All posts by n8rngtd.top

Michael Ball has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that Carlo Ancelotti will be happy with life at Everton right now.

Back in March, prior to Jose Mourinho’s dismissal, it was reported by 90min that Ancelotti had admirers at Tottenham.

Since then, there has not really been any kind of talk linking Ancelotti with the north London club. But even if there was, Ball is convinced the Italian would not leave Goodison Park for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, suggesting that he is more than content with where he is now.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Ancelotti’s future, the ex-Everton defender said:

“I think Carlo’s happy. He knows the project that he signed up for. We have improved; he’s improved the players that he inherited.

“The four signings that he brought to the club have probably been the four best players when they’ve been fit – and he’d like to add to that.

“He’s got a project here and I feel, yes, we know a lot of teams in and around us have been disappointing this season. They’ve changed managers and Tottenham are one. It’s a big pull for him probably to go back to London, but I feel he’s happy where he is.”

At this point, it would be a surprise to see Tottenham try and make a move for Ancelotti. Spurs’ attention seems to be elsewhere, while Ancelotti looks settled at Goodison Park, as Ball pointed out.

The former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss also has a contract up until 2024, so this has always looked like a non-starter.

Newcastle United have suffered a potentially huge blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, with big question marks over Allan Saint-Maximin’s injury status.

The former Nice winger was forced off with less than 20 minutes to go of the Magpies’ 1-0 win over Sheffield United last time out, and speaking in his pre-match press conference, Bruce confirmed that the winger is a major doubt for the trip to the Cottagers today.

The manager said: “Saint-Maximin, we don’t know if he’s got a calf (injury), or whether it’s a kick as well. We’ll see how he is.”

When asked if the Frenchman’s injury was serious, Bruce added: “We hope not. It looked a bit innocuous, but whether it’s a strain, or whether it’s a kick, he’s not quite sure, so we’ll see how he is in the next 24 or 48 hours.”

The winger was in fantastic form against the Blades last time out, and as per Sofascore, his 8.1 match rating was the highest of any player on the pitch. He completed an incredible 15 of his 16 dribbles on the night and also won 19 of his 24 duels, and it was no surprise that he came in for some rave reviews after the game.

The Shields Gazette’s Liam Kennedy, who gave him an eight in his player ratings, wrote: “What a player. He’s turned up with the want to entertain. Some unbelievable runs from all over the park. Quiet in the last two games – not this time around. Shame he picked up an injury to end his night.”

Aside from the fact that fans might be gutted at missing out on seeing him one final time this season, there’s also the very real prospect that Saint-Maximin may have actually played his last game for the club.

Speaking on talkSPORT earlier this week, the Frenchman said: “I have to be honest, sometimes you have to think about yourself. The most important thing is the team, of course, but you have to think sometimes about your future and that’s why I say I don’t want to fight for one more year to be safe.

“So I hope we try to do everything to have more ambition and to win a trophy and fight for the first place, it can be great.”

[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!”]

Unless the Magpies enjoy the kind of summer transfer window which convinces Saint-Maximin that the club has the right “ambition” to match his own, he could be on his way out, and that would mean Newcastle fans have already seen the last of the dazzling Frenchman in a black and white shirt.

They will be hoping that his injury is nothing too serious, and even more importantly, that he stays for the long-term rather than jumping ship over the summer.

Meanwhile, Luke Edwards has dropped an exciting Newcastle United update…

Tottenham Hotspur may be offered a tempting deal that could kickstart a much-needed overhaul…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star, Spurs have an interest in Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, which could create the possibility of a cash-plus-swap deal for Harry Kane this summer.

It’s thought that the Brazilian is valued at around £70m and that a similar amount on top of his signature could tempt the Lilywhites into a move.

They also claim that Pep Guardiola would be reluctant to let the 24-year-old go but making him part of any offer could bolster their chances of securing Kane as it would give them a direct replacement for the England international.

Bye-bye Kane?

Whilst Kane is one of the irreplaceable members of this current Spurs squad, the fact that he wants out does not put the North London outfit in a strong position of negotiation, with £150m being a mooted price tag.

Sky Sports claimed earlier this month that the 27-year-old reiterated his desire to leave his boyhood club this summer and his preference is to remain in the Premier League, only further making it a difficult decision for chairman Daniel Levy.

