All posts by z3u9t.icu

Football FanCast can exclusively reveal that Everton are in the market to sign a right winger when the summer transfer window opens.

Marcel Brands and Carlo Ancelotti have been busy preparing for the next market and view that area of the pitch as their top priority.

Although a specific name hasn’t formally been considered yet, the Toffees have already begun their search as they look to add more depth and quality to their offensive options.

We can confirm that behind the scenes, Everton have been in contact with various clubs and agents to discuss potential targets and that are ready to step up their hunt in the coming months as signing a right winger is their number one priority.

James Rodriguez has regularly been used in that third of the field since signing from Bayern Munich in the summer but his deal expires in 2022.

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Theo Walcott could head to Southampton after being linked with a permanent switch by reports elsewhere, while Josh King has failed to set the world alight since arriving in January.

Ancelotti identified King as a player to add greater depth in an attacking area but he is yet to score after signing a six-month deal.

With Bernard courting interest from elsewhere too, it would leave the Merseyside outfit rather light in the wide areas if all three depart.

Richarlison remains a focal point of the Everton side but there is a lack of genuine quality below him. Alex Iwobi has scored just twice all season and hasn’t lived up to his £34m price tag.

It’s not known what sort of budget they have in mind but they’ve shown in recent years that they aren’t afraid to spend big money on their top priority transfers.

The Toffees will, however, need to use their funds more wisely after some expensive disasters in recent years.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Coutinho: Brands can form dream duo if Everton land “unique” 97-cap star…

With Celtic heading into Wednesday night’s Scottish Premiership fixture with what could only be described as a decimated squad, Ange Postecoglou was faced with a number of incredibly tough decisions concerning his starting XI for the trip to Ross County.

With all of Kyogo Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti, Jota, James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and Giorgos Giakoumakis – in addition to long term absentees Christopher Jullien and Karamoko Dembele – ruled out of the clash due to injury, the 56-year-old manager was left with no other choice than to try and fit a number of square pegs in round holes against the Staggies.

This led to the Greek-Australian coach fielding 19-year-old left-back Adam Montgomery and right-back Josip Juranovic on the left and right of his front three, either side of Liel Abada – who himself is typically a winger.

Subsequently, Liam Scales came into the side at left-back – just his second start of the season – while Anthony Ralston also returned to the starting lineup at right-back.

And, despite the makeshift XI, Celtic just about managed to get over the line against Malky Mackay’s side, with Abada’s 21st-minute strike and Ralston’s dramatic 97th-minute header sealing a 2-1 win for the Bhoys.

However, while both goalscorers undoubtedly played a hugely influential role in the fixture, it was 23-year-old summer signing Scales who really stole the show against Ross County.

Won 67% duels

Having already impressed during his 15-minute cameo in the 3-0 win over Dundee United earlier this month, scoring Celtic’s third of the match just six minutes into his debut, Scales once again proved to Postecoglou on Wednesday night that he is a player more than capable of doing a job in the Hoops’ first team.

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch against Ross County, the £90k-rated left-back turned in a performance of the highest quality, enjoying 91 touches of the ball, completing 50 passes – two of which were key – as well as finding his man with two crosses and two long balls.

The former Shamrock Rovers man also made one interception, two tackles and won eight of his 12 duels – a success rate of 67% – with these returns seeing the defender receive a SofaScore match rating of 7.5 – the joint third-highest of any player to feature in the match.

However, aside from his overall display, undoubtedly the £5k-per-week man’s most impressive contribution in the match was his assist for Abada’s opener, latching onto Callum McGregor’s perfectly weighted through ball, before putting the ball on a plate for the 20-year-old to tap home.

As such, while fellow left-back Greg Taylor has impressed following his return to the side after recovering from injury, the Irishman who Frank McAvennie suggested “Ange can’t ignore” definitely lived up to this claim on Wednesday, with Scales’ display giving Postecoglou some serious food for thought ahead of the League Cup final on Sunday.

In other news: Ange could unearth Celtic’s new Moravcik with “natural” 16 y/o “star in the making”

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some news from the club’s youth ranks.

As shared by the official Twitter page of Rangers B & Academy, the B team defeated Berwick Rangers 6-1 away from home with six different scorers in what was described as a ‘great performance’ with ‘brilliant team play’.

