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Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has urged the Hoops to make contact with Rafael Benitez after taking a hit in their attempts to land Eddie Howe.

The Hoops are now doubting Howe’s interest in the vacant Parkhead role after initially verbally agreeing on a move with the former Bournemouth manager.

Howe has spoken to Crystal Palace ahead of potentially replacing Roy Hodgson, with the Englishman’s representatives convincing him he can still get a job in the Premier League this summer.

Talking to Football Insider, McAvennie urged his former club to go and get Benitez, describing a potential deal as ‘huge’, as he said:

“There was talk in the press about Rafa coming up here.

“He’s another man who wants to run things his own way, it’s why he was run out of Newcastle, [Mike] Ashley wanted to control everything.

“But he’s out of the job so why don’t Celtic just go and get him? He’d be a great manager at Parkhead and he could come now.

“I hope we’ve gone and asked him because if Newcastle can get him, then so can Celtic. It would be huge.”

Transfer Tavern take

McAvennie is correct when citing talk about Benitez moving to Glasgow in the press. Reports way back in January, when Neil Lennon was still in charge, suggested that the former Newcastle manager was set to be appointed.

Of course, a move never materialised, and we don’t think it would be possible this time around, either. Benitez confirmed that he would like to return to management in the Premier League, while was also on a whopping £12m salary at Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang.

Lennon was on £2.4m per year, so financially you wouldn’t expect the Hoops to be able to compete for the Spaniard.

In other news: Premier League club having second thoughts on deal for Celtic star, find out more here. 

Former Spurs captain Graham Roberts has exclusively told Football FanCast that selling Dele Alli would be the biggest mistake in Tottenham’s history.

Alli is tied down to a long-term contract in north London, but a move away from Spurs looks on the cards this summer following ongoing problems with Jose Mourinho.

The attacking midfielder has recently come back into the frame after his January move to PSG was blocked by Daniel Levy, and then him and Mourinho compromised in their relationship.

But Alli has started just two Premier League games this season, with the majority of his appearances coming in Europe and the domestic cups, and doesn’t appear to be a part of Mourinho’s plans at Spurs moving forward.

Since the Europa League exit last month, the England midfielder hasn’t played a single minute in the league – with his opportunities looking limited in the final few months of the campaign, with Spurs now left in just two competitions.

Despite his difficulties this term, Roberts has urged Tottenham to keep the talented ex-MK Dons star.

He told Football Fan Cast.

“If we let him go, I think it’d be the biggest mistake Tottenham ever make.”

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has knocked back the idea of Osaze Urhoghide being ready for a Premier League move this summer.

According to the Sheffield Star, Urhoghide has caught the attention of top-flight sides Leeds United and Crystal Palace, while Watford are also said to have an eye on the central defender.

Urhoghide, who is still just 20 years of age, only broke into Wednesday’s first team at the start of the year, since going on to make 11 Championship appearances for the club, hence why Palmer is not too convinced by the recent links.

Discussing the possibility of Urhoghide leaving Hillsborough in the next transfer window for the Premier League, the retired England international told FFC:

“How many league games has he played this season? I don’t think he’s played 20 Championship league games. So you can’t just start saying that kid’s got into the first team, done well – and he’s done well – and then start linking him with Premier League clubs.”

Speaking about the speculation surrounding Urhoghide’s future further, Palmer added:

“That’s what we do in the UK, somebody comes on the scene and all of a sudden, they’ve started playing well. And then after 10-15 games, they should be joining Barcelona, doesn’t work that way.”

Still just 20 years of age, there is certainly no need for Urhoghide to rush into anything. If the Wednesday youngster maintains the level of form he has shown since breaking into the first team at Hillsborough, then there is likely to be more interest in the future.

According to recent reports, Southampton now face a huge battle to keep hold of Saints centre-back, Jannik Vestergaard, this summer, after Tottenham Hotspur stepped up their interest in the St. Mary’s man.

The report by The Express claims that, with Spurs being concerned that Inter Milan will no longer be willing to part with Jose Mourinho’s long-term centre-back target, Milan Skriniar, this summer, the north London side have now fast-tracked a move for Vestergaard.

