All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United have been linked with Adama Traore for some time, and the club might be excited to hear the latest update surrounding the player.

The latest on Traore

According to The Daily Mail, Wolves will listen to offers for Adama Traore in the summer after they knocked back an offer from Leeds in January, but it won’t be easy for the Whites as sides like Manchester City and Barcelona are also being linked.

This is great news for the club

The 25 year-old ‘big talent’, as hailed by Jurgen Klopp, who is valued at £36m (Transfermarkt), is known for his great strength and ability to dribble pace, and such assets could be ideal in a Marcelo Bielsa side.

This season in his 26 appearances in the Premier League (eight from the bench), the Spaniard has managed 1.4 key passes and 4.2 successful dribbles (WhoScored) per game, and his ability to carry the ball forward at tremendous speed and take defenders out of the equation could benefit the fast-flowing Bielsa-ball Leeds fans have become accustomed to – even if his end product hasn’t necessarily been there this term.

It was reported earlier in the season by Graeme Bailey that Leeds Director of Football, Victor Orta, “loves” the winger after previously signing him for Middlesbrough. The link with Orta also helps massively and it would not be surprising to see a move come to fruition in the summer transfer window if he is up for grabs.

In other news, Phil Hay has dropped an injury update on this Leeds star!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee has been discussing the situation of Dele Alli at Tottenham Hotspur.

The former MK Dons man has found himself on the fringes of Jose Mourinho’s squad this season, having made just one start in the Premier League this season, featuring for just 75 minutes in the top-flight.

As a result, the England international has been heavily linked with a move to PSG during the winter transfer window, where he could link up with his old manager Mauricio Pochettino, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

However, with the transfer deadline day set to close on the 1st February, no deal has been agreed, which could result in the £100k-per-week 24-year-old spending the rest of the season warming the bench at Spurs.

Here’s what Lee had to say about Alli when speaking exclusively to FFC:

“I don’t see the point in him staying at Spurs. I think it’s pointless. I think there will be lots of clubs after him but you have to play a certain way to play with a 10. Jose Mourinho just doesn’t play that way. Dele Alli – you have to allow him to do what he wants to do.”

Lee clearly feels that there isn’t much point in Alli staying with Spurs and that unless Mourinho drastically alters the way his side plays, then the attacking-midfielder is unlikely to see his game time with the Lilywhites increase.

Unfortunately for Alli, the latest reports are suggesting that Daniel Levy is not willing to let him leave until a replacement is brought in, and with time running out, it is looking more and more likely that the out-of-favour midfielder will be stuck at Spurs for the rest of the season.

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

If he doesn’t leave during the winter transfer window, then it may not be a surprise to see the €40m-rated (£36m) ace depart in the summer, as he clearly isn’t held in the same regard by Mourinho as he was by Pochettino, who dubbed him an “unbelievable player” during his time in charge of the Lilywhites.

And, in other news… Levy can finally sign Spurs’ Vertonghen heir with swoop for £36m beast who’s “on the same level” as Upamecano

Speaking to the press before their clash with West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho dropped the latest injury update on summer signing Sergio Reguilon (football.london) – with the manager believing he will not be available to take part. 

Reguilon, alongside Giovani Lo Celso and Serge Aurier, look set to be missing for the London derby as Mourinho drops a timeline on when he expects the Spaniard back in action.

Jose Mourinho drops Reguilon injury update

While Lo Celso and Aurier appear a long way off, with the former ‘not close’ to returning for Spurs, Daniel Levy’s summer signing from Real Madrid could return to action against Wolfsberger next week – but not today according to Mourinho.

“I think Reguilon next week against Wolfsberger home match,” he explained in a press conference (via football.london).

“Not Gio. No, no, no. Gio is still a few weeks away and of course we need him because he gives us lots of qualities and options and we’ve missed him for a long time.”

Transfer Tavern take

Debatably one of Tottenham’s more impressive acquisitions last summer alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Reguilon has impressed both when he has played and behind the scenes since his arrival, according to reports.

Football Insider claimed at the start of the season that Spurs staff had been blown away by the ‘phenomenal’ 24-year-old – but it seems as if Tottenham will have to cope without his influence for West Ham after this ‘disappointing’ update.

In other news: Alasdair Gold dropped a behind the scenes claim involving Harry Kane and Mourinho, find out more here.

Leicester City keep up with the pack at the top of the Premier League table thanks to a hard-fought draw against Manchester United. The two battled out a 2-2 performance, sharing the spoils which sees them both secure themselves inside the top four.

United have made a dramatic comeback after struggling at the start of the season. They put Leicester to the sword with goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, but an own goal in the dying moments would prove to be their demise and the Foxes managed to bag a point.

The likes of Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans were a thorn in the side of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but a couple of players also let their side down. Marc Albrighton was one man who was a weak link for Leicester, struggling to make an impact down the right-hand side.

Marc Albrighton vs Man United

According to Sofascore, the midfielder made just 19 accurate passes, which was less than Kasper Schmeichel’s 21. Albrighton also lost possession a worrying 20 times and failed to win 59% of his attempted duels.

