All posts by z3u9t.icu

When Frank Lampard was appointed Derby manager, a couple of Chelsea’s youngsters followed him to Pride Park.

And former Crystal Palace striker Marcus Bent believes that if Lampard becomes the new Crystal Palace boss, a similar situation could occur.

On that occasion, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount, two players have gone on to become England internationals, joined Lampard at Derby and both played a key role in the Rams reaching the play-offs.

Lampard hadn’t managed Chelsea at that time but having spent 18 months in the dugout in west London, there’s every chance some out of favour players could link-up with him at Selhurst Park, should Steve Parrish decide to hire him.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham are two of those out of favour at Stamford Bridge and would appear, whilst highly rated midfielder Billy Gilmour is in desperate need of regular first-team football having been handed his senior Blues debut by Lampard.

Bent exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“Going to Crystal Palace, because of the finances, there is always a lot of loan deals because there isn’t a lot of finances to go out and buy players.

“If Frank was in there, he would probably bring some young players in on loan, show what they’re about, give them that experience.

“I think that Frank probably has a few things up his sleeve, he could probably talk to Chelsea.”

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Stade Reims gem Hugo Ekitike…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Dean Jones has revealed that the Magpies are set to pursue a deal for the French centre-forward at the end of the season.

PIF came close to sealing a swoop for the youngster in the January transfer window only to fall at the last hurdle on deadline day.

They reportedly agreed a fee of £33m with the Ligue 1 side, but the player decided that he was better off waiting until the summer before making a decision on the next step in his career.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Ekitike, I think they’re going after him no matter what. So, I’d say that he is the most likely striker that they’ll sign.”

Eddie Howe will be buzzing

The Toon boss will surely be buzzing by this update as the attacker would be a fantastic addition to his squad heading into the next Premier League campaign.

Goalscoring has been a cause for concern throughout the season for the Magpies in the sense that they have not been able to rely on one, or two, players to find the back of the net on a regular basis. Callum Wilson has not kicked a ball in anger since December and leads the charts for the club on six strikes in the division, with Allan Saint-Maximin’s tally of five the next best.

Chris Wood was brought to Tyneside in January to bolster Howe’s depth at the top end of the pitch and he has been unable to showcase the best of his abilities. He has scored twice in 14 starts, once from open play, as he failed to hit the ground running in front of goal.

Ekitike, meanwhile, has scored nine goals in 14 Ligue 1 starts for Reims this season, whilst also contributing two assists. He has been able to show off his finishing ability in the French top-flight and Howe would surely love to have a player with that level of quality in the final third as an option next season.

The ex-Cherries coach will also be excited by the gem’s potential. At the age of 19, he is in the infancy of his career and is already proving that he can make an impact in a top European league. This suggests that he has the scope for a vast improvement in the years to come and Howe will want to be the one who helps him explode in Europe as a striker.

AND in other news: Howe can unearth his own Ginola in Newcastle’s rarely-seen 19 y/o “bright talent”…

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the Gers relayed the post-match comments of Steven Gerrard following the club’s draw with St Johnstone on Wednesday.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw at McDiarmid Park, the Gers boss claimed that a number of his decisions made in the match were “all about the weekend,” when Rangers, rather coincidentally, play St Johnstone once again in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup.

However, the 40-year-old did claim that it was a shame his side couldn’t “see the game out” having taken the lead, although admitted that he felt Jack Simpson’s barge on Christopher Kane, which led to St Johnstone’s 95th-minute equaliser from the spot, “was a penalty,” despite reports suggesting the referee’s decision was debatable.

And, after Rangers relayed footage of Gerrard’s comments on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing somewhat dumbstruck by their manager’s belief that Simpson’s challenge warranted a spot-kick.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to Steven Gerrard’s post-match comments?

“Can’t believe he thought it was a penalty. Everything else makes sense.”

@madeinedzell

“He’s obviously not seen that back if he thinks it is a penalty.”

@WATP115

“Ngl that’s a really bad interview from him.”

@LewisAn33964495

“That’s not a penalty.”

