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Speaking to The Boy Hotspur, a Tottenham source close to the club has allegedly relayed that those within Spurs are speculating and theorising as to who might be the caretaker manager after Jose Mourinho – with the whispers happening ‘outside of [Daniel] Levy’s office’. 

Tottenham source shares behind the scenes claim

Indeed, as per this report, a Lilywhites source explains that Spurs are in a ‘bit of a muddle’ behind the scenes, with Levy apparently finding increasing ‘issues’ and ‘difficulties’ with Mourinho – mainly because the Portuguese gaffer is failing to be an ambassador for the brand.

Star striker Harry Kane, however, is still a staunch advocate of the current boss and his opinion carries a lot of weight within the club – and the Tottenham chairman understands his importance in north London.

The Spurs source, as a result, shares that the club are slightly split behind the scenes – and this Lilywhites insider, speaking to the Boy Hotspur, even claims there is speculation within Tottenham as to who might be the caretaker.

Transfer Tavern take

This theorising is allegedly happening away from Levy’s office as Tottenham continue to be linked with possible replacements for Mourinho.

The likes of Brendan Rodgers and Julian Nagelsmann have been reported in the media as coaches the club are keeping close eye on, but only time will tell whether Tottenham do in fact part company with the once-special one.

In other news: Tottenham want to sign this ‘beast’, find out more here.

Many Sunderland fans have slammed comments from manager Lee Johnson ahead of their clash against Accrington Stanley this weekend.

The Black Cats are in action on Saturday as they look to consolidate their place in the League One play-offs. They will have been hoping to go up to the Championship automatically, but no wins in their last four matches, including three defeats (Sky Sports), means they will have to do it the hard way.

Speaking prior to the clash against Accrington, Johnson was asked about who will appear at left-back. Callum McFadzean has come under fire on a regular basis from Sunderland supporters throughout the season, but Johnson has backed the defender, saying that he is “as good as it gets really, as a lad” (Chronicle Live).

The comments were shared on Twitter by Sunderland reporter James Hunter, and they attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what Johnson had to say.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Johnson below

“” I could find you ten or 12 clips where he has been really fantastic in terms of setting a move off, or his defensive position.” Oh here man…”

Credit: @Camer0nJohnson

“What a load of garbage. Does anybody believe a word that LJ is saying here? McFadzean has cost us multiple times, over several matches. He can’t play.”

Credit: @NiskyBaldMan

“LJ has to take all the blame, the buck stops with the manager.”

Credit: @paulbasnett10

“100% mate, I said the same thing, McFad didn’t put a leg in or even attempt to make any sort of block, I find it bemusing that he still persist with him.”

Credit: @GILESY1973

“he’s been tortured every game he’s played and LJ is ill picking him, if he’s in lineup tomorrow there’s something seriously wrong”

Credit: @steve2013

“LJ has been too slow in making necessary substitutions in several games recently, and this is a HUGE concern… Also, regardless of what Fadz is like as ‘a lad’, the stark reality is he’s nowhere near good enough on the pitch, and LJ is DELUDING himself to think otherwise…”

Credit: @RokerPark150705

In other news, Johnson has given an update on this Sunderland ace.

David Sullivan must strive to reach an agreement with Manchester United for the transfer of Jesse Lingard, amid claims of a potential permanent move to West Ham.

What’s the word?

According to TransferMarketWEB, the Irons are adamant that Lingard will stay at the London Stadium beyond his initial half-season loan.

The 28-year-old has proven a huge hit in claret and blue, with Lingard striking five goals and providing three assists in seven Premier League games.

Only against Fulham in February’s goalless draw at Craven Cottage has the England international failed to influence the scoring since leaving Old Trafford in January.

The Red Devils are expected to cash-in on Lingard’s blistering form under David Moyes, with the 24-cap maestro set to enter the final year of his £100,000-per-week contract in June.

