All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa could sign a dream midfield partner for Kalvin Phillips in Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Whites boss is eyeing up a summer move for the Uruguay international, who he could be available for much lower than his release clause.

Connor Clancy, editor-in-chief at Forza Italian Football, has thrown his backing behind a potential move, saying in an exclusive interview with This Is Futbol: “Anywhere Bielsa wants to play him, he’d do a job. I like him a lot.

“I think he’s only about five foot seven, but you wouldn’t know it if you just watched clips of him, he is a little bit of a machine. He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control.”

Imagine him and Kalvin Phillips

With Phillips off to Euro 2020 as a fully-fledged England international and a cornerstone of his club team back at Elland Road, the real test for Bielsa is trying to create the perfect midfield setup around him. In Nandez, he could find exactly that.

The £12m-rated star has a real engine on him and can cover the ground effortlessly, and when you think of the intense pressing game that Bielsa likes to employ at Leeds, the Uruguayan seems absolutely perfect for it.

According to Sofascore, he averaged 1.8 tackles and won an impressive 6.1 duels per game in the Serie A last season, which compared to Phillips, looks very good – the Leeds man averaged 2.6 tackles and won 5.3 duels per match in the Premier League.

His performances for Cagliari even led journalist Mina Rzouki to say: “Cagliari’s Nandez is one of the most underrated players. God he’s been so amazing, especially in Cagliari’s last 3 games. He scored the equaliser against Napoli. Man of the match in the win against Udinese. Against Roma – just wow. Unstoppable.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

Having the tigerish presence of Nandez alongside Phillips could add a real menacing dimension to Leeds’ midfield.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have been handed a major transfer boost over this star…

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Raphael Varane, and the Real Madrid defender could prove to be Rio Ferdinand’s long-awaited heir if he joins the English giants this summer.

According to Tribal Football, the Red Devils are preparing an opening offer for the 28-year-old centre-back after reports revealed the France international is unlikely to put pen to paper on a new contract with Los Blancos.

Varane’s current deal is set to expire in 2022, meaning the £63m-rated ace could be available for a cut-price fee ahead of the upcoming transfer window, hence why he is attracting the attention of some of the continent’s top clubs.

The 6 ft 2 powerhouse has played a pivotal part in Madrid’s success both domestically and in European competition since arriving at the Bernabeu back in 2011.

During his 10-year stay in the Spanish capital, Varane has collected four Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and four Club World Cup trophies, but it appears as though he’s ready to start a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side making clear progress this season, having reached the Europa League final and second place in the Premier League table, their defensive fragilities have often been exposed throughout the current campaign.

A pacey partner for Harry Maguire is often outlined as one of the Old Trafford outfit’s biggest priorities by pundits, and it’s an attribute that has been absent from several United centre-halves since Ferdinand’s exit.

The retired England defender was renowned for his ability with the ball at his feet and his incredible turn of pace, two key features that Varane has also built his game around.

WhoScored list passing as a key strength in both Ferdinand and Varane’s game, and the physical similarities are also clear for all to see, with both men boasting tall, strong and lean frames.

Although Ferdinand left the 20-time English champions way back in 2014, the likes of Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have failed to adequately replace the United legend, but that poor record could be about to change with Varane’s potentially imminent arrival.

The 2018 World Cup winner earned praise from his current manager earlier in the campaign, as Zinedine Zidane hailed his compatriot’s leadership qualities, saying:

“He’s won a lot and shown his ability to be a leader, help others and show what he’s capable of doing out on the pitch.”

It could be United who benefits from Varane’s extensive array of impressive attributes from next season, though, and if Ed Woodward and Solskjaer have an opportunity to acquire the experienced defender, it’s an opportunity they can’t afford to miss out on.

And, in other news…former Red Devils’ star slams current United midfielder.

Writing on Twitter, journalist Nicolo Schira has dropped a big claim involving former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri – with the reporter sharing that ‘Tottenham have opened talks’ to appoint him as manager.

The Lowdown: Sarri and Spurs…

Since Daniel Levy sacked former boss Jose Mourinho last month, Tottenham have been linked with a host of new managers to take up the vacant managerial role in north London.

One of the men who has been regularly touted with a move is former Premier League coach Sarri, who last took charge of Juventus and won a Serie A title.

Reports from as far back as last month claimed there had been contact between both Spurs and the Italian, with Schira now dropping the latest news.

