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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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      West Brom’s new boss Valerian Ismael eyes transfer raid for Kean Bryan from relegated rivals Sheffield United

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      WEST BROM’S new boss Valerien Ismael plans to land centre-half Kean Bryan from relegated rivals Sheffield United.Ismael is eager to bolster his squad on a budget.
      West Brom’s new boss Valerien Ismael plans to land centre-half Kean BryanCredit: Getty
      And versatile Bryan, 24, may be tempted to join him as he decides where to play next season.
      Bryan made 13 Premier League appearances last term for the Blades.
      He has interest from several clubs — but a chance to join Ismael at the Baggies could appeal most.
      Ismael also rates his old Barnsley midfield general Alex Mowatt.
      The 26-year-old is out of contract and could join him for nothing.
      Ismael took charge of West Brom this week and promised fans they will see a new-look Baggies once he knocks last season’s relegation victims into shape.
      After putting pen to paper on a four-year-deal, the man Albion shelled out £2million to prise away from Barnsley, vowed: “My first task is to implement a new identity that the fans can enjoy.
      “One where they can see the players are there for each other and give everything on the pitch to win games.
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      “We have a clear plan and vision of where we want to go.
      “For sure we will need some new faces in certain positions – but the only massive change here will be the way we play and the formation.”
      West Brom were relegated from the Premier League after finishing second bottom with just five wins from 38 games.
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      Fulham outcast Aboubakar Kamara wanted in Greek Super League transfer as Aris make £3.5m bid

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      FULHAM have received a bid for striker Aboubakar Kamara.The offer is from Greek Super League side Aris and worth £3.5million with a possible £1m in add-ons.
      Aboubakar Kamara could be on his way out of Fulham to Greek side Aris this summerCredit: Getty
      Kamara, 26, has been at Craven Cottage since 2017 but was shipped out on loan to French outfit Dijon in January.
      It remains to be seen as to whether he is part of Fulham’s plans following relegation. 
      Kamara is a controversial character and has hit the headlines for his disruptive behaviour in the past.
      In 2019 he was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a security guard at Fulham’s Motspur Park training ground.
      He also had to be dragged away from fellow striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after he refused to let the Serb take a penalty.
      And the pair also clashed after Kamara was talking during a team yoga session.
      Meanwhile, the Cottagers are expected to part ways with boss Scott Parker in the coming days via mutual consent.
      Parker, 40, is then set to take over at Bournemouth.
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      Though SunSport understands that Fulham are refusing to pay Parker a penny in severance pay as he nears an exit away.
      Swansea gaffer Steve Cooper would then be eyed up by the West Londoners to replace the former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder.
      And Fulham would pay the compensation figure for Cooper and his team, which is only £3.5m for a Championship club — £1m less than if a Premier League side took him.
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