All posts by z3u9t.icu

Luke Edwards has revealed that Newcastle United are now considering both Lucien Favre and Frank Lampard to be their next manager.

The Lowdown: Manager search on

It looks increasingly likely that Steve Bruce will be sacked by the St. James’ Park faithful sooner rather than later following the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium, with Edwards claiming that it is expected to be done ‘in the next 48 hours’.

Thus, they will have to bring a new manager in, with names like Steven Gerrard being mentioned as potential candidates in recent days.

The Latest: Favre and Lampard considered

Writing in his latest piece for The Telegraph, Edwards has revealed that the North East club are now considering one of Favre or Lampard to be their next boss.

It is not clear when the appointment would be made given that Bruce is still in the job, but the likelihood is that a change will be made sooner rather than later as the Tyneside outfit prepare for their game at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The Verdict: Wait

There is no rush for the new owners to bring a coach in, as whoever they choose must be the perfect candidate to lead them into a new era.

Lampard would certainly be an odd choice, given that he has not won any trophies in his admittedly short managerial career so far, and trophies are something that the owners will want to bring.

On the other hand, Favre has won a few trophies, but none that really stand out in terms of major honours, while his record transfer in terms of players brought in is Mats Hummels at £27.45m, and so the owners may want a manager who has handled much bigger fees given their ambitions.

He has also reportedly not had the best relationship with Allan Saint-Maximin in the past either, apparently wanting to sell him after one training session while at Nice (Get French Football News).

Nonetheless, bigger and better names will certainly emerge as the January transfer window draws nearer.

In other news, find out what ‘great news’ will have SJP ‘bouncing’ on Sunday here!

Tottenham Hotspur finally got back to winning ways in the Premier League after they defeated Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Nuno Santo’s men had been thumped in each of their last three outings, the last of which being an embarrassing north London derby defeat to Arsenal a week ago but clearly, the Lilywhites put those ghosts in the past to deliver one of their most impressive performances of the 2021/22 campaign.

Heung-min Son was one major catalyst towards the three points as he provided an assist for both of their goals – the first time that Spurs had scored more than one goal in any league game this term.

Although he wasn’t the highest-rated player on SofaScore.

That acclaim went to Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who was graded an 8.0, in comparison to the South Korean’s 7.3.

The 26-year-old even opened the scoring for Spurs with a cool finish from the edge of the penalty box after he received the ball from Son just 27 minutes into the match.

But Hojbjerg’s contribution didn’t stop there as he was a constant thorn in Dean Smith’s side all afternoon.

Only one other player (Emerson, 86) recorded more touches than the £36m-rated powerhouse (84), proving he was an influential figure in the engine room, playing alongside Oliver Skipp and Tanguy Ndombele.

The 21-year-old gem’s involvement has allowed the Dane to have more of an influence in the final third, hence why he was in the right spot at the right time to get himself on the scoresheet.

He made 89% of his 66 passing attempts, which was the best of any Spurs starter, whilst he also managed six successful dribbles from six attempts (100%). It suggests that he played a key role in linking the midfield to the attack.

By comparison, more-attack minded players like Son (three) and Ndombele (one) managed far fewer.

Elsewhere, Hojbjerg still did his defensive duties a lot of justice – as per SofaScore, he managed two tackles, two clearances, one interception and even won nine of 12 duels (75%).

football.london’s Alasdair Gold described the 6 foot 1 midfielder as a “big presence”, whilst the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick claimed he was “tidy on the ball and shielded the back four well from the threat of John McGinn.”

On the above evidence, you could argue that Hojbjerg ran the show for Nuno and Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He was different class and deserves just as many plaudits as Son.

AND in other news, Paratici could sign Spurs’ next Dembele in swoop for “extraordinary” £36m-rated beast…

Serie A expert Conor Clancy believes that Dusan Vlahovic may not be ready to replace Harry Kane at Tottenham Hotspur, should the England captain leave the club.

Kane continues to be linked with a move away from Spurs, with Manchester City trying to do a deal to bring him into the club, having already signed Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

He would be a very difficult player for Spurs to replace but they have been linked with a number of strikers throughout the transfer window.

One such name is Vlahovic, who impressed at Fiorentina last season, although Sky Sports report that Spurs are interested in a deal regardless of Kane’s future.

The 21-year-old is already a Serbia international and he enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, scoring 21 Serie A goals in 37 games, while also laying on two assists.

Clancy, who is the editor in chief at Forza Italian Football, has his doubts over whether the striker is ready to step into Kane’s shoes, although he thinks he will end up having a superb career regardless of his next transfer move.

