All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Aston Villa fans have been left slamming the display of Douglas Luiz despite their 2-1 win at home to Leicester City in the Premier League.

The Brazilian was particularly poor in the first half of the game, and although he improved in the second, some members of the Villa Park faithful still did not think that his overall performance was good enough.

Luiz lost out on two of his duels, and also failed to block any shots or make any key passes from midfield, while he lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 22 separate occasions in the match, the most out of any of his teammates on the pitch (SofaScore).

Nonetheless, with Morgan Sanson back fit and on the bench, he will most certainly have to perform better if he is to keep his place in the starting eleven under Steven Gerrard.

Villa fans on Luiz display

These AVFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with a couple even going as far as to claim that he was ‘awful’:

“You could put a throw pillow on for Dougie and there’d be no drop in quality”

Credit: @VillaVirginian

“Dougie’s having a stinker”

Credit: @telekabba

“Can anyone tell me what position Luiz is playing??”

Credit: @ABCDEFC45833367

“Get Luiz off half time, passing has been woeful and offers nothing defensively.”

Credit: @villarichie

“Luiz off and Sanson on pls. Awful half from Luiz”

Credit: @AvfcSims

“Buendia, Luiz & Watkins have been awful this half”

Credit: @JBaker_24

In other news, find out what news involving this Villa ‘monster’ has fans buzzing here!

Following the appointment of Steven Gerrard as Dean Smith’s replacement at Aston Villa, it was revealed that the owners at Villa Park would give financial backing to the 41-year-old during the January transfer window.

The first example of this could be seen in their recent loan deal for Barcelona and former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho.

Looking ahead to the rest of the window, the Midlands club have plenty of time left to complete any deals that they think will improve Gerrard’s squad and enable them to end their season on a high.

However, one potential target who the Villans should definitely avoid this month is Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell.

With Villa having been linked with a potential £40m move for the midfielder last summer, The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently claimed that the Canaries would be willing to sell the 23-year-old for a reduced fee of £15m or more.

Despite this substantial drop in price, the Midlanders should still avoid making a move to sign him this month.

From a Villa point of view, even before the arrival of Coutinho, they have a significant number of midfield and attacking players in their squad, including youngsters Jacob Ramsey, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cameron Archer, who could end up being overlooked if Cantwell were to join.

In terms of what the 23-year-old – who is currently valued at £18m by Transfermarkt – could offer to Villa, he has not scored a goal or provided an assist in eight Premier League appearances so far this season. That suggests that the Englishman may not have the quality to get into the Villa team in the first place.

In addition to Cantwell’s lack of goal contributions in the league this season, his performances haven’t been much to shout about either. WhoScored give him an overall rating of 6.23/10, which would rank him among Villa’s lowest-rated players this season.

Having been accused of “getting above his station” by pundit Chris Sutton after walking down the tunnel at Carrow Road when he was substituted in Norwich’s game against Villa last month, the 23-year-old may not necessarily have the attitude that Gerrard would want in his squad either.

Overall, Villa must avoid a potential transfer howler and forget about securing a deal for Cantwell this month despite the apparent decrease in Norwich’s asking price.

In other news – Forget Coutinho: Lange can transform Gerrard’s Villa by signing “aggressive” £22.5m beast

We’re now approaching another week but we’re still no closer to discovering who the next Celtic manager will be.

It’s been a tale of woe for the Bhoys who are still making do with an interim boss in the dugout at Parkhead.

What’s the word?

Eddie Howe has long been the favourite to replace Neil Lennon at Paradise but as time goes on, it looks increasingly unlikely he’ll arrive.

The entrance of Dominic McKay on Monday could accelerate things and at the top of his agenda will be convincing Howe to come to Glasgow.

Though, that looks far-fetched after news that was shared by GIVEMESPORT over the weekend.

Their sources reveal that the 43-year-old’s representatives have got involved and are trying to convince the former Bournemouth boss that he can still land a job in the Premier League.

Consequently, he is now refusing to commit to the Bhoys in a fresh twist to the tale.

Two options for Howe in England are Brighton and Crystal Palace who are both courting his services.

GIVEMESPORT claims that John Kennedy is still on Celtic’s radar in case Howe refuses the job altogether.

Bad news for Desmond

Agents have a funny habit of stalling deals in modern football and that’s certainly looking like the case here.

