experience in the English game, and, crucially, has proven that he is capable of securing promotion to the top flight of English football.

In his time in east London, the Croatian took over a West Ham side that had consistently finished in the lower half of the Premier League table, going on to win 16, draw 14 and lose just eight of his first 38 league games in charge of the Hammers, with a seventh-place finish being enough for the club to qualify for European football in a highly impressive first season for the coach.

Another solid season followed, with the 52-year-old securing an 11th place finish in the top flight – an impressive feat considering West Ham clearly struggled following their move from Upton Park to the London Stadium – before a poor run of results in his third term at the club saw him sacked from his position in November of 2017.

Upon his return to the English game, Bilic took over a West Brom side that had failed in their bid to secure an immediate return to the Premier League in the season prior, with the Croatian leading the Baggies to 22 wins, 17 draws and just seven losses in his debut league campaign, taking Albion to the promised land automatically after a second-place finish.

And, while results were rather expectedly poor at the start of West Brom’s Premier League campaign the following year, Bilic’s sacking after just 13 games of the season came as something of a surprise, with reports suggesting that the 52-year-old had fallen out with then-West Brom technical director Luke Dowling, as Dowling had sanctioned the sale of Ahmed Hegazi without the consent of the manager.

However, West Brom’s 2019/20 promotion-winning campaign is all the Fulham board should be concerned about, as, with the Cottagers hoping for an immediate return to the Premier League themselves, Bilic has proven that he has the determination and know-how to pull this feat off, as well as boasting a highly impressive win rate of 47.8% in the second tier of English football.

As such, it would appear as if the 52-year-old dubbed a “determined” coach by Dowling is very much a suitable candidate for the Fulham job this summer – if the club do eventually wave goodbye to Parker.

In other news: Transfer news emerges on “exceptional” £27k-p/w beast which should worry Fulham fans

An update has emerged regarding West Brom’s interest in Sheffield United defender Kean Bryan.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Baggies are preparing a contract offer for Bryan this week. The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month and is poised to leave United on a free transfer, although he is currently in discussions with the Yorkshire club over a new deal.

Earlier this year, former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder hailed the talented ex-Manchester City player, telling The Star: “To be at Manchester City all of those years, you obviously have to be a talented player. Kean is versatile too, he’s played at centre-half in a three, as a wing-back and also in the middle.

“To be able to play at this level, you have to be able to take instructions on board and make decisions for yourself, because it’s a moving game. The ball doesn’t stand still. You have to be smart and bright and there’s an intelligence, a footballing intelligence, to that.”

Fans would love him

West Brom could strike gold by swooping in to secure a deal for the versatile 24-year-old. The fans would surely love it if Bryan ended up at The Hawthorns as he is a versatile, strong defender who could add extra competition in several positions for the Baggies.

Kieran Gibbs, Semi Ajayi, Conor Townsend and Kyle Bartley are all 27 or older and Bryan could add some youthful energy to the mix alongside the likes of Dara O’Shea and Darnell Furlong, whilst potentially being a key player for West Brom for years to come.

Bryan has been deployed at left wing-back, left midfield, centre-back, defensive midfield and in central midfield during his short career to date. This means that Valerien Ismael could utilise him in a variety of different ways during the season.

Bryan could provide cover for a multitude of positions and essentially save West Brom from needing to sign other players as backups. For example, instead of signing a new centre-back and defensive midfielder, West Brom could kill two birds with one stone by bringing in the 24-year-old, who can play in both positions.

The £3,000-per-week beast also has vital Premier League experience from last season with Sheffield United. He played 13 times for the Blades in the top flight, mostly at centre-back, and scored once. This experience could be crucial should West Brom return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, as Bryan would not then be overawed by the prospect of playing at the top level. Therefore, Albion could be striking gold if they land the 24-year-old on a free transfer.

AND in other news, WBA must seal deal for £18.4k-p/w dynamo compared to Paul Scholes, fans would love it…

Aston Villa are in advanced talks with Chelsea over a club-record deal for Tammy Abraham, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Lowdown: Links have been building

The rumours linking Abraham with a return to Villa Park have been building in recent months.

Villa were thought to be admirers of the forward back in March, and stories in April suggested that the Blues were ready to offload Abraham this summer.

The Mirror claimed last week that Villa were willing to spend up to £40m on the 23-year-old, and one reporter believes talks are now progressing over a Midlands return.

The Latest: Galetti’s claim

Italian reporter Galetti posted on Twitter late on Wednesday evening, suggesting discussions are at an advanced stage.

He claimed that Villa are preparing an offer close to €45m, which converts to about £38.7m.

