All posts by n8rngtd.top

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily), journalist Kaveh Solhekol has dropped an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino. 

The Lowdown: Pochettino talks held by Spurs

On Thursday morning, the Athletic broke seismic news of Pochettino’s talks with Spurs whilst also lifting the lid on his desire to make a return to north London.

However, the BBC also report that no such contact has been made with his club, Paris-Saint Germain, with the general consensus being that they will fight tooth and nail to keep him in the French capital.

As such, chairman Daniel Levy may face a serious fight to appoint him.

The Latest: Reporter drops Pochettino update

Sharing an update, Sky Sports reporter Solhekol has claimed he has ‘some more information’ and confirms that ‘this is not a done deal’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-things-spurry/” title=”Spurs news and gossip!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

“We’ve just been able to get some more information in the last ten minutes or so,” he explained to the broadcaster (via Football Daily).

“I’ll just run through it quickly for you.

“First of all Spurs would love to have Mauricio Pochettino back as their manager, but this is not a done deal.

“One source this morning was telling us it very close to being done, another source just now saying that it is still some way off at the moment.”

The Verdict: Managerial merry-go-round…

As reports emerged on Thursday morning of Pochettino’s interest in taking the Spurs job and vice versa, they were quickly followed by reports from France dismissing them entirely. 

This latest claim from Solhekol, whilst offering no encouragement of Tottenham appointing Pochettino imminently, at least reiterates interest from the Lilywhites in his sensational return to north London.

Spurs have apparently been looking for a new boss in the image of Pochettino to put the Jose Mourinho era behind them, and they won’t hire a boss any closer to that mould than the former fan favourite himself.

However, PSG’s firm stance and the fact he still has one year left on his deal at the Parc des Princes mean this move could be difficult to pull off.

In other news: Spurs now want to sign this ‘nearly unplayable’ star, find out more here.

The curtain will come down on a wonderful four years in charge for Nuno Santo on Sunday.

He has changed the face of Wolverhampton Wanderers, turning them into an established Premier League outfit.

Unfortunately, their clash with Manchester United this afternoon will represent his final in the Molineux dugout.

He surprisingly announced the decision to resign on Friday, leaving the Old Gold’s future well and truly up in the air.

Wolves will be aiming to send Nuno off with an almighty bang but it won’t be easy against one of the best sides in the top-flight.

Though, with nothing to play for, the Midlands outfit can kick back and relax on the final day of the season.

Thus, how will their final ever team selection under the Portuguese look? Here’s what we’re predicting…

We’re tipping Nuno to make three changes from the team that lost to Everton last time out.

John Ruddy continues in goal but there are changes to the backline in front of him with Max Kilman dropping out.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-transfer-rumours-and-news-soumare-dias-dembele-marques-nuno-santo” title=”Read the latest Wolves transfer rumours and news!”]

The Englishman is replaced by 18-year-old Christian Marques, someone we’ve raved about on Football FanCast this weekend.

The centre-back has never been seen in the first-team but with nothing riding on the match, this feels like as good a time as any to hand him his Premier League debut.

Another change is at right wing-back where Ki-Jana Hoever is given a chance ahead of Nelson Semedo, something that occurred in the 2-1 win over Brighton.

The third and final change is in the middle of the park where Joao Moutinho is axed from the starting XI in favour of the young Vitinha.

If Wolves don’t exercise the option to buy clause in his loan contract then this could be the 21-year-old’s final outing in the Old Gold.

There is no room for Willian Jose while Raul Jimenez won’t be fit to play despite his promising recovery from a fractured skull.

Marcal has returned from injury but Rayan Ait-Nouri gets the nod on the left-hand side.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Silva: Wolves should replace Nuno with “spectacular” 44y/o Mendes client…

In their first game back in front of fans in the Premier League, Aston Villa turned up to Spurs on Wednesday night and spoiled the party, winning 2-1.

Dean Smith’s side fell behind to a fine strike from Steven Bergwijn, but managed to turns things around later in the first-half thanks to an own goal from Sergio Reguilon and a coolly taken finish from Ollie Watkins.

And while Villa managed to seal all three points and make the trip back up to the Midlands a good one, one man who was arguably the biggest disappointment for the side, was Anwar El Ghazi.

