All posts by n8rngtd.top

Marcel Brands could give Carlo Ancelotti his own version of Dayot Upamecano by launching a bid for Everton to sign Valenciennes defender Ismael Doukoure.

What’s the word?

According to La Voix des Sports, via Sport Witness, Valenciennes owner Eddy Zdziech is expected to demand a record-setting fee to sell Doukoure at the end of the season.

The 17-year-old centre-half is understood to be a target for a host of Europe’s elite clubs after impressing in Ligue 2 this term, and it is not likely to be long before he is on the move.

Everton are one of the sides credited with an interest in Doukoure, but they could face rival Premier League interest from Leicester City and Arsenal.

Spanish giants Barcelona, Italian powerhouse Juventus and German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach are said to be just a few of the European outfits currently keen too.

Recent reports in France have also claimed that RC Strasbourg have already made an approach to the teenager’s agent to sound out his interest in a move to the Meinau Stadium.

But any side wishing to land Doukoure’s services this off-season faces having to pay Les Atheniens more than the €5m (£4.5m) that MLS franchise LA Galaxy recently paid for Kevin Cabral.

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

The winger’s move to the United States set a new club record for the departure of a player from the Stade du Hainaut, but that record is expected to be short-lived with Doukoure thought to be worth between €6m-€8m (£5-7m).

Should Everton sign Valenciennes’ Doukoure?

Everton would no doubt be purchasing Doukoure with a view to the 5 ft 11 defender being a player for their future, though that should not stop Brands from spending a modest sum on the Valenciennes product.

Olivier Guegan only awarded Doukoure his Les Atheniens debut in October but the teenager has already established a key role for himself at the Stade du Hainaut and has now started 10 of his 17 appearances across all competitions.

Doukoure’s efforts in Ligue 2 and for the French side’s academy ranks have also drawn comparisons with Upamecano – who Bayern Munich have paid £37m to sign from RB Leipzig this summer – for his precocious talents and positional awareness.

Upamecano was one of Europe’s most highly sought-after players before his move was announced, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United linked as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Doukoure has also been attracting widespread interest, firstly given his age, but also because he is considered to be solid in duels and boasts good technique on the ball.

If Everton miss out on signing Doukoure this summer for between £5-7m, they may have to face a similar hike in valuation in a few years’ time to what Bayern have for Doucoure, who RB Leipzig acquired for €10m (£8.5m) in 2017 after just half a season with RB Salzburg.

AND in other news, Everton have been tipped to sign a £25m star once dubbed “a freak of a talent”…

Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe is finally reaching a conclusion, according to fresh reports.

It has been nearly three months since Neil Lennon left the Hoops behind but at long last, it looks like the top brass at Parkhead have found a resolution.

With that in mind, the Bhoys can finally begin planning for next season.

What’s the word?

Celtic’s transfer plans have been in disarray because of the manager situation, something that’s hardly ideal considering some of their top players have been linked with the exit door.

However, in terms of arrivals, Howe has already been dealt a blow before he’s even walked through the door.

Earlier this year it was reported that Celtic were in the hunt to sign ADO Den Haag right-back Milan van Ewijk.

Unfortunately, the Bhoys are to lose out on the defender with new claims stipulating he’ll be moving elsewhere.

Dutch outlet AD claim that fellow Eredivisie side Heerenveen have won the race to sign him.

A deal will come cheap too with a bid of €600,000 being accepted (£516,000).

Managerial mess

This whole situation is likely to leave Celtic’s incoming chief executive officer, Dominic McKay, absolutely fuming.

He is yet to formally take up that position but he has already begun his work behind the scenes at Parkhead.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-mcgregor-mccann-tierney” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

It’s unlikely he will have been left too impressed by his opening few weeks in Glasgow, especially with transfer targets now starting to pass them by.

If Celtic already had a new manager in place they’d be able to be active in the transfer window, pondering options to bolster the squad.

Unfortunately, until a new boss has walked through the door, they won’t be able to sanction any transfers.

Stephen Welsh signed a new contract without Howe or a new manager present but signing a completely new player is a whole different ball game.

Van Ewijk would have been a superb acquisition too.

A touch-tackling defender, he’d have been an undoubted upgrade on Jonjoe Kenny at right-back.

The Everton loanee has been a liability from a defensive point of view and has been at fault for countless goals in Celtic’s matches with Rangers in recent months.

Van Ewijk, on the other hand, is mightily consistent in the defensive third.

Throughout the current campaign the 21-year-old has won 109 tackles at an incredible rate of 3.4 per game. That makes him the most prolific tackler in the entire Dutch top-flight with ten more successful challenges than anybody else.

For context, the highest number of tackles by a Celtic player this season is Ryan Christie with 54. The Bhoys do a lot less defending due to their league position but that is quite an alarming statistic.

