All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Everton fans have been left to laud a transfer update involving Denzel Dumfries.

As per De Telegraaf (via Sport Witness), the Goodison Park faithful could make a move for the Netherlands international before Euro 2020 starts on Friday night, in order to avoid the competition to sign him.

Marcel Brands is said to be a ‘big fan’ of Dumfries following his time in charge of PSV, and is ‘already convinced’ that he wants to sign the right-back, whose current deal at the Dutch club expires in 2023.

Dumfries scored no fewer than four goals and made a further nine assists in 41 matches in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 campaign (Transfermarkt), which is highly impressive for a defender, and shows just how much of an attacking threat he possesses down the flank.

At 25, he is also at a good age, and being the captain of PSV already, he can certainly show the kind of leadership qualities of Seamus Coleman should he end up replacing the Republic of Ireland international in the longer term.

Everton fans on Dumfries transfer update

These Toffees lauded the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that Dumfries is a ‘real unit’:

“Makes perfect sense, the lad is a good player and Holland’s starting RB/RWB so could really impress”

Credit: @AidyDews

“Get him done now before the Euros and then focus on a manager coming in during that period. Give that manager time with the squad and let him evaluate who to buy and who to sell. This deal is a no brainer for me”

Credit: @sam_hodge_music

“Need to do a deal now. Watched him a few times and looks a real unit. A marked improvement on Djibril Sidibe. If we could sign him and maybe Cuadrado as back up then I believe RB would be sorted with Seamus 3rd choice.”

Credit: @Jeffreyhitchmo1

“Finally a right back that fits the bill”

Credit: @Lawemannen

“Get it done Marcel”

Credit: @richythepigeon

“I’m on my knees no more Seamus Coleman”

Credit: @efc18789

In other news, find out what the chances of Rafa Benitez joining EFC are here!

Tottenham Hotspur bolstered their European claims with an emphatic victory in North London on Sunday afternoon and that was thanks to the phenomenal display from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Ryan Mason’s side moved into sixth place on goal difference and know that two more victories in their final two matches of the Premier League season will secure a place in the Europa League next season.

Spurs talisman Harry Kane moved into the sole lead for the Golden Boot with his 22nd league goal of the campaign, taking his total to 32 in all competitions, and will quite rightly take a lot of the plaudits for his goalscoring performance.

But the great Dane in the heart of midfield was arguably Mason’s best player on the day.

It was Hojbjerg who provided a high-quality assist for the England international to open the scoring, feeding in a delightful ball over the top for Kane to run in, casually push off Gary Neville’s comical Man of the Match Conor Coady to bag right on half-time.

He then found the net himself just after the hour mark, following up a parried effort to double their advantage and clinch all three points.

But there was so much more than a goal and assist to his game as he was once again one of Spurs’ most influential players in the engine room.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-spurs-manager-update-gossip-transfer-rumours-daniel-levy-enic-mason-mourinho-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, managerial gossip, transfer rumours and more!”]

Hojbjerg often dictates play with his cool, calm composure on the ball and that was seen in him managing a squad-high 102 touches, 17 more than anyone else, and 81 passes at a success rate of 94%, via SofaScore.

In addition to his rare creative outing, in which he provided two key passes and three shots, he also did his usual industrious defensive work and it’s that sort of ability that often goes unnoticed, especially when Kane is firing them home.

No other Spurs star managed more tackles (three) or interceptions (two) than Hojbjerg, whilst he also chipped in with one clearance and one block, as per SofaScore.

Alasdair Gold at football.london appeared to agree, calling him “Spurs’ best player on the day” and he also suggested he “did the dirty work” in midfield, too.

The £45m-rated beast stole the show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Spurs handed gutting injury blow, key man likely out for the season…

A club from England are reportedly eyeing an ambitious move to sign Rangers ace Jermain Defoe once the summer transfer window opens.

The Lowdown: Defoe not signed new deal

Defoe has still not put pen to paper on a new deal in Glasgow, leaving his future at Ibrox in doubt.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United striker remains in talks with Steven Gerrard’s team over a new contract, as his existing one is about to expire, but while that has not been signed, other clubs are swarming over the Scottish Premiership champions in order to try and pinch him away.

The Latest: Ipswich eye Defoe

As per Football Insider, Ipswich Town are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Defoe should he not sign a new deal with the Light Blues.

A source from the EFL League One side have claimed that they are ready to make an ambitious move to sign the 38-year-old, and offer him a big-money contract to fire them to promotion next term.