Robbie Fraser, Leon King, Alex Lowry, Ross McCausland, Kyle McClelland and Tony Weston all managed to get themselves on the scoresheet as Rangers B followed up their 3-0 win at home to Hammarby on Tuesday night.

The young Bears are in a very good place at this moment in time, and some of their performances should certainly catch the eye of Steven Gerrard, who may now think about giving one or two of them a chance in the first team.

Rangers fans on B-team’s result

These Ibrox supporters were delighted as the result was shared on Twitter, with one Gers fan saying that it was ‘excellent’ from the youngsters:

“Brilliant result”

Credit: @Tracey49876558

“FT: Berwick Rangers – 1 Rangers B – 6. Great win lads”

Credit: @BobSteele55

“Fantastic result”

Credit: @Papa_291

“What a future for a club if handled correctly”

Credit: @RFCGW

“Excellent again by the youngsters”

Credit: @4ladshadadream

“Nice one young Gers”

Credit: @Rabg1872

In other news, some fans criticised this first-teamer’s performance against Hibernian

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over some transfer news that has emerged on Lucas Digne.

As per Goal, the Goodison Park faithful are now offering the France international to various teams ahead of the January transfer window, with Chelsea thought to be one of those clubs interested in his signature.

They are trying to convince the Merseyside club to loan Digne to them until the end of the season, following the news of Ben Chilwell’s ACL injury.

After a reported row with Rafa Benitez, Digne has now missed the Toffees’ last three matches in the Premier League, and so speculation over his future remains, while Chilwell will be out for the remainder of the season due to surgery required on his knee.

However, given that Digne still remains the Toffees’ only senior left-back in the squad, it would seem silly to loan him out next month, especially without at least a couple of replacements lined up.

Everton fans on Digne transfer news

These Blues fumed as the exit claim was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘crazy’:

“If that’s true it’s crazy”

Credit: @RyLondon

“WHY?!?!?!?”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“Jesus Christ. Rafa out”

Credit: @Robbdoogan1

“If Everton are open to loaning Digne, France’s left-back, experienced player and always top statistically in his position, we are being more inept and brainless than first thought.”

Credit: @followeverton

“The stupidest idea I’ve ever heard, sick of Rafa now”

Credit: @_luke1878_

“This really would be such an Everton thing to do.. letting Digne go is ridiculous as it is but to let him go out on loan in January is insanity”

Credit: @DeanOverton

In other news, find out who has now been backed to join Everton here!

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to the news that Darren Moore is the new manager of the club and will take over immediately from Neil Thompson.

The club announced the appointment on Twitter, and following confirmation of the news, journalist Dom Howson tweeted: “Darren Moore is set to meet his new #SWFC squad this morning and take training”

Moore was at League One side Doncaster Rovers and was doing a stellar job as they are currently sixth in the division (SofaScore). In total, the manager had taken charge of 77 games (Transfermarkt) and had won 36, drew 14 and lost 27.

It is quite surprising to see him make the move, despite the fact that the Owls are in the division above, as Wednesday feels somewhat like a sinking ship during current times, especially with them in a huge relegation dogfight as they are six points from safety and have lost their last four games (SofaScore). Owner Dejphon Chansiri will be hoping that this appointment can turn fortunes around sooner rather than later.

Here is how fans reacted to the news:

“I am absolutely gobsmacked!! Happy, but gobsmacked!! Welcome to the roller coaster Darren, strap yourself in, & wish you all the best in the world”

Credit: @Chezricho

“Big Dave as West Brom supporters called him.”

Credit: @DenJSW

“Can he still play? Be decent next to Lees and Dunkley”

Credit: @hawky06

“Speechless. I’m back on side”

Credit: @LHambling

“You bet he is. Come on DM. Keep us up”

Credit: @Wednesdayite4

“Attacking football please and put the ball in the net , that’s all we want”

Credit: @Nowak9148365

In other news, fans fume at this Dom Howson tweet!

Many Everton fans have been left to laud some comments made by Carlo Ancelotti ahead of their tie at Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday evening.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the Italian boss said: “I am really happy to be the manager of this team and these players. I feel these players follow me. They have a lot of respect for my idea.”

