Celtic: Boli Bolingoli unlikely to get another chance

Celtic left-back Boli Bolingoli is unlikely to be given another chance by Ange Postecoglou, according to The Daily Record’s Mark Pirie.

The Lowdown: Left-back woes

Postecoglou has had his issues at left-back in recent weeks. Greg Taylor had to undergo shoulder surgery and Josip Juranovic then went off with a knock against Dundee United after switching over to left-back.

Bolingoli was selected in a 1-0 defeat to Livingston last month but hasn’t been seen since, and it doesn’t look as if he’ll be getting the call from Postecoglou anytime soon.

The Latest: Pirie’s claim

Pirie, Sports Writer for the Record, shared a story on Tuesday morning, focusing on news regarding Celtic-linked free agent Robbie Brady.

Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock played down rumours linking the Irishman with a move to the Riverside Stadium.

At the end of the report, Pirie looked at the Hoops’ left-back ranks, and when it came to Bolingoli, claimed it is ‘unlikely’ he’ll be handed another chance under Postecoglou.

The Verdict: January exit needed…

With Bolingoli seemingly not in Postecoglou’s plans, it is vital the Hoops move him on in the New Year.

It wouldn’t make sense to keep the 26-year-old at Parkhead on a £780,000-a-year salary if he isn’t going to be used.

Freeing up his wages could perhaps then allow Postecoglou to bring in reinforcements, so a loan or permanent exit should be explored.

In other news: Coach with 17-honours may be open to replacing Postecoglou; he’s a Celtic fan. 

EFC fans rage at Rodriguez news

Everton fans are livid after it was revealed the Toffees are willing to pay some of James Rodriguez’s wages for him to leave the club before the Turkish window slams shut.

When Rodriguez made the move to Goodison Park from Real Madrid last summer, there was shock around the footballing world. He showed signs of his ability on Merseyside, scoring six goals and providing five assists (Transfermarkt), but the departure of Carlo Ancelotti appears to have left the 29-year-old without much desire to stay put (talkSPORT).

It seems there may be a way out for the Colombia international. As per Pipe Sierra, Istanbul Basaksehir are interested in signing the attacking midfielder and, in a bid to push through the deal, Everton would be willing to pay part of his wages. This has angered the club’s supporters, who believe there is no point in letting him go if that is the case.

The news was shared on Twitter by @ToffeeTVEFC, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Rodriguez news below

“Absolutely pathetic.”

Credit: @UTFT_1878

“Awful deal for us if true.”

Credit: @paulmomber

“Will be fuming if we do this deal”

Credit: @simoncooper107

“Whats the point in that?”

Credit: @Tony_willow86

“Ridiculous from the club. Just play him while he’s here!”

Credit: @johnjon69972607

“Not a good deal sell or we keep and play would make more sense to offload tosen”

Credit: @johnsonk62

In other news, Everton fans are livid with this injury news.

Spurs: Fabio Paratici claim emerges

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial targets before the arrival of Nuno Santo has spoken about Italian sporting director Fabio Paratici in a recent interview this week.

And it’s not going to go down well with the supporters…

What’s the word?

Spurs spent several months trying to find a successor to Jose Mourinho after he was sacked in mid-April and held talks with several different names, including Chelsea’s former title winner Antonio Conte and even their former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

However, ex-Roma head coach Paulo Fonseca was inches away from being appointed as the new Spurs boss before Paratici was hired.

He had verbally agreed on a two-year contract but the move broke down as the former Juventus chief wanted to go in a different direction to what chairman Daniel Levy and Steve Hitchen were planning.

Speaking to The Telegraph, the Portuguese revealed:

“The agreement was done. We were planning the pre-season and Tottenham wanted an offensive coach. It wasn’t announced but we planned pre-season players.

“But things changed when the new managing director arrived and we didn’t agree with some ideas and he preferred another coach.

“I have some principles. I wanted to be coach of the great teams but I want the right project and a club where the people believe in my ideas, my way to play, and this didn’t happen with the managing director.”

Fans won’t be happy

This damning revelation could not have come at a worse time as the north London outfit have struggled for form in recent matches.

After three straight 1-0 victories to kickstart the 2021/22 league campaign, Nuno and his side have lost 3-0 in back-to-back Premier League games and drawn 2-2 across both the UEFA Europa Conference League and the Carabao Cup.

Indeed, the numbers suggest that things have been much, much worse than they appear.