It’s also true that Spurs are in need of a vast squad overhaul ahead of next season, regardless of whoever takes the currently vacant managerial role. Many of these players who featured during Mauricio Pochettino’s reign are still here, and they are the same ones that not only let him down but also Jose Mourinho.

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

Selling Kane could be the only genuine way of raising enough funds to bolster areas right across the pitch, with the Daily Mail suggesting that Spurs will have to sell before they can buy this summer – are the likes of Erik Lamela, Serge Aurier, Moussa Sissoko and many more going to raise as much as Kane would? It’s rather unlikely.

Not only would Spurs be getting some funds to help aid this but they’d also be getting very viable successor. As mentioned above, it’s going to be hard to fill his void but in Jesus, Levy could grab his next manager a top player with plenty of experience in the Premier League.

On City’s way to the title this campaign, the 5 foot 9 dynamo found the net nine times in 29 appearances, also adding five goals in other competitions, via Transfermarkt.

It means he’s bagged 82 goals across 195 appearances for the Citizens since joining them in August 2016.

The 40-time Brazil international’s form over the years has earned plenty of plaudits, namely from his boss Pep Guardiola, who has effectively dubbed him an unsung hero in this title-winning squad.

“You cannot imagine how happy we are when Gabriel can score the goals he has scored,” he told City’s official website. “But it is the things he does for the team that people don’t realise he does. That’s why the striker has to score and today he scored two. He helps us with his pressing and he is a joyous guy.”

The former Barcelona head coach also went onto call his striker “amazing” and “brilliant,” too.

Whilst even ex-Spurs boss Pochettino knows of his qualities, calling him a “very talented player” with “potential” back in 2017, via the Manchester Evening News.

All in all, if Kane is to be sold this summer, then it would make perfect sense to try and involve a player that could instantly fill his void, and Spurs can probably do that with the £54m-rated Jesus.

There are surely not many better choices out there right now.

AND in other news, Spurs eye swoop for “remarkable” 16 G/A beast, he’s everything Lo Celso should’ve been…

When Ross Barkley began to break through at Goodison Park over a decade ago, he was hailed as one of the very best talents to come through the Everton set-up.

It was easy to see why. Blessed with creativity, goals and quick feet, Barkley was everything that makes you excited about a young player.

Tim Cahill dubbed him a “special talent” back in 2011 before Martin Keown predicted the attacking midfielder to be one of the best players we’ve ever seen in this country.

It’s fair to say Barkley has never lived up to that tag. He provided the Toffees with 12 goals in all competitions during the 2015/16 campaign before eventually earning a move to Chelsea.

The 27-year-old is now at the peak of his powers but a number of injuries and a lack of game time at Stamford Bridge have halted his development.

An £11m loan spell followed at Aston Villa but after scoring just once during his time in the Midlands, it appears his career is falling away again.

That being said, a move back to Everton could revive his fortunes. The Toffees have been installed as favourites to re-sign the England international but Chelsea value him at £35m.

If they can bump the price tag down considerably he’d be a worthwhile addition. After all, he’s still fabulous when in possession of the ball.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week, Marcus Bent failed to rule out a move:

“Ross Barkley, for me, when he came through, and still is, an absolute talent, the problem being is that he hasn’t stabilised a spot at any team,” he began.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

Bent continued: “If he were to go back to Everton, and I’ve spoken to Everton and they’re lacking that in midfield. He’s got skill on the ball, he’s like a Stevie G.

“He went to Chelsea at a young age and hasn’t done it, so going back to Everton, this is a chance to go home and get at a club that he knows well. The fans love him.”

From a creative point of view, Everton only really have Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez capable of filling that spot of the traditional number 10. That said, both players have been favoured in wide positions at various times this season.

As such, Barkley would fill a void that’s currently missing in Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

They have tough tacklers in Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan but Barkley is brave in a different manner.

Speaking about Barkley during his time in Merseyside, Roberto Martinez said: “When we develop young players [in England], I don’t think we credit that sort of bravery. Sometimes you get confused that it is all about going strong in tackles and trying to win 50-50 balls. That bravery is part of the intensity of the whole game.”

Martinez added: “But the bravery that Ross has is that he will show for the ball from any angle, he’ll want it, he’ll try to be positive and make things happen for the team. When he gets in the box, when he controls the situation, that is the sign of an incredible footballer.”

In amassing two shots and 1.3 key passes per game during the course of his career, there is clearly a talented attacking player in there.

