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Crystal Palace are closing in on signing Reading’s Michael Olise after agreeing on personal terms with the midfielder, Football League World have reported.

The Lowdown: Christie and Rogers links

The Eagles have been strongly linked with two players after knowing that Patrick Vieira would be the man in the Selhurst Park dugout next season.

The first was Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie, with the Scot’s contract in Glasgow having just six months left to run. The other was for Manchester City youngster Morgan Rogers, with the 18-year-old seemingly fitting Palace’s profile for transfer additions this summer.

However, it appears as if Olise, who was described as ‘fearless’ by Royals teammate Sam Baldock, could well be Vieira’s first signing as Palace manager.

The Latest: Olise agrees personal terms

Reports emerged earlier in the week claiming that Palace have agreed on a deal to sign the Frenchman.

Football League World, who were informed by a source, shared a story on Wednesday claiming that personal terms have been reached. According to their report, a deal for Olise now looks set to go through, barring any late complications.

The Verdict: A smart addition

Olise has been on Palace’s radar for some time and will provide plenty of versatility for Vieira. He has already lined out in seven different positions in his 73 career appearances, with his main role coming as an attacking midfielder.

The teenager may well end up taking Eberechi Eze’s place at the beginning of the campaign following the latter’s serious injury, and Olise could well turn out to be a bargain buy in the long run for Palace.

In other news: ‘Oh yes’, ‘Games begin’, ‘I’m excited’ – Many CPFC fans buzzing as ‘class’ transfer news emerges, find out more here. 

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish has urged the club to persuade Connor Goldson to sign a new contract at Ibrox as quickly as possible.

The Lowdown: Goldson’s future in the balance

The 28-year-old’s future at Ibrox remains in the balance. He has just one year left on his contract (Transfermartkt) and is reportedly a target for West Ham United (Football Insider).

The Gers are reportedly eager to give the defender a three-year deal, but there has been no official confirmation of such an offer as of yet.

The Latest: McLeish wants new Goldson deal

Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish has urged the Gers to get an agreement sorted soon. When asked whether Goldson should be given a new deal. the 62-year-old said:

“I totally agree, they have to do that.

“They can’t waste any time on that. I’m sure that the agents would be on the front foot for tying him down, because he has been exceptional.

“The defence was pivotal to the Championship win, it looks as though Goldson loves playing for Rangers so I can’t see him going elsewhere.

“If they tied him down now, it just needs to be tweaked a little bit.”

The Verdict: A must

There is no doubt about it – Rangers must hold on to Goldson for the long-term. While there were a number of players who contributed to the Gers’ success last term, few – if any – had the impact of the 28-year-old, who was the only player to feature in every single minute of every game in all competitions.

There have been no reports of Goldson pushing for a move, which bodes well for the Gers. However, the longer it goes without a deal being done, the more questions that £6.75m-valued Goldson (Transfermarkt) will ask as to whether he wants to stay at Ibrox or move elsewhere. As McLeish says, Rangers really cannot afford to waste any time.

In other news, Dave King slams Rangers fans after this development.

Having played most of last season with a 4-2-3-1 formation, it appears that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is contemplating a change of system and going to a 4-3-3, according to The Telegraph, and Carlton Palmer told Football FanCast exclusively that it’s an exciting prospect.

The change of formation would ultimately see one of Scott McTominay, Fred or Nemanja Matic sit in front of the back four and see United look to get on the front foot and attack teams.

The Red Devils have an abundance of attacking talent in their ranks, so freeing up an extra player to add to that will surely help United create more chances and score more goals.

One player who is used to playing in the 4-3-3 formation is Paul Pogba. The midfielder was part of France’s Euro 2020 squad, getting on the scoresheet once for his national side, and Palmer believes the system benefits Pogba and will be also benefit United.

“I think the 4-3-3 is a system that France use a lot and will get the best out of Pogba.

“I think Man United are going to have a right go at the title next season, they’ve bought in good players and I am excited.”

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led the club to second in the Premier League last season, as well as to the Europa League final where United lost on penalties to Villarreal. With a possible change of system on the horizon, Solskjaer will be hoping that United can go one better this season and put some silverware in the trophy cabinet.

The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers ACB Cup team to play the New South Wales 2nd X1 at Bankstown Oval in Sydney on Monday 30th September 2002 – Thursday 3rd October 2002.

Tasmanian Cricket Association20-Sep-2002The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers ACB Cup team to play the New South Wales 2nd X1 at Bankstown Oval in Sydney on Monday 30th September 2002 – Thursday 3rd October 2002.TASMANIAN TIGERSDaniel MARSH (Captain)George BAILEYGraeme CUNNINGHAMXavier DOHERTYAndrew DOWNTONAdam GRIFFITHScott MASONTim PAINEAdam POLKINGHORNEDavid SAKERShannon TUBBLuke WILLIAMSAssistant State Coach, Darrin Ramshaw along with the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers coach, Brian McFadyen, will coach the team.The selectors have utilised this opportunity prior to the commencement of the First Class season to give valuable match practice to some experienced players and other contracted players who are in contention for selection in the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers team.

