All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tyrone Mings completed 90 minutes for England today, as they began their EURO 2020 campaign with a 1-0 win over Croatia [BBC].

In a game of few clear-cut chances, the Aston Villa defender was impressive throughout as he helped his side to earn a valuable three points.

Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the match to separate the two sides, as fellow Villans’ star Jack Grealish had to contend with a place on the England substitute bench in the crunch fixture [Sky News].

As the race for major international tournament glory hots up, both Mings and Grealish will come up against their teammate John McGinn in their next clash as the Three Lions play host to the Scotland Tartan Army next week at Wembley stadium [The Herald].

After watching the game and how he played, it was no wonder that plenty of fans from all corners of the country came together to praise the performance of the 28-year-old central defender.

Fans react to Mings heroics:

Here are what some onlookers had to say regarding Mings’ performance:

“Tyrone Mings, colossal”

Credit: @xxxoooxoooxxx”I really really Like Tyrone Mings. Really do”Credit: @Samolufemi__”GET IN! Great start! Kalvin Phillips MOTM and a know I’m biased, but Tyrone Mings was superb!”Credit: @CraigBolger”Tyrone Mings’ game by numbers vs. Croatia: 100% ground duels won 90% pass accuracy 72 total touches 4 interceptions 3 clearances 0 fouls An excellent performance and a deserved clean sheet.”Credit: @StatmanDave”Kalvin Phillips was excellent today. Tyrone Mings was solid in the back. Raheem Sterling with the winning goal. Great display from #ENG”Credit: @JimJulien66″Tyrone Mings lovely lad”Credit: @George_Bruce97In other news, Aston Villa fans react to a Jack Grealish update.

According to an update by Sky Sports journalist Paul Gilmore, via Football Daily, one foreign club is ‘extremely interested’ in a move for Harry Kane – coming after Sky Sports broke news that the Englishman has confirmed his desire to leave Tottenham.

The Lowdown: Kane tells Tottenham he wants to leave

The Lilywhites’ star striker has been at the centre of much speculation in recent weeks after another season of no silverware at Tottenham.

Kane, according to a big development by Sky, has even now reiterated his desire to leave north London with Spurs making enquiries to sign replacement forwards.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all apparently been in touch with the 27-year-old’s representatives as Tottenham brace for a possible summer saga (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Kane attracting interest from abroad…

When asked if a European giant could swoop for Kane, including, potentially, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino at Paris-Saint Germain, journalist Gilmour stated:

“That is interesting, because we were told yesterday that one foreign club is extremely interested and has been in touch as well,” he explained on Sky Sports (via Football Daily).

“We haven’t been told the identity of that club, but of course Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, have all been mentioned in the past around Harry Kane.”

The Verdict: Europe the best option for Spurs…

If Kane does leave this summer or if Tottenham are indeed forced to sell their prized asset, Lilywhites supporters would surely want to see the striker move abroad as preferred to a domestic rival.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-gossip/” title=”Spurs gossip” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The likes of Man City, Man United or Chelsea potentially acquiring the Spurs fan favourite would not only be a blow sentimentally, but his presence for one of their top six rivals could also hamper Tottenham’s chances of competing.

Therefore, if Spurs do have to let Kane move on, a move abroad could be the most appealing option.

In other news: Tottenham hold discussions with this Champions League-winning boss, find out more here.

According to a report by Sky Sport Italia, the first contacts between Tottenham Hotspur and former Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte have ‘already been started’.

The Lowdown: Conte quits Inter…

The Nerazzurri and Conte decided to part ways earlier this week in what was a seismic update. Despite the 51-year-old guiding Inter to their first Serie A title in 11 years, there was an alleged disagreement over how the club should move forward this summer.

Due to financial problems, Inter want to raise €80m (£68.7m) in profits through player sales, while Conte was reportedly adamant that he wanted new signings and a ‘clear project to win again’ (Fabrizio Romano).

The Latest: Tottenham on the prowl?

Sky Sport Italia have now revealed that Spurs have made first contact with Conte over the managerial vacancy in north London alongside La Liga giants Real Madrid, with their former manager Zinedine Zidane resigning on Wednesday.

[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”]

Indeed, despite heavy links with Paris-Saint Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs are apparently in the race for Conte and weighing his possible appointment. Former Real Madrid managerial target Massimiliano Allegri rejected their advances and instead chose a return to Juventus, with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez now ‘on the trail’ of Conte.

They face competition from the Lilywhites with Tottenham contact already made, but this report claims that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is also ‘considering’ a reunion for Pochettino.

The Verdict: Mighty alternative..

While Spurs’ priority should perhaps be Pochettino’s sensational return to north London, Conte certainly comes as a mighty alternative. His collection of silverware is impressive, having clinched four Serie A titles, two Italian Super Cups, a Premier League crown and an FA Cup winner’s medal (Transfermarkt).

Now that he has parted company with Inter, Levy also won’t have to worry about paying big compensation money to prise the 51-year-old away from Milan.

Lauded as a ‘top class manager’ by Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold, the prospect of Conte as a Pochettino alternative should excite Spurs supporters given that the ex-Chelsea boss is now more than attainable than ever.

