All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is interested in signing Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer.

What’s the story?

The England international is currently on a season-long loan at West Brom, who saw their relegation from the Premier League confirmed when they lost 3-1 to the Gunners at the Emirates on the weekend.

Now, The Daily Mail claim that Maitland-Niles will return to Arsenal in the summer, with both Leeds and Southampton keen on signing him.

The report adds that “Manchester United and Everton have also shown an interest in him but they view Maitland-Niles as a right back”.

Smart signing for Bielsa

Given his wealth of Premier League experience at both the Gunners and West Brom, Maitland-Niles would offer Bielsa the kind of proven option at this level that he needs to add to his squad over the summer.

The £16.2m-rated ace has shown with the Baggies that he can play in central midfield, but his time at Arsenal saw him used in a number of different positions, including in both full-back roles – something Chris Sutton has previously hailed, saying: “The young man’s versatility is a weapon. He is such a versatile talent – a diamond.”

Dubbed a “Rolls-Royce of a player” by Martin Keown a few months ago when Arsenal beat Rapid Vienna 4-1 in the Europa League, the 23-year-old has got the kind of pace and athleticism that should be perfect for Bielsa-ball.

His former teammate at Arsenal, Sead Kolasinac said: “He’s so quick and he reads the game well, so he knows what to do before the ball arrives. He’s shown that in the last couple of games.

“I’ve spoken to him. I told him that he’s so quick – if I had that pace, I’d never stand still, I’d just run! When you’re that quick, it’s difficult to stop someone. ‘He has the acceleration and when he gets going, he’s tough to defend against. That can be a weapon for us.”

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

It’s no surprise then that given his age – he’s still only 23 – Premier League experience, and versatility, that Bielsa is keen on bringing him to Elland Road this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a summer swoop for this English starlet…

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts is not sold on the prospect of the club hiring Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter as their new manager, telling Football FanCast that he is not the kind of appointment that will keep Harry Kane at the club.

The England international has been linked away from Spurs ahead of the summer transfer window, with The Athletic reporting that he wants to take on a new challenge this summer.

Spurs sacked Jose Mourinho earlier this season after a desperately poor season that saw the club fall to ninth at one stage.

Potter has been linked as a potential appointment and Football.London have reported previously that Spurs’ players have been impressed by Brighton’s approach whenever the two sides have met.

However, Roberts thinks that a manager with a bulging trophy cabinet is required to ensure that Kane feels the club are moving in the right direction following Mourinho’s exit.

Asked about how Kane would feel if Potter, or Scott Parker who has also been linked by the same Football.London report, became the new boss, he told FFC:

“I think that would be a bad thing for us.

“If you’re Harry Kane, you’re looking for a top manager coming in now, somebody that’s won trophies and those two haven’t won trophies.

“We haven’t won any trophies so we can’t go shouting our mouths off. That’s what Harry wants to win.

“He won the London trophy (Player of the Year at the London Football Awards) the other day and it was all about ‘no, I want a team trophy, I don’t want individual ones, I’ve got them, yeah, they’re good but I want that team one’.”

Everton’s inconsistent campaign came to an end in a simply disastrous fashion on Sunday afternoon.

The Toffees needed to win in order to give themselves a chance of qualifying for Europe but against the champions on Sergio Aguero’s Etihad farewell, there was only going to be one outcome.

The Manchester City legend scored twice from the bench as the Citizens wrapped up a stunning and dominating 5-0 win.

It was an embarrassing way for Carlo Ancelotti’s side to end the season and as a result, they will need to get the supporters back on their side swiftly.

One way they could do that is by securing the services of a player who lit up the Premier League’s final day; Gareth Bale.

The Welshman scored twice on his final appearance for Tottenham as Spurs secured continental football after beating Leicester 4-2.

This feels like a farfetched deal to complete but it’s one that’s been touted in the Spanish media with Ancelotti a strong admirer of Bale.

The duo linked up together when they were at Madrid, where the attacker racked up 39 goals and 31 assists under his stewardship.

Everton’s current manager clearly loves him, describing the veteran as one of Real’s most “dangerous” players when he was in the Spanish capital.

His wages of £250k-per-week might be hard to overcome but it’s a deal that’s also been given the green light by Marcus Bent, a man who has sources close to Goodison Park.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this weekend, he said: “I think that would be his [Bale] kind of club. I think he’d be the headline player, which he needs to be for his confidence and he would play week in week out alongside some great players.

“As I’ve spoken about before, Everton is a family club, they would take him in and give him the love that he needs.”

The Welshman struggled to hit the ground running when he returned to north London on loan this season but found electrifying form in the New Year. He eventually ended the campaign with 16 goals from just 34 outings.

