All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to Sky Sports, Atletico Madrid are among a number of Spanish clubs who are interested in signing Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks.

Atletico want Winks

The 25-year-old has appeared just 10 times in the Premier League so far this season (Transfermarkt) and has become a bit-part player under Jose Mourinho.

It seems that the La Liga leaders would be keen to take him off Spurs’ hands, though, as Sky Sports claimed that a number of Spanish sides have made enquiries for the England international.

Source of income

Winks has appeared 10 times for his country and had been a regular for Tottenham for the past few seasons, while he was even called “amazing” by Danny Mills a few weeks ago (Football Insider).

However, he appears to have fallen out of favour this term as Mourinho turns to alternative options in the middle of the park. At 25, he would have been hoping to have established himself as an important player in the Spurs squad by now.

A move to Atletico could therefore be a good move for all involved. Los Rojiblancos are one of the biggest teams in Europe, as their Champions League record and haul of Europa League trophies would suggest.

It would arguably be a step up for Winks, while Daniel Levy and co would then be able to bring in a decent fee for a player who still has three years left on his contract in north London. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the midfielder.

In other news, Levy is reportedly planning a move for this star in the summer.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has said that Mike Ashley will not give up ownership of Newcastle United unless he receives the right offer.

Phillips makes Ashley claim

After a takeover approach failed last year (The Guardian), Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium have returned to try once more to buy the St James’ Park outfit.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips believes Ashley may well move on soon, but only for the right price. He said:

“It’s got to the point where you don’t even want to talk about it.

“It’s been on it’s been off it’s been on it’s been off. A club being taken over, as a supporter you just want it to happen. 

“No more so than with Newcastle. Ashley has spent a lot of money at that football club but now they want him out. 

“But he’s a businessman and he won’t go unless he gets the right amount of money and let’s hope this time if it gets back on, it gets done and the club can start to move on.”

Hope remains

Newcastle fans will now be reaching a point of desperation. Ashley is deeply unpopular among the majority of supporters at St James’ Park, and many are eager to see him depart. That looked close to happening last year, so they may not be too willing to get their hopes up just yet.

The takeover fee last summer was £300m, and you get the feeling that Ashley was happy to leave with that sum before the Premier League rejected the bid from Staveley’s consortium. Of course, with the reputation Ashley has as a hard-nosed businessman, he will only leave on his terms, but a repeat offer in that ballpark should hopefully do the trick.

In other news, Lee Ryder slammed this man during the win against Burnley.

Celtic’s approach to the summer transfer window appears to be a case of luring the best young talents to Parkhead from south of the border.The Bhoys have already wrapped up a move for promising young midfielder Liam Shaw but further England-based talents could arrive in the coming months.On the chalkboardThe outlook at Paradise could look infinitely different next season. The likes of Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer are repeatedly linked with the exit door, which means their future in Scotland is uncertain.One man whose exit prospects are looking brighter by the day is Patryk Klimala. The Polish forward has had a rough time of it since moving to Glasgow and, just a year and a half on from arriving, it looks as though he’ll be leaving.Klimala entered the club in January 2020 but failed to start a single game in the back half of that season. He has rarely started in 2020/21 either, finding the net on just three occasions in the famous green and white.It’s quite amazing that Celtic are set to receive a fee of £3.5m for his services, with news emerging in recent days that he’s on the verge of sealing a move to New York Red Bulls in the MLS.The replacementCeltic’s frontline could look completely different next season if a number of departures occur. Klimala is heading for the exit door, while it would be surprising if Edouard sticks around. Club stalwart Leigh Griffiths could also be offered an escape route by Aberdeen.Thus, they will need to find new recruits from somewhere. One player who could come in and immediately replace Klimala in the squad is Kyle Joseph.The Wigan forward is out of contract at the climax of the season and it doesn’t look as though he will pen new terms. Consequently, Celtic are chasing him and can sign the attacker on a free transfer.[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-edouard-desmond” title= “Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]The 19-year-old isn’t particularly experienced but he has made some strong impressions during what has been a breakthrough season in English football. He has played 16 times for Wigan this season and has found the net on five occasions along the way, including an eye-catching hat-trick against Burton Albion back in December.A player blessed with quick feet and an eye for goal, a move to Celtic would be a fine reward for his impressive start to life in senior football. He has attracted plenty of acclaim along the way, being described as “dangerous” for his display against Oxford United by journalist Sanny Rudravajhala.Another reporter in Jay Whittle took to Twitter to wax lyrical about the teenager, saying: “Outstanding footwork, has the heart of a lion, and plays with a level of maturity and intelligence beyond his years.”Whittle continued: “Also got a great knack of being able to turn lost causes into half chances by never giving up. Huge prospect.”With that in mind, it certainly looks as though Joseph would bring a lot more energy to his performances than Klimala ever did in Glasgow.The Pole was a huge disappointment; Joseph could quickly usurp him.AND in other news, £42k-p/w Celtic flop has been through hell since leaving, he’s not played for 608 days…

