All posts by h716a5.icu

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes his old side should be looking at Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia when the transfer window opens in the summer.

Buendia, who was linked with a big-money move to Arsenal back in January with the Canaries said to value him at £50m, has been in stunning form this campaign, spearheading Daniel Farke’s attack alongside the deadly Teemu Pukki.

He has reached double figures for both goals and assists, registering 10 and 12 respectively in what has been an extremely positive season for the 24-year-old and Norwich.

Indeed, Buendia has been a real source of creativity in this Canaries team, something that has not gone unnoticed.

“Buendia from Norwich, he’s one that I would certainly have a big push on,” Hendrie told FFC in an exclusive interview. “He’s creative and scores goals, he’s a player that I feel would be a fabulous addition to Aston Villa. So the two players out of the Championship [David Brooks and Buendia], they’re two I’d certainly have my eyes on.”

Villa could certainly do with some added invention going into next season, with Dean Smith’s side lacking ideas when Jack Grealish is unavailable. While he has been sidelined due to an injury, the Villans have managed to pick up just one win from their last five Premier League fixtures.

Former referee Keith Hackett has described Marcelo Bielsa’s act of sportsmanship against Aston Villa as ‘absolutely remarkable’.

Bielsa has been an incredible manager for Leeds United, becoming a true hero to the fans and guiding the Whites back into the Premier League.

He has great respect from other managers around him and he has been the catalyst for arguably the best period in Leeds’ recent history.

Back in 2018/19, Bielsa’s sporting side came to the fore as Leeds came up against Aston Villa in a crucial Championship clash. The Whites manager allowed Villa to walk the ball into net after his team had unfairly scored at the other end, earning him the FIFA Fair Play award in 2019.

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Hackett hails Bielsa’s sportsmanship

One ex-referee who was clearly impressed by Bielsa’s decision was Hackett, who recently told MOT Leeds News all about his respect for the Argentine:

“I thought it was absolutely remarkable. We had Arsenal v Sheffield United in the FA Cup if you remember, when there was a player injured and play went on. Eventually, they replayed that game thanks to Arsene Wenger.

“I thought it was a magnanimous act that really shows the passion of Bielsa, a passion for fairness. I think they gave Paolo Di Canio an award for what he did and it was good that Leeds were given the same recognition by FIFA.

“It could have developed into a really difficult scenario for the referee. The players were unhappy and I think he probably prevented an escalation of the problem.

“It was an act that was good for the game. I think the referee made a mistake in that game and should have found a reason to stop it. You’ve got to apply common sense.”

Transfer Tavern take

It was an amazing moment which summed up why Bielsa is loved by so many, with his human side coming through rather than just the football obsessive.

Other managers could easily have said “tough luck” to the opposition, but the Leeds boss showed with this gesture that he is a classy individual, as Hackett has suggested, and it earned him immediate respect in the English game.

In other news, a pundit believes this is a huge few months for one Leeds player – find out who it is here.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has talked up a potential Liverpool move for Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller this summer.

Jurgen Klopp may be on the lookout for reinforcements at the end of the season, ensuring that the Reds’ squad is even more formidable in 2021/22. While Liverpool have Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota to call upon in the final third, another attacking addition has not been ruled out.

In fact, Bayern legend Muller has hinted at a possible move to Anfield in the summer as he potentially looks for a fresh challenge at the age of 31.

Robinson discusses Liverpool’s potential move for Muller

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson claimed that the German could be a ‘top class’ signing by Liverpool, should Klopp be interested in snapping him up. He said:

“It (his comments) opens the door on a move to Liverpool or anywhere else in the Premier League.

“Bayern Munich are fantastic and dominate the German league but the majority of players hold aspirations of playing in the Premier League at some point in their career.

“Players know that it is the fastest, strongest, best league in the world. It is the toughest league in the world and every player would want to play in the Premier League at some point.

“Muller has had an unbelievable career and he is a top class player.

“He could not come here for his swan song though, if you do you will get found out very quickly. Muller would need to be at the peak of his powers.”

Transfer Tavern take

Muller would be an intriguing signing by Liverpool, but considering he turns 32 in September, it would be a surprise if he headed to Merseyside, given Klopp’s preference for acquiring the services of younger players and improving them.

The forward’s pedigree is undeniable, however, having scored 212 goals for Bayern during a trophy-laden career which includes nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions League crowns.