“Chelsea – Aston Villa: advanced talks for Tammy Abraham. The Villans are preparing an offer close to €45M: the England striker could leave Chelsea soon.”

Should a deal go through at that price, Abraham would become the club’s most expensive signing of all time, breaking the record recently set following Emiliano Buendia’s £34.56m move earlier this summer.

The Verdict: Ambitious

Should Galetti’s claim prove accurate, it just goes to show Villa’s ambition.

Abraham may well rival Ollie Watkins for a starting spot up front, with the likes of Jack Grealish, Buendia and possibly even target Emile Smith Rowe behind in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Smith didn’t play two in attack at any point last season, so you’d expect he’d have the attacking depth required to push on again next season if he gets his man in Abraham.

He already has 26 Villa goals to his name following his loan spell in the Midlands and could prove to be a shrewd signing, even at a record-breaking price.

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Mark Goldbridge’s post on Jack Grealish, find out more here. 

Manchester City have been handed a huge boost in their reported hopes of signing Danny Ings this summer after he rejected a new contract at Southampton.

What’s the word?

As per The Athletic, Ings has rejected a new four-year deal at the South Coast club, which could well force Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side to cash in on the England international this summer, or risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season.

The former Liverpool man was linked with a move to Manchester City by Sky Sports earlier this year, as he was touted as a potential replacement for outgoing legend Sergio Aguero, and if City retain an interest in signing the Southampton man, then a move this summer definitely now looks like it could be on the cards.

Would he be a good signing for Guardiola?

Although Ings perhaps wouldn’t be as glamourous a signing as Harry Kane or Erling Haaland, Guardiola suggested recently that City were being priced out of a move for a striker this summer, and Ings could represent a much cheaper option who is almost guaranteed to score goals in the Premier League.

Injuries meant he managed just 12 goals in a poor Southampton side last season but his 22 goals in the top-flight in the 2019/20 campaign saw him finish as the joint-second top scorer, which suggests that he could certainly be a good fit at the Etihad, where he’d be surrounded by better players.

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Eddie Howe was full of praise for the striker’s performances in the 19/20 season, saying:

“The most impressive thing about Danny is, of course, he’s an outstanding player.

“Technically he’s very good, plays with real intelligence and the way he’s come back from his disappointments, the injury setbacks he’s had, the way he’s fought back and kept his mental strength has been hugely impressive.”

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City need a goalscorer and given that Ings is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt and has only one year left on his contract, he could be a much cheaper alternative for Guardiola’s side this summer and given his record in the top-flight, this seems like a deal that sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely be looking to complete.

And, in other news… Guardiola dealt transfer blow with “different level” beast, City fans should be fuming

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as an update emerged on Jean-Philippe Gbamin.

As per a report by Phil Kirkbride for The Liverpool Echo, which has since been shared by Toffee TV on their Twitter page, the midfielder is thought to be feeling ‘very fit’ as he joins up with the squad for pre-season under new manager Rafa Benitez.

Gbamin has been absolutely plagued with various injury problems during his time at Goodison Park so far and so he will be hoping to prove his fitness ahead of the new 2021/22 season.

A lot of Toffees supporters seemed to appreciate the news, as they have seen very little of him thus far and will want to discover why the Ivory Coast international was bought in the first place two years ago.

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Everton fans on Gbamin update

These Everton fans were buzzing as the update was shared on Twitter, with one saying that they are ‘excited’ to see Gbamin play when he’s back to full fitness:

“Really excited to see him play. I think he will be a good asset for us this season”

Credit: @thebeardedC

“Proper unit this lad ..wish him all the best”

Credit: @griffwebber

“Potentially v good for us. Due a bit luck”

Credit: @GraemeMcV

“Just like a new signing.. hopefully it is..”

Credit: @bradbear14

“Like a new signing”

Credit: @finneykj79

“Hopefully he remains fit and then show’s everyone what he’s all about on the pitch.”

Credit: @DBarlow20

In other news, find out what transfer claim has been dropped on this ‘brilliant’ Everton target

Wolverhampton Wanderers will have to pay Joao Palhinha’s €60million (£51.2million) release clause to sign him from Sporting Lisbon, according to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Palhinha was called up to the Portugal squad for the European Championships and despite only playing 45 minutes in the group stage, he was handed a start in the Round of 16 clash with Belgium.

Portugal were beaten 1-0, but Palhinha was their highest-rated player with 95% passing accuracy and six tackles (via SofaScore).

The 26-year-old made 32 Liga NOS appearances for eventual champions Sporting last season, securing nine WhoScored man of the match awards – the most of any player in the division.

