All posts by h716a5.icu

There are various rumours surrounding Glasgow Rangers’ targets in the January transfer window, but one consistent theme appears to be that a left-winger is Steven Gerrard’s top priority, which won’t come as much of a surprise to Rangers fans.

Rangers let highly-rated teenager Kai Kennedy leave on loan for Raith Rovers after he put pen to paper on a new deal at Ibrox, Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones have been deemed surplus to requirements, and Ryan Kent’s future is uncertain, according to Football Insider.

However, one of their transfer targets could be a like-for-like replacement for Kent in the form of Anderlecht versatile forward Francis Amuzu.

Reports have emerged over the past week linking the £2.8m-rated Anderlecht winger with a reunion with his former teammate Kemar Roofe this month. Belgian outlet Voetbal24.be claims Gerrard is a big fan of Amuzu, who scored against Charleroi this week.

The 21-year-old has been in decent nick for Vincent Kompany’s side this season, with a goal and an assist in just ten starts in the Jupiler Pro League so far.

It’s easy to see why Gerrard is so keen to sign him too, given his decent return for Anderlecht, as he could add a natural threat on the left-hand side of the pitch and still has room to improve at the age of 21.

Whilst he has largely failed to establish himself as a regular starter under Kompany, his performance levels haven’t dipped in the slightest; he currently averages more shots, key passes and dribbles per game than Barker and Jones. Although Kent’s attacking contributions are superior in almost every area, Amuzu has actually been fouled more times, which shows he can be a real handful for any defence.

If fans still need persuading otherwise, Kompany previously told Voetbal Primeur: “I think Francis can teach our team a lot. I know there is no unanimity about the boy, but as a trainer, I will stay calm about that.

“Francis makes progress and always offers something. The competition will only make him better.”

Signing Amuzu would be an immediate upgrade on the likes of Barker and Jones and give Kent some much-needed competition – against Charleroi, he was rated as the best player on the pitch for both sides by WhoScored in the 3-0 win at Lotto Park. There’s no doubt he could be a fine fit for the 54-time Scottish champions should Kent depart Ibrox in the near future.

AND in other news, Rangers can sign perfect Steven Davis successor in Nnamdi Ofoborh…

Lots of West Bromwich Albion fans have flocked to Twitter to slate Dara O’Shea over his performance in the Baggies’ latest Premier League game versus Sheffield United. 

The Republic of Ireland international made his 17th Premier League appearance of the season in this one, as he started at right-back. 

Per Sky Sports, in the 26th minute, he sent a cross straight into Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s arms, which was indicative of how ineffective he was going forward, while according to The Express and Star’s Liam Keen, the 21-year-old was beaten in the air far too easily, as he struggled in the defensive aspects too. 

So, what have these West Brom fans been saying about O’Shea?

It seems from what plenty of West Brom fans have been saying on Twitter, that the £2.25m-rated man’s overall performance was one of the worst of the lot, and that’s saying something considering the Baggies slumped to a 2-1 defeat against the only side in the division to have lost more matches than them this campaign.

He has been receiving plenty of criticism from fans of the West Midlands club, which you can see below…

Baggies fans blast O’Shea

“Dara O’shea is a league 1 player at best! Wins the ball then HOOOOF”

Credit: @mxttsmithy

“Dara O’Shea CANNOT DEFEND”

Credit: @james__e96

“I love Dara O’Shea but man, once he gets the ball there’s no chance he retains it. I hope it comes with his development”

Credit: @NickSmalling

“O’Shea isn’t good enough. #WBA”

Credit: @liamjackjones

“O’Shea is proving more this level is way to soon for him #wba”

Credit: @McGee92Official

“If Dara O’Shea plays a single minute of football for this club again it will be a minute too many. #wba”

Credit: @AshRamian

“O’shea is a liability. I think he’s too young and inexperienced to be starting games at this level. #WBA”

Credit: @DoodWBA

“O’Shea, Livermore and Bartley were so poor then #wba”

Credit: @Hannanar

In other news, some West Brom fans have been raging over Sam Field’s departure.

