The writing is on the wall for Marco Silva at Everton ahead of the Merseyside derby on Wednesday evening.
The situation from the outside looks fairly straightforward: anything other than a win will likely see him dismissed from his post.
And, according to The Telegraph, he could be dismissed before the game kicks off, with senior figures at the club unhappy with his substitutions and change of formation against Leicester City.
One of the players to come off the bench during the game, however, did plenty to impress the Toffees faithful on social media.
The player in question is Moise Kean, and his performance was deemed so impressive that a large number of fans want to see him included in the starting XI against Liverpool on Wednesday night.
One Everton fan touched upon the fact the club have failed to replace Romelu Lukaku since he left for Manchester United in 2017 and, while the Italian prodigy may not be the answer, stated he is worthy of a start in midweek.
Plenty of other supporters, however, simply expressed their desire to see Kean start the game following a lively cameo at the King Power Stadium.
There was clearly some fire in the striker’s belly when he came onto the pitch following a disappointing couple of weeks off the field in which he was dropped for the trip to Southampton, a disciplinary issue that placed his attitude under huge scrutiny in the public eye.
Fears over a potential attitude problem, though, appear to have been cast aside – for now at least…
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
It’s been speculated for months that Jack Clarke may be recalled by Tottenham in January, but now we’re getting reports that he could be headed to another Championship club.
What’s the story then?
With Clarke’s departure from Elland Road this winter looking inevitable, of course, there were bound to be a number of teams monitoring his situation.
Reports from Football Insider have named three sides that are apparently interested in Clarke’s signature. They’ve stated that Middlesbrough, Derby County and Fulham are all sniffing around the teenager with a view to loaning the wide man once January comes around.
Anyone but Fulham
Clarke’s future will entirely be out of Leeds’ hands, but they have to hope that he ends up at either Derby or Middlesbrough rather than Fulham.
The London club are Leeds’ closest challengers in the race for the automatic promotion spots as they currently sit third in the table.
While Clarke isn’t necessarily going to strengthen a squad that has Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert as wide options, his arrival would give Scott Parker’s side a bit of added depth that could see them provide a little bit more pressure on Leeds.
Whereas if he went to Boro or Derby those two clubs don’t look like they’re going to get anywhere near mounting a top-six challenge, nevermind an automatic promotion spot.
It would be Sod’s law if Clarke went to Fulham and contributed to halting Leeds’ promotion challenge, and United have to pray that the winger doesn’t end up at Craven Cottage for that exact reason.
If you factor in how Fulham have a history of finishing the season strong, it only adds another reason as to why Clarke signing for the Cottagers would be bad news for Leeds.
In other news, Marcelo Bielsa’s recent comments seem to contradict one thing he keeps doing at Leeds.
Sunderland’s winless run may have stretched to eight games with the draw against Blackpool, but picking up point is a respectable return and the performance of Charlie Wyke should provide cause for optimism.
The striker has spoken about suiting Phil Parkinson’s style of getting crosses into the box and he proved that with a terrific volley to score from Chris Maguire’s corner, which suggests that he could prove significant for the Black Cats’ boss.
It was a difficult match for the 27-year-old to make his first start upon his return from injury, but he showed what he offers Sunderland in contrast to Will Grigg, who too often has offered very little this season.
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Supporters were impressed by Wyke’s strike as well as his overall contribution to the side, which led to an improved performance from Parkinson’s side.
The assertion that he could be a key player for Parkinson is certainly a big prediction, but Wyke proved effective after coming on last week too and given Parkinson is clearly a fan of his, he could begin to realise his potential.
His overall contribution to linking play and holding the ball up could make him an important cog in Parkinson’s system, and his involvement against the Seasiders was certainly more noticeable than what Grigg has provided for most of this season.
Despite that, some supporters didn’t like what they saw from the frontman, claiming he didn’t offer enough apart from the goal, which is a little harsh considering that without his impact the Black Cats would have probably succumbed to another defeat.
In other Sunderland news, the debacle which led Aiden McGeady to be transfer listed could backfire for Phil Parkinson, who’s job security could be under risk if results don’t improve soon.
A recent update into Newcastle United’s prospective takeover has angered many supporters at St James’ Park this week.
The Independent’s chief football writer, Miguel Delaney, wrote an article claiming that a decision could be made in “mid-June” and that the entire process continues to “unsettle many” involved.
And this hasn’t gone down well with sections of the Magpies faithful with some opting to slam the reliable reporter on social media, calling him a “rat” as well as suggesting that he knows very little himself.
Many believe that Delaney has some sort of agenda against the club after he voiced his concerns over Saudi Arabia’s influence.
Other fans were quick to aim their frustrations more generally, rather than at Delaney, as the length of time this has already taken is clearly starting to grate on some.
It’s been over two months since reports first emerged linking Mike Ashley with the sale of the northeast outfit to a Saudi-backed consortium, and since then, there has been a wrath of claims putting doubt on the situation.