Traditionally we usually hear an agent trying to drum up suitors for a player but on this occasion, it’s a manager who’s front and centre of an ongoing saga.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-lampard-klimala-ajer-gossip” title= “Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Celtic is undoubtedly an appealing vacancy – they are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland after all. However, the money that comes with the Premier League is also likely to be a huge factor for Howe.

If an agent wasn’t involved as heavily, he may have already accepted the Hoops job. His reps have already spoken of how their client doesn’t want to return until the summer so they are clearly a huge stumbling clock in negotiations.

This is the last thing Desmond will have wanted. After Lennon walked out the exit door, they have struggled to nail down a replacement. Roy Keane came and went while Howe is now playing them the fool.

It’s come to a point where the majority shareholder should probably think about alternative options.

Lucien Favre is one of them but considering he was looking for wages of around £75k-per-week to take over at Fenerbahce, that looks difficult to conclude too.

He must be tearing his hair out at the moment; there is no simple solution for the Bhoys.

AND in other news, McGinn 2.0: Celtic will always rue not signing 107-cap star, he’s “out of this world”…

Fresh information has emerged regarding Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte’s links to French giants Paris Saint-Germain, as well as details on Mauricio Pochettino’s links to Spurs.

The Lowdown: Conte news

According to Le Parisien (via Get French Football News), Conte has offered himself to officials at PSG on an initial two-year engagement in the hope of replacing Mauricio Pochettino, who is soon expected to be relieved of his duties as head coach, already drawing links back to N17.

However, Alasdair Gold, football.london’s Spurs reporter, has revealed that people around the Italian have suggested that the rumours are not true.

As a result, a sense of unrest has overwhelmed the ongoing preparations at Hotspur Way ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leicester City.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-copy/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Fresh info emerges

According to a fresh report by football.london reporter Gold, there is no official break clause this summer in Conte’s deal.

At the end of the season, it is expected that the 52-year-old will meet with chairman Daniel Levy and managing director of football Fabio Paratici to discuss future plans.

Gold also reveals that previous claims of Levy holding regular contact with Pochettino are false, saying ‘those within the Argentine’s camp’ have shared that the former fan favourite exchanges only the odd pleasantry with the Spurs chief.

The Verdict: Conte is crucial to Spurs

Whilst the opening few months with the Italian in charge hardly went swimmingly, Tottenham have managed to win 13 of their 23 league matches under Conte’s reign.

As a result, the Lilywhites have cemented themselves as genuine top-four contenders in the league this season. Spurs are now up to fifth in the Premier League table, just two points behind Arsenal in fourth.

This improvement illustrates the vast changes which have positively affected the north London club’s results. Therefore, this means the news that there is no official break clause in Conte’s deal will come as a huge sigh of relief to Tottenham fans.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Noel Whelan makes Joe Rodon exit claim

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he was confused by Jose Mourinho’s tactics in Sunday’s north London derby.

Following a wretched run of form, the Spurs boss has become slightly more expansive in recent weeks which has seen Tottenham win four matches on the bounce in all competitions, scoring 13 times in the process.

But Mourinho went with a familiar cautious approach at the Emirates, despite picking up attacking line-up, which included Tanguy Ndombele, Lucas Moura, Gareth Bale, Heung Min Son and Harry Kane – with Erik Lamela’s Rabona goal their only registered shot in the first-half.

And goals from Martin Odegaard and Alexandre Lacazette saw Arsenal turn the game around – with Mourinho’s team only throwing caution to the wind once Lamela was sent off in the latter stages for elbowing Kieran Tierney.

Their attacking intent was nearly rewarded with a point, with Kane striking the post before Davinson Sanchez’s effort was cleared off the line by Gabriel.

But Windass doesn’t understand why the Tottenham manager is so defensive in games against the traditional top-six.

He told Football FanCast:

“I couldn’t believe what I was watching. There were so many players strolling around, it was like an end of season game, they were strolling around, there was no intensity. Harry Kane was very isolated, very quiet, even though he had a couple of chances. It was a bad day at the office. I fancied Tottenham, it was one of those games where you don’t have them very often.

“His tactics change against the top teams, maybe that’s why he gets a lot of criticism. When he does play against the top teams, he parks the bus a little and allows them to come on, they defend very deep and get them on the counter-attack.

“That’s probably why he takes a lot of flack and that’s why he has lost all of those games against the top-six. But then he’ll go to West Brom and be more expansive, I don’t get it.”