According to Forbes, Manchester United are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Sevilla star Jules Kounde ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

Reports back in January suggested that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are lining up a summer bid for the 4-cap France U21 international, and given Sam Pilger’s latest report, it seems he is still firmly at the top of their shortlist.

Questions over United’s defence have arisen once again after the Red Devils conceded a late equaliser in added time to draw 3-3 against Everton at Old Trafford.

The report adds that United have been keeping tabs on Kounde as they look to add depth to the centre-back berth.

Upgrade on Victor Lindelof

Harry Maguire is the clear first-choice in the position. However, the club captain does lack a suitable partner for his spot, and Solskjaer is keen to change just that by bringing in cover and competition for a place in his starting XI.

Paul Scholes was not impressed with Victor Lindelof’s latest display after United squandered a lead twice to draw with Everton on Saturday. Lindelof started alongside Maguire in the Premier League clash as United were forced to settle for a point at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils took the lead twice but were pegged back on both occasions, with Scott McTominay thinking he had scored the winner 20 minutes from full-time only for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to dash their hopes in a six-goal thriller.

When asked if Solskjaer’s squad is strong enough to mount a successful title challenge, Scholes said: “I still have question marks against Lindelof, I always will.

“I don’t think he’s quick enough to play alongside Maguire, I don’t think he’s aggressive enough.”

Signing Kounde would be an almost immediate improvement on the Swede. The 22-year-old, who is currently valued at £45m by Transfermarkt, averages 1.4 interceptions per game in comparison to Lindelof’s 1.2, demonstrating a strong sense of positional awareness.

Unlike Lindelof, he is also strong in the air, and is prepared to bring the ball out from the back to put his team on the front foot, as evidenced by his one dribble per 90 in La Liga this season. He also made the headlines after scoring a stunning solo goal against Barcelona, which suggests that he’d offer an alternative threat in attack as well.

If Ed Woodward can bring him to Old Trafford this summer, then the youngster could prove to be a very shrewd addition for Solskjaer’s side.

AND in other news, Manchester United urged to sign West Ham star Declan Rice by Trevor Sinclair…

With Neil Lennon finally departing his role as Celtic manager after resigning from his post, Peter Lawwell will now be as busy as ever.

He has a massive job before he formally retires from his role as the club’s Chief Executive; finding a new manager for the Hoops.

Of course, they could give John Kennedy until the end of the season, in which case, the decision may fall on the shoulders of Dominic McKay instead.

Considering how far behind Rangers they are, this is a massive decision for the Hoops to take. Get the appointment wrong and they could consign themselves to a number of years at the mercy of their biggest rivals.

A number of names have been linked with the vacant hot seat but one of the most eye-catching is undoubtedly Roberto Martinez. Jim White revealed this week that he was on the club’s shortlist before Dean Windass exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes the role would appeal to the Spaniard.

He is currently managing the number one ranked team in the world in Belgium, but how could the former Everton boss line-up if he comes to Parkhead?

We’ve had a go at piecing together how the Celtic side may look if Martinez enters Glasgow in the summer.

The first thing to notice is the change of formation. Lennon flirted with the idea of a three-back throughout this season but it’s a system that Martinez has religiously stuck to with Belgium.

The Red Devils have a wealth of attacking riches, all of which are nigh on impossible to fit into one squad. However, with the 47-year-old accommodated to this style of football, we’d back him to implement it with the Bhoys too.

With Diego Laxalt and Jonjoe Kenny set to depart Glasgow following the conclusion of their loan spells, it means there aren’t too many options in a wide area. With that in mind, we think that Martinez could go with Greg Taylor and Ryan Christie as his wide midfielders or wing-backs.

The Belgium manager prefers attacking wing-backs and has even picked rampaging winger Thorgan Hazard in that role at international level. Thus, he could do the same with Christie.

The defence comprises of the ball-playing Kristoffer Ajer who should suit Martinez’s ideology of possession-based football perfectly. He’s partnered next to Stephen Welsh and Liam Shaw who has reportedly agreed a pre-contract with the Hoops.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-on-celtics-managerial-vacancy” title=”Check out the latest on Celtic’s managerial vacancy!”]

