All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic have been linked with a winter window move for Stade Brestois striker Jeremy Le Douaron, Homme du Match report.

The Lowdown: Le Douaron profiled

Le Douaron is 23 years of age and is primarily a centre-forward who can also play as a left or right midfielder.

The 6ft 2’ French forward has been with his current employers since July 2020 and has scored seven times in 46 appearances, three of which have come in his last three Ligue 1 appearances.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-17/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He appears to be at the peak of his powers with his career-high £1.08m Transfermarkt valuation, and it seems as if he could be on Ange Postecoglou’s 2022 radar.

The Latest: Hoops links

Homme du Match shared a story on Wednesday, suggesting Celtic are ‘desperate’ to add to their attacking ranks in the January market.

Celtic have ‘ticked’ Le Douaron’s name when it comes to attacking targets, with the forward valued at €2m (£1.7m).

The Verdict: Avoid?

Even though Le Douaron could cost less than Josip Juranovic’s £2.7m move in the summer, it could make sense for the Hoops to look elsewhere.

He hasn’t exactly been prolific in France, with Giorgos Giakoumakis 26 Eredivisie goals last season.

A player like Daizen Maeda, who Celtic are thought to be confident of signing, could be a smarter option in January as he is a player who Postecoglou will know from his time in Japan.

Maeda has netted 22 times in 2021, considerably more than Le Douaron, so perhaps Michael Nicholson should avoid moving for the Stade Brestois man.

In other news: Possession lost 43x, 70% of duels lost, only 3 tackles: Celtic’s worst 3 players in Hearts win. 

Crystal Palace have joined Brentford in the race to sign free agent Christian Eriksen.

That’s according to 90min, and their claim has had a number of Eagles fans talking on social media.

Eriksen is currently without a club after leaving Inter Milan last month and has been offered a return to the Premier League with Brentford.

The Bees have tabled an initial six-month contract with the option of a further year for the 29-year-old, however, Palace are also circling.

90min suggest that the Eagles and Championship leaders Fulham have also made contact with the attacking midfielder, who has made 226 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 51 times and providing 67 assists.

Eriksen left Tottenham in 2020, but it seems as if a return to England is on the cards with multiple clubs keen on his services.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the update regarding Palace’s interest in Eriksen on Twitter. This is what these Eagles supporters have had to say in reply, with many surprised at the links.

“Please @CPFC”

Credit: @joshstoneham03

“Maybe Eriksen is coming? Seems interesting”

Credit: @byson_matrix

“I’m going to pretend this is happening and have a fantastic Monday night”

Credit: @erictwigs

“Let’s get him!”

Credit: @SidViscous9

“Beautiful player, who I would LOVE to see in red n blue, BUT – can he really be allowed on a pitch after his last appearance? There’s a reason why his last contract was annulled…”

Credit: @Promo_man

“Erm”

Credit: @matthew_poole30

In other news: Crystal Palace now move for Celtic defender with transfer on the cards – journalist. 

Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing a move for Inter Milan right wing-back Denzel Dumfries, according to a report by Sport Mediaset (via SportWitness).

The Lowdown: Conte’s search for a RWB

It was heavily reported that Spurs boss Antonio Conte wanted to bring in a new right wing-back in January.

Fabio Paratici was initially negotiating with Adama Traore over the proposition of playing in the position, having come close to agreeing a £20m fee with Wolves.

However, Spanish giants Barcelona swooped in at the last minute, snatching the 26-year-old out of Conte’s grasp.

As a result, the Lilywhites manager has been left with just Emerson Royal, following the season-ending injury sustained by Matt Doherty.

[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: Dumfries rumours

According to a report by Sport Mediaset (translated by SportWitness), Inter may need to sell players to manage the books this summer. Therefore, Dumfries could be an option which would make significant money.

It is claimed that Bayern Munich and Tottenham would be “in the front row” for a summer transfer, as both sides are “watching him very carefully”.

Sport Mediaset further report that it would take in the region between £29.5m and £33.7m to secure the Dutchman’s services.

The Verdict: Good signing

After a shaky start to his Serie A career, Dumfries has gone on to earn comparisons with that of Inter legend Maicon, after a string of “brilliant” performances.

