All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans were critical of Florian Kamberi’s performance in their 0-0 draw at Portsmouth in League One on Tuesday night.

The Owls perhaps would have settled for a point in the end as Massimo Luongo was given a straight red card for violent conduct in the 69th minute, meaning that they had to hold out for more than 20 minutes with 10 men on the field.

However, when a team goes down a player, they really need the help of the forwards to hold the ball up and bring others into play whenever they can attack.

Alas, Kamberi struggled while Wednesday had 11 men, let alone 10, as he lost out on all seven of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on goal or dribble. In addition, he was guilty of losing possession of the ball seven times in total during the game (SofaScore).

Sheff Wed fans on Kamberi display

These Owls fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘poor man’s Stevie May’, referring to the Scottish striker who only managed seven goals in his 42-match Wednesday career:

“Kamberi not offering much at all!”

Credit: @ABKTowl

“Kamberi, poor man’s Stevie May”

Credit: @Elliott51084

“Kamberi & Gregory just can’t play together. Running the same lines, banging into each other. It’s embarrassing.”

Credit: @bensaavage

“Kamberi totally oblivious. Hook him.”

Credit: @mrpaulhank

“Kamberi ain’t good enough”

Credit: @LockStar9

“Just like to say, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone slip over on a football pitch as much as Kamberi. Reckon he might need bigger studs or something.”

Credit: @ReeceDaviesSWFC

In other news, one man’s display against Hartlepool was slammed by these Sheff Wed fans

Crystal Palace are reportedly interested in making a move for Juventus central defender Radu Drăgușin, as per Gazzetta Dello Sport, Via Sport Witness.

Moving into 2021/22, the Eagles face a monumental rebuilding job as they aim to replace 22  players following their release list announcement earlier this month [The Sun].

Looking to raise funds for their own summer spending spree, the Italian giants are said to be open to selling the 19-year-old despite recently tying him down on a deal until 2025 [Sport Witness].

In his breakthrough Serie A season, the youngster made four appearances for the Old Lady in all competitions as Juventus endured a rather difficult campaign [Transfermarkt].

Needing to replace the departed duo of Gary Cahill and Mamadou Sakho, the Romanian could represent a long-term option for Palace, one that could have significant sell-on value further down the line.

Upon hearing the news about the interest in Drăgușin, it was no wonder that loads of Crystal Palace supporters flocked to Twitter to give their reactions to latest developments.

Palace fans react:

Replying to CPFC Transfers HQ, here are what some of the CPFC fans had to say:

“Love it”

Credit: @henrygannett”We need a manager before we sign players surely”Credit: @MarkDre44138040″Makes sense”Credit: @MarkC1305″Oooo nice”Credit: @WestgateElliot”Making offers without a manager”Credit: @CPFCRonnie2″Nice copy and paste job”Credit: @Billy_Meyers98In other news, Crystal Palace are interested in a Chelsea midfielder.

Ryan Mason takes charge of his first game as Tottenham Hotspur’s interim boss later this evening as the struggling north London outfit welcome Southampton in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old was appointed following the surprise sacking of Jose Mourinho earlier this week and has been tasked with steering the ship for the remainder of the season, alongside fellow youth coach Chris Powell.

It’ll be the culmination of a 20-year association for the former academy graduate, having risen up through the ranks to make his first-team debut aged just 17 in November 2008, to captaining the side, and leading out Spurs’ next crop of youngsters in a coaching capacity after seeing his playing career tragically cut short.

The Lilywhites sit five points adrift of the top four in seventh place, and a win could see them leapfrog defending champions, Liverpool, their failed European Super League co-conspirators.

It’s a big week for Mason and the team as they also have the small matter of the Carabao Cup final against runaway leaders Manchester City on Sunday. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how he shakes up the side post-Mourinho.

The Portuguese’s final swansong saw Spurs draw 2-2 with Everton and once again, they were victims of their own downfall as that recurring theme of defensive mistakes cost them dearly.

Now, there is very little he can do outside of a window to drastically change these fortunes, but he could do himself the world of good if he opts to drop several players that have continuously let the side down.

[snack-amp-story url=https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-and-recent-gossip” title=”Read this week’s Spurs news, latest transfer rumours and more!]

Serge Aurier is perhaps one who falls into this category more than anyone.

