All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester City fans want to sign Dusan Vlahovic after it was revealed the Fiorentina striker’s contract talks with the Serie A club have collapsed.

The Citizens have so far had a relatively good start to the campaign – they are just two points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea after a momentous win over the Blues last weekend (Sky Sports).

However, results such as the 0-0 draw with Southampton indicate the Citizens are struggling to convert chances without a reliable centre-forward after failing to capture Harry Kane during the summer.

They were also linked with Vlahovic during the transfer window, but he ended up staying in Italy. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Serbia international’s contract talks have now fallen apart.

His current contract is set to run out in 2023, meaning Fiorentina could be open to selling him the next year rather than lose him for free the following term.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Vlahovic news

“January and we’ll win the Champions League.”

Credit: @jofer_ms

“Get him in!!”

Credit: @MCFCYoungboy

“January”

Credit: @shaunyb3000

“Get him in jan”

Credit: @_KawaiiKayky

“Yes. Sign him.”

Credit: @WayneJa01355301

“Sign him in January!”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

In other news, Man City fans have been reacting to this transfer news.

David Wagner will not become the new West Bromwich Albion manager this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that The Hawthorns club look set to miss out on the 49-year-old coach, who now appears to be taking over at Swiss side Young Boys.

The former Huddersfield Town and Schalke manager had emerged as the surprise front runner to become Sam Allardyce’s successor at West Brom, after Guochuan Lai blocked the club’s move to appoint Chris Wilder, with the Chinese owner also ruling out a number of other targets due to his lack of willingness to pay a compensation fee.

According to The Athletic, the Baggies hierarchy will now have to turn to a left-field choice or convince Lai of returning to a previous candidate, such as Wilder.

Dodged a bullet

While Wagner does have experience in guiding a team from the Championship to the Premier League behind him, the German coach has not exactly had a great deal of success since.

Having taken Huddersfield to the top flight via the second-tier play-offs in the club’s 2016/17 campaign, and subsequently guiding the Terriers to a 16th place finish in their debut season in the Premier League, the 49-year-old left The John Smith’s Stadium by mutual consent after 22 games in 2018/19, having picked up just 11 points.

Wagner was then appointed on a three-year deal at Bundesliga side Schalke, whom he led to a 12th place finish in his first season in charge, winning nine, drawing 12 and losing 13 of his 34 league games that term.

However, after just two fixtures of the club’s 2020/21 campaign, Wagner was sacked, leaving Schalke while on a run of 18 league games without a victory – with his penultimate game in charge of Die Konigsblauen being an 8-0 drubbing by Bayern Munich.

As such, it could easily be argued that West Brom may have dodged something of a bullet by missing out on Wagner, as the 49-year-old may well have brought his form from his time at Schalke to The Hawthorns, rather than his record with Huddersfield.

In other news: West Brom given huge transfer boost over “magnificent” 28 y/o gem that’ll delight fans

Having sold Harry Maguire to Manchester United just under two years ago, Leicester City could be set to lose another defender to the Red Devils.

According to Foot Mercato, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is interested in centre-back Wesley Fofana, with reports suggesting that “first contacts” have already been made over a potential deal.

Despite the Foxes having coped very well with the departure of Maguire in 2019, Leicester and Jon Rudkin must this time ensure that they keep their defender at the club instead of doing business with the Red Devils.

Since arriving at the King Power Stadium only last summer from Saint-Etienne, the young Frenchman has impressed greatly. He has made 29 appearances in all competitions so far for Leicester, helping the Foxes to keep 11 clean sheets.

In fact, his defensive numbers are already among the best at the club. According to WhoScored, Fofana racks up two tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 3.8 clearances per match in the Premier League – no other centre-back at Leicester can better him for any of those statistics.

It is such consistent form which has seen him earn praise from Leicester boss Rodgers, who has labelled the defender – who earns just over £19,000 per week with the club – as “colossal”.

