All posts by h716a5.icu

Southampton fans have lauded James Ward-Prowse after an incredible stat from the 26-year-old emerged.

Most Saints fans would probably agree that, along with perhaps Danny Ings, captain Ward-Prowse is the club’s most important player. From an individual perspective, this has been his best season – he has never managed as many combined goals and assists in a single Premier League campaign (Transfermarkt), while he also scored his first goal for England during the international break against San Marino.

Incredibly, the 26-year-old has now started Southampton’s last 101 games in all competitions – a miraculous feat considering the danger of injury and, at the moment, a positive coronavirus test. The stat underlines just how much the club relies on him.

The stat was shared on the club’s official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what is a brilliant achievement.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Ward-Prowse below

“The man is a machine Our captain”

Credit: @AlishaW1709

“We love you @Prowsey16 my captain!”

Credit: @DWTheDoctor

“More than just a Freekick merchant. An absolute engine”

Credit: @RhysTheSaint

“The marathon man,captain,leader,our heartbeat of the team”

Credit: @tugs081976

“Give him a statue outside the ground when he retires”

Credit: @HMacdonald07

“This man needs a lifetime contract imo Can’t wait for his testimonial”

Credit: @altoniansaint

In other news, Barry Fry has urged Southampton to sell this man.

After another impressive performance at the weekend, which saw him score a superb hattrick in Leicester City’s 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United, Manchester City might well be beginning to regret their decision to sell Kelechi Iheanacho to the Foxes in 2017.

Despite an impressive record for the Citizens, which saw the Nigerian striker contribute 21 goals and eight assists in 64 first-team appearances, most of which came from the bench, he was sold to Leicester for £25 million back in 2017.

Although he struggled in his first few seasons with the Foxes, the 23-year-old looks to be finding his feet under Brendan Rodgers this season and now has six goals in just 16 Premier League appearances this season.

With Rodgers’ side struggling in the absence of key players James Maddison and Harvey Barnes, the young striker has really stepped up to the plate in recent matches, with five goals in his last three top-flight appearances.

His performance against Sheffield United at the weekend was excellent, as he opened the scoring with a tap-in before adding his second with a powerful right-footed finish from a Jamie Vardy cross.

He then completed his first-ever Premier League hat-trick with a powerful drive from range and it seems as if the Nigerian is starting to realise his potential with the Foxes, and could even be an excellent long-term replacement for Vardy at the King Power Stadium.

Following his performance against the Blades, Jamie Redknapp described his partnership with Vardy as “phenomenal” and on his current form, it would be a surprise if he doesn’t at least reach double digits in the Premier League this season.

Pep Guardiola was certainly a big fan of Iheanacho and was full of praise for the young striker ahead of his departure, saying:

“It was an honour to work with him because it was not easy for him because I did not give him a [lot of] opportunities. His behaviour, I’ve never saw a guy like him (before).”

He also confirmed that City do have a buy-back clause for the youngster, so if he does continue to impress, perhaps we will see Txiki Begiristain bring him back to the Etihad in the near future, as based on his recent performances, you could definitely suggest that the sporting director may well regret his decision to let him go.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Mendy: Txiki should swoop for £60m wonderkid this summer

Celtic are stuck at a crossroads right now. For the first time in a decade, they are no longer champions of Scotland, and they also have no manager.

Despite that, they’re already targeting plenty of additions in the January window. Liam Shaw has already arrived for instance.

On the chalkboard

One area Celtic may need to improve in is in the middle of the park. Scott Brown’s contract is set to expire and thus, there will be an opening for another player in midfield.

Ismaila Soro feels like Brown’s natural heir if he does indeed leave but there are other options.

The Hoops targeted Giannelli Imbula in January while James McCarthy is another to have been on their radar.

Celtic were interested in a move for the Irishman last summer before registering further appeal in January. The Crystal Palace midfielder is out of contract in the summer so could arrive on a free transfer.

The solution

Indeed, the answer may not lie in any of the aforementioned names. Instead, the solution could fall at the feet of Motherwell’s Allan Campbell.

They knocked back significant bids for his services in January and now he’s a player being tipped to move to Glasgow.

That’s according to Hoops podcaster Colin Watt who said: “Someone I’d love to see us pick up – and I believe he’s actually available right now to sign a pre-contract – is Allan Campbell at Motherwell. I think the guy’s got a really big future ahead of him.”

The 22-year-old would be a great pick up for the Bhoys and he has plenty of history with the Glaswegians.

During the 2018 Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, he and Callum McGregor clashed as they started shoving and pushing each other aside.

