All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool supporters have been left fuming after Anfield legend Steven Gerrard was linked with replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Everton.

Ancelotti made a shock departure from Goodison Park on Tuesday, taking charge of Real Madrid for a second time.

Liverpool fans understandably found it amusing, considering how buoyant Everton have been about having such a renowned figure as their manager.

Talk has immediately turned to who could replace Ancelotti, with former Reds boss Rafa Benitez thought to be one of those in contention.

If that comes a surprise, The Athletic linking Gerrard with the job is an even bigger shock, given his past with Liverpool and obvious dislike for the Blues throughout his playing career.

The Reds legend is doing a superb job with Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership last season, but would he really take over at Goodison?

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-3/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans bemoan Gerrard rumour

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to reveal their unhappiness at the rumour.

“I’m cutting ties and starting a full throttle agenda if he takes it”

Credit: @SNM1Michael

“Nooooooo!!”

Credit: @shannbeckwith

“Has to be a joke”

Credit: @Temi_AB

“I’d hate him if he did this icl”

Credit: @lewinh0_

“This shouldn’t be mentioned”

Credit: @Gabriel_Onas

“Am I really reading this correctly?”

Credit: @LFC_AJ01

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing a current league champion this summer. Find out who it is here.

With Wayne Rooney’s Derby County side knowing that all they needed on Saturday was a victory to ensure their Championship survival, the Rams just about managed to get themselves over the line.

In what was a thrilling relegation shootout against Sheffield Wednesday, which saw Derby twice fall behind to Darren Moore’s side, two goals from Martyn Waghorn and one from Patrick Roberts secured a 3-3 draw for Rooney’s men, a result which was enough to keep them in the second tier after Rotherham drew with Cardiff City.

However, aside from the goalscorers, one Derby County player particularly impressed with his display against the Owls, that man being Colin Kazim-Richards.

Despite not finding the net with either of his two shots at goal, the centre-forward turned in a battling performance all over the pitch for the Rams. In terms of defending, the 34-year-old made two clearances, one tackle, and won two fouls for his side, demonstrating just how often he put his body on the line in the match.

Furthermore, the Turkey international also won a highly impressive nine duels – the most of any Derby player in the fixture. While the striker was not overly influential in the final third, as mentioned previously, he still recorded one key pass over his 90 minutes on the pitch.

Indeed, his overall Sofascore match rating of 6.7 is not truly reflective of the efforts of the 34-year-old.

While Waghorn and Roberts should both be praised for securing the vital result with their goals, the performance of a player Rooney dubbed a “leader” should not have gone unnoticed by Derby fans and his manager alike, as it was an important factor in ultimately saving the Rams’ season.

In other news: Rooney must avoid Derby swoop for 29 y/o flop who “plays like he’s on roller-skates” – opinion

Following a turgid team performance in Sunderland’s play-off semi-final first leg defeat earlier this week, Lee Johnson must unleash Chris Maguire in the reverse fixture this Saturday.

With the Black Cats’ season very much hanging in the balance after their 2-0 defeat against Lincoln City on Wednesday, Johnson’s side must simply go all-out at the Stadium of Light this afternoon if they are to have any chance of playing in the Championship next season.

Indeed, in the first leg, the 39-year-old Sunderland boss made the rather strange decision not to involve Chris Maguire over the course of the 90 minutes, something which appeared to backfire rather substantially considering they left the game scorelless.

However, Johnson must right this wrong on Saturday, as the 32-year-old has proven on countless occasions this season that he has the capability to be a game-changer for his side.

Having started a mere 11 League One games for the Black Cats this season – making a further 22 appearances from the bench – Maguire has nevertheless returned an impressive haul of five goals and five assists, as well as creating seven big chances for his teammates.

What makes these returns all the more impressive is that the forward’s goal involvements have often come at crucial moments, such as restoring his side’s lead in an eventual 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle, setting up Charlie Wyke’s winner in a 1-0 victory against Swindon Town and scoring a 97th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Crewe Alexandra.

The man who Jack Ross labelled an “enigma” has very much shown that he is a man for the big occasion, and occasions do not come much bigger than having to overturn a 2-0 deficit in a play-off semi-final to save your season.

As such, Johnson simply must unleash the £4,400-per-week forward on Saturday in order to give his side the best possible chance of avoiding yet another season in the third tier of English football.

In other news: SAFC gain transfer boost over “fantastic” £8m machine which will surely have fans buzzing – opinion

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Tammy Abraham would be a great signing for West Ham.

