All posts by z3u9t.icu

Xherdan Shaqiri’s Liverpool future could be decided this week, with reliable journalist Neil Jones providing a key update on his future.

The Lowdown: Shaqiri set to leave Liverpool

Shaqiri’s Reds career has been an up-and-down one, with the Swiss producing moments of quality (not least the two-goal salvo against Manchester United in 2018) but rarely becoming a key player at the club despite his weekly wage of £86,000.

The 29-year-old is expected to move on before the end of the summer transfer window, with Jurgen Klopp not seeing a future for him at Anfield.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The Latest: Jones provides latest

Goal journalist Jones has now given an update on Shaqiri’s future via Twitter, stating that key developments could be made in the coming days and naming four clubs who are interested in signing him. He outlined:

“Interest in Xherdan Shaqiri expected to ramp up this week. Sevilla, Villarreal, Lazio and Napoli among clubs to express interest. Liverpool ready to do business at the right price.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-8/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Time to move on

Shaqiri is a capable footballer with bags of experience, but now seems like the right time for him to go and enjoy a fresh challenge. In Harvey Elliott, who dazzled on loan at Blackburn last season, Liverpool potentially have a tailor-made replacement ready to come in and fill the void left by the 96-cap Switzerland international.

Shaqiri’s constant inability to stay fit became increasingly problematic – the hope is that Elliott will be available more often – and with his 30th birthday approaching, his time at Liverpool has reached its natural conclusion.

Having started just seven league games over the past two seasons, the writing has frankly been on the wall for some time for the Swiss winger.

In other news, two clubs are reportedly keen on signing a Liverpool player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey after his rather underwhelming stint in Serie A.

What’s the story?

The Wales international is currently lining up for his national side at the European Championships, but a summer switch could be on the cards after the tournament’s conclusion.

According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Talk), Ramsey wants to leave Juve over the coming months to make a return to the Premier League, with Arsenal and West Ham United set to rival Palace for his signature.

Parish must swoop

After making just 24 Serie A starts in a two-year stint with the Turin giants, Ramsey is reportedly ready to return to English football.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career in terms of winning trophies at Arsenal and then Juventus, winning three FA Cups, a Scudetto and an Italian Cup.

When at the peak of his powers, Ramsey can be a top-class operator and he was once described as an “outstanding technician” by former Gunners defender Martin Keown.

However, after finding game time hard to come by in recent years, the experienced maestro could be ready to move to a side where he’d be guaranteed a place in the starting XI.

Palace are in desperate need of new recruits ahead of the upcoming transfer window. Roy Hodgson’s departure has left the south London outfit in a precarious position.

The former England boss may have brought stability to Selhurst Park during his four-year stint at the helm, but he’s left the playing squad in a far from healthy state.

Experienced duo James McCarthy and James McArthur are set to become free agents at the end of the month, leaving a sizeable gap in the capital club’s engine room.

Therefore, chairman Steve Parish must swoop for Ramsey as he plots a mass overhaul of the first-team squad.

Whether the Welshman would be prepared to join Palace and battle against relegation is up for debate, but an opportunity to bring in someone of his stature and quality is something the club’s hierarchy cannot afford to turn down.

And, in other news…Get it done: Parish must sanction CPFC swoop for 19 y/o prodigy, fans will be buzzing 

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has answered a question on Celtic’s possible announcement of Eddie Howe as their new manager.

The Lowdown: Bournemouth’s exit a boost for the Hoops?

Reports last month suggested that the Hoops’ chances of landing Howe could be dashed should Bournemouth win promotion to the Premier League through the Championship playoffs.

However, the Cherries threw away a two-goal lead in the tie on Saturday, losing to Brentford 3-2 on aggregate. That seems to have put a move to Parkhead for Howe back on track, with the 43-year-old seeking to bring multiple members of staff from the English south coast to Scotland.

The Latest: Nixon’s three-word answer

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked by a Hoops fan hours after Bournemouth’s defeat if there will be an announcement on Howe anytime soon.

He replied by saying: “No excuses now”

The Verdict: He’s bang on

We’re with Nixon in saying that Celtic now have no excuses to get a deal for Howe over the line. He reportedly agreed on a move to become Neil Lennon’s successor last week, with one of the delays on an announcement due to Bournemouth’s involvement in the play-offs.

However, the Cherries’ season is now over, so we feel that Celtic should push through a deal as quickly as possible, especially with the club worried over Crystal Palace potentially scuppering a move for the 43-year-old.

The Hoops will only have themselves to blame should any deal collapse from here, with Howe’s desired staff members not receiving any pay rise following Bournemouth’s play-off elimination on Saturday.

In other news: 44 y/o feels ‘brilliant’ £7.5k-p/w Celtic ace could seal exit before June 11, find out more here. 