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The most recent of which came from the Guardian, who revealed a report from the World Trade Organisation into pirate TV service beoutQ. They claim that the Saudi state is behind the illegal streaming of sports events, including the Premier League, but the public investment fund, who is behind the Magpies’ takeover bid is a different entity to the government.
It’s all a bit complicated, which is why supporters have simply had enough.
In addition to their annoyance has been anxiety and worry. This latest piece from Delaney hasn’t helped matters at all with a couple of fans believing that the deal could be rejected.
If his claims are accurate though, the United fanbase will soon learn their fate.
AND in other news, Newcastle fans react to neutral venues claim…
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards delivered a damning claim on Monday night as Newcastle United fans were embroiled in debate on social media.Much of the Magpies’ faithful appear to be fuming that the club are continuing to take payment over season tickets for the 2020/21 campaign despite the club being under the process of changing ownership – as well as the remainder of the season being played behind closed doors.But to Edwards, it’s not a surprise given how poorly current owner Mike Ashley has run the club during his 13-year reign.He claims that manager Steve Bruce hasn’t even been told that a takeover is happening, brandishing the situation as “ludicrous,” he tweeted:
The 59-year-old has spoken publicly about the takeover, so he does know that something is in the pipelines, but evidently, he’s hearing the same news as supporters which is quite a poor look considering he’s supposed to be leading out this Magpies squad in just a few weeks time.
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It’s rather damning on Ashley that he’s prepared to leave his manager in the dark over the whole process – but is anyone really surprised? Probably not.
AND in other news,ÂNewcastle tracking Championship STAR ahead of MOOTED summer move…
Bradford City have not offered Sunderland target Jay Spearing a deal as the Black Cats look to make a summer move.
According to The Sun (5 July, page 61), Phil Parkinson is keen to take a punt on the former Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool midfielder after he became a free agent.
Parkinson will have a difficult summer ahead of him as he looks to rebuild his side after a second consecutive season without gaining promotion from League One to the Championship.
Finishing eighth in the League One table, the Wearsiders missed put on a play-off place and pressure will firmly be on Parkinson to make the right signings.
The Sun claims that Spearing is emerging as a transfer target after spending time under Parkinson at Bolton.
Spearing is reported to have been offered the chance to return to Merseyside with Tranmere Rovers, whilst Bradford were also said to be interest.
The Gazette report that despite the latter’s interest, a deal has not been offered, essentially making it a two-horse race between Sunderland and Tranmere.
This looks like good news for Sunderland, as it means that it remains a level playing field in the race to sign Spearing given no offer has been made by Bradford.
Signing the ex-Liverpool man could be good business from Parkinson. As mentioned he knows the player well from their time at Bolton and he is a player with lots of experience, not just in League One but also in the two divisions above – he has played 30 times in the Premier League.
Do you think Spearing would make a good signing for Sunderland? Let us know in the comments section below…
An unnamed club has made an offer for Rotherham United striker and Sunderland transfer target Jerry Yates, according to Sunderland Echo.
With the League One season ending prematurely, Black Cats manager Phil Parkinson will be looking to bring in some new faces after failing to gain promotion to the Championship. Interest in former Swindon striker Yates has re-emerged, with an unnamed club said to have made an offer in the last few days.
The 23-year-old scored 13 goals in 31 games on loan with the Robins in League Two during the 2019/20 season before returning to parent club Rotherham.
Swindon are also said to be looking at pursuing a permanent move for Yates, with their manager Richie Wellens having spoken about an offer that he believed would be submitted in the next 48 hours.
With the striker’s future now being heavily discussed, Sunderland Echo have claimed that the unnamed club to have submitted an offer are Blackpool and not the Wearsiders.
Yates was expected to leave Rotherham this summer due to his contract expiry but the newly-promoted Championship club chose to activate the option to extend by a further year, thus allowing them to sell him on.
It looks like Sunderland could miss out on Yates if indeed it is Blackpool who have just tabled a bid for him, although missing out on him might not be disastrous for the Wearsiders.
Yates has done well in League Two but, having scored just once in 18 League One games, the step up to England’s third tier could be a lofty one for him, so Sunderland ought to just turn to other targets instead.
Do you think Sunderland should make a bid for Yates? Let us know in the comments section below…
It was Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s first full season with Manchester United, having joined the club in December 2018 after the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
The club sent big during the summer transfer window, breaking the world record on Harry Maguire as the most expensive defender in the world – as well as spending a further £65 million on Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.
United finished last season in sixth place, and five points off of a Champions League spot – and would have set out their aims to secure Champions League football this season, given that the club has only finished in the top four twice since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in at the end of the 2012/13 season.
It would be a tough challenge, with Liverpool and Manchester City setting the bar for the standards and quality needed to contest at the top – as well as clubs like Tottenham and Arsenal investing heavily to contend for those same places, so just how well did Manchester United do?
Player of the Season – Marcus Rashford
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester United v Watford – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – March 30, 2019 Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please c
Mr. Manchester United himself – Rashford has really stepped up this season and become the club’s main talisman upfront alongside Anthony Martial.