The Netherlands international’s underlying stats certainly illustrate this; he ranks in the 99th percentile in his position for non-penalty expected goals, non-penalty expected goals plus expected assists, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received (Europe’s top five leagues via FB Ref).

His attacking threat would complement Conte’s play-style perfectly, as he would slot in as an overlapping wing-back in Spurs’ back five.

If Paratici can get this deal across the line, we feel this would be a perfect signing for Conte.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Sky Sports man drops Steven Bergwijn claim

According to a report by the print edition of Tuttosport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Tottenham could be handed another chance to sign AC Milan star Franck Kessie this summer after a failed January attempt amid growing contract doubts surrounding the Ivorian. 

Tottenham could still sign Kessie

Kessie was at the centre of interest from both Spurs and Arsenal in January according to this report, with chairman Daniel Levy apparently making an effort but failing to bring him in.

He may still leave Milan in the summer, though, as contract doubts emerge surrounding his future at the San Siro due to Kessie’s current deal expiring in 2022. If he does not sign an extension soon, Milan may be forced to sell him for a ‘reduced’ price.

As per this claim, Tottenham may still have a chance of signing him in the summer due to this factor, with the Premier League said to be his ‘ideal’ division.

Transfer Tavern take

Speaking to Bobo TV via Milan Live, Antonio Cassano recently hailed Kessie as ‘devastating’, potentially highlighting why both Spurs and Arsenal were reportedly keen to sign him in January. Despite playing mainly as a defensive midfielder, he has struck 10 goals in 37 appearances this season for Milan.

Amassing 44 international caps for his native Ivory Coast at just 24 years of age, he already has a wealth of experience despite being far from the prime of his career.

If Spurs could indeed sign him for a ‘reduced’ fee, the move could well be a Daniel Levy masterstroke.

In other news: Tottenham have been warned over Harry Kane, find out more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Kevin Phillips, who scored 191 goals during his career, believes that Lee Johnson has told Aiden McGeady he is the main man at Sunderland and has let the winger have control of the dressing room.

McGeady was exiled from the first team under Phil Parkinson, however when Johnson took over he integrated the winger straight back into his side and he has registered 11 assists in 19 league games.

Phillips believes there would have been an agreement between Johnson and McGeady to get the 34-year old back to his best, and that may have come in the form of giving McGeady more responsibilities and a free role on and off the pitch.

Speaking on McGeady’s form since returning to the side in December and his role off the pitch now, Phillips spoke exclusively to FFC:

“He’s a cut above the rest but the biggest thing for Aiden is if he wants to do it himself.

“I think you have to give credit to Lee Johnson. I’m pretty sure he would have said straight away to him, ‘you’re going to be my main man and I’ll let you run the dressing room as long as you’re performing’.

“It looks like Aiden’s playing with a smile on his face, he’s enjoying his football and that’s good man-management.

“He could make himself a real hero on Wearside if he helps the team to get promoted this year.”

McGeady did not feature in Sunderland’s matchday squads until December 5 but he’s only failed to start one game in the league since then.

Since the winger was reintroduced into the first team squad Sunderland have lost just three games in the league which has seen them become serious contenders for automatic promotion.

Aston Villa are unaware of transfer interest in captain Jack Grealish amid rumours linking him with Manchester City, according to Birmingham Live.

The Villains have no plans to sell the 25-year-old, who is currently on international duty with England. Instead, the Midlands outfit have chosen to strengthen their ranks by acquiring Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young in the hope they can mount a European charge in 2021/22 [Birmingham Live].

Grealish was a standout performer for Dean Smith’s side in 2020/21, registering 19 goal contributions in 27 fixtures, with seven goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt]. Earning deserved adulation, the playmaker was nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award earlier this month [avfc.co.uk].

With this report indicating that he is likely to stay at Villa Park for the foreseeable future, no wonder loads of Aston Villa supporters took to Twitter to express their delight at this latest development.