@rfcggg84

“Was a penalty?!”

@CrossleyJimbo

“I’m surprised at his attitude towards this game.”

@JKennedy08332

“Baffled Gerrard thinks one if not both are penalties against us, I’m just not seeing it. Especially the second. Possible he’s picking his battles. The rest I’m on board with.”

@RustyBaw72

“He’s lost it. How on earth is he saying that was a penalty?”

@DKeith0904

In other news: Rangers could now miss out on 28-goal star this summer as recruitment source drops news – find out more here!

Everton are now on the hunt for their new manager after sacking Rafa Benitez on Sunday afternoon, following a series of awful performances that has left the club in a vulnerable position in the Premier League, currently sixteenth in the league table and six points off a relegation challenge in the drop zone.

What’s the word?

Everton insider and journalist, Alan Myers, has given his perspective on who should be the next manager at Goodison Park, revealing his number one choice that hasn’t been reported as one of the clear favourites by Sky Sports.

Myers tweeted:

“My choice would be Christophe Galtier, wins the title with Lille, takes over a mediocre Nice side and now has them 2nd in the division, no ties, something fresh, passionate?”

The French manager is currently working at Nice as their head coach, in a rebuild project, and the club currently sit just behind Paris Saint Germain in Ligue 1.

Better than Rooney

Galtier is famously known for his incredible work at Lille, going into the club halfway through the season in 2017, saving them from relegation and finishing 17th in the table during his first six months in charge.

However, what followed was nothing short of miraculous as he led the team to the club’s fourth Ligue 1 title in their first title win in a decade in 2021, when they finished one point ahead of PSG.

The Frenchman left Lille in the summer of their title victory, in search of a new challenge which he found at Nice, who finished ninth in the table last season by injecting his philosophy of youth and development into the club.

He is currently flying high in the top flight French league again, sitting second, taking points from 16 of the last 21 games he has managed the side so far this term.

Wayne Rooney has been a favourite for the manager’s position at Everton long before Benitez was even sacked from the role, but Farhad Moshiri must not overlook or underestimate the success and impressive work Galtier has done over the last few years.

His influence and experience in taking teams in vulnerable positions and transforming their trajectory is fitting for the Toffees current situation, with that being said, he is a far better fit for the role than the Derby Country boss. Although he is striving to save them from relegation at the moment and is doing an impressive job of doing so, he still lacks experience, especially at the top table.

Everton are yet to reveal if they have began speaking to or have made an offer of appointment to any manager, but with the side involved in the early kick-off against Aston Villa, they will surely be looking to appoint somebody as soon as possible.

In other news: Graham Potter not interested in becoming Toffees boss

Two weekends ago, Everton didn’t have very much joy against opposition in claret and blue.

The Toffees were made to bemoan a horrendous defensive mistake from Mason Holgate as they eventually lost 2-1 to Aston Villa.

However, fast forward to a week later and it was a piece of magic from one of Everton’s defenders that set them on their way to victory against a team wearing the same colours; West Ham.

The Irons have been mightily efficient this term but they struggled to find a way past Carlo Ancelotti’s men after an early first-half strike from Dominic Calvert-Lewin meant they won 1-0.

The England international racked up his 21st strike of the campaign but he was set free by Ben Godfrey, the real stand out man on Sunday afternoon.

Godfrey has had an excellent first campaign at Goodison Park but this was undoubtedly one his best performances in blue.

He led from the front defensively but showed what a classy ball player he is by assisting Calvert-Lewin’s goal.

The former Norwich man was allowed to step out of defence before sliding in a lovely ball down the right-hand channel. It was on a plate for Everton’s leading goal scorer who took possession into the box before finding the net.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-transfer-news-coutinho-ancelotti-hawng-sarr” title=”Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

However, there was more to Godfrey’s game than his exciting ball-playing abilities. In fact, that wasn’t even the most outstanding part of his day.

The £68k-per-week earner only completed 74% of his passes but he enjoyed a dominating display among Everton’s backline.