The Verdict: Rangers should let Defoe go

While it would no doubt be a tough decision by the Gers to let Defoe go, logically it would make a lot of sense.

Currently earing £30,000-per-week at Ibrox, one of the highest wages out of the entire squad, it is simply too much to be paying a player who is not first choice, giving that he has only played in a mere 20 games in total over all competitions over the course of the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

Those wages saved can be used to invest elsewhere in the squad, as Gerrard’s men look to kick on from such a great season.

Defoe has certainly been a great servant to the Gers and British football as a whole, with Kevin Campbell recently describing the striker as ‘amazing’ over the course of his career.

However, the Light Blues need to be ruthless in this situation, and so it should be time to say goodbye to the Englishman.

In other news, find out what Gerrard update has left Gers buzzing here!

Some Wolves fans have been left to fume as a transfer update has emerged involving Rui Patricio.

As per Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Portugal international has been named as a potential target for AS Roma in the summer window, given that Jorge Mendes is the agent of both Patricio and new manager Jose Mourinho.

Even though the Midlands club have had an indifferent season so far, currently sitting in the bottom half of the table in the Premier League, Patricio has been ever-present throughout, not missing a single game yet in the top flight so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt).

To lose such a key player to Nuno Espirito Santo’s team would be so damaging without an adequate replacement lined up, and so it would seem pretty silly to let the 33-year-old go at this moment in time.

Wolves fans on Patricio transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful fumed as the update was shared on Twitter, with one WWFC supporter claiming that Patricio is a ‘class’ goalkeeper:

“The comments on here questioning his ability, Rui is an outstanding GK, would be foolish to let him go”

Credit: @PartonAdam

“Don’t see any reason for him to go”

Credit: @geenar34

“Naaaaaaaa”

Credit: @Harley_V12

“Not a chance!”

Credit: @F1Jamie_

“Some errors this season yes, but he’s a class keeper, and has kept us in many games this season. I’d be gutted for him to go.”

Credit: @joninglis

“Oh no”Credit: @eve_elizabethxxIn other news, find out what Tim Spiers update has been bemoaned by Wanderers here!

Xisco Munoz’s Watford side are one of a number of clubs interested in a move for Ilias Chair this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that there is significant interest from the Hornets in the Queens Park Rangers midfielder, although an offer is not being prepared just yet.

It is also reported that there is also a great deal of interest in the £3.6 million-rated 23-year-old from the continent, with Anderlecht, Club Brugge, Bologna and Genoa all keeping a close eye on Chair ahead of the summer transfer window.

Giaretta must move

So far this season, Chair has been one of the stars of QPR’s campaign, with the Morocco U23 international scoring eight goals, registering four assists and creating seven big chances, as well as making an average of 1.6 key passes and taking 1.9 shots per game over his 45 Championship fixtures, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 7.04 – ranking him as Mark Warburton’s joint fourth-best performer in the second tier.

This return of 12 direct involvements in goals of the £7,100-per-week star betters all but Ismaila Sarr’s return of goals and assists for Watford in the Championship this season, something which is highly impressive when considering the rather significant gap in talent between the long-term Championship side QPR and the recent Premier League side Watford’s respective squads.

Indeed, when comparing Chair’s average match rating with the Hornets’ players, the 23-year-old would rank as the club’s joint sixth-best player in the league this season.

As such, it would be highly advisable for Cristiano Giaretta to turn Watford’s reported interest into a concrete offer for Chair, as the midfielder – whom Ryan Dilks dubbed a “quality” player – has proven that he is well up there in terms of the output of the current Watford side, as well as, when considering his tender age, still having a lot more improving to do in his professional career.

And, this move should happen sooner rather than later, or else Watford risk losing out on the QPR star to one of the other interested parties, of which there is a great deal.

In other news: Xisco can land Watford’s dream Deeney successor in “exceptional” 25 y/o goal machine – opinion

When Jordan Jones signed for Sunderland on loan in January it was met with excitement and anticipation.

The Mackems had just bolstered their promotion bid by signing a man with European experience to his name. Indeed, when he first penned terms, there were glowing appraisals.

Glasgow Live reporter Mark McDougall told Chronicle Live that the 26-year-old had the abilities to light up the English third tier, saying: “In all honesty, he should stroll League One if his attitude is right when he goes down there.”

McDougall’s assessment couldn’t be truer. Since moving south of the border, Jones has been a revelation for Sunderland, scoring two goals and registering four assists in just five starts.

