John Murtough’s days at Manchester United are numbered, with the Red Devils reported to be “definitely” lining up a new football director.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Many Everton fans have been reacting to a tweet from Dominic King, who shared an image of a banner which was erected outside Rafael Benitez’s house in England.
As we approach pre-season, the Toffees remain without a permanent manager after Carlo Ancelotti left the club to return to Real Madrid (Sky Sports). At the moment, it appears that Benitez is set to be his replacement (The Telegraph), but this is a potential appointment which does not appear to have gone well with many Everton supporters – after all, he used to be the manager of their fierce city rivals Liverpool.
Still, that is no excuse for the banner which was put outside his family home, with the message reading: “We know where you live, don’t sign”. That is an appalling threat to make to someone just because they might become the manager of a football club.
A photo of the banner was shared on Twitter by journalist King, who fumed: “This banner is online. It has been posted not far from where Rafa Benitez lives with his wife and his daughters. It’s sinister, it’s reprehensible and the people responsible for it should be ashamed. They are a disgrace.”
The image duly attracted the disgust of many Everton supporters who took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what one Toffees fan understandably called a “despicable” act.
“It’s hard enough being an #Everton fan without suffering the despicable element of a minority of so called fans. Totally ashamed!”
Credit: @Holdtight_TV
“It’s utterly shameful & embarrassing. It’s criminal behaviour & should be treated as such.”
Credit: @EFCMatt1
“100% not what our football club is about utterly embarrassing. Forget about football, in this instance I feel for his family and Benitez himself.”
Credit: @notsimon1878
“Disgusting, too far. The person(s) who have put this up don’t represent me as a fan! That goes for the banners outside Goodison too. I don’t want Benitez at all but this is too much!”
Credit: @Pistolpov
“Ashamed and embarrassed”
Credit: @EvertonNewsFeed
“Utterly embarrassing for us Blues. I didn’t want Rafa as manager but now more than ever I will support him. If he wants to manage us with all this going on deserves our support.”
Credit: @bluedoc999
In other news, Everton are believed to be interested in this Juventus ace.
Ex-Liverpool and England star Michael Owen has hit back at criticism suggesting he failed to challenge Howard Webb on 'Match Officials: Mic'd Up'.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Crystal Palace have been handed a considerable boost in their pursuit of Schalke central defender Ozan Kabak following his lack of EURO 2020 involvement with Turkey [Der Westen via Sport Witness].
As Crystal Palace get their ducks in a row ahead of 2021/22, many spectators will be intrigued to see how the South East Londoners rebuild, following losing 22 first-team players when they released their retained list in early June [Tribal Football].
Dipping their toe into the transfer window with the acquisition of American midfielder Jacob Montes [SBI Soccer], the Eagles have also been linked with moves for Aaron Ramsey and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in recent weeks.
However, attentions may turn towards the 21-year-old centre-back following fresh developments.
Crystal Palace could potentially be handed the chance to sign the Turkey international for ‘significantly less money’ than expected, as Schalke look to cash in on his services due to relegation from the top-flight of German football [Sport Witness].
His wages are ‘too expensive’ to afford for the Gelsenkirchen-based club [Sport Witness], with Leicester City also keeping a keen eye on proceedings.
Schalke hoped that the European Championships could be an ideal platform to raise his value, but he has not featured in the competition [Transfermarkt] as Turkey crashed out without a single point.
Being able to snap up someone of Kabak’s quality for a snip of a fee would surely appeal to the Crystal Palace hierarchy.
The promising defender made 13 appearances on loan at Liverpool in the second half of 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].
Impressively, he also won the most tackles on average per 90 minutes of any Liverpool defender with 2.1, whilst he came second in the entire Liverpool squad only behind Spanish maestro Thiago [WhoScored].
These exploits lead to the stopper being labelled as ‘absolutely incredible’ by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp [Liverpool FC Official].
Looking forward, Crystal Palace should make a beeline to obtain the 6ft 1in man – he has top flight experience, is still young with plenty of time to develop and will now be available for a reasonable fee.
In other news, Crystal Palace fans are ecstatic at a Lucien Favre update.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has suggested that Lionel Messi could feature for the national team in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could strike fear into the rest of the Premier League by signing Spain star Adama Traore this summer.
Reports in recent days have suggested that the Whites are interested in signing the Wolves winger, with claims back in December revealing that Bielsa’s side were keen on luring him to Elland Road.
If the Yorkshire club can pull off a deal for the Spanish flier, then it could well help form a terrifying duo alongside Raphinha.
Dubbed a “machine” and someone who “scares defenders” by former Leeds man Rio Ferdinand, the £100k-a-week earning Traore has got the kind of game-changing pace and ability that could help form a terrifying duo with Raphinha at Elland Road.
Bielsa himself has previously admitted to how tough a player Traore is to mark, saying: “It’s better to follow the man than leave him to a team-mate. I believe, fundamentally, Traore likes to play out wide on the wings. If he dominates the ball on his side he’s difficult to start, so whoever’s marking him will need some support.”
Averaging an impressive 4.1 dribbles per game – the highest in the entire Premier League last season – and being fouled 2.3 times per match – the third-most in the division – Traore is as direct as they come, and never seems to stop wanting to take the full-back on.
Having someone like the Spaniard on the opposite flank to Raphinha would give Leeds a second exciting option for them to turn to and try and change a game.
[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]
If teams even think of trying to double up on Raphinha, then the Whites can simply switch the play to Traore and let him wreak havoc. Managers would have a real hard time coming up with a game-plan that would see them deal that kind of twin threat.
It’s exactly why a move for Traore this summer would be an exciting one for Leeds.
Meanwhile, Bielsa could reunite with this former star at Elland Road…
Bukayo Saka limped out of Arsenal's clash with Bournemouth after scoring the opening goal for the Gunners.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Sam Allardyce left his post as West Brom manager last month, and former Baggies midfielder Carlton Palmer believes the rebuild job that may be needed at the club is the reason why.
Following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship, West Brom look set to lose a whole host of players.
Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who is currently with the England squad for Euro 2020, continues to be linked with a move away from the Hawthorns.
Meanwhile, attacker Matheus Pereira is attracting plenty of interest after finishing the season as West Brom’s star performer, scoring 11 goals and assisting six during that Premier League campaign.
A rebuild job now looks inevitable, and Palmer is convinced that is not something Allardyce wants at this stage of his career.
Speaking exclusively to FFC about Big Sam’s departure, the ex-West Brom player said:
“I’m assuming that it’s a big rebuild job. So that’s a two or three-year job, or somebody comes in who can work with what’s there and get them firing to get promotion next season.
“Reading between the lines, I think that Sam thinks it’s a two or three-year job maybe to get them back up, and at his age [it’s not what he wants].”
Having won promotion before, from a West Brom perspective, Allardyce staying would have been a positive development.
PGMOL chief Howard Webb is under pressure to block Premier League match officials from travelling to the Middle East for midweek fixtures.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Jurgen Klopp has batted away the ongoing speculation suggesting that Mohamed Salah could leave Liverpool for Saudi Arabia.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below