Additionally, he wasn’t much help tracking back either. The 31-year-old was dribbled past twice and he failed to put in a single interception, block or clearance.

Whilst Leicester come away with what must be viewed as a positive result against an in-form Man United side, they will be disappointed with performances from the likes of the £45,000 per week playmaker. Brendan Rodgers will have wanted to see much more creativity down the flanks to feed Jamie Vardy, who was unable to get involved in any of the goalscoring action this afternoon.

Focus now shifts to their fixture which is just two days away. Leicester will take on Crystal Palace in what they hope will be a win to keep them in the running for this season’s title.

In other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer waxes lyrical about Leicester’s transfer policy…

In his exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer has criticised Manchester United defender Luke Shaw for his decision-making during the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side laboured to a 1-0 victory over Watford at Old Trafford on Saturday night, although there were a few positives as Alex Telles shone in Shaw’s absence.

Shaw is something of a divisive figure amongst United supporters, as he was slammed by some fans for his poor performance against Pep Guardiola’s side.

He was subject to constant stinging criticism from Jose Mourinho during his ill-fated time at Old Trafford.

And Palmer was left unimpressed with Shaw’s display as he looked out of sorts on the left-hand side of the defence in the middle of last week.

He told FFC:

“I’ve constantly had a beef with Luke Shaw because he never looks fit to me and he always looks like he’s carrying weight.

“If you look at him as a defender, some of the decisions he makes – he’ll cut across somebody and block somebody, rather than challenge them.

“I can point out numerous times he’s done that in games. He’s a talented boy but I can see why managers like Mourinho would criticise him.”

Telles has shaken off a slow start for Solskjaer’s side with two goal contributions in seven appearances across all competitions.

Shaw’s time at Old Trafford has been a little more questionable, although he has shown signs of improvement this season. He was caught napping by Raheem Sterling and John Stones and failed to register a single tackle in the entire game.

With Brandon Williams itching to leave on loan, it remains to be seen who will stake their claim in the coming weeks and months.

AND in other news, Manchester United’s Alex Telles stole the show in FA Cup victory over Watford…

Jose Mourinho can finally finish Daniel Levy’s long-drawn quest to clinch silverware with Tottenham Hotspur thanks to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s instant success in north London.

The midfielder joined Spurs in a £15million deal from Southampton this summer, after Mourinho identified Hojbjerg as a player he believed was capable of bringing leadership to a side he accused of lacking grit.

Everton were also keen on the Danish international but Hojbjerg rebuffed the Goodison Park natives and made it clear he wished to leave the south coast for the capital, where he has since failed to feature in just one of 16 fixtures across all competitions.

Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand firmly believes Hojbjerg was Spurs’ best piece of business in the summer market, having heaped praise on Mourinho for signing a true game-changer for Tottenham.

“Hojbjerg – an absolutely massive signing for Jose,” Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents Five.

“You have to give him huge, huge, huge credit identifying him – he is going to come here, and he is going to be the breaker, the person that sits in there, does all the nasty work, the hard jobs, stops the other teams from playing, pass it to the people like the Kanes and the Sons to go and do their bits of magic.”

It is hard to argue with Ferdinand’s assessment, as Hojbjerg has proven to be a true game-changer in north London by instilling the leadership and grit that Mourinho sought so much.

The Special One even noted last month how Hojbjerg acts like a captain without the armband, after soldiering on after requiring stitches following a head clash in Tottenham’s 3-0 win over LASK in the Europa League.

Even after the 21st-minute blow, the 25-year-old pulled off an audacious piece of skill that left Mourinho considering Hojbjerg and France icon Zinedine Zidane in the same breath.

“We were having a laugh at half-time and we were all calling him Zidane. Very nice but don’t do it again Pierre!” Mourinho said, via quotes by Goal.

“He’s a very good player, a good leader and a captain without the armband.”

Hojbjerg’s commitment to doing the dirty work in the centre of the pitch to help his side in whatever way needed has helped to his instant success, and can prove to be a deciding factor in Mourinho living up to his word, having declared earlier in the year that he will win trophies at Tottenham against claims his best days are in the past.

It is also why the €40m-rated (£36m) powerhouse has started all nine of Spurs’ top-flight fixtures and ranks third for successful tackles (29), sixth for clearances (18), 12th for ground duels won (40) and 14th for aerial duels won (12) by all Premier League midfielders this term, per SofaScore, as Mourinho’s men sit top of the table with the division’s best defensive record.

AND in other news, an £80k-p/w Spurs man’s struggles may have re-opened the door for a “perfect” outcast to return.

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of recently linked defender Fikayo Tomori, with fresh reports suggesting where the centre-back could end up in January.

The latest on Tomori

The defender has reportedly been seen as a potential option for Leeds to pursue on loan in the winter transfer window. However, talkSPORT are now reporting that despite Leeds expressing an interest, Rennes is his most likely destination.

This will be a blow for Leeds

Last season, the 22 year-old impressed in his 15 Premier League appearances for Chelsea. He managed 1.9 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 2.8 clearances a game (WhoScored). However he has struggled for game time this season, only featuring three times.

