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Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts has exclusively told Football FanCast that Jose Mourinho played a part in Mauricio Pochettino’s sacking at Tottenham.

The Argentine was relieved of his duties in north London back in November 2019 with Spurs sitting in the bottom-half in the Premier League, less than six months after losing the Champions League final.

Tottenham had won just three times in their opening 12 league games, and Pochettino paid the price for their poor form.

Just 24 hours later, he was replaced by Mourinho, who made a swift return following his own departure from Manchester United 11 months earlier.

Mourinho has since been chopped, but Roberts believes that the Portuguese played a part in Pochettino’s sacking almost two years earlier.

He told Football FanCast that Mourinho started planting seeds during a test event played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium prior to the opening of the new ground earlier in 2019 when he attended due to his connections with Inter Milan:

“I saw Mourinho at a game at Tottenham when the new stadium opened – Inter Milan played Tottenham in a legends game, he was assistant manager.

“He didn’t have to be, he just came along, and he instigated Pochettino being sacked 100 percent. That’s how the man works.

“You could see it that day, he was talking to Daniel Levy and the rumours at the club are that he was saying you’ve got brilliant players here, I can get better out of these. Well, he never, he made them worse.”

After a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Huddersfield Town at the weekend, West Brom are back in league action this evening with a clash against Blackpool away from home. 

With club captain Jake Livermore now serving a three-game ban after picking up a red card in the defeat against Huddersfield, he will be unavailable for the next few fixtures. 

West Brom also have the likes of Dara O’Shea and Kean Bryan out with injuries. Taking this into account here is how we feel West Brom could line up tonight with three changes expected.

In goal considering how he’s played in almost every league game so far this season, we can see Sam Johnstone will keep his place in the team on this occasion.

For a back three, we think Baggies boss Valerien Ismael will go for the same trio that started against Huddersfield with Kyle Bartley, Cedric Kipre and Matt Clarke all in to try and keep a clean sheet this evening.

In midfield, with Livermore suspended we think Ismael will go with Robert Snodgrass and Jason Molumby, with Alex Mowatt, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £13k-per-week according to Salary Sport, dropping down to the substitutes bench.

At wing-back, we think Connor Townsend will keep his place on the left-hand side with Taylor Gardner-Hickman also retaining his place on the right-hand side.

For the attack, we can see Ismael sticking with Karlan Grant and Matt Phillips but bringing Callum Robinson, who managed to score in Republic of Ireland’s 3-0 win over Luxembourg during the recent international break, back in with Grady Diangana dropping out after he failed to impress and even have one clear shot at goal against Huddersfield.

West Brom are on an incredibly spotty run of form at the moment with three wins, one draw and four defeats under their belt in their eight previous league outings.

Thus, Ismael and everyone else at the Midlands club will undoubtedly be hoping that the team will be able to produce a strong performance and pick up all three points so they aren’t in danger of potentially missing out on a promotion place by the end of the season.

In other news: Forget Furlong: Ismael must unleash “important” WBA machine, he’d terrify Blackpool – opinion

Steven Bergwijn could leave Tottenham Hotspur this January after a fresh update emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to Mike Verweij on De Telegraaf’s football podcast (via Sport Witness), Antonio Conte isn’t keen on the Dutch winger, who could be sold or loaned out amid interest from Eredivisie champions Ajax.

“That interest in Bergwijn has been made known. Conte does not see it in him at all. Conte is also the one who opposed Bergwijn’s transfer from PSV to Italy. Inter were an interested club at the time, but Conte did not need him,” he said.

“Conte has only said two words to Bergwijn in two weeks at Tottenham Hotspur. That’s why Ajax can consider him, but first Ajax will have to sell Neres.”

Levy mistake

Bergwijn joined the Lilywhites in an initial £25m deal from Ajax’s rivals PSV Eindhoven in January 2020, and it’s fair to suggest that things have not gone to plan for the man earning a whopping £73k-per-week in north London.

Across 60 appearances, Bergwijn has scored just four goals, one of which came on his debut against Manchester City, whilst he has also delivered only nine assists, meaning he averages a direct contribution once every 243 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

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It’s no surprise to hear this development after Conte snubbed the Netherlands international from his travelling squad to Slovenia to face NS Mura in the Europa Conference last week – if he can’t break into the starting XI against them, then what hope does he have in the Premier League?