There is no room for club stalwart Scott Brown with his contract expiring at Celtic in the summer. That means Ismaila Soro and Callum McGregor make up the midfield.

In forward areas, Odsonne Edouard starts up top with James Forrest and David Turnbull in behind. We’ve already looked at the way Martinez could prove to be key in the development of Turnbull after the way he brought Ross Barkley into the limelight at Goodison Park.

This XI does, of course, depend on any further new signings.

AND in other news, Dembele could be convinced to stay if Celtic appoint “special” 42 y/o Lennon successor…

Lee Johnson has guided this Sunderland side to fourth in League One and the good times should carry on this weekend.

The Mackems are getting ready to face a Rochdale side who occupy a relegation place in the division. They have only won one of their last 15 outings, so it should be an uphill struggle for The Dale at the Stadium of Light.

That being said, the Black Cats did need a rescue act last weekend against Crewe in order to salvage a point.

It’s also hard to look past a number of injuries with which Johnson is having to contend. With a succession of players still on the sidelines, how could their XI look on Saturday afternoon?

The Mackems are likely to be without Grant Leadbitter this weekend as he recovers from a dislocated shoulder.

Tom Flanagan is looking stronger in his bid to return to fitness but will miss out this weekend. The same goes for Ross Stewart and Denver Hume. Bailey Wright will unfortunately also be absent on Saturday afternoon.

As a result, the makeshift pairing of Dion Sanderon and Luke O’Nien occupy the central roles in the defence.

With Sunderland taking on weaker opposition, it could give the manager a chance to go more attacking, something he did in the second half of their clashes with Crewe and Swindon.

That sees two changes made from Tuesday night, with Chris Maguire and Aiden O’Brien coming into the side. Maguire replaces Lynden Gooch in the number 10 role.

Gooch starred against Swindon but went off with a minor calf problem. Johnson wasn’t too worried at full-time but, given the number of injury problems they have, they can’t afford to take risks. That means the £5,000-per-week winger is dropped from the XI.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-sunderland-news-and-gossip” title=” Latest Sunderland news and gossip!”]

The other change is on the left, where Jordan Jones comes out of the team for O’Brien, someone who has been an influential member of the team since Johnson was given the job.

The winger started on the bench in midweek but scored 11 days ago against Fleetwood. With his importance in mind, it’s not beyond the realms of fantasy to suggest he could start again.

After all, Jones still appears to be struggling for match fitness; he was hooked after just an hour on Tuesday night.

AND in other news, Sunderland must unleash “top player” who Johnson once dubbed “Championship-class”…

Manchester City’s winning run came to an end on Sunday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against rivals Manchester United at the Etihad.

An early penalty from Bruno Fernandes set Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on their way, before defender Luke Shaw doubled the lead in the second half.

City certainly weren’t short on chances, however, and it is definitely fair to suggest that if they were a lot more clinical on the day, then their unbeaten run could have continued.

One man who was guilty of missing some of City’s best chances is Raheem Sterling. Although it was late in the game, he missed arguably the Citizens’ best opportunity to get back into the tie, when he failed to connect with Kyle Walker’s superb cross.

As per SofaScore, the former Liverpool man would earn a disappointing 6.0 rating for his performance, which was the worst of any player from either side.

During his time on the pitch, Sterling would have just 45 touches of the ball, which was the fewest of any Man City outfield player bar Gabriel Jesus, as he struggled to have much impact on the game.

He would also miss two big chances during the 90 minutes, whereas no other City player would have a big chance during the game, which emphasises how much he let his team down on Sunday.

The England international, who Owen Hargreaves dubbed “remarkable” earlier this season, would complete 26/33 passes at the Etihad, resulting in a 79% pass accuracy, which is some way lower than the 86.1% he has averaged in the Premier League this season.

To compound an awful display by the 26-year-old, he would fail to win any of his three duels during the game, and would lose possession 14 times, despite rarely being involved.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka clearly had the better of him at right-back, as he earned an impressive 7.5 rating for his display, and would make five interceptions and three tackles, whilst he wasn’t dribbled past once, which demonstrates how effective he was in nullifying the threat of Sterling.

