All posts by h716a5.icu

According to The Daily Record, Glasgow Rangers target Jack Simpson has agreed a Bosman move to Steven Gerrard’s side, which could spell bad news for George Edmundson in regards to his future prospects.

What’s the word?

The Rangers centre-back has struggled for game time this season having fallen out of favour with Gerrard after he served a lengthy suspension for breaching coronavirus restrictions.

Gerrard is currently blessed with great defensive options again, with Leon Balogun and Filip Helander jostling for the position alongside Connor Goldson, so it’s no surprise that Edmundson finds himself at the bottom of the pecking order, as he has made just one substitute appearance in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, averaging a miserable 5.52 rating overall.

Following the news that Rangers have agreed a pre-contract deal with Simpson, it is within the realm of possibility that the 23-year-old could find himself heading for the Ibrox exit, considering the Gers also have Nikola Katic on their books, with Gerrard recently confirming that the Croatian is progressing nicely in his recovery from injury.

When one door opens, another closes

Rangers signed Edmundson from Oldham Athletic on a four-year deal for a fee in the region of £700,000 in 2019.

Since then, he has made 16 appearances for the 54-time Scottish champions, scoring twice and supplying an assist in all competitions.

Gerrard had insisted that Edmundson could still find a way back into the first team in the future, saying:

“I think the important thing here was to get the players out of the isolation period, first and foremost. Then it was about sitting down with the players face-to-face to gauge a reaction to how they feel and where they were at.

“I spoke to them both individually and they were both very sad over the incident, they were remorseful, apologetic and full of regret. They first and foremost wanted to apologise to the supporters and their team-mates for their actions.”In my position, it was time to support these two players once I saw that reaction. It was the reaction I wanted to see.”Now it’s about me giving them the support and managing them to come back to top players because they are good players, we need them here to help and support us moving forward.”

However, reports in recent weeks have revealed Rangers will consider a January loan exit for Edmundson as he hasn’t played despite returning from suspension.

Having excelled for Bournemouth, the Scottish giants have taken a gamble on Simpson and it’s fair to say that they could be duly rewarded. He is currently averaging more tackles and clearances per game than Edmundson, which suggests that he could be a significant upgrade on the Rangers outcast. He’s currently valued at £1m but Rangers are getting him for free.

If Edmundson can’t re-establish himself in the first team at all between now and the end of this season, then it wouldn’t be much of a surprise to see him leave for pastures new in the near future.

AND in other news, Filip Helander proved a point to Steven Gerrard with his performance against Ross County…

When Joao Moutinho chose to come to Wolves in 2018, it raised a few eyebrows.

The Molineux outfit had just been promoted to the top-flight but that didn’t seem to matter for one of Portuguese football’s most consistent playmakers.

The bearded midfield general has been outstanding since signing for the Old Gold and has become one of Nuno Santo’s go-to men.

He has scored just two goals for Wolves but crucially, he has 21 assists in his two and a half years at Molineux. When you think of the word ‘consistent’, you usually associate it with the 34-year-old.

Normally, age has been no burden for Moutinho but unfortunately in 2020/21, it’s proving detrimental.

Wolves have now won just three of their last 13 matches in all competitions and their dismal form this campaign can be, in part, attributed to the abject performances of Moutinho.

It’s been hard to pick bones with the experienced performer in the past but this season, he’s been a passenger in Wolves’ midfield. It was no surprise that without him in the team in midweek, they looked a lot better.

Nuno’s men drew 0-0 with Chelsea in a solid display all-round but when he returned to the side on Saturday, they suffered another defeat – this time by a one-goal margin to Crystal Palace.

Moutinho was slow, he struggled to read the pace of the game and was given a torrid afternoon by the energetic Ebere Eze. His goal proved to be the difference between the two teams, but such was the vibrant counter-attacking nature of Palace, that Moutinho was dribbled past on four occasions.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-wolves-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Wolves news”]

That’s a rather horrific statistic, one that proved to be the worst of anyone on the Wolves team on Saturday. As a result, he was far from prolific in defensive situations. The Portugal international won only 37.5% of the duels he competed in, looking way off the pace in the middle of the park.

Writing at full-time, Birmingham Live reporter Alex Dicken said: “A surprise selection ahead of his compatriot Neves and didn’t really justify his recall. He didn’t take any risks with the ball and contributed to a passive Wolves performance.”

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time that Moutinho has let his team down in recent months. In fact, he’s pretty much been a passenger all season, failing to score or provide a single assist. His key passes per game this term are down 0.9 from last season, while he’s making more fouls per match in the Premier League this campaign.