The Dutchman once again started on the left despite the return of Jack Grealish, with the club captain being deployed in the number ten role instead.

That was a major show of faith in the winger, but he failed to capitalise, and he was the big let-down for Smith even in an impressive victory away from home at one of the Premier League’s big six.

As per Sofascore, he finished with a 6.5 match rating, which was the lowest of any Villa player, and when you look at his underlying numbers it’s no surprise to see why.

He lost a whopping 13 duels on the night, which was by far the most of any player, and lost possession 16 times too, again the most – El Ghazi was just too easily outmuscled by the Spurs back-line or just pressured into making mistakes whenever Japhet Tanganga in particular looked to step in front of him and be proactive in his defending.

He also failed to complete any dribbles, and committed three fouls too as his frustrations got the better of him.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him a 6.5, saying: “Started on his favoured left with Grealish inside and El Ghazi, Targett and Villa’s captain worked well together. El Ghazi should have notched his 10th of the season but, somehow, he got his feet in a muddle as he miss-hit Grealish’s ball into him.

“El Ghazi should have done better when he latched onto McGinn’s ball over the top but took too much time which allowed Alderweireld to clear. A bit quiet but he kept Tottenham thinking.”

[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!”]

The Dutchman just didn’t cover himself in glory, and Smith would not have been happy with his display at all.

Meanwhile, this Villa man stole the show for Dean Smith…

A number of Liverpool fans have been calling for Harvey Elliott to stay put at Anfield this summer, rather than going out on loan again.

The Reds could have a busy transfer window in the summer, with incomings and outgoings both expected after what has been a tumultuous season.

Jurgen Klopp will be keen to bolster his squad, but equally, there are fringe players who could generate some much-needed transfer funds, such as Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

Someone who could potentially become a first-team regular is Elliott, with the 18-year-old coming off the back of an excellent season on loan at Blackburn Rovers.

The forward scored seven goals and registered 11 assists in the Championship in 2020/21, catching the eye with his vision, quick feet and end product.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds are still yet to decide what to do with Elliott and Sepp van den Berg this summer, as Klopp weighs up his options.

There is an increasing feeling that the teenager could be a handy player to have around, however, given his recent performances.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-the-latest-liverpool-news/” title=”All the latest Liverpool news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans call for Elliott to stay

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the matter.

“Bring Harvey back, give him mins in the first team next year and leave Sepp there on loan”

Credit: @lfcguy76

“Please bring Harvey Elliott into the fold. He’s a young, confident forward. He could offer something different”

Credit: @ReviewFootball

“We could have done with Elliott as a sub for any of our front three this season”

Credit: @ceklfc

“Keep Harvey and loan Sepp”

Credit: @biGDhee08

“Bring in Harvey Elliot, have VVD teach VDB how to defend and see them perform in the CL final in 5-6 years”

Credit: @Kristiannc991

“Give them a chance”

Credit: @eddiespana

“Elliott needs to stay, and Sepp is better than Neco so keep him too idc”

Credit: @joexlfc

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy with a link claiming the Reds want to sign a Premier League player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Harry Wilson’s permanent departure from Liverpool this summer is ‘looking likely’, The Athletic journalist Caoimhe O’Neill reports. 

The lowdown

Wilson made just his second senior appearance for Liverpool in the League Cup Round of 16 against Arsenal before joining Cardiff City on loan – it is Wilson’s fifth temporary spell away from Anfield.

He spent the 2019/20 campaign at Bournemouth after previous stints at Derby County, Hull City and Crewe Alexandra.

A hat-trick in a 4-0 win at Birmingham City last weekend took Wilson to seven Championship goals for the season, alongside his 12 assists (via Transfermarkt).

The latest

O’Neill expects Wilson to prepare for the 2021/22 season with Liverpool before making a permanent exit.

The Reds demanded £15million for Wilson last summer and, as it stands, that price-tag hasn’t changed.

Burnley were rebuffed in their £12million approach for the Wales international and it’s understood that they won’t revive their interest. He has two years left on his contract.

The verdict

Liverpool couldn’t have asked for much more from Wilson while out on loan.