He said: “It might be a case of if he goes and replaces someone like Kane now, it might be a little bit too much off the back of one good season at Fiorentina, but he’s definitely got the raw talent there to have a huge career, and playing with Son might be amazing for him.”

Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester United fans have erupted over news involving Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.

It is now official as the Red Devils parted company with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this morning following a run of dismal results, with a 4-1 humiliation at hands of minnows Watford seemingly cementing the Norwegian’s fate.

United severed ties with Solskjaer more than two-and-a-half years after they appointed him on a permanent basis to succeed Jose Mourinho.

The club legend vacates the Old Trafford managerial seat having guided United through 168 games in all competitions, winning 92 of them, drawing 35 and losing 41 – averaging around 1.85 points per match (Transfermarkt).

As such, their search seems set to begin as club chiefs decide best how to take the Red Devils forward whilst making the most of their star-studded squad.

Links to Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino and Brendan Rodgers have surfaced in recent weeks but it is the latest update on Ten Hag which has fans excited.

According to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, writing on his personal Twitter feed, Ajax’s boss is ‘in the mix’ to succeed Solskjaer as Red Devils manager. Jacobs added that United ‘made contact’ with ‘multiple candidates’ even before their loss to the Hornets on Saturday – including Ten Hag.

Man United fans go wild for Ten Hag…

Taking into account his plaudits, style of play and managerial record, it’s little wonder that so many United fans have raved over this news.

A title winner in the Netherlands and a Champions League semi-finalist in 2019, Ten Hag’s impressive points average of 2.08 per match eclipses that of Solskjaer and the 51-year-old even has admirers in some high profile Premier League coaches.

For example, Jurgen Klopp branded him ‘one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football’ (Planet Football) – perhaps evidence that the Dutchman could be just what United need.

Plenty of Red Devils fans certainly believe so judging by these excited Twitter reactions, with one supporter even calling him a ‘perfect fit’.

Check out more of their verdicts below:

“Ten Hag timeeeeee”

Credit: @Ixrisldn

“Ten Hag, I’m on my knees”

Credit: @casperorace

“Tears in my eyes”

Credit: @_M0J

“Bring him home”

Credit: @Showman_ke

“Get this man inside!”

Credit: @KgosiAkeem

“YEEEEEESSSSSSS”

Credit: @RASHYFORDSZN

“Perfect fit”

Credit: @juxkwabena

In other news: ‘Needs transfer listing’, ‘Shocking’ – These Man Utd fans slam ‘awful’ player who lost the ball 15 times v Watford

David Norris believes West Bromwich Albion talisman Matheus Pereira would be a shrewd signing for Leeds United.

Pereira impressed despite the Baggies being consigned to an immediate relegation back to the Championship last season, with the Brazilian scoring 12 goals and contributing six assists in 34 appearances.

Valerien Ismael, who replaced Sam Allardyce in the Hawthorns hot-seat last month, has admitted he expects the creative midfielder and in-demand goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to depart before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

A host of clubs at home and abroad are looking to sign the 25-year-old, with Leeds United among those preparing to table a bid.

West Brom are hoping the amount of clubs keeping tabs on Pereira will result in a bidding war taking place, with West Ham United, Leicester City, Aston Villa and German outfits RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt also courting Pereira.

Former Leeds midfielder Norris thinks Pereira, who is rated at £15m according to The Daily Star, via HITC, would bolster boss Marcelo Bielsa’s attacking options.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “If it works then it could be a great bit of business because of the price and, at £15million, it wouldn’t be the end of the world if it doesn’t work out. They would still recoup some of that if he has to move on.

“He’s not a big, marquee signing but he could get a few goals or come in as a decent back-up when Leeds lose players to injury. It would be a shrewd bit of business.”

Former Sunderland hero Kevin Phillips believes that Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed would be an ideal addition at Leeds United ahead of next season.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Reed move

Reed was unable to keep Fulham in the Premier League, with Scott Parker’s side now facing up to life back in the Championship.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a summer move to Leeds, however, with Marcelo Bielsa potentially seeing him as a shrewd addition.

Reed featured in 31 league games last season, and while Fulham struggled hugely, he often stood out for them, enjoying an 86.2 per cent pass completion rate.

The Latest: Phillips keen on signing

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips spoke glowingly about the Englishman, saying he could provide good cover for Kalvin Phillips:

“I think he’d be a great signing. It’s an area that you do need cover and competition.

“Kalvin’s going to come back having been to the Euros as an experienced player after doing very, very well in the Premier League as well.