Moyes recently declared aspirations of West Ham reaching an agreement with Manchester United to sign Lingard permanently, noting via quotes by the Daily Mail:

“He’s joined a good group of players. We’ve got international players and I’m hoping we can add to that in the coming transfer window. The job is to try to add to that. But I would hope Jesse sees this as a good place if it’s possible to be done, and if we think that we want to do it at the end of the season.”

West Ham were previously said to have sought the inclusion of a £15m purchase clause in the £1.5m loan agreement for Lingard, though Eurosport claim Manchester United rejected the terms as they expect his value to be upwards of £20m this summer.

Should West Ham sing Lingard?

Lingard’s promising early form at West Ham will undoubtedly help Man United set a higher asking price at the end of the season, but Sullivan must strive to strike a deal that sees the Warrington-born playmaker remain in east London.

Lingard hit the ground running for Moyes despite rarely getting a look in at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, with the 2017 Europa League winner’s only action before joining West Ham totalling 179 minutes.

Former Hammers head coach Alan Curbishley believes his time spent in the wilderness gave Lingard the fire in his belly to thrive at West Ham, telling Optus Sport: “He has been a revelation.

“He has come into the West Ham side angry because he cannot get into the team at Old Trafford. He has also come in hungry and that’s the sort of player you want.”

Not only has he been a revelation, but Lingard is arguably now West Ham’s most important player, with his intensity in behind Michail Antonio and emerging relationships with the likes of Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen bringing Moyes’ attack together.

Lingard’s ability to cause problems has also been at an unparalleled level, as shown on Sunday when he was alert enough to play a quick free-kick to catch Arsenal asleep, having already produced a sublime finish to fire a half-volley into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Curbishley and Moyes’ comments, plus Lingard’s incredible form, must surely act as distinct messages to Sullivan that West Ham have to seal a deal for the midfielder this summer.

AND in other news, a West Ham ace who joined at the “perfect moment” has seen his market value of crash by £16.5m…

Leeds United have been without Gaetano Berardi for several months due to injury and Phil Hay has discussed his return for the under-23s against Crystal Palace on Monday.

What Hay had to say about Berardi

Berardi was selected in the starting line up for the game and played 45 minutes. Phil Hay tweeted: “The player made his return to a football pitch as he played started for the u23’s. Another step forward for Gaetano Berardi today. He’s in the U23s line-up at Crystal Palace.”

Will he feature for Leeds?

It was his first appearance since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in July and therefore the player himself will surely be very happy that he got some minutes under his belt (Transfermarkt). The 32-year-old Swiss international is now close to getting a glimpse of the Premier League for the first time and, for someone who was key for the club before his injury, this is great to see.

Back when he was fully fit, Bielsa praised the defender, saying: “Berardi is a loyal player and he gives everything on the pitch. When you give everything on the pitch, the players can arrive late, but you have to analyse every red card. Maybe the red card today is different to another.”

It will be good to have the right-back available for selection again in the near future as Leeds have had multiple injury issues this campaign, and so it is a boost for another defender to be nearing availability for first team selection.

However, it could be hard for the Swiss ace to get fully fit after such an injury and it is even harder for Berardi as he doesn’t just need to get used to Bielsa’s intense style again, he will also need to adapt to the quality and intensity of the Premier League.

He won’t get straight back into the side, but it would nice to see him make some appearances for the club before the end of the season as his contract expires in the summer.

In other news, Phil Hay discussed one Leeds star and his current contract!

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and BBC regular Noel Whelan has touted an exit for Ezgjan Alioski – coming after he reportedly instructed his agent to find him a new club. 

Alioski, who has been used fairly regularly by Marcelo Bielsa this season, starting 18 Premier League games (WhoScored), could leave as a free agent at the end of this campaign as his contract expires in June.

A Leeds United favourite before his contract fiasco, Alioski is expected to leave Elland Road at the end of the season by former Whites striker Whelan – coming after the 29-year-old told his agent to start looking for other options according to Football Insider.

Whelan tips Leeds exit for Alioski

“He will be on his way in summer, now. I kind of thought that anyway before he’s been sitting on the bench for a few games,” explained Whelan.

