All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a shock move for Pedro Neto in this transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Wolves are contemplating whether to sell the 21-year-old winger, with several teams across Europe interested in his signature, including Spurs.

It’s thought that the club’s owners are open to selling several of Bruno Lage’s key stars, namely Ruben Neves and Adama Traore, but would need a huge offer to be tempted into Neto’s sale.

Premier League rivals Liverpool, who are second favourites for the League with fans using their Ladbrokes sign up bonus, and Serie A giants Juventus are also named among the clubs to have made an enquiry about the three-cap Portugal international.

Nuno dream

Spurs have been linked with several wingers in recent weeks, ranging from Sampdoria’s Mikkel Damsgaard to Sevilla’s Bryan Gil, but you’d imagine a swoop for Nuno Santo’s former star would eclipse them all.

After the departure of Diogo Jota from Molineux, Neto came into his own and thrived under the tutelage of his fellow countryman.

Despite Wolves’ struggles on the pitch in the absence of Raul Jimenez, the £31.5m-rated whizzkid provided five goals and six assists in 31 appearances, which included an assist against Spurs in their 1-1 draw.

Nuno has regularly waxed lyrical about the young wide man.

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

“When they [Neto & Adama Traore] have the ball and they can release this talent they become unpredictable and very difficult to stop,” the 47-year-old said after Neto’s goal against Southampton in February.

Neto averaged two key passes and 2.1 successful dribbles per game throughout the 2020/21 season, via WhoScored, so it’s evident that he can be a monumental threat on his day.

These are returns which would see him sit top of the tree in North London, with only Heung-min Son managing to create as many chances per 90 (two), and only Tanguy Ndombele managing more dribbles per 90 (2.2).

Neto is described as an “elite talent” with “electric pace and acceleration” by football scout Jacek Kulig, whilst Sky Sports reporter Adam Bate dubbed him a “huge talent” who often goes under the radar.

The Lilywhites may need to splash in excess of £50m on the Portuguese star but it would be £50m well-spent, and they’d undoubtedly save a chunk on wages too as he’s reportedly on just £50k-per-week in the Midlands. For context, even Joe Hart is on a higher salary at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Considering Nuno’s familiarity with Neto, there cannot be a more perfect signing for Spurs to make this summer. Paratici and co must do all they can to make it happen.

AND in other news, Romano reveals £18m-rated Spurs target will “fly to London”, fans will be buzzing…

Some Wolves fans have been reacting to a transfer update involving Rui Patricio.

As per Sky Sport Italia (via Talking Wolves), a fee between the Midlands club and AS Roma for his potential sale has yet to be agreed, despite a personal agreement between the player and the Serie A club.

The Molineux outfit are still holding out for a sum of between €12m and €15m (£10.3m-12.9m), as Roma have initially offered only €8m (£6.9m).

To get that kind of money by selling a 33-year-old in Patricio would be a decent bit of business by Wolves, but given that he only missed one game in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt), it would not be a wise idea to sell one of their key players without a suitable replacement being lined up.

Wolves fans react to Patricio transfer update

These Wolves supporters gave their initial reactions as the transfer update on Patricio was shared on Twitter, with many believing that an eight-figure deal would represent good value for the veteran goalkeeper:

“Good, be stingy with the price”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“If we get £12m that is absolutely brilliant negotiations on our side, £100k a week off the wage bill too. Get Sa in for £7m and £50k a week. Easy”

Credit: @Darrgrady_

“Bit of a steal tbf”

Credit: @SmithShakesp

“Meet in the middle take £10m and run.”

Credit: @Goughy_WWFC

“£10m would be a good return on Patricio.”

Credit: @PaulBeest

“Will be a bit gutted if we don’t end up with Jose Sa now”

Credit: @brlbrlbrl12

In other news, find out what other transfer update has left many Wolves fans talking

Ipswich must complete a summer swoop for Sunderland midfielder Max Power upon the expiry of his contract.

What’s the talk?

Max Power’s contract at Sunderland expires at the end of the month and he is currently set to become a free agent heading into the upcoming transfer window. Power joined Sunderland from Paul Cook’s Wigan in the 2018/19 campaign and has been a regular at the Stadium of Light in recent seasons.

According to the East Anglian Daily Times, Cook would like to reunite with Power at Portman Road next season. Cook wants to bring Power to Ipswich to strengthen his squad and he is looking into a potential deal for the 27-year-old as he enters the final weeks of his contract at Sunderland.

