All posts by z3u9t.icu

The Daily Mail’s Stephen McGowan has revealed the three positions where Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou wants to strengthen before their Champions League qualifier later this month.

The Lowdown: Davies interest

McGowan shared a story on Friday morning suggesting that Celtic have reignited their pursuit of defender Ben Davies. The Hoops were close to signing the 25-year-old back in January before he joined Liverpool, and Celtic are now rivalling a number of English clubs ahead of a potential season-long loan deal.

Postecoglou has just 10 days before his first competitive game as Celtic boss against FC Midtjylland in a Champions League qualifier and seemingly wants three additions to his squad before then.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-9/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: McGowan’s claim

According to McGowan, Postecoglou is desperate to get players in before their Champions League qualifier, with a centre-back, right-back and a winger priority positions.

It remains to be seen whether or not that will materialise, although a number of players have been linked with a Parkhead move.

Sheffield United right-back George Baldock, free agent Kyle Edwards and centre-backs Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers are just four targets who fit the bill when it comes to the areas that Postecoglou wants to enhance.

The Verdict: Time is ticking

Celtic are currently in Wales on their pre-season tour and time is running out for the Hoops to get new faces in before their qualifier against FC Midtjylland.

It appears to be a crucial period for Celtic, for if they are knocked out of the Champions League at the first hurdle, that could impact any possible incomings further down the line.

Bringing players in now seems to be the smart move, but that’s easier said than done, with Celtic’s last three additions all being young players on pre-contract deals or free transfers.

In other news: Well-placed source claims ‘outstanding’ ace is now keen on Celtic move; contact has been made, find out more here. 

It has been over three months since Neil Lennon packed his bags and left Celtic behind following a dismal campaign in the Parkhead dugout.

A swift resolution to their woes was needed but the Hoops hierarchy have found life difficult when it’s come to replacing him.

What’s the word?

Celtic were in advanced talks to bring Eddie Howe to Paradise for the best part of two months but after waiting for such a long period of time, a move collapsed.

The 43-year-old looked set to take charge with just his backroom staff to be agreed upon but a deal couldn’t be struck, leaving the Bhoys to consider alternatives.

Ange Postecoglou is now the frontrunner to become the new manager but the fallout to their chase of Howe continues to rage on.

Football Insider shared a new piece of information regarding their pursuit at the weekend, suggesting that Howe snubbed Celtic because he wants to take the Southampton job.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is currently in charge of the Saints but it’s thought a position could open up if they have a poor start to the new campaign.

Desmond can’t be happy

After the two parties pulled the plug on a deal a week and a half ago it can’t have left Dermot Desmond and co very happy.

They’d been waiting patiently and were refusing to panic as they sat about while Bournemouth’s promotion charge went on.

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

Howe wanted to bring in a number of coaches from the Vitality Stadium but had to wait until their Championship play-off campaign had concluded.

Bournemouth didn’t get promoted but Howe failed to agree deals with his preferred backroom staff, leading to a U-turn on the situation from both the club and manager.

That appeared to be the primary reason for a collapse but if it is indeed interest from the Premier League that’s caused another stumbling block, Desmond should be rather angry.

Crystal Palace played a significant part in one of the delays as they reportedly interviewed Howe, only for him to flop during the interview process.

What’s even more peculiar is that there isn’t currently a position at Southampton for the Englishman to take.

They ended the season in a horrendous run of form, winning just five of the 22 league matches they’ve played in 2021.

Southampton started the campaign in good form and were sitting top of the table in November. If a similar eventuality occurs in the new term then it will leave Howe waiting even longer for a job.

If everything had worked out, he may well have been sitting in the Parkhead dugout with one of the most historical clubs in world football.

Desmond should be worried that Celtic aren’t being viewed as a big catch.

AND in other news, Celtic can replace Elyounoussi by signing 42-goal “speed demon”, he’s got “everything”…

Rangers have reportedly made a bid to sign a forward this summer as Steven Gerrard looks to bring more quality to Ibrox this summer ahead of another huge season for the Glasgow giants.

What’s the talk?