A ruthless flying winger, Everton could well and truly start their window with a bang by signing the Wales international.

He knows the Premier League, has scored more goals than any other Toffees player besides Dominic Calvert-Lewin this season and they have a manager who knows how to get the best from him.

If the Merseyside outfit are serious about getting into the Champions League, this is precisely the type of acquisition they need to be making.

AND in other news, Worse than Holgate: £32k-p/w Everton dud who lost 80% duels will have Ancelotti fuming…

It’s been a turbulent few weeks at Tottenham Hotspur. As one of six clubs who attempted to enter the European Super League, Spurs’ owners incurred the wrath of the football fraternity even before they sacked manager Jose Mourinho.

A subdued team subsequently lost the EFL Cup Final by a solitary goal to Manchester City but, in truth, the margin of defeat could have been much wider. It’s been an unsettling period to say the least but Mourinho’s premature departure might just lead to a significantly positive development.

Bale Boost

With former Tottenham player Ryan Mason in temporary charge of the club, Spurs have won their last two league games. Home victories have come against Southampton and Sheffield United with four of the six goals coming from the boot of Gareth Bale. The Welsh winger has scored six goals of his own in his last six starts for the club but will that contribution have any bearing on his immediate future?

Back in March, Bale was quite clear in regards to where he would be playing his football next season. Currently on loan at Spurs, he claimed that his mission is to return to parent club Real Madrid and see out the final year of his contract.

His current form should please Real manager Zinedine Zidane but there are reports that the La Liga club are less than impressed. Having endured a frustrating season in 2019/20, Bale returned to Spurs in a bid to regain form and fitness but suggestions are that if he does go back to the Bernabeu, he will get no further than the substitute’s bench.

About Turn

There is a theory that Gareth Bale is a stubborn player and he may be happy enough to take Madrid’s money and return to the golf course as he sees out his contract. One of his biggest aims was to be fit for the European Championships and, with that quest complete, there is no immediate need to be playing week in, week out.

However, the winger does appear to be enjoying his football once again. His Spurs side failed to win a trophy once again but, with a new manager and new outlook, that could finally change next season.

Elsewhere, former Spurs defender Graham Roberts had earlier claimed that Bale wouldn’t stay at the London club if Jose Mourinho remained in charge. That particular obstacle has been removed so could that have any effect on the Welsh international’s decision?

With Mourinho gone, temporary manager Ryan Mason showed more faith in Gareth Bale and has been rewarded with those four goals in two league games. Around the same time, reports began to emerge that Tottenham were keen to negotiate a one season extension on their existing loan deal with the player.

New Era

Spurs will have a new manager in charge by the start of the 2021/22 campaign but most coaches, with the possible exception of Zidane and Mourinho, would surely want to work with Gareth Bale.

It’s a new era and an important period for a club which needs to win silverware in order to hang on to its biggest stars. Spurs are always up among the favourites for every knockout trophy and football betting markets supplied from arabianbetting.com will attract extra interest if Gareth Bale remains in the Tottenham squad.

Options to bet on the Premier League will also be in place along with a host of domestic and European trophies. Updates and opinion pieces on Spurs’ chances can be accessed along with sign up promotions from a host of sportsbooks.

It will be a fascinating summer for Spurs fans whether they are backing their team in the markets or simply watching their progress. With a new manager and new signings, Tottenham can enjoy a more productive campaign but much will depend on the future of Gareth Bale.

Celtic are set to appoint Ange Postecoglou as their new manager after they agreed a compensation package with his current employers Yokohama F. Marinos, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: 100 days of mystery

Undoubtedly, Celtic fans have been screaming out for clarity regarding their managerial situation in recent weeks. They are still manager-less after Neil Lennon’s acrimonious departure in February [The Scottish Sun] – the Hoops have now officially gone 100 days without a permanent boss.

Initially failing to land preferred target Eddie Howe after nearly three months of talks [BBC], Celtic have turned to Postecoglou as the man they believe can lead the Hoops back to Scottish Premiership glory in 2021/22. It now seems that they have secured his signature.

The Latest: Celtic set to finally appoint Postecoglou

Reported to be in advanced talks since Sunday [Sky Sports], Celtic have been working round the clock to finalise the Postecoglou deal.

Bringing this chapter to a close, they have reportedly agreed a six-figure fee to buy the 55-year-old out of his contract in Japan [Football Insider].