In 2017, Wigan manager Warren Joyce heaped praise on Power. Joyce claimed that the Englishman was a “go-to” player whenever he needed someone to fill in due to his versatility. He told Wigan Today, via The Chronicle:

“Max has been great for us since I’ve been here. He’s been the go-to man for us unfortunately for him – he’s played right-back, right-midfield, off the front man.

“Wherever there’s been a problem, he’s filled in, because he’s shown to me he can do that.

“I remember signing him for Tranmere Rovers as a 12 year old kid, so I’ve known Max a long time. He’s a player I’ve got a very high regard for.”

Cook would be buzzing

Cook would be buzzing if Ipswich can pull off a deal for Power this summer. The £3.9k-per-week ace could be an excellent addition to Ipswich’s squad for a number of reasons. Firstly, he is a player Cook already knows well from working together at Wigan earlier in his career. This means that there is a pre-existing relationship between the player and the manager, reducing the time it could take for Power to bed in as he will already be aware of the demands Cook sets his players and the style of play he will want to enforce in pre-season.

Secondly, Power’s versatility makes him a valuable option to have at League One level. In the season just gone, Power played in central midfield, centre-back, defensive midfield and right-back for Lee Johnson at Sunderland and performed admirably – averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.74 in 44 appearances. This means that he could fill in across multiple positions for Cook at Ipswich and he has a track record of being reliable in League One.

Finally, Power could be an upgrade on what Cook has at his disposal currently. Power averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.87 in 19 starts as a central midfielder for Sunderland, whilst Andre Dozzell’s score of 6.67 was the highest any Ipswich midfielder managed in League One. The Sunderland man also averaged an impressive score of 6.86 in 14 starts at right-back, which is also higher than any Ipswich right-back – five appearances or more – managed.

This suggests that he could be Cook’s best option in central midfield and at right-back, so he could help strengthen either of the two key positions for the Blues.

AND in other news, Paul Cook is making a shrewd call as stance on £6k-p/w dud is revealed

Chris Wilder is still in the race to be appointed as the new West Bromwich Albion manager this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Express & Star, who claim that, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise, Wilder is still in contention to be appointed as Sam Allardyce’s successor at The Hawthorns.

Indeed, Football Insider claimed that West Brom had cooled their interest in the former Sheffield United manager last week and were set to pull out of negotiations with the 53-year-old.

However, this does not appear to be the case, with further talks between Wilder and West Brom believed to have taken place over the weekend, with the unemployed coach thought to be extremely keen on taking the job.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering Wilder’s track record of leaving clubs in a better position than when he took over, the news that the 53-year-old is still in the picture to take over at The Hawthorns this summer is sure to have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, so far in his career as a manager, Wilder has taken a mid-table Oxford United side to the League Two play-offs places, a relegation-threatened Northampton Town side to the League Two title and guided a League One Sheffield United side to a top-half Premier League finish in the space of just four years – before leaving the club last season.

As such, considering the size of the club and the comparatively greater resources that would be available to him if he were to take over at West Brom, it is not a difficult scenario to imagine that Wilder would be a massive hit with the Baggies – with his potential appointment certainly appearing to do the club’s hopes of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next season no harm whatsoever.

So, the fact that the 53-year-old is still in with a shout of landing the West Brom job would certainly seem to be very good news for all involved with the club.

In other news: West Brom handed transfer boost over “fantastic” £8m beast that’ll have fans buzzing

Celtic are set to have an incredibly busy summer but the first of their summer arrivals is now through the door and busy getting acclimatised with his surroundings.That happens to be Liam Shaw, a young midfielder who agreed a deal to join the Hoops from Sheffield Wednesday earlier this year.

On the chalkboard

Shaw is set to be one of a number of new faces arriving at Parkhead this summer.

With Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer set to depart, they will need to bring in replacements capable of filling the void.

It’ll be easier said than done with the Frenchman scoring as many as 22 times last term.

Though, it’ll also be difficult to replace the expertise and leadership qualities of Scott Brown.

The combative midfielder is now a player-coach at Aberdeen after heading for the departure lounge after a haul of ten Premiership crowns and 12 domestic cups at Parkhead.

He was a constant pillar of solidity for the Hoops, a player who brought such a stern attitude wherever he went.

Who is the replacement?

Naturally, you may look towards a player like Ismaila Soro but with Shaw now formally announced as a Celtic player, Postecoglou should look towards unleashing him.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-transfer-news-posetcoglou-ryan-delap-wyke” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]

The Bhoys have been linked with a number of midfielders from James McCarthy and Aaron Mooy to Ali McCann and Patrick Berg.