Abraham has slipped down the pecking order at Chelsea following the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, starting just two Premier League games since January, and was hauled off at half-time in both of those against Burnley and Southampton.

Despite his lack of opportunities, the striker is still Chelsea’s top scorer having netted 12 times in all competitions, but his Stamford Bridge career appears to be drawing to a close.

Meanwhile, West Ham desperately need to bolster their striking options following the January departure of Sebastien Haller and ongoing injuries to Michail Antonio, leaving them with just one first-team frontman.

West Ham are reportedly keen on Abraham, who’s considering his Chelsea future after being left out of their squad for last Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City.

And Windass believes that should Abraham make the move across London, it would be a good deal for both parties.

He told Football FanCast:

“I think that’s a great fit. West Ham have always had a Carlton Cole, tall, aggressive number nine. You wouldn’t write that off because Antonio has always struggled with his hamstring problems.

“Tammy Abraham has had his nose pushed out at Chelsea, you can see that happening.

“And West Ham fans would be delighted if they got someone like Tammy Abraham to replace Antonio.”

Keith Gillespie has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Manchester United winger Daniel James to remain at Old Trafford this summer.

The Welsh international burst on the scene following his move from Swansea City for £15m the summer before last, when scoring three times in his first four Premier League appearances.

However, the emergence of Mason Greenwood has seen James restricted to a bit-part role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this term.

The 23-year-old has scored five times and added one assist in his 24 United appearances, but has started just nine times in the Premier League.

Five of those starts have come in the last nine matches, although James has been a regular in the Europa League, too, which could be valuable for his chances of starting for Wales at this summer’s European Championships.

Despite January links away from Old Trafford, Gillespie believes that James still has a part to play, and expects him to be a Manchester United player next season.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“I don’t think he’ll leave. He’s a good squad player, he’s still young and learning the game. It has been disappointing for him because when he first came in, he did well at the start, but his performances have gone downhill.

“He’s been used this season more than I thought he would be, you see him in the starting line-up when you don’t expect it – Ole obviously likes him.”

Celtic have been linked with a move for Hibernian goalkeeper Ofir Marciano in recent months.

The Hoops were reportedly monitoring the 31-year-old, who has turned down a new deal at Easter Road and is set to leave the club for nothing this summer.

No contact made by Celtic

The Daily Record has provided an update on a potential Parkhead move for the Israel international. They claimed that no contact has been made from the Hoops, with Hapoel Be’er Sheva thought to be leading the way for his services.

Marciano is close friends with Celtic’s Nir Bitton, but it doesn’t seem as if the Hoops have stepped up their interest in the Hibs ace, who has 24 caps for Israel.

Transfer Tavern take

Celtic have had their issues in goal this season, so we thought the club may have made a move for Marciano as a result.

He has outperformed both Scott Bain and Vasilis Barkas in recent months, as per WhoScored. Marciano’s Scottish Premiership average match rating this season stands at 6.74 – a better score than Bain’s 6.61 and Barkas’ 6.49.

The Israeli has also picked up a man of the match award this season, something the two Celtic shot-stoppers have failed to do, so hopefully the Hoops will make their move for the 31-year-old before it’s too late.

In other news: Newcastle readying bid for Celtic star this summer, find out more here. 

Speaking to Football Insider, a Tottenham Hotspur source has shared news after Jack Clarke suffered a ‘cruel’ injury blow out on loan at Stoke City – with the Mauricio Pochettino signing now back in north London and awaiting the next steps.

Clarke suffered ankle ligament damage on his temporary Championship stint away from Spurs and it was confirmed by their manager he wouldn’t be able to play again this season (Stoke Sentinel).

Tottenham source drops Clarke update

The player himself also sent a message to supporters on Instagram revealing his time at the Bet365 stadium has come to an end, with Football Insider stating he is now back at Tottenham.

A Lilywhites source, speaking to the outlet, has claimed that the next step for Clarke is to meet with the medical team in the coming days and begin planning his rehabilitation.

This is to get him fit for next season as quickly as possible after the initial timeline for his recovery was set at six weeks in a ‘cruel’ blow for the winger.

Signed by Pochettino in 2019 for a deal that could rise to £11.5 million (The Guardian), it has been a mixed first two years in north London.

Transfer Tavern take

Jose Mourinho was thought to be really impressed by Clarke in training earlier this season and even planned to have him remain at Hotspur Way and learn from the likes of Gareth Bale (Alasdair Gold).

However, in a U-turn, Clarke headed out on loan to Stoke before suffering his latest setback.

Time will tell what the future could hold for him next season, but the priority is now to get him back to full fitness.