His best days were at Everton, so by moving back to Goodison we could see the best of Barkley once again. The Toffees should definitely consider a switch.

AND in other news, Everton eye swoop for “unpredictable” £34.5m wizard, he could be their new Deulofeu…

Aston Villa would be making an unforgivable mistake by replacing Dean Smith with Nuno Espirito Santo this summer.

What’s the story?

After his time at Molineux came to an end following the conclusion of the Premier League season, it appears that Nuno could be set for a return to the dugout in English football as shock news emerges from Villa Park.

Football Insider claimed that super-agent Jorge Mendes has held talks with the club’s owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens (NSWE) over the possibility of installing the 47-year-old as manager.

The report adds: “Edens and Sawiris are hugely ambitious and will bankroll more major spending this summer on new signings as they look to establish Villa as a top-six team.

“Smith may well start next season in the dugout but will come under huge pressure for his job in the autumn period if they do not start the new campaign well.”

Massive blunder from NSWE

Make no mistake about it, if Villa’s owners were to remove Smith from his post and appoint Nuno, fans could be absolutely fuming – the current boss was the one to guide the Midlands club out of the Championship, and after managing to avoid relegation in their first season back in the Premier League, led them to a superb 11th-placed finish this time around.

A boyhood Villa fan, Smith has built up an incredible relationship with the club’s fans and has got the team playing impressively, making a number of important and exciting signings to build around Jack Grealish.

Nuno, on the other hand, has come in for some intense criticism for his lack of attacking football, and he leaves Molineux after essentially stagnating at Wolves – former Villa striker Gabby Abgonlahor has been one of those to take aim at his tactics.

He said: “When I watch Wolves they’re very boring to watch. You watch them and they can’t play unless they’re playing five at the back because their centre-halves aren’t good enough to play as a four.

“They’re very boring when they play five at the back as well. You can see the manager’s tried to change it by playing four at the back against West Ham but their centre-halves couldn’t manage it and they lost.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news” title=”Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

“I’m sure he’ll revert back to five at the back and they’ll become boring again. Maybe the loss of Jimenez has been massive but still with the players they’ve got they’re underachieving.”

Villa simply can’t afford to make the mistake of getting rid of Smith to appoint Nuno, who finished two places and 10 points worse off than the 50-year-old with a rival Midlands club.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are facing a major transfer nightmare…

West Bromwich Albion have ‘held talks’ with Lincoln City boss Michael Appleton over their vacant managerial position, according to Birmingham Mail.

The Lowdown: Wilder talks have hit stumbling block

The Baggies have been in the hunt for a new manager since Sam Allardyce departed the West Midlands last month [BBC]. Following their relegation from the Premier League, Albion seemed all but certain to appoint Chris Wilder to lead their 2021/22 promotion bid.

However, West Brom have now seemingly decided against hiring the 53-year-old, with Football Insider reporting that talks between him and the club have ended. Raising concerns over the Yorkshireman’s suitability for the role at The Hawthorns, they have turned their attention to alternative contenders, as they look to secure promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

Could this pave the way for Appleton to seize the role?

The Latest: Talks have taken place between Appleton and West Brom

No stranger to the club, the 45-year-old has spent time in West Bromwich as a player and a coach, even taking interim charge of Albion in 2011 [Transfermarkt].

Having also previously being in command of the Baggies’ under-23 side before moving on to become Lincoln manager [BBC], he has emerged as a serious candidate for the role.

Appleton is believed to have ‘admirers’ amongst the West Brom hierarchy, whilst talks have been held between the Championship club and the Lincoln boss, according to Birmingham Mail journalist Joseph Chapman.

The Verdict: Appleton would be an intelligent Baggies appointment

All things considered, Appleton would be an intelligent appointment for West Brom who could reap long-term benefits for the club. Acquiring someone who is young in managerial terms whilst also an incredibly hard worker – as outlined by Danny Higginbotham [Lincolnshire Live] may be the correct tonic to revitalise the Baggies.

Needing some reconstruction after a gruelling top-flight campaign, the former Portsmouth manager could be the perfect candidate to revitalise a disjointed West Brom squad.

Deserving a shot at the hot-seat, the enormity of taking Lincoln City to within one game of Championship promotion should not be disregarded. Falling only at the final hurdle against Blackpool in the League One play-offs [BBC], he may feel he can get over the line with Albion in 2021/22 if he is given the opportunity by his former club.