The fact that Ancelotti is happy to be managing the Merseyside club is great to hear for Toffees supporters given his pedigree in the game, managing the likes of AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid.

The Blues do not have as much pedigree in Europe as some of the previous sides that he has managed, and so it really is a project to try and get EFC to that kind of level with him in charge.

Nonetheless, Ancelotti has done very well since taking charge at Everton, as they push to qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the 2021/22 term.

Everton fan reaction to Ancelotti comments

These Everton fans lauded his comments on Twitter:

“Not enough superlatives to offer this man. The Don, The Professor, The Master Tactician, Mr. Champions League, Carlo Magnifico. Feel free to add anymore. Ancelotti wins Italian Style. Will do for me. He knows who he wants in the summer as well. Will keep us guessing. NSNO.”

Credit: @Jeffreyhitchmo1

“Not only does he man manage the players he knows how to man manage the supporters too. Simple words but they mean so much”

Credit: @albie1405

“But who’s not going to love and respect this wonderful and caring man? I do……”

Credit: @JoannaNasseh

“Best manager we’ve had in my lifetime. Wouldn’t swap him for anyone”

Credit: @EPollazzo

“This is the stuff of dreams #Everton @MrAncelotti”Credit: @bluemaidstone”This makes me very happy!! @peterostick”Credit: @pauldevsIn other news, find out whose display was slammed against West Brom here!

Liverpool reportedly have a first agreement to sign Benfica’s Uruguayan striker, Darwin Nunez.

What’s the word?

According to the latest report from Journalist Brahian Kuchman: “There would be a first agreement for Darwin Nunez to be a new English Liverpool player.”

Taking to his Twitter page, Kuchman also stated: “Jurgen Klopp has grown tired of praising the Uruguayan to such an extent that he will end up hiring him.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

Klopp’s final straw

If the latest reports are anything to go by, Klopp will most certainly have the 22-year-old goal machine at his disposal next season.

Described as a “proper talent” by freelance football writer Amos Murphy on Twitter and as a “diamond” by Steve McManaman, Nunez is having the season of his life in Liga Portugal this year.

His both legs of their Champions League showdown earlier this month.

Of course, Klopp will have subtle confidence about picking up players from Liga Portugal, with his recent coup of former Porto star Luis Diaz demonstrating the amount of value that is scattered all over Portugal.

25-year-old Diaz has transitioned seamlessly into English football, with his five goal returns from nine appearances serving as great evidence of that.

The 54-year-old Liverpool boss Klopp will also be aware of the potential partnership that could blossom between Diaz and Nunez. With the trio of Mane, Salah and Firmino all in the final year of their contracts, Liverpool may be thinking about the future.

Those at Anfield will be urging the club to sign the out-and-out striker who possesses limitless potential at just 22-years-old, though it will not be cheap.

Whilst the Anfield side may reportedly have a “first agreement” to sign the 6 foot 2 goal-machine, he is valued at a mighty £83m by some sources.

In other news: “I get the sense”: Exciting behind-scenes Liverpool claim will leave fans buzzing…

Ahead of Leeds United’s Premier League clash against Tottenham on Saturday afternoon, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have suffered a major injury blow.

Despite the Whites’ 5-0 thrashing of West Brom last time out, Bielsa would have had one major concern coming out of that game, with Mateusz Klich having gone down injured just before the half-hour mark and needing to be substituted.

The Leeds boss then confirmed: “He received a knock to his thigh and this didn’t allow him to continue, but this hasn’t been evaluated just yet.”

Leeds Live later revealed that the likes of Klich, Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente all “remain on the treatment table” ahead of the game against Spurs.

Klich has been Mr Reliable for Bielsa ever since the Argentine took charge at Elland Road, with the Poland international having missed just one league game in the past two-and-a-half years – even that was in a meaningless clash against Derby County last season after they had already been promoted back to the Premier League.

Speaking earlier this season, former Leeds midfielder Michael Brown reacted to Bielsa’s comment that he could play for any team in the world, saying: “That’s a big call that, isn’t it? He’s obviously doing the best agent’s job for him, Bielsa.

“If it doesn’t work out at Leeds United, he’s definitely got a move now, hasn’t he, with the big man saying that. Listen, he’s been a revelation, hasn’t he? He’s done really, really well.”