Despite having to apply for an exemption due to his absence of the required UEFA coaching licenses [Sky Sports], Celtic sources have revealed that he could be formally announced within the next 24 hours [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Huge relief for everyone connected with Celtic

Unquestionably, this news will come as a great relief to many Celtic supporters. Needing a major revamp ahead of the new campaign, attention will immediately turn to recruiting players who fit the style of play Postecoglou wants to implement at Celtic.

Labelled as ‘different class’ by his former player Ryan McGowan [BBC], his coaching philosophy has seen him obtain an Asian Cup, three A-League titles and a J-League title [Transfermarkt].

Should he bring these qualities to Scotland, it surely won’t be too long before Celtic are back amongst the honours, but the sooner they can get him through the door and working his magic the better.

In other news, Alan Brazil has issued his verdict on the Australian manager.

When it comes to Everton star Richarlison, there are few more enigmatic players in the entire Premier League.

The Brazilian epitomises a frustrating winger, someone who on his day is electrifying. He can beat players for fun and find the back of the net in ruthless fashion.

He is an exciting talent but he also has the tendency to blow hot and cold.

The attacker managed a haul of 13 goals this season which deserves an ounce of praise. However, his form towards the back end of the campaign left a lot to be desired.

Richarlison only scored once in his last 12 matches and struggled to create many opportunities for his colleagues to score from.

He ended the campaign with only three assists, the last of which came in December. That means the winger hasn’t supplied a goal for his teammates in 26 league outings.

For a player of his quality, it almost defies belief that his return in that aspect of the game is so poor.

Signing somebody to replace Richarlison would be foolish but at the age of 24, he does need to start showing more signs of consistency.

Perhaps he could be driven on by the arrival of another rampant forward player.

In May, it was revealed by Get Football News France that Everton had made an approach to sign Moussa Diaby.

The Frenchman has been a livewire for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga this term and has the seal of approval from former Toffee, Michael Ball.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

He told This is Futbol: “Diaby is all pace, it’s a great outlet. Everton usually like playing on the front foot, especially at home, and they haven’t had those types of players at the club this season to play in that style.”

Ball continued: “I think his assists this season have been very high. If we look at who Everton have got at the moment, I think Richarlison has only had three or four assists this season which is not good if you want to be touching top four or top six.”

There lies the reason Everton should go out and get Diaby.

Described as an “explosive” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old is a true creative force, beating players for fun and then laying the ball on a plate for a teammate.

Throughout 2020/21, the youngster produced 15 assists in all competitions, 12 more than Richarlison managed.

On top of that he provided goals too. Diaby bagged ten strikes across various tournaments, including four in the Europa League.

Compared to Arjen Robben, the Leverkusen flanker is a devastating threat when he cuts inside, possessing frightening traits and qualities.

To sum things up, Leverkusen midfielder Kerim Demirbay once exclaimed: “Players with his quality don’t come along often.”

Based on that quote alone, a good case can be built for Everton to sign him this summer. He’d certainly offer more creativity than Richarlison.

AND in other news, Imagine him & DCL: Everton must complete swoop for 30-goal gem who is “crushing it”…

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited by an update regarding striker Patson Daka, claiming that it could hint towards a move to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp is sure to be looking at new signings ahead of the summer transfer window, with various areas of the pitch requiring additions.

Although Liverpool look well-stocked in attack at the moment, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino all vying for minutes, another face there wouldn’t go amiss.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-4/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

With the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri and Divock Origi potentially moving on, another forward could bolster Klopp’s options in the final third.

Daka is a player who has been linked with a move to Liverpool, having excelled for RB Salzburg, scoring 68 goals in 125 appearances.

It is now been reported by the Liverpool Echo that the striker has been omitted from Zambia’s latest squad, in order to focus on his future, which signals that the player could be on the move this summer.

Liverpool fans love Daka update

The @LFCTransferRoom Twitter account passed on this report and these Liverpool fans reacted to it, with some speculating that he could be about to make a move to Anfield, others hoping that he does make a switch to Merseyside and one even feeling a bit tired of transfer rumours already!

“Ohhhhh ok. Let’s see what’s going down”

Credit: @CMT17LFC

“Sign him please. Sell Origi first. He will be great competition for Firmino”

Credit: @Anggara16126514

“We want him in Liverpool uniform”

Credit: @jarukulwanich

“Tielemans, Daka and Raphina incoming?”

Credit: @max2710

“Exactly what we need!”

Credit: @OindoC

“Lol transfer rumours kill me”

Credit: @NargleInAFez

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been hailing the skills of one Reds player after a video emerged. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United could be making a major transfer howler this summer by signing Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from Football Insider, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are set to join Scottish champions Rangers in the race to sign the 26-year-old this summer.

