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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos after he announced his imminent departure from the Spanish giants.

What’s the story?

The 35-year-old is set to depart the Bernabeu this summer after an illustrious 16-year spell in the Spanish capital, having failed to agree terms on a new contract.

It means Ramos will be available on a free transfer over the coming months, with Spanish outlet AS claiming that the World Cup winner is on the radar of the Red Devils.

Ole must avoid

United are targeting a new centre-back partner for Harry Maguire this summer as Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have failed to prove their credentials over the last few years.

The Old Trafford outfit reportedly had a £50 million bid turned down for fellow Madrid man Raphael Varane earlier in the window and could now turn to his teammate after being put off by the Frenchman’s large price tag.

Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are also credited with an interest in Ramos as they look to regain their top-flight crown.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must think very carefully before sanctioning a move for the £312,00o-per-week beast.

Former United ace Rio Ferdinand has previously showered Ramos in praise, labelling him Madrid’s “talisman” and after collecting five La Liga titles, four Champions League crowns and two Copa del Rey’s during his time with Los Blancos, it’s easy to understand why.

Nevertheless, bringing him to Old Trafford at this stage in his career is a decision fraught with danger. Edinson Cavani may have been a success last season, but transfers like that should be the anomaly rather than the norm.

The South American striker solved a problem and proved to be an effective quick fix at the top end of the pitch and although Solskjaer may be tempted to apply the same logic with Ramos, the Norwegian tactician must avoid him this summer.

Providing a solid foundation for United to build success off for many years to come must be the hierarchy’s priority over the coming months.

Maguire needs a partner who he can play alongside for the next five years or so in order to do that, not a player to be a quick fix for 12 months or so.

The Red Devils don’t want to become known as the dumping ground for ageing stars looking for one last paycheck and as such, they should instead focus their attentions on a younger target who still has his best years ahead of him.

And, in other news…Journalist provides major Man United update over £290k-p/w dynamo, Ole will be buzzing 

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been having their say regarding the club’s pursuit of Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

The Eagles’ hierarchy reportedly view Dyche as a suitable candidate to take over at Selhurst Park and recently asked the Clarets how much it would cost to lure the 49-year-old to south London.

A £3m compensation fee is required to bring Dyche to Palace, but according to the Daily Mail, the huge expense of a deal is one of the reasons it is now being held up.

They claimed that a move for Dyche could end up costing Palace around £7m per year in wages and salary. Dyche would also like a £3m bonus included in any move for keeping the club in the Premier League, as he does at Turf Moor, and it is believed the Eagles are now considering other options as a result.

Frank Lampard, Chris Wilder and Steve Cooper are all thought to be on the club’s shortlist.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news regarding Dyche on Twitter on Friday evening. Here is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply.

“He’s having a laugh if he’s asking for £135k a week”Credit: @StephenTCPFC”Wages and salary? Huh?”Credit: @TRJPCPFC”Move on. Ismael time”Credit: @Sumo08112″Yeah we’re not paying that”Credit: @bazbrown123″No thanks”Credit: @Kevbartleyy”No wonder he stays at Burnley, and why they have modest transfer budget.”Credit: @gidleymike

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to the club’s interest in international winger, find out more here. 

According to an update by Sky Sports journalist Matteo Moretto, writing on his Twitter, La Liga giants Barcelona are ‘thinking of’ signing Manchester City star Raheem Sterling this summer. 

The Englishman, who has made a stellar 292 appearances for the club overall since he signed from Liverpool in 2015, scoring 114 goals in that time, is the subject of intense speculation regarding his future.

Sterling has arguably underperformed somewhat when compared to previous years, with the 26-year-old scoring less than half of his 2019/2020 tally in all competitions last season (Transfermarkt).

Reports even suggested he could be used as a makeweight to sign Harry Kane this summer, with Sky reporter Moretto now sharing a twist that Barcelona are eyeing a move.

Reacting to this development, there have been no shortage of varying takes from City supporters – with some in disbelief over the amount of links emerging between Barca and City players.

Others, meanwhile, urged the Sky Blues to offload.

Find a flavour of their best takes down below.

