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      Partick Vieira to make Reading’s ex-Chelsea whizkid Michael Olise his first Crystal Palace signing in £8m transfer

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      PATRICK VIEIRA is set to make Reading whizkid Michael Olise his first signing as Crystal Palace boss.The Eagles are understood to have activated an £8million release clause to sign the midfielder.
      Reading winger Michael Olise, 19, is close to joining Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      Incoming manager Patrick Vieira is building his squad ahead of the new Premier League seasonCredit: PA
      The 19-year-old has made 67 Championship appearances for Reading since making his debut against Leeds in March 2019.
      Olise played 44 of those games last term after becoming a regular under manager Veljko Paunovic, scoring seven goals.
      His efforts saw him named EFL Young Player of the Year, with Gareth Bale, Fabian Delph, Wilfried Zaha and Dele Alli among previous winners of the prestigious award.
      The English-born youngster represents France at international level, appearing twice for their Under-18 side.
      Olise was part of Manchester City’s academy before joining Reading in 2016 and has also been on Chelsea’s books.
      Palace were linked with the player in January and are believed to have been leading the chase for his signature for many months.

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      Paunovic publicly praised Olise following his team’s 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest last December.
      The Reading boss said: “Yes, he’s very talented.
      “In Michael we have seen a lot of progress this year. He is getting more minutes and competition and surrounded by a very good team – a group of leaders.
      “Experienced guys and younger ones are supporting him, providing him with a structure and the way we play enables him to shine in games like today.

      “But we also know with young players it’s about getting the consistency and maturity to compete on the same level in every single game.
      “That’s something that will come over time and we’ll enjoy his talent when he is at his best delivering for the team.”
      Arsenal legend Vieira was recently announced as Palace’s new manager, succeeding ex-England boss Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.
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      Wayne Rooney’s Derby set to offer Phil Jagielka contract on free transfer with 38-year-old training with crisis-hit club

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      WAYNE ROONEY is giving old Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka the chance to join crisis-hit Derby County.Rooney has taken veteran defender Jagielka in for training as the Rams try to get clearance to sign new players.
      Phil Jagielka is set to join Derby County after leaving Sheffield United as a free agentCredit: Getty
      Wayne Rooney is giving old team-mate Jagielka a chance at DerbyCredit: Reuters
      Jagielka is a free agent after leaving Sheffield United and Rooney thinks he could handle the Championship as he puts a squad together.
      Bolton also wanted to take a look at Jagielka who had a run of games in the Premier League last season despite his advancing years.
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      Yet SunSport previously reported that boss Ian Evatt admitted the social media response to the 38-year-old’s proposed move forced him to reconsider.
      Evatt, who led the Wanderers to League One promotion last season, explained how he would’ve loved to help Jagielka continue his playing career.
      But he wasn’t prepared to deal with what came with signing the ex-Everton defender.
      He said: “Jags asked me if he could come in pre-season and it was a yes, because I always like to help out good, experienced pros to try and stay in the game – it would have been just that.

      “But then we got the media fanfare, the expectancy that fans seemed to have for signing that sort of player, it’s just no good for anybody.
      “It’s certainly no good for the group, who we’re trying to hide from all the distractions and sideshows. We decided to move on.”
      Experienced Richard Stearman is also training at Derby, with Rooney’s club in talks with the EFL about how many players they can sign and what they can spend.
      Derby fined £100k as EFL develops fixture lists featuring Rams in both Championship and League One More

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      Arsenal joined by Atalanta and Napoli in Sander Berge transfer race but NO club will meet £35m release clause

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      ATALANTA are reportedly set to join Arsenal and Napoli in the battle to sign Sheffield United’s Sander Berge. But the Italian and Prem giants have reportedly baulked at the release clause fee for the injury-hit midfielder.
      Atalanta are reported to be joining the race to sign Sheffield United’s Sander BergeCredit: PA
      The Huddersfield Daily Examiner and outlets in Italy claim Atalanta want to recruit the Norway midfielder on loan for the upcoming season.
      And the Gewiss Stadium side – who finished third in Serie A last term – want to have the choice of making the agreement permanent at the end of the season.
      However, Blades fans will be hoping Sheffield United’s hierarchy turn their noses up at the Italian side’s proposal.  
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      Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly on the cusp of bidding farewell to Granit Xhaka with the wantaway Switzerland skipper linked with a move to Roma this summer. 
      The Gunners are rumoured to be eyeing up Sheff Utd’s Norway international as a Xhaka replacement.
      However, Blades chiefs are adamant he is not for sale despite their recent relegation to the Championship.
      It means the Gunners, Atalanta or Napoli will have to cough up the £35m release clause payment should they wish to buy the Norway star. 
      However, it is thought all three clubs see that asking price as too steep and have been put off from lodging a bid. 
      And the trio are reported to have reservations about Berge’s fitness following a recent injury spell which has seen him spend five months out of action following a hamstring strain. 
      The Blades are reportedly unwilling to consider bids below £35million for BergeCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