The Express continue by stating that if Tottenham wish to pry the Denmark international away from Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this summer, then Daniel Levy will have to stump up a figure of around £18 million in order to get the deal done.

Transfer Tavern Take

Tottenham’s increasing interest in Vestergaard is likely to come as something of a blow to Hasenhuttl, as the 28-year-old has been a crucial part of his Southampton backline so far this season, with the defender scoring three goals, as well as making an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 4.3 clearances per match, culminating in an average WhoScored match rating of 7.09 – ranking him as Saints’ second-best performer in the top flight.

However, considering the Denmark international’s contract is due to expire in the summer of next year, perhaps it would not be the worst idea in the world for Southampton to cash in on Vestergaard at the end of the current season, thus minimising the risk of losing a player Hasenhuttl himself has dubbed as a “role model” for nothing at the end of his contract.

In other news: This £70k-p/w Southampton star may not be at St Mary’s next season as news emerges; it’s not Ings – find out more here!

MatériaMais Notícias

Os treinos na Toca da Raposa II reservaram uma boa notícia para os fãs do Cruzeiro: Manoel, que foi poupado das atividades de domingo e segunda, treinou normalmente e está confirmado para o clássico de quinta-feira, contra o América-MG.

A confirmação de Manoel na zaga cruzeirense foi muito celebrada, especialmente pelo seu companheiro de zaga Bruno Rodrigo.

-O Manoel é um excelente jogador. Eu sempre procuro ajudar também o máximo possível. Depois da chegada do Mano nós procuramos fazer tudo com mais segurança. Todos estão bem postados e isso faz a diferença-defendeu Bruno Rodrigo.

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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer talked about his former club Southampton and the dreadful run of form they have been in, prior to their win against basement club Sheffield United on Saturday.

The Saints had lost eight of their previous nine Premier League fixtures before heading to Bramall Lane. It has left them in the bottom half of the table and far from safety, leaving manager Ralph Hasenhuttl with plenty of work to do before the season ends.

During this disappointing period for the club, Hasenhuttl’s men have also lost 9-0 to Manchester United. This, of course, comes after their defeat to Leicester City by the same scoreline in the previous campaign.

Undoubtedly, Southampton are in a difficult moment, with Palmer admitting that he would be worried if he was in the St Mary’s dugout. The retired England international told FFC:

“There’s obviously something going on there that needs to be addressed. They’ve conceded a lot of points from winning positions and that can just be a mental thing that needs to be addressed.

“But certainly, if you get beat 9-0, and it’s not just happened once, it’s happened twice, I’d be worried about that if I was a manager, I really would. In this day and age, you shouldn’t be getting done 9-0.”

Indeed, Southampton’s form is worrying. However, assessing their upcoming fixtures, there is reason for Hasenhuttl’s team to be optimistic.

Following their game against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, the Saints have a run of matches versus Brighton, Burnley, West Brom and Crystal Palace — teams all around them.

Before, however, they face a tough trip to the Etihad to take on runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City in what is likely to be another difficult day out for the Saints.

With not a lot to play for between now and the end of the season for Wolves, they can begin focusing on how they can improve ahead of the next campaign.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are one of a number of teams in the race to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.

The 25-year-old has only been in the Premier League for the best part of 14 months but plenty of teams clearly like what they’re seeing from him.

Wolves have already made trips to scout Brownhill, but they have been joined by Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Aston Villa, per TEAMtalk.

The Clarets signed him for a price of £9m, so you’d imagine they’d want a similar sort of fee in order to sell. They may also need to improve on his £35k-per-week wages in order to tempt the midfield general elsewhere.

Moutinho heir in waiting

There are very few positives from Wolves’ arduous season. They are in the bottom half of the table and haven’t been able to build upon their accomplishments of being in Europe last term.

With Raul Jimenez missing through long-term injury, they’ve not been their usual selves and that’s all been encompassed in Joao Moutinho. The Portuguese midfielder oozes class but has been one of a number of Old Gold players to suffer. He has only scored once this term and has attracted criticism as such.

Wolves reporter Tim Spiers has even claimed that this could be his final campaign as a regular in the starting XI. At the age of 34, he is no spring chicken and his best days may well be numbered.