Crystal Palace are believed to be eyeing a move for FC Köln defender Sebastiaan Bornauw, according to Voetbal24.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements required

The Eagles unquestionably need long-overdue reinforcements due to their ageing squad. With the additional caveat of former manager Roy Hodgson’s retirement [Guardian], there will be a very different feel to Selhurst Park in 2021/22, with countless players reaching the end of their contracts.

As rumblings of the potential successor to Hodgson intensify with Nuno Espirito Santo the latest to be linked [Sky Sports], the Londoners seem to have been identifying potential signings in the background.

The Latest: Bornauw to SE25?

One of these reported targets is the aforementioned Bornauw, with Voetbal24 claiming the Eagles have ‘set their sights’ on the young defender.

The report also claims Bornauw would ‘like’ a move to the Premier League, although he does not want to decide his future immediately.

Highly rated in his homeland, a prospective move to the riches of English football looks favourable – his current employers are expected to be ‘dependent on sales’ this summer transfer window, suggesting they could well cash in on their prized assets [BILD via SportWitness].

The Verdict: Exciting Potential

The 6 foot 3 defender successfully aided his side to Bundesliga survival in 2020/21 [BuliNews]. He is currently valued at £10.80 million on the Transfermarkt database, so at just 22 years of age could perhaps have considerable sell-on value for Palace in the future.

No stranger to the limelight, he is also a fully-fledged Belgium international; making two appearances for the The Red Devils at senior level [Transfermarkt].

Leading his club in both clearances and blocks per game, the youngster is a beast at the back, but also calm in possession, boasting an 82% pass success rate this season.

Of course, the absence of a new manager at Selhurst Park may throw a spanner into the works, but this feels like a deal Steve Parish and co should be looking to get done, landing an exciting young talent with plenty of room to improve further still.

In other news, a reported Crystal Palace target has recently become a free agent.

Tottenham Hotspur may need to act soon if they are to land one of their mooted summer targets…

What’s the word?

Earlier this month, the Mirror’s chief football correspondent John Cross claimed that Spurs were interested in signing Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Ben White, but that they faced major competition from several of their Premier League rivals.

The situation has been ramped up tenfold in recent days as arch-enemies Arsenal have actually submitted a £40m bid for the England international, one which has subsequently been knocked back, according to Sky Sports.

However, it is thought that talks between the Gunners and the Seagulls are ongoing, with Brighton holding firm over their reported £50m valuation.

Spurs have even been handed another setback in their hopes to secure White as Football Insider claim the 6-foot defender has told those around him that he expects to move to the Emirates Stadium before the end of the transfer window.

A perfect solution

The Lilywhites recently announced Fabio Paratici as the club’s managing director of football and he’s walked into a right mess.

Harry Kane’s future is just one emerging problem, as is the seemingly never-ending manager hunt but Paratici will need to fix Spurs’ troubling backline if his club are to stand any chance of being a success

As explained perfectly by The Athletic and football.london, individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion in the backline have been the Achilles’ heel of Spurs’ season. It ultimately cost Mourinho his job, having tried 16 different defensive combinations.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-spurs-news-transfer-gossip-rumours-manager-update-fonseca-paratici-levy” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, injury updates and more!”]

Signing a player of White’s calibre would certainly aid those prospects but the club will have to react quickly amid Arsenal’s firm pursuit.

The 23-year-old centre-back, who is valued at just over £25m by Transfermarkt, was in fantastic form throughout the 2020/21 campaign, which ended up in him being called up to Gareth Southgate’s final Three Lions squad.

He’s capable of playing anywhere along the backline and in midfield, which should be of great appeal to whoever comes in as the club’s manager.

White’s average of 1.7 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 1.4 aerial duels won per league outing suggests he’s a very all-rounded option, whilst a passing success rate of 83.2%, via WhoScored, proves he’s just as solid on the ball, and that will again suit the Portuguese’s out-from-the-back system.

These qualities have been reinforced by those around him too.

Seagulls academy coach John Morling dubbed him a “winner” that you’d “want in your team” to The Athletic. He also added: He’s so calm, nothing fazes Ben. Any hurdles, he just jumps over. He just looks like he’s been there for years.”

Whilst he has also been dubbed a “special talent” by Sky Sports and a “warrior” by football scout Jacek Kulig.

Time is running out to secure him, so Paratici and Daniel Levy must launch their own bid to sign the Brighton sensation before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold drops worrying Fonseca claim ahead of likely appointment…

When Kieran Tierney left Celtic two years ago it was a disappointing moment for everyone associated with the Bhoys.

The Hoops were losing one of their academy gems as the might of the English football once again came calling for one of their best players.

It’s been a recurring theme at Parkhead down the years and it could strike them down again when the window opens next month.