Ancelotti mixed things up on this occasion and after the debacle against Villa, he dropped Holgate and played a back three.

Godfrey seemed to relish his role as the right centre-back, stepping forward and winning nearly every single physical battle he competed in.

He won eight of his nine defensive duels (88%), prevailing in a whopping five tackles during the contest.

In completing four clearances, he enjoyed a dominating and imperious display at the back. Everton had to be stern defensively on Sunday and they were definitely that.

The Toffees restricted West Ham to 11 shots, none of which were on target. Considering the Irons are bidding to reach the Champions League, it was a complete defensive display to deny them.

Godfrey rarely let Said Benrahama and Jesse Lingard get the better of him with the duo succeeding with just one key pass and two dribbles between them.

The Everton defender has proven to be a valuable member of the team with his versatility but he looks at complete ease at centre-back.

AND in other news, Move over Gordon: Everton have a future star in never-seen 15 y/o, he’s a big “threat”…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been showing the love towards a tweet from The Athletic’s senior writer Dominic Fifield after he dropped news on the club’s pursuit of Lucien Favre.

According to Fifield, Favre has agreed to take over at Selhurst Park and become Roy Hodgson’s long-term successor.

Fifield adds that the former Borussia Dortmund boss will move to London, pending the award of a work permit. The process, Fifield described as complicated, is now underway.

Favre is 63 years of age and has been out of work since his sacking with the Bundesliga giants in December. He’s never managed in England, but it seems as if that could be about to change, should the relevant documents be approved.

Palace fans react

Fifield posted the news on Twitter with a link to his story on Wednesday evening.

As to be expected, plenty of Palace fans were quick to have their say, with one describing the news as ‘brilliant’.

“Palace now bigger than Spurs confirmed”Credit: @EastonAdam”Oh my god”Credit: @rileyeagles”Huge”Credit: @JPSullivan90″Brilliant stuff, on a scale of 1-10 how good is this appointment. I’d say 11″Credit: @barquoir”DOMMMMMMMMM”Credit: @BenM_CPFC”Scenes”Credit: @cam_cpfc

In other news: ‘Does this count?’ – Many CPFC fans think £67k-p/w ace may stay after club tweet, find out more here.

Goalkeeper Sergio Romero is considering a contract offer from Everton, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown

Romero is to leave Manchester United after being named on the Red Devils’ released list, six years on from his arrival.

Football Insider claim the veteran Argentine fell out with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last season after being denied a move away in search of more playing time.

Predominantly a back-up option, Romero only made seven Premier League appearances during his time at Old Trafford.

Everton’s pursuit of the 34-year-old may indicate that Robin Olsen will not be joining permanently.

Olsen provided cover and competition for the Blues’ no. 1 Jordan Pickford during his season-long loan from AS Roma.

The latest

Everton have tabled what’s described as a ‘lucrative contract’ as they look to secure a long-term target, claims Football Insider’s Toffees source.

They unsuccessfully pursued a loan move for Romero last summer, with United reluctant to strengthen a possible rival.

But it’s not guaranteed that the Blues will get their man this time either amid ‘competing interest from top European clubs’.

The verdict

Back-up goalkeepers don’t get much better than Romero, who consistently delivered when called upon by United, being hailed by fans and teammates alike – Eric Bailly called the shot-stopped an ‘immense talent’.

So whilst this would be really strong business from Everton, it’d be a difficult move to understand from the player’s perspective.

If he was frustrated to be confined to a squad role at United, why would he accept the same at Everton?

Jordan Pickford’s excellent form in 2021 has surely made him the undisputed no. 1 at Goodison Park, and it feels unlikely Romero would bump him off the top of the pecking order.

Perhaps the explanation is that Romero doesn’t mind the lifestyle of a no. 2, earning his keep without being placed under significant pressure, but just wants a change of scenery from Old Trafford.

In other news, fans raged over this image.  

Everton have suffered a big injury blow ahead of their Premier League encounter with West Ham United on Sunday week after Lucas Digne picked up a hamstring injury on international duty.

