All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United could ‘probably’ persuade Tottenham Hotspur to part with Cameron Carter-Vickers for ‘even less’ than £5m.

That’s according to former Leeds United, Coventry City and Middlesbrough striker Noel Whelan, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

The outlet reported last week that Newcastle had moved ahead of Scottish giants Celtic in the race to sign the defender. The Magpies apparently want to sign a centre-back this summer, and the ‘young and affordable’ Carter-Vickers fits their criteria.

Carter-Vickers spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Bournemouth, his sixth temporary spell away from Spurs after previous stints at Luton Town, Stoke City, Swansea City, Ipswich Town and Sheffield United (via Transfermarkt).

The American defender started 23 Championship matches last term, averaging 2.8 successful aerial duels, one tackle, 1.1 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per match for the Cherries (via WhoScored).

Spurs have exercised their right to extend Carter-Vickers’ contract by a further 12 months (via Football London), but that seemed to be motivated by ensuring that it didn’t run out this summer and leave him open to departing for free.

The latest

Whelan believes that it makes a great deal of sense for Spurs to cash in on the 23-year-old, so long as they recoup their investment. He told Football Insider:

“He’s not going to make the grade in the Premier League with Tottenham but he’ll also be on big wages.

“It makes sense to try and get a player out of the club permanently, no matter what that is. Get him off the wage bill and recoup what they’ve already paid.

“£5million would probably do that I would have thought, possibly even less. Then Tottenham would have freed up some wages in a position where they can strengthen as well.”

The verdict

Carter-Vickers represents a decent alternative to fellow Magpies defensive target Kristoffer Ajer. Newcastle have been ‘heavily linked’ with the Celtic man having watched him since 2019, but they may have fallen behind other clubs in the race for his signature (via Chronicle Live).

If Newcastle’s transfer budget is as low as has been reported, striking a deal for Carter-Vickers for the kind of price Whelan mentions could be regarded as pretty sensible, although Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo – another name mentioned in connection with the Magpies – could be a viable alternative.

In other news, Lee Ryder reveals that one Newcastle youngster is set to be loaned out.  

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur have spoken with former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Lowdown: Spurs in manager hunt, still…

It’s been over two months since Spurs opted to sack former boss Jose Mourinho and the Lilywhites are still yet to make an official announcement over his replacement.

In the last fortnight alone, the Lilywhites have been in successive managerial talks with both Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso.

New managing director Fabio Paratici has been given the tough first task of finally appointing a new boss at Tottenham but the candidate list is growing more and more thin.

The Latest: Spurs have spoken with Nuno…

Subtly dropping a Tottenham Hotspur claim when giving an update on Crystal Palace’s own managerial situation, the Mail claim that Spurs have in fact already spoken with Nuno over the role.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-2/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The 47-year-old has emerged as a possible prime target for Tottenham in recent days with Alasdair Gold understanding he is someone who Paratici likes very much.

talkSPORT reporter Ian Abrahams also says that it is a two-horse race between both Nuno and Brighton boss Graham Potter.

It is now claimed that Palace offered the Portuguese a role at Selhurst Park only for him to ‘then speak to Everton and Tottenham’.

The Verdict: Ideal candidate?

Nuno arguably comes as the ideal remaining candidate amid the difficult search for a new boss.

Non-international Spurs players return for pre-season training on July 5 and the Lilywhites need a new manager in before that time.

While the Mail doesn’t reveal how those talks went with Nuno, Lilywhites supporters could be hoping they made some progress, especially considering he has been called a ‘genius’ and mentioned alongside the likes of Marcelo Bielsa (Matt Murray to This is Futbol).

He also once wowed Mourinho himself, with the ex-Spurs boss telling football.london that Nuno doesn’t get enough praise for his job at Wolves whilst lauding his ‘really, really amazing work’ at Molineux.

In other news: ‘He has already contacted’…Journalist makes big Tottenham claim involving Paratici, find out more here.

Adama Traore and Daniel Podence are two Wolves players who could really benefit from Bruno Lage’s arrival, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Following Nuno Espirito Santo’s departure at the end of last season, Lage was appointed as the new Wolves manager.

The ex-Benfica boss prefers a 4-4-2 formation, which is in contrast to Nuno, who favours a 3-4-3.

It means Wolves could be using more traditional wingers this upcoming season as opposed to wing-backs, and Hatfield thinks that could really suit the likes of £18m man Traore, and £17m star Podence.

“If you’re playing out-and-out wingers, I think it may suit them a bit better,” the Wolves journalist told TT.

“Traore was a player who was kind of tried out in a couple different positions at pretty much every club he’s been at. They played him at wing-back a couple times and you’re asking him to do a lot of defensive work.

