The Sun have reported that Everton and Tottenham are locked in a transfer battle for the services of Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, who has enjoyed an excellent season personally.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Toffees are interested in signing the Argentinian midfielder after Lo Celso caught the eye on loan from Paris Saint-Germain this season – he has 16 goals and five assists to his name.
The 23-year-old has shown amazing versatility in playing a number of positions down the middle more than capably, starring at centre-midfield, attacking-midfield and even as a false nine – it is the former of those positions that he has played in the most, however.
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The Spanish side managed to secure Lo Celso’s signature for just £21.5m having taken up their option to buy agreement with PSG, and it is being reported that they may look to cash in and make an immediate profit – the aforementioned report from The Sun states that they could seek to double their money.
Perfect Gomes alternative, or better?
Portuguese international Andre Gomes has become a Goodison Park favourite this term since arriving on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona last summer.
The 25-year-old is a classy operator in the middle of the park and has been the perfect foil alongside the combative Idrissa Gueye in Marco Silva’s midfield.
However, Tottenham are interested in the former Valencia man, with Daniel Levy willing to sanction a £30m move for Gomes – the lure of Champions League football could leave Everton stranded in the race to sign him on a permanent basis.
If Spurs do secure Gomes from under Everton’s noses, then the Toffees have the perfect alternative in Lo Celso.
The Argentine is younger than Gomes, would command a similar fee, and seems to have more strings to his bow than the current Everton No.8 – he can score goals and get from box-to-box, and may even be a better option than Gomes.
Either way, there is a fantastic player up for grabs if Everton miss out on their loan hero.
According to Goal, Wolves are leading the way to sign Nice goalkeeper Walter Benitez who has starred in Ligue 1 this season.
What’s the word?
Benitez has been phenomenal in France of late, quickly becoming one of Patrick Vieira’s leading lights at Nice.
Despite that, he was left off the nominees for Ligue 1’s goalkeeper of the year, something that Goal claims caused somewhat of a stir.
Yet to be capped at international level, it is thought the Argentine is looking for a way out to gain greater exposure and as a result, force his way into the Argentina team.
With a year left on his contract, a potential deal could be easier to secure for any potential suitor.
That being said, Wolves will be challenged by Newcastle and Crystal Palace according to the report.
Perfect for Europe?
Going into next season, Wolves might well have European football. Although Rui Patricio has significant experience at the highest level of the game, winning the Euros with Portugal, Nuno Santo could favour another stopper in goal for the Europa League.
Since Nuno came into the club he’s preferred a second-string goalkeeper in the cup competitions. Will Norris featured in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season whilst John Ruddy was the back-up this term.
Despite Ruddy being the best in his position in the Championship throughout the club’s promotion-winning campaign, his displays when called upon afterwards haven’t reached the same standard. That’s only natural given he’s not played as much, but Benitez could be the perfect back-up ‘keeper should they qualify for Europe.
Although the Argentine arguably wouldn’t favour being number two, the Europa League could give him the platform he needs to achieve at international level.
Benitez has 15 clean sheets this season, the highest number of any goalkeeper in Ligue 1. He also has a save percentage of 81%, per Goal.
Considering Wolves would likely have far more defensive work to do in the Europa League, this is a statistic that could prove vital.
As such, the Midlands-based side need to find a way to bring him to Molineux.
With promotion to the Championship a failed goal for this season, Kenny Jackett could be set for a long summer.
Another season in League One will be disheartening for Portsmouth, and with many of Pompey’s key names being standout stars in the division this year it is likely there will be interest from teams around the country for Jackett’s players, and some are already starting to attract interest.
According to the Portsmouth News, interest in duo Matt Clarke and Jamal Lowe is heating up following their 1-0 aggregate defeat to Sunderland in the League One play-off semi-final, and for Clarke in particular, Jackett could find it hard to keep hold of his star defender.
The 22-year-old centre-back has been a standout in the league this season, playing every minute and scoring three goals along the way, and with one year remaining on his current deal, it could be wise for Portsmouth to cash in on Clarke now before it is too late.
A hard decision, granted, considering the fact he’s so good, but the club have to think about their financial future.
Valued at £180,000 on Transfermarkt, the former Ipswich Town academy product would demand a large transfer fee for any team looking to go in for Clarke this summer, and these funds will be important for Jackett in his pre-season plans to rebuild the team and acquire talent that can get Portsmouth over the promotion line next season.