Tottenham have now lost five straight matches away at the ‘so called’ big six, suggesting Mourinho’s approach isn’t working and a Plan B is required.

Despite a superb overall campaign that saw them claim the Premier League title and win the Carabao Cup, Manchester City have been tipped for a summer rebuild ahead of next season.

After falling just short in the FA Cup and Champions League, it seems that Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to make some big name signings ahead of next season, which will likely also see some first-team regulars depart as the former Barcelona boss looks to end City’s woes in Europe after losing the Champions League final to Chelsea last season.

A host of names have been linked with the Citizens now that the transfer window is open, whilst the likes of Raheem Sterling, Aymeric Laporte and Bernardo Silva have all been linked with moves away.

Here’s how Football FanCast predicts Guardiola’s strongest XI could look next season…

After their title win was built on the improvement of their defence, with Ruben Dias a standout signing at the back, it seems unlikely that City will make too many defensive signings this summer.

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

Nuno Mendes is one name who has been touted as a potential option at left-back but that seems reliant on whether or not they can get rid of Benjamin Mendy, with Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko likely to rotate their next season, with John Stones and Kyle Walker also likely to keep their regular spots.

Ilkay Gundogan and Rodri will likely be the regular midfield partnership for Guardiola, although a new defensive-midfield signing may be necessary if Fernandinho does not agree to a new contract with the Etihad outfit.

Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez keep their place in attacking-midfield roles, with Phil Foden likely to be regular on the wing or through the middle, although the potential £100m signing of Jack Grealish could see him become a starter on the left.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

Up front, Harry Kane could seal a £150m exit from Tottenham Hotspur to sign for Guardiola’s side, with the Citizens seemingly the most likely destination for the England captain.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Bernardo: Txiki should seal Man City swoop for “phenomenal” £27m-rated wizard

Reported Manchester City target Robin Gosens produced a superb display for Germany against Portugal at Euro 2020, which emphasised exactly why Pep Guardiola should sign him this summer.

City have regularly been linked with a move for the Atlanta left-back, who has been one of the most consistent performers in Serie A in recent seasons, and he showed his class in Germany’s 4-2 win in Group F on Saturday afternoon.

As per SofaScore, the 26-year-old would earn an extremely impressive 8.7/10 rating for Joachim Low’s side, which was joint with Cristiano Ronaldo as the best of any player to feature in the game.

Featuring as a left midfielder in Germany’s 3-4-3 system, Gosens caused the Portugal defence all sorts of problems throughout the game, first providing the cross that was inadvertently turned home by City defender Ruben Dias to make it 1-1.

He later squared for Kai Havertz to make it 3-1 before getting the goal his performance deserved as he emphatically headed Joshua Kimmich’s cross past Rui Patricio.

Considering he managed three shots on target in the game, as well as having an early goal ruled out, Gosens’ attacking quality was clear to see throughout the game and emphasised that he could be a seriously dangerous threat in Guardiola’s side next season, should he complete a move to the Etihad.

Following the game, Low was full of praise for his performance, saying:

“I don’t know if it was the game of a lifetime for him, maybe he still has to play that.”But an amazing performance from him. He worked very hard and on top of that he was a constant threat up front as well.”[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

Last season saw the £31.5m-rated defender contribute 11 goals and six assists in just 32 appearances, which helped him average a superb 7.19 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

City’s two main left-backs Benjamin Mendy and Oleksandr Zinchenko, disregarding Joao Cancelo who is more of a natural on the right, would manage just two goals and one assist between them last season, so you could definitely argue that Guardiola could certainly do with an attacking left-back without the injury problems of Mendy.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

Therefore, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely try and bring Gosens to the Etihad this summer after he showed just what he was capable of in the exciting win against Portugal.

And, in other news… Man City may already have their Cancelo heir in “superb” teen rated one of “the best”

Gareth Southgate has admitted Jordan Henderson faces a race against time to even be fit for England’s Euro 2020 campaign this summer.

The Liverpool captain has been absent since the 1-0 defeat at home to Everton last month, having limped off with a groin problem, with a return originally expected some time in April (Sky Sports).

Henderson underwent surgery on the issue, but his return to action is still a way off and he isn’t expected to face Real Madrid in either leg of the Reds’ Champions League quarter-final tie.

It means the 30-year-old will likely only return for the final weeks of this season at best, meaning he may not even be match-fit enough to play at the Euros.

