All posts by h716a5.icu

According to a report by Anfield Central, West Ham United have contacted Liverpool with an approach to sign midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – despite the fact he has been out for the majority of the season through injury.

The 27-year-old, who has no shortage of experience on the biggest stage, amassing 35 caps for England at international level, has barely been used by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp since recovering from a lengthy layoff.

West Ham make contact for Oxlade-Chamberlain

He missed 113 days for the Reds due to his injury, but Klopp has only called upon Oxlade-Chamberlain twice for a starting role and 10 times off the bench since his return.

Now, Anfield Central report that he is enticing West Ham, who may be looking to poach the midfielder.

Apparently, David Moyes and co are looking to capitalise on their fine form by strengthening with key players for the 2021/2022 season – especially considering they could be in Europe.

Transfer Tavern take

The Reds allegedly wish to keep hold of Oxlade-Chamberlain amid West Ham’s interest, but it will all come down to whether he is ready to settle for less playing time.

Klopp recently heralded him as an ‘outstanding player’ back when he was nearing a return from injury, but whether or not this is a deal the Irons should prioritise is debatable.

Currently on a reported £120,000-per-week at Liverpool, while he holds experience at the top level, GSB may wish for him to take a significant pay cut for this move to be possible.

In other news: Sky pundit blown away by player West Ham are reportedly targeting, find out more here.

A Leicester City journalist has detailed an ‘ambitious’ move in the January transfer window for Martin Odegaard.

Speaking to The Chronicle, Jordan Campbell, who is the correspondent for Leicestershire Live, claimed: ‘Ambitious moves for Christian Eriksen and Martin Odegaard quickly fell by the wayside’.

Of course, Eriksen ended up staying at Inter Milan, and Odegaard has since moved to Arsenal on loan from Real Madrid for the rest of the 2020/21 term.

Nonetheless, it is very interesting to hear what might have been for the East Midlands club, especially with Odegaard.

Odegaard could have been a great signing for Leicester

Odegaard could no doubt have been a great signing for Brendan Rodgers’ team, especially given the recent lengthy lay-off for James Maddison.

The Norway international is currently thriving in the Premier League at the moment, recently scoring in the North London derby win against Tottenham Hotspur and picking up March’s player of the month award (POTM) for the Gunners.

He is quickly starting to find his feet in English football, with Mikel Arteta describing him as a ‘talented’ player last month, and if the Foxes were to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for next season, then maybe they could come back in to try and sign him in the summer transfer window.

Nonetheless, it is a tale of what might have been for LCFC if they were able to sign Odegaard, but for now they have to sit back and admire the 22-year-old technician.

In other news, find out what early team news before Manchester City has been lauded by Foxes here!

Speaking to The Boy Hotspur, a Tottenham source close to the club has allegedly relayed that those within Spurs are speculating and theorising as to who might be the caretaker manager after Jose Mourinho – with the whispers happening ‘outside of [Daniel] Levy’s office’. 

Tottenham source shares behind the scenes claim

Indeed, as per this report, a Lilywhites source explains that Spurs are in a ‘bit of a muddle’ behind the scenes, with Levy apparently finding increasing ‘issues’ and ‘difficulties’ with Mourinho – mainly because the Portuguese gaffer is failing to be an ambassador for the brand.

Star striker Harry Kane, however, is still a staunch advocate of the current boss and his opinion carries a lot of weight within the club – and the Tottenham chairman understands his importance in north London.

The Spurs source, as a result, shares that the club are slightly split behind the scenes – and this Lilywhites insider, speaking to the Boy Hotspur, even claims there is speculation within Tottenham as to who might be the caretaker.

Transfer Tavern take

This theorising is allegedly happening away from Levy’s office as Tottenham continue to be linked with possible replacements for Mourinho.

The likes of Brendan Rodgers and Julian Nagelsmann have been reported in the media as coaches the club are keeping close eye on, but only time will tell whether Tottenham do in fact part company with the once-special one.

In other news: Tottenham want to sign this ‘beast’, find out more here.

Incoming Celtic chief executive Dominic McKay looks set to make changes to the “entire business model” at Parkhead.

That’s according to finance expert Kieran Maguire, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

Celtic announced last week that McKay will leave his role within Scottish Rugby on Friday, allowing him to begin his work with the Hoops next Monday – 10 weeks earlier than initially planned.

Peter Lawwell will stick around to help with a smooth transition at Celtic Park for McKay, with the 61-year-old set to retire at the end of June.

Talking to Football Insider regarding McKay’s arrival in seven days time, Maguire believes that big changes are imminent. He said:

“If you look at any business, the culture of the business is determined at the top.

“Dermot Desmond is not a hands-on owner. With Peter Lawwell going and the manager going as well, there’s a bit of a vacuum.

“Celtic have got to start planning for the post-Lawwell era. They’ve also got to plan for a post-Neil Lennon era.

“This season has clearly not been successful. Celtic’s entire business model will now be challenged to an extent.”

Transfer Tavern take

One of McKay’s first major tasks could be to help bring in a new first team manager, as well as looking to fill the newly-created director of football role.

