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Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie has suggested that Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Danny Ings are very alike.

Ings, who is currently being linked with a move to Manchester City, could be brought into the Etihad this summer to replace Aguero.

The 33-year-old’s contract is up at the end of the season and, according to Sky Sports, the Citizens have identified the Southampton No.9 as a potential successor.

Ings was in brilliant form last term, finishing the 2019/20 Premier League campaign with 22 goals, and Hendrie believes going to Manchester City would be a fabulous move for him as he drew comparisons between the England international and the man he could be replacing.

Discussing the speculation surrounding Ings’ future with FFC, Hendrie said:

“I think this is where Man City are sort of looking at. You compare him to Aguero and there’s a lot of likeness between them. They score goals, creativity. I’ve seen Danny Ings this season and he’s dropped into areas where, you know, he’s almost been in the 10 at times and gone into wide areas, sort of like a free role with [Che] Adams. It’d be a fabulous move for him.”

On the same topic, the former Aston Villa player added:

“Man City, it would be a fabulous signing and obviously for Ings it would be. But, again, it’s just whether he’d get as much game time as what he was getting at Southampton, and that’d be my only question mark.”

Should Aguero indeed leave Manchester City in the summer, one possible destination could be Chelsea. According to the MailOnline, the Blues, as well as Barcelona, are weighing up a move for the Argentina international.

After serving his one-match suspension against West Brom last week, Matty Cash should come straight back into the starting line-up for Aston Villa’s trip to Everton on Saturday night.

The right-back was sent off for two bookable offences in the defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League, and Dean Smith made no secret of just how disappointed he was with the summer signing.

Speaking in his post-match press conference that night, the Villa boss said: “He will be down, especially with the earful he got off me in the dressing room after.

“He will learn. He is a young lad in his first Premier League season and I think he will be a super player. But he was reckless and stupid. We won’t have many better chances of going and beating a team like Manchester City.”
Ahmed Elmohamady came in for Cash in the 2-2 draw against the Baggies last time out in the Premier League, and while he didn’t exactly make any meaningful errors or mistakes, the latter simply has to come back in tonught.

The right-back’s pace and energy on the flank has arguably rendered him Villa’s unsung hero this season, and with an Everton side full of movement and power up top in the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, having someone like Cash to deal with that threat could be crucial.

It’s no surprise that former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has dubbed him “sensational”, while adding: “Cash has come in and he has been flawless. He has taken to the club like a duck to water. You have to give credit to the player and the recruitment department. They have obviously done their homework. He has been one of their shining lights this season.”

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When Villa take on the Toffees tonight, the £65,000-a-week defender simply has to be one of the first names on the team sheet, and he could well be a game-changer for Smith as they look to pick up some much-needed momentum after their recent stutters.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a summer move for this star who “doesn’t stop running”…

Bundesliga expert Daniel Pinder has told The Transfer Tavern that Jadon Sancho’s future will be inextricably linked with Borussia Dortmund’s bid to qualify for the Champions League amid interest from Manchester United.

United reportedly made a bid for the England international last summer but no move materialised.

United have again been linked this week with the £90m-rated winger amid the news that Ed Woodward is stepping back from his role as executive vice-chairman.

That could open the door for a new pursuit this summer amid Dortmund’s struggles in the Bundesliga.

They are currently fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt and 19 behind leaders Bayern Munich.

It means they face a fight to qualify for the Champions League and Pinder thinks that both Sancho and striker Erling Haaland could leave the club if they don’t make it.

This season, Sancho has scored six goals and laid on 11 assists in his 22 games.

And Pinder, editor-in-chief of Get German Football News, told TT:  “I think it’s that thing of whether Borussia Dortmund qualify for the Champions League. If they do, then he could stay but if they fail to qualify for the Champions League then Haaland could leave, Sancho could leave, we’re just touching upon his stats for this season.

“While they haven’t been what they were previously, still six goals and 11 assists in 21 games, he’s missed five games through injury, and when he hasn’t been playing for Borussia Dortmund it’s been noticeable.

“They’re a much poorer side without him.”

Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony has confirmed conversations over a new deal for Celtic target Siriki Dembele have begun.  

The Lowdown: Celtic’s interest

Celtic have been credited with an interest (Give Me Sport) in the 24-year-old in recent months.

