All posts by z3u9t.icu

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Matheus Pereira would be a suitable replacement for Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace.

Back in May, in an interview with The Face, Zaha made it clear that he would jump at the opportunity to play at another top side again following his previous stint with Manchester United.

As for Pereira, who will also undoubtedly be open to a move after West Brom’s relegation to the Championship, he has been linked with Zaha’s current team.

According to The Athletic, the 25-year-old’s name has been discussed at Palace and Palmer believes he could be a good option for the club, especially if they do go on to lose Zaha this summer.

When asked by TT if Pereira was the kind of signing that could bring some excitement to Selhurst Park, the ex-West Brom player said:

“Yeah, he is, especially if you’re going to lose Zaha, but we still don’t know what’s going to happen with him. Obviously Palace will be desperate to keep him, but he’s always intimated that he wants a move away.

“So somebody like that coming into the club would be a suitable replacement for Zaha if he goes and maybe that might be in their thinking.”

Tottenham and Everton are two teams who are said to be interested in Zaha, but nothing is yet to materialise.

Lawrie Sanchez believes that Jose Mourinho’s failure at Tottenham might stop Daniel Levy from appointing another big name.

Mourinho was sacked back in April with Spurs looking unlikely to qualify for the Champions League, whilst they’d already crashed out of the Europa League and FA Cup.

But it’s been more than 50 days since the Portuguese’s dismissal, with the Tottenham chairman missing out on most of his top targets, whilst he couldn’t agree a deal with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte after his potential move collapsed last week.

Another big name that has been touted for the job is Zinedine Zidane. The legendary French midfielder recently left his second spell with Real Madrid, but only managed one La Liga title since returning to the Spanish capital.

The 48-year-old’s Madrid departure means he’s now a free agent, but former Premier League manager Sanchez doesn’t believe Levy will go down a similar route to Mourinho again.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“He won three Champions League and two La Liga’s, but for whatever reason, he’s disparaged because they’re not sure he’s a great technical coach.

“There’s a feeling that he’s lucky to get Real Madrid. I’m not sure he speaks English. I think language is a massive thing – Mourinho, Wenger, Tuchel, Guardiola all speak English – and you need to be able to understand it.

“I would be surprised. Zidane is a massive name, I think Levy likes someone he can mould, or he can work with and isn’t bigger than him and after having a taste of Mourinho, I don’t think he’ll go down that road again.”

Leeds United have been handed a major boost in their chase for Bournemouth starlet Ajani Burchall.

What’s the story?

Reports from Football Insider claimed that with Burchall having rejected a scholarship deal with the Cherries, Leeds had registered their interest in signing him this summer.

Now, the 16-year-old himself has confirmed via his Instagram that he will be leaving the Championship side, which comes as a major boost to the likes of Marcelo Bielsa’s side, Aston Villa and Arsenal, who are all said to be interested in him.

Mark Jackson’s dream prospect

Bournemouth’s official club website notes that Burchall is “predominantly plays wide and is an exciting forward player who likes to take opponents on and has an eye for goal, while also being a hard-working, tough-tackling winger” – exactly the kind of traits that will have U23s coach Mark Jackson grinning from ear to ear.

Meanwhile, Burchall’s teammate at the Cherries, Steve Cook, said after his debut: “You could see how special a player he is. His first involvement was checked his shoulder, cut across a player and won his foul. For a 16-year-old, that awareness, that knowhow, I think the club have produced a really good player.

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“On Saturday, we had a few players who have come through the youth system, so it’s terrific. The club’s been known for that and I think Ajani has got great talent. He obviously can’t train with us day-to-day because he’s at school! But I’m sure he’s got a very good future and a very proud moment for his family.”

Given the kind of player that has thrived under Bielsa – hard-working with a team-first attitude – Burchall seems exactly like the kind of prospect who could really make a name for himself for Jackson and the club’s U23s.

