All posts by z3u9t.icu

Eddie Howe is pushing for the managerial role at Everton, according to a report from the Daily Express.

The 43-year-old has been out of work since leaving Bournemouth at the end of the 2019/20 season following their relegation from the Premier League. He had led the Cherries from League Two to the top flight, where they remained for five seasons.

Howe may be eyeing Everton after turning down Celtic

Howe looked set to take over at Celtic, who are without a permanent manager themselves after the departure of Neil Lennon. The Hoops expected him to sign a contract within a matter of days before he walked away.

It’s unclear as to why the deal collapsed, but according to BBC Sport, the composition of Howe’s backroom team could have been a factor.

Everton are working to secure a replacement for Carlo Ancelotti after he was lured away by Real Madrid, with the former Bournemouth manager seemingly on their radar according to the Daily Express.

Everton fans unimpressed with Howe

Fan account Everton News Feed shared the Howe report, and here’s how fans reacted, with plenty unconvinced by the 43-year-old, possibly as he has only once placed in the top 10 in the Premier League, a bracket in which the Toffees have finished in 12 of the last 15 seasons.

“Didn’t know the club had advertised for a catering manager.”

Credit: @maynard_hanna

“Would he even be mentioned if we wasn’t an Evertonian? Just not the man for me, trouble is, who is?”

Credit: @steve_latch

“So am I. I’m hoping we both stand the same chance.”

Credit: @benwalker1981

“No chance! I like him but maybe for Blackpool, Preston or Barrow.”

Credit: @Ralph743

“Need to give him a good shove back”

Credit: @AW18781

“Move to spam”

Credit: @Evertonibrow

In other news, Everton are eyeing a move for this Barcelona star. 

If football was played on the tea-stained piece of paper sitting on your desk, then last night’s game between Everton and Sheffield United will have been a foregone conclusion.

It will have resulted in the home side coming away with all three points, presumably from a couple of clinically taken Dominic Calvert-Lewin goals.

However, this is the Premier League, a division that so often captivates and lures us in even when there’s nothing to play for.

The Blades may be sitting rock bottom of the top-flight and already relegated but that didn’t stop Paul Heckingbottom’s men from putting up a spirited fight.

Courtesy of 17-year-old Daniel Jebbison, Sheffield United managed to beat the Toffees 1-0.

It was a disastrous and embarrassing result for Carlo Ancelotti, one that’s seen his team lose vital ground in the race for European football next season.

Mason Holgate was again at fault during the game and left his manager raging as he dragged him off at half time. Though, another player who will have the manager cursing his team is Richarlison.

On his day, the Brazilian is an effervescent character, someone who can change the game in an instant with a piece of trickery. However, those moments have been few and far between for the spritely attacker of late.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-lukaku-leao-bissouma-berge-antony” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

Richarlison now hasn’t scored since 4th March, nor has he assisted a goal since 5th December.

His creativity and instinct inside the area has completely deserted him and he’s now running down blind alleys.

His performance at Goodison on Sunday was a concern. Even against the third-worst defence in the league he looked toothless, spurning a glorious opportunity to score late inside the opening period.

James Rodriguez played the ball in but the forward’s header was straight at Aaron Ramsdale, a goalkeeper who made six saves during one of his best days of the season.

Richarlison was fortunate to last the 90 minutes given his performance. He made just 15 passes and lost the ball every 3.5 touches.

He lost 60% of his defensive duels, played just one key pass and didn’t complete a single dribble either.

For a player with so much flair in his locker, this was a particularly disappointing night.

So often one of the most vibrant players in this Everton squad, Ancelotti can only carry him so far. At the moment Richarlison is fortunate they have a lack of depth in attack.

Ahead of the summer window he needs to improve or be wary of finally being replaced in the starting XI.

AND in other news, Everton could find their very own TAA by signing £3.5k-p/w gem with “enormous ability”…

Many Everton fans have been left to buzz following a transfer update from the Daily Mail on Sergio Romero.

The report has since been shared by @EvertonNewsFeed on their Twitter page, and has gained a lot of reaction from the Goodison Park faithful.

