All posts by z3u9t.icu

Yan Valery’s season has certainly not gone to plan, with the young right-back shipped out on loan to Birmingham City in the January transfer window, where he has struggled to impress.

The defender lost his regular spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side when Kyle Walker-Peters first arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020 and once his transfer to St Mary’s was made permanent, it was always going to be a struggle for Valery to get regular game time at Southampton.

The 22-year-old, who was labelled a “weak link” by Athletic journalist Dan Sheldon, made just one start in the Premier League for the Saints, which came in a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal where he was regularly exposed, so it was perhaps no surprise to see him turfed out on loan, despite the lack of back-up to Walker-Peters at the South Coast club.

When the former Spurs man was injured, we saw the likes of Moussa Djenepo, James Ward-Prowse and Jan Bednarek all feature at right-back, which certainly suggests that Valery wasn’t held particularly high regard by Hasenhuttl.

During his time with Birmingham City, who until recently looked in real danger of relegation this season, Valery has made just seven appearances in the Championship, of which just two have been starts, which again, doesn’t bode particularly well for his future at Southampton.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-southampton-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=“Latest Southampton news, transfer rumours and more!“]

Hasenhuttl spoke recently about the development of some of the players out on loan, saying:

“Some have done well, a lot of them did not even play in the Championship or League One, so you can see how difficult it is for them that they don’t even there perform well,” Hasenhuttl has openly admitted.

“We have a few loan players that are coming back. The way back is not easy for them. That means we have to look for new options.”

The Austrian certainly seems to be hinting that it is going to be difficult for Valery to re-establish himself in his side in the future after a disappointing couple of seasons, so perhaps we will see him depart St Mary’s on a permanent deal this summer.

Certainly, if Southampton bring in the full-backs they are seemingly in the market for ahead of next season, there will be little room left for Valery in Hasenhuttl’s side in the future.

And, in other news… Just 9 passes: £5.4m-rated Saints dud was awful again vs LFC, Ralph surely fuming

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed encouragement over one mooted managerial target this week…

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard, former Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri ‘would consider an approach’ from Spurs and is currently out of work having left the Serie A giants back in the summer of 2019.

Earlier this month, the 53-year-old was linked with the vacancy by famous Italian journalist and commentator Francesco Repice, who told Juventus News 24: “Watch out for Tottenham, both for him and for Sarri, but a big club that wants to revive the team has only one name that can be used – Massimiliano Allegri.”

The former midfielder racked up a 70% win rate in Turin, where he clinched five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and two Supercoppa Italianas during his time in charge.

Get it done

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is quickly running out of solid options in his pursuit of an ideal successor to Jose Mourinho. The likes of Julian Naglesmann, Erik ten Hag and Brendan Rodgers all appear to be out of the running.

Whilst Brighton boss Graham Potter and Fulham manager Scott Parker are interesting options but neither are on the same level as the aforementioned trio, nor Allegri.

The former would perhaps be most fitting, considering the club are looking for another ‘attack-minded’ coach in the mould of Mauricio Pochettino, and that’s what the Englishman is but with Allegri still available, Levy would be wise to plump for the Italian instead.

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

Allegri has been preparing for a stint in the Premier League for quite some time. He has been learning English for a while and is yet to be given that opportunity.

Sky Sports reporter Ben Ransom believes he’d be “the absolute perfect fit” in North London.

“He is perfect for Tottenham. He’s been out of work for a couple of years, he was brilliant at Juventus, he left after winning their fifth Serie A in a row, he plays the right sort of football and he is looking to get back into football now, the suggestion is.”

Indeed, it’s not the first time that someone has waxed lyrical about Allegri and his managerial potential – back in 2019, there were calls for him to become the next Manchester United boss and those claims were bolstered by comments from a certain Sir Alex Ferguson.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Daily Mail), the Scottish legend hailed him an “extraordinary technician” for his “solid” work at Juventus.

The aim for Spurs, and Levy, has to be ending their silverware drought. It’s now been 13 years since they last tasted glory, winning the League Cup in 2008 and it’s not like they haven’t had the chance to add to that, with a Champions League final appearance in 2019 and the Carabao Cup final just last month.

Allegri has a proven track record and ability in getting his teams over the line and whilst he’s never delivered on the European stage, he certainly has more experience than someone like Potter in the big competitions.

If he’s truly willing, then Levy must make a play for him before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Spurs can solve major issue with 6 ft 3 “complete player”, he won’t cost Levy a penny…

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes it would be an ‘absolute disaster’ if Marcelo Bielsa took over at Tottenham this summer.

The Lowdown: Priceless figure at Leeds

The Whites are in the middle of a special period in their history, having finally returned to the Premier League this season.