The Northern Ireland winger has been exceptional and, in his last three games, he’s proven why he was such a shrewd piece of business in January, registering an assist in each game and a solitary goal for his troubles.

The 26-year-old was missed during his recent time on the sidelines. He picked up a muscle injury which first caused him to miss the EFL Trophy final before he sat out a further three matches.

However, on his return to the starting XI against Oxford United, he was a dynamo. It may have been Lynden Gooch, Aiden McGeady and Max Power who popped up with the goals on Friday afternoon but it was Jones who proved to be the standout figure.

The winger was withdrawn on 77 minutes but this was one of his most eye-catching displays yet.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-sunderland-transfer-rumours-and-news-grigg-denayer-louis-dreyfus-sanderson-melamed” title=”Latest Sunderland transfer news and views!”]

He picked up another assist with a frightening piece of skill in the first half. He performed two stepovers and then nudged the ball past Jamie Hanson, beating him all ends up.

It was a dazzling moment, a genius piece of play which was arguably one of his finest flashes in the red and white of Sunderland so far.

Jones had the Oxford United left-back on strings throughout the entire contest, completing four dribbles and amassing three shots on goal. The forward also proved adept in the challenge, winning a considerable 13 ground duels from 16 attempted.

With Sunderland’s promotion hopes now well and truly in their own hands, they have unearthed a gem who could well fire them to the Championship.

The arrival of the Rangers attacker has been nothing short of game-changing for Lee Johnson’s team. He will be salivating over the prospect of unleashing him against Peterborough on Monday.

AND in other news, 18x possession lost: Johnson must be fuming with SAFC gem who was “led a merry dance”…

Keith Gillespie has exclusively told Football FanCast that he expects West Ham United loanee Jesse Lingard to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, with the Irons keen to sign him permanently.

Lingard’s Old Trafford contract doesn’t expire until next summer, but he hasn’t featured in the Premier League for the Red Devils since July having fallen out of favour under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and has flourished since moving to West Ham in January.

Having scored eight times and added four assists in just nine league appearances for the Hammers, Lingard was recalled to the England squad – featuring in all three of the recent World Cup qualifiers – and is in the form of his life.

Lingard’s only three outings for Manchester United this term came in the domestic cup competitions, and whilst reports have suggested he could make a sensational return to Old Trafford next term, Gillespie believes that it’s the end of the road for his United career.

He told Football FanCast:

“I’d probably say that he will leave the club. He had plenty of time there to do something and got plenty of opportunities, and he didn’t deliver.

“It’s fantastic how well he’s done at West Ham. He’s really gone in and helped the club, scored goals, assisted and looks like someone who really enjoys playing football again. It can’t be fun when you’re not even making the squads, which is what was happening at Manchester United.

“I think come the end of the season West Ham will be doing everything to secure him on a deal.”

Whilst West Ham might not necessarily be Lingard’s next club, it’s hard to imagine a situation where he becomes part of Solsjkaer’s plans once again, meaning an Old Trafford exit is more than likely.

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that Ralph Hasenhuttl is fortunate to have avoided getting the sack at Southampton.

The Austrian appeared on the verge of losing his job following Southampton’s forgettable 9-0 defeat to Leicester back in October 2019, but ended up turning things around and led the St Mary’s outfit to an impressive 11th-place finish.

Hasenhuttl’s Saints side then started this Premier League season in outstanding form, and topped the table in November after beating Newcastle.

But Southampton have endured a wretched run of form since mid-December, beating only rock-bottom Sheffield United, and although his side are in the FA Cup semi-finals, they’re just seven points above the relegation-zone and suffered another 9-0 defeat at Manchester United back in January, part of a six-match winless run.

And Fry told Football FanCast that Hasenhuttl losing his job still isn’t ruled out.

“In the present day of football I would say yeah, nobody survives that [two 9-0s]. There’s been a lot of talk about him going, but then he had a magnificent run and Southampton are playing superb football.

“He’s had one or two key injuries, but they’re a club Southampton in the Premier League that have got a good team if they pick their best XI. But they haven’t got a big squad and haven’t got strength in depth.

“Can I see them getting rid of him? Possibly.”

Tottenham Hotspur could be making a big decision on the future of Jose Mourinho this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s the latest information from 90min, who claimed that the Spurs hierarchy have already sounded out potential successors as it’s likely that they will axe the 58-year-old at the end of the season, barring a sudden turnaround in form.