Odsonne Edouard is close to a move to Leicester while Kristoffer Ajer has been watched by Newcastle scouts ahead of a potential switch south of the border.

The duo could rake in pretty handsome fees but Kieran Tierney may still pocket Celtic a hefty sum as well.

That’s because of a shrewd piece of negotiating from Peter Lawwell.

It’s not often you can say that about the Celtic CEO but in selling Tierney to Arsenal for £25m, it included a 15% sell-on fee.

That means that if the Gunners ever sell him, they could receive a tidy windfall in return.

The good news for Celtic is that the Scotland international has been so impressive in Arsenal colours.

He’s become one of their most important players, proving to be a rampant force down the left-hand side with his relentless energy.

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

The left-back is second for key passes per match at the Emirates Stadium and has contributed to four goals throughout the current campaign.

Tierney has caught the eye so much that in some circles, they’re touting him to be worth over £50m.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show this week, Barry Ferguson said: “What would you have to pay for a Kieran Tierney?  I’m talking £60-£70 million and I don’t care what anybody says. If somebody wants to call in and argue about it.”

He continued: “He’s Arsenal’s top player. He’s not just Scotland’s top player. He’s so important to Mikel Arteta. He was injured there for what, four or five weeks. Only trained that week and he was straight in the team. That’s how important he is.”

Therefore, if Tierney does indeed leave north London, he could fetch Celtic as much as £10.5m.

That would be a very handy boost to the transfer budget at Paradise, especially with the Bhoys needing a mass overhaul in order to achieve parity with Rangers.

As many as 12 players could depart Parkhead this summer so Celtic chiefs will need all the money they can get their hands on in order to rebuild the squad.

The idea of a big fee arriving for a player who has already departed should have the likes of Dominic McKay and Dermot Desmond grinning from ear to ear.

AND in other news, Forget Hickey: McKay can save Celtic millions by unleashing “tricky” rarely-seen 18y/o…

According to a report by Eurosport, via West Ham Transfers, loanee Hammers star Jesse Lingard has decided to push for a move away from Manchester United this summer and David Moyes has apparently convinced him to sign in east London permanently.

The Englishman has been a revelation under Moyes whilst seemingly revitalising his career after being on the fringes at Old Trafford.

Lingard, during his time at West Ham, has bagged nine goals and three assists in just 11 Premier League appearances (WhoScored), with the club now reportedly eager to keep him at the London Stadium.

Indeed, the 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a permanent West Ham deal for some time, but now Eurosport provide a potentially massive boost in the form of this development.

They claim that not only will Lingard force a move away from Manchester this summer, but Moyes has also convinced the player to join West Ham as his next destination.

Flocking to this news, it’s little wonder many supporters are excited with one Iron calling it ‘massive’ – find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Lingard development

“PLEEEEAAASSE be true, I will be 1 super happy bunny if it is!!!”

Credit: @_samhowell

“If ever I wished a rumour to be true…

Come home, Jesse.

COYI”

Credit: @170fin

“Made my day”

Credit: @HarveyTolley11

“Coyi we are pretty damn huge”

Credit: @philosophinator

“If true, that is amazing. Well done Jesse. We will be delighted to have you permanently. You are already a legend at West Ham! More of the same please!!”

Credit: @CraigardH

“Big, big, big happy smile.

Do we know a price ?”

Credit: @matthewrland

“Yes Moyes !”

Credit: @willearle_

“This is massive for us”

Credit: @OlliePoskitt10

In other news: Hammers fans flock to enticing training images, find out more here.

With reports linking Aston Villa with a summer swoop for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, Dean Smith might be more advised to unleash a player who he already has at his disposal: Louie Barry.

The 17-year-old was the talk of the town earlier this season when he scored in Villa’s FA Cup defeat to Liverpool, but that break-out moment has yet to result in any more action for first-team, with the striker yet to make the match-day squad in the Premier League.

The lack of senior action has seen Lee Hendrie raise his concerns about the way Smith has failed to use him, and urged the Villa boss to reconsider.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “I’m really disappointed that he hasn’t featured, not even really on the bench since that Liverpool game with the fabulous goal that he scored. He reminds me of a young Michael Owen in the fact that he’s very slight, small, but he’s very quick, and I’m surprised that he hasn’t been given a bit more of a chance since that game.

“I just feel that he should now be getting into the first-team squad, being on the bench and getting thrown on for the last 20 minutes, relieving a bit of pressure, just because he’s got that pace that he can burn off.”

Barry appears to have all the ability to become a real star for Villa for now and the future, with club’s academy manager, Mark Harrison, saying: “He is still a very young man but as he’s developed, he’s always been one player that you always recognise as having outstanding attributes. He’s got a fantastic mentality, he’s desperate to do well for this football club.