Bielsa has been the undoubted key reason for Leeds’ success, transforming the club’s fortunes and playing an exciting brand of high-energy attacking football.

Worryingly, the Argentine is yet to commit his future to the club for another year, with his current deal expiring at the end of June.

The Latest: Robinson bemoans Bielsa rumour

Tottenham have been linked with acquiring Bielsa’s services and bringing him as their new manager, following Jose Mourinho’s departure earlier in the year.

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson admitted it was exciting from a Spurs perspective, but disastrous for anyone of a Leeds persuasion:

“From a Spurs point of view, I would love to see Bielsa there.

“When you compare the Spurs and Leeds squad there is not much comparison, and that is no disrespect to the Leeds squad. Tottenham’s squad is made up of top international players.

“Look at what Bielsa got from that group of Leeds players in the Championship, it makes you wonder what he could get from those Spurs players. It could be unbelievable.

“From a Leeds point of view though it would be an absolute disaster. It really would.

“He would be a very shrewd appointment but I don’t think they’ve got any chance of luring him away.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-3/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Too loyal to leave

The thought of Bielsa suddenly leaving Leeds is a horrendous one, considering he has been the catalyst for such a memorable few years at Elland Road.

Losing him now, at a point when the Whites are primed for a possible European push next season, would be extremely hard to come back from, such is his level of influence.

Bielsa is a fiercely loyal, principled character, however, so it would be a big surprise if he didn’t extend his stay and moved to north London instead.

In other news, one Leeds player has been blasted for his recent behaviour. Find out who it is here.

Frank Lampard has emerged as a managerial candidate for West Brom this summer, as the Baggies look to replace the departed Sam Allardyce.

The Lowdown: Search for a new manager

After a disappointing season that saw West Brom relegated back to the Championship, the search is on for a new manager at the Hawthorns.

Allardyce has moved on after failing to keep the Baggies in the Premier League and a host of names have been linked with replacing him, including Barnsley boss Valerian Ismael.

The Latest: Lampard linked with job

The latest name to emerge is Lampard, with the Express & Star reporting that West Brom are keen on acquiring the Chelsea legend’s signature.

The 42-year-old is on the lookout for a new job and open to Championship offers after being sacked by the Blues earlier in the year, and has been hailed as ‘amazing’ by their current manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Verdict: A risky choice?

Lampard remains a relatively unknown quantity in management, making West Brom snapping him up a risk, but he is an exciting young option.

The former England midfielder did an impressive job with Derby in the Championship, guiding them to the playoff final in 2019 and playing good football along the way – the Rams escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth this season with Wayne Rooney at the helm.

Another Premier League job may arguably be too soon for Lampard, but taking charge of a promotion-chasing team could be ideal, and he could also boast good links to Chelsea in terms of attracting loan signings – Blues star Mason Mount scored nine times under Lampard at Pride Park back in the 2018/19 campaign.

In other news, another manager has been linked with the vacant West Brom job. Find out who it is here.

According to a report by Italian news outlet Corriere Fiorentino, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘in the lead’ to appoint SS Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing Inzaghi

Previous reports from Italy have touted Spurs with a strong interest in Inzaghi’s appointment, with newspaper Il Tempo (via Sport Witness) most recently claiming that he is ‘listening’ to offers from a host of clubs amid the speculation surrounding his future in Rome.

This includes both Tottenham and Leicester City, who busted busted many a bet365 bonus by missing out on Champions League qualification this season, as the Premier League clubs allegedly interested and links to the Lilywhites can be traced back as far as the beginning of this month.

Closer to the home, a report by the Daily Star indicated that Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy ‘could turn’ to Inzaghi as an option to replace Jose Mourinho – coming two years after an alleged ‘desperate attempt’ to hire the 45-year-old before the arrival of the special one.

The Latest: Spurs now in pole position…

Bringing the latest claim, another regional Italian news outlet.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-things-spurry/” title=”Spurs news and gossip!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness) believe that Spurs are now ‘in the lead’ to appoint Inzaghi with ‘various very important clubs’ also in the chase.

Levy leading the race for his signature is apparently repeated twice in this printed report as Corriere Fiorentino appear adamant that Tottenham are now favourites.

The Verdict: Fantastic candidate…

Even though you could argue he isn’t the ‘attack-minded’ manager Spurs have been most touted to hire, he certainly has his credentials with a number of players heaping praise on Inzaghi.

Lazio midfielder Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, in an interview with beIN SPORTS recently (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), lauded the Italian as an ‘excellent coach’ and ‘best’ manager he has ever worked under.