“Podence probably struggled at the back end of last season. I think a lot of fans were getting a little bit frustrated with him. In a 4-4-2, which Lage has been known to play, it could be interesting to see how they do.”

Indeed, in a 4-4-2 with less defensive responsibilities, the likes of Traore and Podence really could thrive.

The former, in particular, is such a gifted individual, able to beat defenders like it is nothing. In the Premier League last term, he averaged 4.1 dribbles per game, more than any other player (via WhoScored).

As an out-and-out winger, hugging the touchline, he should be able to express that sort of talent on a more consistent basis.

Everton are reportedly in a race with a Premier League rival to sign Rafael Leao in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Back-up striker needed

The Goodison Park club certainly need a reliable back-up striker to ease the burden on Dominic Calvert-Lewin when it comes to goals.

The England international was the Toffees’ top scorer in all competitions last season with 21, and while Richarlison scored 13 (Transfermarkt), he often plays on the wing to accommodate Calvert-Lewin.

Given that the futures of Moise Kean and Cenk Tosun are uncertain as well, as they were both sent out on loan over the past year, the Toffees really do need to think about signing a new centre-forward.

The Latest: Everton eye Leao

As per Calciomercato, both Everton and Wolves are interested in signing Leao, and AC Milan would be willing to let him go if they can recoup what they paid for him, reported by the news outlet as €28m (£24.1m).

Marseille are also said to be interested in his signature as Milan look to sell the 22-year-old in order to help fund other targets.

The Verdict: Sign Leao

It is clear that Everton need to sign another striker, and Leao could perfectly complement Calvert-Lewin with his added pace and willingness to run in behind.

The Portugal youth international has previously been compared to both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, and at just 22 years of age, still has the potential to reach the very top of the game.

Everton would get one over their divisional rivals Wolves by signing him, as he could well be the key for them qualifying for European competition in 2022 considering the Toffees’ lack of goals compared to other top-half Premier League clubs last term.

In other news, find out what managerial update has left these Toffees fans buzzing!

As Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial situation rumbles on, another name has emerged in the running…

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet Il Messaggero, Lazio are becoming increasingly concerned that former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is holding out for the vacant Spurs job.

It’s thought that the 62-year-old is close to replacing Simone Inzaghi at the Stadio Olimpico but there are worries that he is stalling in case Daniel Levy approaches him with an offer to return to the Premier League.

Spurs have now gone seven weeks without a manager and at the end of last week, the North Londoners suffered yet another blow with Antonio Conte seemingly ruled out of the running, as per the Telegraph.

An unmitigated disaster

Whilst Sarri could be considered a high-calibre candidate, having won a Serie A title and a Europa League, he is far from what the Lilywhites chairman is apparently looking for.

Levy is said to be after an attack-minded head coach that is committed to developing the club’s promising youngsters, something that led to serious concerns on Spurs’ part over Conte’s credentials.

Many in N17 will remember Sarri from his time at Chelsea. He may have delivered success on the European stage but he failed to win over fans and certainly struggled to progress several of their key prospects.

The supporters frequently turned against their manager, with chants of “we want Sarri out” and “you don’t know what you’re doing” being heard during a victory over Cardiff City.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-manager-gossip-transfer-rumours-team-and-injury-updates-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, team and injury updates and more!”]

He was hardly a popular figure in the dressing room, either. It reached such a boiling point that third-choice goalkeeper Rob Green had to confront him in front of the entire squad, as he revealed to The Athletic.

“I just spelled it out. I told him, ‘You have no plan B. You’re a transactional kind of manager. The players in the group are not the kind to speak to you like this — they care very much but are scared to say something to you like I am. I don’t care because what are you going to do — drop me!?’”

Similarly, there was a saga over Callum Hudson-Odoi, who had impressed in pre-season and in the Europa League under the Italian aged just 18, yet he wasn’t given much of a chance in the top-flight.

That would certainly go against Levy’s desire to develop players like Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon who are both set to return from their respective loan spells this summer.

Furthermore, following Jose Mourinho’s sacking, there were claims suggesting that the Portuguese had “sucked the culture out of the club” and that isn’t something that’ll be fixed by Sarri as he’s so set in his ways.

Ex-Blues defender Mario Melchiot once dubbed him “very stubborn” to talkSPORT after an FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, whilst AS (via Football Italia) sensationally reported that the 62-year-old had lost the dressing room and his relationship with many big stars was ‘irreconcilable.’

