All posts by n8rngtd.top

According to a report by Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail, via City Xtra, the Sky Blues and Pep Guardiola are in the running for three star names – with Erling Haaland apparently destined for Man City, the Lionel Messi conversation not yet closed and Jack Grealish touted by ‘good sources’.

It has been quite the stellar campaign for City over 2020/2021, with a Manchester derby looming on Sunday after 21 straight wins in all competitions.

Guardiola’s men haven’t lost a match since their 2-0 defeat away to Spurs last November, meanwhile West Brom were the last team to take a point off them in the Premier League.

Regardless of their electric season, with City still fighting on all four fronts, transfer news for the summer window is already emerging as Ladyman brings this promising update.

Indeed, the Mail journalist has revealed that Haaland is ‘destined’ for City, meanwhile the Messi conversation is not yet closed and Grealish’s name has reappeared from trusted source.

Flocking to this news, plenty of Man City fans had their say – find all of their best verdicts down below.

Man City fans wowed as transfer news emerges

“OMDS”

Credit: @Saneologist

“Grealish and Haaland is what dreams are made of.”

Credit: @ThomasSowell90

“PLEASE HAPPEN

I think we are serious on £110M + deal”

Credit: @MayaMCFC

“PLEASE”

Credit: @MCFCAJ10

“Very very interesting”

Credit: @FAZZAAAAAHHH

“Oh my”

Credit: @Pricelesskevin

“OMG GREALISH AND HAALAND”

Credit: @SilkyCyrus_74

“Please get Grealish and Haaland I beg!!!”

Credit: @KDBinhoo

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

Ezgjan Alioski hasn’t rejected a new deal with Leeds United but his future remains up in the air, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post‘s Graham Smyth on Twitter.

The left-back is now in his fourth season at Elland Road, having joined from Lugano back in the summer of 2017.

Alioski hasn’t always found regular football easy to come by in the Premier League this season, however, starting 18 of his side’s 27 matches, and hasn’t played a full 90 minutes since the 2-0 win at home to Crystal Palace in early February.

Smyth provides key Alioski update

The 29-year-old’s current Leeds deal expires at the end of this season, meaning his future is now very much up in the air for the time being.

Taking to Twitter to respond to a question regarding Alioski’s future, Smyth admitted that the North Macedonia international has not rejected a new deal, contrary to some reports, but that he is yet to commit his future to the Whites:

Transfer Tavern take

Leeds supporters may be split on whether or not they want Alioski to extend his stay at Elland Road, but it may not be a bad thing, in terms of squad depth.

He may not be a key man for Bielsa moving forward, but he is an experienced figure who is capable of doing a job when required in multiple positions.

On the flip side, the emergence of youngster Leif Davis could mean Alioski becomes even more surplus to requirements, giving an excuse to move him on.

In other news: Phil Hay highlights major defensive issue.

Steve Bruce has dropped a big injury blow for Newcastle United going into their away game against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Graham Potter’s men, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss has revealed that it is ‘too early’ for Fabian Schar to come back into the team despite commenting on his progression and recovery from his latest injury setback.

Schar blow for Newcastle

It is certainly a huge blow for the St. James’ Park faithful that they will not be able to play Schar in what looks to be a crucial fixture against the Seagulls in the battle to avoid being relegated from the top flight down to the Championship.

The Switzerland international has missed the last five games in the division with a knee injury, and in those matches the Tyneside club have failed to pick up a win, losing two and drawing three, conceding seven goals in the process (Transfermarkt).

Schar has done a decent job for the Magpies whenever he has played in the league so far in the 2020/21 term, winning no fewer than 3.1 of his duels per appearance as well as averaging 3.1 clearances and 1.6 interceptions a game (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, the Toon will have to try and find a way to get the three points without the 29-year-old central defender.

In other news, find out what two managers Lee Ryder has named would listen to an offer from NUFC if Bruce left here!

The Athletic’s Leeds United journalist Phil Hay has recently talked about Patrick Bamford not getting called up for the England national team.

The 27-year-old hasn’t been called up for the England national team and Luke Ayling has also missed out, although Kalvin Phillips has earned a call-up once again (BBC Sport). Hay has discussed Bamford’s situation and how he’d likely be feeling right now.

Bamford will be ‘extremely disappointed’

Hay recently talked about Bamford’s situation, commenting on one of The Athletic’s Q&A sessions for the England selection.

The journalist made it clear that he did think Bamford’s chance would come this time around and it could’ve happened if Gareth Southgate had looked at him from up close. He also said that this could’ve been now or never for the Leeds forward.