The £23m arrival from PSG was here under Mauricio Pochettino, where Harry Redknapp claimed that “they’ve [the players] got him the sack,” and remained a key part of first-team plans under Mourinho, too, so the same must be said – surely?

According to The Sun, Daniel Levy feared a revolt after several stars came to him slamming the Special One’s methods in recent weeks.

Initially, things looked to be changing as the Ivorian right-back usurped summer signing Matt Doherty in the starting XI, and whilst he somehow found his way back in recently, it didn’t take long for his old self to come to the surface.

Once lambasted as a “liability” by ex-striker Darren Bent, Aurier was the brunt of the scathing criticism following defeat to Manchester United and Sky Sports’ punditry duo of Roy Keane and Micah Richards went to town on the Spurs star.

“He’s got a rick in him. He has caused loads of problems. I have described him as a bit of a car crash,” explained Keane (via a clip sourced by Football Daily). “Defensively I think he doesn’t smell danger or see the danger. And that’s been a huge problem for Spurs, the right-back position.”

And Richards believes his inability to track back has cost them hugely in recent matches, adding that Aurier was “lazy.”

After being axed from the side for five straight league outings, the defensive calamity was trusted to start against United, and then Everton. In neither game did he manage to surpass a rating of 6.3, as per SofaScore.

The £18m-rated will only let Mason down too if he starts tonight, so the caretaker boss must show no mercy and look to axe him from the starting XI.

Perhaps he can instead trust a player he’s worked with in the academy set-up in Japhet Tanganga, who in truth, has done little wrong to warrant losing his place.

AND in other news, Levy could find Spurs’ next Pochettino in 45 y/o gem who has WOWED Guardiola…

Steve Bruce’s West Bromwich Albion side will be looking to bounce back in today’s game against Coventry City, following what was an embarrassing 4-0 defeat last time out against Nottingham Forest.

Despite a late surge into the play-off places looking admittedly slim, Bruce will no doubt be vying for three wins from three games, even if it is just to build momentum for next season.

So too will Mark Robins and Coventry City, who stand a better chance of sealing a spot in the top six as they sit two points better off than the Baggies, with the same number of games played.

Realistically, promotion for both sides is unlikely this season, although a West Brom win today would see Bruce’s side leapfrog the Sky Blues into 11th place.

In terms of injuries, it was reported yesterday that Alex Mowatt has undergone surgery to address the groin injury sustained against Nottingham Forest last Monday, which of course rules him out for the season.

£7m January signing Daryl Dike could feature before the end of the season, though it is unlikely, with the USA international’s main priority getting fit for next season.

In regards to suspensions, the Baggies will be without Darnell Furlong who was dubbed “stupid” by Josh Holland for the first yellow card leading to his sending off.

With the latest news shared, here is how Football FanCast expects West Bromwich Albion to line up against Mark Robins’ Coventry City side.

West Brom XI: Button (GK), Clarke (LCB), Bartley (CB), O’Shea (RCB), Gardner-Hickman (RM), Reach (RCM), Livermore (DM), Molumby (LCM), Townsend (LM), Carroll (ST), Grant (ST)

We expect the side to set up in a 3-5-2.

Our prediction sees two changes compared to the squad put out against Nottingham Forest, with 20-year-old gem Taylor Gardner-Hickman – dubbed “fearless” by his former manager Valerien Ismael – expected to come in for the suspended Darnell Furlong out wide and the 22-year-old Jayson Molumby – who Brian Kerr said “leaves a man for dead” – set to replace the injured Alex Mowatt in central midfield.

Molumby has failed to assert himself as a Baggies regular this season, starting just 36% of their 43 games in the Championship.

Before heading back to parent club Brighton, the Ireland international will be hoping to end the season strong and with Alex Mowatt’s injury, should be given the run of games to do so.

Elsewhere, it’s the same squad that endured defeat last time out, with the likes of Andy Carroll looking to earn a contract extension in a line-up that sees him partner Baggies top scorer Karlan Grant.

AND in other news: Huge blow: West Brom dealt big injury setback ahead of Coventry, Bruce will be gutted

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood believes Moise Kean’s form at Paris Saint-Germain this season means he will get to decide where his future lies.

Kean is currently on loan at the 2020 Champions League finalists from Everton, joining last October in a move that has helped to resurrect his career.

The 21-year-old struggled to make much of an impact at Goodison Park following his transfer from Juventus back in 2019. He scored just two league goals in 29 games and was infamously substituted despite being brought on as a substitute by Duncan Ferguson in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.