He has not started in the top-flight since Spurs’ third game of the season, whilst under the stewardship of Nuno Santo, which is another telling sign that he has been out of sorts.

On the above evidence alone, it’s evident that chairman Daniel Levy made a grave mistake in sanctioning this transfer, especially as the manager at the time, Jose Mourinho, didn’t even want to sign him, as he publicly revealed in the past.

“I’m always very honest on this – he wasn’t my first option when we decided to make a movement in the winter,” the 58-year-old told reporters (via the Evening Standard).

He will surely be laughing over in Rome right now as he has proven to be correct, and now Conte could be about to rectify the error by offloading the 24-year-old in January.

When factoring in the initial fee and wages, the £19.8m-rated dynamo has cost the north Londoners around £32m, and counting, in total – an expensive disaster.

It’s time for Spurs to save face and accept they were wrong here. He must be axed at the turn of the year.

AND in other news, “What I’ve been told”: Journalist drops big Antonio Conte claim at Spurs…

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that defender Filip Helander should be able to return to training after the winter break.

What’s the story?

Helander has been sidelined since early September after suffering a knee injury against St. Johnstone earlier in the season, but could return to training after the winter break, according to the Gers manager

On the 28-year-old’s status, van Bronckhorst said: “Filip has been out on the pitch for a couple of weeks individually so hopefully, he can join us after the break in training sessions.

“We have to build up his stamina and his training time with the team so hopefully, he will be able to join the team as normal, I don’t think straight after the winter break but hopefully soon.”

Rangers fans will be buzzing

The Sweden international was an important player last season as Rangers won their first league title in ten years, making 31 appearances in all competitions, as well as six this season before his injury, so to have him back will be an enormous boost.

With a second consecutive league title in sight, the Gers will require as many options as possible as van Bronckhorst’s side enter the second half of their Scottish Premiership campaign.

Rangers are currently six points clear of their fierce rivals Celtic at the summit of the table and will be looking to extend that advantage in the coming weeks.

The Gers faithful will be particularly fond of the Swede after he scored the winning goal against Celtic in August’s 1-0 Old Firm triumph. However, since then, he’s rarely been seen at Ibrox.

Having started 20 of the Glaswegian club’s 32 league games last year on route to the title, the return of Helander will certainly be welcome and will provide the Dutchman with another option as well as add quality to his squad as Rangers look to further boost their title credentials.

On that evidence, this news should leave supporters and everyone associated with Ibrox buzzing.

AND in other news, Gio can axe £5.6k-p/w Rangers dud with bargain swoop for “technically skilled” beast…

Ben Godfrey issued a rallying cry in the wake of Everton’s FA Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Manchester City.

The Blues held out for 83 minutes against Pep Guardiola’s quadruple-chasers before Ilkay Gundogan broke their resistance. Kevin de Bruyne added another goal to extend Everton’s 26-year wait for silverware.

However, the Toffees could still forge a success out of their season by qualifying for Europe. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are five points off the Champions League places and only two points off of the top six.

Godfrey spoke to the club’s official Twitter channel after the game as to what would be required to secure one of the European spots.

“Sticking together, character and desire,” he said. “You could see how much it meant to us. We’re going to need that for the rest of the season if we’re going to finish where we hope to.”

The £25m summer signing looks poised to be an Everton regular for years to come. In his first season at Goodison Park, the 23-year-old is averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 3.2 clearances per game (via WhoScored) – all of which are among the best figures for those respective metrics among Ancelotti’s squad.

These Everton fans loved Godfrey’s comments

“Well, I could see how much Ben wanted it. Sadly the rest of the team seem to be lacking in desire or belief in their own ability. Thus resulting in pretty negative performances.”

Credit: @howiseeit4

“If half the team had the mentality and passion Ben Godfrey shows in all games Everton would be far in their progress by now. Even when he doesn’t have his best game the drive and determination he shows he does his best. We need more players like him”

Credit: @gersonselema

“You can listen to this fella & know he means what he says as he gives the exact same on the pitch but there’s others that give rallying cries & don’t back it up. Big end to the season for us after the international break but if we don’t beat Palace when we get back, forget Europe!”

Credit: @AidyDews

“It isn’t Ben or really any of our defence it’s our atrocious midfield. If all 11 of our players put in the shift that Ben did every game we would be top 4.”

Credit: @bobmarl03974950

“Ten times Ben and we would have a world beating team.”

