All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United should make a move for Liverpool striker Divock Origi this summer, according to former England international Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Origi the big-game player

Origi may not have been a regular starter for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, but he has still contributed hugely to their recent successes, being hailed as ‘exceptional’ by his manager.

The Belgian scored in the 2019 Champions League final win over Tottenham, also netting twice in the famous 4-0 win over Barcelona in the semi-final and scoring an injury-time winner in a Merseyside derby, proving that he can be a big-game player.

Origi could leave Liverpool this summer, however, and Leeds have been urged to sign him in the past.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Phillips gets behind move

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips talked up the idea of the 26-year-old heading to Elland Road, saying it is a move that makes sense:

“Maybe someone like Divock Origi. Maybe Leeds could nick in and get him from Liverpool. At that price? Certainly.

“With the time left in the window, I think we will see Leeds move for him, or a player like that.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-10/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Ticks the boxes

Origi could be an ideal signing for Leeds, providing competition for Patrick Bamford in attack, with the latter tiring a little as last season went on.

The Liverpool man possesses pace, strength and versatility, thriving both centrally and out wide, not to mention scoring three goals at the international level for Belgium.

With the Reds seemingly willing to sell Origi, Leeds would be wise to least submit a bid for him, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to make his squad as strong as possible.

In other news, Leeds are thought to be eyeing up a move for an experienced centre-back – find out who it is here.

Many Everton fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Chris Smalling.

As per Gianluca Di Marzio, the Goodison Park faithful have asked for information with regards to the AS Roma central defender, and he could be sold for the right price.

It certainly seems a strange idea to bring in Smalling given that the Merseyside club already have Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina, and are yet to appoint a permanent manager to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who has left to go and manage Real Madrid.

At 31 years of age as well, Smalling is not getting any younger, and so the Toffees should really be looking at younger targets in the summer window, and prioritise different positions in the squad first of all, given the approval of the new boss.

Everton fans on Smalling transfer update

These Blues supporters fumed as the transfer update on Smalling was shared on Twitter:

“We’re finished as a club”

Credit: @WAJG_96

“No no no no no no no no no STOP IT @Everton”

Credit: @2ndCityShirts

“Honestly just fold at this point @Everton”

Credit: @jck1878

“Really is getting worse day by day”

Credit: @MattH1878

“This club’s mudded”

Credit: @bobadiIIa

“Actually hate us”

Credit: @Everton1878___

In other news, find out the latest in EFC’s pursuit of this Euro 2020 ace here!

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must finally land Paulo Gazzaniga after a major development regarding the goalkeeper’s future.

What’s the story?

Reports last September suggested that the Argentine was a target for Smith’s side as they looked to strengthen the goalkeeping department, but the Midlands club moved on from the 1.95m (6 foot 5) titan and signed Arsenal’s Emi Martinez instead.

Gazzaniga saw his time with Spurs come to an end earlier in the week after being released by the north London side, and when asked if he thinks the 29-year-old could go to Villa, football journalist Alan Nixon tweeted (via Birmingham Mail): “Would make a lot of sense. Villa want an experienced No.2.”

Perfect no.2 for Martinez

With recent confirmation that Tom Heaton has left the club, Villa could do with some new competition for Martinez in between the sticks for next season.

In Gazzaniga, they could find the perfect player to come in, with the Argentine having deputised for Hugo Lloris at Spurs numerous times and his former boss Jose Mourinho even hailing him as “magic hands” after a particularly impressive performance against Wolves last season.

Add that to his Argentine nationality, and he should even settle in well at Villa Park given that he already has a international compatriot in Martinez, and the duo will no doubt push each other to greater heights.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/villa-dean-smith-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-premier-league-buendia-berge-mcneil-trezeguet-villa-park” title=”Read the latest Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

Given that he won’t cost the club a penny in transfer fees either after being released by the Lilywhites, along with having ample Premier League experience, Gazzaniga seems like the perfect backup to Martinez both in terms of quality and value.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped a major Aston Villa transfer update…

Portsmouth chairman Michael Eisner is heading for a disaster with “very strong” goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray.

What’s the talk?

According to Portsmouth outlet The News, League One outfit Ipswich Town are showing an interest in Craig MacGillivray and they could swoop for the shot-stopper if he becomes a free agent next month. MacGillivray is out of contract at the end of June and the club opted against triggering a 12-month extension due to wage concerns, which has left him in limbo ahead of next season.