Wolves’ transfer record currently stands at £36million – the fee they paid to sign teenager Fabio Silva from FC Porto last season.

The latest

The report names Wolves, along with Nuno Espirito Santo’s new club Tottenham Hotspur, Spanish champions Atletico Madrid and Champions League participants Sevilla among Palhinha’s suitors.

However, Sporting are intent on keeping him and they have made it clear that they will simply direct any interested parties to the buy-out fee.

The verdict

Sporting are of course well within their rights to refuse to negotiate, but from Wolves’ point of view you fear this could price them out of the deal. Champions League sides like Atletico and Sevilla are probably far more likely to meet those demands.

On the other hand, an influx of cash from the sale of Ruben Neves, for whom Wolves want £35million, could just about make the move feasible.

More generally, Palhinha could be an excellent replacement for Neves and yet another pleasingly ambitious addition. He’s a player more than good enough to be playing in European competition based on his showings this summer.

In other news, Atletico are also eyeing this Wolves ace. 

Aston Villa are interested in a move for Everton starlet Thierry Small, amid ambiguity surrounding his future on Merseyside [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Everton get ready for the 2021/22 season

Moving into 2021/22, many Toffees fans will be intrigued to see how Rafael Benitez cultivates a side capable of challenging for continental football this term.

Signing some new stars will of course be essential, but retaining young players who can make an impact in the long-term will be of equal precedence to the Spaniard.

Could the Toffees be set to lose one of their brightest talents following recent reports?

The Latest: Aston Villa enter race for teenage prodigy Small

Aston Villa are said to have joined the race for 16-year-old sensation Small, according to a Football Insider recruitment source.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have all been noted as monitoring his situation in the last few weeks.

Interestingly, Villa may have an advantage in the chase for the youngster, owing to the fact he originates from the Midlands as well as his uncle Bryan Small being a former player at the club.

The Verdict: Losing Small would be a bitterly disappointing for Everton

Losing the prodigy would no doubt be a major blow to the Finch Farm hierarchy.

In 2020/21, the Solihull-born man made 30 appearances combined for the senior side, Everton Under-23’s, and Everton Under-18’s, registering seven goal contributions; six goals and one assist [Transfermarkt].

His only first-team appearance came in a 3-0 January win against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, as he replaced Jose Baxter as the youngest player to ever play for the club [BBC].

Once labelled as ‘quality’ by now Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, the Blues should be looking to tie Small down imminently if at all possible [Football London].

In other news, Everton fans react to transfer rumours concerning a Serie A ace.

Carlton Palmer believes it should be a no-brainer for Newcastle United to fork out £3million for Kyle Bartley.

Magpies boss Steve Bruce is looking to beef up his defence after conceding 62 Premier League goals last season – nine more than relegated Fulham.

Florian Lejeune has also departed for Alaves having spent last season on loan with the Spanish club.

That means Bruce only has four senior central defenders at his disposal – Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez.

Newcastle have been heavily linked with making a move for 6 ft 4 Bartley, who impressed despite being unable to stop West Bromwich Albion suffering an immediate return to the Championship last season.

The 30-year-old made 31 appearances and also showed he is a threat in the opposition box by scoring three goals, but it was not enough for the Baggies to secure their Premier League status.

Palmer, who has kept a close eye on Bartley during his time at the Hawthorns, believes signing Bartley for a cut-price fee would be a shrewd piece of business by Newcastle.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “He is absolutely worth a punt at £3million. His salary is not going to be huge compared to what you would normally pay.”

Crystal Palace will be a bit more expansive and attacking under new manager Patrick Vieira, suggests The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam.

Last season, Palace had exciting dribblers to call upon in star man Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze.

In fact, they were the top two dribblers in the Eagles’ squad, the former averaging 1.8 dribbles per league game and the latter 1.9 (via WhoScored).

Despite this, Palace’s football was not always easy on the eye under ex-boss Roy Hodgson, something some fans criticised the Englishman for.

With Vieira now at the helm, though, Woosnam is expecting a more exciting brand of football at Selhurst Park.

“Under Vieira, I think it’s going to be a bit more expansive, a bit more attacking, well significantly more compared to Roy Hodgson,” the Crystal Palace journalist told FFC.

“If you go by what he’s done before, he tends to be a little bit more attacking even if there were criticisms of him at Nice, for example, of not being able to sort of put a stamp on his particular style of play.”

As previously mentioned, some Palace fans were discontent with what they saw from the team under Hodgson at times, so hearing that Vieira could be bringing a more offensive game to SE25 will surely delight them.

It will now be interesting to see if the Frenchman can actually implement that successfully with the current squad of players he has.