In other news, some Liverpool fans were critical of one player’s performance in the 3-0 win over Arsenal. Find out who it is here.

Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe has seemed to have taken a hit in recent days.

Reports had suggested that a deal for the former Bournemouth boss would be announced this week, however, that hasn’t come to fruition.

Howe’s representative moved to play down an imminent move to Parkhead on Wednesday, revealing the 43-year-old has no plans to return to the dugout until the summer.

Nixon replies to Howe-related tweet

Well-known reporter Alan Nixon, who writes for The Sun, has now responded to a question on Twitter, where he was asked what has changed for Howe and a move to Glasgow.

Nixon replied:

“A lot of panic over an anonymous quote… if he’s playing games to get his own men in that’s a risk… if he’s a bottler you’re better off finding that out now.”

Transfer Tavern take

Nixon’s comment ‘playing games to get his own men in’ is likely related to Richard Hughes.

Celtic want to bring in a director of football ahead of the summer, and it seems as if Howe wants to take Hughes (Daily Record) from Bournemouth.

Whether or not that is a deal-breaker remains to be seen, but it appears as if both the Hoops and Howe are reluctant to rush negotiations.

To us, that is the right decision, based on the fact Neil Lennon was offered the permanent Parkhead job in the shower back in 2019.

A more professional approach is underway this time around, which, in the long run, should be beneficial.

In other news: Celtic could release one experienced player this summer, find out who it is here. 

According to recent reports, Glasgow Rangers have been dealt a huge blow to hopes of bringing Jacob Murphy to Ibrox this summer, as sources revealed information concerning the winger’s contract.

The report by Football Insider claims that a Newcastle United source has revealed, contrary to reports his deal is expiring this summer, that Murphy will actually not be available to Rangers on a free transfer.

Indeed, the 26-year-old still has one year remaining on his deal at St. James’ Park.

This will come as a shock, as Steven Gerrard’s side would now have to agree a fee with Newcastle if they wish to land the £25,000-per-week forward this summer, potentially ruling the Ibrox club out of the race to land the former England U21 international on a permanent deal.

It goes without saying that a free transfer would have been far more attainable, so the surprise news that Murphy’s contract is actually 12 months longer than was previously known is certainly a blow.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Murphy currently being valued at £3.15 million by Transfermarkt, a deal for the winger may not be out of financial reach for Rangers, although, with it previously being reported that the 26-year-old would be available for free, the news is likely to come as a blow to Ross Wilson and co.

With Newcastle having paid £10.17 million for Murphy back in 2017, should the Magpies attempt to recoup anywhere near this amount of the winger this summer, it is not a difficult scenario to imagine Rangers turning their attention elsewhere in the transfer market.

In other news: Sources lift lid on ‘strong interest’ in Gerrard; chief executive has link with the Gers boss – find out more here!

According to a report by journalist Nicolo Schira, writing on Twitter, Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy have already made an approach to RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann amid growing pressure on Lilywhites manager Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, as per the reporter, the 33-year-old has been ‘contacted by Tottenham’ over the ‘last weeks’ – with Serie A giants AS Roma also making an approach for Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann contact made by Tottenham

The German has been heavily linked with a possible Spurs appointment if Mourinho is indeed shown the door as other outlets claim he is one of the top candidates on Levy’s shortlist (Daily Record).

Other names linked in the press include Brendan Rodgers, and more recently, Maurizio Sarri – but Schira has now shared news of Tottenham’s recent contact with Nagelsmann as Bundesliga side Bayern Munich also contemplate a move.

It is claimed by the journalist that Bayern ‘will choose’ the exciting Leipzig coach when current boss Hans-Dieter Flick replaces Joachim Low at the helm of the German national team.

Nagelsmann is also apparently ‘waiting’ for the German giants, but that allegedly hasn’t stopped Spurs from making an approach in the last weeks according to Schira.

Transfer Tavern take

Leipzig starlet Tyler Adams, speaking to ESPN recently (via Bundesliga), heralded his manager as a ‘fearless coach’ – meanwhile goalkeeper turned journalist Lutz Pfannenstiel dubbed Nagelsmann the ‘most exciting coaching talent in Europe’ (DAZN).

Still in contention for a league title this season, Nagelsmann has arguably worked wonders with this RB side and it’s little wonder he is on the managerial radar of clubs across Europe.

Without a doubt, in our opinion, he should be the number one coaching target for Levy if Mourinho is given his marching orders.