According to Turkish outlet Takvim, Rangers have tabled a £2.5m (€3m) bid for Fenerbahce winger Bright Osayi-Samuel and are set to continue discussions over a deal for the forward this week. The report claims that Fenerbahce want a fee in the region of £3.4m (€4m) for Osayi-Samuel, who they signed from QPR in the January transfer window.

Back in 2020, QPR boss Mark Warburton lavished praise on the “outstanding” winger and highlighted his impressive pace as one of his biggest attributes. He told the B&K Times:

“He’s working so hard. He’s got that sheer pace which terrifies defenders and when he uses it wisely like he did today, he looks a real handful.

“I’m delighted for him and it’s good for the crowd to see a player who gets them off their seats which is what you want.

“Today, he was outstanding and deserved the applause.”

Gerrard would love him

Steven Gerrard will love to have a player like Osayi-Samuel at Rangers next season and Ross Wilson must seal a deal for the winger to bolster the manager’s squad.

The former QPR man could add an extra attacking threat to Gerrard’s arsenal of options at the top end of the pitch and he could provide more service to Alfredo Morelos in the box, which could help the striker to improve on his disappointing goal tally from the 2020/21 campaign.

Morelos scored 15 goals in the season just gone, which was down from the 29 he managed in the previous campaign. However, the signing of Osayi-Samuel could allow Morelos to get back to his best as the winger is direct and likes to drive to the byline and get balls into the box. In his last full season for QPR, Osayi-Samuel produced nine assists for the club in the Championship and averaged 1.2 key passes per game, suggesting that he could be the creator Morelos needs to hit the goal trail again.

The £6.5k-per-week ace also has room to improve at the age of 23. Osayi-Samuel could be a player Gerrard is able to coach over the course of his time with Rangers to develop him into a top-class player.

This is why Wilson must get a deal over the line for the winger, as he could be an excellent signing both in the short and long term for Rangers, whilst also potentially giving Morelos a boost in the process.

It is now down to Wilson to agree a deal with Fenerbahce and then Gerrard will need to convince the forward that a move to Scotland is the best decision he can make at this point in his career.

AND in other news,  Flopped at Ibrox, now joining x2 CL winners: Rangers had a mare with £1.8m-rated ace…

Aston Villa have reportedly jumped ahead of Arsenal in the battle to sign Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia this summer.

The Lowdown: Buendia stars for Norwich

The Argentine enjoyed a superb season in the Championship, scoring 15 goals and registering 16 assists and winning the league’s Player of the Season award.

Despite Norwich’s promotion to the Premier League, he has been linked with a move away from Carrow Road this summer, with Villa in contention to snap him up.

The Latest: Villa jump ahead of Arsenal

According to Football Insider, Villa are now ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign the 24-year-old, with the two clubs reportedly going ‘head to head’ for his services.

It is claimed that Villa have made ‘progress’ in their efforts to bring Buendia to Villa Park, with the midfielder potentially being able to leave Norwich for less than £40m.

The Verdict: Superb potential signing

Buendia has the potential to be a fabulous signing for Dean Smith’s side, with his incredible end product demonstrated last season. He has also shown that he can shine in the Premier League, chipping in with seven assists in 2019/20 despite Norwich’s relegation.

The prospect of the 24-year-old joining up with the likes of Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins (23 goals and 17 assists combined this term) is a mouthwatering one, so he could be a significant addition ahead of the new campaign if Villa manage to fend off Arsenal for his signature.

In other news, some Aston Villa fans have reacted to an update on a midfielder. Find out who it is here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been hailing Thiago after some incredible footage of him showcasing his technical ability emerged online.

The Reds eventually secured a third-place finish in the Premier League last season, putting together a strong end to the campaign to guarantee Champions League football at Anfield in 2021/22.

Thiago was arguably his team’s standout player during a 10-game run which yielded eight wins and two draws, performing superbly in the middle of the park.

It may not have been a dream first season at Liverpool for the 30-year-old, but by the end of the campaign, he appeared back to his best.

Thiago is now on Euro 2020 duty with Spain, looking to have a huge impact at a major international tournament this summer.