In other news, the Baggies have also been linked with a managerial candidate with Champions League experience.

Aston Villa have been handed an update on their pursuit of Southampton and England midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Guardian, Dean Smith is keen on making a move for Ward-Prowse, and now, Football Insider have delivered an update on the situation.

They claim that a recruitment source has told them that Smith’s side have now registered their interest in the midfielder and that it is very much “concrete”.

The report adds that a potential deal is still in the early stages, but Villa are planning for midfield changes this summer.

Dean Smith will be buzzing

Dubbed a “machine” by his teammates at Southampton, the £27m-rated Ward-Prowse had a fine season in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and providing a further seven assists in the top-flight – that also included a brace against Villa themselves back in November when the Saints ran out 4-3 winners.

The latest update that Villa have now registered their interest in the English ace, and that the Midlands club are “planning for midfield changes” will be music to the ears of the Villa boss.

The Villa midfield is arguably the one part through the spine of the team that was found lacking last season, with Emi Martinez a stand-out in goal, Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings a formidable presence in defence (they conceded just 46 goals all season), and Ollie Watkins up top.

But in central midfield and in the number ten role, Villa were lacking, with the likes of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Ross Barkley all well off the pace – none of them managed more than three goals each.

But with Ward-Prowse’s ability to get goals both from open play and from set-pieces, Villa could add a real game-changer to their ranks in the middle of the park.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news” title=”Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

And, given what Smith has recently said about what he wants from his new signings, Ward-Prowse fits the bill.

He said: “In terms of our recruitment, we talk about the sweet spots that we’re looking for, which is that the players have Premier League experience and are (ideally) British because there is no adaptation risk at all.”

It’s exactly why this latest update should have Smith buzzing.

Meanwhile, Villa could form a superb partnership with this star…

Fulham manager Scott Parker looks increasingly likely to leave Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that the 40-year-old looks on course to leave the Cottagers later this week, with fellow Championship side Bournemouth thought to be lining up a move to appoint him as Jonathan Woodgate’s replacement at the Vitality Stadium.

It is reported that Parker has been in talks with Shahid and Tony Khan regarding his position as the Fulham manager, with negotiations regarding his departure set to accelerate over the coming days before his exit is confirmed, which will potentially be by mutual consent.

According to The Telegraph, there has been friction between the former Fulham midfielder and the club’s hierarchy, with this being a primary factor as to why Shahid and Tony Khan are prepared to allow the 40-year-old to leave.

Big mistake

While it is true that Parker ultimately failed to keep his side in the Premier League last season, the former England international’s record in the Championship should be more than enough incentive for the Fulham bosses to do all they can to ensure the 40-year-old remains at the club this summer, rather than facilitating his departure.

Indeed, in the club’s 2019/20 promotion-winning campaign, Parker led his team to 23 wins, 12 draws and 11 losses, narrowly missing out on automatic promotion by just two points.

However, the Cottagers then went on to secure a return to the top-flight regardless of their fourth-place finish in the second tier, defeating Brentford 2-1 AET in the play-off final.

Furthermore, despite Fulham’s aforementioned relegation last season, the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder earned a considerable amount of praise from some of the biggest names in the game for the style of football Fulham were playing in the top flight, with the likes of Marcelo Bielsa, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp all complimenting the Cottagers boss, with Klopp stating his belief that the 40-year-old had his team playing “exceptional” football.

As such, the argument can be made that Shahid and Tony Khan’s decision to allow the 40-year-old to leave the club this summer will be a catastrophic mistake, as they will not only be waving goodbye to a manager with a track record of securing an immediate return to the Premier League, but they look likely to be strengthening a direct rival for promotion in the shape of Bournemouth – both factors that will undoubtedly leave Fulham fans devastated.

In other news: Parker heading for grave Fulham transfer error over “relentless” £14.4m-rated machine

A major update has emerged regarding the future of one of Charlton’s transfer targets; central midfielder Andy Cannon.

What’s the talk?

Championship side Hull City have officially confirmed the signing of Andy Cannon on a free transfer. The 25-year-old will leave Portsmouth as a free agent at the end of the month and then join Hull on a two-year deal, with the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The Telegraph reported last month that Charlton and Hull were battling it out to land Cannon’s signature. Hull have now won the race and Charlton will need to look elsewhere in the market to bolster their midfield ranks ahead of next season.