The Latest: Tottenham have ‘opened talks’ for Sarri

Writing on Twitter, the reporter has emphatically claimed that ‘Tottenham have opened talks’ to appoint the 62-year-old as their new head coach.

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

This comes amid the ongoing managerial search which has dominated discussion in the English capital.

Spurs had originally hoped to announce their new boss by the end of this season (football.london), but with the last game of the season coming today, that now appears very unlikely.

The Verdict: Do it Levy…

We’re surprised that the former Napoli boss hasn’t been touted as a more suitable candidate, especially given his high-pressing, attack-minded style. 

Tottenham are said to want a forward-thinking boss to put the Mourinho days behind them and Sarri’s brand of possession-based football arguably fits that mould.

He has also garnered the respect of some key players in the past, with Chelsea midfielder Jorginho branding him an ‘extraordinary’ tactician and ‘magnificent manager’ when speaking to Gli Autogol in an Instagram live discussion (via Football Italia).

As well as this, Kalidou Koulibaly lauded him as a ‘genius’ in an interview with Il Messaggero (via Football Italia) – with Sarri also possessing a solid managerial record by the numbers.

According to Transfermarkt, he’s averaged 1.74 points per match and has notched 287 career wins as a manager to date.

His sides have also scored a combined total of 938 goals, and after the Mourinho era, Spurs fans could be itching for a more open, attacking style of play.

In other news: Spurs could be offered this ‘phenomenal player’ for Kane, find out more here.

According to a report by club insider Claret & Hugh, via West Ham Central, there is a concern among Manchester United scouts that Declan Rice is too ‘slow’ with a belief emerging that he is in fact no better than Nemanja Matic.

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for the Irons’ star asset in midfield, even prompting GSB to value him at around £100 million.

However, as per this C&H update, United scouts are starting to have major concerns over a swoop for Rice who they believe isn’t pacy enough to be worth acquiring for manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 22-year-old, starting 29 Premier League games for West Ham this season, has managed the most interceptions out of any Irons player this season and has been key for boss David Moyes (WhoScored).

As a result, this strange alleged stance on a move for Rice comes as music to the ears of many Hammers fans on social media – with one calling it the ‘best news’ he’s heard in a while.

Find a flavour of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Rice claim

“Music to my ears”

Credit: @WHUHarry1

“Huge if true”

Credit: @MalmbergMelvin

“Best news I’ve heard for ages”

Credit: @Kennycandb

“Honestly that’s brilliant news there scouts clearly see something we all don’t so let them tell that to UTD and we’ll keep the best CDM in the prem.”

Credit: @shyland1988

“Excellent. Let them believe that!”

Credit: @AntonyBrisley

“Siuuuu

I hope this is true”

Credit: @whufcdp

“Thank god their scouts clearly ain’t up to it then lol. Great news for us Declan staying”

Credit: @olliebruton

“All ours then”

Credit: @Reece_WHU_

In other news: West Ham want this ‘absolutely crazy’ striker, find out more here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are livid with comments from journalist Graham Spiers made on Saturday.

Many Gers supporters have had problems with journalists, including Spiers, for the way they feel their club has been portrayed in the media. Last year, Club 1872 won an IPSO complaint against the Daily Record for false allegations in an article, while both Jordan Campbell and Andy Walker (Glasgow Times) have been banned from Ibrox for their coverage of the 55-time Scottish champions.

Spiers has now attracted the wrath of some Gers supporters. On Twitter, he shared a video of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was discussing an interaction he had with an official at Ibrox many moons ago. The former Manchester United manager said he was asked whether he and his wife were married in a chapel or not.

Spiers called it an “utter embarrassment”, seemingly alluding to a previous unwritten rule in the Rangers code that they could and would not sign Catholic players. However, this incident was said to have taken place more than 50 years ago, and Rangers have been openly signing Catholic players for more than 30 years.

The comments were shared on Twitter by Spiers, and these Gers fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Spiers’ comments

“Get a grip Spiers”

Credit: @Tunnocks17

“Embarrassing take”

Credit: @alanmillar91

“You really love a pop at Rangers Graham despite Alex Ferguson talking about something said by a director in 1967. The world has changed including in Glasgow since then. Try focus on the good and positive changes in Scottish football and not on the past. You prefer to be negative.”