In one of his performances last season, Tomori was praised by Garth Crooks, who said: “This performance by the Chelsea youngster was outstanding and his goal only tells half the story.”

Therefore the news that Ligue 1 outfit Rennes seem to be favourites will be frustrating for Leeds. Marcelo Bielsa has three defenders currently injured and conceded twice again to Newcastle even despite the impressive victory, so this is yet another big blow for a centre-back position already in dire straits.

In other news, Leeds United tipped to go in for £14.4m-rated Premier League winner.

Glasgow Rangers have received a major boost ahead of Saturday’s game against Celtic if recent reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to The Daily Record, Borna Barisic will return to the Croatia team on Wednesday night. The Rangers left-back has been given the all-clear to face France despite missing both games against Switzerland and Sweden due to injury.

Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic said: “Barišić is fine now, we didn’t want to take any risks with him, he skipped those two games, but now he is completely ready and will be ready for the French.”

He could line-up opposite the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe and Kingsley Coman in what will be a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final.

Major boost?

The timing couldn’t be any better for the Rangers boss, who already faces the prospect of travelling to Parkhead without Joe Aribo, Filip Helander and Allan McGregor and Kemar Roofe, whilst Alfredo Morelos is also considered a doubt. Gerrard will be hoping the full-back can come through the international break relatively unscathed before the Old Firm derby at the weekend.

Whilst Calvin Bassey gave a good account of himself the other week, the Gers boss will need his side to be at their very best in one of the most hotly-anticipated clashes of the season. And Frank McAvennie has heaped praise on the “magnificent” defender. The former St Mirren forward told Football Insider: “It would have been a massive blow for Rangers to not have him fit.”

Last season, the 27-year-old played 22 games in the Scottish Premiership, and scored two goals,  whilst he made an appearance against Dundee United earlier this term, and registered one interception and two clearances, as well as creating three key passes, as per SofaScore, which shows that he is a potent attacking threat as well.

Bassey clearly has bags of potential, but he has never played in such a big game where the stakes have arguably never been higher. In fact, it would be unfair to throw a player of his age in at the deep end. And Gerrard’s side will need to be at full strength if they are to come away from Celtic Park with the victory.

So, Barisic will be expected to start on Saturday, assuming the 13-cap Croatia international can come through without any issues. Gerrard will be glad to see the back of the international break, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Steven Gerrard should start Rangers ace Ianis Hagi in Old Firm derby…

Pedro Caixinha’s reign at Ibrox with Glasgow Rangers was a disaster.

The Portuguese manager was hired in May 2017 in the hope that he guide the Gers back to the good times. However, it was a disaster almost as soon as it started. He spent a considerable amount of money on new players – £8.73m to be exact – but for the most part they struggled, with Eduardo Herrera and Carlos Pena failing to make an impact. Alfredo Morelos has been a superb signing, but he was the exception rather than the norm.

It soon got worse, as they were beaten by Luxembourg minnows Progres Niederkorn 2-1 on aggregate in their attempts to qualify for the Europa League. A 5-1 defeat against Celtic also followed, and he was sacked on this day three years ago. He lasted just 229 days – making him the shortest-serving permanent manager in the club’s history.

The Daily Record asked fans to share their thoughts on Caixinha in three words, and the Gers supporters were scathing in their opinion. They took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what they had to say about Caixinha

In other news, Rangers fans rage as this worrying coronavirus news emerges. Let us know what you think in the comments!

Everton had an underwhelming 2019/20 season to say the least.

A 12th placed finish wasn’t good enough for the Toffees, but they now have one of the best managers in the world at the helm, and he’s brought in a number of players he will be hoping are good enough to mount a push for a European spot next season.

The Merseyside outfit have done some impressive business so far, and we’ve had a go at ranking their incomings this summer…

James Rodriguez 5/5

James Rodriguez wouldn’t have scored a 5/5 if the original reports of his transfer fee were true, but it’s no emerged that Everton actually managed to sign him on a free.

Of course, questions will be asked about why Real Madrid let a former World Cup Golden Boot winner move for free, but this is a player Carlo Ancelotti knows well from his time at the Bernabeu, and if he can get him back to his best he will be one of the Premier League’s standout talents.

The Colombian could easily be a contender for Player of the Season if he shows the form that earnt him a move to Real Madrid back in 2014.

Allan 4/5

Indeed, Allan was tipped for a €100m move to Manchester City not that long ago due to his good performances under Ancelotti.

Now, just 18 months later he’s moved to Everton for just £21m, and if he can get back to his best at Goodison Park, that fee could look like another absolute bargain come the end of the season.

Abdoulaye Doucoure 4/5

Every year you get a player from a relegated club who goes on to do great things elsewhere.

Xherdan Shaqiri and Andy Robertson both just won a league title at Liverpool despite being relegated recently with Stoke and Hull, Harry Maguire now plays for Manchester United, after also being relegated with the Tigers, while Idrissa Gueye just played in a Champions League final four years after being relegated with Aston Villa.

Doucoure has what it takes to be the next player on that list, he has previously been looked at by some of Europe’s elite clubs, and it looks as though £25m for his services will be a bit of a coup.