“But you want someone pushing him and challenging and Reed can certainly do that. So yeah, I think it would be cover for him to do exactly that.

“You know that Phillips is going to play week in, week out if he doesn’t get injured. Reed is a player who has shown that he’s got all the right qualities.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-copy-2/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Sensible addition for Whites

There have been times when Phillips has arguably been relied upon too much in Leeds’ midfield, with centre-back Pascal Struijk having to fill in there on occasions.

While he did adequately in that role overall, it is important for a natural midfielder, one in a similar mould to Phillips to come in, improving the squad depth in the process.

Redd could be perfect, in that respect, proving to be a tenacious player in the middle of the park – he averaged two tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the league last season – but also possessing quality on the ball.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a stunning move for a world-renowned player this summer. Find out who it is here. 

Danny Cowley has provided an update on Ellis Harrison which explains why he did not move to Bolton Wanderers.

What’s the talk?

The Portsmouth manager has explained why the Trotters failed to secure a deal for the striker during the transfer window.

Bolton were reportedly keen on a move for the centre-forward, with Cowley now revealing that Harrison asked to stay at the south coast club on deadline day as he was not looking to seal an exit from Fratton Park despite transfer interest.

He told Hampshire Live: “I had a really good conversation with Ellis on the telephone [on Tuesday] evening. He explained his reasons. It is absolutely his prerogative to want to stay.

“We didn’t want to lose him. He’s in the last year of his contract. He is motivated, he knows that it is really important for him in his career after a difficult year last year that he plays regularly and he knows that he controls that and he owns that.

“We need to get him fit enough, so that when he penetrates, he can become a handful because he stretches the pitch. Defenders don’t like forwards that run in behind and then defenders get deeper, it then gives him the opportunity then to pin up and you can play in to him and up to him and then he can start to link the play.

“I think there had been some interest, he had spoken to clubs, but he still feels he has got unfinished business here.”

Frustration for Evatt

Ian Evatt will surely be frustrated by these comments from Cowley as it means that Harrison decided he would rather play a supporting role at Pompey instead of potentially coming to Bolton and being a key figure. If the Trotters’ interest in him was genuine, that means he snubbed the chance to make the move, which will be disappointing to Evatt as it suggests he did not do enough to convince the 27-year-old that it was the right decision.

As Cowley explained, there was interest in Harrison and he did speak to clubs about a transfer. If Bolton were one of those, that means they ultimately failed in their attempts to bring him to the northwest, rather than it being a case of Portsmouth refusing to sell him.

This is doubly frustrating for Evatt, as it becomes an issue with Bolton rather than Portsmouth. The 39-year-old may need to do more to ensure that players want to join the club and are desperate to make the move so that the Trotters do not encounter similar problems in the future. Whether that means improving the training facilities or putting together a better pitch to give to targets remains to be seen, though.

The £4.3k-per-week Portsmouth forward has played one minute of League One football this season and only started 11 matches last term. This highlights the backup role he plays within Cowley’s team and why his decision to remain there is particularly frustrating for Evatt, as he has decided to continue being a bit-part player at Fratton Park instead of joining Bolton.

AND in other news, 82% duels won: Bolton gem with 85 touches was unsung hero for Evatt against Port Vale…

Alan Hutton has shared his concern with Newcastle United and their transfer business so far.

The Lowdown: No more signings?

As per Luke Edwards, it is ‘unlikely’ that the St. James’ Park faithful will make any more signings before the summer window ends, with Joe Willock being their only permanent addition from Arsenal so far.

The Daily Telegraph journalist explains that someone from the 25-man squad would have to drop out first of all, and they have spent their entire budget on bringing the central midfield player in.

However, he did not rule out the ‘possibility’ that somebody could yet come to the North East on a loan deal.

The Latest: Hutton concern

Speaking to Football Insider, former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton has voiced his concern with the Tyneside club’s transfer business so far, but thinks that they will survive relegation down to the EFL Championship:

“I still think Newcastle have a decent squad.

“But they haven’t added to it and that is a big problem.

“You can never stand still. If you look at all the clubs who are out there spending money year on year, even during the pandemic.

“The worrying thing about it is the results. Two games, two defeats and conceding a lot of goals.

“You always have to be on the front foot and looking to the future.

“I love Steve Bruce to bits; he gets a hard time up there, but it won’t get any better for him if results don’t improve.

“Fans want to see signings and progression, but it just hasn’t happened.

“I think they’ll survive easily enough but to progress, they just need more in the transfer market.”