Therefore, you can definitely argue that Sterling let Pep Guardiola, and Kevin De Bruyne down – with the Belgian playing an extraordinary eight key passes during the game – as he was unable to take the chances that fell to him, which, as a result, brought an end to City’s unbeaten run.

And, in other news… Forget Zinchenko: City can sign their dream Mendy successor in £34.4m gem

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge recently, and if the Norwegian were to join this summer, it could lead to Moussa Sissoko leaving the club.

According to reports from France, both Arsenal and Spurs are interested in signing the 23-year-old this summer, with the Blades looking extremely likely to drop back into the Championship following an awful campaign.

Berge became Sheffield United’s record signing when he joined from KRC Genk in January of last year but he has only been able to show glimpses of his ability in his time at Bramall Lane, with an injury having kept him out for much of this season.

Last season saw the midfielder make 14 appearances in the Premier League, where he contributed one goal and one assist, averaging a 6.81 WhoScored match rating.

Incidentally, both the goal and the assist would come in Sheffield United’s 3-1 win against Spurs following Project Restart last season, so you could certainly argue that he showed Jose Mourinho what he is capable of in that impressive display.

There is no doubt that Berge has the potential to be a top player, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp complimentary of the youngster after he produced a solid display for Genk at Anfield in the Champions League, reportedly telling him that he is “a very interesting player.”

Considering the number of options Mourinho already has in his midfield at Spurs, Berge’s potential arrival could be curtains for Sissoko, who has already been linked with a Spurs exit in recent months.

The Frenchman’s contract with the north London club isn’t set to expire until the end of the 2022/23 season but in 20 Premier League appearances this season, the 31-year-old has contributed no goals or assists, averaging a disappointing 6.55 WhoScored rating.

This ranks him below the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, so it already appears as if the former Newcastle man is giving way to a younger generation at Spurs.

Berge plays in a similar box-to-box style as Sissoko and therefore it is difficult to see the experienced midfielder getting regular game-time under Mourinho should he arrive from Sheffield United this summer.

Spurs fans could well end up saying bye-bye to the Frenchman should Daniel Levy sign the £16.2m-rated Berge this summer, as his future is already seemingly on a knife-edge, and the Norwegian’s potential arrival could prove to be the catalyst for Sissoko leaving.

And, in other news… 12 duels won: Spurs beast was exceptional and has given Mourinho a headache ahead of Arsenal

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Kevin Phillips, who made 513 career appearances, has been impressed with on-loan Wolves defender Dion Sanderson and wants to see him at Sunderland again next season.

Sanderson has impressed at the Stadium of Light this season making 22 appearances in all competitions and helping to shore up a previously leaky Sunderland defence.

Phillips believes if the 21-year old was to return next summer on loan or permanently, he would continue to improve as a player with the Black Cats.

The defender has started the club’s previous 12 league games, keeping seven clean sheets in the process, including two against promotion rivals Portsmouth and Ipswich Town.

Speaking on Sanderson’s form this season and why he would like to see him back on Wearside next season, Phillips told FFC exclusively:

“Yeah, he’s impressed me. I think over the last six weeks, he’s probably been one of the best defenders, alongside Luke O’Nien, they’ve formed a good partnership in the centre of that defence.

“He’s been very impressive and has looked assured and confident on the ball.

“I hope that he finishes the season strongly and helps them go up. I’d love to see him stay at the club next year because I think he’ll just continue to get better.”

Sanderson was, unfortunately, cup-tied for their Papa John’s Trophy final victory over Tranmere after playing in the same competition for Wolves’ U23s earlier this season, but returned against Accrington on Wednesday in a 2-0 win and yet another clean sheet.

Gary Mabbutt has exclusively told Football FanCast that Dane Scarlett is good enough to compete in Tottenham’s first-team next season.

Scarlett, who doesn’t turn 17 until later this month, burst on the scene following a number of outstanding performances for Spurs’ youth sides, which have caught the attention of Jose Mourinho.