The 24-year-old ranks second in the division for assists and was labelled a ‘magic’ player by Neil Harris, who was in charge in South Wales until January.

He would be a good squad player for the Reds, deployed predominantly in cup competitions.

But Wilson is good enough to be playing consistent Premier League football, albeit in the bottom half of the division, so it could be a win win for all parties for the Reds to finally cash in this summer.

In other news, fans have been reacting to this sensational Mohamed Salah claim.

As Manchester City recover from what has been a torrid last week, losing the FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea followed by the European Super League saga, Pep Guardiola’s side are back to winning ways after a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa on Wednesday evening. 

Goals from Phil Foden and Rodrigo clinched a crucial three points from 1-0 down with City now on the way to a fifth Premier League title and third under Guardiola – coming just in time ahead of the Carabao Cup final this weekend.

John McGinn gave Villa a very early lead after John Stones failed to clear a pass in behind though, and the Englishman didn’t exactly have the best evening.

He has arguably been City’s most improved player this season, partnering summer signing Ruben Dias to superb effect, but at Villa Park he played a hand in the home side’s opener and later got sent off for a reckless challenge on Jacob Ramsey – with one fan calling him a ‘liability’ as a result.

Despite his incredible form this season, many Sky Blues weren’t impressed with last night’s showing – with the 26-year-old unsurprisingly managing a measly 5.0 rating on SofaScore.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

Man City fans slam Stones

“We all knew John Stones form was a fugazi, sell him in the summer and bring in Koundé”

Credit: @cxtizn

“Blatant red, Stones has been awful from the first minute”

Credit: @molmcfc

“Stones starting to become liability again. England, Chelsea and this”

Credit: @chrisSw31332053

“John Stones form since his England return has been woeful. Don’t get it”

Credit: @SiCurtis87

“Stones had a shocking game.. At fault for their goal as well..”

Credit: @MCFC_Vision

“Stones has been worryingly shocking recently

– Aston Villa red and cost goal

-BVB didn’t cover Haaland for the goal in the second goal

-England mistake

-Leeds should’ve gone in for the 1st goal and was pathetic slow for the 2nd

Laporte return”

Credit: @acacac2410

“100% a red btw. Stones had a shocking half”

Credit: @mcfctj_

“John Stones look awful today”

Credit: @mac_marb

In other news: Man City fans also flocked to a Romano claim, find out more here.

Former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has been the latest coach to be linked with a move to Celtic.

Speculation has mounted in recent days, with reports suggesting the Hoops approached the 58-year-old following his sacking in north London.

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has now had his say on the rumours regarding Celtic and Mourinho. The Sun journalist was asked by a Hoops fan on Friday evening if there is any truth in the links to the Portuguese native.

He replied in three simple words: “Can’t see it.”

Transfer Tavern take

We’re with Nixon here in feeling that a move for Mourinho won’t gather any real pace.

For starters, look at his salary at Spurs. He was thought to be on a £15m-per-year deal in the English capital. Former Celtic managers Neil Lennon and Brendan Rodgers were on £2.4m-a-year and £2.3m-a-year respectively, so that just shows the huge financial comparison.

Roma and Valencia are also thought to be keen on Mourinho’s services, so due to the money which would be required to lure him to Parkhead amid interest from other clubs, we can’t see this one materialising.

In other news: ‘More advanced’ – Nixon provides Celtic director of football update, find out more here.

Alex McLeish believes John Kennedy could still be named Celtic’s new permanent manager.

Kennedy has been in interim charge of the Hoops following Neil Lennon’s resignation back in February.

The Scot, who prefers a 4-4-2 system (Transfermarkt), has been linked with the permanent role recently.

Reports suggested he could increase his chances of earning the job on a full-time basis with a win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup, but despite the loss to Steven Gerrard’s side, McLeish still thinks the 37-year-old has a chance.

McLeish 62, was speaking to Football Insider and dropped an inside claim by sharing what a mutual friend has told him.

“I always believed that the go-to guys for these kinds of decisions is the players.

“John has got a good reputation. A friend of mine up in Glasgow is very pally with him and he thinks that John could definitely step up. John’s got to be believing that as well.