The young Dutch full-back would have offered plenty to Paradise if the Hoops could have secured a move. They cannot afford to miss out on more players like this; a new manager must arrive as soon as possible.

AND in other news, Forget Turnbull: Celtic liability who took 126 touches was their unsung hero on Weds…

Football finances expert Dr Rob Wilson has recently talked about the impact of a new Celtic CEO on the club’s shareholders.

Dr Wilson was talking to 67HailHail and the expert was asked numerous things about the finances involved with the Hoops’ off-the-pitch rebuild, with Dominic McKay in particular at the centre of discussion.

McKay was initially expected to take over at Parkhead later on, but he’s already taken up the office even though Lawwell isn’t retiring from his position until the end of the current campaign.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2020-08-01T203924Z_1720062892_RC2TLD9CTXKL_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-TOT-BOU-REPORT-1-640×853.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Positive claim made about McKay appointment

When talking about the benefits of the appointment of a new CEO, Dr Wilson said that because McKay has come into his job earlier than expected, it could lead a share price increase for the Bhoys. He revealed that any change in CEO is likely to bring about positivity in the market for the club and the same could apply for the Bhoys.

Dr Wilson stated: “It absolutely would. If a new CEO is coming in and they have proven pedigree or their reputation is strong in the market, that will always help support a share price improvement. Or, conversely, if the CEO is not fancied by the market that lead to a reduction.

“Any handover period is normally received positively. It allows you to maintain some of the current trajectory, look at the strategic plan and keep things moving in the right direction.

“It gives that person the opportunity to understand the business whilst not having full control. That change-over period can be quite beneficial sometimes.”

McKay coming in early should be a big positive

While Dr Wilson believes that McKay’s early entry at Parkhead could well help the Bhoys as a club from a business perspective, it perhaps shows McKay’s willingness to get into the role early and make an impact straight away on the football side of things too.

Eddie Howe reportedly had an agreement in principle with the Hoops, but he has made demands to the club before taking over, so McKay already has his work cut out for him solving that situation.

Other than that, the Hoops are set to undergo a major overhaul in the summer anyway and it won’t be long before the early stages of European qualifying kick off the new season, so McKay getting a head start is absolutely a huge boost for the club.

In other news, ‘Bound to be interest’ – Claim dropped on Celtic star; Hoops phone could be ‘off the hook’

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy could try to offload winger Erik Lamela as Spurs aim to sell six players this summer. 

Levy could offload Lamela

Lamela, who has made the vast majority of his appearances from the bench this season, starting just five times, has been described in the past as the ‘perfect’ Jose Mourinho player, due to his ability to get under the opposition’s skin.

However, with his contract expiring at the end of 2022 and no sign of a new deal yet, the Mail’s report touts Lamela as one of the players Levy could look to offload as he plots a Lilywhites summer overhaul.

While he has attracted plenty of pundit praise this season, with the likes of Paul Robinson calling him a ‘fantastic player’ and Noel Whelan lauding the ‘world beater’ – could this summer be Lamela’s time to leave north London?

Transfer Tavern take

The Argentine’s career at Spurs could perhaps be best summed up by a brief cameo against Arsenal in the north London derby recently.

Coming on for Heung-min Son in the 19th minute, the 29-year-old went on to score a sensational rabona flick before being sent off later in the encounter for a flailing arm (BBC) – brilliance and petulance.

Proving impactful on occasion, the time could still be right to offload Lamela given his age and contract situation – not to mention any funds recuperated could go a long way to fund possible new signings in a difficult climate.

As Tottenham search for a ‘leader’ to marshal their backline (Alasdair Gold), maybe now is the time to wave goodbye and raise a kitty to invest at the back.

Alongside Lamela, Danny Rose, Serge Aurier, Hugo Lloris and Juan Foyth are touted as potential candidates for summer exits.

In other news: Tottenham make enquiry for ‘extraordinary’ star, find out more here.

West Ham United are expected to have Angelo Ogbonna available for selection later this afternoon, leaving David Moyes with a decision to make in defence.

The Irons conceded a silly goal against Burnley last Monday but managed to come from behind to secure all three points thanks to a brace from the returning Michail Antonio.

With the 32-year-old Italian – who has played an influential role this campaign – likely to feature, Moyes can bring him in for either of Craig Dawson or Issa Diop, or else switch to a three-at-the-back system.

We’re backing him to do the former as the French centre-back was largely at fault for Chris Wood’s goal and struggled to cope with the physicality on offer from the Clarets.

Some of the Hammers faithful were far from pleased with Diop’s display, with some deeming him to be a “liability” and the only “weak link” in the side. He was also the man to concede an own goal during their defeat to Newcastle United a couple of weeks previously.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip-moyes-gsb-london-stadium” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Moyes risks the same happening when Everton come to town in what is a must-win for their chances of qualifying for Europe. The Toffees are hot on their tail and can halve that six-point gap if they win, and they also possess a game in hand.