In recent months, he has been especially poor. Against Everton, earlier this January, the former Monaco man won just 25% of his duels and versus another Merseyside outfit, Liverpool, he committed four fouls and won only 33.3% of the defensive battles he competed in. Nuno’s side consequently lost 4-0.

It’s clear that Moutinho is struggling and with Wolves needing a desperate improvement in their play, they require someone fresh and mobile in their midfield, not the Portuguese veteran.

Only last week, Tim Spiers revealed this could be his final campaign as a regular. On this evidence, The Athletic reporter isn’t wrong. With just a day of the window remaining and Wolves in such poor form, this whole situation is turning into a nightmare for the manager.

They were dreaming of European football this season, but partly due to Moutinho’s struggles, they currently sit in 14th place.

AND in other news, Shi must reignite Wolves swoop for 23 y/o “Rolls-Royce of a player” who bullied Traore…

Marcel Brands should be bidding Everton’s millions on Brighton and Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey after Norwich City reportedly slapped a £35m asking price on Max Aarons.

What’s the word?

Speaking at the FT Business of Football summit, via quotes by Sky Sports, Canaries joint-majority shareholder Delia Smith confirmed the Championship side expect to sell Aarons.

This comes after reports by Sky Sports that the Carrow Road natives have informed Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich that it would take an offer worth between £30-35m to sell the 21-year-old this summer.

Bayern are believed to have scouted Aarons for the past two years and now begun talks over a deal for the England U21 international, who has been a mainstay of Daniel Farke’s side by starting all 30 of the Norfolk outfit’s second-tier fixtures to date.

Norwich are in no rush to part with the product of their academy, who has also been touted by TEAMtalk with a potential move to Everton where Carlo Ancelotti is thought to be targeting a long-term successor for Seamus Coleman.

But Smith accepts it is inevitable that Aarons follows Ben Godfrey, Jamal Lewis and James Maddison in sealing moves away from Carrow Road after a deal to join FC Barcelona on loan fell through last September.

“Max Aarons is one of the best. He is going to be one of the top footballers and it won’t be at Norwich,” she said.

“He knows that. We know that. But we didn’t have any problem with Max or his parents on this particular occasion and this particular deal. Obviously, we will lose him, but that is part of our plan.”

Should Everton sign Aarons?

There’s no doubt that Everton have benefited from their £20m deal to sign Godfrey last summer, with the defender proving immensely promising in many positions and see Carlo Ancelotti back the 23-year-old to earn an England call-up.

But whether the Toffees should forge another raid on Norfolk for one of the Canaries’ bright prospects remains to be seen when the Blues’ Director of Football Brands can sign a potentially superior option in Brighton’s Lamptey.

Like Aarons, Lamptey has been linked with a potential move to Goodison Park by The Athletic, with the Blues said to be unswayed by the 21-year-old penning a new, four-and-a-half-year contract at the Amex Stadium worth £40k-per-week.

The Seagulls are not expected to stand in the Chelsea flop’s way, either, should the south coast side receive offers matching their asking price for a player signed in January 2020 for just £4m.

That price tag is likely to have risen since last summer when Lamptey was on Bayern Munich’s radar, with Sport 1 suggesting Brighton valued the right-back at €25m (£21.5m).

If both are available for similar fees, Everton may be better suited splashing out on Lamptey; who has offered the same number of goals (1) as Aarons this term but provided more assists (1) in 1,809 minutes less and in the Premier League rather than Championship, per WhoScored.

Lamptey also offers Brighton a higher number of tackles (1.5) and interceptions (1.7) per game than Aarons delivers for Norwich (0.7 tackles, 0.9 interceptions) and delivers the same number of crosses (0.9) as Ancelotti’s potential alternative target.

So, if Bayern intend to pursue Aarons, Brands should not second-guess a swoop for Lamptey as the 20-year-old – who is lauded for his “unbelievably quick” speed – can be everything Everton need in a Coleman replacement and more.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti is willing Everton to pay £26.5m for a £176k-p/w gem…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, ex-Bradford City man Dean Windass has played down West Ham’s chances of finishing in the top four.

Despite losing narrowly at Manchester City on Saturday, David Moyes’ still find themselves sitting 4th, one point clear of Chelsea and a further point ahead of Liverpool, who beat Windass’ former side Sheffield United on Sunday evening.

The Hammers face the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Leicester City in the coming weeks, but David Moyes’ team have continued to defy the odds in recent matches – with their defeat at the Etihad Stadium just their second in the Premier League since Christmas.

Only the top-three have won more Premier League matches than West Ham this season, but Windass doesn’t believe the East Londoners can keep churning out results.

Asked whether the Hammers can sustain their current form, Windass told FFC exclusively:

“No. West Ham, another football club, you know, the new stadium. It was a great place to play at Upton Park and a great atmosphere. I’ve never been to the new stadium, but obviously played at the old one and you know, some atmosphere.