Credit: @1878G2

“Leader”

Credit: @Jamie_Foster18

“He’s a machine”

Credit: @JayTommo99

In other news, some Everton fans blasted this player’s performance against Man City.

Sheffield Wednesday have never really got it right when it comes to their emerging youth prospects.

Once upon a time, Jamie Vardy was let go far too early, though no one could have envisaged him forging the career he has and similarly, George Hirst has ended up at Leicester City too.

He left for Belgium in 2018, rejecting a deal to link up with Nigel Pearson before finding his way to the Premier League. The 22-year-old has now impressed in a loan spell at the Owls’ local league rivals Rotherham United, where he has been dubbed “very promising” by local press.

The latest name to leave is Liam Shaw, who will swap Hillsborough Stadium for SPFL giants Celtic in the summer.

Wednesday now have another potential future star making waves in the academy set-up in Bailey Cadamarteri, son of former Blades frontman, Danny.

Despite only being 15, the young striker has caught the eye for the U18 squad after being offered a two-year scholarship. Most recently, he bagged a hat-trick in their 5-1 win over Ipswich Town.

Danny, who used to be in charge of that very Owls squad, spoke to The Star about his son’s potential. He said:

“He’s a young U16 – he’s not 16 until May… It’s great for him, and physically he can cope because he’s quite a big boy for his age. It’s nice experience for him.” Before adding: “He started to get a bit more credit for his own performances then, rather than people thinking it was because of me.”

As he approaches his 18th birthday in the next few years, Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri must ensure that Catamarteri is tied down to the club’s future, rather than leaving it too late, and following the same path as Hirst.

Goalscoring has long been a problem for the Owls – particularly this season as no one has scored more than six all campaign – so keeping hold of a kid with so much potential up top will be imperative in the long run, especially under a progressive manager like Darren Moore, too.

As soon as it can happen, the 15-year-old must be offered a professional contract. The Owls cannot afford to keep letting this happen.

AND in other news, Owls must wave goodbye to 2017 flop this summer, he’s not good enough…

Newcastle United are reportedly now targeting a move for Renan Lodi in the summer.

The Lowdown: Targett conundrum

The St James’ Park club have a conundrum over whether to sign Matt Targett on a permanent deal following his loan spell from Aston Villa.

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They have reportedly not made a decision yet, although polls suggest that the vast majority of the fanbase would choose to bring him in permanently.

The Latest: Lodi targeted by Newcastle

As per journalist Jacque Talbot, Lodi ‘remains a target’ for Newcastle despite Targett’s ‘glowing performances’, with the latter set to ‘hold talks’ with the Tyneside club this summer after his loan ends.

Replying to a fan on Twitter, Talbot then revealed that the Atletico Madrid defender will likely cost around €50m (£42.2m) and that a deal is ‘very negotiable’, saying: “Think about €50m but have heard it’ll be very negotiable how it’s done.”

Expanding in his article for Football Transfers, the journalist said that ‘sources’ have told the news outlet that talks over Targett will still proceed despite the interest in Lodi, as both Newcastle and Villa are ‘happy’ with how things are going at the moment.

However, the representatives of Lodi have already spoken to the Magpies, with discussions taking place in the January transfer window over a potential move then.

The Verdict: Targett over Lodi

If the Toon could only sign one of those left-back options, they should be looking at signing Targett over Lodi.

Firstly, the Englishman should be a lot cheaper, with €15m (£12.6m) thought to be enough for his permanent signature.

His performances for Eddie Howe’s team should not be overlooked either, and he is actually averaging more tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks, shots, key passes, dribbles, crosses and long balls per game than the Atletico Madrid left-back in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

The new owners at St James’ Park should be prioritising a move for Targett first, before potentially moving onto Lodi if a deal cannot be struck.

In other news, find out whose NUFC future is now in doubt

Liverpool must bring in a centre-back this month, regardless of whether it’s a long-term signing or not to give the players confidence.

Centre-back required

Those were the words of former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer, who reacted to the Reds’ recent poor run in all competitions.

In 2021, Liverpool have won just once from five attempts and have scored six goals, with key defenders Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez ruled out with season-ending knee injuries.

On top of this, Joel Matip continues to struggle with his own personal fitness issues – leaving manager Jurgen Klopp with no established centre-halves at his disposal.

