Transfer Update: Swansea City are keeping an eye on the situation regarding Millwall’s striker.
Transfer Update: Swansea City are keeping an eye on the situation regarding Millwall’s striker.
Championship
Stoke City, left-back lesson and the change Gareth Southgate must make for England vs Slovakia
Stoke City legend Mike Pejic is optimistic about Steven Schumacher’s recent transfer moves and extends a warm welcome to new signing Eric Bocat. Pejic is excited to see what Bocat will bring to the squad, particularly appreciating the presence of two natural left-sided players with Bocat and Enda Stevens. He emphasizes the importance of balance in any football system, whether it focuses on possession or counter-attacking.
Pejic also shares his thoughts on the England team for Euro 2024, noting their struggle to find a left-footed player for the left-back role during the tournament. He stresses the need for left-sided players to stretch teams and utilize the width of the field effectively. Reflecting on the tournament, Pejic was impressed with Georgia’s spirit, teamwork, and forward-thinking approach, highlighting their ability to work the ball out of tight areas with good support and execute swift counter-attacks.
Turning to England, Pejic envisions a lineup with Watkins up front, Saka and Foden on the flanks, Kane playing off the front, and Bellingham linking up with Kane. Rice would provide defensive stability, while Walker and Shaw support from the back. Pejic believes this balanced lineup can produce exciting and winning football, urging Gareth Southgate to trust these players against Slovakia in the last 16. He is confident that if England adheres to these principles, they can progress through the knockout stages and potentially win the tournament.
Rotherham manager Steve Evans remarks on Birmingham City’s substantial £25 million budget.
Rotherham manager Steve Evans remarks on Birmingham City’s substantial £25 million budget.
‘Fantastic’ Leeds United player could now reject Elland Road contract offer and join Sheffield United
Sheffield United are eyeing a move for a Leeds United player that Daniel Farke is determined to keep this summer. Following their recent relegation to the Championship, the Blades aim to assemble a squad capable of securing their third promotion in seven years, and they seem to be targeting their Yorkshire rivals in this effort. At Leeds, the focus has been on potential departures, but aside from Jack Harrison’s loan return to Everton, no significant exits have been finalized despite the transfer window being open for nearly two weeks. Marc Roca is expected to move to Real Betis soon, but no other transfers from last season’s first team squad have been confirmed.
“I would go with Ugbo” – Sheffield Wednesday claim made amid new Sory Kaba transfer news
Sheffield Wednesday might pivot to signing Sory Kaba from Las Palmas due to the potential high cost of securing Ike Ugbo from Troyes permanently. Ugbo, who joined on loan from the French club and previously played for Cardiff City, impressed with seven goals and one assist in 19 games, aiding in the club’s Championship survival. However, financial constraints could hinder a permanent move for Ugbo, prompting Wednesday to consider Kaba, who has Championship experience from his spell with Cardiff in the 2022/23 season and is now available for transfer after just one season with Las Palmas.
Transfer gossip: Sunderland slap ‘£30m’ price on star man amid Wolves and Crystal Palace interest
Sunderland are reportedly demanding between £25 million and £30 million for their attacker, Jack Clarke, amid significant transfer speculation. Clarke has attracted interest from several clubs, including Burnley, Lazio, and Southampton, following an impressive Championship season with 15 goals and four assists. Recently, Premier League clubs Wolves and Crystal Palace have also been linked with a move for Clarke. It appears unlikely that Clarke will renew his contract with Sunderland, which has two years remaining, and Tottenham is set to receive a percentage of any transfer fee.
West Brom make contact with Sheffield Wednesday star ahead of contract expiry
West Brom have initiated contact with Josh Windass, a Sheffield Wednesday player whose contract expires this summer. Windass, who played a crucial role in Sheffield Wednesday’s final three games of the season by scoring in each match, is likely to leave the club despite being offered a new contract. Reports indicate that West Brom and Birmingham City are both interested in signing the striker, with West Brom having already made contact with his representatives.
Former Stoke City and West Ham Star Available As Free Agent This Summer
Sead Haksabanovic, former winger for Stoke City and West Ham United, is expected to leave Celtic this summer following an unsuccessful loan spell at the Bet365 Stadium. The Montenegro international spent the 2023/24 season on loan with Stoke City, where he made only 22 appearances and scored a single goal. Reports from Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt suggest that Stoke City is not interested in signing Haksabanovic permanently, and Celtic is seeking a fee of £2.2 million for him. With head coach Brendan Rodgers not seeing a future for Haksabanovic at Celtic, Swedish champions Malmo FF are reportedly nearing a deal to bring him back to Sweden. This potential move underscores Haksabanovic’s stagnation since his £2.7 million transfer to West Ham United in 2017.
Sheffield United rival Stoke City in race for Norwich City man
Sheffield United and Stoke City are both competing to sign Norwich City defender Sam McCallum. Sheffield United, preparing for their return to the Championship after a last-place finish in the Premier League, and Stoke City, who finished 17th last season, are keen on the 23-year-old left-back. McCallum played 29 Championship games for Norwich City last season and is set to become a free agent at the end of the month, making him an attractive target for both clubs. Despite financial constraints due to takeover talks, Sheffield United might still pursue McCallum if the terms are favorable.
‘Ongoing’ ‘Increasingly unlikely’ Latest on unresolved Sheffield Wednesday contract talks
Three senior Sheffield Wednesday players are nearing the end of their contracts without having formally resolved their futures. While the club has been proactive in the transfer market, signing free agents Ben Hamer and Max Lowe and acquiring Yan Valery for an undisclosed fee, the fate of Josh Windass, Dominic Iorfa, and Di’Shon Bernard remains uncertain. Barry Bannan and Liam Palmer have secured new deals, but negotiations with Windass have stalled, making his continued stay at S6 increasingly unlikely. Meanwhile, Iorfa has expressed a desire to stay but awaits further clarity on his contract status. Bernard’s decision is also pending, with discussions ongoing as he competes in the Copa America with Jamaica. Manager Danny Röhl is keen to retain Bernard, who quickly became a fan favorite in his debut season at the club.