With that in mind, the Molineux outfit will need a replacement. Could Brownhill be that man? Quite possibly.

The midfielder played a starring role for Bristol City in the Championship where he was given a more advanced role. In doing so, he contributed to 15 goals and 12 assists during his final two-and-a-half seasons in that part of the world.

Brownhill was capable of cutting through opponents, producing 1.4 key passes per match during his final half-campaign in the second tier. For context, despite Moutinho’s one assist in 2020/21, he has provided 1.2 key passes per game.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-news-on-wolves-from-molineux” title=” Check out the latest news on Wolves from Molineux!”]

Crucial, however, is the added penetration and zip he could bring to Wolves’ midfield. Brownhill is a player who loves to run himself into the ground, something Sean Dyche was keen to stress last September. He said: “(He’s got) boundless energy, will and desire, and he’s a good footballer. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s come through.”

Since signing for the Clarets, he has added to the defensive side of his game too, playing in a deeper role when Dyche’s men don’t have possession. Indeed, that’s a similar position to the one in which Moutinho plays at Molineux.

He starts attacks from deep by winning the ball back and then laying it forward. That’s an attribute in which Brownhill has thrived since arriving in the Premier League.

The 25-year-old has registered 1.4 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per match this term. In comparison to Moutinho, he is streets ahead in terms of his reading of the game. The Portugal international has only made 1.3 interceptions but importantly, wins two tackles per outing.

You can see why Brownhill would be a good replacement, though. He’s got an incisive pass but he’s also adept defensively. It might not be the most eye-catching of signings, but it would be smart business from Jeff Shi to bring in the 25-year-old.

AND in other news, Wolves must swoop for “dangerous” £37k-p/w beast with “really big potential”…

وجه عمرو السولية قائد منتخب مصر، رسالة إلى الجماهير المصرية والنادي الأهلي بشكل خاص، بشأن الدعم الذي تلقاه بعد تسببه في عدم تأهل الفراعنة إلى المباراة النهائية لكأس العرب.

وشارك منتخب مصر في بطولة كأس العرب، ووصل إلى دور نصف النهائي، وواجه نظيره التونسي، وخسر الفراعنة اللقاء بعد خطأ عمرو السولية وتسجيل هدف في مرماه بالخطأ قبل نهاية المباراة بدقيقة واحدة.

طالع أيضا.. موسيماني يوجه رسالة إلى عمرو السولية بعد خسارة مصر أمام تونس

وكتب السولية عبر حسابه الرسمي بموقع التواصل الاجتماعي “تويتر”: “شكراً لكل جمهور مصر بشكل عام وجمهور الأهلى بشكل خاص على الدعم اليومين إللى فاتوا”.

وتابع: “كمية الحب إللى شوفتها وحستها من الناس كلها حاجة متتوصفش، الأخطاء جزء من كرة القدم، وكل يوم بنتعلم منها حاجة جديدة”.

واختتم: “الحمدلله على كل شئ وكل التوفيق فى حلم الوصول لكأس العالم والعودة من قطر بكأس السوبر”.

شكراً لكل جمهور مصر بشكل عام وجمهور الأهلى بشكل خاص على الدعم اليومين اللى فاتوا كمية الحب إللى شوفتها وحستها من الناس كلها حاجة متتوصفش الأخطاء جزء من كرة القدم وكل يوم بنتعلم منها حاجة جديدة الحمدلله على كل شئ وكل التوفيق فى حلم الوصول لكأس العالم والعودة من قطر بكأس السوبر 🙏 pic.twitter.com/WOxmXBzDhS

— Amr elsolia (@amrelsolia) December 19, 2021

David Sullivan may have just pulled off a masterstroke at West Ham by demanding more than £100m to sell rumoured Manchester United target Declan Rice this summer.

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT host Jim White, the Irons co-owner and Chairman will demand nine-figure offers to sell Rice at the end of the season or will refuse to entertain any negotiations.

The claims followed former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan questioning how long West Ham can retain their England international, given his performances under David Moyes.