Clarke has been a great servant for the south coast side and has developed into one of the top defensive talents in the Football League, but with only 12 months remaining on his contract, Portsmouth will be wise to cash in now on their defender for the good of their long-term future.
Portsmouth fans, should Clarke be sold this summer? Let us know!
Lots of Celtic fans would love to see the club appoint Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez as manager this summer.
We are now a whole week away from reported talks between Benitez and the Magpies hierarchy as the saga regarding his long-term future at St James’ Park rumbles on.
There have been no official updates on him staying, which is only fuelling speculation another club could be ready to appoint him ahead of the new season.
As reported by The Scottish Sun on Thursday, he was at one point this week the favourite with bookmakers to land the permanent manager role at Celtic Park after more fluctuations in the market.
For many Celtic supporters he continues to be the outstanding choice, even if it seems unlikely he’ll switch from the English Premier League to the Scottish Premiership.
Fans are craving a ‘big name’ appointment that can maintain the standards of the Brendan Rodgers era and Benitez fits the bill in every department.
These fans have taken to Twitter this week to share their thoughts on it all…
Speaking to the official Leicester website, club legend Steve Walsh has had his say on where he thinks the Foxes can go next season, describing why he’s so excited for 2019/20.
What’s the word?
After a desperately poor campaign under Claude Puel, Brendan Rodgers has helped to change the face of the football club.
Since he arrived, the Midlands side have looked revitalised, losing just three of the ten games he took charge of during the final quarter of the term.
Going into next season, Leicester will be looking to improve on their ninth-placed finish. Claiming seventh spot will surely be a key target but Walsh thinks they can aim even higher, describing his excitement at Rodgers’ style of play. He told the Leicester website:
“Brendan’s philosophy and the style of play he wants to see is positive, the attacking style of football, and he simply wants to play football in a manner of pressing and going forward.
“That’s why I’m so excited about next season. Obviously everyone is aiming for top six but I think they can push for even higher.”
Leicester turnaround
Walsh’s comments are a massive indicator of the feel-good factor that now surrounds the King Power. Under Puel they were a shadow of the side that won the league title and competed in the Champions League.
Another season like that is highly unlikely but it does seem like the sky is the limit with Rodgers at the helm.
Providing they can hold onto some of their star players over the summer, there is every chance they could break into the top six. However, they’ll face strong competition from Wolves who could be even better themselves next term.
Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!
The Leicester boss looks as though he’s rediscovered Leicester’s identity, though, playing a fluid and positive brand of football which should see them compete more regularly in 2019/20.
As a result, Walsh has every right to be excited about what the Foxes can do next term.
Rodgers has them playing in a way which was rarely utilised under Puel, it will be fascinating to see where they finish after a full season with their new management team.
Rangers are interested in making a move for Kilmarnock forward Eamonn Brophy this summer, according to TEAMtalk.
What’s the story?
It appears to be a policy of Steven Gerrard’s to bring the best Scottish Premiership talent to Rangers, with moves completed in recent months for Glen Kamara, Jordan Jones and Jake Hastie.
Brophy is another who impressed in the top-flight through 2018/19 and TEAMtalk reckon that the Scottish top flight runners-up are looking at the Killie man as someone who can potentially replace Alfredo Morelos if he is sold for big money this summer.
Morelos replacement?
To suggest that Brophy can come in and match the contribution of Morelos is perhaps overstating things a little, but if Rangers are interested it makes complete sense as back-up to both the Colombian and Jermain Defoe.
Brophy scored 12 goals for Kilmarnock this season, proving to be a key part of Steve Clarke side that delivered European football at Rugby Park, finishing ahead of Aberdeen in the table.
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It was form impressive enough for him to receive his first Scotland call-up for next month’s qualifiers against Cyprus and Belgium.
A thorn in Rangers’ side
Two of those goals came against Rangers in wins for Killie in January and on the last day of the season. The first saw him expose a mistake in the Gers defence with a smart, cool-headed finish while his most recent effort was from the penalty spot, perfectly dispatched while under significant pressure.
Kyle Lafferty’s move from Hearts last season hasn’t worked out the way anyone at Ibrox would have hoped and Brophy definitely has the ability to arrive in Glasgow and replace his presence.