Somerset County Cricket Club have been rewarded for successfully hosting the second Women’s Test match between England and India in 2002 by being awarded another international in 2003

SOMERSET05-Nov-2002Somerset County Cricket Club have been rewarded for successfully hosting the second Women’s Test match between England and India in 2002 by being awarded another international in 2003.The match against India that ended in a draw attracted a large number of spectators, particularly on the first three days.In an attempt to introduce girls to the game, in addition to all juniors gaining free admission, free cricket coaching was provided for girls up to the age of sixteen on each of the days that attracted a fair amount of interest.In addition for the duration of the match the Playing for Success Study Centre that is situated in the Centre of Excellence ran a workshop for a group of local girls that was very successful.The County Ground will host a four day Test match between England and South Africa starting on Wednesday August 20th.After receiving the news of the fixture Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "The club is absolutely delighted to know that the E.C.B. is appreciative of the way that we stage these matches. They are well supported and of course the ground is ideally suited."

Somerset travelled north to Blackpool on Monday ahead of their vital championship relegation match against Lancashire boosted by the news that Andrew Caddick will definitely be playing

Richard Walsh26-Aug-2002Somerset travelled north to Blackpool on Monday ahead of their vital championship relegation match against Lancashire boosted by the news that Andrew Caddick will definitely be playing.Having been deprived of taking maximum points in their most recent game on Saturday by the Warwickshire last pair who batted out for the final twelve overs the presence of the England paceman will be most welcome.Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: "Andy Caddick will play for us against Lancashire which is great news. We have just played our best championship cricket in the draw against Warwickshire, and now we expect a good contest at Blackpool. We are two sides who are battling it out in the lower reaches of the table, so a lot hangs on the result."The Cidermen’s other England star, Marcus Trescothick made the journey with the rest of the team, and will have nets ahead of the game, but the final decision as to whether he plays or not will not be made until just before the start of play.Whatever decision is made later today, it is now looking almost certain that Trescothick will play for Somerset in the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy Final at Lord’s on Saturday, news that will gladden the hearts of all supporters.After a welcome return to form by skipper Jamie Cox over the weekend during which he scored 44 in the championship match and 65 in the NUL game he told me: "It felt good out there and it was nice to score a few runs. With four vital championship matches and of course the C and G Final next weekend this is a good time to find a bit of form. We are delighted by the news that Andy Caddick will play for us on Tuesday, that is an added bonus."The presence of Caddick will mean that one of the other pacemen will probably have to make way for him, but that decision will be left until just before the start.The Somerset team for Blackpool will be chosen from: Marcus Trescothick, Jamie Cox, Mike Burns, Peter Bowler, Matt Wood, Keith Parsons, Ian Blackwell, Rob Turner, Keith Dutch, Richard Johnson, Matt Bulbeck, Andy Caddick, Simon Francis and Steffan Jones.With the Red Rose county, who are currently placed just above Somerset in the table, due to travel to Taunton in September for the return match, victory in both could well save the Cidermen from the drop to the second division.

An update has emerged on Viv Solomon-Otabor, regarding Sunderland’s interest in the Wigan forward.

What’s the talk?

According to Nigerian Soccer, as relayed by the Sunderland Echo, Wigan winger Viv Solomon-Otabor is attracting interest from a number of sides. Sunderland, Charlton, Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn are all said to be monitoring his situation ahead of a potential swoop.

The report claims Solomon-Otabor is stalling on an extended contract with Wigan as he is hoping for improved terms from the League One outfit. He is currently set to become a free agent at the end of the month unless Wigan are able to pin him down to a new deal.

Fans would be fuming

Kristjaan Speakman must avoid an error with Solomon-Otabor as Sunderland fans should be fuming if the club signed him this summer. The winger flattered to deceive in League One for Wigan and would not be a great addition to Sunderland’s ranks heading into next season.

He would not be an upgrade on their existing options in attack and this is why Speakman must retract the club’s interest in him.

Solomon-Otabor averaged a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.55 for Wigan in League One. That score would have placed him 21st in the Sunderland squad for the 2020/21 campaign, behind ten other midfield/forward players for the Black Cats.

This suggests that the 25-year-old would be one of the worst players in the Sunderland squad in terms of overall performances at League One level, which does not hint that he could improve Lee Johnson’s side with a transfer to the club.

The £1.5k-per-week dud provided Wigan with two goals and four assists in 28 League One appearances in the season just gone. 11 Sunderland players matched or bettered his goal return and four players were able to produce four or more assists for the club, with Aiden McGeady’s return of 16 assists from the wing a standout in Johnson’s team last season.

McGeady is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract for Sunderland and that could alleviate any need for a player like Solomon-Otabor, as he could be the starting left winger for another year.

This shows that Solomon-Otabor does not have the quality in his end product or his overall performances to be a good signing for Sunderland and that is why Speakman must pull out of the race for his signature.