Carlo Ancelotti’s main threat will be Dominic Calvert-Lewin and he is another aerial beast and prolific goal machine. The England international has bagged 20 goals in 34 appearances, and is averaging 4.4 aerial duels won per Premier League match this term – that’s just 0.1 fewer than Wood’s average for the season.

By comparison, Diop has been a weak presence in the air, averaging only 1.5 successful aerial duels per game, which is behind both Dawson (2.8) and Ogbonna (2.6). Even Antonio (2.9) and Vladimir Coufal (1.6) are better in the air than the Frenchman.

Starting the £18m-rated defender could be a recipe for disaster as Calvert-Lewin could tear him apart, and that would only increase the pressure on Moyes’ attack to deliver once again.

It’s no coincidence that the 24-year-old centre-back did not feature when these two teams met earlier in the season, with Moyes opting for Dawson and Ogbonna, who went on to keep a hard-earned clean sheet at Goodison Park.

The 58-year-old must show no mercy and ruthlessly axe the former Toulouse defender.

AND in other news, Irons struck dream deal with “unbelievable” £35k-p/w gem who’s a “manager’s dream”…

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing up a move for Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa as proven Premier League experience grows as a desirable trait for the club’s next manager.

The Lowdown: New names emerging consistently

In the last two weeks, many names have been throw into the hat as rumours continue to circulate in the press, with the latest previously being Gian Piero Gasperini and Simone Inzaghi from Serie A.

Naturally, with Tottenham aiming to appoint a new boss by the end of this season according to Alasdair Gold, chairman Daniel Levy will have to consider numerous candidates as he attempts to make the right step for Spurs’ future.

The Latest: Bielsa emerges as candidate

In this update, Football Insider bring yet another new name into the fold as Leeds boss Bielsa is mentioned as an option for the club.

Indeed, this is allegedly because Premier League experience and proven results at the top level are becoming more and more desirable traits to Spurs chiefs as the managerial hunt goes on.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest/” title=”Tottenham latest…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Even though Bielsa has stated his happiness at Elland Road, his knack for only signing one-year deals means his current one is close to expiring.

Tottenham, as a result, are eyeing a move for the Argentine and will sound him out due to his impressive debut campaign in the English top flight.

The Verdict: Get it done Levy…

Perhaps the most exciting name dropped yet alongside former target Julian Nagelsmann, Bielsa is a manager revered throughout the footballing world for his tactical nuance and eccentric personality.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola is a known fan of the 65-year-old, having called him ‘unique’ and the coach he admires most in world football (Leeds Live).

If that wasn’t enough, former Lilywhites boss and fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino dubbed Bielsa a ‘genius’ whilst also professing his admiration (France 24).

Regardless of his reported £8 million-per-year salary (£154,000-per-week), we believe this would be an incredible move by Levy.

In other news: Tottenham in pole position to sign this ‘sensational’ powerhouse, find out more here.

Some Liverpool fans have been providing their thoughts on the latest regarding Erling Haaland, with the Reds reportedly interested in signing him.

Jurgen Klopp will be looking to delve into the transfer market this summer, in order to make his squad even more formidable.

While Liverpool have struggled this season, mitigating circumstances such as injuries have been a key reason for it, rather than the quality not being good enough.

This is still a superb squad made up of numerous world-class players, so only a few tweaks should be needed in order to make the Reds contenders again in 2021/22.

Haaland’s future is set to be arguably the biggest transfer story of the summer, with the Borussia Dortmund youngster possibly the most in-demand player in world football right now.

The Norwegian striker is being linked with Europe’s biggest clubs, with his father and agent talking to both Barcelona and Real Madrid on Thursday.

Liverpool are believed to be in the race to sign Haaland now too however, with Mundo Deportivo those representatives will fly to England this Friday and talk to Liverpool over a potential move – it seems as if they are doing the rounds.

Liverpool fans react to Haaland news

These Reds supporters have been reacting to the update on Twitter, with plenty of excitement in the air.

“Oh my”

Credit: @sisenor_9

“It’s all down to Edwards now to sell the idea of Klopp’s vision and the fact we are LIVERPOOL FC. Need I say any more”

Credit: @LeeMc80788467

“Please please please please”

Credit: @MH_Liverpool

“Michael Edwards will do it again”

Credit: @KaanBursa9

“Ah Jesus.. please happen”

Credit: @moustache_and

“It will go off on here when Edwards gets Haaland for Matip and Origi and £4million a year for next 8 years”

Credit: @GaryHart127

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been lauding the international performance of one Reds star. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract, The Athletic revealed on Monday.