What’s the word?

The 28-year-old was called up to Didier Deschamps’ France squad for the Nations League finals but will now return to Merseyside after playing no part in their semi-final victory over Belgium.

A club statement read: “Lucas Digne has withdrawn from the France squad due to a minor hamstring injury. The Everton left-back will return to USM Finch Farm to be assessed by the Club’s medical team.

“Digne was on the bench for France’s 3-2 Nations League semi-final victory over Belgium in Turin on Thursday night and will now miss the world champions’ final clash against Spain on Sunday.”

Rafael Benitez will be gutted

Although the severity of Digne’s injury has not yet been confirmed, it seems likely that he’ll miss the Toffees’ next clash against high-flying West Ham on Sunday 17 October.

If the left-back is deemed unavailable for selection, Everton manager Rafael Benitez will be left feeling gutted at his enforced absence given the defender’s importance to the club. Digne has played every minute of the Merseysiders’ top-flight campaign so far this season, captaining the side in their last three matches.

His magnificent form has played a pivotal part in Everton’s impressive displays of late, with Benitez’s men sitting pretty in fifth position after collecting 14 points from seven games, and his attacking influence is evident in his match average of 1.9 key passes, the joint-highest in the Toffees’ squad.

The visit of the Hammers is set to be one of their toughest tests yet, though, and they’ll be hoping that Digne recovers in time to play some part against the capital club. If he misses out, Everton will be deprived of one of their main attacking outlets and most trusted players.

In other news…Brands must sanction Everton swoop for £12.6m-rated gem, he’s an “outstanding technician” 

Former Premier League defender Steve Howey thinks Jerome Boateng could have a Thiago Silva-like impact at Tottenham if he joined the north London club this summer.

Boateng is currently a free agent after leaving Bayern Munich at the end of his contract and The Athletic recently suggested a move to Tottenham would make a lot of sense.

Last summer, it was Spurs’ London rivals Chelsea who decided to snap up a high-profile centre-back on a free transfer when they signed Silva and it paid dividends.

The 36-year-old, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain, went on to help Chelsea win the Champions League and secure a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.

For Howey, if Tottenham brought in Boateng this transfer window, then they could be getting their own Silva.

“Look what Chelsea did with the lad at the back, Thiago Silva,” the ex-Newcastle central defender said in an exclusive interview with TT. “Very experienced and I thought he did quite well for Chelsea at the back end of the season.

“Boateng, we all know what he’s about and how good he is. So, of course, it could certainly be an option for Tottenham.”

German journalist Christian Falk reported back in April that Spurs were interested in signing Boateng going into this transfer window, so perhaps that is one they revisit if they cannot sign their other centre-back targets and the German is still available.

West Ham United are reportedly interested in making a swoop for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, as reported by Tuttosport.

Contributing effectively last term for the Old Lady, the American registered nine goal contributions in 46 appearances for his current employers; six goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be on his way to East London if reports in the Italian media are to be believed.

Tuttosport claim that McKennie is garnering attention from Everton, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham.

Juve are open to replacing the United States international, with Borussia Dortmund man Axel Witsel identified as a more suitable fit for new manager Massimiliano Allegri’s system.

In light of the Hammers’ alleged interest in McKennie, loads of West Ham United supporters took to social media to comment on the latest news.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to West Ham Central as well as various Hammers news outlets, here is what some fans had to say about the rumours:

“Weston McKennie on a loan to buy would be absolutely incredible business! A 3 of McKennie, Rice & Soucek to choose from would be fantastic”

Credit: @WhufcSloth”JAJAJAJAJAJAJAAJA NO WAY THEY DON’T MENTION TOTTENHAM”Credit: @SaidTalks”100% YESSSS”Credit: @leestirling17″This geezer is unreal, defo won’t happen will cost too much”Credit: @olliebruton”The speed with which I will buy a West Ham McKennie jersey”Credit: @JesseLarch”PLEASE”Credit: @danielluker10In other news, West Ham United fans react as their club rejects the opportunity to sign a striker. Find out more here.