Man City fans flock to Sterling development

“Take him pleaseee”

Credit: @gggd_MCFC

“They are going crazy now..they want every player from us”

Credit: @MancityBongola1

“Siiuuuuuuuuuuuu”

Credit: @SazMCFC

“So Barcelona want to sign our whole squad basically”

Credit: @Priceless_Silva

“This one I agree 100%”

Credit: @Mike_MCFC_

“This is crazy. At this rate, the next thing I will read is that: Barcelona are “thinking of” and are “actively pursuing” the idea of buying Manchester City Football Club.”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

“Give us Messi and it’s a deal”

Credit: @kdbking17_

“Take him”

Credit: @dickson_mancity

In other news: Man City fans absolutely livid at this news, find out more here.

Former Leeds United striker Brian Deane has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he is not expecting Marcelo Bielsa to do too much this summer.

There has been quite a bit of speculation about Bielsa’s future, with his contract set to expire. However, all of that could soon be put to bed after The Telegraph reported that the 65-year-old is close to agreeing a new deal.

It means that Leeds will be able to turn their full attention to the summer transfer market and the upcoming 2021/22 season, though Deane would not be surprised to see Bielsa not do too much over the next few months.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the Yorkshire club’s potential plans for the summer, the retired Premier League forward said:

“I don’t think he’ll do too much different. He’s been there three seasons now, and I think all he’ll probably do is look to tweak what he’s done – maybe bring in a little bit more quality.

“I don’t think Leeds are in a position to start spending, you know, hundreds of millions. I think he’ll refresh certain positions. But, yeah, I think it’s just the natural progression now.”

Leeds had a very successful transfer window last year, bringing in the likes of Raphinha and Diego Llorente, who have gone on to become regulars – the latter after picking up a serious groin injury. So it will be interesting to see if they can replicate that kind of recruitment again.

Many Everton fans have been reacting to a transfer update on Robin Olsen as Tuttomercatoweb have reported that he could stay at Goodison Park.

As per the news outlet, AS Roma director Tiago Pinto is trying to renew the loan deal of the Sweden international to the Merseyside club, with him currently set to return back to the Serie A team.

Olsen looked assured enough in between the posts for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the 2020/21 term, keeping three clean sheets in 11 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

However, with both Jordan Pickford and Joao Virginia still with the Toffees, one may question whether they actually need Olsen back.

Nonetheless, the news on the 31-year-old goalkeeper has certainly caused a debate among the Blues faithful over whether they should bring him in on another loan for next season.

Everton fans on Olsen transfer update

These EFC supporters seemed split over loaning in Olsen again as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“No brainer though I would like him here permanently tbh”

Credit: @samcooper24896

“Sounds perfect all round”

Credit: @GoodisonAlex

“Can’t believe there are actually people saying no. Was solid for us and clearly boosted Pickford’s play from January on.”

Credit: @QuinWelch

“If we can get Romero then no.”

Credit: @bigbadge2

“Utd away nah lad”

Credit: @GaryRob06780384

“Not for me. Remember when Pickford was out and Olsen came in, 3 games in we couldn’t wait to get Pickford back.”

Credit: @daveyc99

In other news, find out what transfer update has left Toffees buzzing here!

Davie Provan has slammed Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe for failing to apologise to Ondrej Kolar for his tackle on the Slavia Prague goalkeeper.

Provan slams Roofe

Roofe was sent off for the Gers against the Czech champions last month following a terrible challenge on Kolar – he has since received a four-game ban for the incident (Belfast Telegraph).

Writing in The Scottish Sun, Provan slammed Roofe for falling to contact the shot-stopper with a subsequent apology. He said:

“For what it’s worth, I don’t think Kemar Roofe deliberately hurt Slavia Prague keeper Ondrej Kolar. The ball was there to be won.

“But when Roofe discovers he had fractured Kolar’s skull, shouldn’t he be making contact with the player?

“Would a social media apology have been asking too much?

“Roofe also landed in trouble after a challenge on St. Johnstone midfielder Murray Davidson this season. Not good enough from the Rangers striker.”

Harsh

Provan appears to be using this incident to have a go at a Rangers player. There is no doubting that Roofe’s challenge was totally unacceptable and dangerous, and the ban he received was more than fair. However, the columnist has no idea as to whether the £5.4m-valued Gers striker has actually contacted Kolar.