Fresh reports have now emerged from elsewhere claiming that Turkish giants Galatasaray have entered the running for Murphy, with the likes of Leeds and Southampton also keeping tabs on the Englishman’s future at St James’ Park.

The winger only has a year left on his current contract on Tyneside and the Magpies are said to be keen on tying him down to a new deal.

Baffling transfer target for Leeds

While Murphy has lately been deployed by Bruce as a right wing-back, his record when used as a winger is rather underwhelming, and one which won’t have Leeds fans excited at all.

In the 20 games last season where he has played further forward out wide, the £25,000-a-week earner managed just two goals and three assists in all competitions. In contrast, Raphinha notched four goals and six assists in 23 games from the right wing for Leeds last term.

Murphy’s woeful goalscoring record actually places him behind the likes of Helder Costa and Gjanni Alioski, who each scored three times for Bielsa’s side.

Amid all the links to players such as Rodrigo de Paul and Nahitan Nandez, and even Noa Lang, Murphy appears to be a rather baffling transfer target for Victor Orta to be monitoring.

This isn’t a player who has proven himself in Serie A like De Paul or Nandez, or a hugely exciting talent like Lang. At 26, Murphy is arguably coming to the peak years of his career and has done very little with the Magpies to suggest that he’s someone who would come in at Elland Road and actually enhance the first team squad.

[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!”]

Bielsa needs to be targeting more proven options in the top flight, and Murphy’s below-par record raises some major questions marks over Leeds’ reported interest in signing him this summer.

Meanwhile, Bielsa could sign his dream player in this starlet…

Ruben Neves’ reported £35m price tag is “a bit of a laugh”, says former Wolves striker Steve Bull.

According to Goal, Neves is a target for Arsenal as they eye up a replacement for Granit Xhaka, who continues to be linked with a move to AS Roma.

The same outlet reports Wolves value their Portuguese midfielder at £35m, a value Arsenal could be reluctant to pay.

It all comes as a shock to Bull, who thinks Neves is worth even more than the current price tag that is floating around.

Speaking exclusively to TT about the player, he said:

“I think £35m, they’re having a bit of a laugh. I think he’s a top-class player. He’s been a bit rusty over the last 12 months, he’s been in and out the side, so I think he just needs revitalising.

“Maybe a new start, a new club might do that for him.”

Having signed Neves for around £15m from Porto back in 2017, at least Wolves would be making quite a bit of profit if they did end up selling him to Arsenal for £35m.

That kind of money could also help new manager Bruno Lage bring in a couple of players to improve a Wolves side that let their standard drop a bit last season after coming 13th, six positions lower than their finish in the 2019/20 campaign.

According to a report by GiveMeSport, some club chiefs at Rangers fear that Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy could make a move to appoint Steven Gerrard as their next manager as the search continues.

The Lowdown: Manager search continues…

Tottenham are reportedly back to square one in their quest to appoint a new manager after seeing talks with both Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso break down last week.

Beforehand, Spurs had targeted the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Antonio Conte, but appointing the former was made an impossible task by Paris-Saint Germain’s firm stance on him leaving this summer (The Athletic).

Talks with the latter Italian ceased due to him being left unconvinced as Spurs remain on the hunt for a worthy heir to Jose Mourinho.

Time is running out for Tottenham, though, with non-international Lilywhites players returning for pre-season training on July 5.

The Latest: Club chiefs believe Levy could now target Gerrard…

As per GMS, chiefs at Scottish champions Rangers believe Levy and Spurs could now make a move for their manager as the search stretches beyond two months.

[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”]

Those within the Glaswegian giants are apparently fearful of Tottenham swooping for Gerrard amid Spurs’ difficulty appointing a new boss.

The former Liverpool midfielder and Premier League legend was previously linked to the job with 90min mentioning him as a possible candidate back in March.

After guiding the Teddy Bears to a 2020/2021 SPFL crown, Gerrard could potentially emerge as a top managerial target with some at Rangers now fearing the worst from north London .

The Verdict: Good option?

On paper, Gerrard ticks some boxes in regards to Levy’s original checklist for Tottenham’s new boss – as outlined in the chairman’s end of season letter to supporters.

The Englishman consistently encourages an attacking, possession-based style of football (The Coaches’ Voice) and has been lauded as an ‘exciting’ manager by pundit Paul Robinson (Football Insider).

However, given his lack of experience in more competitive divisions like the Premier League, appointing Gerrard could be considered a big gamble by Levy and he is arguably safer targeting the likes of Erik ten Hag and Ernesto Valverde.

Gerrard’s success in Glasgow to this point is impressive, upsetting Celtic’s apple cart with an unbeaten season, but he would surely need to prove himself in a tougher league before landing a job this big.

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