      Sheffield United gaffer Slavisa Jokanovic is keen on retaining the services of the former Belgium Pro League ace
      The player, who has 24 Norway international caps, sealed a four-and-half-year £22m move to the Blades from Genk in January 2020. 
      And he netted his first goal for the side in a 3-1 win against Tottenham in July that year. 
      It is thought Jokanovic sees the player as being part of his plans to secure promotion to the Prem at the end of next season. 
      Atalanta are thought to want to take Berge on a season-long loan before considering a permanent moveCredit: Getty
      In a press conference on Friday (July 3) Jokanovic said:  “I have some information about it being some kind of possibility (Sander leaving).
      “I have not had an opportunity to talk with him, but the first time I speak with him I will encourage him to stay with us.”
      Sheffield United dropped into the Championship last term after winning just seven of the 38 top-flight games they played. 
      The club are targeting a return to the top tier of the game at the end of the 2021-22 season.
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      QPR join Millwall and Birmingham in £5m transfer chase for Sheff Wed star Josh Windass and are ready to DOUBLE his wages

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      QPR have joined the hunt for Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Josh Windass.And they are willing to double his wages.
      Sheffield Wednesday star Josh Windass has been linked with a move to QPR, Millwall and BirminghamCredit: Getty
      Rangers are rivalling Millwall and Birmingham in the transfer race.
      Wednesday are holding out for a staggering £5million transfer fee.
      Windass, 27, and several other players had the option of cancelling their contracts in a row over unpaid salaries.
      However, that situation was finally sorted out last week.

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      Meanwhile, the EFL are set for a fierce transfer embargo crackdown on clubs.
      And that has put Wayne Rooney’s Derby and the Owls on red alert.
      Rams face NEW EFL punishments, despite winning the fight to stay in the Championship.
      Relegated Wednesday are also ‘under watch’ over late payments to players.

      As many as TEN other clubs could also be brought into line for Financial Fair Play issues as a hawkish group of chairmen push the EFL to throw their weight about.
      The Rams will be under severe signing restrictions in the summer transfer window.
      And that will hurt Rooney’s hopes of putting together a new squad.
      The Owls finally paid overdue wages but this will also affect their ability to sign new faces.
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      Derby fined £100k as EFL develops fixture lists featuring Rams in both Championship and League One More

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      Arsenal ‘keeping tabs on Sander Berge but face transfer battle with Liverpool and Napoli for Sheff Utd midfielder

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      ARSENAL are keeping a close eye on Blades ace Sander Berge with a view to bolstering their midfield ranks ahead of Granit Xhaka possible departure. But the Gunners are facing a transfer tug-of-war for the Sheffield United player with Napoli, Lazio and Liverpool reportedly after his signature. 
      Liverpool and Napoli are reported to be rivalling Arsenal with their interest in Sander BergeCredit: AP
      The Sheffield Star claims the Norway international midfielder is among the names on the club’s ‘for sale’ list following the arrival of new manager Slaviska Jankovic. 
      Bramall Lane chiefs are thought to be eager to boost funds following the club’s drop from the Premier League.

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      And Berge, 23, who is reportedly unenthusiastic about the prospect of playing in the Championship, is believed to have a £35million clause in his contract. 
      Arsenal, who finished eighth last term, are looking to strengthen their midfield options with wantaway star Granit Xhaka heavily linked with a move to Roma. 
      Earlier this month it was reported the North London giants had a £17.2 m bid for Berge rejected by Bramall Lane officials. 
      However, the Star claims a concrete bid for the Norwegian is yet to be put forward.
      And it is thought Blades chiefs are keen to get the full relegation release clause fee. 
      Berge, who has 24 senior Norway caps is keen to continue playing club football at the highest level.
      And the midfielder is a national team-mate of Gunners former loan star Martin Odegaard.
      Berge joined the Yorkshire side from Genk in January 2020 for a club record figure of £22million. 
      However an injury-hit season has seen the Norwegian restricted to just 15 Premier League appearances last term netting once and providing one assist. 
      And surgery on a hamstring in December 2020 forced him out of action until May this year. 
      It’s reported Berge’s lengthy spell on the treatment table has led Napoli to baulk at his £35million valuation. 
      Sheffield United are reported to be after a £35million fee for Norway international BergeCredit: Getty

      And officials at the Serie A giants are thought to have requested access to the player’s medical records. 
      The Italian side and Arsenal are reportedly also keen on Blades keeper Aaron Ramsdale. 
      However, it is reported the idea of Jankovic sanctioning a sale of the England Under-21 stopper would be unpopular with Blades fans.
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      Marco Silva confirmed as new Fulham boss to replace Scott Parker as ex-Everton manager signs three-year deal

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      MARCO SILVA is back in English football after taking over as Fulham boss.The Cottagers moved quickly for the Portuguese following Scott Parker’s long-awaited exit on Monday.
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      Incoming: 𝙈𝘼𝙍𝘾𝙊 𝙎𝙄𝙇𝙑𝘼!#FFC— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) July 1, 2021

