All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts insists that Daniel Levy knows he made a mistake when he sacked Mauricio Pochettino.

Levy sacked Pochettino in November of 2019 after a poor run of form that saw them 14th in the Premier League table.

A 1-1 draw with Sheffield United was the final straw for the chairman, who decided to pull the trigger and dispense with the Argentine.

Following a brief hiatus from the game, Pochettino was appointed PSG manager in January but there is now a genuine chance that he could return to north London.

Football.London’s Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold has reported that Pochettino has told PSG of his desire to move back to the Premier League club this summer.

It remains a difficult deal for Spurs to do, given he has only been with the French giants for six months, but Roberts thinks that appointing the ex-Southampton boss would be a great move, and believes Levy would be right to swallow his pride to bring him back.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I think the chairman knows he made a mistake by letting him go so we keep our fingers crossed and I’m sure they’ll be negotiating.

“I think Paris are looking to see who they can bring in first before they sanction everything. It’d be really, really good for the club.”

Leeds United correspondent Beren Cross has provided a positive injury update regarding star striker Patrick Bamford.

The Lowdown: Bamford’s season to forget

Bamford has managed just seven starts in 2021/22 due to ankle, hamstring and foot problems, with the 28-year-old completing 90 minutes on just four occasions.

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He netted 17 times last season compared to just two goals during the current campaign, with his latest setback coming last month.

The forward ruptured his plantar fascia against Wolves on March 18, but it looks as if he is making positive progress ahead of a return prior to the end of the season.

The Latest: Cross shares Thorp Arch update

Jesse Marsch has previously stated that he is ‘optimistic’ Bamford would be able to return for the final two games against Brighton and Brentford, fixtures which could be huge in the club’s attempts to avoid the drop.

Cross shared a story regarding Bamford on Wednesday morning, suggesting he ‘is due out on the pitches again this week’, describing a return to the training ground as the ‘breath of fresh air’ Marsch needs.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Hopefully, Leeds will manage to pick up some unlikely points over their next three games with Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, three of the current top four, to take them close to the magic 40-point mark.

They currently have a five-point gap over Everton and are three points clear of Burnley, so there’s every chance Leeds will still need something against Brighton and Brentford.

Bamford could well be involved if that is the case, and it looks as if he is on track for a May 15 return, should he take to the Thorp Arch training pitches over the coming days.

In other news: Radz and 49ers will now reward Marsch if he keeps Leeds up by moving for 29-goal forward. 

Keith Hackett has claimed that Newcastle United should have been given a penalty away at Liverpool in their 1-1 draw on Saturday lunchtime.

Callum Wilson was denied a late goal for his handball in the build-up after a check by VAR, but Hackett thinks that they missed a foul in the penalty box by Trent Alexander-Arnold in the lead up to that finish, which the VAR did not decide to look at.

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League referee Hackett believes that a penalty should have been given to the St. James’ Park faithful:

“This is a definite penalty.

“Alexander-Arnold’s done enough to foul him.

“I think they were very unlucky that they didn’t get a penalty kick and very unlucky that it wasn’t reviewed [by VAR].

“It wouldn’t have been a red card. Alexander-Arnold’s committed the offence and Ozan Kabak was on hand.

“It’s a penalty kick. He got away with one.”

Newcastle unlucky with VAR

The North East club could certainly have felt hard done by not just for the goal by Wilson that was disallowed, but the fact that it was not brought back for a penalty as well.

At 1-0 that could have been vital, and luckily Joe Willock came up with the goods in added time to earn the Tyneside club a point in the end.

Nonetheless, it could have potentially been three points for the Magpies, which would have all but guaranteed them safety in the top flight for at least another season, and secured them a rare win at Anfield.

Steve Bruce’s team will surely be thinking that they are safe now, but this is just the latest in a long line of incidents this season which could potentially cost clubs titles, European qualification or survival.

In other news, find out what big Jamie Reuben claim has been dropped on the potential takeover here!

Leeds United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga, according to the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Boga’s future remains ‘up in the air’

Boga has been with Sassuolo since 2018, after signing for the Italian side from Chelsea, having found regular game time with the Blues’ senior side hard to come by.

He has gone on to make 90 appearances in total for Sassuolo, but his future remains unclear at this moment in time, as they prepare for the 2021/22 Serie A campaign.

Boga made 28 appearances in the 2020/21 season, and chipped in with four goals and two assists for them, as they finished eighth in the top-flight standings.

He has two years remaining on his contract with Sassuolo, and has a reported transfer value of £18million according to Transfermarkt.

The latest: European side make eight-figure offer for Leeds transfer target

Leeds United are said to be rivalling Crystal Palace, Everton and Italian side Atalanta to a potential deal for Boga this summer, according to the Daily Mail. 

That same report claims that Atalanta have seen a bid of £15.5million rejected by Sassuolo, and are said to be weighing up another bid in the near future.