This was also something Noel Whelan alluded to when speaking about links to the Italian. He claimed to Football Insider:

“No, I don’t think that’s the right appointment. I really don’t. No. That’s not the way Tottenham need to go. He’s another personality who would clash with the players. You need to look at the man-management side of things now.”

Again, that’s another reason behind Mourinho’s departure.

All in all, a move for Sarri would surely be an unmitigated disaster for Spurs. There’s nothing to suggest that he’s the right man for the club, especially if they had doubts over the trophy-laden Conte, who arguably was the best candidate out there.

Levy must avoid the Chelsea flop at all costs – maybe he should try and find someone that’s not taken the helm at Stamford Bridge this time?

AND in other news, Journalist reveals fresh twist in Spurs’ manager search that’ll have fans BUZZING…

Manchester United must swoop for Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria this summer as they look to secure their first Premier League title since 2013.

What’s the story?

The 24-year-old appears to be available as the upcoming transfer window approaches after failing to agree terms on a new deal with his current club.

Zakaria’s contract is set to expire after next season’s conclusion and could, therefore, be available at a reduced price over the coming months.

While United haven’t been linked with a move for the Switzerland international, The Athletic have highlighted him as someone Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should be looking to sign, and they’re absolutely right to do so.

Manchester United must swoop

United undoubtedly progressed on the pitch in 2020/21, but the lack of silverware and a 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City tells its own story.

With their domestic rivals already making moves in the transfer market, acquiring some quality additions will be vital if the Old Trafford outfit are to continue moving forwards.

One area of particular weakness is the defensive midfield role. While Scott McTominay and Fred have filled in admirably in that position, neither man is naturally suited to the demands it requires.

Solskjaer has often opted for a combination of the two men in a double pivot for added protection, but bringing in one star who can do it on his own will free up an attacking midfielder to roam forwards and play closer to the opposition goal.

However, with United appearing to prioritise a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho in a deal that is expected to reach the £80 million mark, they may be shopping on a budget when it comes to a holding midfielder.

West Ham United’s Declan Rice had been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past, although the financial effect of the ongoing pandemic means the Red Devils are unlikely to be able to afford both young English aces this summer.

Therefore, a move for Zakaria would make perfect sense for Solskjaer, especially with Paul Pogba’s contract set to expire in just 12 months’ time.

In fact, in recent weeks, United’s Frenchman has been touted with an exit from Old Trafford this summer, with reports suggesting that the club will be looking to sell if he doesn’t sign a new contract to extend his stay.

The highly-rated Zakaria meanwhile has impressed throughout his time with Monchengladbach, earning praise from former manager Marco Rose.

“He is a very complete footballer who still has a lot of development potential,” revealed the American tactician.

“He has incredible dynamics, understanding of the game and is not yet at the end of his development.”

Although his current market value is £27m (as per Transfermarkt), United could negotiate that price down and secure themselves a bargain, meaning the club’s hierarchy must swoop for Zakaria as Solskjaer looks to return the club to its former glories.

And, in other news…Man Utd dealt major transfer blow over “amazing” £43m “leader”, Ole will be gutted 

While Barbados’ youth cricketers have a busy schedule, the senior team continues to have a lengthy break ahead of their final two Red Stripe Bowl preliminary matches

22-Aug-2002While Barbados’ youth cricketers have a busy schedule, the senior team continues to have a lengthy break ahead of their final two Red Stripe Bowl preliminary matches.After completing a second successive victory on Sunday, they are now at the half-way stage of a four-day day break before winding down the first phase of the competition with back-to-back matches on Friday and Saturday."We would probably rather be playing again on Wednesday or Thursday," said team coach Hendy Springer."But seeing that we have got that break, we will `relax’ for a couple of days, have a few pool sessions, fielding sessions, one or two knock-arounds early in the week and then intensify preparations coming onto the game."Sessions in the pool at the Knutsford Court Hotel, Springer added, would help eliminate any stiffness.While Springer conceded that the schedule was not exactly ideal, he said the long break was not anything negative."It will just give guys a chance to recuperate from these two games and keep firing again."Barbados, who are almost assured of a place in the semifinals after beating University of the West Indies by 102 runs and the Leewards XI by 193 runs, face St Vincent and the Grenadines at Chedwin Park on Friday and meet Jamaica the following day at Sabina Park in a clash that is likely to determine the Zone `A’ winners.

With a host of first-team regulars set to become free agents over the coming months, serious injuries to young stars mounting up and Wilfried Zaha leaving the door open to a summer exit once again, the task facing Roy Hodgson’s successor at Crystal Palace is already mounting up.

The Eagles’ chairman Steve Parish is expected to provide some funds in order to rebuild large sections of the playing squad, but it’s still expected to be a precarious time for the south London outfit as they enter the post-Hodgson era.