In a recent interview, reported West Ham United summer target Sasa Kalajdzic opened up on the transfer speculation currently surrounding him.

With German outlet Kicker reporting (via Sport Witness) back in March that the Hammers, alongside RB Leipzig and AS Roma, are keeping a close eye on the Stuttgart centre-forward ahead of the summer window, in what would be a potential transfer in the region of €25m (£21.5m), the 23-year-old recently opened up the rumours regarding his future.

Speaking to Sport Bild (via Sport Witness), Kalajdzic said: “I don’t fight against it. It’s great to have my achievements recognised. It’s a compliment to be linked with other clubs.”

Transfer Tavern Take

With David Moyes having limited options at centre-forward in his West Ham squad at present – the injured Michail Antonio is the Scot’s only choice as a senior out-and-out striker – it is unsurprising that the Hammers are interested in adding depth to that position this summer.

Considering the fact that Kalajdzic has scored a highly impressive 14 goals, while also providing five assists, over his 28 Bundesliga appearances for Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side this season, the Austrian would appear to be a fine candidate to provide Moyes with more firepower at the London Stadium.

Furthermore, with the 23-year-old seeming flattered by the interest shown in him by the Hammers, perhaps a switch to the Premier League will not be a difficult move for West Ham to coax from Kalajdzic this summer.

In other news: ‘What a man’, ‘Absolute hero’ – Many West Ham fans gush at ‘fantastic’ ace’s emotional comments – find out more here!

Many Southampton fans are livid with comments from manager Ralph Hasenhuttl following their 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Despite a difficult season, the Saints progressed to the penultimate round of the the world’s oldest cup competition. They faced Leicester at Wembley for a place in the final but they were narrowly defeated. Given the hard work it took to get there, it will have been disappointing for Hasenhuttl and his side not to manage a single shot on target during the 90 minutes (SofaScore).

Although they provided scant attacking threat, the Austrian still seemed to be happy with what he saw from his players, saying that they left everything out on the pitch.

The comments were shared on Twitter by journalist Tom Leach, and it is fair to say that many Southampton fans were far from happy with the manager’s words. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what Hasenhuttl had to say on Sunday’s “shambles”, as one disgruntled fan put it.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Hasenhuttl below

“That’s just offensive now. Does he think we weren’t watching?”

Credit: @jonokli

“Wreck it Ralph time to go”

Credit: @gmdsaints

“Is that a joke? Spent the last 20 mins defending”

Credit: @JamesBrooksAP

“Lol if he truly believes that then I despair.”

Credit: @NPBSFC74

“losing respect for Ralph. Team was useless. Have to wonder about him if he thinks that. Cannot go on like this forever without consequences”

Credit: @r_c_bennett

“very disappointed to hear Ralph say that. We weren’t up for the fight, to not test the keeper in 90 mins is inexcusable. Shambles”

Credit: @willlester37

In other news, many Southampton fans slammed this man’s performance against Leicester.

Sunderland are currently stuck in a horrible rut.

Lee Johnson’s men haven’t won in five matches and in the space of a fortnight; they’ve seen their automatic promotion hopes dusted.

On the chalkboard

Sunderland’s chances of securing promotion this season won’t be made any easier by the news emerging regarding Aiden McGeady.

The Irishman missed their 2-2 draw with Hull City in midweek because of a bruised foot which, given he’s got 13 assists to his name this term, was a huge blow.

It doesn’t look good for McGeady’s involvement this weekend either. Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, Johnson admitted: “I would put him at 50-50.”

The boss continued: “He is tough and he wants to play, but his foot is still very bruised even though it is only a superficial injury, if you like – it’s nothing bone or ligament related.”

Consequently, the manager may have to start thinking about alternatives.

The solution

When the Black Cats drew with Hull it was Jordan Jones who started on McGeady’s favoured left side.