Rice has started and played the full 90 minutes in all 25 of the Hammers’ Premier League fixtures thus far this term, while often captaining his side in the absence of Mark Noble.

Rice’s efforts dictate the flow of proceedings at the London Stadium with the 22-year-old a metronomic presence in the engine room beside top-scorer Tomas Soucek, and is thought to be a target for both Manchester United and Liverpool.

The Premier League big-hitters are claimed to have contacted Rice’s agent to request that they are kept informed of any updates regarding his future, after Chelsea’s interest was halted by the sacking of Frank Lampard.

Jordan is adamant that suitors will be assessing the potential of a move for Rice in the off-season, a year after the Stamford Bridge natives refused to pay £80m for the 13-cap Three Lions star.

“It would be interesting to see what happens with Declan Rice at the end of the season,” Jordan said. “His performances have been so good that there will be suitors.

“There will be suitors with money. Then you’ll see how much David Gold and David Sullivan come under pressure if someone is prepared to write a cheque out for £80m, £90m for this player.”

A masterstroke by Sullivan?

Sullivan allegedly demanding offers in excess of £100m for Rice may prove to be a masterstroke by the West Ham chief, as it remains to be seen if any side is willing to pay what could be a British transfer record for the 22-year-old.

Liverpool hold the current record with Philippe Coutinho’s £142m move to FC Barcelona that featured an upfront £105m, while Manchester United lay claim to the most expensive signing in Paul Pogba’s return to Old Trafford when they paid Juventus a then world-record £89m for the Frenchman.

Whether either side is willing to place Rice in that category is up for debate, as is the potential for Liverpool or Manchester United to spend so highly on the £60,000-per-week West Ham star who Jamie Redknapp lauds highly.

“The defending by Declan Rice is unbelievable, putting his body on the line,” the former Anfield resident told Sky Sports (21/2, 13:56) while breaking down the Hammers’ 2-1 win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with Jurgen Klopp forced to shop in the discount aisle during the January window and strike buy-now, pay-later deals last summer when Diogo Jota and Thiago Alcantara arrived for minimal initial fees.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are expected to prioritise the signing of a new centre-half and forward in the summer, with those deals likely to all but take up the Red Devils’ war chest.

So, the money may not be there for Liverpool or Manchester United to sign Rice if Sullivan sticks to his guns, while Chelsea are no longer thought to be keen since Lampard departed the helm. All in, then, a masterstroke in the making from the West Ham chief.

AND in other news, West Ham express interest in £40m star ‘frustrated’ at his current club…

Liverpool are set to face Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday evening, with Jurgen Klopp’s side no doubt seeking revenge on the 7-2 hammering that was handed to them at Villa Park earlier in the season.

The fixture was in doubt after an outbreak of the virus at Bodymoor Heath, the Villa training ground, but it seems as if the Villans are planning to play their U23 side.

Therefore, this represents an opportunity for Klopp to make plenty of changes to his Liverpool side, although he will surely be keen to progress, with the Reds having last won the FA Cup in 2006 under Rafa Benitez.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the German manager to line his side up against Villa this evening, with five changes from the side that started against Southampton last time out…

Alisson keeps his place in between the sticks for this one as it could still prove to be a tough game against the young Villans.

There are three changes in defence as Trent Alexander-Arnold is rested after a disastrous performance against Southampton, with Neco Williams coming in as his replacement.

James Milner replaces Andrew Robertson at left-back, with the Scottish international getting a well-earned rest.

Jordan Henderson moves back into midfield to accommodate Rhys Williams, who returns at centre-back alongside Fabinho.

Thiago builds his match fitness by starting his second successive game in defensive-midfield, with Henderson and Curtis Jones ahead of him, with the youngster perhaps the key to providing some creativity from midfield.

The Reds have been goal-shy recently so Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino start up front and will be hoping to grab a few goals against this young Villa side, whilst Mohamed Salah drops to the bench, with Takumi Minamino replacing him.

Earlier in the season, Klopp described the Japanese international as a “machine” and after scoring on his last start against Crystal Palace, the £75k per week forward deserves a chance to start in this fixture.

And, in other news… Klopp can solve key issue by promoting teen sensation likened to Fernando Torrres