The Whites have made a conscientious effort to strengthen the club’s academy with the signings of the likes of Sam Greenwood in recent transfer windows. Burchall could follow in those footsteps and further add to the quality of the Leeds’ youth set-up under Jackson.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this Bundesliga sensation…

Glasgow Rangers have been forced to disband their legal action as they looked to recuperate £2,840,236 that they believed they were owed by Mike Ashley.

The Lowdown: Sports Direct dispute

The Gers had announced legal proceedings against Ashley and Sports Direct as they looked to recuperate £2,840,236 plus interest and expenses.

They believed they were owed the money through their merchandise deal with Hummel, in what is the latest and hopefully last of several battles against Ashley.

The Latest: Gers miss out

Unfortunately for the Ibrox outfit, it appears they will miss out on the money (via The Glasgow Times).

The Court of Appeal’s Civil division has sided with Ashley in this case, backing Sports Direct’s bid to block the claim and thus the Ibrox outfit can no longer pursue the case and will come out empty-handed.

The Verdict: Is it finally over?

Ashley continues to be a thorn in the Gers’ side. In October 2014, he purchased an 8.92% stake in the club, and he was an enemy for the supporters from pretty much that day forward. He had problems with the fans, and he even tried to us Ibrox as security in his attempts to secure a £10m loan.

Although the tycoon has now sold his shares, his Sports Direct company was, until last summer, still linked to the club.

So, even though the Gers will miss out on a decent amount of money in this case – money which could have perhaps contributed to transfers ahead of a Champions League campaign – perhaps now they can put the whole sorry saga behind them and no longer deal with the infamous Newcastle United owner.

In other news, Rangers are interested in this striker.

Arsenal are monitoring Donny van de Beek’s situation ahead of a potential summer switch…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Gunners have made an enquiry to Manchester United about the future of the 24-year-old midfielder after he started only four Premier League games in his debut season in England.

It’s claimed that Arsenal have asked their top-flight rivals to keep them updated on his situation.

Van de Beek cost the Red Devils an initial £35m from Ajax last summer but he’s found game time hard to come by behind leading talisman Bruno Fernandes.

Ramsey 2.0

Even though the Dutch international has struggled to make much of an impact at Old Trafford this term, he could well give Mikel Arteta and his side something they have long lacked.

Someone who can provide goals and creativity from midfield.

It’s not since Aaron Ramsey that the Gunners have had such a threat.

As per Transfermarkt, the Welshman scored at least six goals from midfield in five of his 11 seasons at the club, with a career-best 16 goals and ten assists coming during 2013/14.

His presence in the heart of the engine room has been sorely missed since his free transfer to Juventus in the summer of 2019.

Prior to his move to United, Van de Beek caught the eye with a similar record, scoring ten or more goals in each of his final three seasons at the Dutch giants with his best coming in 2018/19, where he delivered 17 goals and 13 assists, via Transfermarkt.

That’s why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought him to Manchester and it’s not all his fault that he wasn’t able knock the fine talent of Fernandes ou of the side, so a new start in London could be exactly what he needed.

Van de Beek’s former U17 coach at the Johan Cruyff ArenA waxed lyrical about his ability to Tuttojuve last year. He said:

“Physically he has always been devastating since he knows how to attack and defend with the same skill. He was very shy but already smart on the playing field. He is a total footballer, offensive runs are one of his great specialities.”

Whilst Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan regarded him as a “proper Premier League player” prior to his move.

The £27m-rated man described as a “special talent” by analyst Statman Dave, could be everything Arteta needs in the no.10 role next season and if he does become available then technical director Edu Gaspar must do all he can to secure him.

By signing Van de Beek, the Gunners could finally sign their next Ramsey.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Partey: Edu must sanction Arsenal swoop for £18m-rated “special talent”…

Manchester City take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Friday night and, whilst Pep Guardiola’s side have already wrapped up the Premier League title, his players will be desperate to perform well ahead of the Champions League final later this month.

Whilst City were unable to secure the title last weekend when they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea, Manchester United’s defeat against Leicester City at Old Trafford on Tuesday night ensured that the Premier League trophy would return to the Etihad Stadium.