Reports have suggested that a move for Dembele, who is the older brother of Celtic’s young talent Karamoko Dembele, could be part of a plan from the Hoops to keep the 18-year-old at Parkhead.

The Posh striker scored 11 times and registered 12 assists in 42 League One appearances this season, helping Peterborough win promotion to the Championship.

He’s out of contract this summer, however, MacAnthony is now looking to tie him down at London Road.

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The Latest: MacAnthony’s Twitter post

MacAnthony was answering various questions on Twitter on Tuesday, and one involved Dembele.

He was quizzed if the club are close to agreeing on contracts with Dembele, Nathan Thompson and Dan Butler, to which he replied:

“Conversations now beginning with them all yes.”

The Verdict: A shrewd addition?

In our opinion, Celtic should be exploring a possible cut-price deal for Dembele. Not just because that may help keep his younger brother, who has been linked with a move away, at the club (although that may help), but because of his qualities.

The Peterborough man played in three positions during the current campaign, impressing in all of them.

He made 15 appearances as a centre-forward, 13 as a left-winger and 13 as an attacking midfielder, registering goals and assists in all areas.

That could come in handy under the new Hoops boss next season, especially with striker Patryk Klimala recently sealing an exit and winger Mohamed Elyounoussi set to return to Southampton following his loan spell.

In other news: ‘Told from very reliable sources’ – Bournemouth reporter drops huge Eddie Howe to Celtic claim, find out more here. 

David Moyes could land his ideal partner for Craig Dawson with a summer swoop for West Ham United to sign UC Sampdoria centre-back Omar Colley.

What’s the word?

According to Club Doria 46, the Irons are in a four-way Premier League tug-of-war to obtain the services of Gambia international Colley.

The Blucerchiati are expected to listen to offers for the 25-cap enforcer at the end of the season, as Colley’s performances under Claudio Ranieri have added millions to his value.

Colley endured a difficult 2019/20 campaign and carried those struggles into the current term, but has proven to be a leader at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris since earning a reprieve in November.

Colley has only failed to feature three times in Sampdoria’s last 20 Serie A fixtures – once through injury and once through suspension – and committed his future to the Genoa outfit in January with a contract extension to June 2025.

But the new terms will not prevent the 28-year-old’s from leaving the Blucerchiati this summer, as Ranieri’s side will sell the sought-after centre-back for between €10-15m (£8.5-£12.5m).

That will come as good news for West Ham, who – along with Fulham, Leeds and Newcastle United – are monitoring Colley’s situation, with the view to a summer swoop.

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Fulham failed to sign Colley last summer when Sampdoria valued the centre-back at around €10-12m (£8.5-£10m), and he has previously been linked with a potential move to Leeds and Sheffield United.

Should West Ham sign Colley?

West Ham are expected to be in the market for a new centre-back this summer, with Moyes said to be keen on adding another experienced option to his ranks, and Colley may offer an ideal target.

The Gambia star can add depth, talent and experience without the Irons having to break the bank to land a player Sampdoria owner Massimo Ferrero likened to SSC Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly amid interest from Leicester City last September.

“Why should I just give Colley away?” Ferrero told Secolo XIX, via quotes by Football-Italia. “Have you seen how much [Napoli President Aurelio] De Laurentiis is negotiating for the possible sale of Kalidou Koulibaly? Let’s not joke around here.”

Napoli demanded £89m to sell Koulibaly to Manchester United last summer, while interest from Celtic, West Ham and Leicester in Colley was only said to have delivered offers in the region of €4-6m (£3.5-£5m).

West Ham would have to pay more than that this time around, but doing so may see Moyes acquire a potential upgrade on Angelo Ogbonna – who he lauded earlier this season as being “magnificent” but will turn 33 in May.

Colley is certainly a more aggressive player than Ogbonna in their approach to defending, with the Sampdoria enforcer averaging 8.38 pressures per 90 minute in the Serie A this season to the Italian’s 7.8 in the Premier League for West Ham, per FBref.

Colley is also more successful when tackling dribblers than Ogbonna, as he averages 0.2 successful efforts from 0.51 attempts while the Hammers titan is dribbled past with each of his average 0.48 attempts per 90.

Ogbonna further offers one fewer interceptions than Colley per 90, and blocks fewer shots with 0.53 registered to the Gambian’s 0.91.

If Moyes is on the lookout for an experienced option to add depth, Colley would certainly appear a wise way to go as he may turn out to be West Ham’s dream partner for Dawson.