The journalist made it clear that, if getting 13 Premier League goals under Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t get him into the England side, it is tough to see how a chance will come otherwise. Hay also said that playing for England was Bamford’s personal dream and he’ll be ‘extremely disappointed’ about being overlooked this month.

Hay told The Athletic: “From a Leeds United perspective, it would have been a surprise to see Luke Ayling selected, as good as he’s been this season. Southgate is fairly well covered in that position. But I did think this would be Bamford’s time – if only to give Southgate the chance to look at him up close.

“I wrote on here [for the Athletic] a month or so ago that it felt like now or never for Bamford. If 13 PL goals under Bielsa can’t get his foot in the door, it’s quite difficult to see a point where his chance will come. Knowing him, he’ll be extremely disappointed about this. An England cap has become a bit of a personal dream for him.”

Not the end of the world for Bamford

While it would be disappointing to not get called up to the Three Lions squad despite him having scored 13 Premier League goals and getting six assists as well, but the Englishman is still only 27.

He has scored a substantial number of goals under Bielsa at Elland Road since arriving, which suggests that he could keep doing it in the future as well and there’s signs of that from the recent past, too.

While the call-up didn’t come about this time around, perhaps Bamford should stay patient and keep performing at a similar level.

In other news, Leeds have been given a boost in their chase of this Serie A ace – read more here.

David Sullivan must strive to reach an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of Jesse Lingard, amid claims of a potential permanent move to West Ham.

What’s the word?

According to TransferMarketWEB, the Irons are adamant that Lingard will stay at the London Stadium beyond his initial half-season loan.

The 28-year-old has proven a huge hit in claret and blue, with Lingard striking five goals and providing three assists in seven Premier League games.

Only against Fulham in February’s goalless draw at Craven Cottage has the England international failed to influence the scoring since leaving Old Trafford in January.

The Red Devils are expected to cash-in on Lingard’s blistering form under David Moyes, with the 24-cap maestro set to enter the final year of his £100,000-per-week contract in June.

Moyes recently declared aspirations of West Ham reaching an agreement with Manchester United to sign Lingard permanently, noting via quotes by the Daily Mail:

“He’s joined a good group of players. We’ve got international players and I’m hoping we can add to that in the coming transfer window. The job is to try to add to that. But I would hope Jesse sees this as a good place if it’s possible to be done, and if we think that we want to do it at the end of the season.”

West Ham were previously said to have sought the inclusion of a £15m purchase clause in the £1.5m loan agreement for Lingard, though Eurosport claim Manchester United rejected the terms as they expect his value to be upwards of £20m this summer.

Should West Ham sing Lingard?

Lingard’s promising early form at West Ham will undoubtedly help Man United set a higher asking price at the end of the season, but Sullivan must strive to strike a deal that sees the Warrington-born playmaker remain in east London.

Lingard hit the ground running for Moyes despite rarely getting a look in at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, with the 2017 Europa League winner’s only action before joining West Ham totalling 179 minutes.

Former Hammers head coach Alan Curbishley believes his time spent in the wilderness gave Lingard the fire in his belly to thrive at West Ham, telling Optus Sport: “He has been a revelation.

“He has come into the West Ham side angry because he cannot get into the team at Old Trafford. He has also come in hungry and that’s the sort of player you want.”

Not only has he been a revelation, but Lingard is arguably now West Ham’s most important player, with his intensity in behind Michail Antonio and emerging relationships with the likes of Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen bringing Moyes’ attack together.

Lingard’s ability to cause problems has also been at an unparalleled level, as shown on Sunday when he was alert enough to play a quick free-kick to catch Arsenal asleep, having already produced a sublime finish to fire a half-volley into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Curbishley and Moyes’ comments, plus Lingard’s incredible form, must surely act as distinct messages to Sullivan that West Ham have to seal a deal for the midfielder this summer.

AND in other news, a West Ham ace who joined at the “perfect moment” has seen his market value of crash by £16.5m…

The hunt for Celtic’s new manager seems to be taking a fresh twist every single day. Will Dermot Desmond ever find Neil Lennon’s successor? Time will tell.

One of the names so hotly tipped with moving to Parkhead is Roy Keane. The Irishman has reportedly been in discussions with the Hoops hierarchy over replacing Lennon in recent days.

It’s news that has gone down like a led balloon with the Celtic supporters, according to podcaster Paul John Dykes.

That being said, his wealth of experience and contacts in the football world could be game-changing for the Bhoys in the transfer window.

Here are seven players that could arrive if Keane walks through the door in the coming months…

Divock Origi

This is probably the most farfetched name on the list but there is every possibility that the Belgian forward could arrive at Celtic in the summer. Reports state that Origi could move in the opposite direction as part of a move that sees Odsonne Edouard head to Liverpool.