Ipswich are now eyeing up MacGillivray as they look to strengthen their own goalkeeping department. London News Online reported in May that fellow League One side Charlton Athletic are also considering a swoop for MacGillivray on a free transfer.

Back in 2018, Pompey journalist Neil Allen praised the “very strong” keeper after he saved a penalty against Accrington Stanley, after giving the spot-kick away. He told The News:

“You can talk about his mentality that he gave that away but he made the save.

“So he’s a very strong, mentally, keeper as well and he’s been a really good signing,

“That’s been his only big mistake all season and it still didn’t go in.

“He doesn’t drop anything when he comes for crosses as well, is very confident, and he made a couple of good saves later on as well.”

Pompey fans will be fuming

Portsmouth fans will be fuming with this news as they could be about to watch their Player of the Season leave the club to join one of their rivals for nothing. MacGillivray was named Portsmouth’s Player of the Season last month after picking up an incredible 64% of the fan votes, which highlights how highly the Pompey fans rate the goalkeeper and why they would be livid at the prospect of him joining Charlton or Ipswich.

Danny Cowley’s side could be competing for promotion against Charlton and Ipswich in League One next season and MacGillivray could, potentially, help one of them beat Portsmouth to an automatic promotion or play-off place.

He has proven his quality at this level, as shown by his Player of the Season award, and could, therefore, be a terrific addition to Charlton or Ipswich’s squad. This means that they could be strengthened by signing MacGillivray, whilst Portsmouth are weakened by losing their best goalkeeper and getting nothing back in return.

Whilst it is understandable that Portsmouth chairman Michael Eisner is hesitant to offer big money to MacGillivray in a new deal, given the current pandemic and the financial implications, the club must work hard to find a better solution to this situation.

MacGillivray has proven to be worth his £2.7k-per-week deal and extending his contract with a small pay rise and the promise of a hefty promotion bonus and wage increase that could see him earn the wages he wants if the club secures Championship football for the 2022/23 campaign makes perfect sense.

This could help Portsmouth avoid disaster and would allow MacGillivray to either get the wages he wants or be allowed to leave on a free transfer next summer, as part of the deal.

If the club are not able to work out a contract like that and MacGillivray does go on to join one of their rivals, it will be a major blow for Pompey and the fans will rightly be devastated by it.

AND in other news, Pompey must complete swoop for “excellent” £6k-p/w dynamo, Cowley would love him…

Marcus Bent has described Antonio Conte as a potential “Hollywood signing” but reckons his wage demands could prevent him from becoming the next Everton manager.

Conte is currently a free agent following his departure from Inter Milan last month, less than three weeks after guiding the Italian giants to their first Serie A title for 11 seasons but has since held unsuccessful talks with Tottenham.

He looked set to become Jose Mourinho’s replacement in north London, but the deal collapsed at the very last minute, with the two parties unable to reach an agreement.

Earlier this month, when Everton were hoping to pursue a deal for ex-Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Football Insider reported that the Toffees had made an optimistic approach for Conte, although nothing has yet materialised.

Conte has five major league titles on his CV, including the Premier League with Chelsea in 2016-2017, but Bent exclusively told Football FanCast that his financial package is likely to stop any possibility of him becoming Everton boss:

“Speaking to the club, he’s a Hollywood signing, he’d be a massive coup and someone that you would want to get in, but it doesn’t mean he’s going to come in and do the job.

“But you’ve got to think about wages, price-tag that it would cost to bring him to the club, but that’s what they’ve said to me, and if they were to get him it would depend on how much.”

Southampton’s season ended with a disappointing 3-0 defeat against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, in a game which summarised many of the faults of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in what has been an ultimately underwhelming campaign from the Saints.

The game followed an all too familiar pattern for Southampton as after starting the game well and missing some excellent chances, West Ham capitalised on some poor defending to open the scoring through Pablo Fornals, who quickly added a second to put the Hammers in control.

Hasenhuttl’s side had plenty of opportunities to get back into the game before some more woeful defending late on allowed Declan Rice to waltz into the penalty area before slotting past Alex McCarthy to secure a comfortable win for David Moyes’ side, which confirmed their place in the Europa League next season.

One man who disappointed in the defeat at the London Stadium was Danny Ings.

As per SofaScore, the England international would earn a poor 6.5/10 rating for his performance, with only Kyle Walker-Peters (6.4), Alex McCarthy (6.4) and Takumi Minamino (6.4) rated lower.