The Magpies had been facing the possibility of Gayle leaving on a free transfer on the expiry of his current deal in June. Relegation rivals Fulham were said to have held a long-term interest in the striker, while a report in March claimed that Turkish side Galatasaray were also keen.

However, the 30-year-old has put that speculation to bed, accepting reduced terms to extend his stay on Tyneside. He had previously been earning a reported £40,000 per week.

Gayle’s limited involvement at Newcastle

The £4.5m-rated striker has only scored one Premier League goal this season in 11 appearances, but it should be noted that just two of those were starts and he was also missing for the 10 matches of the campaign with a ligament injury.

Gayle was selected – as a winger – for the trip to Chelsea last month and the draw at home to Aston Villa following injuries to Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson, but he was back to a watching brief for the woeful 3-0 defeat against Brighton last time out.

Transfer Tavern verdict

It may be something of a surprise that Newcastle have endeavoured to keep a 30-year-old who  Steve Bruce has rarely deployed in his starting XI despite him praising the ex-Crystal Palace marksman as a “natural goalscorer”.

Perhaps there is a slight element of planning for a possible relegation,as Gayle has been a devastating Championship hitman in the past. In the 2016/17 campaign, he bagged 23 goals for the Toon in the second tier, a feat he repeated with West Bromwich Albion a couple of seasons later (via Transfermarkt).

He may not be enjoying a stellar few months of late, but at least Newcastle have kept hold of one proven marksman for the foreseeable future.

In other news, Newcastle are reportedly preparing a bargain deal for this defender.

A number of Liverpool fans have been calling for Ben Davies for make his Reds debut against Newcastle United this weekend.

Jurgen Klopp’s men host the Magpies in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime, knowing a win could be significant in the top-four battle.

Victory at Anfield would see Liverpool leapfrog Chelsea and West Ham, taking them fourth in the table, prior to the Blues and the Hammers meeting later in the day.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

The Reds’ centre-back crisis continues to not go away, with Nathaniel Phillips still sidelined with a hamstring injury, having missed Monday’s 1-1 draw away to Leeds United.

He joins Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip in the treatment room, meaning Ozan Kabak could partner Fabinho against Newcastle.

There is the option of Klopp giving Davies his debut, however, having arrived from Preston in February, but not yet making a single appearance.

Liverpool fans want to see Davies make his debut

It would be a surprise if the centre-back was handed his Liverpool bow for such an important game, but these Reds supporters talked up the idea on Twitter after the news of Phillips’ continued absence.

“Surely Ben Davies finally gets a game”

Credit: @Rehgqllq

“Give Ben Davies his debut I beg you”

Credit: @ben_mccluskey

“If Ben Davies doesn’t play against Newcastle now I’ll be 100% convinced he doesn’t exist”

Credit: @Jbusuttil96

“Gotta play Davies so Fabs can get back in the middle”

Credit: @PaulBen29353194

“Time for Ben Davies”

Credit: @mokoh001

“It’s Ben Davies timeee”

Credit: @mail19941120

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted by the return of one Reds player. Read more here.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, former Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood has made a claim about Ollie Watkins’ chances of featuring in the England squad for the Euros this summer, and if his claim turns out to be true, then it could well be good news for Dean Smith.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Watkins’ chances of being called up, Harewood said:

“I wouldn’t rule it out. But with the calibre of strikers that we have now, I can’t see him being ahead of the majority of them that can play up there because you’ve [also] got the likes of Sterling and players like that can play up front now.”

Whilst Watkins will undoubtedly be hoping to receive his first England cap in the near future after an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League, keeping him away from Gareth Southgate’s squad could allow Smith to hold on to the 25-year-old for a while longer.

Since signing from Brentford in the summer transfer window for a club-record fee of £28 million, the striker, who reportedly earns £75k per week, has been a huge part of Villa’s success this season, contributing 10 goals and three assists in 27 Premier League appearances, resulting in an impressive 7.23 rating.

This includes an impressive hat-trick in Villa’s 7-2 win against Liverpool earlier in the season, with the young striker having also formed an excellent partnership with Jack Grealish this season, with the duo arguably the two most influential and valuable players in Smith’s squad.

If Watkins were to receive an England call-up, you could argue that it would attract the attention of the clubs in the Premier League who are regulars in the Champions League and Europa League, which could lead to Watkins having his head turned.

Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a move for the striker in the summer before his move to Villa and now that he has established himself in the top-flight, perhaps we could see them return for him in the future, especially if he starts performing on the international stage.

Furthermore, the youngster getting a well-earned break in the summer could be hugely beneficial to Villa, especially after such a demanding season.

Therefore, if Harewood’s claim comes true and Watkins is left out of Southgate’s squad for the upcoming friendlies and Euros, then it may well prove to be a boost to Villa.

And, in other news… Tyrone Mings let Smith down with a shocking display vs Newcastle