Credit: @KidKiddr

“Posting something that happened more than half a century ago is just as embarrassing!”

Credit: @Steven53448760

“Oh do behave Graham – you cannot compare the club then with the club now. SAF actually accepted that because most people did at the time – not saying it was acceptable btw. We’re accepting of everyone and anyone”

Credit: @darren_cairns

“Not even remotely relevant to the Rangers of today, or for decades to be honest, but for people like yourself it has to be kept alive, it’s what your industry has traded on.”

Credit: @JHC17626935

In other news, this ex-Rangers man has expressed his delight since leaving Ibrox.

After rescuing a draw against West Ham last time out in the Premier League, Arsenal return to action on Saturday evening when they take on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have had the international break to stew over a real Jekyll and Hyde performance at the London Stadium, where they found themselves 3-0 down before clawing their way back into the contest with a spirited fightback.

A similar kind of first half display surely won’t go unpunished by champions Liverpool, however, and Mikel Arteta will need to ensure that his side get off to a much faster starter this time around.

A couple of injury concerns ahead of the game is likely to have a major impact on his team selection, and with that in mind, here is a look at how the Gunners might line up when Jurgen Klopp’s side come to town.

In goal, Bernd Leno will be hoping to make up for his mistake in the build-up to West Ham’s second goal, when he let Jarrod Bowen’s strike squirm in between his arms.

The back four could see a few changes with the returns of both Gabriel and Cedric, with Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers dropping to the bench after being drafted in against the Hammers.

The Gunners also confirmed that David Luiz will miss the game due to injury, so that could see the comeback of Rob Holding into the centre of defence.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey should continue their midfield partnership, with Martin Odegaard once again operating in that all-important number ten role.

Before the game, Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are major doubts for the game against Klopp’s men. If the duo don’t recover in time, Nicolas Pepe should come in for the former in what would be a big call given that Gabriel Martinelli is surely also pushing for a start.

That will leave Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to go back to the left-hand side, with Alexandre Lacazette keeping his place as the Gunners’ main man up top after his goal against West Ham helped seal the comeback.

Predicted XI: Leno; Cedric, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Pepe, Odegaard, Aubameyang; Lacazette.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League defender Steve Howey believes Jurgen Klopp could still take the German national team job at the end of the season, despite saying he wasn’t interested last month.

Joachim Low announced he would be stepping down from the role which he has held for eight years after this summer’s European Championships, having guided his country to a World Cup victory in 2014.

According to Sky Bet, Germany are the fourth-favourites to win the competition, behind England, France and Belgium which could largely be down to their group that consists of Hungary, Portugal and France.

Speaking on why Klopp may decide to take the job at the end of the season and what might have changed his mind, Howey told FFC:

“If I’m being brutally honest, I don’t think it matters that Klopp denied wanting the Germany job because come the end of the season he might think he has done enough and needs a new challenge. He may say ‘I know I told you that I would stay, but things have changed’.

“However, he could be a massive man of his word, which you would like to think he is, and I do think Liverpool will come good again next season.”

Klopp was quick to distance himself from the rumours linking him with a change of scenery to manage his country of birth.

Jurgen Klopp has turned Liverpool into a strong force domestically and in Europe having guided them to a Champions League and first-ever Premier League title.

With Wolves’ forward line flattering to deceive this season, signing a new set of attackers in the summer should be at the top of their agenda.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Wolves are in the hunt to sign Sevilla’s Lucas Ocampos.

Sources tell the outlet that the winger is firmly on Wolves’ radar as they look to bolster their attacking options next term.

Ocampos is currently on a wage of £27k-per-week but a potential stumbling block could be the fee.

The Argentine has a release clause of a whopping £62m in his current contract at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.

With Wolves struggling to afford sizeable transfers in January, it’s hard to picture how they’d afford this one.

Imagine him and Jimenez

Wolves’ struggles this term have been primarily with their frontline. You can hardly blame the issues at hand, though.

They sold Matt Doherty and Diogo Jota last summer, a pairing who equated for 25% of Wolves’ goals last term. Add that Raul Jimenez has been missing since November and it quickly becomes rather evident why they’re sat in the bottom half of the table.

Fabio Silva has scored just twice while Willian Jose is yet to find the net since moving to the Midlands in January.

The addition of Ocampos, therefore, would be simply thrilling. If Wolves can get Jimenez fit before the start of next season and bring in a winger as talented as the Sevilla one, then it would elevate their chances of getting back in Europe.