It remains to be seen as to whether Leeds will submit a formal offer of their own for Boga, although they’re likely to have to make a decision on their rumoured pursuit of the winger soon, with Atalanta looking to press ahead with their interest in the former Chelsea youngster.

The verdict: Leeds face a real battle to land Boga’s signature

This could turn out to be a smart bit of business by the Yorkshire-based side this summer, especially if he can adjust well to his new surroundings.

Boga will feel as though he has a point to prove in the Premier League, having failed to break his way into the Chelsea first-team earlier in his career, while the Whites could need a replacement for Helder Costa, who has been tipped to depart this summer.

The pressure on Boga therefore wouldn’t be overwhelming, as he would likely arrive as a squad option behind the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, allowing him time to settle into Marcelo Bielsa’s intense style.

But Leeds won’t have it all their way in the race to land his signature it seems, and with Atalanta already making a bid for Boga’s services, you would imagine that they’re ahead of Bielsa’s side in the race to sign the 24-year-old.

Keinan Davis’ proposed loan move from Aston Villa to Stoke City is off due to the forward picking up another injury, according to John Percy.

As to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been sharing their thoughts on the update via social media.

According to The Telegraph’s Percy, Davis’ temporary switch to the Championship with Stoke is off the table as the forward is now ruled out for two months through injury.

The 23-year-old made just 18 appearances under Dean Smith last season, with only three of those coming as a starter. He has had his injury issues in recent seasons, and it seems that he is now set for another spell in the treatment room.

The striker still has three years remaining on his Villa Park deal, but it doesn’t look like he’ll get a full season of regular game-time away from the Midlands this time around.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Percy’s claims about Davis via Twitter on Tuesday. Here is what these Villa fans had to say, with many sharing their sympathy for the forward.

“Genuinely gutted for him :(“Credit: @avfc_tomc”Jeez….poor lad”Credit: @gazapearce”Gutted for him”Credit: @ror_rjp”The guy just can’t catch a break. Feel for him.”Credit: @JayVtid”Keinan is so unlucky”Credit: @catrinavfc”poor guy”Credit: @1874danIn other news: ‘Wow’ – Many AVFC fans react as more exit news emerges. 

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.

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to bring Rafa Santos Borre to Ibrox this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by German publication Bild (via Sport Witness), who claim that Eintracht Frankfurt are in discussions regarding a four-year deal for the out of contract Club Atletico River Plate centre-forward, with the Bundesliga side hoping to land the 25-year-old as the outgoing Andre Silva’s replacement.

The report goes on to state that Rangers and Lazio are also keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Colombia international ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window, however, with Eintracht appearing to now be closing in on a deal, both sides are running out of time to make the striker an offer.

Fans should be livid

Considering just how impressive Santos Borre was for River Plate last season, should the £15.3m-rated man go on to join Frankfurt on a free transfer before Rangers have even made the player an offer, fans of the club should be livid.

Indeed, over his 13 Liga Profesional appearances for Marcelo Gallardo’s side last term, the forward scored eight goals, registered one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, as well taking an average of 1.8 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £11k-per-week hitman earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as River Plate’s joint eighth-best performer in the top flight of Argentinian football.

As such, with Steven Gerrard hoping to build a side in the summer transfer window that is capable of progressing past the group stages of the Champions League, as well as retaining their Scottish Premiership crown, the addition of the man Diego Simeone dubbed “phenomenal” would have appeared to provide Gers with a huge boost of going on to achieve these feats next season.

However, as Bild suggest, it seems as if Gerrard must act quickly for the 25-year-old, or else he risks missing out on the chance to land potentially one of the most exciting players available on a free transfer this summer.

If Rangers allow the player to simply join Frankfurt without ever making him an offer, fans of the Glasgow giants would have every right to be upset with their club for acting so slowly in the market.

In other news: Major development emerges over “excellent” £33k-p/w beast, Rangers fans will love it

Ashley Preece is ‘expecting’ Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey to return against Wolves on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Bailey’s injury

The 24-year-old actually injured himself when he scored his first goal for Villa following his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen. The Jamaican suffered a thigh strain against Everton and missed games with Manchester United and Tottenham as a result.

Villa were targeting a return following the international break against Wolves this weekend, and Preece believes that it could be on the cards.

The Latest: Preece’s tweet

Reliable reporter Preece took to Twitter on Monday evening to inform supporters of Bertrand Traore’s latest injury.

He was asked by one fan for any news on Bailey, to which he replied: “I’m expecting him to play some part on Saturday, Smith might not want to risk him from the start. We’ll wait and see. Due a team news update later this week.”

Preece’s post appeared to go under the radar, with just one retweet and four likes as of Tuesday morning.

The Verdict: Good news

Even if Dean Smith doesn’t risk Bailey from the start on Saturday and places him on the bench, it will still give Villa a big boost for the game against their Midlands rivals.