According to The Athletic, Spurs have the lowest expected goals (xG) of any team in the English top-flight (4.42) after the first five matches of the season. They are also second-lowest for total number of shots and have created just two big chances.

It would appear that Fonseca’s claim about a more defensively-minded coach is ringing true, on the evidence we’ve seen so far.

That will not go down well with the Spurs faithful, many of whom were never behind the appointment of Nuno and are very much still against it amid recent performances on the pitch.

This won’t do the atmosphere around the club any favours heading into this weekend’s north London derby.

AND in other news, Nuno handed huge dilemma by 5 ft 9 Spurs “machine” who was “bossing it” against Wolves…

Barry Fry rules out West Ham signing Brentford’s Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney will only entertain leaving Brentford for West Ham United at the end of the season, according to Barry Fry.

Toney got the new campaign off to an impressive start by playing a key role as Brentford began their first-ever season in the Premier League by sealing a 2-0 win over Arsenal last week.

The striker, who had previously only made two substitute appearances in the top flight during his time with Newcastle United, scored 33 goals and provided 10 assists as the Bees won promotion via the Championship play-offs last term.

His fine goalscoring record has resulted in West Ham being long-term suitors, with boss David Moyes keeping tabs on the 25-year-old before the transfer window even opened.

With the Europa League group stage on the horizon, the Hammers have been looking to bolster their squad ahead of the transfer deadline at the end of the month and Moyes still only has one senior striker at his disposal.

But Peterborough United director of football Fry, who worked closely with Toney during his time at the Posh, insists the Brentford frontman will be going nowhere.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Fry said: “He’s a complete player, there’s no doubt about that.

“There will have been six, seven or eight top Premier League clubs trying to buy him. However, when he left us he signed a five-year contract with Brentford.

“He has got them up, so I would imagine he would want to stay with Brentford for another year.”

Interest intensifies in Daniel Jebbison

Slavisa Jokanovic’s Sheffield United centre-forward Daniel Jebbison is attracting an increasing amount of interest as the summer transfer window draws to a close.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that the likes of Everton, Leeds United, Aston Villa and Brentford are all interested in a deal for the Sheffield United striker, whom Jokanovic has given the green light to depart Bramall Lane on a temporary basis this summer.

The report continues by stating that Everton have gone as far as to make an offer for the 18-year-old, however, the bid believed to be in the region of £5m was knocked back by the Blades – although Rafael Benitez’s side are reported to be returning with an improved offer in the coming days.

Big mistake

While sanctioning the temporary departure of Jebbison this summer is all well and good, if Jokanovic indeed believes the youngster will not feature much for Sheffield United this season – although there is an equally good case against shipping the striker out, too – should the 53-year-old’s willingness to allow the 18-year-old to leave this summer ultimately lead to the club parting with the highly-rated teenager on a permanent basis, it would undoubtedly be a huge mistake on the part of the Serbian.

Indeed, regarding the aforementioned argument against allowing the £900k-rated man to leave the club on loan, considering the fact that Billy Sharp is the only United centre-forward – of which there are currently seven in the first team – to have found the back of the net over the club’s opening four Championship fixtures, it would seem as if Jebbison could well be needed by Jokanovic this season.

Furthermore, the fact that so many Premier League clubs are reported to be interested in the player Micah Richards dubbed a “fantastic” talent would very much appear to suggest that they believe the forward is good enough to play a role in their respective first teams – so exactly why the Sheffield United boss feels differently is something of a mystery.

And, should the manager ultimately be tempted into sanctioning the permanent sale of the England U18 international this summer, it would not seem to be an exaggeration to claim that it would be the biggest mistake of his United career to date, with selling one of the club’s most promising forwards potentially being an unforgivable act by the Serbian, and would undoubtedly leave fans livid.

In other news: Jokanovic could solve big Sheffield United issue with £24k-p/w beast who’s “like a Paul Scholes”

Romano backs Romero to Spurs

Writing on Twitter, journalist Fabrizio Romano has backed Tottenham Hotspur’s deal to sign Cristian Romero and reassured supporters that the move is in fact ‘done’ with ‘no problem’.

The Lowdown: Spurs close in on third summer signing…

Over these last two weeks, new Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici has been quite the busy figure at N17 after being tasked with developing the club’s on-field sporting operations.