“The problem you’ve got is obviously if you don’t get the Champions League, then how do you enhance Champions League footballers to go to West Ham? They’ve had a remarkable season, and anything they get now, even if they don’t get in the Champions League, they’re pulling up trees. Can they sustain this? I’m not sure.”

There’s no two ways about it, West Ham have been outstanding this season, but Windass might well be right with his prediction.

With Chelsea having turned a corner under Thomas Tuchel and the likes of Spurs, Everton and Liverpool still in the mix for the top four, it would be some achievement if Moyes’ side were to maintain their current place in the table.

Manchester City will be looking to extend their winning run and take a huge step towards the title by beating Manchester United at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side have now won 21 games in a row in all competitions after beating Wolves 4-1 in their last fixture and the Citizens are currently 12 points clear of second-placed Leicester City, having played a game less than the Foxes.

Therefore, victory in the derby on Sunday would be another big result for Guardiola’s side in their hopes of securing the title this season, as if their current form continues, it is difficult to see any team catching them.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to line his side up against Manchester United, with three changes from the team that started against Wolves…

Ederson keeps his place in goal and will be looking to pick up another clean sheet, having conceded rare goals against West Ham and Wolves in the last two fixtures.

There’s one change in defence, as John Stones returns to resume his partnership with Ruben Dias at the back, with the pair having been superb so far this season.

Ilkay Gundogan is likely to return in midfield alongside Rodri after being rested for the game against Wolves, which allows Kevin De Bruyne more freedom to go forward.

Phil Foden also comes back into the side having not started either game against West Ham and Wolves, which moves Raheem Sterling up front in place of Gabriel Jesus, who despite his brace against Wolves, was again guilty of missing big chances.

Riyad Mahrez drops to the bench as a result, with Bernardo Silva moving to the right-wing as the Algerian’s replacement, however, the “special” former Leicester man, who earns £120k per week at City, can definitely be relied upon to make a difference from the bench if required.

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

According to a report by the Daily Mail, West Ham United and manager David Moyes are monitoring Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic as the Irons boss remains in the market for a new striker, with this report claiming the towering Austria international represents better value for money than both Tammy Abraham and Abdallah Sima. 

Moyes eyeing potential West Ham bargain

Kalajdzic – who has been in shining form for Stuttgart this season, netting 12 goals and assisting three others in 13 Bundesliga starts, averaging an impressive 2.1 shots per match (WhoScored) – has now caught the eye of Moyes and West Ham as this new target enters the fray.

The colossal 6 foot 6 gem, who has understandably drawn comparisons with Peter Crouch and Mario Gomez, has also been nicknamed an ‘Ibrahimovic-machine’ by his own admission in an interview with Bundesliga.com.

Due to his fine form, he has now emerged as a target for Moyes according to the Daily Mail, with the Austrian representing better value for money at the moment than the likes of Sima and Abraham.

Transfer Tavern take

Moyes is apparently still on the search for a Sebastien Haller replacement after failing to land one in the January transfer window, but only time will tell whether West Ham’s interest in Kalajdzic turns into a potential offer.

The Daily Mail claimed that Stuttgart value him at a meagre £15m, and by this report’s own update, he could indeed represent better value for money in a potential bargain for the Hammers.

In other news: many West Ham fans flocked to this club announcement, find out more here.

Crystal Palace have been linked with a potential summer switch for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The youngster, currently on-loan at West Bromwich Albion, is reportedly being considered for a summer move to Selhurst Park according to The Express.

The 21-year-old would be the perfect arrival to regenerate and rejuvenate an ageing Palace squad.

At the current time in the Premier League, Roy Hodgson possesses, on average, the oldest squad with an average age of 28.8 months. As a matter of fact, a whopping 13 players in the current squad are over the age of 30, a huge reason as to why the Eagles desperately need some younger recruits.

Gallagher is exactly what the club need then, should he elect to leave Chelsea.

He has impressed in his debut Premier League season with the Baggies having also caught the eye in previous loan spells with Charlton Athletic and Swansea City.

So far this season, the central midfielder has made 22 appearances in the league, racking up two goals and two assists. As a matter of fact, only current Baggies top scorer Matheus Pereira has been more productive than Gallagher this season in what has been a thoroughly forgettable campaign for the club.

One of the bright sparks, his adaptation and trajectory have been noticed, too, with former boss Slaven Bilic admitting that the youngster is “going to be big”.

Despite that, he may find it tough to break through at parent club Chelsea considering the immense competition he’d have in midfield positions including from fellow academy graduate Mason Mount, meaning a move could benefit his career.

Rated at just £9m at the current time, Gallagher looks to have the talent, and also potential, to give a spark to a declining Crystal Palace side.