As per the news outlet, both the Merseyside club and Juventus are interested in signing the Manchester United goalkeeper, who is keen to leave he Red Devils.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team will let the Argentinian leave on a free transfer, which presents a bargain opportunity for the Toffees.With Robin Olsen currently heading back to AS Roma after his loan spell with Carlo Ancelotti’s side ends, the Blues need another ‘keeper to challenge Jordan Pickford.Given his past experience of playing in the Premier League and the fact that he is available for free, Romero would be an ideal signing, as funds can still be made available to be spent in other positions. Everton fans on Romero transfer update

These EFC supporters buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“Better than Olsen, would take him any day of the week. Unselfishly hope he goes somewhere to be the number 1 after his treatment at United, would be wasted as a number 2”

Credit: @bluesofgoodison

“Decent experienced gk. A very able backup. Better than Olsen in my opinion.”

Credit: @PaulHayes1878

“No brainer on a free”

Credit: @dpatto69

“Wanted us to sign him 3 years ago and I still think he’d be a great signing now. Shame United didn’t let him go last season”

Credit: @adxm1878

“If we’re bringing in a second goalkeeper then it’s an easy decision for me. Romero over Olsen every day of the week and twice on Sunday.”

Credit: @terrymcallister

“All day”

Credit: @Davies1525

In other news, find out what latest transfer rumour has Toffees talking here!

Leeds United have been rocked by the news that Helder Costa will miss the remainder of the Premier League season through injury.

The Lowdown: Costa filling in admirably for Raphinha

The Whites may have lost 2-0 away to Brighton last weekend, but they have still been in a good run of form, taking five points off Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United in recent weeks.

Costa has played his part in those positive results, filling in for the injured Raphinha against Liverpool and United, and performing well out wide, but Marcelo Bielsa is now really stuck for senior options in that position.

The Latest: Costa ruled out for the season

Unfortunately, the Angolan now joins his teammate on the treatment table, with Sky Sports reporting that he won’t play again this season.

Costa missed the Brighton defeat with a back injury and Bielsa has confirmed that the problem will keep him out for Leeds’ final four matches of the season:

“He won’t be able to compete again this season.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Major winger shortage for Leeds

While Bielsa doesn’t have many injury absentees across other areas of the pitch, Costa being out leaves him threadbare in wide attacking areas, assuming Raphinha misses out again.

With both Costa and the Brazilian missing for Saturday’s visit of Tottenham, Leeds may again have to use Stuart Dallas on the right wing – a far-from-ideal scenario that also occurred at the Amex Stadium – with Jack Harrison on the opposite flank.

Granted, the Northern Irishman’s versatility makes him a solid option there, but he lacks Costa’s natural width, speed and unpredictable nature in that position, and Leeds lose an attacking spark without an out-and-out winger on the right-hand side.

Without the pace to get in behind defences, Bielsa loses a big part of the way his sides operate, able to transition from back to front on a moment’s notice.

It arguably means Luke Ayling needs to provide even more attacking thrust than usual, in order to help fill the void left, still looking to register his first goal or assist this season, so it really is a crucial blow to the side’s attacking style.

In other news, Leeds are thought to be eyeing up a move for an attacking player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Many Everton fans have been left to buzz as a transfer update emerged on Sander Berge.

As per Sky Sports, the Goodison Park faithful as well as Arsenal are leading a number of clubs who are considering making a bid for the Sheffield United central midfield player in the upcoming summer window.

A host of top teams in Europe are also said to be interested, with the Blades’ relegation down to the EFL Championship meaning that his release clause has slashed from £45m to £35m.

Despite playing in a struggling side, Berge has done well in the Premier League so far in the 2020/21 term, even averaging more clearances (1.3), shots (0.7), key passes (0.9) and dribbles (1.4) per game than Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan and Andre Gomes (Whoscored).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/https-www-footballtransfertavern-com-everton-fc-transfer-rumours-sergio-aguero-manchester-city-premier-league/” title=”Everton updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The stats suggest that he could fit straight into Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield, and at just 23 years of age, he will only get better.

Everton fans on Berge transfer update

These Toffees supporters buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“This guy is exactly what we need. Real box to box baller”

Credit: @DVDWLKNSN

“Think this would be a great signing depending on the price”

Credit: @carlofantasico

“Get him at my club now”

Credit: @Joe_17efc

“Top player”

Credit: @Toffee213

“All day boss player”

Credit: @davidforster88

“Yes please”

Credit: @adamsg1878

In other news, find out what other transfer update has left Blues buzzing here!

Confirming the team news as West Ham United gear up take on Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow evening at Molineux, Irons manager David Moyes has dropped the latest injury updates on Arthur Masuaku, Andriy Yarmolenko and Angelo Ogbonna.

The Scotsman, speaking to the press as relayed by the club’s official Twitter channel, has confirmed that long-term absentee Masuaku has played a reserve game and is back around the squad after undergoing knee surgery.