By signing him, it also weakens one of the toughest sides Rangers faced this term – why not go out and grab the players who directly punished you?
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Leeds striker Kemar Roofe as the club aim for reinforcements in attack.
What’s the word?
Roofe had a sensational start to the 2018/19 season, finding the back of the net 13 times in 20 appearances before the turn of the New Year.
The striker was in electric form before his performance levels suddenly dropped during the back half of the campaign. In 2019, the 26-year-old has only scored twice as Leeds failed to achieve promotion.
However, he may find himself playing in the Premier League next season anyway.
Per Football Insider, he could make a switch to Villa who are plotting a move for the forward. The report claims that Roofe sits highly on a list of targets drawn up by the club.
Smith to work his magic again?
As the Villans gear up for a first season back in the top flight, it will be incredibly interesting to see what transfer policy they devise.
In January Dean Smith hinted he wanted to sign players he could develop further in a bid to lower the age of the squad.
Therefore, a move for Roofe makes perfect sense. At the age of 26, he’s on the verge of his prime years and there would be no better way to see him enter that part of his career than in the Premier League.
Smith is fantastic when it comes to nurturing players and taking them to the next level. You only need to look at some of the performances he was able to draw from those at the club over the past season.
Tyrone Mings walked through the doors and became one of the best centre-backs in the division, whilst he was also able to get the best out of promising young players like Tammy Abraham and Axel Tuanzebe.
Although Roofe’s injury record could be a cause for concern, his form in the early stages of last season is a reason to be excited.
At West Brom he was highly touted but since leaving has never really made the grade. However, under the guidance of Smith, he could discover the consistency that eluded him in the second half of Leeds’ promotion charge.
Having already lined up Joe Lolley and Neal Maupay as potential signings, it’s clear the club are looking to be smart in the transfer window and add players to the squad who can have an impact in the future too.
It’s a clever policy and one which could be key as they enter the Premier League.
I can still vividly recall the day when it was announced out of a clear blue sky that Manchester City had been taken over by a member of the Abu Dhabi royal family.
At that point – and the same goes for now if I’m being honest – my knowledge of middle-eastern affairs was extremely limited and all I was aware of was that the family in question were extraordinarily rich.
Within 24 hours a club that once bought hand-me-downs from Manchester United came so close to signing Dimitar Berbatov and had to settle instead for a little-known Brazilian named Robinho.
The ten years and eight months since have been a series of pinch-me moments and fantasia that have genuinely, without any exaggeration, exceeded my wildest dreams. I used to stand at bus stops and fantasise about my lifelong club reaching a FA Cup final whereupon the opponents would be United and Darius Vassell or Stephen Ireland would smash in a dramatic late winner.
In 2012 we deprived our neighbours of a league title in the last minute of the entire campaign and it was scored by one of the top three strikers in the modern era. A superstar no less.
In the seasons thereafter City have won another three league crowns one of which was secured by a record-breaking hundred points. Wembley has become like a second home. Pep Guardiola is our manager. The roll-call of great players who have adorned the same shirt I used to wear in the back garden while pretending I was Paul Moulden is long and illustrious. Yaya Toure. David Silva. Carlos Tevez.
As for United we barely even sing about them anymore and less still think about them. Okay so they haven’t plummeted to the third tier like we did at the turn of the century but in every other regard our circumstances have swapped.
The transformation in City’s fortunes since the takeover of September 2008 has been absolute and felt absolutely surreal. There have been tears of joy on several occasions and glorious football on most occasions. It has been a blast.
it has recently transpired that Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan is in the course of taking full control of Newcastle United. The multi-billionaire’s investment group have submitted proof of funds to the Premier League and should no problems arise a £350m takeover appears on the cards.
I hope it all goes through. I really do. Newcastle supporters are loyal in great numbers and have long been starved of success. They are, as the old-school among us say, ‘proper’ fans and deserve the elevation in status that beckons.
This then is meant as a word to the wise; from a City fan to Newcastle supporters, laying out what they can expect to experience in the weeks, months and years to come. Only here’s the thing: all that is written next is singularly negative and that is so for two distinct reasons.
Firstly, it is simply not possible to prepare someone for what you are about to enjoy. You may presently be imagining Kylian Mbappe in the number nine shirt and numerous open top parades down Barrack Road but when such pleasures occur they are a hundred times sweeter than words can describe.