Steve Bruce’s side, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive run in recent weeks which has steered them well clear of relegation from the top flight, which suggests that the Toon will have nothing other than pride to play for on Friday evening.

Here’s how we think Pep Guardiola will line up against Newcastle, with eight changes from the team which started against Chelsea last Saturday…

Ederson keeps his place in goal, as he still has some work to do if he wants to secure the Golden Glove in the Premier League this season.

After switching to a 3-1-4-2 formation against Chelsea, Guardiola reverts to a more conventional four-man defence for this game, with Kyle Walker replacing Joao Cancelo at right-back, whilst Oleksandr Zinchenko comes in for Benjamin Mendy on the opposite flank.

John Stones returns from suspension to partner Ruben Dias at centre-back, with Rodri protecting the defence, with the Spain international one of just three players to keep their places from the defeat to Chelsea six days ago.

Ilkay Gundogan also returns in midfield and, in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, Guardiola could start academy talent Tommy Doyle alongside him after his impressive season in Premier League 2.

It’s all change in attack as Sergio Aguero drops to the bench after his shocking penalty against Chelsea, with Liam Delap handed his first Premier League start up front, and he is supported by Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez on the wings.

In other news… Man City handed significant boost over “incredible” beast, Guardiola must be buzzing

According to a report by The Athletic, as the search for a new permanent Tottenham Hotspur manager goes on, Daniel Levy and co have considered Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl for the role.

As confirmed by Tottenham recently, Ryan Mason will take charge of the Lilywhites on an interim basis from now until the end of the season (official)- but the managerial search for next season is still expected to heat up over the next few weeks.

Tottenham consider Hasenhuttl

There have been many high profile names linked with taking the job at Spurs, including favourites Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers, but there are also plenty of outside candidates.

One of them who has recently entered the conversation is Saints boss Hasenhuttl, and The Athletic are now reporting that Levy and co have considered him for the Tottenham job.

However, while he has his credentials, this report claims that Spurs are wary of how his side’s form in the Premier League has depleted over the second half of 2020/2021.

It is also said that the Lilywhites are cautious over his ‘aloof’ man management style, which might alienate the squad.

Transfer Tavern take

We believe that he should actually be considered as one of the strong outsiders for the job, with there being no shortage of plaudits for Hasenhuttl’s reign on the south coast.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola certainly holds him in high esteem, recently dubbing Hasenhuttl as an ‘exceptional manager’ (Man City).

As well as this, journalist Jonathon Northcroft raved over him on the Football Writers Podcast and even claimed there is an ‘echo of Pochettino’ due to the job he has done at Southampton.

Indeed, despite the slump in form over this half of the campaign, the 53-year-old has more than proved his worth, helping a squad not overflowing with quality to some impressive wins, such as the clean sheet and three points they picked up against Liverpool earlier this year.

In other news: Tottenham have already made a managerial approach, find out more here.

Leeds have been told they face significant competition in the race to sign Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are keen on bringing the England international to Elland Road, although now, former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that plenty of teams will be interested too.

He said: “100 per cent. I think he would be a good signing for a lot of teams. I wouldn’t mind him at Villa. He showed at the weekend, he can play in different positions. A very good player, he can attack.

“He can play in a similar amount of positions as Dallas. Both are Mr Reliable and he could be the next Dallas. I’m sure there will be more teams than Leeds after him. I don’t see him going back to Arsenal and playing so it’s probably the right decision for him to move on.”

Solving a major Bielsa problem

One of the main issues Bielsa has faced all season, and arguably throughout his tenure as Leeds manager, is the real lack of depth. Injuries can often really take their toll on the Whites, leaving them exposed in several key areas when one or two players go down – you only have to look at how Pascal Struijk has had to slot in at centre-back in recent weeks and months to see that.

But in the versatile Maitland-Niles, Andrea Radrizzani could go a long way to solving that issue for Bielsa. This season alone has seen the England international feature at left-back, right-back, left-midfield, right-midfield and in the middle of the park too.

That ability to play in numerous roles and positions is something that former Celtic star Chris Sutton has previously hailed, saying: “The young man’s versatility is a weapon. He is such a versatile talent – a diamond.”