During the coming months, McKay could get some important building blocks in place, and it seems as if Maguire thinks the club’s “entire business model will now be challenged” as a result of his impending arrival.

In our view, bringing McKay in now instead of July, as initially planned, is a positive move. It will allow him to settle into life in Glasgow ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, giving him plenty of time to have his say on some major off-field decisions.

In other news: Celtic could make big loss on Odsonne Edouard, find out more here. 

According to reports from Spain, Sergio Aguero is keeping the door open on a move to Leeds United this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa thought to be a key factor in the potential switch.

The report by Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) claims that Leeds are “in the picture” to land Aguero this summer, with the 32-year-old set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season.

It is reported that, despite interest from Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, Marcelo Bielsa’s position as manager at Leed is of “importance” to Aguero, and that the Argentine values the proposal of playing for the Whites.

Furthermore, another advantage that Leeds are said to hold is their readiness to make a move for the Manchester City star, with it being claimed that both Juventus and PSG would have to sell players before sanctioning any deal.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Sport Witness’ translation claiming that Aguero is prioritising the “sporting project” ahead of “economic proposals” when deciding his next move, as the 32-year-old wants to feature regularly for his new side in order to secure a place in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup squad, this could be yet another feather in Leeds’ cap in their pursuit of the centre-forward.

Despite the fact that Rodrigo is classed as a centre-forward, the Spaniard has often been played in a deeper role this season, meaning that Bielsa’s only real option as a senior striker is Patrick Bamford.

As such, if the man Pep Guardiola recently claimed is “irreplaceable” were to join Leeds this summer, all the Argentine would have to do is convince Bielsa that he is a better option to lead the line than Bamford in order to become the Whites’ main man up top, or perhaps even tempt Bielsa to deploy them both together.

In other news: ‘I am convinced’ – Agent drops huge Bielsa claim; Leeds fans will be gutted if he’s right – find out more here!

This weekend represents a timely distraction for Celtic who can forget about a host of ongoing sagas and focus on retaining a trophy they brought back to Parkhead last season.

The Hoops are in the midst of finding a new manager while the Bhoys hierarchy are also trying to piece together the rubble from a campaign where they lost the league.

Attention turns to the Scottish Cup again on Sunday as they get ready to face their fiercest rivals.

Celtic drew 1-1 with Rangers just a matter of weeks ago but with the title already sewn up, this match will have a lot more riding on it. Expect some robust tackles and some captivating drama.

John Kennedy’s men will head into this match full of confidence after dispatching Livingston 6-0 last time out. With that in mind, it’s unlikely we’ll see too many changes to the starting XI.

Here’s what we’re predicting…

We’re tipping the interim boss to make just the two changes to his side when they face the Gers this afternoon.

One of those changes happens to be an enforced one. Kennedy revealed late last week that James Forrest is facing a fitness test ahead of the clash.

He’s nursing an injury that will go right to the wire in terms of his selection. He’s a big game player but the Hoops can’t afford to have any passengers for a clash of this magnitude.

As a result, he drops out of the XI with his fitness in question. David Turnbull moves out to the right flank with Ryan Christie returning behind the striker; Odsonne Edouard.

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The only other replacement is at left-back where Diego Laxalt comes in for the £8.2k-per-week Greg Taylor. The Uruguayan has been inconsistent this season but impressed during the last Old Firm derby.

The defender showed plenty in offensive phases of play, completing two dribbles and producing three crosses in an energetic performance. He linked up well with the Celtic attack on that day so deserves another chance to show those qualities today.

Apart from those manoeuvres, Kennedy’s team is unchanged.

AND in other news, Forget Hjelde: Celtic could have their new Ajer in 17 y/o never-seen in the first team…

Numerous fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed a claim made by Oliver Holt regarding the newly-formed European Super League (ESL).

In his post on Twitter, the journalist claimed that he is “hearing the first cracks may be beginning to appear” between the clubs of the highly controversial proposed tournament, with two unnamed English sides thought to be “close to losing their nerve” in pressing forward within the ESL.

This is likely to be down to the fact that the clubs who have signed up to the league are facing an enormous backlash from the footballing world, as well as a whole range of possible sanctions such as expulsion from their domestic leagues and their players being banned from participating at the European Championships and the World Cup.

After Holt’s claim was relayed by City Xtra, many fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with plenty hoping that Pep Guardiola’s side are among the two reportedly considering pulling out of the ESL proposals. Others simply begged City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak to make a U-turn on their commitment to the new league.

So, what did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to Oliver Holt’s European Super League update?

“Please City, please.”

@TomYates9816

“DO IT KHALDOON.”

@MCFCPio

“City please, come on.”

@cam9ii

“Manchester City are still alive here…”

@4Foden

“City and Chelsea please God, make this happen.”

@denys_17_

“I’m on my kneeeeeeeeeeees.”

@Jimbojunior3

“Leave Man City. Do the right thing and apologise and leave.”

@SuperbKDB

In other news: ‘This can’t be real’, ‘Disgusting’ – Many MCFC fans rage as ‘horrific’ Sam Wallace claim emerges – find out more here!