Speaking exclusively to Football Transfer Tavern, Palmer believes that Liverpool must prioritise bringing in a centre-back this month, regardless of the financial implications.

“Liverpool are not keeping clean sheets. They’re not out of the Premier League title race so they need to get a centre-back in until Van Dijk gets back. They need to do that because that gives (the team a) basis,” he said.

“People are looking at the front three and saying, ‘Oh, they’re not performing anymore’ but you see, if you remember last year when they won the league, they played at Southampton, I remember that game specifically because that was typical of their performances in the league that season where it was a strong first half defensive display by Liverpool to keep them in the game. Mane scores a goal out of nothing, just before half time, and then they go on to win the game comfortably.

“But it’s that basis that you need to keep clean sheets and Liverpool are not keeping clean sheets. So they need to do that now. They’ve either got to go for a loan or a short term signing and get somebody in so they can get a platform, then the rest of the players now can start believing that ‘yes, we’re going to keep clean sheets. Now. We’ve got the front three, we’re going to score goals.’”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

Palmer is spot on. While Klopp has dropped subtle hints to the club’s owners FSG about the possibility of signing a defender, it is something that the Reds desperately need.

Liverpool are making the same mistake as Manchester City last season, with Aymeric Laporte’s injury, no Vincent Kompany replacement and Fernandinho having to step in. It seems all too familiar and it looks like lessons that haven’t been learned from that.

With the transfer deadline on Monday, Liverpool do not have long to make a move but Palmer thinks they need to if they want a chance at retaining their title.

In other news, James Pearce provides silver lining regarding Jordan Henderson’s latest setback.

Pablo Hernandez was a good signing for Leeds United and vital in the Yorkshire club’s promotion to the Premier League, says ex-Whites midfielder Carlton Palmer.

The 36-year-old attacking midfielder is leaving Leeds after five years at Elland Road and will be remembered fondly for his time at the Premier League outfit.

While he was not a regular this season, Hernandez, who joined from Al-Arabi SC back in 2016, played a key role under Marcelo Bielsa the campaign prior.

The former Spain international scored nine goals and provided nine assists on Leeds’ way to Premier League promotion, something Palmer has not forgotten about.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Hernandez, the ex-England player said:

“It was a good signing at the time that helped them get promotion and get back to the Premier League, so it’s definitely a good signing. 

“I think it’s good business; I think he’s been good for Leeds United. They’ve used his experience. I think he’s been brilliant in the dressing room with the lads, but I think it’s the right time for him to move on and go and play football.”

As well as Hernandez, Leeds have also confirmed that another long-serving player in defender Gaetano Berardi will be leaving the club.

It gives room and frees up the wage bill for Bielsa to bring in players and progress this squad as Leeds look to build on what has been a successful return to English football’s top flight.

Aston Villa transfer target Michael Olise delivered a masterclass in Reading’s Championship clash against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend.

Reports back in January suggested that the France U18 international is in the sights of Dean Smith as he looks to rejuvenate his squad with younger talent.

And on Saturday against the Owls, the £7.2m-rated Olise showed exactly why Villa must be firmly after him in the summer transfer window.

Aside from opening the scoring with a spot-kick in the first-half, the 19-year-old showed off his impressive creativity and ability to beat players with his close control and trickery.

He completed two out of the three dribbles that he attempted – the highest of any Reading player – and also provided three key passes too – again, the highest of any Royal.

The teenager also showed he could do his work defensively, making two tackles and three clearances, while he showed he’s not someone who will get easily bullied off the ball either, winning an impressive five of his six ground duels – only Reading’s left-back and holding midfielder won more.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for Berkshire Live, Jonathan Low noted: “Kept his cool from the spot to give Reading the lead. A constant menace for Wednesday as he delivered plenty of teasing crosses into the box from open play. His set-pieces, although better than in previous weeks, still need improvement.”

Hailed as “super-talented” by Reading boss Veljko Paunović, the 19-year-old has already earned rave reviews for his ability, with his former manager at the Royals, Jose Gomes, adding: “Michael is really special. He can see, even before receiving the ball, more options than regular players. His technical ability and speed, decision capacity is really, really good.”

With Barkley woefully out of form in recent weeks, Olise appears to be showing just what Villa could get if they opted to make a move for the young Reading man this summer instead of completing a permanent deal for the Chelsea star.

Meanwhile, this Villa man was shocking vs Wolves…