AND in other news, West Ham have been tipped to sign a 12-goal striker who is “Moyes’ type”…

Many Everton fans have been left to slam an update from Patrick Boyland on the fitness of both Ben Godfrey and Tom Davies.

As per a tweet from The Athletic journalist, both players failed late fitness tests which meant that they could not play for the England U21s in their crucial game against Croatia on Wednesday evening.

Aidy Boothroyd’s team managed to win the match 2-1 in the end without them, but the Young Lions still went crashing out at the group stages of the European Championships.

Nonetheless, the fitness of both Godfrey and Davies has now become a big concern for several members of the Goodison Park faithful, as they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League on Monday evening.

Everton fans on Godfrey and Davies fitness update

These supporters of the Merseyside club slammed the update from Boyland on Twitter, with one Toffees fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘unbelievable’:

“Hope that’s not true”

Credit: @nikkiharg

“No. Hope they are fit for our match especially Ben is a must”

Credit: @Efc_sai

“Oh no”

Credit: @jonesyefc

“Unbelievable how can that be at their age ?????????”

Credit: @brougham_kevin

“Eugh.”

Credit: @Phoenix20387

“:( Bad News Boyland”

Credit: @_lauraaj96

In other news, find out what Liverpool dig from one Blues star has been lauded by fans here!

Some Liverpool fans have been calling for the Reds to sign Ozan Kabak on a permanent deal following an impressive spell on loan at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp has had a torrid time of things at centre-back this season, with injuries in that area playing a major part in his team’s struggles during 2020/21. Virgil van Dijk has been out since October and Joe Gomez isn’t too far behind, while Joel Matip is also sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

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These issues meant that Klopp was forced into signing a new centre-back in the January transfer window, with Kabak arriving from Schalke 04 and Ben Davies also coming in from Preston.

The Turkish defender only joined on loan, but there was an option to buy him for £18m this summer, which journalist Fabrizio Romano claims is still the case [via Anfield Watch on Twitter].

Liverpool fans call for the Reds to sign Kabak permanently

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to get behind the idea of Kabak becoming a permanent Reds player moving forward, based on impressive performances such as the one against RB Leipzig last month.

“Have to pay it. You can’t lose money on a young player who’s that good already. Worst case you flip him for like £25million”

Credit: @rayan_heravi

“Make it happen. Time to move on for Matip I think. Too injury prone, think both him and us need a fresh start”

Credit: @my_sum

“Buy him and sell Matip”

Credit: @nathan_brauner1

“Please buy him”

Credit: @hezlfc

“LFC please I beg you. Sign him up. He has been fantastic. Save us the time for another trial and error”

Credit: @FcJurgen

“We better sign him”

Credit: @ynwaMattH

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a move for a Bundesliga star and some supporters are excited. Read more here.

Elliot Lee revealed a key message that have been "ingrained" into the Wrexham player by their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

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• Wrexham earned promotion after 15 years
• Lee proud to play a part in the journey
• Hailed the Wrexham fans who love the club with their "lives"

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragonsfinally got over the line and lifted the National League title in exceptional style following a record-breaking campaign in 2022-23 to seal promotion into the Football League for the first time since 2008. The fans invaded the pitch and the celebrations soon spilled over to the streets of Wrexham. McElhenney and Reynolds cried tears of joy as the Hollywood superstars were moved by the emotional scenes following the 3-1 win over Boreham Wood and Lee revealed how the co-owners and manager Phil Parkinson had always demanded to put the community first while on the pitch.

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• WHAT LEE SAID

  Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, Lee said: "I get goosebumps because we knew how much it meant to people. Yes, Ryan [Reynolds] and Rob [McElhenney] have been incredible and everyone knows how good they have been but it's also for the community and that is ingrained in us by the gaffer [Phil Parkinson] and Rob and Ryan as well. These people have been here before and they have been through so many bad times with the club and they still all come in their numbers.

  "I remember on the bus parade seeing genuine tears of happiness and joy; we got to do that for people. That is a feeling I will take to the grave with me because that's something I am so proud of. It goes deeper than football, it's people's lives. This club is people's lives and I don't ever take that for granted when I go out on the pitch."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lee revealed that Parkinson enticed him to sign for the club by assuring him that he would be "loved forever" by the passionate Wrexham fans if he helped them realise their dream of getting promoted.