Gabby Agbonlahor has dropped a big claim on whether he thinks Julian Nagelsmann will be the next manager at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have reportedly already made contact with the RB Leipzig boss and he is their number one choice to replace Jose Mourinho following his sacking, with Ryan Mason put in temporary charge in North London until the end of the 2020/21 term.

Speaking to Football Insider after that news emerged, Agbonlahor can only see Nagelsmann ending up at the Lilywhites out of all of the managerial candidates being touted:

“I can only see Nagelsmann.

“Daniel Levy will look at Tuchel at Chelsea and the impact he’s had. That new school type of manager.

“He will look at him and think ‘Ok, you know what? I want to bring in somebody like him.’

“100 per cent, he’s the only target.

“They won’t get for somebody like Brendan Rodgers, who’s a great manager. 

“They will bring in somebody like Nagelsmann who’s doing very well and can take Spurs where they want to be. I think they’ll hold out for him.

“That’s why nobody will be announced to the end of the season when he’s available.”

Nagelsmann perfect for Tottenham

Nagelsmann would be the perfect appointment by Levy,  should he be able to persuade him to leave his job in the Bundesliga.

At just 33 years of age, he is much younger than Mourinho and given that it never really quite worked out under the Portuguese coach, it may well be time to freshen things up at Tottenham with someone boasting less experience but greater potential.

Nagelsmann has guided Leipzig to second in the Bundesliga, only behind Bayern Munich, and has previously been described as a ‘fearless’ manager by his own player in Tyler Adams, a quality that would surely be of much use to Spurs given their long trophy drought and negative system under Mourinho.

In other news, find out what contacts have heated up over one THFC managerial target here!

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered early setbacks in their bid to find the best replacement for the recently sacked Jose Mourinho.

Daniel Levy has missed out on two of his mooted top managerial targets in Julian Nagelsmann, who has rejected the north London outfit to become Bayern Munich’s next head coach, and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers, who has downplayed swapping the Champions League-bound Foxes for struggling Spurs.

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is now expected to quickly rise up the shortlist, according to the Telegraph, whilst names such as Gareth Southgate and Ralf Rangnick feature.

The 51-year-old Dutchman is said to be affordable for Spurs as he will soon enter the final year of his contract at the Eredivisie champions.

We know that Levy is also targeting an attack-minded and progressive coach that can fit in with the club’s culture after reports suggested that Mourinho had ‘sucked the life’ out of the squad prior to his departure.

Ten Hag has brought success to Ajax – recording a 73% win percentage since taking over in 2017 – through his flexible 4-3-3 system, which has been inspired by the likes of Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff.

“He ticks a lot of boxes for Tottenham. He’s very good at developing young players and he has Ajax playing with real style,” claimed Alasdair Gold in a recent Q&A on football.london.

So Levy won’t have to worry in terms of excitement on the pitch there and indeed, the former Bayern Munich ‘B’ head coach could fix another one of Spurs’ mounting problems.

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As further revealed by Gold, there have been concerns over the fitness levels of the current squad despite a lot of these players still remaining in N17 from the Mauricio Pochettino era, where they were among the fittest in the Premier League.

‘Numerous mistakes have been made on the pitch during this campaign due to tiredness both physically and subsequently mentally,’ wrote the reliable journalist in a recent column.

Ajax were unofficially crowned champions on the same weekend Spurs looked legless in their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, and Ten Hag has credited their success to the squad’s impressive fitness levels.

“Everyone hopes that Ajax is at the end of his rope, but we are far from being there. It appears every time that we can switch in the second half and the opponents are destroyed”, the 51-year-old revealed to reporters (via Teller Report). “We brought that [fitness change] in and it certainly plays a role in this title. But I think that we have played very well in many phases this season.”

In another interview, sourced by football.london, he echoed these thoughts: “The team is good. We are very fit, very eager and very fresh. We can certainly perform at our best, we know that.”

On the above evidence, Ten Hag seems like an ideal candidate and a more than worthy new front-runner for the vacant Spurs job. In appointing him, Levy could solve more issues than one.

AND in other news, Alli and Bergwin? How Spurs could line-up under managerial target Erik ten Hag…

Dean Windass has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he’d put money on Watford signing Ashley Young this summer.

The 35-year-old, who added another trophy to his collection by winning Serie A title Inter Milan last weekend, is out of contract at the San Siro at the end of the season, and will be available on a free.

And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Hornets have already opened talks about the possibility of bringing Young back to Vicarage Road.

Romano believes that should Inter decide against offering Young fresh terms, there is a “huge chance” that the former England international will return to Watford next season.

Young came through the Academy at Watford having joined as an eight-year-old and ended up spending four years there before joining Aston Villa.

His impressive form at Villa Park led to a dream move to Manchester United, where he ended up winning the FA Cup, Europa League and Premier League.

But Windass believes that it’s the right time for Young to return his old stomping ground.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s had a wonderful career. I’ll put a bet on at the bookies that he’ll end up at Watford. He’s still a relatively young man, probably wants to get back to London, where he started.

“That would be a great signing for Watford and a great signing for Ash. If the manager sees an interest in Ashley Young, I think he’d jump at the chance, especially now they’re back in the Premier League.”