The Verdict: Worrying

As Hutton points out, it is certainly worrying for Steve Bruce’s team that they have not brought in more players to help out the squad, especially given the start that they have made to the 2021/22 season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-updates-5/” title=”Newcastle updates! (5)” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

They may not be as lucky to survive in this campaign if more additions are not brought in, and so the next few days are vital for them.

Nonetheless, time is running out, and more clubs will be reluctant to let players go so late on in the window with them looking to finalise their own squads ahead of the deadline.

In other news, find out which ‘talented’ ace could now leave NUFC here!

Wolves won’t have a great deal of money to spend this summer. It’s an unfortunate eventuality but ultimately one which cost Nuno Santo his job in the Midlands.

It would appear that the only way to spend big this summer will be to sell some of their prized assets.

What’s the word?

One player who has been on the radar of the Old Gold for a while now is Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha. They’ve been interested in the 25-year-old since last year but, despite winning Liga NOS with Sporting this term, he could be heading for the exit door.

According to Record (via Sport Witness), Wolves are the strongest candidates for his signature but a concrete proposal is yet to be made.

A separate report stated that Everton are also chasing his signature, which means that his agent, a certain Jorge Mendes, could be key in luring him to Molineux instead.

Ideal Neves replacement

Palhinha may not possess the long-range shooting of Ruben Neves, but he’d be a stellar replacement for the 24-year-old in the middle of the park.

The Wolves midfielder looks likely to leave this summer, with the Old Gold needing to sell before they can spend this summer. The Athletic claimed that a fee of £35m will be enough to tempt the Molineux hierarchy into selling the Portugal international.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-transfer-news-guedes-toney-shaqiri-neves” title=”Read the latest Wolves transfer news!”]

If Neves does move on, it would be a huge blow. He has been the glue holding Wolves together for a number of years now, thriving in English football after becoming the most expensive signing in Championship history.

Wonderfully composed in possession of the ball, Palhinha is also a tough-tackling general in the middle of the park.

Those are two attributes synonymous with Neves. During this season, the 24-year-old completed 84.4% of his passes and registered 2.4 tackles per match.

Comparing those numbers to Palhinha, the Sporting stalwart was successful with just over 83% of his passes in Portugal, winning 3.3 tackles per game.

Neves is more productive in the final third but, if the club’s new manager requires someone who can win the ball back on a more regular basis, then Palhinha is their man.

Standing at 6 foot 3, the £35m midfielder’s game is well suited to the Premier League. His physical qualities are outstanding, bullying opponents to one side and then starting attacks.

The Portugal international’s 1.3 shots per game indicate he can also still get forward, which is important when considering how he can replace Neves.

A destructive force, Palhinha would come at a high cost. However, if they are going to lose one of their best players from the Nuno era, they will have to spend.

AND in other news, Wolves eye swoop for “outstanding” 25 G/A beast, he could be their new Traore…

Jurgen Klopp and Julian Ward could bring a new striker to Liverpool this summer in the shape of Lautaro Martinez.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the latest reports from TuttoMercato, who claim that the 24-year-old has decided that he wants a move to a “big club with many titles” and the Reds have him in their crosshairs as a result.

The Italian outlet suggests that Martinez will not be playing his football for Inter Milan next season, with the Nerazzurri looking to free up some budget.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

The fee will of course depend on the way he ends the season but is reported to be around €80m (£67m).

It is said that Arsenal and Atletico Madrid had made their interest known, though the Argentinian striker was not willing to entertain a move to either side, with his sites set on joining a club that has won “many titles.”

Possible destinations suggested by TuttoMercato are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City or Bayern Munich.

An elite club

Thanks to their historical success and silverware as of recent, Liverpool are in an elite and forthright position to sign the “sensational” £76k-per-week talent.

Klopp would be right to do so, with Martinez notching up some impressive numbers in regards to his goal returns. In 42 appearances this season, the Argentina international has three assists.

Lautaro has demonstrated that he can be more creative, having created 11 assists last season, when Lukaku was the main man in Milan.

Being an out-and-out striker, he would offer a presence up-top that Liverpool have not had since Luis Suarez.

Capable of adapting to the style of Lionel Messi, his teammate in the national team, Martinez could find a new partnership with Mohammed Salah.

Of recent, Salah has established an identity as a top goalscorer, and if he would be willing to collaborate with the 24-year-old in Liverpool’s frontline, we could well see a deadly duo in the Premier League.

This is a transfer that few clubs have the opportunity to pull off, so it would be worth a look at least from the perspective of Jurgen Klopp.

In other news: Julian Ward could now unearth Liverpool’s next Trent in £540k-rated “wonderkid”…