We live in a world where social media proof is seemingly needed for every interaction. Roofe may well have already contacted Kolar – if he has done, he does not need to post his apology on social media just to make sure everyone knows about it. There is no need for Provan’s comments in this situation without him knowing all of the facts.

In other news, many Rangers fans laud this man’s performance against Celtic in the Scottish Cup.

According to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown, writing on Twitter, Tottenham Hotspur have ‘already begun’ approaching managerial alternatives to Julian Nagelsmann and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

Indeed, Nagelsmann was recently announced as the new Bayern Munich boss in a big blow to Spurs whilst Sky Sports report that Rodgers is more than likely to stay at Leicester.

Journalist says Spurs have ‘already begun’ approaches

The Star journalist says that chairman Daniel Levy has already begun scouring managerial alternatives and always considered Nagelsmann a tough ask.

These names include Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag and Ralph Rangnick, with the former having a glowing reputation when it comes to developing young stars.

Tottenham will need to quickly move in their hunt for a new boss as the club seek to put a forgettable 2020/2021 season behind them.

Spurs are facing a fight to qualify for Europe this season and are out of all cup competitions having recently lost the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City at Wembley.

Transfer Tavern take

Interim boss Ryan Mason, in the meantime, is set to stay in charge until the end of the season but Spurs apparently want a more experienced manager in place for next term.

The priority is allegedly an attack-minded coach who can re-install an exciting brand of football, and the Lilywhites should go no further than Ten Hag.

He has been compared to Pep Guardiola in the past for his Johan Cruyff-ian philosophy (AS) and so could be the perfect alternative to both Nagelsmann and Rodgers.

In other news: Alasdair Gold drops stadium naming rights update, find out more here.

Carlo Ancelotti should look to unleash Mason Holgate in midfield after confirming injuries for Everton duo Allan and Andre Gomes.

The Toffees manager revealed ahead of Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace that the Brazilian was absent from the matchday squad alongside Alex Iwobi due to minor issues.

“We had a little problem in the past few days with Iwobi and Allan. Not a big deal but they are not able to play,” Ancelotti explained.

Gomes started the Premier League draw alongside Tom Davies in the engine room but was forced off after just half an hour when he sustained a hamstring injury.

Ancelotti does not believe the Portugal midfielder has sustained a serious issue, but the 27-year-old will undergo scans in the next few days to reveal the full extent of the damage.

“Andre Gomes has a hamstring injury, and we will have to check in the next few days,” the Blues boss noted.

“I don’t know how long he will be out. It doesn’t seem like a serious problem, it seems a little problem, but we have to check with a scan.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-everton-news-and-views” title=”The latest Everton news and views!”]

Ancelotti was already without Fabian Delph (tendon) and Abdoulaye Doucoure (foot) against Crystal Palace, but welcomed Jean-Philippe Gbamin back after 20 months out with serious hamstring and Achilles injuries.

To now be without Gomes and Allan when Everton visit relegation-threatened Brighton & Hove Albion next Monday could leave Ancelotti with a serious selection headache, with Davies and Gbamin potentially the only natural central midfield options available.

However, the manager is loath to rush Gbamin back into the team after almost two years out of action, and was not sure whether the Ivory Coast international would be able to feature against Crystal Palace before his 11-minute runout.

“He will put physicality and quality into the squad – and a strong desire to play. It is like we have a new player. We are really pleased to have him back,” Ancelotti said last Friday.

“But we have to consider the fact he didn’t play for at least one year and a half. I don’t know if he is going to play on Monday but, for sure, he will be available.”

If Allan and Gomes join Delph and Doucoure in the treatment room ahead of next week’s trip to Brighton, Ancelotti could look to avoid rushing Gbamin back too soon by unleashing Holgate in the holding midfield role.

Holgate anchored the engine room on two occasions for Everton during Duncan Ferguson’s interim spell in charge at Goodison Park in late 2019, but is yet to be fielded in one of Ancelotti’s starting line-ups outside of a centre or right-back role.

Some Toffees supporters were astonished at Holgate’s performance in the role as Everton drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford, having appeared extremely comfortable in the makeshift position.