However, the club could save millions by turning to Shaw and developing his game instead.

Only a few years ago we saw Celtic sign Luca Connell from fellow EFL side Bolton but his chances have been extremely limited since penning terms.

The Irish midfielder has never made a senior appearance for the Bhoys but starred on loan at Queen’s Park in the back half of last season.

Postecoglou can’t afford to let Shaw fade into the shadows like that. Instead, he must unleash him as soon as possible.

After all, the 20-year-old put in some extremely promising displays for Sheffield Wednesday in 2020/21.

Often caught rampaging forward from deep positions, the tall midfielder is also capable of playing in the middle of defence.

On that evidence, he’s very comparable to Ajer, someone who could follow Brown through the exit door in the coming weeks.

Described as “sensational†by journalist James Whaling, the youngster has a wonderful array of qualities to suit Celtic.

“’I describe myself as a box-to-box midfielder, a lot of energy running up and down, I can score a goal, and be aggressive in that I like a tackle and I like to press people,†Shaw said after being announced.

He is adept in the air, winning 1.7 aerial duels per game for the Owls, while he’s competent in the challenge with 0.7 tackles. Those aren’t outstanding numbers but for someone so young and inexperienced, it shows there is a big platform to improve.

Postecoglou should definitely consider handing him regular minutes next season.

AND in other news, Postecoglou can fix one of Celtic’s worst habits by signing “creative” 28-goal star…

Alan Nixon has shared a quite cynical update on Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe.

The Lowdown: Howe closing in on Hoops switch

The 43-year-old is thought to be closing in on a move to Parkhead to become Neil Lennon’s permanent successor.

Howe has been out of management since August after he left Bournemouth, and his previous employers are currently involved in the Championship playoffs.

Reports have suggested that Howe has agreed to move to Glasgow and will take some members of staff from the south coast with him, with many now wondering when a deal could be announced.

The Latest: Nixon’s comments

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was asked by a Hoops fan on Twitter on Tuesday evening if Howe could be announced in 2-3 days time.

He replied, admitting he’s heard that timeframe ‘a few times’.

“We have heard ‘two or three days’ a few times.”

The Verdict: When could he be announced?

Not knowing when a deal will be announced may not be ideal for some supporters, but, in our view, we can’t see Howe being officially unveiled by the Bhoys until the Cherries complete their season.

They defeated Brentford 1-0 in the first leg of their semi-final on Monday and will look to book a spot in the final on the weekend.

Should they get to Wembley, that could keep some members of staff Howe wants busy until the end of the month.

It’s not ideal, but it seems as if Howe is the man Celtic want, so they may have to wait a little longer until they can show off their new boss.

In other news: Frank McAennie reacts to Conor McGregor claim, find out more here. 

According to a report by Football Insider, as shared by The Spurs Web on Twitter, Tottenham are lining up a big money offer for Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers and are even willing to treble his current wages – prompting many supporters to flock to respond to the major money claim.

Rodgers has been touted as a managerial candidate recently despite the northern Irishman recently dismissing links in a press conference.

Football Insider say that Spurs are still hopeful of appointing Rodgers despite his public admission that he is focused on the Foxes.

Indeed, the outlet also claims that Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy are lining up a substantial salary increase offer to try and tempt him away from the King Power Stadium this summer.

While this signals intent to get a new boss, many Lilywhites have flocked in mixed response – dropping a wide array of verdicts on social media.

One supporter urged the club to make a move, but most believe this development is ‘ridiculous’ given his he publicly ruled himself out of the running, while others dismiss the claim entirely.

Find their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Tottenham fans flock to Rodgers managerial claim

“This is getting ridiculous. The guy wants to stay, leave him alone”

Credit: @THCOYS

“Do it”

Credit: @Jimbo1604

“The guy is gonna get a restraining order against us”

Credit: @eludeomarzion

“Levy is getting desperate now”

Credit: @DanielJewelFilm

“That is peak spurs. We have all the money to attract the coach but not the money to make the manager happy.”

Credit: @Totnumszn

“Is this really where we are now?! Begging Leicester?!”

Credit: @kathrynholmes

“Big mistake. – this must be a made up story”

Credit: @JamieMarch68

“What happened the last time levy spent big for a manager he wanted for a decade? Can someone remind me, I’ve already forgotten”

Credit: @harrykanine

In other news: This boss is now allegedly eyeing the role, find out more here.