Under his stewardship this term, the north Londoners have endured quite the campaign. In early December, they were sat top of the Premier League, but now they’re fighting for a place in the top six, whilst they embarrassingly crashed out of the Europa League to Dinamo Zagreb earlier this month.

It’s claimed that Spurs have put Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers at the top of their shortlist as a result. Other names include Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo, out-of-work Massimiliano Allegri and Scottish Premiership winner Steven Gerrard.

Alli revival?

Rodgers’ merit is undeniable. After all, he’s inspired the Foxes to be regularly contending for the top four and, at this stage, they are probably some way ahead of Spurs in terms of recruitment and subsequent results. Indeed, eight points split the two teams currently, compared to the three-point difference last season.

The 48-year-old is renowned for developing players, having progressed from Chelsea coach to managing the likes of Liverpool and Celtic, where he has enjoyed most success.

As Dean Windass told Football FanCast, his impact on Kelechi Iheanacho this season has been “unbelievable”, and the man he’s likely to replace has waxed lyrical over him before, too.

“So anything he’s doing in his career is not a surprise for me, not at all. He’s very talented, he was and probably still is a guy who likes to study, learn and improve. He’s creative, he knows what he wants. He’s a very good coach. Period. He’s a very good coach so it’s not a surprise for me,” claimed Mourinho to the Daily Mail.

Another case in point could be James Maddison. He was already quite the player for Leicester, but he has seemingly gotten even better under Rodgers’ coaching.

The young England playmaker has delivered 37 goal contributions in 80 appearances under the Northern Irishman – just under one every other game, which is considerably better to his record under Claude Puel, when he managed to contribute once every three outings.

This could be perfect for Dele Alli, who has faltered greatly under Mourinho. The 24-year-old has only played 964 minutes in all competitions this season, whilst his value has plummted 71% since the turn of 2019, as explained by Football FanCast earlier this week.

Despite barely featuring or having much of an impact, Daniel Levy still blocked a potential departure to Paris Saint-Germain in the last transfer window, so clearly the Spurs chairman thinks there’s still life in the out-of-favour attacking midfielder.

Rodgers has been able to fit  the likes of Maddison, Youri Tielemens, Harvey Barnes and Jamie Vardy all into one team, so he should be able to do the same with Alli, Tanguy Ndombele, and Giovani Lo Celso.

It seems clear that Alli will not make any sort of comeback under Mourinho, so a fresh lease of life under Rodgers could be exactly what he needs to not only get back into Spurs contention, but also throw his name towards the England reckoning.

Jesse Lingard has done it, so Alli can too – and his best chance of that happening is if Rodgers swaps the King Power Stadium for north London this summer.

AND in other news, Mourinho could unearth his next William Gallas in “very exciting” £25k-p/w gem…

A football finance guru has dropped a claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kieran Maguire has claimed that Mike Ashley would have to peg down his initial asking price to sell the St. James’ Park club if they were to see themselves relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship:

“The price that has been discussed with regards to the PIF takeover was £300m.

“Mike Ashley was originally asking for about £350m but on the back of Covid, he’s had to drop the price. If they are out of the Premier League, there’s no guarantee you’re getting back first season.

“Anybody buying the club this summer if Newcastle were in the Championship is immediately looking at £60m less in broadcast money and no guarantee the club is going to return the following season.

“I think he would have to knock off around a third of his asking price, to about £200m. The reason I say that is because if I was a buyer then why would I buy Newcastle in the Championship when I can buy Derby County who are allegedly going for £60m?

“I think the chances of being taken over in the Championship would be hurt. In the Championship, you’d pay a big premium because it’s Newcastle but you’d be thinking why not buy Derby for a fraction of what I could spend on Newcastle.”

Newcastle in danger of relegation

After their 1-1 home draw against Wolves on Saturday night, in where an opener from Jamaal Lascelles was cancelled out by Ruben Neves, Steve Bruce’s men found themselves dangerously lingering just above the drop zone in 17th spot on 26 points, before Fulham’s away trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday lunchtime.

If the North East club were to find themselves relegated, then a Championship team would surely be less attractive to the prospective buyers than an EPL one.

It may also be a question for Ashley as to whether he would want to sell the Tyneside club for potentially much less than his asking price as well, and whether he would then hold off until the Magpies were back in the top flight again.

Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see what does happen with the potential bid if the Toon were to find themselves relegated.

In other news, find out whose display was slammed by Lee Ryder versus Wolves here!