Though, if we’re looking for a closer connection, we need to look no further than David Turnbull. No player has featured more alongside the Celtic star than Campbell.

According to Transfermarkt, the pairing have played together on 38 occasions from youth level to senior level. They have amassed 2,859 minutes together, 203 more than anyone else.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-transfer-news-onuachu-edouard-dembele-turnbull” title=”The latest Celtic news and views!”]

They clearly have a great understanding and you only need to assess words from Campbell to understand that. The Motherwell brute has waxed lyrical about him in the past.

Speaking in February, he commented: “We’ve got a lot of respect for each other. I hope he does well and likewise he’ll want me to do well.

“He’s a top player and a hard-working player, and he’s come here and had a real impact on the team (at Celtic). That wasn’t a surprise to anybody at Fir Park.”

With an understanding like that, they have the potential to create an eye-catching dynamic at Celtic. Certainly, with Brown possibly departing, signing a player of Campbell’s calibre would go down well.

AND in other news, Forget Laxalt: Celtic must unleash never-seen 19 y/o next term, he’s “very talented”…

Speaking to MARCA Gaming, via City Xtra, Manchester City legend and striker Sergio Aguero has sent a message regarding his future at the Etihad Stadium – claiming he doesn’t know what to do and remaining cryptic on whether or not he could put pen to paper on a contract extension.

Aguero has barely featured for the Sky Blues this season due to injury and illness problems, with the Argentine appearing on Pep Guardiola’s bench over the most recent few matches but not risked.

Kevin De Bruyne, who is also available after fitness problems, was brought on during City’s last encounter away to Everton – but teammate Aguero will have to wait to make his first league appearance since early January (Transfermarkt).

“I finish my contract at the end of the season and I don’t know what to do yet,” explained Aguero to MARCA Gaming (via City Xtra).

“The first thing I want to do is play, and at the end of the season, we’ll see.”

Flocking to this claim, plenty of City fans had their say – with many erupting and taking this as a possible sign he could be leaving at the end of the season.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

Man City fans erupt over Aguero claim

“I come on Twitter and see possibly one of the saddest things of my life..”

Credit: @MCFCnow

“The thought of not being able to see Silva or Aguero play again in the flesh is heartbreaking not ready for this”

Credit: @jessrothberg

“Please stay”

Credit: @YKMCFC

“Maybe it’s time to say goodbye”

Credit: @dald96

“Sign a new contract!!!!”

Credit: @iD7Mi1

“This is heart breaking. 1 more yr Sergio.”

Credit: @chrisSw31332053

“completely ruined my night this has”

Credit: @adamccowan_

In other news: Man City fans criticised this ace for his showing at Everton, find out more here.

Many Everton fans have been left to buzz at some comments made by Carlo Ancelotti on the future of Richarlison and whether he will stay at Goodison Park.

As relayed by the Liverpool Echo, the Italian boss has claimed that the former Watford star will stay at the Merseyside club for as long as the gaffer does.

This has come as such a welcome relief to several Toffees supporters given just how important he has been to the team over the years.

The Brazil international has scored no fewer than 40 goals and made a further nine assists in 105 games in total over all competitions over three consecutive terms so far since arriving at the Blues (Transfermarkt), and at just 23 years of age, is a precious asset to have.

Nonetheless, it looks as if he is going to stay at Everton at least for the near future, with Ancelotti under contract at Goodison until 2024.

Everton fan reaction to Ancelotti’s Richarlison comments

These EFC supporters were left buzzing after hearing about Ancelotti’s comments on Richarlison on Twitter:

“If we can keep him for a big season next then I would be made up”

Credit: @Wazefc83

“Ooooh this I like”

Credit: @cattywhites2

“Love this!!!!!!”

Credit: @TommyHanson93

“Absolutely love this and they both are not going anywhere!!”

Credit: @TashEFC

“I hope so, the best signing we made for years was appointing Carlo, he’s happy and the players clearly are, but in order to keep the likes of Richy we need European football, we will get it if not this year its next easy but it’s keeping what we have, I think we will”

Credit: @Lano1878

“I want them to stay forever”

Credit: @CherylSwanick

In other news, find out what triple injury blow Everton have been dealt ahead of West Brom here!

Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish claims it is only a matter of time before Allan McGregor signs a new contract at Ibrox this season.

What’s the word?

Reports in recent weeks suggested Steven Gerrard’s side are planning on offering the 38-year-old a new deal, with the Ibrox boss himself claiming that the club will hold talks with the veteran goalkeeper about his long-term future.