In other news: Tottenham turn to this ‘very talented’ unseen youngster, find out more here.

Southampton take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in the FA Cup on Saturday and Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl should consider axing Ryan Bertrand for the game.

The 31-year-old has disappointed with his performances this season, averaging a poor 6.42 WhoScored average match rating for his performances in the Premier League.

Other than in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United, his recent performances have been nothing short of terrible, with the former Chelsea man failing to earn a rating of over 6.6/10 in eight of his last nine Premier League appearances.

The experienced defender is yet to sign a new deal with the club amid reported interest from Arsenal, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, which makes you question his commitment to Hasenhuttl’s side at the moment.

Bertrand has appeared in 27 of Southampton’s 29 top-flight fixtures so far this season, so he is firmly first choice left-back under Hasenhuttl despite his less than impressive form.

This is arguably due to a lack of natural back-up options to the Englishman, with Sam McQueen still sidelined through injury, whilst Jake Vokins was inexplicably sent on loan to Sunderland in the winter transfer window without a back-up being brought in.

However, Mohammed Salisu featured at left-back for Southampton’s 5-2 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month and, whilst he was run ragged by Riyad Mahrez, he can be a solid option in that position should Hasenhuttl decide to finally drop Bertrand against Bournemouth at the weekend.

Bertrand reportedly earns £70,000 per week at Southampton which seemed excessive for someone who has been one of Hasenhuttl’s poorest performers this season so far, which may make things difficult for both parties when it comes to negotiating a renewal.

Therefore, considering the 31-year-old might not even be with Southampton next season, Hasenhuttl should start preparing for life without him in his team, which means that Salisu or another Saints youngster should start at left-back for the game on Saturday.

In other news… Southampton potentially signing 11-goal beast could be bad news for 22 y/o gem who Hasenhuttl loves

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Frank McAvennie said that he believes Jonjoe Kenny would be a good addition for his former side this summer.

Kenny is a product of Everton’s Academy, but has spent the majority of the previous three seasons out on loan in order to gain valuable experience away from Goodison Park.

His most productive stint came at Schalke last season, although his impressive performances in the Bundesliga led to him making just one Premier League start following his return to Everton last summer.

Kenny’s only other starts came in the EFL Cup, meaning the defender was sent out on loan in January – this time north of the border to Celtic.

Since arriving in Glasgow, the 24-year-old has played every minute of Celtic’s nine Scottish Premiership games, including Sunday’s draw in the Old Firm derby.

“If he would come to Celtic on a permanent basis I would be happy with that signing,” McAvennie told Football FanCast when asked whether Celtic should sign the Everton full-back permanently.

He added: “I like him. I think he’s a decent player. The first two or three games he came in, he was getting past the defenders and whipping the ball into the box. As a former striker, I would have ate them up.

“But the strikers at Celtic don’t. Edouard wasn’t getting in there, he likes everything into his feet. So it was hard. Ajeti and Klimala were getting chances, but weren’t putting them away. I don’t think they’ve had crosses like that for such a long time, they didn’t know what to do with them.”

Kenny has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Everton, and is down the pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti, meaning there’s every chance he’ll be moved on this summer, with Celtic Park up there with his likeliest destinations.

Swansea City will be looking to get their promotion push back on track with three points against Stoke City on Wednesday evening.

Steve Cooper’s side have suffered heavy defeats against lowly Huddersfield Town and Bristol City recently and were far from their best in the 1-0 win against Coventry at the Liberty Stadium.

The Swans have established themselves at the top end of the table thanks to a resolute defence, which had only conceded 15 goals before the recent 4-1 and 3-1 defeats.

Therefore, it seems as if changes are likely ahead of Wednesday’s trip to face Stoke City, who are still in the hunt for a playoff place of their own.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Cooper to line his side up, with two changes from the side that started against Bristol City…

Despite being at fault for Bristol City’s third goal last time out, Freddie Woodman should keep his place in between the sticks as he has been excellent for the majority of the season.

There’s one change in defence, as Kyle Naughton comes back in for Joel Latibeaudiere as a right-sided centre-back, which should allow Connor Roberts to push further up the pitch, and allow Swansea to play with a back four when they have possession.

The midfield pairing of Matt Grimes and Connor Hourihane should stay the same as it has proven to be effective for a lot of the season, whilst Yan Dhanda starts ahead of them in the attacking-midfield role.

After no goals in his last nine games in all competitions, Jamal Lowe should be dropped by Cooper, with young Morgan Whittaker replacing him up front.