Kean’s fortunes, however, have changed drastically. The Italian forward has struck 11 times in Ligue 1 during the current campaign and has also found the back of the net three times in the Champions League, including against Barcelona.

As a result, Harewood thinks £53,000-a-week man Kean will have the choice of staying at Everton or joining PSG permanently, with both clubs likely to want to keep the in-form man after his exploits.

“Football’s crazy, that’s why I love football. From him being at a top club like Everton, to moving to PSG – you’re talking about elite levels,” the former Premier League striker said to FFC.

“He’s gone there and done really well. It’s good because sometimes when players go on loan, you go out on loan to try and better yourself and try and carry on your future at another club because you’re not getting it at the club that you’re at, he’s literally done that. He’s gone to another club and just excelled.”

“So it’s all on him really if he wants to stay or if he wants to come back to Everton, because he seems very at home where he is and is playing so well.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently Everton’s first-choice No.9 and understandably so given the season that he is having. However, with Carlo Ancelotti sometimes deploying a two-striker system, there could be room yet for Kean at Goodison Park.

Leicester City may already have the perfect heir to club-legend Kasper Schmeichel in the shape of Danny Ward.

What’s the story?

The 27-year-old goalkeeper arrived at the King Power Stadium three years ago via a £12.5 million move from fellow Premier League outfit Liverpool.

But Ward has failed to establish himself in the starting XI at Leicester, largely thanks to the continued brilliance of regular No.1 Schmeichel.

However, his outstanding display in Wales’ opening Euro 2020 group game has reminded everyone of the forgotten man’s quality and highlighted his potential to replace his teammate between the sticks in the near future.

Rodgers could save millions

Ward has spent most of his senior career playing second fiddle, sitting on the bench and watching on from the sidelines, waiting for his chance to impress.

Since arriving at the King Power Stadium back in 2018, the rarely-seen 6 ft 2 colossus has made just 14 appearances for the Foxes, conceding eight goals and keeping eight clean sheets.

On top of that, Ward is still waiting to make his Premier League debut for Leicester, with all of his outings coming in cup competitions.

His lack of action meant he’s drifted into the background at the Midlands outfit, overshadowed up by the excellence of his teammates, but it looks like they have never doubted his quality.

Recently retired ex-Leicester captain Wes Morgan has expressed his belief in his former colleague’s ability after seeing him in action on the training pitch on a daily basis.

“He is incredible,” Morgan said in an interview with The Athletic. “I had the pleasure of seeing him day in and day out, week after week, and he is a tremendous goalkeeper.

“It is one of those where if Kasper ever gets suspended or injured, you would have full trust in Wardy coming in and doing a fantastic job.

“It is difficult for him. Kasper has just had an incredible season and is one of the best keepers in the world, and Wardy’s chances might be limited, but everyone knows how good he is.”

With Schmeichel entering the twilight years of his career and turning 35 in November, Ward could save Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers millions in the transfer market.

At seven years Schmeichel’s junior, the Welshman could take over the reins from the Denmark international as when his powers begin to fade, allowing the North Irish tactician to focus the club’s resources elsewhere.

And, in other news…Top could deal Leicester a huge blow after big news emerges, Rodgers would be gutted 

West Bromwich Albion are in talks with Valerien Ismael about becoming Sam Allardyce’s successor at The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that the Barnsley manager is now Guochuan Lai’s first choice to become the Baggies new boss, after both Chris Wilder and David Wagner had been set to take on the job, before being eventually being ruled out.

It is reported that Ismael will cost West Brom £2m in compensation if they do go on to appoint the 45-year-old this summer, with talks between the two Championship clubs regarding his potential move to The Hawthorns thought to already be underway.

Fans should be buzzing

While the Tykes boss may not have the promotion-winning experience that was believed to be a requirement of the now-departed West Brom sporting and technical director Luke Dowling, it is easy to see why the Frenchman is thought to be an attractive prospect for the Baggies this summer, as Ismael has performed something of a miracle in his short time at Barnsley this far.

Indeed, despite the fact the club was predicted to finish in 18th place in the Championship standings at the start of the season, after taking over last October, the 45-year-old led his side to 23 wins, five draws and 11 losses in the league, picking up 74 points and securing a fifth-place finish in the second tier of English football.