His first senior summer signing, Pierluigi Gollini, impressed on his Wednesday evening debut for the club in a 2-2 pre-season friendly draw against Chelsea.

Meanwhile, young winger Bryan Gil has been tipped for big things as he arrives at Spurs from Sevilla.

Now, Romano has reassured Spurs supporters that they can look forward to the announcement of a colossal third summer signing.

The Latest: Romano backs Romero deal…

Writing on Twitter, the Italian reporter has backed Romero’s move to Tottenham whilst telling supporters that there are no issues involved.

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He even says that the Argentine ‘will fly to London’ soon in what is a mighty boost for Spurs given their long, drawn out search for a star centre-half – which you could trace all the way back to last summer.

“To be clear. There’s no problem for Cristian Romero deal,” explained Romano on social media.

“Tottenham have reached an agreement with Atalanta since yesterday. It’s done.

“Once Demiral signs as new Atalanta centre-back (likely tomorrow), Romero will fly to London to complete his Spurs move for €55m.”

The Verdict: Good news…

New manager Nuno Espirito Santo is arguably set for his biggest boost of the summer so far with the signing of Romero from Atalanta.

He won the Serie A 2020/2021 MVP award for best defender and has been called ‘phenomenal’ by Italian football critics for his performances over this last year (Conor Clancy to This is Futbol).

Signing the 23-year-old for €55 million (£46.8m) comes as a very big coup, and the mere fact that Daniel Levy is willing to part with a huge sum to give Nuno a genuine chance at a successful rebuild should also delight fans.

In other news: ‘We’re now hearing’…Sky Sports reporter drops Harry Kane news from Tottenham training ground, find out more here.

Aston Villa: Fans react to Tyreik Wright loan

Aston Villa confirmed on Tuesday that winger Tyreik Wright has completed a season-long loan move to League Two side Salford City.

And a number of Villa fans were quick to react to the transfer update on social media.

The 19-year-old was one of seven Under-23’s who signed new deals at Villa Park earlier this summer.

Wright, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Villa, has made over 50 appearances for Villa’s respective youth sides and spent the second half of last season on loan at Walsall.

He’ll now get the chance to add to his 16 League Two appearances with The Ammies, who are co-owned by Gary Neville.

Wright has become the eighth Villa U23 who has left on loan this summer, with the likes of Louie Barry and Brad Young also sealing recent moves to Ipswich Town and Carlisle United respectively.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news regarding Wright on their official Twitter page. This is what these supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling a temporary exit as ‘fantastic’.

“Another one – add him to the list! Good move this for Tyreik”Credit: @AVFCLOAN”Great move all round”Credit: @GW_94″Fantastic opportunity, you will smash it Ty, good luck fella”Credit: @CreaneyTom”Jedinak really earning his money. Getting the youngsters some really decent loan moves”Credit: @andrewstone85″Personally think Villa and Salford could be a perfect link up.”Credit: @doc3d”Wanted to see him get first team game time icl”Credit: @AstonWilll

In other news: Exit news: Ashley Preece thinks ‘underrated’ Aston Villa ace will now leave before window shuts. 

Spurs enquiry now made to sign Pedro Neto

According to a report by 90min, Tottenham Hotspur have now made an enquiry to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto alongside the likes of Liverpool and Juventus.

The Lowdown: Molineux raid?

Since Nuno Espirito Santo’s arrival and appointment as new Spurs boss, the Lilywhites have been linked to a few Wolves stars as the Portuguese sets sights on raiding his old club.

As per talkSPORT, both Daniel Podence and Willy Boly are names who Nuno could swoop for and try to sign for Spurs this summer.

Elsewhere in the team, they have also been linked with defender Conor Coady, with 90min now namedropping Tottenham alongside another star at Molineux.

The Latest: Spurs make Neto enquiry…

Indeed, according to the outlet, Spurs have now made an enquiry to sign Neto alongside the likes of Liverpool and Juventus.

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As well as Tottenham making an approach, it is also claimed that Wolves are tempted to sell him this summer amid all the interest in his services.

Wolves owners are indeed ‘open’ to letting any of their star men leave, though it would take a bigger offer to seal Neto’s signing.

They hadn’t previously been listening to offers for the exciting 21-year-old, but interest from top clubs all over Europe, including Spurs, is apparently now making them contemplate.

The Verdict: Most exciting one yet…

Amid the plethora of Wolves players linked with a move to Spurs, we believe Neto comes as the most exciting one yet.