In other news: ‘Another source just now saying’…Sky Sports reporter drops Pochettino claim for Spurs, find out more here.

Arthur Masuaku’s season appears to be over, handing West Ham further injury troubles…

What’s the latest?

The 27-year-old left-back has played only two matches since picking up a knee injury back in December and now the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee has delivered a worrying update on his progress.

Speaking on a recent episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, he said:

“Masuaku, as I said last week, he played a couple of games for us after a knee operation and I think he may have been rushed back too soon because his knee has fluid around it and it has had to be drained off.

“He hasn’t trained as far as I know this week, so he may not play again this season. I don’t know for certain, I’m guessing a bit on that one. But he may be out for the rest of the season.”

Huge blow

The Hammers have players piling up on the treatment table and these fresh developments aren’t getting any better for David Moyes and their hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Declan Rice, Mark Noble, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio have all faced time on the sideline in recent months and West Ham’s form has slipped.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-transfer-rumours-gossip-team-injury-news-gsb-update” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

It’s three defeats in their last four matches, which has seen them move out of top-four contention and into fifth place heading into the final three games of the season, all of which are winnable ties against teams with very little to play for.

Brighton and Southampton are safe, whilst West Brom were relegated back to the Championship on Sunday evening.

Not having Masuaku available comes as yet another huge blow, especially as it was initially hoped he would return before the season’s conclusion.

Despite only playing 12 times in the Premier League this season, the DR Congo international was a regular starter for Moyes, often playing at left wing-back, which allowed Cresswell to act as a third centre-back and when the pair have been out, the 58-year-old has had some tricky selection nightmares to contend with.

Masuaku ranks amongst the Irons’ top six performers for the season, with an average WhoScored rating of 6.89, so to not see him again this season would be a crushing setback.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee delivers major boost over returning Irons star ahead of Brighton clash…

Southampton fans are gutted after it was confirmed Ryan Bertrand will leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The £9m-valued former Chelsea man (Transfermarkt) made the move to St. Mary’s Stadium from Stamford Bridge permanently in 2015 after a six-month loan spell and has gone on to be fantastic servant for the Saints since then. All in all, he has made 240 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing 20 assists (Transfermarkt).

However, his performances have frustrated supporters in more recent times, and with his contract set to run out at the end of this term, he reportedly turned down a new deal at Southampton (Hampshire Live). As such, the club have confirmed that he will be leaving at the end of the campaign.

The news was shared on the club’s official Twitter page, and it attracted plenty of attention from the fans. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Bertrand news below

“Knew it was coming, doesn’t make it any easier. Was our best player for 2 or 3 seasons and easily our most consistent along with Steve Davis. A great shame but it’s probably the right time. Hope he does really well and gets a decent contract somewhere.”

Credit: @L1minus10

“Gutted but he’s been incredible for us wish him all the best”

Credit: @thorpey_10

“Real shame, great player. Proper grafter.”

Credit: @Hoylesey59

“Gutted to read this. Good luck for the future @ryanbertrand3 thanks for everything”

Credit: @SFC_Debs

“I’m really sad to read this. He’s been a fantastic player for us & I shall miss him. Best of luck to you, Bertie.”

Credit: @SaintCirce

“Gutted at this announcement as he remains one of my favourite players in recent years. A great player with a good character and was very reliable at left back. Will miss him certainly.”

Credit: @LiberalSaint85

In other news, Southampton are interested in this Serie A winger.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer has suggested that Celtic could look to loan Liam Shaw out after his pre-contract move from Sheffield Wednesday was confirmed last month.

Shaw, whose time at Hillsborough is coming to an end, has agreed to join Scottish giants Celtic in the summer on a free transfer.

With Celtic expected to compete for the league title next season and set to feature in Europe, moving to Glasgow is a huge opportunity for Shaw.

Palmer, though, believes it may have come too soon for the 20-year-old, feeling that he could struggle to get game time at Celtic Park.

Discussing Shaw’s transfer to Celtic, Palmer told FFC:

“Liam is going to struggle going to Celtic that age to play. He’ll probably end up going there and going out on loan, I’m assuming, I don’t know.”

Speaking on the midfielder’s move further, the former Wednesday player added:

“If I was Liam, I’d be wanting to get out on loan somewhere where it’s guaranteed that he’s going to play because you can do that. I’ve done it before where I’ve taken a player when I was manager at Stockport and the manager’s come to me and said, ‘right, listen, I’ll let the player come, but he’s got to play.’ Bit like David Beckham when he went to Preston, that’s how they develop. They’ve got to play.”

Whoever is in the Celtic Park dugout next season will be demanding a lot from Shaw and his future team-mates. The Bhoys have been extremely underwhelming this term, surrendering their title to rivals Rangers while crashing out of the Europa League in disappointing fashion.

Multiple Aston Villa fans have been talking about the latest video involving Dean Smith that recently emerged on social media.