And, although the man dubbed an “ambitious” manager by the Barnsley CEO Dane Murphy was not successful in guiding the Tykes to the Premier League, losing 2-1 against Swansea City on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals, the fact that the French coach managed to secure a top-six finish with an extremely unfancied is nonetheless an incredible accomplishment, while it would also indicate that Ismael is a man with fantastic potential in the game.

As such, with Lai having struggled to find a suitable candidate for the role for what has been quite an extended period of time now, considering the 45-year-old’s record last season, it would seem highly advisable for the Chinese businessman should do all he can to get a deal over the line for the former VfL Wolfsburg head coach this summer, with his potential appointment sure to have fans buzzing.

In other news: Get it done: Lai must sanction West Brom summer swoop for “outstanding” 32 G/A machine

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who is a Wolverhampton Wanderers Hall of Famer, has backed West Brom to go for Eddie Howe as their next managerial appointment.

The Baggies brought in Sam Allardyce to replace Slaven Bilic earlier this season but their fortunes have failed to change as they sit 10 points from Newcastle United who lie 17th in the Premier League.

Allardyce signed an 18-month deal when he took over at the Hawthorns, however, his contract includes a break clause which is activated if West Brom get relegated, which would force them to find a new manager.

Speaking on who he would like to see come in and do a job for West Brom if Allardyce goes, Bull told FFC:

“You need somebody who’s been in the Premier League, come out of it and gone back in.

“Someone like Eddie Howe who used to be at Bournemouth. He could go into West Brom and go ‘bang’, he’d be the ideal candidate.”

The 43-year old has been out of management after leaving Bournemouth when they were relegated at the end of the 2019/20 season.

West Brom could still fight their way to safety and thus, keep Allardyce on as manager, but with nine games left it will be a tough ask.

Liverpool are on the verge of signing RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate this summer, according to journalist Patrick Berger.

The Lowdown: Liverpool’s primary target

Jurgen Klopp is almost certain to bring in at least one central defender in the next transfer window, following huge problems in that area this season.

Konate is the player who has been linked with Liverpool the most, suggesting he is the Reds’ primary target in that area.

The Frenchman has made 13 Bundesliga appearances this season and has been tipped by Leipzig coaches to be the best centre-back in the world one day.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

The Latest: Journalist provides key update

According to Berger, SPORT1’s chief sports reporter, via his Twitter, Liverpool are on the ‘verge’ of snapping up Konate, despite Leipzig wanting to keep hold of the 21-year-old.

It looks increasingly likely that Klopp believes the youngster is the man to add depth and quality, although it remains to be seen if Ozan Kabak will also come in permanently.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Excellent young addition

The only slight concern surrounding Konate is his injury record, but assuming he stays fit, he looks like a player of huge promise.

The fact that he has only averaged 0.5 tackles per game in the Bundesliga this season may not seem eye-catching, but it may suggest that his expert positional sense means he doesn’t need to jump in.

On top of that, Konate’s 86.7 percent pass completion rate means he would thrive in Klopp’s ball-playing style, maturing as a player over time and eventually being a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been calling for one player to stay put this summer. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace confirmed the signing of Watford midfielder Will Hughes on Saturday afternoon.

And, as to be expected, the transfer news had a number of Eagles supporters talking on social media.

The 26-year-old has become Patrick Vieira’s sixth signing in charge at Selhurst Park and has penned a three-year contract.

Palace have reportedly paid the Hornets an initial £6m for Hughes’ services, with a transfer potentially rising to £10m in the future with add-ons.

The central midfielder rejected a new five-year deal at Watford earlier in the summer and was training with the club’s Under-23’s as his future was up in the air.

Hughes, who can also operate on either flank, has over 300 games of senior football under his belt, with 77 of his appearances coming in the Premier League.

Palace fans react

Palace shared the news regarding Hughes on their official Twitter page hours before their 2-2 draw with West Ham.

This is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply, with one describing the transfer as ‘excellent’.

“GET IN”

Credit: @AaronCu36671808

“Good Lord I’m in love”

Credit: @BlueCPFC

“Excellent business. Welcome to a bigger club with proper fans.”

Credit: @HunterCPFC

“Get in”

Credit: @joelcpfc_

“Let’s gooo”

Credit: @bazbrown123

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @IocaIpIa999tic

In other news: Many Palace fans buzz at links to Paris Saint-Germain ace.