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

During his 84 minutes on the pitch, the 28-year-old striker would have just 22 touches of the ball, which was the fewest of any Southampton player to start the game, which is not what you would expect from the talismanic striker.

Ings would also complete just 10/14 of his passes during the game, which again was the fewest of any Southampton player including goalkeeper McCarthy, who would complete 13.

The “hugely impressive” striker was simply not involved, as he would lose his only duel of the game, whilst he also failed to contribute a single shot on target, dribble or key pass during his time on the pitch.

The service to Ings wasn’t great, but when the ball did get to him, he was pretty poor at keeping hold of it.

Despite being involved so little, he still contrived to lose possession on nine occasions, and it was no surprise to see him substituted with around 10 minutes to go, as Hasenhuttl was clearly not impressed with the way his star striker failed to turn up for the final game of the season.

And, in other news… Southampton can finally replace Hojbjerg with £8.6m beast who dreams of playing in the PL

Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes Everton would pay Brentford’s asking price for striker Ivan Toney.

Following his outstanding first season in the Championship, the Bees have reportedly slapped a £30million price tag on the 25-year-old amid interest from several Premier League sides.

West Ham, Leeds and Arsenal are all keen on Toney, although Everton’s need is perhaps the greatest, with both Josh King and Cenk Tosun expected to be moved on this summer – which would leave them with just one natural striker.

King’s contract expires at the end of the season, whilst Tosun, who’s currently on loan at Galatasaray, is about to enter the final 12 months of his deal, with the Toffees likely to cash-in on the Turkish international.

And Bent believes that by selling those two strikers, it could pave the way for director of football Marcel Brands to match Brentford’s £30million asking price for Toney, who’s scored 30 goals in the Championship this season.

He told Football FanCast:

“He’s proven in the Championship, he’s not proven in the Premier League, but again, with today’s transfer requests and transfer fees, that’s the sort of money you’ve got to pay.

“If they get rid of some of the players we’ve spoken about and they’ve got the money in the kitty, I’m sure they will.”

A number of Liverpool fans have been left unhappy after the Reds were linked with a summer move for Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford.

The outgoing Premier League champions have suffered a frustrating season in front of goal, with wasteful finishing costing them in a number of matches. The likes of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have been particularly guilty in that respect, although the former did score in Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Southampton.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

It seems likely that Jurgen Klopp will delve into the transfer market this summer in order to find another attacking player to boost his options in the final third.

According to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein, Liverpool are admirers of Bamford, suggesting that a potential summer transfer bid could be on the cards. The 27-year-old has shone for Leeds this season, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League and pushing to feature for England at Euro 2020.

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

Liverpool fans unhappy with Bamford rumour

Despite this, many Liverpool fans don’t want to see Bamford in a Reds shirt next season, claiming that he isn’t good enough.

Some feel that the rumour is a substantial disimprovement from the likes of Kylian Mbappe, while the Leeds striker had previously struggled at Premier League level prior to this season. One Kopite took aim at owners FSG, who are already in the doghouse following the European Super League fiasco.

“From Haaland/Mbappe to Bamford. Wow FSG are pathetic”

Credit: @kingkaz_7

“Is this a joke?”

Credit: @Robertf81884158

“He is so slow”

Credit: @YungKenReds

“No thanks we’re just looking for cheaper alternatives now”

Credit: @jayfoulkes78

“No thank you. Would be a proper Hodgson era signing”

Credit: @IWWROCKS

“Oh God no”

Credit: @brendanjudge

In other news, James Pearce has provided a key update on the future of one Liverpool attacker. Find out who it is here.

Nuno Santo was happy the day before he announced he was leaving Wolves. That’s the word of club legend Steve Bull who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast this week.

However, a rift behind the scenes has put the club as we know it in doubt. Nuno has departed the Midlands under a cloud of smoke following an argument over club finances.

It’s thought that Jeff Shi came to him with a plan to strengthen the club this summer but that involved selling their best players and working on finding cheaper replacements.

The Portuguese boss didn’t like it and consequently, he handed in his notice and headed for the departure lounge.

Within days of his exit, Ruben Neves has been linked with a £35m exit while the future of Adama Traore remains in doubt.

If the Spaniard stays at Molineux, he will be a pivotal player for any new manager coming in. One head coach linked with the vacancy is Paulo Fonseca.

Another manager to hail from Portugal, Fonseca is rather unsurprisingly a client of Jorge Mendes.

Though, he’s more than qualified for the job. He took Roma to the Europa League semi-finals this season and won the domestic league with Shakhtar Donestk in Ukraine in three consecutive seasons.