Masuaku is still a doubt for Wolves but appears to be nearing a return as Moyes refused to rule out his possible inclusion, with the Irons boss ‘unsure’ over his match fitness at this moment.

Meanwhile, both Yarmolenko and Ogbonna will remain sidelined for the encounter. The latter is making ‘good progress’ but isn’t ‘ready’ at this moment, with plenty of Hammers fans having their say on this team news through to social media.

Most of these supporters are particularly excited about the progress of Masuaku, with one calling this update from Moyes ‘great news’.

Find some of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans react to Moyes update

“Great news on Arthur. Shame about the other two… but at least they’re nearly there

COYI!”

Credit: @Stuthehammer76

“MASUAKUUUUUUU”

Credit: @veryupsetfan

“King Arthur”

Credit: @Thehammerone1

“Arthur will be on the bench I reckon”

Credit: @whujoe

“C’mon boys they’re on their way”

Credit: @WHUalfiee_

“Mas sooooon”

Credit: @Jaxkxc

In other news: West Ham now eyeing ‘extraordinary’ striker, find out more here.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Wolves legend Steve Bull has revealed that he wishes Sir Bobby Robson gave him a chance in the semi-final against West Germany at Italia 90, claiming they wouldn’t know what had hit them.

Bull featured 13 times for England with his first call up coming when Wolves were still in what is now known as League One, something that has never happened since and likely never will again.

England ended up finishing fourth in 1990 after losing to the Germans on penalties in the semi-final, before losing to Italy in the third-place play-off 2-1 thanks to a Salvatore Schillaci penalty in the 87th minute.

Speaking on why he was so desperate to be given a chance against West Germany and what the one thing was that stopped him making an appearance, Bull told FFC:

“It was an absolutely unbelievable experience and I’ve got my fourth place medal on the wall and whenever I walk past it on my stairs I think, ‘we could have won that’.

“The one thing I wish Bobby Robson would have done for me was put me on. He told me to get warmed up and I was about to go stand on the halfway line ready to go come on but by the time I got there that man who eats Walkers crisps, is it Lineker or something? He had scored and then Bobby turned to me and said just sit down.

“I was thinking, just give me 20 minutes because I would’ve been like the Tasmanian devil and they wouldn’t have known what had hit them. I would have just run around like an idiot, I would have been hustling and bustling and I think I would have got one chance.”

It required 83rd and 105th-minute penalties against Cameroon to secure England’s place in the semi-finals of the World Cup, but they were once again undone on a penalty shoot-out by Germany.

West Germany ended up winning the World Cup as they beat Argentinea1-0 in the final after an 85th minute winning penalty from Andreas Brehme, who scored in the shoot-out against England.

Newcastle journalists Liam Kennedy and Miles Stanforth have sought to explain the ‘method’ in the club’s ‘madness’ after it emerged that Steve Bruce’s job remained safe.

Members of the squad were anticipating Bruce’s sacking following the woeful 3-0 defeat at Brighton on Saturday, but it soon emerged that he retained the faith of Mike Ashley (via Daily Mail).

The Magpies are not currently in the relegation zone, but the gap to 18th-placed Fulham is a precarious two points.

In a Q & A for The Shields Gazette, Kennedy said ‘there was a theory floated’ that change would be more disruptive than continuity.

The club could point to the 08/09 season when they brought in Alan Shearer and the 15/16 season when they sacked Steve McClaren – neither move was successful.

On the other hand, when they stuck with Alan Pardew and John Carver, Kennedy points out, they were able to stave off relegation. Kennedy himself admits he thinks this theory is ‘madness’.

His colleague Stanforth meanwhile suggested the decision was rooted in Ashley’s relationship with Bruce.

The Newcastle owner is said to admire the 60-year-old’s ‘passion’ for the club and trust him because of his ‘experience’.

Transfer Tavern verdict

It is not the change itself that has been the issue at Newcastle – it is the timing.

Benitez and Shearer were appointed on 11 March and 1 April, giving them too little time to make a decisive impact, and you fear Ashley has failed to learn those lessons.

Perhaps the Brighton match presented the final meaningful opportunity to dismiss Bruce and give the new man an international break and nine games to salvage the season.

Newcastle have won two of their last 20 games, and they are only going one way.

In other news, Rob Draper dropped this claim on Rafael Benitez and a potential takeover.

Danny Mills believes that Ryan Kent’s future at Glasgow Rangers depends on whether the Ibrox outfit qualify for the Champions League group stages.

