All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Everton fans have been left slamming a transfer update involving Harry Winks.

Speaking on his Twitch channel (via The Everton End), transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that it is a ‘possibility’ that the Tottenham Hotspur man could end up at Goodison Park in the summer window.

With a mere four goals and just four assists in 173 games for Spurs over all competitions across the last seven consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt), the signing of Winks would not really be an inspiring one for the Merseyside club, and it is also arguably a position which they do not need to prioritise.

Rafa Benitez already has the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, Andre Gomes and Tom Davies who he can call upon in the centre of midfield, and so the Toffees should perhaps be focusing on other areas of the pitch.

Everton fans on Winks transfer update

These Blues supporters slammed the transfer update by Romano on Winks as it was shared on Twitter:

“Not what we need at all. We need someone who can carry the ball forward not move it side to side.”

Credit: @bluetom_tom

“Maybe I was too hard on Mike Ashley… Rafa already losing the plot if this is true”

Credit: @1878_Shirts

“After a tough month I honestly think this may tip me over the Everton edge”

Credit: @GJS41991

“No absolutely not we don’t need him”

Credit: @mxrganhulme7

“Another Tom Cleverley for me. No thanks.”

Credit: @scepticrealist

“Was accepting the other ones but this is a disgrace he is shocking”

Credit: @LiamAnderson66

In other news, find out what recent exit Evertonians are celebrating here!

According to The Daily Mail, Millwall have rejected an approach for Glasgow Rangers target Abdul Abdulmalik.

The Lowdown: Rangers planning for the future

While the Gers have already added to their first-team squad this transfer window with the free signing of Fashion Sakala (rangers.co.uk), they have a history in recent years of signing youngsters.

James Graham and Tony Weston are just two of the teenagers they have added to their ranks over the last 12 to 18 months, and it seems they are interested in bringing in another.

The Latest: Abdulmalik offer rejected

As per this report, Millwall have rejected an approach from Swansea for 18-year-old Abdulmalik.

Along with Rangers, 13-time English league winners Arsenal have also been credited with an interest.

The Verdict: Plenty of potential

Abdulmalik may, as of yet, be relatively unknown, but he has shown promise so far at youth level. In particular, he managed four goals in four matches during the 2019/20 F.A Youth Cup (Transfermarkt), while he has also scored one goal in three caps for England’s U17 side.

The interest from the likes of Arsenal also suggest he is a top talent, but it is refreshing to see the Gers pursue quality prospects.

With Nathan Patterson already breaking into the first team and the likes of Leon King and Ciaran Dickson picking up playing time, it seems Steven Gerrard is ready to build for the future as well as the present.

If Rangers do wish to make a move for Abdulmalik, they may need to do so sooner rather than later as Swansea look like they are pushing to get a deal done.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this SPFL development.

Speaking to the press, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Jonny Evans ‘will miss’ their clash with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League this afternoon through injury.

The Lowdown: Evans sidelined…

The Northern Ireland defender was substituted half an hour into the Foxes’ historic FA Cup final victory against Chelsea and subsequently missed their league encounter with the west Londoners (Leicestershire Live).

Evans, currently suffering from a heel issue, was in too much pain to take part in the defeat at Stamford Bridge, with Rodgers now providing an update on Evans going into the all-important clash with Spurs today.

The Latest: Evans ‘will miss’ Spurs clash

Speaking to the press (via Leicestershire Live), Rodgers has now confirmed that the 33-year-old will still be out of action this afternoon as Leicester gear up for a crucial match.

When asked who would be unavailable, the manager explained: “Jonny Evans will miss out. Everyone else who was available the other night will be available.”

Along with Evans, Harvey Barnes (knee), James Justin (knee), and Cengiz Under (hip) will also be unavailable through injury.

The Verdict: Blow for Leicester

A first team regular with 28 Premier League starts this season, Leicester being without Evans for the clash against Spurs comes as a hammer blow.

Foxes supporters could have felt more assured by his presence and experience as part of the back four, especially considering he has averaged the joint-most clearances per match out of Leicester’s entire squad (WhoScored). Alas, they will have to secure a result without Evans in what is set to be a nail-biting final day.

Champions League qualification is still a possibility for Leicester if they can rack up a big score against Spurs whilst hoping Crystal Palace can do them a mighty favour against Liverpool at Anfield. Unfortunately, they will have to try and get over the line without one of their defensive leaders to call upon.

In other news: talkSPORT journalist shares exciting Leicester City transfer development, find out more here.

Former West Ham striker Brian Deane has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that £25m is “cheap money” for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham.

Back in April, it was reported by The Telegraph that the west London club would listen to offers of £4om for their forward this summer.

The MailOnline, however, have since claimed that David Moyes, who is thought to be keen on the player, is hoping to strike a deal at £25m.

Whether Chelsea would be willing to drop their asking price by that much remains to be seen, but if they do, Deane believes it would be tremendous business by West Ham.