Even though he seems to have gone off the boil recently, Bielsa’s unwavering trust in his players means being without an out-of-form Klich is something that will leave him worried ahead of a huge game with one of the Premier League’s big six.

A Michail Antonio brace fired West Ham United back into top-four contention and one step closer to qualifying for a place in Europe next season.

The Irons defeated Burnley 2-1 at Turf Moor to move to within three points of Premier League rivals Chelsea, largely thanks to the goalscoring exploits of the returning 31-year-old forward.

But for Antonio, he will be bitterly disappointed that he didn’t walk away with the match ball after fluffing numerous chances whilst on a hat-trick, though he was awards Sky Sports’ ‘Man of the Match’ award.

And he, of course, deserves plenty of plaudits but there were others who made an underrated impact on the night and they merit just as much praise.

David Moyes had to tinker his starting XI as there was a surprise absence to Mark Noble. The 58-year-old opted for Manuel Lanzini in a deeper role, alongside Tomas Soucek, and what a decision that proved to be.

The Argentine, who has been linked with an exit from the London Stadium in recent weeks, delivered a midfield masterclass and was arguably Moyes’ unsung hero; he has every right to push Antonio for such high acclaim.

As per SofaScore, the £9m-rated dynamo was one of the Hammers’ most influential players on the pitch, recording more touches (90) than any other player.

It’s clear that most of the visitors’ play ran through him and he rewarded that faith with a very accomplished showing, both in attack and defensively, too.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip-moyes-gsb-london-stadium” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Lanzini provided one key pass from his 74 passing attempts, in which he completed 95% of his attempts. Again, the best of any player on the Turf Moor pitch on Monday night.

He very rarely lost possession, proving to be a hard man to get the ball off as he only lost the ball six times, which was the lowest of any Irons starter.

Furthermore, and perhaps surprisingly considering he’s an attack-minded option, the 28-year-old did his bit at the back by registering two clearances, winning two duels and making one tackle, via SofaScore.

This sort of industrious box-to-box display certainly proved to be a big reason why West Ham could dominate large spells of this game and subsequently why they were able to provide Antonio with plenty of golden opportunities.

Lanzini, who earns a reported £70k-per-week in East London, was even graded better than Soucek, Jesse Lingard and assist-maker Vladimir Coufal by football.london, and all three are arguably in the running for ‘Player of the Year’ so that speaks volumes towards just how good he was.

In what was his 156th appearance in the claret and blue, Lanzini was the Irons’ unsung hero and he quite rightly deserves such high acclaim.

AND in other news, West Ham handed significant blow over top striker target…

Xisco Munoz’s Watford side are considering allowing Ben Wilmot to leave Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that the Hornets are yet to decide whether or not to extend the 21-year-old’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of next season.

It is reported, however, that the club have the option to extend the centre-back’s stay until 2023 due to a clause in his current deal.

As a result of Watford’s apparent indecision regarding the £2.7 million-rated man, The Athletic claim that Swansea City are keeping a close eye on the England U21 international ahead of a potential move this summer.

Wilmot must stay

Despite his tender age, Wilmot nevertheless played an important role in helping Watford achieve automatic promotion to the Premier League last season, with the centre-back making 25 Championship appearances for Xisco’s side, over which he helped to keep six clean sheets as well as averaging a respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.76.

However, it is not exactly the defender’s performances in the season just past that are the reason why Watford should look to keep the youngster on their books, but rather those that are to come in the future.

Having progressed through the England youth setup, while currently playing for the U21 side, it is clear that, from a national perspective, the perception is that Wilmot’s game bears a great deal of promise.

Indeed, this was an opinion shared by his former centre-back partner, Jack King, during his time at Stevenage, who stated his belief that Wilmot has a “bright future ahead of him.”

As such, while the argument could be made that the defender may not be ready for Premier League football just yet, it would be highly advisable for Cristiano Giaretta to avoid cashing in on the 21-year-old this summer, as, after gaining more experience at Championship level – perhaps on a loan deal – we would not bet against Wilmot flourishing into an extremely good option for the Hornets at some point in the not so distant future, as well as one who has the potential to become a lot more valuable financially.

In other news: Watford suffer huge blow in pursuit of “talented” £25k-p/w gem, Giaretta will be livid – opinion