Fonseca has developed an attacking style of play, one that in his own words requires himself and the team to be “brave.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-transfer-rumours-and-news-soumare-dias-dembele-marques-nuno-santo” title=”Read the latest Wolves transfer rumours and news!”]

The 48-year-old prefers an energetic and intense brand of football, one that sees the ball moved forward in double-quick time.

For someone like Traore, this would game-changing. The Spain international is one of the quickest players in the division and managed to record more successful dribbles than anyone else in the top-flight this term.

He is a radiant ball of fun, an unstoppable force who can create panic among even the very best defences in the Premier League.

His numbers, however, haven’t been impressive this term. Traore scored just two goals and thus, improvement is needed.

Fonseca could help the winger to finally discover some consistent end product. The work he did with the group of attackers at Shakhtar was eye-catching.

The coach had the pleasure of managing Brazilian trio Taison, Marlos and Junior Moraes in Donetsk. They all flourished under the guidance of Fonseca as he witnessed them score a combined 88 goals in three years.

Besides Raul Jimenez, this Wolves attack hasn’t registered the most vibrant of numbers in recent years.

The Mexican scored 27 last term but only managed 11 appearances this season due to a fractured skull.

Fabio Silva scored just four goals in all competitions while Pedro Neto top-scored with five strikes. As a consequence, the trio could improve considerably under Fonseca’s watch.

Neto has proven himself to be an impressive performer this season but there is still a lot of potential to be extracted from Traore.

It never really felt like Nuno was able to get the best from him; perhaps Fonseca can change his fortunes.

AND in other news, Shades of Nuno: Shi will condemn Wolves to more mediocrity by hiring stubborn 49 y/o…

David Moyes has landed a potential boost, with West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell optimistic that his hamstring injury sustained against Leicester City is not a serious issue.

That’s according to Irons insider ExWHUemployee, who has noted on The West Ham Way podcast that the 30-year-old was due for scans on Monday to reveal the full extent of the blow.

Cresswell was forced off shortly into the second half of the Hammers’ 3-2 win over the Foxes on Sunday as he earned his 31st start of the Premier League season.

Moyes had not been without the left-back for a single minute of West Ham’s surprise challenge for Champions League qualification before the Leicester game, which also saw the London Stadium natives lose captain Mark Noble to an elbow injury.

The pair joined a growing injury list already featuring Declan Rice (knee), Angelo Ogbonna (ankle), Manuel Lanzini (knock), Darren Randolph (thigh) and Andriy Yarmolenko (knee), but ExWHUemployee believes that some of those may return for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United.

“Hopefully Ogbonna, Yarmolenko, Randolph and Lanzini will all be in contention for a place against Newcastle,” he said.

“It might come a little bit too early for Yarmolenko, but certainly Ogbonna and Lanzini were very close to being on the bench [against Leicester]. It gives us options when they’re available definitely, so that will help.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-west-ham-news-and-views” title=”Latest West Ham news, views and gossip!”]

“Cresswell obviously felt his hamstring. He’s had issues with his hamstring before [yet] Cresswell is optimistic that it’s not too serious. But he’ll have a scan to find out how serious it is.”

It obviously remains to be seen if Cresswell will be ruled out of West Ham’s clash with Steve Bruce’s relegation-threatened Newcastle on Saturday, but the left-back’s optimism over the severity of his issue will come as a huge boost for Moyes.

The former Ipswich man has been a vital part of Moyes’ system this season, so the Hammers boss will be desperate to see the Englishman miss as little game-time as possible if the Irons are to fulfil their challenge for Champions League or Europa League qualification.

Moyes lauded the 31-year-old as being “invaluable” earlier in the campaign, such has been his impact on West Ham’s performances, having delivered consistently all term and stepped up his creativity. No Irons player has registered more assists across all competitions this term than Cresswell, who has been credited with creating seven goals (all in the Premier League) thus far.

He has further carved out the most goalscoring opportunities for Moyes’ squad per league game with 1.4 key passes on average, helped heavily from being the Irons’ most productive player out wide with 1.5 accurate crosses and 1.6 accurate free-kicks, per WhoScored.

Arthur Masuaku may have returned from knee surgery to feature against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester last week, but Moyes will be desperate for Cresswell to come back given his importance to the team.

AND in other news, David Moyes eyes a summer reunion with £75k-p/w enforcer who looked “like he’s on roller-skates” in 2020…