All posts by n8rngtd.top

Celtic’s hunt for a new manager has been the definition of a circus. There are more twist and turns for the Bhoys than a helter-skelter while their targets could be accused of clowning around in recent weeks.

That is certainly the case with Eddie Howe, a coach who has been playing Celtic the fool.

The 43-year-old is the undoubted favourite in their hunt to bring a new manager to Parkhead but as time increases, it feels unlikely he’ll become the boss.

Howe had been in advanced talks with majority shareholder Dermot Desmond but a number of stumbling points have occurred.

The former Bournemouth boss doesn’t want to return to management until the summer while he’s also being courted by Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Brighton.

On top of that, an issue has emerged regarding the newly opened director of football position. Celtic remain keen on hiring Fergal Harkin to fill that vacancy but Howe wants one of his companions from the Cherries; Richard Hughes.

What’s also been an issue is the lack of senior heads at Celtic to negotiate. Desmond appears to be leading the talks but with Peter Lawwell due to retire in the summer and no director of football in place, there aren’t many figures to consult.

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Fortunately, the search for a new boss could increase rapidly on Monday when Dominic McKay finally starts his job two months before it was expected.

Lawwell announced he’d retire at the end of the season and once the summer rolls around, McKay will become the new CEO. For now, he takes on a less senior role at the football club.

Despite that, his impact on proceedings could be huge. It’s another pair of ears to consult and he’ll be at the club next season, unlike his predecessor. As such, he could have more of a bearing on the new manager than Lawwell.

Speaking to Football Insider, that was the view held by finance expert Kieran Maguire: “Things will accelerate when they get the new chief exec in,” he began.

“He’ll be wanting to interview and recruit people who he knows he can work with on a partnership level and a leadership level.”

With that in mind, it could be that McKay prefers a different type of personality to Howe. At the moment, he’s causing Celtic plenty of issues before he’s even walked through the door.

It’s safe to say that the entire landscape at Paradise could change in the very near future now that McKay is working at the club.

AND in other news, Forget Hjelde: Celtic could have their new Ajer in 17 y/o never-seen in the first team…

According to a report by 90min, exciting young Sparta Prague ace Adam Hlozek regards West Ham as a ‘viable option’ for a possible move this summer, with David Moyes’ challenge for European football ‘key’ in his thinking. 

Hlozek is fast becoming one of the ‘most sought-after young players’ in Europe and has recently burst on to the scene for Sparta Prague, scoring five goals and assisting six others for the Czech club before today’s action (Transfermarkt).

Hlozek open to joining West Ham

He has two senior international caps to his name at just 18 years of age, with 90min now reporting that West Ham have stepped up their pursuit of Hlozek as some of Europe’s top clubs also eye a swoop.

The teenage ace has turned many heads and the options appear plentiful for a possible move away from Sparta this summer, but 90min have detailed an advantage for West Ham. As well as Hlozek regarding the Irons as a ‘viable option’, with the striker seemingly open to joining the east Londoners, he is also a good friend of West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.

In terms of asking price, 90min claimed that Hlozek’s valuation has dropped below €3m (£25.9m), and while he is an exciting player, this could still seem like a heavy price to pay.

Transfer Tavern take

Moyes’ search for a striker has been well documented, with West Ham failing to sign a forward in January after a number of failed bids (Claret & Hugh). As the summer looms, GSB and co will need to invest wisely, and striking targets like Ivan Toney or Tammy Abraham should arguably be prioritised (ExWHUemployee).

The former has been in sensational form for Brentford, scoring 29 goals and setting up another 10 in the Championship this season (WhoScored). Meanwhile, Abraham has bagged 21 goals in 37 Premier League starts over the last two campaigns (WhoScored).

These numbers suggest that the Irons should invest in forwards of similar calibre at the highest level rather than Hlozek, despite his exciting reputation.

In other news: West Ham fans slammed this ‘shocking’ man vs Newcastle, find out more here.

Many fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed the news that the Hammers board are “wholeheartedly against the idea” of the newly formed European Super League (ESL).

According to a report by Jack Rosser for the Evening Standard (via Football.London), the West Ham board discussed plans for the ESL with the Hammers’ Independent Supporter’s Committee on Monday afternoon, with David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady (GSB) thought to be firmly against the new proposals.

It is also reported that a meeting between the 14 top-flight clubs not involved in the ESL is due to take place on Tuesday, providing clubs with the opportunity to discuss the impact of the new competition on the Premier League, with Brady representing West Ham at the meeting.

After West Ham News & Views relayed GSB’s stance on the ESL on Twitter, many fans of the Irons flocked to have their say on the matter, with plenty in complete agreement with their club’s board – somethich which doesn’t often happen in east London.