When asked if he feels McGregor will sign a new deal, McLeish told Ibrox News: “Yes, I believe so.

“If he’s not got any underlying issues in terms of his knees, his hips, his back or anything because old age does catch up with you sometimes.

“McGregor looks as if he’s going to be able to go on above 90-years-old, he’s playing at a great level, and he’s playing at Champions level.”

However, given there has been no confirmation of at least a short-term extension yet, there remains uncertainty surrounding his future as the deadline edges closer.

Wilson must act now

When fit, McGregor has shown that he is one of Rangers’ most important players alongside the likes of Glen Kamara and James Tavernier, as he has earned a regular role in the first-team this season, with Gers icon Peter Lovenkrands even saying he’s in the conversation for the club’s player of the year award.

Lovenkrands added: “When he’s called upon he comes up with the big moments and the big saves.”

It’s precisely why Ross Wilson must act now and tie him down to a new deal before it’s too late.

The 38-year-old, who earns wages worth £13,000-per-week, re-joined Rangers in 2018 – six years after leaving Ibrox for Besiktas. Since then, he has made 128 appearances under Gerrard across all competitions, that being bettered only by his teammates Tavernier and Connor Goldson respectively.

The former Scotland international, who remains a hugely popular character among Rangers players and staff, has previously impressed Gerrard with his attitude during first-team training – the Gers boss even mentioned him as a “pillar” of the dressing room and someone who sets the standard for the rest of his teammates.

Time and again, McGregor has proved to be the difference-maker. His performance in the Old Firm derby at the start of this calendar year have said as much.

Given the lack of options, this is surely a no-brainer, as Jon McLaughlin has found himself on the fringes of the squad, having made just nine top-flight appearances so far this season.

A contract extension for McGregor seems like a no-brainer, and it’s something Ross Wilson surely has to get done and dusted as soon as possible.

AND in other news, Rangers should unleash Cedric Itten against Hamilton Academical…

Salford City, MK Dons and Shrewsbury Town are eyeing up a transfer move for Sunderland flop Will Grigg in this month’s window, as per Pete O’Rourke.

The former Wigan Athletic striker, for whom they paid £3.06m back on transfer deadline day in January 2019, has not really been a success at the Stadium of Light ever since he moved and so it looks as if the EFL League One club are looking to see if they can cash in on him some two years later.

Sunderland need to sell Grigg

Grigg is the eighth highest earner at the Black Cats, bagging a reported £6k-per-week (Salary Sport), and so it may be a priority for Lee Johnson’s team to get him off of the wage bill, which in turn would potentially free up some space for some incomings before the window shuts.

With no goals or assists to show for in 12 games in total in all competitions in the 2020/21 term so far (Transfermarkt), the Northern Ireland international’s time may well be up at SAFC and so a move away from the North East may suit all parties involved.

Nonetheless, with just a few days left remaining in the window, time is certainly running out to try and offload the 29-year-old striker.

In other news, find out whose exit Sunderland fans are happy with here!

Lee Johnson will be fuming with Josh Scowen after the Sunderland midfielder was carried in his side’s victory over Lincoln City, before being substituted through injury on Saturday.

The Black Cats maintained their buoyant start to life under their new head coach to move up to eighth in the League One table thanks to goals from Grant Leadbitter, Jack Diamond and a brace from Charlie Wyke.

An early onslaught brought Sunderland a commanding lead as they reminded the third-tier of their promotion threat, with the play-off positions now firmly within touching distance after Ipswich Town were beaten 2-0 at home by Portsmouth.

Johnson handed Scowen his 13th start in 15 League One appearances for the season at the LNER Stadium, maintaining faith in the Phil Parkinson favourite who played each minute of the former Black Cats boss’ final three games in charge.

But Scowen was unable to demonstrate much quality during his time on the field against Lincoln, as the £720,000-rated midfielder began to wane heavily after a lively first-half performance that saw him provide an important role in Sunderland’s pressing game.

Johnson would have been far from impressed by the 27-year-old’s overall display, before being forced into a second change with the £8,100-per-week lightweight unable to continue following a knock.

Scowen departed the action just after the hour mark having failed to beat his marker with his only attempted dribble of the match, while failing to find the target with his sole shot and failing to produce a key ball from his 15 accurate passes, per SofaScore.

The Wycombe Wanderers product only attempted a total of 17 passes before being replaced by George Dobson, vastly fewer than goalkeeper Lee Burge who found teammates with 22 of his 44 attempts. The 27-year-old also completed more long balls (six) than Scowen attempted (zero).