Meanwhile, striker Ciro Immobile even compared the former international to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp – explaining how the pair are ‘very similar’ due to their ‘motivational skills’ (Er Faina on Instagram Live via Football Italia).

As well as this, Inzaghi’s numbers are solid, having acquired 191 career wins over his managerial career to date with 628 points on the board and an impressive average of 1.86 points per match (Transfermarkt).

It’s clear Spurs could do far worse as Levy aims to commence a brand new era in north London.

In other news: ‘I hear from a reliable source’…Journalist drops major Harry Kane claim, find out more here.

Leeds United need to recruit a competitor for striker Patrick Bamford to ensure that he doesn’t start ‘resting on his laurels’.

That’s according to former Whites goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, who was speaking to Leeds United News.

The lowdown

Bamford enjoyed an excellent campaign as Leeds finished ninth in the Premier League. The Englishman was the joint-fourth highest scorer in the division with 17 goals, and he added a further seven assists, with only Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes outscoring the 27-year-old in the top flight in 2020/21.

Last summer, Leeds broke their transfer record to sign Rodrigo from Valencia. He can play as a striker but was predominantly used as an attacking midfielder by Marcelo Bielsa (Transfermarkt), the Spaniard scored seven Premier League goals in total as he averaged one every 183 minutes.

The latest

Martyn has said that, at the highest level, Bamford needs ‘to be put under pressure’ to extract the best performances out of him. He explained that new arrivals can further improve the attitude within the camp.

“You don’t want things to become stale, you need that competition,” the 54-year-old told Leeds United News.

“New people coming in creates competition, and it gives current players a lift and a reason to fight.

“He’s had a great season but the last thing you want is for him to be resting on his laurels.

“He needs to be put under pressure for his position, go and do it again – that is what being at the highest level is all about.”

The verdict

Seven goals was a decent return for Rodrigo in a season which was disrupted by injury, but he isn’t an out-and-out centre-forward.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Leeds recruit a second number nine, with Football Insider claiming that it’s one of the areas the Whites are targeting, although they will have to find someone capable of meeting Bielsa’s unique expectations.

More generally, they don’t need to worry too much about Bamford finding motivation, as his excellent numbers this season suggest that he may have been driven on by some critics who claimed that he wasn’t cut out for Premier League level.

In other news, David Norris has given his view on a Leeds player’s uncertain future.

Aston Villa fan favourite John McGinn is gearing up for an exciting summer at the European Championships with Scotland [BBC].

A star player for club and country, the Glasgow-born midfielder has wowed the Villa Park faithful once again this season with his tenacious performances.

Almost ever present for the Lions in 2020/21, McGinn featured in all but one of Aston Villa’s top-flight fixtures this term [Transfermarkt]. Within that time, the centre-midfielder was able to record an impressive eight goal contributions – three goals and six assists.

Getting through a ton of work in the middle of the park, it is hardly surprising that the Aston Villa supporters cannot wait to see McGinn again on the international stage this summer.

Sure to be an integral part of Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army, loads of Villa fans took to Twitter to show their excitement towards his prospective involvement after the club shared images of him donning the Scotland kit.

Aston Villa fans react to exciting McGinn images

“Ginny to score the winner vs England”

Credit: @AVFCFaithful_

“Mcginn to score first but England win 2-1. You heard it here first.”

Credit: @at_villa

“Wow so proud. Villa have awesome players x”

Credit: @mrsessex48

“What a man, what a player”

Credit: @AvfcPearson”Not gonna lie, if he scores against England, I might go wild”Credit: @York_Villa”Gew on meatball all the very best.”Credit: @wst1975In other news, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith is stalling on a potential transfer pursuit.

Daniel Levy could be about to sting one of his closest allies as Tottenham Hotspur near a landmark appointment…

What’s the word?

According to the BBC, Spurs are expected to announce former Juventus chief football officer as their next sporting director this week, a position that has not been filled since 2015.

But this has raised doubts about the future of technical performance director Steve Hitchen and that has caused a worrying reaction behind the scenes.

As revealed by the reliable Alasdair Gold at football.london, several staff and players have been left unhappy by the situation surrounding Hitchen, who found out late in the process and is thought to be a very popular figure at the club.

It’s understood that Spurs want him to remain and work with Paratici within the football structure but it remains to be seen just how that would work as the Italian is expected to receive the responsibility for decision-making.

Furthermore, it means the North London outfit are back at square one as Hitchen’s initial managerial shortlist will likely be ripped up for Paratici to get his own man in.

Jol mistake repeated

This situation certainly evokes similarities to Levy’s appalling treatment of former manager Martin Jol, whom he sacked during a live game – a UEFA Cup defeat to Getafe – in October 2007.