In fact, Fofana’s impact on the team is quite tangible. With the defender in the line-up, Leicester have accumulated a highly respectable 58% win rate in all competitions. Without him, this drops considerably to 45%.

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Whilst his presence in the team is certainly not a deciding factor behind Leicester’s chances of success, it would likely hinder it, so selling him to a potential rival for a top four position would be nonsensical at the current time.

Fofana’s sale would also be baffling considering the complexion of the squad Rodgers has at his disposal. Both Jonny Evans and Wes Morgan are on the wrong side of 30, so Fofana assembles a promising and competent defensive pairing with Caglar Soyuncu which could prove to be crucial for the East Midlanders’ future.

Leicester must resist the urge to sell, not allowing the Red Devils to swoop for another of their key defenders like they did with Maguire.

AND in more news, the Foxes could grant Rodgers’ wish with this AC Milan starlet…

Leeds United believe they can secure a move for Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones…

What’s the word?

Football Insider recently reported on the Whites’ interest in the RB Leipzig centre-back, claiming that they had scouted him for the past two years and it’s believed that director of football Victor Orta has kept a close eye on his progress.

Now valued at around £27m, the Yorkshire giants could well make their move this time around, especially with his former manager – Jesse Marsch – now in the dugout at Elland Road.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

And according to the Eurosport journalist, the club very much believe they can compete for his signature. He revealed to GIVEMESPORT:

“I thought at first it was a bit too ambitious, but the more I speak to people, the more I start to realise that Leeds are starting to believe that this is where they should be shopping.

“These are the sorts of players that they believe they can get. So, I’m certainly not going to rule it out.”

Marsch madness

Considering the 20-year-old is estimated to be worth around €120m (£100m) by CIES Football Observatory, landing him for a fifth of the price would certainly be quite the steal.

And the Leipzig colossus would be an absolute coup, too.

It’s no secret that Leeds have struggled defensively this campaign, ranking as the second-leakiest backline in the Premier League, so signing a talent so young and promising would go a long way in fixing that issue in the long run.

As per FBRef, Gvardiol ranks amongst the top 1% for dribbles completed, top 2% for interceptions made and top 4% for progressive passes compared to his positional peers across Europe over the last 365 days.

Meanwhile, as Leipzig’s second-highest performer in the Bundesliga, he’s not only showing he’s tough defensively and adept as a ball-playing option but also one that is remarkably consistent.

Once described as being “built like a tank,” the 6 foot 1 titan has been tipped to become “as good as Virgil” van Dijk one day by Germania Sport assistant editor Izak Ante Sucic when speaking to the BBC.

Given the Whites’ defensive struggles, it is no wonder the recruitment team are targeting an arrival in that role this summer and if they truly believe that they can contend for Gvardiol’s signature, then it would be a no-brainer to sign him.

The 20-year-old, also described as being a “top talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, could be a revolutionary signing for Marsch’s backline and surely something of a dream, having already signed him once before.

AND in other news, Orta scouting mission: Leeds eyeing 6 ft 3 titan who “fits the bill”, Marsch would love him…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood is unsure over what role Ollie Watkins could have with England.

Watkins, who joined Harewood’s old side from Brentford last summer, has had a season to remember at Villa Park. The 25-year-old has already reached double figures for the campaign and there are now calls for him to be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships this summer.

Another former Villa forward, Gabby Agbonlahor, is one of those eager to see a call-up for £27m-rated Watkins. Harewood, however, is not too sure.

When asked if he could see Southgate turning to Watkins, Harewood told FFC:

“I wouldn’t rule it out. But with the calibre of strikers that we have now, I can’t see him being ahead of majority of them that can play up there because you’ve [also] got the likes of Sterling and players like that can play up front now.”

Indeed, England have some good options in attack, with Southgate really spoilt for choice in the No.9 department.

As well as Sterling, who has been used down the middle at times by club manager Pep Guardiola, Southgate also has the likes of Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Southampton’s Danny Ings to call upon.

