‘He’s in goal saving penalties!’ – McCoist recalls Gascoigne inviting ‘old man’ to Rangers training
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United weigh up three midfield options
“United enquired about Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Conor Gallagher, of Atletico Madrid, late in the summer window and both players remain of interest along with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams – currently sidelined with the knee injury he sustained against United at Old Trafford – and Joao Gomes of Wolves.
“Gallagher would be available in January, even though Atletico would insist on a £35 million sale instead of a loan deal. Two other options to emerge for next month are former Wolves captain Ruben Neves, who wants to return to the Premier League from Saudi club Al Hilal, and United academy graduate James Garner, who is entering the final six months of his contract at Everton, who have the option to extend it by a year.”
Napoli plan huge Hojlund release clause
The Danish striker’s deal at the Italian side is set to include a release clause worth £74.2m when the transfer goes through.
“That clause will become an obligation should Napoli seal a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League and is worth €50m (£43.6m) to The Red Devils. As it stands, the reigning Serie A champions sit third in the standings and just two points behind current leaders Inter.
“And it’s clear Napoli think they are on the verge of sealing a bargain that could set them up for major profit down the line. As per Corriere dello Sport, an €85m (£74.2m) release clause will be written into his contract once his permanent move goes through and will activate in the summer of 2027.”
Johnson set for Palace switch
Crystal Palace are expected to land Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson in the coming days.
A £35 million offer is reported to be enough by The Sun, which notes that Johnson was also a rumoured target for Bournemouth.
“Johnson, 24, joined Spurs from Nottingham Forest for around £47.5m in 2023 and has been a relative success in north London.
“It’s understood Bournemouth were also keen on signing Johnson when the January transfer window opened.
“Their interest in the player could complicate any deal for Antoine Semenyo, who is a target for a number of clubs next month.”
Fulham Pepi bid rejected
PSV Eindhoven have rejected a £26m offer for their United States international striker, Ricardo Pepi.
The Athletic reports that Fulham’s initial bid was turned down, but a second offer is expected.
“Another bid from Fulham is expected, sources add. Fulham are not the only team interested in Pepi for a potential January transfer. Fulham and PSV declined to comment when approached.
“Pepi, who turns 23 next month, has had a consistent scoring record for PSV. He has 10 goals and two assists in all competitions this season across 957 minutes, after 18 goals in 1,132 minutes last season. For the USMNT, he has 13 goals in 34 caps.
“Pepi signed a new contract with PSV in February, a deal that runs until June 2030.”
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