However, one man who could help Palace enjoy a smooth transitional period is already at the club. Jean-Philippe Mateta arrived on an 18-month loan deal with an option to buy back in January, although he failed to find his best form at Selhurst Park in 2020/21.

After impressing at parent club Mainz in the Bundesliga, bagging seven goals in 15 league appearances for the relegation-threatened outfit, Mateta earned himself a move to the Premier League, and big things were expected of the 23-year-old.

Despite his sizeable reputation and Palace’s mediocre form, the former France Under-21 international found himself restricted to just two starts in England’s top-flight in the second half of the recently-concluded campaign.

Mateta only managed to score a solitary goal in his 218 minutes of Premier League action under Hodgson, but his impressive performances at Mainz suggests that whoever replaces the former England boss could have a serious talent at their disposal.

With Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend amongst the players approaching the end of their current contracts at Selhurst Park, and Chelsea loanee Michy Batshuayi expected to return to his parent club, a gaping void in the capital club’s forward line is set to appear ahead of next season.

If the new Palace boss can unlock Mateta’s potential and extract the sort of displays that earned him a move to England in the first place, then life without their old guard will be something the club’s supporters can look forward to rather than fear.

He has the ability to become the Eagles’ new poster boy but he’s yet to be given a fair chance in south London. The next Palace regime must be brave enough to unleash the £13.5-rated beast (as per Transfermarkt) next season.

And, in other news…48% win rate: Parish could revive CPFC by hiring “unbelievable” Hodgson successor 

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is set to face a major transfer battle in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from journalist Alan Nixon, the Magpies have got their eye on the 21-year-old starlet, with the midfielder having spent the previous campaign on loan at fellow Premier League side West Brom.

Now, The Daily Mail claim that while Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to take a look at him before making any decision, Crystal Palace are keen to sign him right now.

Imagine him and Willock

If Bruce can get a deal over the line for Willock, then partnering him with Gallagher in the middle of the park could be the start of a dream midfield duo for Newcastle next season in the Premier League.

Despite not making too many waves in his time back at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher has been widely praised during his loan spells, with former Charlton boss Lee Bowyer even calling the £26m-rated midfielder a “jewel” that was “impossible to replace.”

And during his time at Swansea last year, Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews lauded the “unbelievable” energy Gallagher possesses, even comparing him to Chelsea icon Frank Lampard.

He said: “But the one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

While two goals and two assists in the Premier League with West Brom last season is hardly anything to write home about, the Magpies wouldn’t need him to be a real goal threat if Willock were to put pen to paper on a permanent deal.

Gallagher could sit a touch deeper and break into the box from time to time rather than as the “classic no.8”, and be more of a destructive presence in the engine room – his 2.7 tackles per game in the top-flight actually ranked him in the top ten of the entire Premier League.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/newcastle-united-steve-bruce-premier-league-magpies-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-st-james-park-mike-ashley-takeover-pif” title=”Read the latest Newcastle transfer rumours and news!”]

With Willock’s dynamism and eye for goal, and Gallagher’s energy and bite, Newcastle could have a superb midfield duo that compliment each other well.

Meanwhile, this man would be Newcastle’s best striker since Alan Shearer…

For the business end of the season, Liverpool relied on Ozan Kabak, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams at the heart of their defence to help them qualify for the Champions League. However, Jurgen Klopp must sign a new centre back to be competitive next season, according to former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell.

Phillips, who has been a rock at the back since being handed a regular run of games since February, has been linked with a move away this summer with Liverpool unable to guarantee him the game time he requires.

There have been reports suggesting that Liverpool are set to sign Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig this summer, with the young Frenchman either able to play as a right-back or centre back after helping guide the Bundesliga side to a second-place finish.

This season was a freak one for Liverpool with all the injuries and centre backs pairings they had to use but Klopp can’t take the risk of it happening again so he must sign a new centre back in the summer, according to Jewell, who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“Van Dijk is arguably the best centre back in the world so any team would miss him and Gomez complements him well. It’s quite interesting because Liverpool lost their two centre-backs, but have struggled to score goals.

“It’s been quite a bizarre season really but even when they get those two back fit, I still think they need another centre back if they’re going to challenge next year.”

Liverpool’s main man at the back, Virgil van Dijk, has decided to not participate in the European Championships this summer, as he wants to focus on being ready for the start of next season with Klopp’s side eager to regain their Premier League crown.

It took a final day victory against Crystal Palace in front of 10,000 fans at Anfield to secure Liverpool’s spot in the Champions League next year and despite their struggles, they ended up finishing third.