All posts by z3u9t.icu

The Athletic’s Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin believes that Hoops youngster Karamoko Dembele may have actually broken a bone in his ankle over the summer.

The Lowdown: Dembele’s Celtic career

Labelled as ‘special’ by former Bhoys manager Neil Lennon, the teenager has struggled to make a major impact at Parkhead since penning professional terms at Parkhead back in 2018.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-18/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Now 18 years of age, the winger has turned out just eight times for the Hoops’ first team and is yet to make a competitive appearance under Ange Postecoglou.

He injured his ankle in the club’s pre-season tour of Wales and underwent surgery back in October following complications. However, Devlin believes that the youngster may have broken a bone in his ankle despite reports suggesting that it was a fracture.

The Latest: Devlin claim

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic prior to Celtic’s meeting with Motherwell on Sunday afternoon.

He was quizzed on Dembele’s situation, replying with an interesting admission:

“He’s also injured, *think* it turned out to be a break in the end but conflicting information on that.”

The Verdict: Summer departure?

Dembele has had his struggles in Glasgow and is out of contract in the summer, so there’s every possibility that he’ll pursue a new challenge next year, should his situation remain the same over the coming months.

You’d expect that he wouldn’t be short of suitors either despite his injury issues, with the likes of Lille, Nantes and Danish side FC Nordsjaelland all linked with the teenager earlier this year.

Hopefully he’ll be back in the New Year and will get a chance under Postecoglou, but getting fit will be his main priority for the time being.

In other news: ‘Game-changer’ – BBC Radio 5 Live man ‘surprised’ as Celtic get closer to biggest signing of the Postecoglou era

Wolves have given the ‘green light’ for Dion Sanderson to make a permanent exit in the summer transfer window, according to Football Insider.

Former boss Nuno Espirito Santo apparently doubted the defender’s Premier League prospects and reckoned he was better suited to the Championship.

The Portuguese manager left the club at the end of the season, perhaps raising hopes that the Sunderland loanee would be given a chance in 2021/22, but the report claimed that the change in the dugout will make little difference to Sanderson’s situation.

It’s claimed that Wolves value at him at just over £2m, with only a year remaining on his contract. Sunderland are looking to strike a permanent deal for the 21-year-old, but there is competition from clubs in the Championship after a campaign in which he won the admiration of numerous Black Cats supporters for his fine performances.

Sanderson has played one game for Wolves’ senior side, featuring in a 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Reading in October 2019.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed the report, and here’s what some supporters made of it, with a few urging likely new manager Bruno Lage to “have a look” at the defender before sanctioning his exit from Molineux.

Wolves fans bemoan potential departure of Sanderson

“This is good management isn’t it….loan a player out to get experience, they win young player of the year at that club and get glowing feedback, so we decide to sell him instead of having a look at him to see how much he has developed! Ridiculous.”

Credit: @dtoe1984

“Another mistake, I swear this club at the moment is just sending us bad news 24/7.”

Credit: @cpj93070

“I hope this isn’t true. Surely it would be wise for Lage to have a look at Dion before any decision is made. Given how good he is working with and bringing through young players, it would seem to make sense.”

Credit: @PaulAston6

“That just about sums us up at the moment, I thought we were supposed to be developing young players for the future, Jeff Shi. He was one of the players that I thought could have made the grade, shame that if it’s true”

Credit: @wayneedoodle

“We seem to be happy to flog anyone now, what happened to us becoming a top 6 team?”

Credit: @AlanDavis1983

“Is there ever any good news?”

Credit: @OldManWolves

In other news, these fans reacted to a report linking another Wolves defender with a move away. 

Jason Burt has dropped some promising insight into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group and their potential takeover of Newcastle United.

Writing in his latest piece for the Daily Telegraph, the Chief Football Correspondent has reported that the Saudis will bid again to buy the St. James’ Park faithful, with Mike Ashley still keen to sell.

The KSA consortium remain hopeful that a deal can still be pushed through, and they will re-submit their bid if the North East club wins their arbitration case against the Premier League.

Arbitration should give clearer picture

The pending arbitration hearing between the top flight and the Tyneside club should give a much clearer indication over where the potential takeover is heading.

If the result is positive for the Magpies, then it could well clear a path for the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to come back to the table, and the signs of a potential deal happening would look a lot more positive, especially now that Burt claims they do indeed plan to stump up the cash once more.

Nonetheless, there are still a few obstacles in the way of the bid that may hinder their chances, but it is at least promising news that the Saudis will re-submit their bid if the Toon are successful in their arbitration case against the top flight.

In other news, find out what big claim has been dropped on the potential takeover involving the EPL here!

Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie has now dropped some news on Newcastle United’s transfer plans for the summer.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

After all but securing their safety in the Premier League, the summer transfer window now looks set to be a busy one for the St. James’ Park faithful.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-5/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It is expected that they will make the loan move for Matt Targett a permanent one from Aston Villa, while they have also been recently linked to the likes of Evan Ndicka, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike, suggesting that they will be looking to strengthen in quite a few areas of the pitch.