“We are now beginning to see signs about who might not be at the club next year. If you ask the majority of Leeds United fans, they will probably all say the same few players. Their time has come and we need better at the football club.

“That’s no disrespect to players like Alioski. They’ve done their job, they’ve played their part. But I think it’s time now.”

Transfer Tavern take

Time will tell whether he does exit at the end of this campaign, but the key development of Alioski instructing his agent to search for new suitors could be crucial.

A new contract is seemingly unlikely at this stage, and only time will tell where he could move upon its expiry.

In other news: Marcelo Bielsa loves this 31-cap attacker, find out more here.

When Rangers signed James Tavernier from Wigan Athletic for around £250k in 2015, few would have predicted that he would go on to captain Steven Gerrard’s side to an emphatic title success nearly six years later, but bringing him to Ibrox now looks to have been a masterstroke.

The Englishman joined on a three-year deal in 2015, along with Martyn Waghorn, with Rangers reportedly paying £250k for the right-back’s services.

Since then, he has gone on to make 284 appearances for the club, in which he has contributed a hugely impressive 63 goals and 89 assists, helping to fire Rangers back into the top-flight, before being a huge part of their title success this season.

In 29 league appearances this season, the former Newcastle United man has contributed 11 goals and nine assists, resulting in a superb 7.76 average rating, which comfortably ranks him as Gerrard’s best performer in the Premiership so far this campaign.

His performances have reportedly seen him attract the interest of Premier League side West Ham, which has unsurprisingly seen his value with the Ibrox-outfit increase even more.

During his time in Scotland, Tavernier’s market value has slowly increased, although his impressive performances this season have seen his value shoot up to £7.2 million, according to Transfermarkt.

This currently ranks him as Rangers’ joint-second most valuable player alongside Ryan Kent, with Alfredo Morelos top of the tree.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Therefore, when you consider just how cheap Rangers were able to sign Tavernier for in 2015, you could certainly argue that they unearthed a gem, as the right-back has become a hugely important member of this side, particularly under Gerrard in recent seasons.

The Liverpool legend was full of praise for his captain earlier in the campaign, saying:

“When he goes through the gears, he is unstoppable, and we have seen that, or flashes of that so far this season – I think he is really close to being at his best.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“588789″]

Therefore, Gerrard is clearly a big fan of the right-back and he will be delighted that Rangers were able to bring him in for so cheap back in 2015, as his performances in recent seasons surely mean that he will go down as a legend with the Gers.

And, in other news… Forget Boupendza: Wilson can save millions with swoop for 28 y/o international 

For Leeds, their season has been a very inconsistent affair. Their opening two games saw a scoreline of 4-3 but entertainment has followed in its droves since then.

Marcelo Bielsa likes his team to play wonderful free-flowing football but that often leaves them open at the back.

You only need to look at their wretched run of form in 2021 so far. The Whites are yet to win, yet to score and have conceded seven times in three outings.

Considering how 2020 panned out for Leeds, the New Year has been in stark contrast. Though, there are still positives to be had.

One of which is the performances of Brazilian winger Raphinha. The attacker arrived in the summer for a fee of £17m but it’s hard to suggest many supporters knew anything about him.

He’d played just one season in Europe’s top five leagues but on the contrary, was a player that Victor Orta had been tracking for a while. In fact, the Spaniard was watching Raphinha when he was still playing in Portugal.

The 23-year-old learnt his trade at Vitoria Guimaraes and then Sporting Lisbon, before moving to Rennes in France. His impressive and consistent displays subsequently earned him a move to the Premier League.

Since signing, he has been nothing but superb. Although he’s contributed to just four goals in the top-flight so far, his dazzling dribbling skills leave plenty of defenders face down in the turf. He is a wily character, a winger full of tricks, creativity and most importantly work rate.

An attacker player can have all the talent in the world but if he doesn’t put in the hard yards for a manager like Bielsa then they’re destined to fail under him. You only need to look at Jean-Kevin Augustin’s ill-fated spell in England for context there.