On Saturday, footage emerged [via @FootballJOE on Twitter] of the midfielder volleying long balls to a team-mate in training and producing outrageous touches when receiving passes from the other side of the pitch.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-4/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans hail Thiago brilliance

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to laud Thiago, with one Kopite labelling him a “baller”.

“My midfielder is better than your midfielder”

Credit: @josh_lfc5

“Class”

Credit: @lefooteen

“Modern art”

Credit: @Jossy10101

“Baller”

Credit: @andycarr92

“The half volley is pure pleasure to the eyes”

Credit: @bunt_doc

“That is absurd…”

Credit: @mattkinkladze

In other news, some Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to sign a Premier League star this summer. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United are just one point away from sealing a place in the Europa League next season.

It has been one phenomenal turnaround in fortunes for the east Londoners under David Moyes. After steering them clear of relegation with one game to spare last campaign, the Irons have soared into the top half of the table and were largely in the running for a top four berth until recently.

Injuries seriously hampered their chances of beating some big names to fourth place, but the Scotsman still deserves plenty of credit.

The 58-year-old’s shrewd business in the transfer market has played a major role, and there isn’t a better case in point than Tomas Soucek, who has quickly established himself as one of the most commanding box-to-box midfielders in the Premier League.

David Sullivan, David Gold and the rest of the Hammers hierarchy have really struck gold with the 26-year-old sensation.

In January 2020, Moyes made the decision to sign the relatively unknown Czech Republic international on an initial six-month loan deal, which contained a €21m (£18m) option to buy. That was duly triggered and West Ham have never looked back since.

Upon Soucek’s arrival at the London Stadium, Moyes waxed lyrical about his credentials, telling the club’s official website: “I think that he gives us a lot of different qualities, but most importantly he fits the profile of the player we want to bring to the Club. He is young and hungry but with an established pedigree and proven talent.

“He was captain of Slavia Prague, he’s played as a defensive midfielder but he’s scored a lot of goals as an attacking midfielder as well. At the moment he ticks a lot of boxes.”

Indeed, Moyes has not been wrong as Soucek’s transfer value has already soared to £36m, as per Transfermarkt, which is double what West Ham paid for him. This has come down to his impressive and consistent performances on the pitch.

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

Speaking about the midfielder’s first full season in the English top flight, former Hammers striker Marlon Harewood handed Soucek a glowing endorsement. During an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, he said: “Yeah, best signing of the season by far and he’s got everything. His stats say everything really when you compare them to anyone else in the league.”

It is hard to disagree with such claims, and that only further reinforces how the Irons have struck a dream deal with the 33-time international.

As per Transfermarkt, Soucek has delivered 13 goals in 53 appearances, despite often playing in a deeper midfield role alongside Declan Rice. His 6 foot 4 frame has seen him top the charts this season for aerial duels won per game (6.1) and he’s not too far behind for tackles (2.1 per game) and interceptions (1.6 per game), via WhoScored.

He is the only Irons player to feature from start to finish in every league game (barring a token minute after he was sent off in stoppage time against Fulham, a red card which was later rescinded), while he ranks first for duels contested and second for blocks by a midfielder in the league.

Soucek’s recent outings have led former Everton winger Yannick Bolasie to question why he isn’t being named in many pundits’ ‘Team of the Season’, as he tweeted: “How I’m not seeing Soucek in any teams of the season is a madness….the guy’s been unplayable.”

Such form has led to inevitable interest from some of the European giants, including current Champions League holders Bayern Munich, according to TEAMtalk.

Either way, the Irons are either going to keep hold of his lucrative talents for the next few seasons, or they will make mega profit on his signature. It’s a win-win, and everyone at the club deserves credit.

What a signing he has been.

AND in other news, Moyes must land 6 ft 4 forward who’s “out of this world”, it won’t cost GSB a penny…

Tottenham Hotspur are tracking Ismaila Soro ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports this week…

What’s the word?

The Daily Mail claim that Spurs are seeking reinforcements ahead of next season but will have to do so under a restricted budget, so the Celtic powerhouse could be an appealing target.