As per WhoScored, the young starlet was Wolves’ joint-top goalscorer in the Premier League last season and also notched the most assists.

He also averaged more shots per 90 (2) than any other member of their squad with over 10 league starts – all while completing the most key passes per 90 (2) for Wolves (WhoScored).

Lauded as a ‘phenomenal talent’ by Gabriel Agbonlahor, who raved over him to Football Insider, it’s safe to say the £31.5 million-valued ace would be quite a coup.

In other news: ‘Massive’, ‘Exactly what Levy wants’…Sky pundit in awe of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium news, find out more here.

Liverpool fans react to Williams quotes

Neco Williams has set out his ambition to get ‘good game time’ under his belt at Liverpool this season.

Speaking on the club’s live broadcast after their 1-0 friendly win over Mainz, the right-back said he wants to be ‘pushing’ Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez for a starting role.

Williams was limited to just three Premier League starts last season, making a further three appearances off the bench (via WhoScored).

Will Williams stay at Liverpool?

Goal journalist Neil Jones reported in June that Williams may be open to leaving the club in pursuit of more opportunities.

Liverpool are apparently willing to sell him if an interested club, like Southampton, Burnley or Leeds United, meet their £10million asking price.

Williams was called up to the Wales squad for the summer’s European Championships but a miscued clearance in the Round of 16 defeat to Denmark gifted the eventual semifinalists a second goal.

Fan feed Anfield Watch relayed his comments, and here’s what supporters made of them.

These Liverpool fans doubt Williams will realise ambitions

“You aren’t getting anywhere near Trent’s spot mate”

Credit: @lfcalexx6

“Hopefully we’ll get him sold…”

Credit: @ektelfc_petter

“That’s the right attitude but…”

Credit: @mwmeyerson

“I feel bad for him but it’s never gonna happen”

Credit: @patrickmlfc

““Get good game time” – Is this guy being serious?”

Credit: @lfcibou

“Who’s going to tell him?”

Credit: @Emmyylfc

“Was Neco drunk when he gave this interview?”

Credit: @Rayted_Are

In other news, fans were buzzing after this transfer update. 

Tottenham learn Vestergaard price

An update has emerged on Tottenham target Jannik Vestergaard, regarding how much Southampton want for him if they do sell this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Southampton value Tottenham target Jannik Vestergaard at £17m (€20m), with the Dane heading into the final season of his contract with the club.

Galetti claims that Spurs are in negotiations with Southampton over a potential deal for the centre-back, whilst Jose Mourinho’s Roma are also in the mix.

Imagine him and Rodon

Daniel Levy could land a dream deal by bringing Vestergaard to the club following this update. £17m is an excellent price for a player of his quality, especially given that Southampton paid around £22m for him in 2019 from Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Sun have claimed that Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier could all leave Spurs this summer, with the Belgian wanting to depart and Fabio Paratici being open to offers for the other two. This means that any new arrivals could end up playing alongside young defender Joe Rodon at the back.

Rodon averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 7.01 in 22 starts as a centre-back for club and country last season, including four games in the Championship for Swansea, which suggests that he could have the ability to thrive if handed a greater role in the side by Nuno Santo next term.

Vestergaard, meanwhile, has also proven himself for club and country. Domestically, he has caught the eye of pundits, with Arsenal legend Martin Keown saying earlier this year that the towering defender has shades of Virgil van Dijk about his game, comparing how the pair pass the ball out from the back for Southampton and Liverpool respectively.

He told TalkSport:

“It’s his passing. It reminds me of Van Dijk.

“I call it a stationary platform. When you don’t run with the ball you stop and when you look at those two, the way they ping balls, the way he threads things into midfield, the challenges, he’s a big man.”

The 28-year-old gave a timely reminder of his quality in England’s semi-final victory over Denmark in the European Championships on Wednesday.

He recorded a superb WhoScored rating of 7.04 as he won four aerial battles, five tackles and one interception, whilst also making seven clearances and two blocks. This shows that he has the defensive nous to be a nuisance at the top level, as he helped the Danes force the likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount into extra-time.

He could be a brilliant addition to Santo’s squad and be a dream partner for the up-and-coming Rodon to learn from. They could form a strong partnership at the back.

AND in other news, Levy agrees personal terms with £17.2m-rated “warrior”, Tottenham fans will be buzzing…

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