Johnson further saw Scowen struggle in the duels, with the midfielder winning just three of eight ground battles and one of two aerial contests, while committing two fouls, being dribbled past twice, making no interceptions, blocking no shots and providing only one clearance.

Scowen was able to win possession in three of his attempted tackles, yet could now see Johnson opt to rest the London-born midfielder for Tuesday night’s clash with AFC Wimbledon at the Stadium of Light regardless of the extent of the knock sustained.

Meanwhile, Sunderland must offload this ace amid takeover speculation.

Despite the addition of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the summer, Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing another midfielder this month.

According to Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles in December, Spurs boss Jose Mourinho asked for a box-to-box maestro in the upcoming January transfer market.

One name that has been linked with a switch to north London is former Premier League ace Marten de Roon, who has made a name for himself in Serie A for surprise package Atalanta.

90min revealed exclusively that both Spurs and Manchester City were keeping an eye on him, though Pep Guardiola are more likely to consider an approach for him in the summer, thus potentially opening the door to Daniel Levy.

Further fuel has been added to the fire after Eurosport’s Dean Jones confirmed just last week that the Dutchman was indeed a player they were looking at.

He also went on to suggest that Gedson Fernandes is likely to return to Benfica, whilst the futures of Dele Alli and Harry Winks were by no means certain, so a new midfielder could well be on the agenda.

And de Roon fits the mould of what Spurs should be after.

They’ve got that defensive anchor in Hojbjerg and potential no.10s in Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso.

Though, the latter is yet to hit the ground running having contributed to just seven goals and four assists in 56 appearances, via Transfermarkt.

Perhaps that’s because he’s not been given the freedom that Christian Eriksen once had in attacking midfield, after all, the Argentine playmaker is averaging 1.6 tackles per game across the Premier League and in Europe too.

So the addition of a box-to-box option alongside Hojbjerg could be a dream for Lo Celso’s attacking output.

Valued at €20m (£18m) by CIES, de Roon is a player who has previously received a glowing endorsement from Mourinho.

After his Manchester United side beat Middlesbrough in the FA Cup in 2017, he told reporters via GazetteLive:

“This kid De Roon is phenomenal, his work-rate is phenomenal.”

The 29-year-old has continued to deliver for Atalanta this term, where he is averaging 2.1 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 0.7 shots and 0.6 key passes per game, via WhoScored, which merely emphasises his ability at either end of the pitch.

It also goes to show that his influence in the middle-third could be exactly what Mourinho needs to unlock Lo Celso’s true potential.

Daniel Levy must do what he can to secure the 15-cap gem this window.

AND in other news, Spurs transfer target rated at a BARGAIN £9m just delivered a defensive masterclass…

Scoring goals has been a problem for Fulham so far this season, with the Cottagers having managed just seven goals in their opening eight Premier League fixtures.

This suggests that Scott Parker’s side are really lacking some creativity in midfield, as well as someone who can take the strain off Aleksandar Mitrovic, with the Serbian having contributed two of those seven goals in the top-flight.

Fortunately for the West London club, they have an academy talent in Tyrese Francois, whose performances for the U23s in recent seasons suggest that he is more than ready to make his mark in the Fulham first-team.

The 20-year-old midfielder has grabbed two goals and one assist in just two appearances for the U23 side so far this season and is clearly pushing for a promotion to the first-team, having made his second appearance for the club – a 19-minute cameo after a 10-minute one in the same competition last term – earlier this season in the 2-0 win against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.

Francois’ debut came in a 1-0 defeat against Southampton in the same competition early last season, suggesting that he has been pushing for a first-team spot for some time now, and Parker must be well aware of his talent.

Following the win against Sheffield Wednesday, the Fulham manager was full of praise for Francois and fellow youngster Fabio Carvalho, saying:

“I thought they were brilliant. They did really well, to be fair.

“They’ve trained really well with us over the last few weeks. I thought they were positive when they came on and they created a few chances as well, so I was really pleased for those boys.

“Tyrese and Fabio, two very good football players who I’m sure will have a bright future here.” (per FTBL)

Therefore, Francois is clearly knocking on the door for Parker’s side and considering their lack of creativity this season, it might be worth giving him a chance in the first-team.

His Fulham profile suggests that he is “not the most physical, however, [he] makes up for it with excellent technical ability and skill. He has a lot of pace on and off the ball and is very alert in and out of possession” which sounds exactly like the sort of player the Cottagers might need right now.