Next to Jones were Josh Scowen and Lynden Gooch but they put in two different performances.

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Gooch stood out on the right-hand side and was a menace for the Tigers’ backline. Scowen, however, isn’t particularly adept in forward areas.

Thus, in order to extract more from Sunderland’s front line, Johnson should consider unleashing Chris Maguire.

The Scot hasn’t started for the Mackems since the current manager’s very first game in charge, a 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic.

That’s a run of outings stretching back to the 5th December, a painstaking 27 straight league matches.

Though, there was a spell within that, specifically towards the end of February and the beginning of March where he showed his quality.

Dubbed “very talented” by Steve Parkin, he hasn’t shown many glimpses of that apart from a three-game run.

During the aforementioned time frame, the 32-year-old scored a superb goal against Crewe while picking up assists against Fleetwood and Swindon.

Maguire made his feelings felt in a recent U23 match. He let rip from range and scored a breathtaking strike from long-range against Burnley.

Having endured a spell in the youth team to get his fitness up to scratch, Johnson needs to bring him back into the first team.

AND in other news, SAFC can finally axe McFadzean by signing 18 y/o that Jack Ross thinks is “brilliant”…

West Ham United are one of the teams keen on signing Joachim Andersen this summer, according to recent reports…

What’s the word?

The Daily Mirror claim the Irons are considering a move for the impressive Fulham loanee, with David Moyes keen to bolster his squad ahead of a potential stint in Europe next season.

Premier League rivals Arsenal and Spurs have also been credited with interest in the 24-year-old centre-back, so they may well be pulled into a transfer battle over his signature.

It is thought that his parent club, Lyon, would be willing to sell Andersen and that he’s wanting to remain in England, too.

As Fulham are looking likely to be relegated, the door has opened for one of the three fellow London sides to strike. The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath believes he could be available for just £25m.

Imagine him & Rice

If the Hammers do qualify for either of the Champions or Europa League this season, then Moyes will certainly need more than just a new striker in the summer transfer window.

The 58-year-old has often utilised Aaron Cresswell in a back three due to the lack of options available to him, whilst there have been doubts over Issa Diop in the past, meaning Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna have often got the nod.

In Andersen, West Ham could build a formidable spine and one that could be feared for years to come. At just 24, he could be sat in just behind Declan Rice for the foreseeable future.

Despite all of the Cottagers’ struggles this season, the Denmark international has shone, not just earning a respectable 6.8 average ratings on WhoScored but also a lot of praise.

The Mirror chief football writer John Cross lauded him “magnificent” against last season’s champions, Liverpool, whilst the Telegraph’s Sam Dean claimed he was their best on the ball – his figures would back that up, too.

A pass success rate of 81.2% from an average of 61.3 passes per game is impressive, and that’s on top of 5.1 clearances, 1.3 interceptions and a squad-high 3.2 aerials won.

The 6 foot 2 titan is clearly equally adept in the air as he is on the ground, and that’s not something we often get in central defenders.

Andersen is currently out-performing all of Moyes’ current central options and has only been better by Diop in terms of passing, as per WhoScored.

Just imagine him and Rice in this European-chasing Irons side. For just £25m, it’s a move GSB should absolutely sanction.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Marlon Harewood drops Lingard transfer claim…

Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side are considering a move for Celtic’s Ryan Christie in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail (via the Daily Record), who claim that Celtic are eager to sell the 26-year-old this summer, as the attacking midfielder’s contract, rather strangely, expires in January of 2022 – meaning that the winger is free to talk to potential new suitors ahead of a what could be a free transfer in next season’s winter market.

It is then claimed that as a result of Celtic’s urgent desire to sell, both Norwich and Burnley are keen on a move for the £8.1 million-rated Scotland international.

Webber must move

Despite the fact that Celtic have endured something of a season to forget this term, Christie has remained one of the brighter sparks coming out of Parkhead.

Over the 26-year-old’s 32 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, he has scored five goals and registered eight assists, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots and making an average of two key passes per game, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 7.28 – ranking him as the Bhoys’ third-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

Alongside these impressive performances, the £12,000-per-week star’s versatility is also a major plus point to his game, with the Scot being able to comfortably operate from the centre of midfield, attacking midfield, either the left or right-wing and as a centre-forward.