Soro cost the Hoops around £2.7m from Israeli outfit Bnei Yehuda in January, though he had found game time hard to come by under Neil Lennon, who was sacked back in February.

The next Kante?

The 22-year-old midfielder has been impressive when given the chance, despite only making 21 appearances at Parkhead since his arrival.

Soro’s former coach, Ori Guttman, believes the 5 foot 8 dynamo can become a future star and has made a stark comparison to N’Golo Kante due to their similar playing styles.

Speaking to The Scottish Sun, he said: “When I saw Soro I was immediately excited. From the first second I noticed his explosive power,” revealed Yehuda’s no.2.

“Soro was like a star in the sky which exploded and it was only a matter of time before he’d move and how much the club would earn from him.

“Now he reminds me of N’Golo Kante at Chelsea. Kante maybe doesn’t look like he’s strong, but he is. He wins most duels and tackles. Soro does the same and wins the battles too. Both are good at dribbling with the ball. Neither of them score a lot of goals. They need creative guys alongside them in midfield. So they are alike in that way.”

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

That’s hardly a surprise as Soro himself claims he has modelled his game on the diminutive Chelsea star. “They will see the same type of player as Kante,” the Ivorian explained to supporters. “To me, he is the model. He’s a player who never lets go, he has that never say die attitude I love.”

His lofty personal endorsement has somewhat rung true in the SPFL this term, as he’s averaged three tackles and 2.1 interceptions per 90 minutes, which ranks him amongst Celtic’s most industrious options, via WhoScored.

Soro also has similar capabilities on the ball, managing 1.3 successful dribbles per 90, too.

All in all, he could become an intriguing option alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in Spurs’ engine room, whoever becomes Jose Mourinho’s successor ahead of next season.

Even though there is a vast difference between the Scottish top-flight and the Premier League, the Bhoys monster stacks up well compared to Hojbjerg’s current midfield partners.

He’s averaging more tackles than all of them, Hojbjerg (2.7) included. And is clear for interceptions, too. Whilst for ability on the ball, he’s ahead of the likes of Moussa Sissoko (one), Harry Winks (0.1) and Giovani Lo Celso (0.7), as per WhoScored.

Meanwhile, the likes of Virgil van Dijk, John McGinn and Spurs’ own Victor Wanyama are proven examples that the SPFL can be a happy hunting ground for Premier League teams looking to bolster their squad on a shoestring budget.

On that basis, just imagine Soro and Hojbjerg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season – Levy must sanction a swoop for what could be the next Kante.

AND in other news, Levy hiring “genius” boss could spell the end for “lazy” Spurs star…

Celtic must be willing to break their transfer record this summer to land a ‘top-drawer’ striker.

That’s according to former Hoops midfielder Murdo MacLeod, speaking to The Sunday Post.

The lowdown

Celtic could be set to lose Odsonne Edouard this summer. The 82-goal Frenchman is about to enter the final year of his contract and, according to Football Insider, is intent upon leaving Parkhead regardless of who is appointed manager.

Celtic paid £9.27m to sign Edouard from Paris-Saint Germain in 2018 and that remains their record outlay.

One of the players with whom they have been linked as a possible replacement for the 23-year-old is Young Boys’ Jean-Pierre Nsame, who has scored 25 goals in 40 appearances this season.

The Cameroonian is valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt but could be the subject of a bidding war, with TEAMtalk reporting that Newcastle United, Southampton and West Ham United are all in the race for the 28-year-old.

The latest

MacLeod, who played for Celtic between 1978 and 1987, says that the club’s striker recruitment strategy has failed them up to this point.

He told The Sunday Post: “In the past seven or eight years Celtic brought in a number of strikers that cost around the £2m mark,” he said.

“One or two of them were very good but too many of them didn’t hold up.

“That’s why they need to get it right this summer and if that means breaking their transfer record then that’s what they have to do.

“But I know that is easier said than done. It’s up to the manager and his scouting staff to source someone out of the top drawer.”