The teenager striker’s 22 goals in 18 matches led to him being called into the senior squad by Mourinho, where he made his Tottenham debut in the Europa League against Ludogorets back in November.

Following more excellent form for the U18s, including five goals in a single FA Youth Cup match against Newport, Scarlett was handed further senior appearances, one of which was his Premier League debut against West Brom last month.

Scarlett was an unused substitute at Aston Villa on Sunday, and with Carlos Vinicius’ loan spell expiring this summer, Mabbutt says that the youngster has the potential to make the step up into the first-team.

The former Tottenham captain told Football FanCast:

“We have a lot of excellent youngsters out on loan – Oliver Skipp is doing well.

“We have a lot that have the ability to step up to the first-team, and Dane is exactly the same. He has got the potential and seems to be taking it all in his stride.

“If he’s comparing himself to Harry Kane, who did find it difficult to break through and went out on loan on a number of occasions, Dane will be a player that will be learning from that. If he continues to improve and continues to have the attitude that he has at the moment, he could be an amazing player for the future.

“Will he be there to challenge Kane next season? Of course, he will be one of those wanting to.”

Scarlett’s played just 17 minutes for Tottenham’s first-team, so it’s almost impossible to judge him. But even in that short amount of time playing with the seniors, he’s almost scored, assisted Vinicius against Wolfsberger, and despite his age, would appear one for the Spurs faithful to get excited over.

Carlo Ancelotti and Marcel Brands dodged a £13m bullet in Everton’s failed bid to sign Parma striker Joshua Zirkzee on loan from Bayern Munich this January.

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sport Germany, all indications currently point to Zirkzee returning to the Allianz Arena at the end of the season after a sobering first few months on loan with Parma.

The Serie A side acquired the 19-year-old during the winter market in a half-season deal which carries a €15m (£13m) option to buy, but are yet to see anywhere near the best of what the Netherlands under-21 international has to offer.

Zirkzee has lived life on the fringes since his arrival at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, with head coach Roberto D’Aversa so far offering a mere 108 minutes of action over four substitute appearances.

Zirkzee is yet to start a match or score a single goal for I Crociati and missed three fixtures with a back injury, to leave his long-term future ‘more open than ever’.

Parma, Bayern and Zirkzee had high hopes for his spell in Italy to prove a success after talks over moves to Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt fell through.

Reports by the Daily Mail in January had claimed that Everton wanted to sign the Dutch forward on loan with a £9m option to buy as Ancelotti sought attacking reinforcements.

The Toffees ultimately signed Joshua King in a £2m deal with Bournemouth which could reach £5m should the Goodison Park natives look to retain the Norwegian beyond the end of the season.

Everton dodged a bullet

Everton’s decision to seemingly reject Bayern Munich’s demands of a £13m option and look toward alternative targets in the winter market has proven to be a bullet dodged, as Zirkzee has been hugely underwhelming for Parma.

Sky Sport Germany add in their report that all the hype surrounding Zirkzee has fallen silent, as his year continues to get worse after starting 2021 by receiving a three-game ban for kicking 1860 Munich goalkeeper Marco Hiller in the face while playing for Bayern’s reserves.

Bayern boss Hansi Flick scolded Zirkzee for his decline in form and actions in Germany, noting: “He’s a great talent, but talent alone isn’t always enough. It’s important to work on yourself.”

Flick was a big advocate of Zirkzee’s potential last season when he broke into the first team fold and offered a key contribution to Bayern’s charge to the Bundesliga title, claiming: “His development has been remarkable. He still has a long way to go, but this is definitely an early reward.”

However, that potential has stagnated to the point of no goals in 13 games across all competitions for Bayern and Parma this season, of which Zirkzee has only started five – four of which came with Bayern’s reserves.

It’s impossible to say how Zirkzee would have fared at Everton if working under Ancelotti in a push for Champions League football rather than with D’Aversa as Parma fight for Serie A survival, but his time in Italy makes the forward appear much more a bullet dodged than a missed opportunity from a Toffees perspective.

AND in other news, Farhad Moshiri is set to back Everton as Carlo Ancelotti eyes a 29-y/o he described as “the best” in the world…