      Silva has signed a three-year deal with the West Londoners, who were relegated back to the Championship last season.
      The former Everton boss, 43, said: “I’m really pleased and proud to be appointed Head Coach of such a historic football club. 
      “I want to thank the owner, Mr (Shahid) Khan, (director of football) Tony Khan and the entire football structure of Fulham Football Club, for the trust shown in us. 
      “I’m excited to get started and my message for our fans ahead of this big challenge is we will all be working very hard together to be successful so they can feel proud at the end of the season.”
      Fulham wanted a new man in this week as their players returned to pre-season training on Monday.
      They had been left blindsided by Parker’s desire to leave to join rivals Bournemouth.
      It took several weeks of negotiations before the ex-England star left by mutual consent on Monday and hours later he was announced as the new Cherries chief.
      The Cottagers moved swiftly to secure Silva, who wowed owner Khan to the point where he overlooked other candidates including Chris Wilder.
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      Scott Parker has been swiftly replaced after leaving for BournemouthCredit: Getty
      Supremo Khan added: “I met Marco Silva in Portugal last week and was inspired. Marco’s body of work in football was evident.
      “But listening to him break down in detail his experiences at each of his stops as a head coach was thoroughly impressive.
      “Marco also came prepared, with a full understanding of the players we have and ideas on how we can move forward this season.
      “I loved his energy and optimism, and I’m confident Marco Silva is the right choice to lead Fulham Football Club as our new Head Coach.”
      Ex-Hull and Watford chief Silva had been out work since December 2019 after leaving Everton.
      Silva is set to be joined by former Cottagers star Luis Boa Morte, who was his assistant manager as Everton.
      Marco Silva coached Estoril, Sporting CP and Olympiacos before moving to EnglandCredit: AFP – Getty

      While Silva is also understood to be keen on keeping star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose future has been in doubt following relegation from the Premier League.
      The Serb, 26, was used sparingly by Parker and was reported to be interested in a move away from the club had the ex-England star stayed.
      Fulham rejected a £16million bid for Mitrovic, who scored 26 Championship goals two seasons ago, from Russian side Dynamo Moscow last month.
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      Marco Silva agrees three-year deal to become Fulham manager as they land swift replacement for Scott Parker

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      FULHAM have agreed a deal for Marco Silva to be their new boss and it could be wrapped-up as early as today.The Cottagers have moved quickly for the Portuguese coach following the long-awaited exit of Scott Parker.
      Marco Silva has agreed a three-year deal to take over FulhamCredit: PA
      The Portuguese coach will replace Scott ParkerCredit: PA
      Parker left by mutual consent on Monday before he quickly took up the reins at Championship rivals Bournemouth.
      That was the same day that Fulham’s players returned for pre-season training.
      And the West Londoners wanted a new man in before the end of the week.
      Now they have agreed a three-year contract with Silva to take charge.
      Silva, 43, has been out of work since being sacked by Everton in December 2019.
      But Fulham’s hierarchy see the ex-Hull and Watford chief as the man to take them forward, despite the likes of Chris Wilder being available.
      Silva is set to be joined by former Cottagers star Luis Boa Morte.
      He was his assistant manager at Everton.

      While Silva is also understood to be keen on keeping star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose future has been in doubt following relegation from the Premier League.
      The Serb, 26, was used sparingly by Parker and was reported to be keen on a move away from the club had the former England midfielder stayed.
      Fulham rejected a £16million bid for Mitrovic, who scored 26 Championship goals two seasons ago, from Russian side Dynamo Moscow last month.
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      Premier League new-boys Brentford ready to make transfer bid for Joe Worrall from Nottingham Forest

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      BRENTFORD are set to swoop for Nottingham Forest centre-half Joe Worrall — after missing out on Manchester City’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis.The Bees want Worrall, 24, who can leave at the right price.
      Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall is being targeted by Premier League new-boys BrentfordCredit: Alamy
      Former Rangers loanee Worrall is understood to be valued at around £10millionCredit: PA
      They will have to beat Burnley for his signature, but are now firmly in the race.
      Harwood-Bellis, 19, was fancied but Thomas Frank could not promise him enough game time, so City sent him to play for Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht.
      Burnley are keen but do not want to be drawn into an auction for Worrall.
      It is believed that Forest will entertain offers of around £10million for Worrall, who has three years left on his contract.
      Worrall featured in 31 Championship games during the 2020-21 campaign as he helped Forest keep 12 clean sheets
      As well as the former Rangers loanee, Brentford are also determined to sign Midtjylland midfielder Frank Onyeka.
      The 23-year-old is understood to have had a medical in Denmark ahead of a summer switch to the Brentford Community Stadium.
      And a deal should be easy to tie up as both clubs are owned by Matthew Benham.
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      Another defender that could be on his way to Brentford is Columbia left-back Gabriel Fuentes.
      The 24-year-old, who plays for top-flight home country club Junior, could be available for around £1.3m.
      Fuentes would provide competition for Rico Henry, who was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.
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