So, what did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to GSB’s European Super League stance?

“#GSBOUT but credit where due here.”

@gzamboni8

“Bravo!”

@charlesfloresma

“Better be.”

@ChrisGo78867863

“Our owners actually doing something right for a change? What the hell is this timeline?”

@Chaz_B_Cole

“Karren Brady making a correct decision, consulting the fans and being against it? What is life?”

@liamaj98

“Dub for GSB TBF.”

@HarryZippyAx

In other news: ‘What a day’, ‘My club is massive’ – Many WHU fans gush as club in line to seal £21.5m signing – find out more here!

This is a very uncertain time for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Being slapped 4-0 at the weekend by relegation-threatened Burnley marked one of the most embarrassing results of the season.

The ever-reliable Willy Boly was a shambles defensively as his mistake let Chris Wood in to score the Clarets’ first goal of the contest.

He failed to lead by example in the middle of the backline and it will have had Nuno Santo tearing his beard out.

This has been a testing campaign for the Portuguese boss but it’s not stopped the biggest clubs in England from courting him. Before Jose Mourinho was sacked by Tottenham, he had emerged on Daniel Levy’s radar.

As such, Wolves are pondering replacements just in case Nuno does depart Molineux in the next few months.

One of the managers the Old Gold are considering is former Benfica head coach Bruno Lage.

He left the Portuguese outfit in June 2020 after winning an impressive 67% of his games as he led a victorious Primeira Division triumph the previous season.

Though, one of his best accomplishments was the way he brought through some of the club’s academy graduates.

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Joao Felix rose to prominence under Lage before he earned a massive £113m move to Atletico Madrid.

The 44-year-old also helped to make Ruben Dias the player he is today by installing him as one of the first names on the team sheet.

Dias played 70 games under Lage, making the ex-Benfica general the manager to have used him the most frequently in his career so far.

Lage has to be applauded for the way he brought these players through as the centre-back later became Benfica captain and moved to Manchester City for £62m.

But why does this have any relevance to Wolves? Well, Dias was previously linked with a switch to Molineux while they have a fine crop of young players coming through themselves.

One of the best happens to be a centre-back in the mould of Dias; Christian Marques.

The 18-year-old is the most expensive player in the history of Wolves’ academy and he’s already skippered the club at U18 and U23 level.

A natural-born leader, he’s been crafted to play in the Conor Coady role at Molineux. Adept at playing out from the back and strong-willed, there is plenty to his game.

When he was first scouted, Harry Hooman – now Wolves’ head of UK academy recruitment – described Marques as “outstanding.”

Though, just like Dias, he has taken to English football like a duck to water. He may not have earned a first-team appearance yet but it surely won’t be too far away. After all, those in the senior team shipped four goals on Sunday lunchtime.

Speaking to The Athletic, Wolves’ elite player development coach, Darren Ryan, said: “It’s rare for a youngster coming from another country to show such leadership.”

Indeed, that set of quotes could quite easily describe Dias as well.

It may not take the arrival of Lage to craft Marques into an elite level centre-back but judging by his work in Portugal, it would certainly be beneficial if he arrived.

That’s no disrespect to Nuno because he’s influenced the likes of Pedro Neto, Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves astutely throughout his time in the Midlands.

Lage, however, could just take them all to the next level.

AND in other news, Worse than Boly: Nuno surely fuming with Wolves gem who lost possession 24x…

Some Liverpool supporters are excited at the prospect of the Reds signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have suffered a painful 2020/21 season, with their Premier League title defence swiftly evaporating after Christmas.

Numerous Liverpool players have performed below their usual level, while injuries to key men have also hampered their chances of a top-four finish.

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In truth, the Reds’ midfield has been the least of Klopp’s worries, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be looking at potential reinforcements there this summer.

Gini Wijnaldum looks increasingly likely to join Barcelona at the end of the season, while the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago aren’t getting any younger, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn’t looked the same player after all his injury troubles.

According to the Telegraph, Liverpool are eyeing up Brighton star Bissouma as a Wijnaldum replacement, following an impressive season for the Seagulls.

Liverpool fans excited by Bissouma link

These Reds fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the situation, calling for the midfielder to arrive at Anfield in the coming months.

“Want this to happen so badly. Yves is a powerhouse. Technically gifted midfielder”

Credit: @BaksoCamara8

“Pls pls pls he’s been class all season”

Credit: @JonathanRFP

“Yes I’m begging. Get Gini gone.”

Credit: @Jcreamz96

“Be a boss signing tha”

Credit: @sol_j2

“I would be very happy with this”

Credit: @jonner6

“Oh yes”

Credit: @Matt_Sheppard25

In other news, a star man from a fellow British club has reportedly turned down a move to Liverpool. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Sunday against Aston Villa after a two-week break from domestic football.