Aston Villa fans react:

Replying to journalist Ashley Preece’s Twitter account as he shared the article via social media, here is what some Villa fans had to make of this update on Grealish’s future:

“Love to see it”

Credit: @av_reece”Phew!!!! #jackgrealish”Credit: @LilleyCashAVFC”You love to see it”Credit: @Big__Alf”Told you. Nothing to worry about.”Credit: @VillaVisionBen”Top man.”Credit: @JonBeeAVFC”All that matters is JG is here to stay.”Credit: @AVFCTheReligionIn other news, Aston Villa are keen on an international midfielder.

Sadio Mane has well and truly become one of football’s global superstars since his move from Southampton to Liverpool in 2016, with the £34m paid by the Merseyside club now looking like a bargain from their perspective, but an awful deal from the Saints’ point of view.

Southampton originally signed the Senegalese winger from RB Salzburg in 2014 in a £10m deal, before selling him to Liverpool for £34m just two years later. Whilst that £24m profit might have seemed like a good deal at the time, his superb performances for the Reds in the five years since suggest that the Saints may well have been sold short.

During his time on the south coast, Mane contributed an impressive 25 goals and 14 assists in 75 appearances in all competitions, including the Premier League’s fastest ever hat-trick thanks to his treble in just two minutes and 56 seconds against Aston Villa – a record which is unlikely to be beaten.

However, his form has exploded since making the move to Anfield in the summer of 2016, as he has registered 93 goals and 41 assists in 211 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Success in the Champions League and the Premier League has also played a huge part in Mane’s value going through the roof, with Transfermarkt currently valuing the 29-year-old at £90m, a 265% increase on the £34m Liverpool paid for him.

Southampton are perhaps fortunate that Mane’s form this season has dwindled slightly, as he was valued at a remarkable £135m back in December 2019, before a drop in form and the financial impact of the current viral outbreak saw his value decrease.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/southampton-saints-ralph-hasenhuttl-martin-semmens-st-marys” title=”Latest Southampton news, transfer rumours and more”]

Despite his, and Liverpool’s, poor run of form in the league since the turn of the year, there is no doubt that Mane is still one of the best players in the English top flight, so it is a shame that Southampton couldn’t keep hold of him for longer.

Speaking last season, Klopp suggested that he always knew Mane would prove to be worth the fee Liverpool paid, saying: “Maybe people thought ‘I am not sure he is worth it’, but we were 100% sure about him. Consistency was the key and absolutely now what he is doing and how he performs is consistent.

“The level he performs at is unbelievable. He helps us massively. He is a complete player, offensively and defensively he works hard, he is really quick.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431″]

Perhaps that lack of consistency in his earlier Premier League career was why Liverpool were able to get him for a relatively low fee but, either way, you could definitely argue that the Saints were robbed in their negotiations for Mane when you consider his incredible rise since leaving the south coast in 2016.

In other news… Gao Jisheng could be set for huge blow as European giants eye “exceptional” gem

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing up a move for Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa as proven Premier League experience grows as a desirable trait for the club’s next manager.

The Lowdown: New names emerging consistently

In the last two weeks, many names have been throw into the hat as rumours continue to circulate in the press, with the latest previously being Gian Piero Gasperini and Simone Inzaghi from Serie A.

Naturally, with Tottenham aiming to appoint a new boss by the end of this season according to Alasdair Gold, chairman Daniel Levy will have to consider numerous candidates as he attempts to make the right step for Spurs’ future.

The Latest: Bielsa emerges as candidate

In this update, Football Insider bring yet another new name into the fold as Leeds boss Bielsa is mentioned as an option for the club.

Indeed, this is allegedly because Premier League experience and proven results at the top level are becoming more and more desirable traits to Spurs chiefs as the managerial hunt goes on.

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

Even though Bielsa has stated his happiness at Elland Road, his knack for only signing one-year deals means his current one is close to expiring.

Tottenham, as a result, are eyeing a move for the Argentine and will sound him out due to his impressive debut campaign in the English top flight.

The Verdict: Get it done Levy…

Perhaps the most exciting name dropped yet alongside former target Julian Nagelsmann, Bielsa is a manager revered throughout the footballing world for his tactical nuance and eccentric personality.

Man City boss Pep Guardiola is a known fan of the 65-year-old, having called him ‘unique’ and the coach he admires most in world football (Leeds Live).