“As a player, his real strength is his work rate, he’s constantly pressurising the opposition when they are on the ball, looking to create opportunities for himself to nick the ball high up the pitch. He is quick, and looks to play off the shoulders of the defenders, always looking for space behind them to be able to run into.”

[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!”]

Rather than spending a massive amount of money on someone like Abraham, surely Smith could give that opportunity to Barry and see if he rises to the occasion.

Young players just need that one chance to impress, and Barry has already shown in that FA Cup match against Liverpool that he’s got an enormous amount of potential.

It’s time Smith recognises that.

Meanwhile, Dean Smith is making a major mistake over this talent…

Newcastle are heading for a major transfer disaster over Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham.

What’s the story?

With the Premier League season coming to an end last Sunday, Steve Bruce’s side can now firmly turn their attention towards the summer transfer window and how best to reinforce the squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are set to reignite their interest in Ntcham, who becomes a free agent following news Celtic are set to terminate his contract.

The report said: “A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Ntcham, 25, is on their radar once again after they lost out to Marseille in the race to sign him in January”.

Fans won’t be happy

Given all the hype and excitement surrounding Joe Willock, who played a starring role for the Magpies in the final weeks of the Premier League campaign, for Newcastle to go after Ntcham seems like a complete mismatch.

The Frenchman has been nothing short of abysmal this season while on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille, averaging a measly 6.13 match rating as per WhoScored when he’s been on the pitch, and even missing out on several match-day squads as well, often frozen out under former boss Andre Villas-Boas.

He has averaged just 0.4 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per game, and hasn’t managed over a single shot, key pass or dribble per match either on average – those statistics would actually rank him among the worst players in the entire Newcastle squad.

Former Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers, who is now in charge of Leicester City, once called him a “terrific talent”, while Neil Lennon has said that Celtic had “one hell of a player” at their disposal, adding: “When he is in the mood, he’s fantastic.”

However, the £15,000-a-week midfielder has regressed considerably since those comments, and Lennon’s verdict on him being “in the mood” is also a worrying indication of someone who doesn’t turn up consistently like Willock has done. The Frenchman also angered Lennon in 2019 by intimating that he wanted to quit Celtic for a potential move to Porto, which never materialised.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/newcastle-steve-bruce-premier-league-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-st-james-park-joelinton-shelvey-max-aarons” title=”Read the latest Newcastle transfer rumours and news!”]

It’s exactly why Magpies fans will likely be unhappy at hearing that the club are targeting Ntcham this summer, and it would surely make them even more vexed if he came to Tyneside at the expense of Willock.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could hire a dream Steve Bruce replacement in this man…

Celtic’s hunt for a new manager embodies a circus right now. There are more twists and turns than a helter-skelter as the Bhoys ramp up their progress in the search for Neil Lennon’s successor.

There have been a number of names in the hat but at the moment it’s former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe who has emerged as the favourite.

What’s the word?

Last week it was revealed that Howe was in advanced discussions with Celtic to become their new manager.

The 43-year-old has spoken to Dermot Desmond and has even performed due diligence on behind-the-scenes matters at Parkhead.

However, there have been a number of twists to the tale this week. It’s been revealed that the Englishman is reluctant to return to management until the summer, putting Celtic’s immediate pursuit in doubt.

A report from The Sun detailed this news before sharing why exactly it was that Howe hadn’t signed on the dotted line.

In a new twist, they claim that Howe is seeking assurances over his backroom staff; namely the appointment of Richard Hughes.

The ex-Cherries manager wants Hughes as his director of football but that would mean Celtic having to rip up a reported agreement with Fergal Harkin.

Time to worry?

Every week it feels like Celtic are dealt a setback in their quest to find a new manager. The longer it goes on the more the worry will grow amongst supporters.

A few weeks ago it looked as though Roy Keane was about to head through the door before he came unlikely to move within a matter of days.

The same eventuality is now occurring with Howe. One minute they look in the box seat to become the new manager and then the next, they’re moving out of the frame.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

It’s understandable that Howe wants familiar faces with him in Glasgow but Hughes hasn’t exactly set the world alight with his recruitment in the past.

He may have a great relationship with the potential incoming Celtic boss but he has splashed out high sums on fairly average players.

He spent £19m on Dominic Solanke, a player who has only netted 16 goals in 83 games for Bournemouth. He also forked out £15m for Jordan Ibe. The winger was subsequently released last summer after finding the net just five times in 92 outings.

Clearly, Desmond could create a better operation than this. He just needs to work out whether Howe is worth sacrificing Harkin for.

Couple Hughes’ record with the amount of time it’s taking to find a new boss and supporter concerns should be growing.

AND in other news, Left for £0, now worth £63m: Celtic will rue rash call on “unbelievable” £100k-p/w gem…