“If the players were really vociferous in terms of saying: ‘John’s been superb…’ They have been very, very supportive of the interim manager.

“I think that Celtic will be looking for more experience in a coach than John has at this moment. Although, he has been in and around the first team for donkey’s years.

“I believe that the Celtic fans will be looking for the announcement of a big name.”

Transfer Tavern take

In our opinion, Kennedy shouldn’t be handed the managerial role on a permanent basis for exactly the reason McLeish states.

He may well still prove a handy assistant to any new boss that potentially comes in, but with no senior managerial experience under his belt prior to the interim Hoops role, it could prove too big of a challenge.

Celtic still have a few months to get a new boss in and settled ahead of the 2021/22 season and a busy transfer window, so they don’t have to rush things just yet.

However, should they remain without a manager when the transfer window opens, we may well see the club panic and hand Kennedy the reins.

In other news: Roy Keane to Celtic twist emerges following behind-the-scenes development, find out more here. 

Victor Orta could sign Leeds a real upgrade on Patrick Bamford in Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard amid Noel Whelan’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The Frenchman has been linked with a move away from Celtic Park in recent months and has been touted with a switch to the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa said to be interested.

Whelan has now thrown Marcelo Bielsa’s side into the ring and claimed that the 23-year-old seems perfectly built to shine at Elland Road and that he’s a “big fan” of his work.

Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, the ex-Whites player said: “I do think we need another striker, no doubt about that. I have been thinking for over two seasons now.

“Edouard at Celtic. I have been a big fan of him for a long time. He is my choice. He has got the stature, he has got the work rate, he can take set pieces.”

Upgrade on Bamfprd

While Bamford has led the line superbly for Leeds this season – he’s bagged 14 Premier League goals for the newly-promoted Whites – Edouard’s arrival would give Bielsa the perfect all-round striker.

In his time at Celtic, the young Frenchman has proven to be a prolific goalscorer, averaging a goal every other game – he’s scored 81 times in just 162 matches for the Bhoys.

The 23-year-old isn’t just a predatory number nine, though, also displaying impressive link-up play and touch to get the rest of his team-mates involved – he’s chipped in with five assists in 26 league games this campaign.

When you look at both Bamford and Edouard’s numbers this season in terms of all the key attacking stats, it’s the latter who comes out on top.

As per Sofascore, the France under-21 international has a better goals per minutes ratio, has missed far fewer big chances, and has a better goal conversion rate, too – all signs which point to him just being a far more clinical number nine.

Even when it comes the build-up play and defensive work which Bielsa may prize just as much, it’s Edouard who once again comes out looking the better. He averages more key passes per game, a better passing accuracy, completes triple the amount of dribbles per match, and wins more total duels in comparison to Bamford.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Latest Leeds transfer rumours and news”]

Dubbed as “talismanic” by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, the £13.5m-rated Edouard has the finishing touch and “stature”, as Whelan says, to be a real threat for Leeds, and could represent a genuine upgrade on Bamford in attack.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a summer move for this Premier League starlet…

Several Aston Villa supporters have been sharing their love at the club’s reported summer transfer plans on social media.

Villa spent over £88m during the current campaign, bringing in the likes of Ollie Watkins, Bertrand Traore, Matty Cash, Emiliano Martinez and Morgan Sanson in eight-figure deals.

And it seems as if the club will be splashing the cash once again ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Villa are looking to bring in at least one more winger and another centre-forward to provide competition and backing for Watkins.

The likes of Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet have struggled to consistently perform in the top flight, whereas Dean Smith isn’t thought to be convinced over striker Wesley, who has been out for over a year through injury.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Percy’s comments on social media on Friday, which, as to be expected, had plenty of fans talking. Here’s what some had to say, with one describing the update as ‘positive news’.

“Positive news from a reliable source”

Credit: @dan_AVFC88

“Yasss Yasss Yasss”

Credit: @JaVilla__

“oh yes”

Credit: @wesavfc

“OMMMGGGGGG ITS HAPPENING”

Credit: @VillaVisionBen

“FINALLY”

Credit: @champagnema_

“Bring on the summer”

Credit: @LordMillman29

In other news: £55,000-a-week Villa star not in Smith’s plans, find out more here.