The Mexican’s record for Wolves has been impeccable while Ocampos has quickly become one of the most dynamic wingers in La Liga.

He has scored 24 goals for the Spanish outfit since swapping Marseille for Iberia in 2019, seven of which have come this term.

The 26-year-old is a real live wire and a move to the Premier League would be a fine reward for the rapid progression he’s shown in his game.

Speaking about Ocampos, Fede Prami, a journalist and River Plate fan once recalled: “The kid was gold. He made his debut at El Monumental in River’s first-ever second-division match. No pressure. In his second match, he scored. In the third, a goal and assist. He was electric.”

Indeed, since his move to Europe, he has shown similar qualities. The winger has registered 2.2 dribbles per game this term, a tally that usurps Pedro Neto’s.

Thus, just imagine what a player like this could do for someone like Jimenez. He may just bounce back from his injury in even better form.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Neto: Wolves must swoop for “lovely” £47k-p/w gem who “doesn’t stop running”…

Fans of Sunderland have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the club confirmed that the Black Cats centre-forward, Charlie Wyke, has won the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award.

So far this season, Wyke has been in rather remarkable form over his 34 League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side, bagging 22 goals and registering two assists, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.39 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the third tier.

The 28-year-old has particularly impressed for Sunderland this month, with the striker scoring four goals over his six appearances in the league throughout March.

And, it would appear Wyke’s efforts have been recognised by League One fans, as, in a recent post on Twitter, Sunderland confirmed that the centre-forward had been awarded the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month award.

In reaction to the news, fans of Sunderland flocked to have their say on the matter, with many heaping a considerable amount of praise on the recent performances of Wyke.

So, what exactly did these Sunderland fans have to say in reaction to the news regarding Charlie Wyke?

“The GOAT!”

@SunderlandUy

“Absolutely magnificent.”

@SAFCTurk

“Well done Chazza, you’ve deserved that.”

@LeighMa79471576

“Well deserved.”

@mackem49000

“Guy will have no room in his trophy cabinet soon.”

@slaternator1984

“You love to see it.”

@MorganGraySAFC

“Geezer.”

@Mattyoliverr_

In other news: loads of Sunderland fans were buzzing after these ‘exciting’ comments emerged – find out more here!

Lots of Southampton fans have been left angry by Jack Stephens’ performance in their club’s loss to Manchester City.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men fell to a 5-2 defeat to Manchester City, as Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez grabbed a brace each. Ilkay Gundogan also scored for Pep Guardiola’s men. The Saints were level at 1-1 at one point in the game, but City then ran away with it before the end of the first half (As per the Guardian).

Hasenhuttl used a 4-4-2 shape with Stephens deployed in midfield instead of playing in the back four. The Englishman though, didn’t come up with a good performance, as he picked up a rating of only 5.86 (Whoscored).

Stephens made just a single tackle in the game, making one interception and a single clearance only. He did win two aerial duels – the joint-highest in the game for the Saints (Whoscored).

It was Stephens’ first appearance in midfield this season and it was only the second time he’s played in defensive midfield in his Saints career.

The 27-year-old’s performance though, drew the attention of many angry Southampton fans, who made their views clear about him.

What did Southampton fans make of Stephens’ performance?

“Jack Stephens just watching the world go by in midfield. Can never play for us again.”Credit: @Too_Jazzee”Please Jack stephens leave the club. His work ethic is horrific and honestly doesn’t do anything other than make us worse. Completely useless on the ball, may as well planted a lamppost in centre mid. And done tell me he’s a CB because he’s just as bad there.”Credit: @southampton_fc “Didn’t even realise Jack Stephens was playing today until we subbed him off…”Credit: @StMarysMusings”Hope tonight shows jack Stephens at CDM/CM is thought that shouldn’t ever be mentioned again.”Credit: @shl0ngsfc”When will Ralph realise that Jack stephens is truly horrific player and everyone knows that when he plays we lose heavily.. Stephens seems to be an unlucky omen for the whole club. I hope he’s sold in the summer. League 1 is probably the best he’s suited to.”Credit: @Ian01553114″If people take one thing away from tonight, let it be that Jack Stephens is not a DCM.”Credit: @matt_kempezIn other news, many Southampton fans have been discussing a news update about Wesley Hoedt – read more here.