It’s a big achievement to work yourself into Bielsa’s good books this quickly but that’s exactly what Raphinha has done, racking up 1.5 dribbles per game – a team-high.

It takes plenty to impress the Leeds boss, but it also takes something to impress pundit Graeme Souness, someone who gave the youngster the seal of approval earlier this term. He said: “He’s a flair player but works his socks off. I think there’s a goal in him. There’s lots to like about him.”

Clinton Morrison echoed those thoughts in December, commenting: “He’s brought into it. He works hard. He tracks back. And he creates chances. But he’s just so lively. He doesn’t hug the touchline. What he does is that he comes in off the line and he makes it difficult for fullbacks to mark him. I think he has been an excitement for Leeds and long may it continue.”

That is the primary difference between a player like him and Helder Costa. The Portuguese has struggled for game time this season and doesn’t work nearly as hard as Raphinha does. That speaks volumes when you consider the latter has only been at Elland Road for a matter of months.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-leeds-stories” title=”Read this week’s latest Leeds stories!”]

For evidence of how hard Raphinha works, you only need to assess the number of loose balls he has recovered. Per game, the Brazilian recovers 6.83 balls per game, that’s just 0.01 behind Jack Harrison.

A further litmus for his hard work is the amount of progressive ball carries the £60k-per-week earner makes per game compared to his teammates. Once more, he is ahead of Costa.

Raphinha carries the ball forward towards the penalty area on average 6.63 times per 90 minutes. Costa, by comparison, has only done so 4.4 times.

The canny winger may provide plenty in attack but ultimately, it’s his work rate that has made him such a genius piece of business from Orta. Given his potential, too, £17m is looking like a snip.

AND in other news, Leeds could find their new Roofe by signing £27k-p/w beast with a “love of scoring”…

If reports are to be believed, Slaven Bilic is facing a job-defining game later this afternoon as his West Brom side head north to face Newcastle United in the Premier League.

According to the Telegraph’s John Percy, another capitulation or embarrassment at the hands of the Magpies at St James’ Park and it could be curtains for the Croatian.

The ten men of Albion were thrashed 5-1 by Crystal Palace on Sunday and things aren’t going to be much better with Matheus Pereira confirmed as suspended for the next three games, so what sort of Baggies side will we see today?

Here’s what we are predicting…

There could be as many as three changes as well as a fresh system.

In terms of replacements for the influential Brazilian playmaker, we may see skipper Jake Livermore return, meaning Conor Gallagher can be pushed further forward with Romaine Sawyers also keeping his place.

One of the players to make way in defence is veteran Branislav Ivanovic after he dropped a stinker against the Eagles, instead, Kieran Gibbs returns to form a back four.

It also means that Matty Phillips drops to the bench as his position as fill-in left wing-back is effectively void.

Semi Ajayi, Kyle Bartley and Darnell Furlong make up the backline, heralding regular first-choice goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Bilic could stick with Karlan Grant upfront, but there is a return for the £9m-rated Callum Robinson, who is deployed on the other wing to Grady Diangana after being snubbed last time out.

The £18m summer signing was hooked off at half-time against Palace, but should keep his place with Pereira out suspended.

It means the likes of Dara O’Shea, Kyle Edwards, Kamil Grosicki and Hal Robson-Kanu are all restricted to the bench.

AND in other news, Albion should cash in on “exciting” £30k-p/w outcast…

When Fabio Silva signed for Wolves, eyebrows were raised.

Sporting the luscious hairstyle of a Renaissance muse, the 18-year-old walked through the doors of Molineux for a considerable fee of £35.6m.

The price Wolves paid to Porto was a club-record fee, but unlike Raul Jimenez – their previous record buy – he has been a massive flop.

Of course, the club paid for the potential here but for a player of that price, you’d want goals in abundance.

Silva simply hasn’t produced that in the Old Gold yet. The Portuguese has scored just once for Wolves – a penalty – and has missed a succession of wonderful chances.