“I think he’s got everything,” the retired Premier League forward exclusively told TT. “I think he just needs to be developed under the right person.

“I think the difficulty with him at Chelsea is that they actually play with a more fluid system than a system that needs a No.9.

“I think that [West Ham] could be a good move for him. Cheap money, cheap, cheap. I’d be surprised [if £25m’s the final fee].”

According to the same MailOnline report, Moyes does have alternatives, though that is unlikely to include World Cup winner Olivier Giroud.

The 34-year-old had been linked with a move to the London Stadium like his Chelsea team-mate but is now said to be close to joining AC Milan.

Dean Windass doesn’t think that Ross Barkley did enough to warrant a return to Aston Villa next season.

Barkley started like a house on fire following his loan switch from Chelsea last summer.

He scored stunning goals in his opening two appearances against both Liverpool and then Leicester as Villa made an impressive start to the Premier League season and sat second after four matches.

Barkley’s honeymoon period continued with an assist in Villa’s win at Arsenal, but he would contribute to just one more goal in his final 19 outings and found himself battling for a starting place by the end of his spell with Dean Smith’s team.

It’s unclear whether Barkley will be a part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans moving forward, but a more consistent loan period with Villa would have given the Chelsea man every chance of earning himself a permanent deal and possibly a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

But the midfielder will now return to Chelsea, and Windass exclusively told Football FanCast that Barkley’s next step must guarantee regular football:

“I think that will fizzle out now. If he did well then might have kept him, but I think that ship has sailed. But he needs to be playing week in, week out.”

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s hopes of keeping Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer may have suffered a blow after Manchester United registered an interest in the England international.

According to The Telegraph, Manchester United have made enquiries about the 28-year-old’s situation at St Mary’s as they look to add to their attacking options ahead of next season, despite Edinson Cavani committing to a new one-year contract at Old Trafford earlier this month.

Ings has just one year left on his contract with the Saints but Hasenhuttl has repeatedly suggested that the striker won’t be allowed to leave the club this summer.

This is despite the former Liverpool man seemingly refusing to sign a new deal with the south coast outfit as he eyes a move to a club who can offer him European football in the near future, something which he would have at Old Trafford after their second-placed finish in the Premier League.

Therefore, even if Hasenhuttl is desperate to keep Ings, it seems likely that the striker could be tempted by a switch to Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side. The Austrian may be forced to cash in on him while he still can, rather than keeping an unhappy Ings at the club and potentially losing him for nothing next summer.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-southampton-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Southampton transfer rumours and news!”]

Despite some injury problems, the 28-year-old is still Southampton’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with 12 goals, and he emphasised his immense quality on his return to the side recently by scoring a brace in a 3-1 win against Crystal Palace.

Ings is certainly one of the key players in Hasenhuttl’s team, and his partnership with Che Adams has really grown this season, which should give Southampton fans plenty to be hopeful about next season if they can both stay fit.

Unfortunately, Ings may well have his head turned by the interest from Manchester United, and if they submit a substantial bid for the “first-class” forward – as hailed by Clinton Morrison – it is difficult to see Southampton being able to keep him at St Mary’s, regardless of Hasenhuttl’s recent claims. That could leave the manager raging if he is unable to retain the 28-year-old, given his importance to the Saints.

In other news… Semmens can sign Southampton’s next Mane with swoop for 21 y/o wonderkid

Celtic have been on the hunt for a new manager for over two months now but after a long and arduous slump, the chips are beginning to fall into place.

The Hoops have considered several managers and this week feels like a landmark one for their future.

What’s the word?

Celtic were dealt a nice boost on Wednesday when it was revealed by one English newspaper that the Bhoys were now in the closing stages of a deal to bring Eddie Howe to the club.

This is timely given major news that’s now emerged elsewhere.

The Glaswegian’s had been keen on Jesse Marsch in the last few months with the American even admitting it was an honour to be linked with the job.

That said, he hasn’t been short of suitors. RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann is due to become Bayern Munich manager in the summer and after weeks of speculation, the Bundesliga outfit found their successor right away.

In news confirmed on Thursday, Leipzig have appointed Marsch as their new boss, with the 47-year-old set to take up his post at the start of the 2021/22 campaign.

Crushing blow

Celtic may be nearing a deal for Howe but Marsch would have been an inspired appointment from Dermot Desmond. Instead, he may have to rue what could have been.

A young and progressive coach, he has shown a number of desirable qualities that would have fitted what the Bhoys require like a glove.

First and foremost, he has been raised and developed by Ralf Rangnick’s methods, one that involves a quick and heavy press.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-lampard-klimala-ajer-gossip” title= “Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

This traditionally involves a team harassing the opposition, not allowing them to settle and pass the ball out of danger. For Celtic, this would have helped them dominate again, winning the ball back quickly and making a nuisance for themselves.

He is also an attack-minded manager, something the Celtic board should be lusting after. Marsch’s Leipzig side have scored 80 goals in 28 league matches this term, 31 more than anybody else.