In other news: Tottenham still in the race for this 6 foot 2 ‘phenomenon’, find out more here.

Massimiliano Allegri has quickly emerged as a potential candidate to replace Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur this summer…

What’s the word?

Having been linked to the job back in March, when the Portuguese ace was still at the helm, the former Juventus boss is a name that has cropped up since the sacking earlier this week.

Sky Sports have claimed that the 53-year-old is ‘a big-name option available’ whilst football.london have also included him in a list of potential options to consider.

Allegri has been out of work since 2019, following his sixth Serie A triumph and fifth at the Allianz Stadium.

Levy in dreamland

If it’s trophies that chairman Daniel Levy wants to bring back to north London, then he shouldn’t look too much further than Allegri, given he has also claimed four Coppa Italias, too.

Mourinho was brought in to do just that, so it’s hard to imagine that has changed too much now, especially with the club in the Carabao Cup final this week.

Juventus built a reputation as being one of the most dominant forces across Europe under his tenure, making a huge impact defensively, which is where Spurs have certainly struggled this term.

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Defensive mistakes and individual errors have been the smoking gun of their downfall and that’s hardly a surprise given the fact that Mourinho had used over 16 different combinations in his backline since the start of 2020/21.

Allegri’s versatility to play and adapt in multiple systems, including a 3-5-2, 4-3-3, and 4-2-3-1, allowed the Zebras to become rock-solid defensively as all formations incorporated the sort of holding role that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has often been deployed in at Spurs.

On top of a hugely impressive 70% win rate in Turin, he’s even been lauded by Sir Alex Ferguson as an “extraordinary technician,” according to the Daily Mail.

Levy should be even more encouraged by Allegri’s desire to manage in the Premier League, as revealed in an interview with The Times back in December.

Furthermore, the serial winner has heaped praise on the Lilywhites too – speaking to the Telegraph in 2018, Allegri singled out Spurs as “a great side and a great club” when asked about their encounter at Wembley in which Juventus mounted a stunning comeback.

All in all, Allegri would surely be a dream target for Levy – he’s currently unemployed and not tied down, has won plenty of silverware, could fix their biggest problem in defence, and evidently, he’d be proud to be the manager of Spurs.

AND in other news, Spurs must avoid appointing THIS  negative manager as Jose Mourinho’s successor

Manchester City are once again being linked with a move for Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliafico ahead of the summer and he could be exactly what Pep Guardiola needs this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester City, Leeds United and Inter are all on ‘red alert’ after Ajax revealed they would sell the Argentinian international for just £13m this summer.

The report suggests that Ajax are willing to let the defender go due to his commitment to the club in the past, when he has been targeted by top clubs across Europe.

City have regularly been linked with a move for the 28-year-old in the past and it seems as if this summer could finally see them get their man, however, they will have to see off interest from Leeds United, who are touted as an attractive proposition for the defender due to the pulling power of Marcelo Bielsa.

However, it is also suggested that Tagliafico wants a move to a club playing in Europe next season, which will give Guardiola’s side the edge over the Elland Road outfit.

Whilst City have been superb this season, they have played without a natural left-back for much of the campaign.

Both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo have impressed whilst playing there but neither are naturals in that position, whilst Benjamin Mendy has maintained his reputation as a bit-part player in Guardiola’s side.

Therefore, having a solid left-back available, one without the injury problems of Mendy, is certainly something you could argue the Spanish manager needs next season if he wants to improve his side even further.

Certainly, Tagliafico’s performances for Ajax in recent seasons suggest that he would be a quality addition at the Etihad, as this season has seen him average an impressive 7.14 rating for his performances in the Eredivisie, with one goal and three assists to his name in 24 appearances.

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell was full of praise for the defender recently, when discussing his links with Leeds United, saying:

“He is a top-quality player. He’s got lots of experience in the Champions League and on the international stage so I think it would be a smart signing.”

Therefore, given that he is reportedly available for such a relatively small fee, and that he would add quality depth at left-back for City, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely be looking to bring him in this summer.

And, in other news… Guardiola dealt huge blow as “genius” superstar’s agreement edges closer

West Ham have been linked to an array of strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, although there is one name that could be of great appeal to David Moyes…

What’s the word?

Last month, TEAMtalk claimed the Irons were one of several Premier League teams monitoring Barnsley’s loan sensation Daryl Dike and that the Championship outfit could struggle to keep him permanently as a £17m option-to-buy seems out of their financial reach, unless promoted.