  "I remember when the manager called me the summer before I joined he said, 'Whoever takes this club out of the National League, you will be loved forever'," he said.

  "I remember I felt that love straight after the final whistle [against Borehamwood], I was like, 'Wow, this is incredible'. We've brought joy to so many people. They pay their hard-earned money to come and watch us. After the ownership and everything that has gone on, just to bring better days back… the feeling at that Borehamwood game was incredible."

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Wrexham are vying for their second successive promotion and are just one point outside the automatic promotion spots in League Two. They will be back in action against Accrington Stanley on Saturday to avenge their earlier defeat when the two sides met in the reverse fixture.

Charlton Athletic midfielder Marcus Maddison has announced he is taking a break from football after having his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers cut short this week.

The 27-year-old wouldn’t have been able to feature for the Addicks anyway, so it gives him an opportunity to evaluate his options for the long term, having cited the “abuse, pressures and monotony” of football finally getting to him.

In the summer, Maddison was released by Peterborough United after a six-year stint, and it was Lee Bowyer and the southeast Londoners that finally took a punt on him in October.

The former Hull City loanee agreed to a one-year deal with the option of a second as the third new arrival of the Thomas Sangaard era, so that does leave the Addicks with a decision to make themselves.

“He brings goals. His stats over the last few years are excellent, he regularly gets to double figures in goals and gets a lot of assists, so he brings about 25 goals to a team in a season, claimed Bowyer. “He’s an experienced player that knows this league inside out.”

Indeed, Maddison’s vast experience in this division was an appealing attribute. He has played 220 times in League One, where he has provided 53 goals and 76 assists, via Transfermarkt.

But after just two goals in ten appearances, he was shipped out on loan to League Two but again, struggled for game time starting just four matches for Ian Evatt’s side.

Bowyer’s attitude towards him soon changed within months, as following his loan move in February, he told the official website: “We took a gamble bringing him in, but it hasn’t quite worked out as we hoped. We wish him the very best for the future.”

That gamble is now something the current Addicks set-up are paying the price for, possibly this was the 44-year-old’s final mistake at The Valley, leaving the likes of Nigel Adkins, Steve Gallen and Sandgaard with a tricky call to make.

Maddison’s potential in this division is undoubted, after all, he was once lauded as an “unbelievable talent” and a “match-winner,” so if Charlton remain in the third tier, it could be worth activating that year extension following some time off but if they don’t, then this may be a risk too far.

Either way, the 27-year-old’s health should be his top priority right now and perhaps a fresh start elsewhere for 2021/22 could be what’s needed.

AND in other news, Adkins could save Sangaard a lot of money this summer in “strong-willed” Charlton gem…

According to a report by reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, backing up previous claims, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is ‘held in high regard’ by some Tottenham Hotspur chiefs as a possible replacement for the under-fire Jose Mourinho.

Tottenham chiefs still eyeing Rodgers

Rodgers has been previously linked to the Tottenham job as pressure grows on Mourinho following a string of poor results, including a humiliating Europa League exit at the hands of Dinamo Zagreb last month.

Providing the latest on the managerial situation, Gold has claimed that there is a ‘growing belief’ that the Portuguese won’t be in charge at Spurs next season, subsequently listing the two most likely managers as candidates to possibly replace him.

Backing up previous claims, football.london reported that Rodgers is still held in high regard by some Tottenham chiefs within the club alongside RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann.

Transfer Tavern take

Hailed as an ‘elite manager’ who could ‘manage any team in Europe’ by Robbie Savage on BT Sport recently (via Daily Mail), Rodgers was also allegedly ‘very keen’ to join Spurs back in 2012 according to Football Insider. However, Liverpool made a formal approach first and Rodgers opted to take over at Anfield instead.

While Rodgers has strong credentials (domestic dominance at Celtic, establishing Leicester in the Premier League top five), we believe that Nagelsmann should be first and foremost the top managerial priority if Mourinho is sacked.

At the tender age of 33, the German has already overseen 224 top-level matches with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, taking the former into the Champions League and the latter to the semi-finals of that tournament along with challenging Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga dominance.

He has been described as the most exciting coaching talent in Europe, but Daniel Levy and could face a battle for him after Fabrizio Romano’s update that Bayern look set to target him.

In other news: Journalist drops enticing Tottenham transfer claim, find out more here.