The Latest: Five signings

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Downie has said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will now look to sign a central defender, a playmaking forward, a striker and a goalkeeper as well as Targett, and could bring in even more players if others were to leave:

“I think they’ll bring in a centre-back, a forward, like a playmaker, and a striker. They’re also looking at the goalkeeping department, and then it all depends on players going.

“If they lost a centre midfielder or they don’t manage to sign Matt Targett, then they’ll look to bring in more on top of that.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It certainly is exciting for the Toon Army to see so many quality players linked to the Magpies, and in so many different positions on the pitch, as PIF look to take them to the next level.

Money should not be too much of a problem for the mega-rich owners, and so providing that they can ship out a few and comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, they should be able to bring in plenty of fresh faces.

Nonetheless, Eddie Howe will need time to get them all to gel, but the future is certainly looking bright.

In other news, find out who could now be first to leave NUFC this summer here!

Sheffield United parted ways with Chris Wilder on Friday, ending his five-year stint at Bramall Lane.

And, following that big development,  Sheffield United News report that sources have dropped an eight-word claim regarding a move to Glasgow, saying ‘he could be on his way to Celtic’.

They believe he could be the new man at Parkhead following his United departure, with the Blades winning just four of a possible 28 league games this season.

Wilder’s impressive Sheffield United spell

The 53-year-old took charge of 227 games for the Blades, taking them from League One to the Premier League.

Even though Sheffield United sit bottom of the Premier League this year, Wilder picked up 1.59 points-per game in Yorkshire, slightly up on his career average of 1.57 points-per game.

The Hoops have been linked with a number of managers to fill the Parkhead void left by Neil Lennon, who has actually been tipped to replace Wilder.

Transfer Tavern take

Wilder has won three promotions during his career and his recent experience of rebuilding the Blades is impressive.

On that basis, he could be a shrewd appointment by Celtic, who seemingly need to undergo a rebuild of their own following a woeful 2020/21 campaign.

It remains to be seen how concrete the links are, but we feel this is certainly a major development in regards to Celtic’s search for a new manager.

In other news, pundit tips Celtic to swoop for Rafa Benitez!

Celtic appear to be closing in on signing Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke, according to The Northern Echo.

The Lowdown: Wyke a man in demand

Wyke, who scored 30 goals in 53 appearances last season, is out of contract at the Stadium of Light in a matter of weeks.

A number of clubs are keeping tabs on his situation as a result, including Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and Millwall, who have all held talks with the 28-year-old.

However, it seems as if the Hoops are at the front of the queue for the striker who former Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson called ‘excellent’ last year.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-5/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Celtic hoping to make progress

According to The Northern Echo, Celtic are increasingly confident of persuading Wyke to turn his back on Sunderland and snub offers elsewhere to move to Scotland.

The Hoops held talks earlier in the summer and are now hoping to make progress on a cut-price deal with a formal offer.

The Verdict: McKay and Postecoglou close to first signing

It seems as if new CEO Dominic McKay and boss Ange Postecoglou are closing in on their first signing at Parkhead, which is huge.

Celtic appear to be in need of attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, especially with star man Odsonne Edouard looking likely to move to Leicester City.

Leigh Griffiths’ future also seems undecided, and should the pair depart, Albian Ajeti would be the club’s only recognised striker.

Bringing Wyke in for nothing could be a shrewd move going off his goalscoring form over the past 12 months, and it looks as if a deal now has legs. A first Postecoglou signing could soon be on the way.

In other news: McAvennie reacts as Hoops eye move for 150-goal forward, find out more here. 

Former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez believes that Tottenham have lost their identity in recent seasons.

It wasn’t long ago that the north London outfit were top four regulars under Mauricio Pochettino and challenging for the biggest honours.

Spurs might have always fallen short under the Argentine, but they qualified for the Champions League in four consecutive years, were regularly competing for domestic trophies and famously reached the European Cup final in 2019.

But since Pochettino was sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho in November 2019, they have lost ground on the sides around them and have failed to challenge for the top four in the previous two campaigns, whilst their painful wait for silverware now stands at 13 years.

Tottenham recently announced the arrival of new sporting director Fabio Paratici, who looks set to team up with Paulo Fonseca, and Sanchez exclusively told Football FanCast that the former could play a major part in the club moving forward:

“They’re not sure whether they want to give kids a chance or be in the top four? Top four is all they want; it doesn’t matter how they get there.

“So, a new sporting director will have to lay down the culture of the club. What are we? What are we looking for and take a longer-term view of season to season and this managerial merry-go-round which doesn’t add to any stability either?”

‘Carlo Ancelotti wants to take’ Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret to Everton this summer, journalist Umberto Chiarello has told Area Napoli.