Competition for the 20-year-old appears fierce with top-flight giants Manchester United and Chelsea among the sides interested in the Orlando City striker, as well as Everton, Leeds United, Wolves and Newcastle United.

Shades of Yakubu

Over the course of Moyes’ lengthy managerial career, we’ve seen many different types of forward lead his line but there is often a recurring theme as he clearly likes a big, powerful presence up top – you only have to look at Michail Antonio in this current squad and perhaps most famously, Duncan Ferguson at Everton.

At 6 foot 2, Dike fits the bill as another prototype for the 58-year-old to develop into a goalscoring beast in attack. He has been in electric form since joining the Tykes in January, scoring nine Championship goals in just 17 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

His form recently led to former Salford boss Richie Wellens heaping praise on him. He dubbed the striker a “revelation” to Football League World.

The young Orlando gem offers more than just brute force, too. American site SBNation describe him as a ‘physical striker’ who has a ‘delicate touch and high levels of technical ability.’

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Furthermore, his former college coach George Gelnovatch waxed lyrical about his mentality on and off the pitch, he told ESPN: “One of the things about him that nobody ever talks about is relentlessness. He is a relentless competitor, a ruthless guy on the field. You put that inside a body like his, and it’s pretty impressive.”

This all hugely reminiscent of Yakubu, who enjoyed four lucrative seasons under Moyes at Goodison Park, where he found the net 33 times in 107 appearances.

Dike has been compared to Romelu Lukaku, a player the former Everton boss was once desperate to sign, and is also cut from the same cloth as his cousin, Emmanuel Emineke, the former Hammers loanee.

If you throw Yakubu into the mix as those two, then you’ll soon see they are all a similar sort of presence upfront.

He was a natural finish and one that was capable of destroying the opposition with his pace and strength and that’s exactly what Dike seems like in the Championship right now.

Whilst a step-up to the Premier League is a big ask, Moyes would surely relish having a player of that ilk at his disposal, especially when Antonio struggles to play more than 22 matches each season due to injuries.

GSB must make a move for the two-time USA international.

AND in other news, Hammers must still rue Bilic’s 2015 failure to sign “big-game” beast…

Rangers are reportedly taking an interest in Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence ahead of the transfer window and he could prove to be a superb addition to Steven Gerrard’s side this summer, should Ross Wilson be able to get him to Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, Rangers, Everton and Wolves are all keen on the young defender, whilst Tottenham Hotspur have also previously been said to be monitoring him, so it seems clear that his future likely lies away from the Riverside Stadium.

The report suggests that Middlesbrough will be willing to listen to offers in excess of £5m for the 20-year-old, who has two years left on his contract with the Teesside club.

Would he be a good signing?

Spence has been a regular at Middlesbrough for the past two seasons in the Championship, making 65 appearances in total, in which he has contributed two goals and no assists.

This season has seen the defender make 37 appearances in the English second tier, for which he has averaged a less than impressive 6.42 rating for his performances.

However, he is clearly highly rated and he wouldn’t be a first-team regular at that level at 20-years-old if he didn’t have a lot of talent, so he could prove to be a solid addition to Gerrard’s squad this summer.

Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock, who will have seen it all during his long managerial career, was full of praise for Spence recently, saying:

“If you look at one or two of the full-backs that are around now – the lad at Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the lad at Manchester United from Palace (Aaron Wan-Bissaka) – they are all the same type as Djed.

“He does have enormous ability, and when you’ve got ability like that it’s criminal if you don’t get to the very top. But as I said to him in that first couple of weeks, he’ll only have himself to blame if he doesn’t get to the very top.”

If Spence can reach the heights of either Alexander-Arnold or Wan-Bissaka in the future then he would definitely prove to be a worthwhile signing by the Light Blues this summer.

Although Rangers have two quality players competing at right-back in James Tavernier and Nathan Patterson, the £1.8m-rated Spence could add some squad depth ahead of next season and could provide back-up should either get injured.

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We saw this season that, in the absence of Tavernier, Gerrard was forced to call upon the inexperienced Patterson, and while he has proved to be a huge success, that could have easily backfired, so adding another option at right-back ahead of next season would be a sensible move by Ross Wilson, especially if it was one as talented as Spence.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Kamara: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “very good” 22 y/o