Secondly, from next season onwards everything – and I do mean everything – that takes place in the background will be of an entirely cynical bent.
Kevin Keegan – Newcastle manager with his new signing Alan Shearer Pic : Action Images
Let’s start with history. Your four league titles and five FA Cups? Didn’t happen. Hughie Gallagher and Jackie Milburn? Didn’t exist. I mean, of course they did and they will always be treasured deeply by you and your kin but beyond St James’ Park your club was founded from the very moment that the takeover was confirmed. Furthermore, you are now a glory-hunter and you will be belittled as such by individuals who have never even been to a live game in any form.
Your club meanwhile no longer has any substance. I appreciate how strange that sounds but it is true nonetheless, or at least in the eyes of strangers. Your club’s achievements will be dismissed as inauthentic. Your club will be viewed as a vassal for an oil-rich state.
As for the media giving due recognition for anything good and admirable that is forthcoming forget about it. You have spent a lifetime seeing successful clubs like Manchester United, Wenger’s Arsenal and, going further back Liverpool being venerated in newspapers and on television so now it’s your turn right? Wrong. Going forward any coverage pertaining to Newcastle United will have a detachment to it; a coldness. In parts it will be just pure snide.
More so, journalists from the Guardian will criticise you – not the club but you – for remaining a Newcastle supporter despite the appalling human rights record of the UAE.
Elsewhere, there will be jealousy but that’s okay. You can buzz off that.
So is it worth it then, all this mither and animosity? A million times yes, or perhaps more accurately a billion. I hope you enjoy and experience the same kind of ride that has taken Manchester City from there to here. You deserve it and it will be a blast – but nothing in this world comes without its downsides.
As Wolves embark on a European adventure next year, adding strength in depth to their small squad will be crucial.
Bearing in mind the club play with three in defence, adding numbers to that area of the pitch will be even more important. And the Midlands outfit have already started making attempts to do so.
The Times reported this week that Nuno Santo’s men had made an enquiry for Burnley’s James Tarkowski but that has since been rejected per journalist Matt Hughes.
Reacting to the news, there was mixed opinion on the situation from Wolves fans. One supporter claimed the 26-year-old would be a decent signing but another took issue with the fact he’d been keeping Conor Coady out of the England squad.
Two other fans focused on the financial side of things as someone claimed that the Clarets wouldn’t be able to resist Wolves’ cash whilst a further member of the Molineux faithful tweeted he’d pay what they want.
The centre-back featured 35 times in the Premier League last season, scoring three times as Burnley ended the campaign in 15th.
Celtic have had a £5m bid for defender Scott McKenna rejected by Aberdeen, according to The Scottish Sun.
What’s the story?
The Hoops are on the hunt for first-team centre-backs this summer after the departure of Filip Benkovic and Dedryck Boyata and it seems they are returning to one of their old transfer targets.
The Scottish Sun reckon the club have made a £5m bid for Dons star McKenna, a year after having a £3.5m offer for the player rejected.
The paper say that Aberdeen are standing firm though, refusing to budge from their £10m valuation of the Scotland international.
Leigh Griffiths is ready and raring to go for Celtic next season. One fan discusses what we can expect from him in the video below…
Time for Celtic to look elsewhere
From Aberdeen’s perspective they are more than entitled to receive a fair fee for a player they clearly value as a massive part of their first-team plans. With his contract not expiring until 2023, the Dons are under no pressure to sell one of their regulars, having made 39 appearances for Derek McInnes last season.
For Celtic though, a £5m signing would be expected to be a stand-out in the starting eleven, with the club rarely investing so much money into a single player – their club record transfer fee stands at £9m, and that was to bring in last season’s top scorer Odsonne Edouard.
The problem is that Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic are already performing at levels above McKenna, having been a big part of a team that has won nine trophies in three years.
The Croatian has made 93 appearances in that time, while Ajer was used 41 times last season alone. Both have demonstrated they have the mentality and quality to be trophy winners in Scotland, while McKenna has not.
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McKenna is a talent and has been lauded by his manager as the best defender in the country, but Aberdeen finished fourth last season and conceded more goals than the top five teams in the league, so there is little evidence he would be an improvement on what Celtic have.
£5m is just too rich for a back-up player – it’s time for Celtic to look elsewhere and consider alternatives to the Scotland international.