Chiarello expects Meret to cost in the region of £17 million and suggested that the move is ‘likely’ to go through.

Ancelotti oversaw Meret’s development in Naples and has already rekindled relationships with midfielders Allan and James Rodriguez at Goodison Park.

Meret would probably come in as back-up to Jordan Pickford at first. The Toffees’ current number two, Robin Olsen, is only on a season-long loan from AS Roma, so as things stand a replacement will be needed this summer.

Who is Alex Meret?

Italian ‘keeper Meret has made 68 appearances for Napoli, keeping 21 clean sheets. He has one cap for his country, which came in November 2019.

Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso has rotated Meret with veteran Colombian David Ospina over the course of the season – Meret has played 12 Serie A matches, but his run in the team has only once extended beyond two games.

The 24-year-old has conceded 17 league goals from a post-shot xG (expected goals) of 14.8, which perhaps explains why he’s struggled to nail down his spot (via FB Ref).

Meret does come with the recommendation of the great Gianluigi Buffon, who said he was ‘exciting’ (via Football Italia) to watch as he broke into the Napoli side.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Meret would be a reasonably good back-up, but he’s not yet done enough to suggest he could challenge Pickford and be the long-term number one.

£17 million would therefore be way too big an outlay in this market, especially considering the bargain swoop last year for Olsen, which secured an experienced goalkeeper’s services for the season for virtually nothing.

In other news, Jamie Carragher picked out these two Everton players for praise. 

As announced by UEFA, referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz will take charge of Manchester City’s first ever Champions League final at the end of this month against Chelsea – with many Sky Blues left horrified at the choice of official for their historic encounter.

City aim to clinch European glory after a phenomenal domestic season under Pep Guardiola overall, having already won the Premier League and Carabao Cup.

Indeed, Guardiola’s record breakers could put the cherry on top of 2020/2021 by winning their first ever Champions League title – with City’s last European trophy triumph coming way back in 1970.

However, as UEFA announce Lahoz will be officiating the final, City supporters have been left horrified with the decision whilst lamenting it as the ‘worst news’.

The Spanish referee has sent off Guardiola in a previous Champions League tie for confronting him about a disallowed Leroy Sane goal (Sky Sports).

Indeed, City’s boss was dismissed to the stands during their quarter-final second leg clash against Liverpool back in 2018, with Guardiola then making his feelings known in a post match press conference. 

Sky Blues, therefore, are in uproar at UEFA’s choice of official – find a flavour of their social media verdicts down below.

Man City fans horrified by Lahoz announcement

“Dreadful man, the worst news.”

Credit: @BenchSue

“This is unbelievable after the Liverpool game. Didn’t he disallow a goal for offside and send Pep off?”

Credit: @peterlakie

“We’re finished”

Credit: @KDBsIntern

“Noooooooo”

Credit: @mohamedamiin2

“Worst decision I have ever seen”

Credit: @iD7Mi1

“There’s always next season I guess”

Credit: @grantymcfc

“Oh no…”

Credit: @adl0133

“Was good while it lasted.”

Credit: @roamdeuter

In other news: Man City fans flock to huge contract claim, find out more here.

Everton’s transfer window has been a rather downplayed affair with the Toffees lacking the necessary finances to spend large sums.

An accumulative sum of £1.7m has been spent on four new players and it feels unlikely that they’ll broaden their horizons too much beyond that.

What’s the word?

Everton are still planning on making a few signings before the deadline closes in just under a week’s time.

One of those acquisitions could be a player they had on a trial basis a few years ago; Daniel Jebbison.

The Merseyside outfit were interested in signing the teenager a few months ago and it now looks as though they’re ramping up their pursuit.

According to TEAMtalk, they have made a bid to sign Jebbison who is valued at around £5m.

However, that offer has sadly been rejected.

Their new DCL

Back in 2016 Everton signed a certain Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Sheffield United.

It took a while for the striker to find his feet at Goodison Park but he was in electric form last season, starring in a central role on his way to scoring 21 goals in all competitions.

After being signed for a mere £1.5m, he has proven to be an absolute bargain.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/patterson-benitez-gossip-insigne-ndombele” title= “Check out the latest Everton transfer stories!”]

He is now a full England international and has started this term as he ended the last; in the goals.

Calvert-Lewin has two in two games and although he’s a unique talent, Jebbison would be looking to follow in his footsteps.

The Canada international burst onto the scene last season in a struggling Sheffield United side, scoring on his first start for the club at Goodison Park.

Described as a “shining light” by Micah Richards, Jebbison has played on six occasions for the Blades despite only turning 18 back in July.

It remains to be seen just how much potential the striker has in his locker but Everton have already enjoyed enormous success by recruiting from Bramall Lane.

This would be a low-risk addition and one that would prove that Finch Farm is still a place to learn your trade after the loss of Thierry Small.

AND in other news, Worse than Kenny: £69k-p/w Everton liability who lost possession 17x let Rafa down…