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The £16.2m-rated Maitland-Niles would be the kind of shrewd buy that plugs a few different holes in the Leeds squad at once, while also allowing him the opportunity to potentially shine as a central midfielder.

Meanwhile, Leeds must unleash this star who’s “got it all”…

With news of Roy Hodgson set to leave his role as manager at Crystal Palace at the end of the season, Marcus Bent, who was signed by Palace for £405,000 in 1998, has exclusively told Football FanCast that his former club may regret appointing a younger manager like Frank Lampard.

There have been strong reports suggesting that Lampard is the favourite to replace Hodgson and now that it is official Hodgson will be leaving Selhurst Park, the board may decide a younger manager is required to take the club forward.

Lampard has had two jobs in his relatively short managerial career as he guided Derby County to an eventual play-off final defeat in 2019, before taking over at Chelsea when they were placed under a transfer ban, but he was sacked in January this year.

Palace will have to begin the search for a new manager after Hodgson manages his final game on Sunday and appointing a young manager may not be the right decision. That is according to former Eagle Bent, who spoke exclusively to FFC:

“Hodgson has always been consistent throughout his career and he’s done well at most clubs he’s been at, but there does come a time when you need to go forward as a club.

“So, if they bring Frank in then they might live to regret it, who knows? If Hodgson was to move upstairs at Palace then someone like Frank would have someone there to give him advice.”

Hodgson has had a long career as a manager which has seen him manage clubs such as Inter Milan, Liverpool and West Brom as well as winning eight trophies along the way.

Whoever does replace Hodgson as manager at Selhurst Park will have a rebuild on their hands as they have 16 players set to be out of contract at the end of the season.

Callum McFadzean badly let down Lee Johnson as Sunderland had to share the spoils on Easter Monday.

The Black Cats rescued a late point against Peterborough United to stay within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots, thanks to a stunning late free-kick from Aiden McGeady.

Johnson’s men dominated the opening 45 minutes, recording 62% possession and four attempts at goal, but failed to find a way past Posh.

Just before the hour mark, the home side made a double change which included the introduction of Siriki Dembele, and that move paid off within ten minutes as Nathan Thompson beat McFadzean to find the wide-open substitute inside the area.

Had it not been for McGeady’s stroke of genius, then a play-off position would’ve been looking like a mere formality but at least this draw keeps the Wearsiders in the automatic promotion race heading into the final eight games of the season.

Indeed, McFadzean ranked amongst Sunderland’s worst performers on the day, being graded by SofaScore at 6.5 – no-one managed worse in the red and white stripes.

Sunderland Echo reporter Phil Smith was a little more scathing in his post-game column, ranking the 27-year-old wing-back as the Black Cats’ standout struggler with a 4/10 for his trouble.

He wrote: ‘Struggled defensively early on and was lucky that lapses in the first half didn’t cost his side a goal. Peterborough targeted the left flank through the second half and got their opening goal down that side.’

The former Sheffield United graduate had a torrid time up against Posh’s tricky wide options, resulting in him being dribbled past twice, as well as losing 50% of his battles – both on the ground and aerially.

McFadzean was also pretty wasteful with the ball, suggesting that he simply couldn’t cope with the pressure from the opposition as from his 51 touches, the Sunderland defender lost possession 13 times, and could only make 75% of his 32 passing attempts, via SofaScore.

It’s no wonder that he was hauled off within five minutes of the goal going in – a frustrated Johnson had clearly seen enough.

In terms of attacking output, he also struggled, failing to register a single shot or successful dribble, whilst he only found a team-mate with 50% of his crosses, leaving Charlie Wyke with scraps to feed off.

As a wing-back, he should be contributing at both ends of the pitch, so evidently McFadzean has badly let Johnson and the side down here.

The Peterborough goal came from his flank, where he should’ve defended better. Johnson may want to think twice before trusting the 27-year-old again.

AND in other news, SAFC graduate has seen his value rise by £9m since leaving, he’s a “rock-solid” gem…