Despite two clashes against AS Roma in Europe, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils have not had any league games since their 0-0 draw against Leeds United two weeks ago, with last weekend’s match against Liverpool at Old Trafford being postponed due to fan protests.

With that game now having been rearranged, United now face a strenuous schedule of six games in just 17 days.

Could Solskjaer be tempted to make many alterations to his team for this fixture against Villa?

Having made a few changes in Italy on Thursday, this game could likely be closer to a regular first-choice team from the Norwegian – boasting three changes from the clash in the eternal city.

The first alteration will be in goal where Dean Henderson will once again replace David de Gea.

There should also be a slight tweak in defence where Victor Lindelof will start once again, meaning Eric Bailly will drop out.

Both Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka were substituted in Rome so that slight rest should see them start once again versus Villa. Harry Maguire will,l of course, be selected.

The Red Devils’ midfield should have a familiar look to it where Fred will partner Paul Pogba, with the irrepressible Bruno Fernandes pushed forwards slightly more.

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The final change to the team will occur in attack. Edinson Cavani should be a candidate to start after his four-goal and three assist haul over both legs against AS Roma.

He should be supported by Mason Greenwood who appears to have rediscovered his scoring touch having netted four goals in as many Premier League games.

However, Marcus Rashford could return after he started on the bench for the trip to Italy. He should replace £120k per week midfielder Donny van de Beek in the starting line-up.

AND in more news, find out which defensive powerhouse the Red Devils must be in contention to sign…

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa must wave goodbye to Pablo Hernandez this summer as a major transfer update emerges.

What’s the story?

The Spaniard has only played a bit-part role in the Premier League this season, with his 15 appearances in the competition only amounting to 347 minutes of football.

Now, The Daily Mirror claim that despite his lack of involvement, Bielsa is keen to keep Hernandez at Elland Road this summer, with the playmaker having just over a year left on his existing deal at the club.

The report adds that the Leeds boss values his experience, and that he is no hurry to see him leave.

Bielsa must move on

While Hernandez has etched himself into Leeds fans’ hearts with his exploits in the Championship and by helping them to achieve Premier League promotion last season, the time has surely come for Bielsa and the club to finally move on from him.

The Spaniard just turned 36 last month, and it’s been incredibly telling that the highest number of minutes he’s played in the top-flight this season is the 67 that he completed against Leicester way back in early November.

Dubbed as an “inspiration”, the £21k-a-week earning Hernandez has previously said that he wouldn’t want to overstay his welcome at Leeds if he felt like the time had passed him by.

He said: “If you talk about football tactically or technically, this is probably the best time of my career. Physically I feel good but obviously 10 years ago, I felt better. I can’t change this.

“I’ll play while I feel good. The day when I go onto a pitch, to a game, and I feel that the rest of the players run more than me, are faster than me, I arrive late to the ball or I’m not enjoying playing… on this day, I’ll say goodbye to football. But I don’t think this is that moment.”

And when you look at his key numbers from this season, they are all significant drop-offs from previous years.

As per Whoscored, he’s averaging career-lows in shots, key passes, dribbles and average passes per game, and it’s just improbable to say that he will do any better than that were he to remain at Elland Road.

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The Spaniard has just been shocking all season whenever he’s been on the pitch with no goals and just two assists, and it’s fair to say that Father Time has just caught up with him. This summer is the perfect time for Leeds and Bielsa to move on.

Meanwhile, Bielsa must unleash this Leeds United starlet…

Rangers have reportedly enquired about signing Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy ahead of the summer, although Steven Gerrard’s hopes of bringing him to Ibrox are slim as he is also reportedly set to sign a new contract with the Magpies.

According to Chronicle Live, the 26-year-old has attracted interest ahead of the summer as a result of his impressive recent performances for Steve Bruce’s side, but he is set to stay at St James’ Park as Newcastle have the option to trigger a one-year extension, which they will take up.

The former Norwich City winger, who is currently valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, has put in a string of excellent performances as a right-back in recent weeks, which have helped steer the Toon well clear of relegation from the Premier League.

Having struggled for regular starts in Bruce’s side earlier in the season, it seems as if Murphy was able to win over his manager with a starring performance from the bench in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa back in March, as he has since gone on to appear in each of Newcastle’s last seven games, starting six of them.

He has produced impressive displays against Tottenham, Burnley and Liverpool recently, emphasising that he has the quality to play in the Premier League, and therefore he could have been an excellent addition to Gerrard’s side at Ibrox.

Although his best performances this season have come as a right-back, he could have been utilised in a number of positions by Gerrard, which certainly would have been appreciated by the Gers boss as he begins planning for the 2021/22 campaign, which will see Rangers compete in the Champions League.