Then there is, of course, England captain and Tottenham’s leading centre-forward Harry Kane, who will no doubt be the Three Lions’ first-choice striker at Euro 2020.

When you consider all of that, the tournament may just come a bit too soon for Watkins.

RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka has turned down the advances of West Ham United, according to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Daka was prolific for the Austrian champions last season, scoring 27 goals in 28 league appearances. On average, he netted every 72 minutes.

The Zambian international is valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt and has three years remaining on his contract.

The report states that West Ham are among the clubs to have registered their interest in signing the 22-year-old.

The latest

Daka’s camp has communicated the player’s intention to move to a higher-level club.

As well as West Ham, who have qualified for next season’s Europa League, he has rejected Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

The Irons are in the market for a striker who can offer ‘cover and competition’ for Michail Antonio.

‘Many other’ Premier League teams are hopeful of landing Daka, with a recruitment source revealing the Hammers’ failed interest.

The verdict

This is a blow for West Ham, who would have hoped that European qualification would have boosted their pulling power.

However, Daka may not quite as good as his league record suggests. He failed to score in the Champions League group stages or the Europa League Round of 32 this season, for instance, so perhaps is benefitting from player in a much inferior domestic league.

While suitors will be hoping that he can emulate Erling Haaland in thriving after leaving Austria, he could just as easily struggle like former team-mates Takumi Minamino and Hee-chan Hwang, who failed to score a league goal for RB Leipzig in 2020/21.

In other news, West Ham fans reacted to this development in their pursuit of a centre-back. 

A number of Manchester City fans appear to be delighted after it was revealed they are looking to break the Premier League transfer record to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

The Citizens have been heavily linked with a move for Grealish, who is currently away with England at Euro 2020. The £58.5m-valued man has had a fantastic season, scoring seven goals and providing 12 assists in just 27 matches in all competitions (Transfermarkt), making him one of the hottest talents in English football at the moment.

It seems that Pep Guardiola and co want to bring him to the Etihad Stadium as they prepare for the new season (The Telegraph), and if they are to do so, they are prepared to pay a Premier League record fee to capture his services.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of reaction from supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these City fans had to say about the Grealish reports

“this is the best news I’ve heard all year”

Credit: @MCFCAJ10

“Yesssssss”

Credit: @mancityj14

“HERE WE GOOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @MCFC_SZn26

“Get him into the club”

Credit: @OwodoHumphrey

“Get it done… especially if Bernardo leaves”

Credit: @BelgianKing17

“Please sign Grealish and we need a striker”

Credit: @flayAim

In other news, some Man City fans want the club to sign this midfielder.

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been giving their thoughts to Connor Wickham’s goals for the Under-23’s on social media.

Numerous supporters were left stunned by his brilliant pass against Sunderland last week, and his display against West Brom on Monday once again had fans talking about him.

The 28-year-old netted twice in a 2-1 win over West Brom, one of which was a penalty. Wickham almost had a hat-trick in the second half but saw his free-kick fire against the post.

The forward, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, is yet to make a senior appearance under Roy Hodgson this season due to injury.

He has been on the bench in Palace’s last three league games but has failed to make a cameo display.

Palace fans react

Palace kept fans up to date on the club’s Under-23 progress on Monday afternoon, with Wickham’s goals, as to be expected, receiving plenty of interest.

This is what some supporters had to say in reply to the club’s updates on Wickham’s strikes.

“Leading us to Europe, Connor Wickham”

Credit: @erictwigs

“SHOW HIM THE MONEY”

Credit: @ohjoewalker

“The goat is back”

Credit: @cpfc_fpage_se25

“New 5 year deal incoming”

Credit: @CPFCAlfie

“HE’S BACK”

Credit: @standinthesun

“Best u23 player of all time baby”

Credit: @MaskedSolak

In other news: Galatasaray eyeing cut-price move for Palace star; it’s not van Aanholt, find out more here. 