This is something that is likely to appeal to Farke, as the Norwich boss currently only has Kieran Dowell and Marco Stiepermann as options for the number 10 role in his side, with Christie – whom Alex McLeish claimed is “on a different level” to his fellow Celtic players – appearing to be an upgrade on both players, as they each struggled for goals and assists in the Championship this season.

As such, it would be highly advisable for Stuart Webber to start negotiations with Celtic as soon as possible regarding a move for Christie, or else the Canaries could end up missing out on the midfielder to Sean Dyche’s Burnley side, who could well be a direct rival of Norwich around the Premier League relegation zone next season.

In other news: Forget Hanley: Webber must launch NCFC bid for £2.4k-p/w ace dubbed “one of the best” – opinion

Speaking to talkSPORT, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has been left in awe of Antonio Conte amid the Italian’s links to the vacant manager’s job, but he admitted that he can’t see the appointment happening. 

The Lowdown: Conte linked to Spurs

Over this last week, links have emerged with former Chelsea boss Conte as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho in N17.

Indeed, a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) even claimed that Tottenham have held ‘positive’ and ‘fruitful’ talks with the 51-year-old over taking the reins in north London.

However, the outlet also noted that ‘nothing’ has been decided yet and both parties will postpone further negotiations for a later date.

The Latest: O’Hara in awe of Conte

Even though he believes an appointment is unrealistic, talkSPORT pundit O’Hara has waxed lyrical over Conte and admits that he would be the 34-year-old’s personal preference as Spurs’ next manager.

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“I think if Tottenham got Antonio Conte, they’d be able to keep Harry Kane – he’s a brilliant manager,” O’Hara explained to talkSPORT.

“He won the Premier League title with Chelsea and yes he got the sack, but that’s what Chelsea do. It’s their culture. He’s gone to Inter Milan and he’s won the league there, too. He’s a top manager.

“I think we should be going for Antonio Conte or Brendan Rodgers, but Spurs are living in cuckoo land at the moment… we’re pretenders! We haven’t won anything!

“Personally, I would like Antonio Conte, but I can’t see it happening.”

The Verdict: Bang on the money…

We’re inclined to agree with O’Hara’s verdict that appointing Conte at Tottenham is probably out of chairman Daniel Levy’s reach.

On a reported €20m per year (£17.3m) salary at Inter Milan, he could be a costly man to hire, not to mention that the coach with a defence-minded reputation isn’t exactly a tailor-made fit with Spurs’ desired criteria of an open, attack-minded manager (The Guardian).

Lauded as a ‘perfectionist’ by Emmanuele Giaccherini (La Gazzetta via Football Italia), Tottenham would still be better off looking elsewhere as the search for Mourinho’s successor continues.

In other news: Some Tottenham fans flock to this ‘best news’, find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion’s relegation back to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday night following their 3-1 loss against Arsenal.

However, one player who may have offers to remain in the Premier League is Matheus Pereira.

Pereira has outscored Champions League-winning forwards

Pereira has scored 10 league goals for the Baggies – just under a third of their current league total – and has also provided a squad-high five assists (via Premier League).

He reached double figures courtesy of a fine solo goal at the Emirates Stadium, has outscored the likes of Sadio Mane and Gareth Bale in the top flight this term. He also has nearly twice as many league goals as Villa star Jack Grealish, who is the joint-third highest scorer in Dean Smith’s squad.

The 25-year-old Brazilian has three years left on his contract at The Hawthorns and is valued at £11.7m by Transfermarkt.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, no West Brom players have relegation clauses which might affect their transfer fee, but could Midlands rivals Aston Villa be a possible destination for Pereira?

Birmingham Live’s Villa feed asked supporters on Twitter if they would take him at Villa Park and here’s how they responded, with one believing thae

These Villa fans would back Pereira move

“100%”

Credit: @Bigwayne81

“Yes, because he improves the squad. If we buy Pereira it doesn’t mean we stop looking at other creative midfielders. I totally understand why, but I think our owners are a lot more ambitious than some of our fan base”

Credit: @thallium_72

“He is a very good player, a natural understudy to Grealish and he has two compatriots here to help him settle. Depends on price but I think I’d be very tempted given Jack’s injury record”

Credit: @bozzystuff

“Yes yes yes”

Credit: @Dempo143

“Get it done @AVFCOfficial”

Credit: @Jackckss

“Of course without a doubt, get him signed.”

Credit: @davidprowntree

In other news, some Villa fans were unimpressed with this player against Manchester United.