Known for a vertical style of play, this would have suited the Hoops because they like to play in a similar fashion. This term, they’ve managed 85.05 progressive passes per 90 minutes; one of the highest averages in Europe this season.

Howe might be able to bring a similar method to Paradise but pivotally, he has no experience of European football under his belt.

Celtic will need to get their domestic ambitions back on track first but improving in continental fixtures should be near the top of their agenda.

They were knocked out in the Champions League qualifying stages this term and then finished rock bottom of their Europa League group having conceded 19 goals.

To lose out on an adaptable and flexible coach like Marsch, therefore, is a bitter pill to swallow.

AND in other news, Celtic can replace Klimala by signing “very exciting” 24 y/o with “dazzling dribbling”…

Leeds United will look to loan out midfielder Alfie McCalmont at a higher level next season.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, who have been informed by a Whites source of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans for the 21-year-old.

The report claims that Bielsa has made up his mind regarding McCalmont and wants the youngster to join a League One outfit to further his development.

McCalmont, a Northern Ireland international, has spent the current campaign out on loan with League Two side Oldham Athletic.

He’s made 38 appearances and has scored an impressive 10 times, while also chipping in with four assists, per Transfermarkt.

The midfielder’s winner against Exeter City back in March came in for praise from former England striker Michael Owen on social media, and it seems as if McCalmont will depart Elland Road again over the coming months.

Transfer Tavern take

To us, this is the correct decision from the Whites in order to get the best out of McCalmont in the long run.

He’s excelled in the fourth-tier, so the logical next step would be to see how he fares at a higher level.

The Whites don’t need to worry about losing McCalmont for nothing either, as his deal in Yorkshire still has over three years left to run.

Who knows, another impressive loan spell away from Elland Road next season could result in McCalmont putting himself in Bielsa’s thoughts for the 2022/23 campaign to challenge the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich and co.

In other news: Pundit discusses Jean-Kevin Augustin situation, find out more here. 

Aston Villa could sign their new Idrissa Gueye in Metz starlet Pape Sarr as a major transfer update emerges.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Dean Smith’s side are interested in signing the 18-year-old this summer, and it now appears that his current club are willing to let him go for the right price.

Metz’s president, Bernard Cerin, said: “All the clubs now want to buy him for cheaper. We are in the opposite situation. We want to keep him a little longer.

“The wish is to keep everyone – but we do not control everything. A very high offer makes it difficult for you to convince a player to stay.”

A new Idrissa Gueye

Villa fans will, of course, know all about Gueye and the tenacious midfield work that he got through in his time at Villa Park, before making the move to fellow Premier League side Everton and now PSG.

In Sarr, Smith could find an exciting, younger version of the Senegal international.

The 18-year-old is enjoying a real breakthrough campaign with the Ligue 1 side this season, playing 22 times in the league, and has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet in recent weeks for Metz boss Frederic Antonetti.

And, Antonetti has not shied away from lavishing his midfield starlet with praise, saying: “Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play.”

He said: “He will be able to go as far as he wants to go. He must work, be as he is there, modest, regular, hardworking. He must continue to love football and he will do like the great players, he will go far. I think he will go very far.”

Dubbed as someone who’s “got everything” to his game, Sarr has averaged an impressive two tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, while also boasting a passing accuracy of 85.3% – compare that to Gueye who’s managed 2.3 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per match in Ligue 1 this season, and having a 92.6% pass accuracy.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/villa-dean-smith-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-premier-league-buendia-berge-mcneil-trezeguet-villa-park” title=”Read the latest Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

Given his age, and the fact he’s already piling up plento of experience in terms of top-level football, and Sarr could be the kind of young talent who can fill those considerable shoes that Gueye left at Villa when he departed.

Meanwhile, Villa are facing a major transfer battle over this star…

Celtic are hoping to announce Eddie Howe as their new manager this week, according to The Sun.

Both parties are in no rush to hurry negotiations, but it does appear as if the 43-year-old will eventually become Neil Lennon’s long-term successor.

Howe’s specific Celtic assurance

However, the report also reveals a specific assurance Howe needs before putting pen to paper over a Parkhead deal.

Howe wants to bring Bournemouth man Richard Hughes with him to Glasgow in a director of football role.

That would mean the Hoops hierarchy ripping up their plans they originally had in place, with Football Insider revealing a deal for Manchester City’s Fergal Harkin was 90% done last month.

Transfer Tavern take

To us, Howe needs to have a major say on who the director of football is, and if a deal for Hughes is possible, it could prove to be a shrewd appointment.

Howe and Hughes enjoyed great success on the south coast, and the manager and director of football will need to work closely in a Parkhead rebuild.

Plenty of key on-field decisions will need to be made ahead of the 2021/22 season, and the pair having full trust in each other could make that process easier.

In other news: Premier League side set to bid for Celtic midfielder, find out more here.