Hull manager Grant McCann has offered his thoughts on the midfielder upon his arrival at the KCOM. McCann has labelled Cannon as an “all-action” midfielder, praising his winning mentality and character off the pitch. He told Hull’s official website:

“Andy is an all-action midfielder who likes to get on the ball and make things happen.

“We like the energy and aggression that he will bring and we’re looking forward to seeing him compete with the likes of Greg Docherty, George Honeyman and Richie Smallwood.

“He is a really good character with a strong winning mentality, and he will fit the dynamics of our changing room nicely whilst also being eager to continue to learn and develop as a player. There was a lot of competition for Andy’s signature so we’re delighted that he has chosen to come here and we can’t wait to work with him.”

Adkins will be gutted

Charlton manager Nigel Adkins will be gutted by this news as he has just missed out on what could have been a terrific addition to his squad. Adkins’ midfield is in an intriguing position for a variety of reasons. For starters, Ben Watson, 35, and Darren Pratley, 36, both played in excess of 25 League One games in central midfield for Charlton last season, suggesting that an overhaul is needed in that area.

Jake Forster-Caskey was exceptional for the club in midfield last term, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.19 across 34 League One appearances. He provided six goals and two assists from the middle of the park, establishing himself as one of Adkins’ key players. However, he is out of contract at the end of the month and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be extending his stay at The Valley.

This emphasises the need for Charlton to bring in a central midfielder and highlights why missing out on Cannon is a major blow for Adkins and why he will be gutted.

The £1.5k-per-week beast, Cannon, averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.83 in central midfield for Portsmouth in League One, showing that he is a solid performer at this level. He also has room to improve at the age of 25, which means he could have been the long-term successor to the ageing Watson.

AND in other news, Adkins handed major boost with sought-after £5.1k-p/w ace, Charlton fans will love it…

Everton’s hunt for a new manager has been crushed by raging doubts in the last few weeks.

Nuno Santo was close to being installed as the Toffees’ new manager until questions were raised over his backroom staff and proceedings stalled.

However, a deal for Rafa Benitez is also being put under the microscope with supporters praying for a different head coach.

What’s the word?

With fan pressure increasing on the board, you’d have thought that Farhad Moshiri and co would look at taking a different option.

The Everton hierarchy have been appealed by Lille boss Christophe Galtier but the man that still tops their list is Benitez.

TalkSPORT claimed on Monday that a deal was now in doubt but those reports have been crushed by various sectors.

Alan Myers took to Twitter in the aftermath to issue a four-word response after being questioned whether a deal was off. He answered: “Not true I believe.”

Those words were then backed up by the Mirror who claim that the Spaniard is edging closer to a return to Merseyside.

Fans will be livid

Carlo Ancelotti’s shock departure to Real Madrid will have left a bitter taste in the mouth of Everton supporters.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-manager-transfer-nuno-conte-wood-marcelo” title= “Read the latest Everton manager and transfer news!”]

They will willingly accept that Real Madrid are a much bigger club than themselves but the Italian exited with unfinished business.

He was meant to take this Everton side to the Champions League but truth be told, there was never any true progression under the 62-year-old.

Everton have since looked at rehiring Roberto Martinez, a man who finished fifth during one season of his short tenure at Goodison Park and despite the way he left, he is a manager who would be favoured by fans.

That’s certainly the case if Benitez arrives. Having dubbed the Toffees a “small club” he is already fighting a battle to get the supporters on side who are staunchly against him signing on the dotted line.

Throw in his allegiances to Liverpool and the lure becomes even more unappealing. The 61-year-old spent six years with Everton’s biggest rivals and it would appear that the Goodison faithful are unwilling to let that slide.

You can understand their fume if he does indeed get appointed but he is one of the most high profile names they could go for.

Galtier is progressive and is coming off the back of a Ligue 1 title win but Benitez has prior experience in the Premier League and has lifted Europe’s premier competition.

He has won 13 titles throughout his career and despite a rocky time in the northeast, he stabilised Newcastle in the top-flight of English football.

Benitez got the Magpies promoted from the Championship and then despite a lack of spending, guided them to mid-table finishes. Therefore, you sense that with the financial backing the Toffees hierarchy traditionally hand a new manager, he’d be able to lift them further up the table.

That said, it’s unlikely supporters will give him the support he needs in order to thrive.

AND in other news, Bye-bye DCL: Everton must swoop for “spectacular” £24m gem with “blistering pace”…