His replacement Juande Ramos was secretly photographed during a hotel meeting with the club whilst the Dutchman was still in charge, so everyone knew it was coming, just as is the case with Paratici now.

Jol was by no means a remarkable head coach for the Lilywhites but it was his time at the club that laid the foundations for the following years and he was one that was quite popular with the fanbase.

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

Arguably, only Mauricio Pochettino was a bigger hit with the Tottenham faithful in the past two decades.

Again, this draws further similarities to this emerging situation because, as Gold states, plenty amongst the current set-up admire Hitchen and the work he does for the club.

Starting as a scout in N17, Hitchen helped signed some of Spurs’ biggest stars, namely Luka Modric and Benoit Assou-Ekotto before going onto be the man behind Liverpool’s move for Luis Suarez in 2011.

Evidently, he has an eye for a player but Levy’s latest move puts his position in jeopardy and that could seriously hinder Spurs in the long run.

Paratici, as good as his track record is with signings, has never been in and around the Premier League, which is something on Hitchen’s side.

Levy and his reputation took a dent with the Jol situation, so he must ensure that he does not repeat such a fatal mistake here with one of his longest-serving counterparts.

AND in other news, Levy could revive Spurs with “remarkable” 51 y/o gem, he averages 2.34 points per game…

Leicester City have had an initial bid for Atalanta defender Robins Gosens turned down as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his first-team squad.

What’s the story?

According to the Italian outlet La Gazetta dello Sport, the Foxes have made an opening offer of £17 million for the highly-rated German international.

However, the report claims that Atalanta rejected the bid for Gosens, informing Leicester that their asking price is almost double the fee they presented at £30m.

Fans will be buzzing

Although the club’s supporters will be disappointed to hear an agreement is still some way off between the two clubs, a large section will be buzzing to know that the Leicester hierarchy are targeting such a high calibre of player.

Gosen’s has impressed since joining Gian Piero Gasperini’s men four years ago, bagging 27 goals and providing 20 assists in 149 appearances despite playing the majority of games at wing-back.

His outstanding displays have won many plaudits in Italy and across the continent, with his current manager leading the praise following a standout performance against Crotone last season.

“He’s doing well, he’s an extraordinary guy,” Gasperini said. “He has added a scoring ability in the penalty area with both his head and his feet.

“He’s a sniper because he knows how to read the attacking phase well, making himself ready.”

If Leicester want to secure their man, then they may have to move quickly. Recent reports revealed that several of the continent’s top teams are also chasing the 6 ft beast’s signature, with Barcelona amongst the potential suitors.

Rodgers is believed to be in the market for some defensive reinforcements this summer after experienced duo Wes Morgan and Christian Fuchs departed the King Power Stadium.

A long-term injury to James Justin has further emphasised the need for fresh legs at the back, and Gosens would be seen as a significant coup for the current FA Cup holders.

The Midlands outfit may be at an advantage over their rivals in the pursuit for the versatile wideman after they did business with Atalanta 12 months ago, bringing Timothy Castagne to the Premier League in a £21.5m deal.

Gosens could be the final piece of the Leicester jigsaw in their push for a top-four finish, and the fanbase will likely be urging director of football Jon Rudkin to get this deal over the line.

They’ll be buzzing if Gosens ends up playing at The King Power Stadium next season.

And, in other news…Major LCFC transfer update emerges over “powerful” £23m gem, Rodgers will be delighted 

Jose Mourinho is keen to take Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz to Roma.

And, as to be expected, the latest transfer link has had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

According to BBC Sport reporter Alistair Magowan, Roma are interested in signing Luiz.

The Italian side have had a bid rejected for Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, thought to be worth £12.9m. Luiz is name-checked in the report, with the 23-year-old currently holding a Transfermarkt valuation of £31.5m.

The Brazilian missed just five Premier League games under Dean Smith last season, taking his Villa Park appearance tally to 76.

Mourinho was in charge of Tottenham in a 2-0 win at Villa Park back in March, a game in which Luiz played the entirety.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Magowan’s claims regarding Roma and Luiz on Twitter. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many against Villa cashing in on the holding midfielder.

“Don’t even entertain this. If we lose Dougie, this will be one of those we look back on in a few years as he lifts the world cup as Captain of Brasil.”Credit: @IanJamsie”Would be silly to sell him”Credit: @JamesLIoyd”How about you back off”Credit: @SoldierFieldBlg”Straight no.. don’t let him go anywhere”Credit: @brazilianwizard”He’s a Brazilian international midfielder at a great age. Not a chance.”Credit: @_porsalin”don’t go near him.”Credit: @catrinedwards18

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops update on departing Villa man, find out more here.