The teenager is full of talent but at the moment, he’s demonstrating that he doesn’t have what it takes to lead the line week in week out in the top-flight.

No one would have predicted Jimenez to sustain such a horrendous injury, but it speaks volumes about the recruitment policy in the Midlands. In hindsight, spending such money on Silva was not worth it. His performance against Everton on Tuesday just about summed up his dire stay so far.

As Nuno Santo’s men fell to a 2-1 defeat, Silva was virtually anonymous, failing to offer much in the final third. The youngster won just 12.5% of the duels he contested in and had only a solitary attempt at goal on target.

If that wasn’t bad enough, he received possession on just 21 occasions and made as few as nine passes in the whole match. For context, that’s fewer than goalkeeper Rui Patricio, someone who managed 16 passes.

Silva cut an incredibly isolated figure at Molineux and struggled to get into the game. There’s no doubting his relentless running but on the ball, it was another frustrating night for the striker.

However, the lack of service will also be alarming. It’s hard to completely criticise the forward because Wolves were lacking both Daniel Podence and Adama Traore.

Those two players are capable of causing chaos to an opposition backline, individuals who can take markers away from Silva and open up space for him to score more goals.

Time will tell whether he improves with better teammates around him. Though, for the time being, he needs to be removed from the firing line.

AND in other news, Wolves can find their next Boly with swoop for £1.5m “weapon”, he’s a “great talker”…

One minute everyone is talking about who should replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and now it’s Roy Hodgson’s turn under the microscope.

What’s the word?

Hodgson, who is the oldest man to ever manage in the Premier League, has recently admitted he is “undecided” over his Crystal Palace future.

The former England manager is currently into his fourth season in charge at Crystal Palace since he was appointed in September 2017.

But the 73-year-old’s contract at Selhurst Park is due to expire this summer which has cast doubts about his long-term future at the club.

So with that in mind, it’s about time Steve Parish started searching for a potential replacement, and he may not have to look very far at all, with reports from The Athletic last summer claiming that Burnley manager Sean Dyche is someone who is admired by those at Palace.

Dyche is Hodgson’s heir-in-waiting

Some Palace fans have been crying out for the 49-year-old to replace Hodgson reports initially surfaced for the first time linking him to Selhurst Park last year.

Former Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley, who learned the tricks of the trade under Dyche at Turf Moor, recently described his former boss as an “extremely intelligent” manager in an interview with Coaches Voice.

If Parish can persuade him to jump ship to Selhurst Park, he could almost completely transform the club’s fortunes. It goes without saying that he has performed something close to a miracle with the Clarets, often overachieving with very little in terms of resources, but he has also developed a system that has proven to be very hard for other teams to break down.

By the numbers, Burnley have conceded just 28 goals this season, the same amount as fifth-placed West Ham, which is nearly ten fewer than Hodgson’s side themselves (37). Think Liverpool, Arsenal and Wolves – these are just some of the scalps the Clarets have claimed in this campaign alone.

Setting his side up in his preferred 4-4-2 formation, Dyche’s side are prepared to put the hard graft in to frustrate and deny opponents, as they remain compact, sit back comfortably and defend in numbers. Hardly revolutionary, but doubly effective.

But that doesn’t quite paint the full picture. In terms of statistics, they aren’t necessarily a possession-based side, but have shown signs they have started to adapt to the ever-changing Premier League by controlling the ball and building up play from the back.

For instance, defensive midfielder Ashley Westwood averages 52.6 passes per 90. By comparison, that’s more than the likes of Jairo Riedewald and Patrick van Aanholt, the latter of which tops the Palace charts with 49.9 passes respectively.

However, Dyche does look well settled at Burnley, with the new board clearly keen to give him their full backing. But Dyche is arguably one of the most underrated managers in the game and if Parish can bring him to Palace, he could improve the team’s defensive frailities.

It’s exactly why the Eagles should revive last summer’s interest in the Burnley boss and seriously consider him as Hodgson’s heir.

AND in other news, Roy Hodgson should unleash Jean-Philippe Mateta against Leeds United…