The verdict

It’s pretty alarming that four of Celtic’s top five record signings were recruited between 1999 and 2002 – Chris Sutton, John Hartson, Eyal Berkovic and Neil Lennon – and it would certainly be a welcome statement of intent if the club splashed out on an eight-figure centre-forward signing.

However, it’s not always about breaking the bank, and sometimes subtlety can be rewarded. Let’s not forget that Celtic picked up Moussa Dembele on a free transfer, and he went on to net 51 goals in 94 appearances.

If Edouard does move on, though, MacLeod is right in saying that the process of identifying his replacement will be critical, given the scoring burden they would be required to fill.

In other news, Stephen McGowan claims that Celtic could sign this rising star for just £1.2m.

It may be a controversial call to make, but Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa must surely consider moving on from Liam Cooper, starting with today’s Premier League final day clash against West Brom.

The captain has been an ever-present for Bielsa’s side this season in the Premier League when he’s been available, making 24 appearances.

However, in recent weeks and months, the Whites have had a glimpse of a future without the skipper holding down the defence and, to their credit, they have done quite well without him. Indeed, in the 13 games for which he hasn’t taken to the field, they’ve won five times, drawn four and lost just four.

Their memorable win over Manchester City last month came after the Scotland international was sent off at the Etihad Stadium, his team-mates digging out a 2-1 victory in his absence.

While the £25,000-a-week defender, who will turn 30 this summer, is hardly close to joining the retirement home, Leeds have the perfect blend of quality and youth in their centre-back options. The likes of Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk, not to mention Leif Davis and Charlie Cresswell from the academy, are all very much players who have their best years ahead of them.

Struijk in particular has grown exponentially this season, with the £6.3m-rated powerhouse becoming a massive presence at the back and earning huge praise from former Leeds striker Noel Whelan, who said: “I thought he was phenomenal at the back. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this kid. He went through a stage of playing in Kalvin’s role but that was the wrong choice by Bielsa for me. He is a centre-half all day long. You can see him growing in that position.

Those sentiments were echoed by another ex-Whites player in Dominic Matteo, who added: “He reads the game a lot better than he’s credited for. He’ll get even better too. Struijk is one to look out for.

“There’s plenty of work to be done but, with the size of him, his physicality, his passing, he’s got it all and can step into midfield. He looks very calm on the ball, players who are a bit erratic are not for me but he looks comfortable in possession.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

With Leeds being linked with a move for another centre-back this summer in the form of Sampdoria’s Omar Colley, it just goes to show that Bielsa is keen on rejuvenating the back-line.

Today’s clash against West Brom offers the Argentine the perfect chance to embrace the future without Cooper in the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a move for this South American starlet…

According to a report by German news outlet Sport Bild, as relayed by Sport Witness, long time Tottenham Hotspur target Marcel Sabitzer will listen to proposals from elsewhere before even thinking about signing a new deal at RB Leipzig – and he particularly wants ‘to look for offers from England’.

Sabitzer has been on Spurs’ transfer radar since last summer, with talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook saying Daniel Levy and co were ‘looking to pull off a coup’ back in August 2020.

Sabitzer boost emerges for Spurs

Links haven’t died down since then and Sport Bild now provide an update on the 27-year-old Bundesliga star and his possible move to north London.

They claim that the Austrian’s priority is to ‘look for offers from England’ before even considering a new contract at RB Leipzig – gifting Spurs and Levy a transfer boost as they reportedly aim to snap him up.

Reliable sources, like football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, say Tottenham do indeed want Sabitzer this summer – especially considering he is out of contract in 2022 as it stands.

Transfer Tavern take

This could hand Levy more negotiating wiggle room as Leipzig risk losing him for nothing at the end of next season.

As a result, this news from Sport Bild comes as a boost for Spurs – but a caveat in the report details that a ‘turnaround is possible’ on the new RB Leipzig deal if Sabitzer doesn’t receive an ‘interesting’ offer.

Lilywhites fans, as a result, may be hoping that a fitting proposal is tabled and Tottenham take advantage of his current stance.

In other news: Tottenham touted as possible move for ‘extraordinary’ star, find out more here.