Origi has scored just once this term but has a habit of scoring big goals; netting against Barcelona in the 2018/19 Champions League and then scoring in the final too. He’d be a valuable replacement if Edouard does leave.

Siriki Dembele

Brother of Karamoko, the Peterborough winger could sign on a free transfer when the window opens. He is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with a move to the Hoops in previous weeks.

We’ve already tipped Dembele to replace the enigmatic Ryan Christie in the starting XI. He has severely underperformed this season, scoring just five times compared to the 20 he racked up last term. As a result, Celtic should be in the hunt for a new winger.

Declan Gallagher

Defensive recruits should be at the height of Keane’s agenda if he walks through the door this summer. Celtic have shipped 14 more goals than Rangers in the league and individual errors have been plentiful. Gallagher, who has been tipped with a move to the Hoops, could fix their problems.

The Motherwell centre-back has won 3.9 aerial duels per game this season, a tally that usurps Kristoffer Ajer and Stephen Welsh.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Allan Campbell

Another star of the Motherwell team, Campbell has been touted as the heir to Scott Brown’s throne. The Hoops skipper will leave at the end of the season and will depart Parkhead with an enormous legacy. His departure will leave an open hole in the midfield, however, one Campbell can exploit.

He has won two tackles per match this season, a tally that betters Brown and Ismaila Soro.

Milan van Ewijk

Another area that should be of utmost importance to Keane is at right-back. Jeremie Frimpong left for Germany in January and Jonjoe Kenny is only on loan. Thus, Van Ewijk would be an important signing.

The Dutch full-back has been linked with Celtic in recent months and is an expert in the tackle, winning a whopping 3.3 per game in the Eredivisie this season. That’s considerably more than anyone in the Hoops team.

Romain Perraud

The French left-back has caught the eye of Celtic for the best part of two years now. Could Keane be the man to finally lure him to Glasgow? Quite possibly. With Diego Laxalt heading back to Milan at the conclusion of his loan spell, Celtic will be a little light on the left.

Perraud nearly joined the Bhoys in 2019 but has been the subject of interest again in recent months. FFC has already tipped him to be a like-for-like Kieran Tierney successor.

David Marshall

Another high priority for Keane or any new manager should be in goal. Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard have all been guilty of individual mistakes this term that have cost the team.

Barkas has been glaringly poor considering his £4.5m fee and if Keane arrives, the Irishman should replace him with Marshall.

He has recently been tipped to head back to Celtic and would be a valuable addition. After all, he already knows the surroundings having spent five years with the club between 2002 and 2007.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Edouard: Celtic must swoop for 28-goal “sensation” who’ll “go to the very top”…

Diego Laxalt recently caused quite a stir on a gaming platform in regards to Celtic’s managerial hunt.

The Uruguayan, who is on a season-long loan from AC Milan, was streaming Fortnite on Twitch in the early hours of Tuesday morning, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

He was heard reading out a message: “Diego you meet Eddie Howe yet?” He replied: “No no no, tomorrow.”

These ten words led to many Celtic supporters thinking the Hoops were closing in on the former Bournemouth boss as Neil Lennon’s long-term replacement.

Laxalt clears up Howe confusion

It didn’t take long for Laxalt’s apparent admission on Howe to make its way on to social media, however, the left-back has now cleared up any confusion.

The 28-year-old, as reported by The Scottish Sun, took to Instagram to ask for the relevant clip to be taken down, admitting he was mistaken with Hoops striker Odsonne Edouard.

Transfer Tavern take

There’s never a dull moment when it comes to Celtic’s search for a new manager, but a first-team member revealing the new boss on a gaming platform would’ve been extremely bizarre.

However, with Laxalt now clearing up any confusion, that story can be put to bed.

Howe has been linked with the vacant Parkhead position, though, so who knows, we could still see the 43-year-old move to Glasgow ahead of the 2021/22 season, and Laxalt would have two Eddies to mix up if his loan is made permanent.

In other news: Celtic continue to be linked with international defender, find out more here. 

Marcelo Bielsa has said that Adam Forshaw remains an “important” player for Leeds United as he nears his return from a long-term injury absence.

The 29-year-old has suffered terrible misfortune in the injury department in recent seasons, not playing for the Whites since early on in the 2019/20 campaign. A serious hip problem has continually halted Forshaw’s progress, but he could now be set to return to the fold before the end of this season.