Max Aarons is ‘not close to Everton’, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The lowdown

The Times reported last month that Aarons has been identified by Everton as a long-term option at right-back, with the youngster valued at £18m by Transfermarkt.

The 21-year-old made 45 appearances for Norwich City this season as they secured immediate promotion back to the Premier League.

Aarons averaged 0.7 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game over the course of the campaign (WhoScored). He also recorded 1.4 key passes, 2.3 accurate long balls and 1.4 dribbles per match.

He was called up for the group stages of the European Under-21 Championship in March and started two of England’s three matches in Slovenia. Aidy Boothroyd, the Young Lions’ manager for that tournament, hailed him as ‘outstanding’ and described him as a ‘really big talent’ who’s ‘nowhere near finished in his development’.

The latest

Romano dashed any hopes that Everton were close to signing Aarons, also noting that ‘other clubs are joining the race’ for the Norwich starlet.

Two European heavyweights in the form of Manchester United and FC Barcelona have both been linked with the London-born defender.

The verdict

Everton fans shouldn’t fret at this stage, as their club possesses a key advantage in the race for Aarons.

At Manchester United, he’d surely be playing second fiddle to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been one of the Red Devils’ most impressive performers this term, while it was only last summer that Barcelona recruited another promising young right-back in the form of Sergino Dest.

On the other hand, Toffees veteran Seamus Coleman will turn 33 this year, and so Aarons could be presented with a path into the first team if Carlo Ancelotti decides to start gradually phasing out the Irishman.

In other news, many Everton fans were buzzing after claims that the Toffees could sign this relegation-threatened ace.

Martyn Waghorn’s Derby County future remains up in the air ahead of the summer window, according to journalist Steve Nicholson.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

The Rams secured their status in the Championship after a dramatic final day earlier this month, following a 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney looks set for a busy summer in the transfer market, with a number of players out of contract and possible new signings coming in.

Someone whose current deal expires imminently is Waghorn, with his future up in their, amid reported interest from Cardiff City.

The Latest: ‘Still waiting to hear’ about Waghorn

Speaking in a Q&A for the Derby Telegraph on Tuesday, Nicholson said a decision is still yet to made regarding the 31-year-old’s future:

“Still waiting to hear on Waghorn and Wisdom. Clubs/managers never reveal budgets, but Derby’s business this summer is likely to be a mixture of loans, permanents and free agents.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Waghorn has been an impressive servant for Derby, being hailed as ‘absolutely excellent’ by journalist Ryan Conway, so it would be nice to see him stay on.

At 31, he may be in the veteran stage of his career, but he still has plenty to offer the Rams, even if that is potentially as a squad player.

Waghorn is a popular figure with the supporters, highlighting why retaining his services would go down well, while 30 goals in 123 appearances outline his enduring quality.

In other news, a journalist has delivered an update on the proposed takeover of Derby. Read more here.

Glasgow Rangers fans are loving comments from Steven Gerrard on the bans the SFA dished out to the five Gers players who broke health protocols.

Earlier this year, Calvin Bassey, Bongani Zungu, Nathan Patterson, Dapo Mebude and Brian Kinnear all broke coronavirus regulations to attend a house gathering. In the aftermath, they have since been banned for six games – although, following an appeal from the 55-time Scottish champions, the players will be able to play against Celtic in the Scottish Cup fourth round later this month (Sky Sports).

Rangers face Hibernian on Sunday, and Gerrard was speaking at his pre-match press conference. He was asked about the reason behind the appeal, and he revealed the Gers do not believe the punishment dished out was consistent with sanctions they have given in other cases – he also specifically cited Celtic’s trip to Dubai as an example.

The comments were shared on Rangers’ official Twitter account, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Gerrard below

“Kennedy with the assist and Gerrard fires it into the top bin..”

Credit: @Walker_2603

“Great from the Gaffer”

Credit: @bigdibs89

“Outstanding, Gaffer. Simply outstanding.”

Credit: @55titles2021

“Superb for Gerrard”

Credit: @chr1s_g1llen

“Savage but well put.”

Credit: @KeyWorkerGav

“Can’t be underestimated how much the manager has developed as a political operator in his time with the club. 3 years ago he’d have been sucked into providing a tabloid soundbite. Now he’s swatting these drafties away with a swift, concise and witty response. Delicious.”

Credit: @AuldBaldAaron

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this broadcaster’s comments.