The 24-year-old boasted a 100% tackle success rate against the Red Devils that day and broke up Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s game plan with three clearances and an interception, for a joint team-high WhoScored match rating of 7.1 out of 10 along with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Holgate’s numbers see him rank first for clearances, average match rating and fourth for interceptions per Premier League game this season among Everton’s central midfielders, with only Davies (1.7), Gylfi Sigurdsson (1.5) and Doucoure (1.3) offering a higher volume of interceptions.

Ancelotti may have been opposed to utilising the 24-year-old in midfield so far, but should unleash the £16.2m-rated enforcer he calls a “fighter” if options are short at Brighton next Monday.

AND in other news, £45k-p/w flop has been backed to seal a summer move amid doubt in his Everton future…

This season has been a torrid affair for everyone at Celtic, no less than Neil Lennon.

Their capitulation this term led to his departure and there were no shortage of reasons as to why he left Parkhead.

They have lost their dominance on Scottish football and performances, certainly from a defensive point of view, have been lacklustre.

Though, one issue lying slightly beneath the surface is a lack of minutes for their younger players. Cameron Harper has left the club while Karamoko Dembele could follow him through the exit door this summer when his contract expires.

As a result, a host of their talented reserve players have headed out on loan. Luca Connell is spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Queen’s Park while talented Norwegian Leo Hjelde is with Ross County until the climax of the season.

The centre-back has already been compared to both Virgil van Dijk and Kristoffer Ajer but his development for now, is clearly best suited away from the Hoops.

One player who has earned the trust of coaches at Celtic, however, is Dane Murray. Another 17-year-old defender, he is now training with the senior team.

There is no loan spell in the pipeline for Murray but such is his immense potential that he’s already getting used to his surroundings among the first team squad at Lennoxtown.

He has trained under John Kennedy on a number of occasions now, a period he’s described as “brilliant.”

After penning new terms with Celtic, Murray spoke this month about his development and transition to playing alongside more experienced players.

[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!”]

“Everything about your game comes on more when you train with the first-team,” he began. “The standard and intensity are much higher. Everyone helps you along every step of the way and they’re constantly giving you information. They just want the best for you really.”

The teenager is clearly being guided by the right people and he has been extremely keen to learn from someone like Ajer.

The Norway international came to Scotland as a teenager and has developed into one of Celtic’s key players.

“You also have Kris Ajer who came in at 17 and look at him now. The change he’s made has been brilliant,” Murray explained.

“Then you have the club captain Scott Brown. What he’s done in his career has been brilliant and I can only hope for even half of that,” he added.

It’s not just the age at which Ajer and Murray broke into the set-up that’s similar, however. The latter started out as a midfielder and is still very much capable of playing further forward, as well as in defence.

Ajer has played in a holding role in the past and has also performed admirably at full-back. Versatility like that, particularly at a young age, is a very useful asset to have.

With that in mind, it might make the transition to first team life a little smoother for Murray.

Unlike Hjelde, he has been trusted to stay at the club and develop. That can only be a good thing.

AND in other news, Celtic may be on the verge of repeating Deila’s costly blunder, fans should be fuming…

KV Mechelen are in talks with Celtic over a summer deal for winger Marian Shved.

That’s according to a report in the Daily Record [print edition 20/3/21, p.60], cited by 67 Hail Hail.

The 23-year-old has impressed on loan with the Belgian side, especially since the turn of the New Year, making 16 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times and registering three assists.

Shved, who is on the same wages as David Turnbull (£7,500 per week), is under contract with the Hoops until 2023.

He has only made three appearances for the club since his £1.8m move to Glasgow in 2019, and it seems as if he could be leaving Parkhead for good over the coming months.

Transfer Tavern take

Shved may not be the only Celtic player to complete a permanent move to Belgium this summer. Hoops defender Jack Hendry has also starred in the Jupiler Pro League with Oostende, who appear to be keen on activating an option-to-buy clause at the end of the current campaign.

It seems as if there will be a major Parkhead rebuild both on and off the pitch over the coming months, and moving on the likes of Shved and Hendry could be just the beginning.

In other news: Pundit claims available manager has met with the Celtic board, find out more here.