Bailey has already shown what he can do off the bench at Villa Park, and another starring cameo display this weekend could make all the difference if it is a tight match.

Hopefully he will be in and around the matchday squad on Saturday, but if he isn’t fully fit, he shouldn’t be risked.

In other news: Smith looking to pip Arteta again as Aston Villa eye move for ace who has the same agency as Mings

West Ham have injury problems heading into this weekend’s return to Premier League action…

What’s the latest?

Several of the Irons’ first-team stars have been away on international duty over the past week or so and heading into their clash with Everton on Sunday, manager David Moyes has hinted at some worrying concerns.

Speaking to reporters in his pre-game press conference, as relayed by the club’s official Twitter feed, he revealed:

“We’re probably like everybody else. We’ve probably got one or two injuries, one or two people coming back from international duty that we’re having to look after. We might have some people who are not available.”

Hardly encouraging

This news is surely enough to leave much of the Hammers faithful rather anxious heading into such a crucial encounter.

West Ham suffered their second defeat of the season right before the break, losing in agonising fashion to newly-promoted Brentford and it saw the east Londoners slip down to ninth place.

A win over the fifth-placed Toffees could see Moyes’ men move back into top-six contention but with doubts over some of their unnamed first-team stars, the likelihood of that happening is anyone’s guess.

Veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski made a farewell appearance for Poland, Declan Rice featured for England, whilst Czech Republic duo Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral were also involved.

As were the likes of Pablo Fornals, Nikola Vlasic, Said Benrahma and Andriy Yarmolenko, so any one or two of these names may be nursing some sort of issue.

One player who was not involved was Vladimir Coufal after he withdrew from national team duty last week due to injury. There is hope that he could be available but that remains to be seen at this stage.

Another worry is the fact that West Ham remain in all domestic competitions and have to compete in the Europa League, so a week off from competitive fixtures would’ve undoubtedly done Moyes’ squad some benefit.

However, this latest claim from the Irons boss is certainly a major cause for concern and we may soon find out exactly who he’s on about when the teamsheets come out on Sunday afternoon.

Until then, it’s a case of waiting nervously for the London Stadium fanbase.

AND in other news, Signed for £18m, now worth 81% less: GSB endured nightmare with “special” West Ham dud…

Ange Postecoglou has enjoyed a solid start to his life at Lennoxtown with Celtic.

The Hoops are unbeaten in pre-season and they’ve already welcomed two new faces through the door.

On the chalkboard

Despite that, there is still a sense of toxicity from the Celtic supporters.

You can certainly understand their animosity too. The Bhoys still lack genuine senior options in a host of positions just eight days out from their opening Champions League qualifying fixture.

They also have to deal with a rather unhappy Kristoffer Ajer. The Norwegian hopes to leave Glasgow behind this summer but the club have rejected offers from Norwich and Bayer Leverkusen.

They appear to be holding out for £20m and until they know where his future lies, Celtic have put their pursuit of Carl Starfelt on hold.

The Hoops lodged a bid for the Sweden international’s services but that has now been withdrawn.

Forget Starfelt

The centre-back would have been a fantastic addition to Celtic’s ranks.

For instance, no player had a better pass completion rate in the Russian top-flight last term than Starfelt who was successful with 91.4%.

A proven international, the Swede is also particularly capable in defensive duels, winning 84% of his tackles; 13% more than Ajer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-news-doig-nketiah-mccann” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

However, with a swoop now on hold, they should focus their attentions on Ben Davies instead.

Neil Lennon came close to landing the £60k-per-week centre-back in January until Liverpool moved in at the last moment and brought him to Anfield instead.

Though, seven months later Davies hasn’t played a single game for the Reds.

Celtic are interested in the former Preston stalwart again and if they can land him at the second attempt, he may be a better signing than Starfelt.

Crucially, Davies already has experience of playing at a similar level in the Championship successfully.

The 25-year-old won an impressive 3.1 aerial duels per match in the second tier of English football last season while making 1.4 interceptions per game.

A composed reader of the ball, the mental side of Davies’ attributes particularly stand out.

Speaking about his game in an interview with The Athletic, his manager at Southport, Paul Carden, said: “He was a different class and I did think he’d get in Preston’s first team. If you’d have asked me whether he’d sign for Liverpool, I probably wouldn’t have said so.”

Carden added: “He can play as a left-sided centre half, on the left of a three, as a left-back or a left wing-back. He’s not the biggest but he’s comfortable with both feet and reads the game really well. He steps out with the ball.”

Therefore, there is a lot to like about Davies. He’s more versatile than Starfelt and like the Rubin Kazan defender, he can step forward out of the defensive line and transition the play.

Postecoglou must take this opportunity to reassess his transfer plans and focus on the Liverpool man instead.

AND in other news, Celtic submit bid for “fantastic” 5ft11 gem with “endless energy”, fans surely buzzing…