[freshpress-quiz id=“306736”]

Henderson faces race to be fit for Euro 2020

Speaking to reporters [via the Liverpool Echo], England manager Southgate hinted that Henderson will need to prove his fitness in order to make the squad:

“In terms of promises, we can only say that Hendo himself is very optimistic about how the operation went and the prognosis that the specialist has given him as to what is possible,” Southgate said.

“We are conscious that with any injury of that nature, there is a guide and a time defined – but that anything can happen along the way.

“We know it’s going to be close to the end of the season and we will just have to see how it goes.

“He will give himself every chance of being available. And, of course, we also know he is likely to be a bit short of match minutes in high-level games.

“There are a lot of things to take into consideration but, at the moment, that is a decision that is a few weeks away.”

Transfer Tavern take

Missing the Euros would be an enormous blow for Henderson, who at 30, may not have many more chances to impress at a major tournament.

Given his standing as vice-captain in the current England squad, he will surely start if he is fit, but the next month or so could be crucial, in that respect.

It appears this is yet more bad injury news for Liverpool, given that the original prognosis for the skipper was that he would be back in April (Sky Sports).

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to yet another injury blow for the Reds. Read about it here.

According to a West Ham source from Football Insider, the Hammers and GSB are now readying an approach to sign West Bromwich Albion goalkeeping colossus Sam Johnstone. 

The Lowdown: Johnstone linked with Hammers

As West Brom are confirmed to be relegated from the Premier League, Johnstone’s future at the Hawthorns has been the centre of much speculation.

A recent report from the Mirror emphatically claimed that the Baggies are set to sell the 28-year-old amid the financial turmoil which comes with dropping down to the Championship.

ESPN said last week that the Irons are favourites to sign him this summer and are prepared to offer him regular football.

The Latest: GSB readying approach…

Bringing the latest, Football Insider report that West Ham are now readying an approach to sign Johnstone with a West Ham source explaining that GSB have set their sights on him.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-rumours-and-gossip-two%2c-electric-boogaloo/” title=”West Ham rumours and gossip two, electric boogaloo” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, as per this report, the Irons are planning to make enquires into the 6 foot 3 shot stopper – with West Brom’s relegation coming as a boost in their bid to land Johnstone.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Lauded as West Brom’s ‘outstanding’ player by Kevin Phillips (West Brom News), his form over 2020/2021 has also attracted attention from England boss Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions manager handed Johnstone his first international call up due to his impressive performances at the Hawthorns this season, leaving little wonder why West Ham are now readying a move.

Given current first choice keeper Lukasz Fabianski is now 36-years-old, despite the club recently handing him a one-year extension, West Ham arguably need to find his successor as soon as possible – and Johnstone comes as a really great option with time on his side.

In other news: ‘Better than Lingard’…West Ham fans flock to alleged GSB transfer plan, find out more here.

Belgian defender Sebastiaan Bornauw has told the print edition of Het Nieuwsblad (via Sport Witness) that he held talks with Crystal Palace during the transfer window.

The lowdown

Bornauw sealed a £12.15million transfer from FC Koln to VfL Wolfsburg back in July.

The 6 foot 3 22-year-old had made 24 appearances for Koln the previous season, helping them avoid relegation through the play-off.

His average of 4.2 clearances per 90 minutes ranked him eighth in the Bundesliga, while he was in the top 20 for successful aerial duels with 2.7 (via WhoScored).

Palace ultimately added two centre-backs – Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen – to their ranks over the summer for a combined fee of £36.75million.

The latest

Reflecting on the events of the summer, Bornauw explained that the opportunity to play in the Champions League with Wolfsburg was too good to turn down.

He’s also confident the Volkswagen Arena is an ideal place for a young player to develop.

“I also spoke to English clubs, and one day I want to play in the Premier League,” he said, naming Crystal Palace and Norwich City as the two suitors.

“But when Wolfsburg knocked on the door, I was immediately won over by their project.

“This club makes young people better; we aspire to the top three and play Champions League.”

The verdict

Wolfsburg’s place in Europe’s elite football competition was always likely to prove a trump card in negotiations, but Palace can be pleased with their business in the centre-back department regardless.

Andersen and Guehi both enjoyed impressive 2020/21 seasons and have the potential to form an excellent partnership.

If 21-year-old Guehi reaches his full potential and makes a step up to a top club in the coming years, perhaps Palace could revive their interest in Bornauw, who does fancy taking on the Premier League one day.

In other news, fans flock to this transfer tweet.