His arrival is one that chairman Steve Parish should certainly look to prioritise in the summer.

AND in more news, take a look at our closer analysis of Wilfried Zaha’s poor return to the Palace squad against Spurs…

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to a post regarding a possible permanent swoop for on-loan midfielder Ross Barkley.

According to Football Insider, Villa chief executive Christian Purslow is spearheading a permanent move for the 27-year-old, with the Blues wanting £35m for his full-time services.

Dean Smith is reportedly yet to be convinced over a potential club-record deal this summer, with Barkley failing to start any of the club’s last four Premier League games, despite Jack Grealish missing those fixtures with a leg issue.

Football Insider went on to add that Villa paid Chelsea a huge £11m fee to take Barkley to the Midlands for the 2020/21 season.

The Blues paid Everton just over £15m for the England international back in 2018 – meaning Villa have handed Chelsea 66% of that deal three years ago just for a loan spell.

@AbsoluteChelsea shared Football Insider’s update, specifically on the £11m reveal, which led to these Villa fans giving their views. One even labelled the fee as ‘farcical’.

Villa fans react

“Farcical…”

Credit: @seb_mannell

“Yikes”

Credit: @_CJAV

“Pain.”

Credit: @georgeprokopa

“Nobody pays that kind of fee without a option too buy which we don’t have, absolute rubbish UTV”

Credit: @Dean41210127

“Nah no way”

Credit: @momoislam96

“It’s called wages….”

Credit: @BandanaSavos

In other news: Many Villa fans have been left fuming with a specific pre-Spurs annoucement, find out more here. 

Glasgow Rangers may be Scottish champions, but that didn’t stop plenty of their fans from hammering the performance of Joe Aribo this afternoon.

After crashing out of the Europa League to Slavia Prague on Thursday, the Gers travelled to Parkhead to face their fierce city rivals Celtic and, although they went behind to an effort from Mohamed Elyounoussi, Alfredo Morelos was on hard to score his first goal in this fixture (Transfermarkt).

However, Aribo was far from at his best for the newly-crowned champions. He spent much of the game on the periphery, failing to influence matters in the final third, and was unable to have a telling impact on the match. Steven Gerrard will have been hoping for more in what is always a big game despite the league title already being won.

These fans were quick to share their displeasure with Aribo’s display – one even dubbed him a ‘waste of a jersey’ – and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Aribo below

“Aribo definitely been a passenger, and not for the first time in this fixture. Questions will begin to get asked if he is up for it.”

Credit: @kennyfergie1984

“I would consider taking Aribo off as he’s been woeful again”

Credit: @WATPDUNC

“Joe Aribo is so frustrating”

Credit: @GilmertonLoyal

“Aribo is very poor today. Arfield on”

Credit: @runawayrfc

“Aribo and Hagi. Miles off it”

Credit: @ShankillBear

“If I was Hagi I’d be asking why Aribo is allowed to stay on. Aribo has been horrendous, a waste of a jersey.”

Credit: @MitzisLapdog

In other news, some Rangers fans slam this BBC pundit’s comments.

Former Newcastle United and England midfielder Rob Lee has told Football FanCast that Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez is a liability in possession.

The £42m Colombia international has struggled at times this season alongside various centre-back partners.

Jose Mourinho has played Sanchez alongside Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, and Joe Rodon throughout the season, and he has looked uncomfortable throughout, particularly on the ball.

Sanchez has been so erratic that Curtis Woodhouse, the former Sheffield United and Birmingham City midfielder, claimed that he has “zero composure in anything he does” on Twitter.

Lee has agreed with him, and he believes that opposition teams will actually let Sanchez have the ball, because they’re so convinced he will give it back to them.

He told FFC: “I know what he means. He’s what I would call an old-fashioned defender. So I know what Curtis is saying.

“If I was playing against him, I’d let him have the ball, that’s what I would say. There’s certain players where you let them have it, because he’ll give it to us. There’s certain players, we had Philippe Albert, don’t let Albert have the ball, the teams playing against us, let Darren Peacock have the ball because he was our defender. I think that’s what people say about Sanchez, ‘let him have it because he’ll panic and give it us’.”

Lee does admit that the expectations for defenders and goalkeepers have changed in recent years, with players now expected to play out from the back.

But he does not think Spurs should have Sanchez in possession too often, as he will make a mistake.

He added: “I think, nowadays, defenders have to be able to play, goalies have to be able to play. It’s lunacy what goalies can do now, how they ping it, so it depends how Spurs play.

“One thing you can’t let him do is have too much of the ball.”

Sanchez has played in all of the club’s last eight Premier League games, with Spurs keeping four clean sheets and conceding eight goals.