Southampton take on Fulham at St Mary’s on Saturday, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side looking to build on their 3-1 win against Crystal Palace in midweek to finish the season strongly.

A brace from Danny Ings and a goal from Che Adams secured the three points for the Saints against Roy Hodgson’s side on Tuesday and they have another big chance to earn three points this afternoon as they take on already-relegated Fulham.

Scott Parker’s side’s fate was confirmed when they lost 2-0 against Burnley last time out, securing an immediate return to the Championship following their victory in the playoff final last season.

The fact that Southampton are now safe from relegation suggests that we will see some youngsters given a chance in the final three games, to see if they are capable of making more of an impression next season.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Hasenhuttl to line his side up on Saturday afternoon, with four changes from the team that started against Crystal Palace…

Hasenhutl has already suggested that Alex McCarthy will return for this fixture, despite the “outstanding” Fraser Forster saving a penalty in the win in midweek.

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There is one change in defence, as after picking up an injury in the win against the Eagles, Jan Bednarek misses out, with Mohammed Salisu replacing him at centre-back.

There are two changes in midfield, as Nathan Redmond drops to the bench and is replaced by 20-year-old academy star Will Ferry, who makes his first senior appearance for the Saints, whilst fellow youngster Nathan Tella replaces Takumi Minamino on the right after the Japanese winger’s less than impressive recent displays.

Unsurprisingly, Hasenhuttl will stick with Ings and Adams up front after the two strikers inspired their victory in midweek, and hopefully they can both finish the season strongly and build on their partnership ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Southampton handed huge boost in race for 29-goal “phenomenon”, Semmens must deliver

As Celtic gear up for a crucial European qualifying fixture on Thursday evening, they will do so knowing their transfer business has nearly been completed to perfection.The Hoops have made some outstanding improvements in the window with Ange Postecoglou and Dominic McKay bringing in a host of their number one targets.Celtic’s offensive line looks sharp and free-flowing while there are signs that their defence is beginning to get better too.What’s the word?One area that Postecoglou is still unsure of is in attack. Although he’s added Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada to his ranks, he wants to sign another striker.The Bhoys missed out on Thomas Henry as he headed to Italy but they are intent on not losing Giorgos Giakoumakis.He has fielded interest from Celtic for a number of weeks now but he’s got a further suitor in Werder Bremen.However, according to Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos, Celtic have now actually agreed terms in principle with VVV-Venlo to sign the player.That said, they are yet to settle on personal terms with Giakoumakis.Postecoglou delightedIf the Australian manager can secure a deal for the Greece international then it would be the cherry on top of the cake for Celtic this summer.As the window commenced a few months ago it took the board a considerable period of time to back Postecoglou sufficiently.[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/postecoglou-hoops-bhoys-jenz-larsson-nisbet” title=”Check out the latest Celtic transfer news!”]He’d been left with the signings of Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide, two players who are still yet to earn first-team debuts.Yet, after the Hoops crashed out of the Champions League to Midtjylland, it became apparent that this Celtic side really wasn’t good enough.Postecoglou called on those upstairs to give him more to work with and thankfully, they’ve listened.Since that defeat to Midtjylland, Joe Hart, James McCarthy and Josip Juranovic have all been signed, while Carl Starfelt has made his debut.However, with more money to spend from the Kristoffer Ajer sale, Giakoumakis looks like a wise addition.The head coach isn’t entrusting Albian Ajeti or Leigh Griffiths and if Furuhashi was to get injured or if Odsonne Edouard finally packed his bags, they’d be incredibly light in offensive areas.Therefore, bringing in someone who scored as many as 29 goals last term would be a superb piece of business. The 26-year-old has been described as “very special” by Dutch reporter Rik Elfrink and would offer a different threat to Furuhashi with his height and bullish nature.Postecoglou will be delighted to get his man if it goes through.AND in other news, Forget Hjelde: Postecoglou has Celtic’s next big star in “fantastic” rarely-seen 18 y/o…