Fans will be livid if the club wastes resources on a player who is not, on paper at least, an upgrade on their existing first-team options given his displays for Wigan. Consequently, the Mackems must look elsewhere in the market for new additions.

AND in other news, Speakman must avoid Sunderland blunder over £7k-p/w flop, Johnson won’t want him…

Leeds United youngster Charlie Cresswell has lauded centre-back Pascal Struijk, admitting he looks up to the ‘amazing’ Whites defender.

The Lowdown: Struijk shines for Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa’s sides enjoyed a superb season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth in the table and proving to be entertaining on the eye.

Struijk was one of many Leeds players who impressed throughout the campaign, appearing in 27 league games and rarely letting the side down.

At 21, he is already playing with great maturity and it appears as though his efforts are appreciated by those around him.

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The Latest: Cresswell lauds centre-back

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds Under-23s’ captain Cresswell heaped praise on Struijk, admitting he is someone the entire academy looks up to:

“Pascal has been brilliant this season, he has done amazing. All of the Academy boys here have just looked up to him and gone ‘wow’.

“If he can be given an opportunity like that in the Premier League then that is something for us to strive for too. He gives us all hope.”

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The Verdict: Top-quality addition

Struijk has been a great signing since arriving in 2019, and while he isn’t necessarily a guaranteed starter, his age means that could become a given over time.

His versatility makes him an even more priceless member of the squad, shining at both centre-back and in midfield, and Leeds will be desperate to keep hold of him for many years.

Struijk averaged 3.1 clearances per game in the league last season, which was more than any other Whites player, highlighting his defensive quality despite not always playing in his primary position.

In other news, a reliable journalist has provided a key update on Leeds’ quest to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Police Scotland have released more photos as they continue their fight to bring troublemakers during Glasgow Rangers’ 55 celebrations to justice.

The Lowdown: Controversial scenes

On May 15th, thousands of Gers fans took to the streets to celebrate their side being given the Premiership trophy after beating Aberdeen 4-0 at Ibrox.

While the scenes across the city of Glasgow were generally peaceful, there were some problems in George square – 20 arrests were made on the day (firstpost.com).

The Latest: More photos released

It seems Police Scotland are still looking for those who broke the law.

They have released 12 new images showing the faces of people they are looking to bring in – there are 13 people they wish to speak to (via The Daily Record).

The Verdict: Ugly scenes

Some of the scenes in George Square were particularly ugly. There were several scuffles that broke out and some damage to public property.

On what should have been a day of pure joy for the Gers supporters after ten long years without a major trophy to celebrate, a small few let down the rest of the fanbase, and the Ibrox outfit will surely be hoping these issues are resolved as quickly as possible so they can move on and focus on the new season.

However, on the whole, it must be pointed out the celebrations were peaceful. Unfortunately, no matter the event, there always seems to be a minority who ruin things for the majority. Hopefully, the Police can bring in who they need to speak to as soon as possible so the Gers can get back to the excitement of pressing on from their incredible season to go again next term.

In other news, Rangers fans lauded this man’s Euro 2020 performance.

According to a report by Foot Mercato, as translated by Sport Witness, West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini has already spoken to teammates about a move to Marseille and an exit from east London is now ‘more than wanted’.

The Lowdown: Lanzini out the door?

The Argentine, barring a sensational strike against Spurs and a brilliant cameo covering defensive midfield, he hasn’t exactly had many highlights to gloat about following his 2020/2021 campaign.

Lanzini, starting just five Premier League matches last season, appears surplus-to-requirement and has been heavily linked with a move away from east London.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, and all the financial uncertainty that comes with it, West Ham may need to offload players to raise some extra funds.

The Latest: Marseille come calling…

As per Foot Mercato, via Sport Witness, Ligue 1 giants Marseille are now interested in the player and it is believed that is more than reciprocated by Lanzini himself.

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Indeed, he has allegedly let teammates know of his desire to complete a move to the Stade Vélodrome and a departure from the London Stadium is now ‘more than wanted’.

West Ham’s stance in all this, meanwhile, is as you’d expect. GSB and the Hammers are ‘more than open’ to selling the 28-year-old after his season of little involvement overall.

The Verdict: Time to go…

While Lanzini displayed his quality in flashes over 2020/2021, we believe that he should be put on the transfer list this summer.

As it stands, the attacking midfielder still has some sell-on value at 28-years-old and there are clubs who will be interested – as evident by Marseille’s emerged fondness.

The only dilemma for West Ham is settling on a large enough fee to significantly bolster manager David Moyes’ transfer kitty.

Lauded as the Hammers’ ‘best footballer’ in December by Tony Cottee (Sky Sports via Hammers News), he should still be able to attract a relatively solid bid.

Amassing a 90.5% pass accuracy in the Premier League over 560 minutes of action last season, the quality is still there, and Irons supporters will be hoping they can make their money back this summer.

In other news: GSB willing to pay over £20m as West Ham enter advanced talks, find out more here.