If that wasn’t enough, former Lilywhites boss and fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino dubbed Bielsa a ‘genius’ whilst also professing his admiration (France 24).

Regardless of his reported £8 million-per-year salary (£154,000-per-week), we believe this would be an incredible move by Levy.

In other news: Tottenham in pole position to sign this ‘sensational’ powerhouse, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are still looking to formally select their next managerial appointment and it’s believed that Erik ten Hag is still in the running…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, who claims the 51-year-old is ‘a leading contender’ for the Spurs job despite signing a new two-year contract at his current club, Ajax.

This ties in with information from Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

He suggested that the Dutchman did not reject an approach from the North London outfit after their attentions turned to him following setbacks over Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers.

Dream appointment?

Pitt-Brooke also states that the other names in the running are former RB Leipzig man Ralf Rangnick, current Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez and Graham Potter of Brighton.

Of all these candidates, it is easy to see why ten Hag would be a front-runner. He’s certainly a mouth-watering prospect for what Levy is looking for – he could even be his dream hire.

The Guardian believe the Lilywhites chairman is on the lookout for an ‘attack-minded’ coach that has ‘strong credentials in the development of young players.’

Almost as if they were looking for Mauricio Pochettino, mark two.

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

Ten Hag has just clinched his second Eredivisie title in Amsterdam, where he holds a mightily impressive 73.6% win rate since being appointed in December 2017.

His playing style has been described as ‘Total Football 2.0’ and takes inspiration from two huge influences on his coaching career, Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff.

That would certainly tick one box for Levy.

The 51-year-old has also seen the progression of many a young player, and eventually raking in huge profits for Ajax, as a result.

Frenkie de Jong (£65m to Barcelona), Matthijs de Ligt (£67.7m to Juventus) and Donny van de Beek (£35.7m to Man Utd) are just three prime examples, so it would be another tick next to ten Hag’s name.

Furthermore, he has received glowing praise from Liverpool’s title-winning boss Jurgen Klopp, who described the Dutchman as “one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football.”

All in all, on the above evidence, it’s no wonder that Spurs see the Ajax chief as their best candidate now.

He matches so many of Levy’s requirements.

So if he can tempt ten Hag to swap the comforts of the Champions League-bound Dutch side for the faltering North Londoners, then he could well be onto a winner.

AND in other news, Forget Reguilon: £26m-rated Spurs lightweight who lost possession 21x betrayed Mason vs Villa…

The vast majority of the transfer window for Everton has revolved around James Rodriguez.

Will he or won’t he be a part of the Toffees’ plans for the season is a question on everyone’s lips, but we may have just received an answer.

What’s the word?

For so long it looked as though Rodriguez had played his final game for the Merseyside outfit. His agent Jorge Mendes was speaking to other clubs and he could have been on his way to Italy.

A move to Porto nearly materialised too with the attacking midfielder potentially heading back to his former club in exchange for winger Luis Diaz.

However, a major twist has occurred on deadline day, according to the Liverpool Echo.

They now report that, with James unable to agree on personal terms or find a suitable club in the final hours of the window, he is now willing to stay at Everton.

Rafa must be delighted

Rafa Benitez will know James well from his time at Real Madrid, and once he penned terms at Goodison Park, he will have been keen to utilise him.

However, the Colombian hasn’t been seen all season, so the Spaniard hasn’t actually been able to put him on the team sheet yet.

It’s difficult to work out whether he’d have wanted to initially, though. James infamously declared that he didn’t even know who Everton’s next opponents were during a Twitch stream a few weeks ago.

That being said, it’s difficult to ignore his qualities, and with Everton struggling to sign new players, he is still a key part of their squad.

You only need to assess his remarkable CV and his performances during a debut campaign in English football.

The Colombia international had a hand in ten Premier League goals, while he was their most creative player in the top-flight. Rodriguez provided 1.7 key passes per game, which was more than anybody else in the squad.

With that in mind, the manager will surely be delighted to see him wanting to stay at Goodison Park. He could be vital in their chase for European football.

AND in other news, “Talks progressing” – Insider delivers exciting Everton claim, Benitez surely elated…