Mills makes Kent claim

Kent was heavily linked with a move to Leeds United last summer, with the Whites even having a £10m bid for the 24-year-old rejected (rte.ie).

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills believes that the Premier League outfit could make another move for the winger, but says that he will stay at Ibrox if the Gers get through the Champions League qualifying rounds. When asked if Leeds would make a move for Kent if Helder Costa departs, the ex-England defener said:

“Yes, I would think so.

“But the pull of Champions League may be too much.

“That will all depend on Rangers going through qualifying, if they can get through the qualification process then suddenly it changes things again for them.

“Players will go ‘Hang on a minute, I want to test myself. I want to play against the best and give it a real good go.’ And the financial impact [for the club].

“Players want to play against the best and if you play well in the Champions League your fee and value goes up massively.

“It’s something I would suggest will depend on what happens to Rangers in the Champions League.”

Big draw

At some point, it will be hard for £7.2m-valued Kent (Transfermarkt) to resist the temptation of the English top flight. With more money on offer and greater competition, it is a bigger draw than the Scottish Premiership, of that there is little doubt. However, this summer the Gers could well be able to offer enough advantages to keep him at the club.

As Mills has hinted, the Champions League is the obvious one. With all due respect to Leeds, it is likely to be years before they even have a chance of reaching that competition. Rangers, meanwhile, would need to get through just a couple of two-legged rounds to make the groups.

Should they prevail, there is no reason for Kent to depart just yet, and his stock should only rise if he gets to perform in Europe’s premier club competition.

In other news, Rangers eye this defender as Filip Helander is linked with an exit.

David Moyes should overlook Blackburn Rovers demanding £25m for Adam Armstrong and still look to bring the striker to West Ham United in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, the Ewood Park natives have set a club-record fee for a player sold if Armstrong is to leave the Championship side at the end of the season.

Moyes is thought to be leading the charge for the 20-goal forward, having carried out personal checks as he continues to assess options to fill the void left by Sebastien Haller.

Damien Duff’s £17m move to Chelsea in the summer of 2003 and Roque Santa Cruz’s transfer to Manchester City for the same fee six-years later remain the highest sums received by the Lancashire outfit to date.

Blackburn believe they can now demand a new record sum for the departure of Armstrong, following the moves from the Championship to Premier League made by the likes of Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma.

Watkins joined Aston Villa in September for £28m rising to £33m, while Benrahma initially signed a £5m loan deal with West Ham that the east London outfit turned permanent this January for a further £20m with £5m in potential add-ons.

Rovers also feel they have to demand a lucrative sum despite Armstrong being a free agent in 2022, as his former side Newcastle United will be due 40% of any profit on the £2m paid.

Moyes had considered making an £8m move to sign the 24-year-old during the recent winter market, but resisted the idea in favour of receiving further scouting reports ahead of an idealistic £10m summer bid.

Fulham and Everton are also said to be admirers of the second-tier hotshot but only consider Armstrong as a squad option for now, while the forward would not be opposed to rejoining his boyhood club Newcastle.

Should West Ham sign Armstrong?

West Ham paying £25m outright for Armstrong will instantly place the 24-year-old among the Irons’ most expensive purchases in club history, with only the arrivals of £45m Haller and £36m Felipe Anderson setting the London Stadium natives back a higher initial fee.

If Moyes had hoped to only spend around £8m to £10m on Armstrong, it could make a deal for the attacker far more difficult than he imagined. Yet the Hammers boss should overlook the hike as the Blackburn star has been a sensation in the second-tier.

Only Brentford forward Ivan Toney (25) has scored more often in the Championship this season than Armstrong (19), who ranks first in the division for shots taken per game (4.7) and efforts struck on target (2.1), per WhoScored.

Armstrong additionally offers 1.1 successful dribbles per game, the eighth-most by forwards who have featured more than five times in the league this term and enough to rank fifth among all current West Ham players.

The Rovers star’s mobility is a key aspect of his game with Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray praising Armstrong for his “speed and dynamic movement,” while recently stating how the 5 ft 8 frontman is “special” and has “Premier League quality”.

That could make Armstrong the ideal back-up to Michail Antonio, who is lauded for ‘distracting and deforming’ defences through his movement to see that the 30-year-old does necessarily need to score to fulfil his role in West Ham’s attack.

So, if Armstrong is on the market – like is expected to be the case – Moyes should not let Blackburn’s valuation prevent West Ham from making a wise purchase.

AND in other news, David Moyes is hopeful of West Ham landing an injury boost ahead of hosting Leeds United…