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The 26-year-old earned high praise from Noel Whelan earlier in the season, with the former Leeds man telling Football Insider: “Murphy is a player with so much ability. He was brought to that club to run, be direct, use that pace and skill that he has with the ball at his feet and now he seems to be doing it.

“Murphy seems to be enjoying football again at Newcastle. The surroundings, the manager and the squad all seem to have made a nice connection. Newcastle seems a happier camp right now and Murphy is showing what a fantastic player he is.”

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Therefore, it is a huge blow to Gerrard’s chances of signing Murphy this summer that he is close to agreeing a one-year extension with the Toon, for unless the Gers are willing to stump up a significant fee, it seems unlikely that he will complete a switch to Ibrox.

In other news… Forgotten Rangers outcast sent Gerrard a huge message with “sensational” weekend display

Sheffield United picked up an impressive win against Everton on Sunday evening, with 17-year-old Daniel Jebbison scoring the only goal of the game on his first Premier League start, to hand Paul Heckingbottom’s side all three points.

The youngster fired home from Jack Robinson’s cross in the seventh minute to give the Blades the lead and they held on to earn an excellent victory against Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who lost serious ground in the race for European qualification.

Whilst Jebbison will be the main focus of attention after his goal, Aaron Ramsdale deserves a lot of credit for his performance, which was instrumental in Sheffield United earning a rare clean sheet.

As per SofaScore, the summer signing from Bournemouth would earn an impressive 8.4/10 rating, which was comfortably the best of any player to feature at Goodison Park from either side.

The shot-stopper would make six saves, including five from inside the box, as he regularly bailed out the Sheffield United defence with a set of fine stops.

He denied Allan when he hit a shot from outside the area, before pulling off a remarkable double save from Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which the Sheffield United Twitter account rightly described as “sensational”.

According to Understat, Everton had an XG of 1.29 for the game against the Blades, which makes it even more impressive that Ramsdale was able to keep his fourth clean sheet of the Premier League campaign.

The former Bournemouth man has seriously improved his performances in recent weeks and is starting to repay the £18.5m the Blades paid for him last summer.

Certainly, performances like these suggest that if Sheffield United are able to keep hold of him this summer, he will definitely be one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship next season.

Therefore, whilst Jebbison scored the winner, Sheffield United surely would not have won the game 1-0 if it wasn’t for Ramsdale, so he was the real hero for Heckingbottom at Goodison Park.

And, in other news… Sheffield United could be set for huge boost with “remarkable” gem

Sheffield United could be heading for a huge mistake with Regan Slater this summer as Hull City line up a permanent move for the 21-year-old after spending the season on loan with Grant McCann’s side.

The young midfielder joined the KCOM Stadium on loan before the 2020/21 campaign and helped the Tigers win the League One title, making 27 appearances in the third tier.

It has now been reported that, following their promotion to the Championship, Hull are keen to make the youngster’s stay a permanent one this summer.

Slater’s initial contract with Sheffield United was set to expire at the end of this season but it has reportedly been extended for another year, although The 72 claimed that the Blades would still be open to letting him leave permanently this summer.

Although the youngster struggled for game-time earlier in the campaign, he established himself as a regular in McCann’s side towards the end of the season as they approached the climax of their campaign.

This demonstrates that he won over the former Peterborough boss with his efforts in training and on the pitch and convinced him that he should be a key part of their promotion run-in.

He started eight of their final nine games, in which they lost just once on the final day against Charlton, when the title had already been secured, so it is no surprise that McCann wants him in his squad again next season as they prepare for life in the Championship.

That run of games was kickstarted by an appearance against Gillingham, which earned him the praise of McCann, who said: “He was excellent. He picked up a lot of second balls. His passing was clean. His energy was good.

“It was a good performance from Regan, he’s a very good player. Hopefully, a lot of people could see that in his performance.”

Sheffield United also need to prepare for life back in the Championship next season following their relegation from the top flight, and it would perhaps prove to be a mistake to sell a bright prospect such as Slater to one of their divisional rivals.

With both Sander Berge and John Lundstram widely expected to leave in the summer, a young midfielder such as Slater could definitely be afforded first team opportunities next season, and any new manager at Bramall Lane would surely want to have a look at the 21-year-old to see if he has the potential to feature in the squad.

Therefore, Sheffield United sporting director Jan van Winckel should definitely avoid selling Slater on a permanent deal this summer, as he deserves a chance to show what he can do at Bramall Lane, and it could prove to be a huge mistake to let him go if he were to fulfil his potential elsewhere.

In other news… Sheffield United suffer huge blow with seven-goal beast, Blades fans will be fuming