The midfielder, who earns £20,000 per week at Elland Road, has made 52 appearances for Leeds to date, but it should have been so many more.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Bielsa positive about Forshaw return

Speaking after Saturday’s 2-1 win at home to Sheffield United [via BBC’s Adam Pope on Twitter], Bielsa gave an update on Forshaw’s chances of playing again this season, saying:

“Even in a positive moment for 10 days, need to be measured in months. Hasn’t played for two seasons, to be able to play 90 minutes at a high competition, there’s a while to go. He is healthy and he has two months left of the season. Important player.”

Transfer Tavern take

It would be heartwarming to see Forshaw take to the field again in the final six weeks or so of the 2020/21 campaign following such a tough time in his career.

Whether he manages to return as the same player as before is up for debate, but giving him the opportunity to taste Premier League football would be just desserts for the work he has put in to regain match fitness and the torment he has endured over the past 18 months.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly ready to offer a Premier League youngster a pathway into the first team. Read more about it here.

Pundit Noel Whelan has made it clear that John Kennedy should be kept by Celtic ahead of the potential arrival of Eddie Howe.

It has been suggested that, while Howe has agreed to manage Celtic in principle, he has made certain demands to the club’s board before he takes over.

Celtic urged to keep Kennedy at Parkhead

Whelan was recently talking to Football Insider and he gave his opinion about Kennedy’s position at the club. The pundit believes that perhaps Neil Lennon holds Kennedy in high regard and maybe the current interim boss doesn’t even want the job permanently, instead being happy to work in the background.

Whelan feels that Howe would need Kennedy’s insight about the club because the 37-year-old has been at Parkhead for many years now. The pundit also made it clear that it would be a mistake for the Hoops to get rid of a coach like Kennedy.

The ex-Aberdeen striker said: “The assistant manager (Kennedy) has been there for a long, long, long, long time. As much as Neil Lennon’s been there, I would probably imagine that Lennon found his work and insight absolutely invaluable.

“When you’re coming into a new club, it’s so important you keep some of these people. He’s been there for a number of years. He will know his role that he was only a stand-in appointment as manager.

“He probably doesn’t even want the job permanently. He’s more than happy just being in the background, helping along as much as he possibly can.

“I think Eddie Howe is really going to need that kind of insight, knowledge and experience. He’s a man that has been at the football club for many, many years.

“It’d be the wrong decision to get rid of people and have a complete overhaul of coaches. Players need it as well, they need a familiar face.”

Kennedy has held multiple roles at Parkhead in the past and has previously managed the club’s under-19s side and has been the assistant manager of the under-20s. He also played for the Hoops in the 2000s (Transfermarkt).

Keeping Kennedy will be important for Celtic

The Hoops are set to lose Scott Brown in the summer as he is set to join Aberdeen on a player-coach basis. Peter Lawwell is also set to depart, with Dominic McKay due to take over later this month as well. The Bhoys are also looking to bring in a new director of football, with Fergal Harkin being eyed for the role.

In a situation like that, the new manager might need someone at the club who knows the place well. Kennedy has been at Parkhead for many years and, as Whelan has hinted, his continuity could be vital at a time of considerable upheaval around Celtic.

In other news, one pundit has highlighted a ‘worry’ for Celtic fans over Eddie Howe – read more here.

Premier League side Aston Villa are reportedly braced for offers for their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Martinez arrived at Villa from Arsenal in the summer transfer window for a fee of £15.66 million. After just one season though, Dean Smith’s side are going to have fight off intense interest in their shot-stopper – his Transfermarkt value has already increased to £22.5m.

Man Utd interested in Martinez

Football Insider have recently reported about Martinez’s situation, saying that Man Utd are currently leading the chase for Martinez and claiming that a Villa source has detailed how they are braced for a ‘monster’ offer from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, who are looking to overhaul their goalkeeping ranks.

Man Utd have set a separate budget aside for signing a goalkeeper, with Martinez expected to be in the Premier League Team of the Season while the Red Devils plan to replace at least one of David De Gea and Dean Henderson.

Interest in Martinez should alarm Villa

Martinez has been praised heavily for his performances this season, with Smith stating that the goalkeeper has exceeded the expectations in the campaign and he brings a certain personality and calmness to the table.

Pundit Michael Brown has also praised Martinez and said: “He’s going so well, he’s got that confidence and it just looks like a brilliant signing.”

In the current campaign, only Ederson has kept more clean sheets than Martinez, who has overperformed the most on his Post-Shot Expected Goals metric in the Premier League. This stat is a measure of whether a goalkeeper is saving more or less shots than they are expected to, based on the quality of the shot.

That is a clear sign of how important Martinez is for Villa and that’s why they can’t lose him.

In other news, ‘Should have had him last summer’ – Many Aston Villa fans fume as transfer comments emerge