The official Aston Villa Twitter account recently relayed a tweet which included a video of the club’s manager. Smith made it clear that he had initially dreamt of managing a club in the Premier League and his next dream is to manage Villa in the Champions League too.

He said that when he was born, Villa were in the third division but only a decade later, they won the European Cup. Smith said that the Villa team of that period earned the right to win the European Cup by winning the top flight in the previous campaign, which is of course what the ‘big six’ are hoping to kill off.

He made his views clear about the European Super League, saying that the system of having no relegation and promotion ‘baffles’ him as it takes away the competition in the game.

Smith said that irrespective of Florentino Perez’s comments about how the ESL is for the good of the game, it isn’t for the good of the game and it’s purely a commercial venture from the other clubs.

This video from the club drew the attention of many Villa fans, who made their delight clear on Twitter

What did Aston Villa fans make of the video involving Dean Smith?

“Well said gaffer,claret and blues running through his veins.”

Credit: @jasonrcb

“Words spoken by a man who loves the game. love you Dean!”Credit: @GaryBolton91″Music to my ears. And it was never in doubt.”Credit: @AVL8ton”Dean Smith absolutely nailed it.”Credit: @RivalsWolfie”Absolute sense and passion from Deano.”Credit: @ryanavfc7″As expected, spot on, well said gaffer..”Credit: @DaleyWoodIn other news, ‘Goosebumps, passion, pride’, ‘Never leaving’ – Many AVFC fans swoon over Jack Grealish comments

Former England striker Steve Bull has told Football FanCast that Tottenham Hotspur should sign Erling Haaland this summer to partner Harry Kane.

Haaland has become one of the most in-demand names in world football.

Since his move to Borussia Dortmund, he has scored a staggering 49 goals in 49 games in all competitions.

This season alone, he has 33 goals in 31 games, and has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe, including Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Manchester United.

Spurs, perhaps unsurprisingly, have not been mentioned, but Bull believes that he could form an incredible strike partnership with Harry Kane as Spurs look to end a trophy drought that runs back to 2008.

Haaland is valued at £99m by Transfermarkt.

He told FFC: “If I was Tottenham, you might as well go for Haaland and put him up there with Harry Kane and go boom, there’s a double whammy for you.”

Asked if that kind of partnership could see Spurs challenge for the highest honours, he added: “It wouldn’t half.”

Bull also believes that Spurs have the ingredients to become real challengers next season, though he has backed Dele Alli to leave the club and has urged the club to also sign a new central defender.

He added: “I do think Dele Alli will be out soon, he’s had his nose pushed out, whether he’s going to come back to the form he was.

“They’ve got Son up there who’s absolutely unbelievable, they’ve got some cracking players in there. The lack of centre-halves, they need somebody in there.

“I know they’ve got Dier but they need someone else in there with them to strengthen that up and they could be a force next year.

“Same as Man United, some of the teams that have struggled this year with new managers coming in, new players coming in, I think there are some teams there that will be in the top six next year.”

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has called for Morgan Sanson to be given more time at his old club.

Sanson has barely featured from the start under manager Dean Smith and, according to Football Insider, some of the higher-ups at Villa Park now have regrets over signing the 26-year-old from Marseille during the January transfer window.

With Sanson having not even been at the club for half a season, though, Hendrie believes he should be given some leeway as he continues to adapt to the Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to TT about the French midfielder, Hendrie said:

“There was big talk about how good he was and how good his energy was. He hasn’t really had a thick run of games, which I think is important for a footballer.

“You know, we’re quick to judge players coming on, yes, you want an impact when they come on. You’re spending big money on players that are coming in and you want to see some form of transition where you’re going to get a positive from and we haven’t quite seen that so far from him, so whether it takes the summer [perhaps].”

With Sanson joining Villa in January and not being able to get a pre-season under his belt, perhaps time is what the former Marseille man needs. Until then, you would expect Smith to continue leaning on the likes of John McGinn and Douglas Luiz as the Villans look to finish the campaign strongly.

Leeds United’s Illan Meslier has shown his qualities this season, and Alex McLeish has emphasised the need for the club to keep a hold of him.

McLeish discusses Meslier

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish said: “You don’t want to lose a big talent. He’s a talent who’s playing as an ever-present in the Premier League.

“If you’re going to lose him and he’s not rewarded with a new contract, then you’ve got to go there and buy somebody for £30-40million. We know what that does to the club’s coffers, we know that the Premier League players invite big-money offers.”

Leeds have a potential future star

Marcelo Bielsa clearly sees Meslier as his number one choice and he has had a fairly decent season, managing to make 99 saves and keep eight clean sheets (Premier League). The best way to develop a young talent is to embed them into consistent matches straight away and it this method is bearing fruit so far.

Kevin Campbell praised the Frenchman this season as he said: “Leeds’ recruitment staff have done an exceptional job getting him in. He is one for the future and for now. Only 20? Wow. Brilliant signing.”

It is quite amazing that he is playing in the division and trusted by Bielsa as he is only 21 years-old. If the £10.80m-rated star is trusted at such a young age it is scary to imagine the potential he has and the quality he will show as he gets older.

In other news, Leeds are interested in this young star!