The pair have fantastic number the boast in the league with 17 goals each, but it is the Englishman that takes the crown for Player of the Season.
Rashford has been a role model both on and off the pitch, having provided three million meals alongside charity Fairshare for vulnerable people across the UK, as well as convincing the government to make a U-turn and provide free school meal vouchers for hungry children over the summer period. A
truly remarkable person who makes a positive difference both on and off the pitch.
Goal of the Season – Marcus Rashford vs Chelsea, Oct 30th ’19
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford v Chelsea
This was an absolute cracker and a goal that seems to have gone under the radar a bit.
United faced Chelsea in the Carabao Cup back in October towards the start of the season, and the Londoners were holding the Red Devils to 1-1 draw after equalising through Michy Batshuayi in the 61st minute until United won a freekick more than 30 yards out from the Chelsea goal.
Rashford unleashed a shot straight from the Cristiano Ronaldo notebook, striking the ball with such technique and conviction that left Kepa with no chance of reading the flight of the ball, until it hit the back of his net as Rashford nestled it into the top left-hand corner.
An incredible freekick and an easy goal of the season winner.
Breakthrough Player – Mason Greenwood
Soccer Football – Premier League – Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – July 4, 2020 Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer substitutes off Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Peter Powell/Pool via REUTERS EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to
The young English striker did make his debut for the club at the tail end of last season – and it was thought that Ole may send him out on loan for this season to gain some valued experience.
Instead, however, the club chose to keep hold of him, and what a great decision it was. Greenwood registered 10 goals in the Premier League this season from 31 league appearances, with 19 of those coming on as a substitute.
The 18-year-old is a big talent, and will certainly become a big player at the club should the begin to progress and reach the heights they once did, and Greenwood could become a big part of that – another product of the club’s fantastic academy system.
Flop of the Season – David De Gea
The Spanish shot-stopper looks a shadow of the man that once stood between the sticks for United the past few years, but this season in particular he has had an absolute shocker in terms of form.
De Gea looks as though he has lost every ounce of confidence he once had having been named the best goalkeeper in the world repeatedly in the past.
However, this season the 29-year-old has made mistake after mistake and cost United many a point in the league – recording three errors that have led to goals in the league this season.
Defining Moment – 2-0 v Leicester City, Jul 26th ’20
Going into this game, United needed to muster just a single point against the Foxes to ensure they finished within the top four, resulting in a place in next seasons Champions League.
This would become a defining moment in the Red Devils’ season, as anything less than. adraw would mean that the club would finish in fifth place. Luckily for the United fans, they pulled off a 2-0 win and secured themselves third spot in the Premier League – which to many is a big achievement for Ole and his side.
This win proved pivotal for Solskjaer and his future at the club, and the result means that he will get the backing he deserves before the start of the next season, alongside United being back in the Champions League.
Signing of the Season – Bruno Fernandes
This was as easy a decision as they come. The Portuguese playmaker joined the club in January for just shy of £50 million, and since then has recorded 8 goals and 7 assists in the Premier from 14 Premier League games.
The club hadn’t lost a league game after he signed his deal on the 29th January – and has injected life and drive back into a United team that was missing Marcus Rashford after his injury back in mid-January.
The 27-year-old has become a starlet at the club, and the fans will be looking forward to watching him again next season.
Hit Expectations? – YES
The Red Devils would have set their sights on a top-four spot at the start of the season and they achieved that.
The financially lucrative aspect of securing Champions League football proves so important for the finances of a big club like United, and United finished third behind a Liverpool team that have set incredible standards this season, as well as a Manchester City side that has ruled English football for more than five years know.
Ole has done a great job at the club this campaign, and it will be exciting to see what he can achieve next season and beyond.
Tottenham Hotspur’s midfield revamp shouldn’t just stop at Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as the door has opened for them to make further improvements this summer…
What’s the word?
Back in April, Mundo Deportivo claimed Jose Mourinho was keen to sign Barcelona outcast Ivan Rakitic after following his situation closely but they face competition from Juventus, Atletico, Napoli and Sevilla for the £18m-rated veteran.
Now it has been reported by the Daily Mail’s Martin Samuel that the Croatian international can leave the Nou Camp as part of a mass exodus under newly-appointed Ronald Koeman.
It remains to be seen how much the 32-year-old would command but with him entering the final year of his contract at the La Liga giants, it surely wouldn’t be budget-breaking.
Winks upgrade
Despite rarely featuring for Barca this season, Rakitic is a player who still has plenty left to give and Mourinho has always been a huge fan of his.
Speaking as a pundit for beIN Sports earlier this year, the Portuguese boss claimed that Rakitic was “one of the most underrated players in the world” and added: “He is a fantastic player at every level. He does defensive work on the right side to compensate for Messi. He runs miles. In ball possession he is fantastic. He is simple, he is effective.”
His numbers for the 2018/19 season back this up too – per WhoScored, the deep-lying playmaker averaged 1.5 interceptions, 1.4 shots, 0.9 tackles and a 91.4% passing accuracy across both the Champions League and La Liga.
From an attacking sense, this is something Harry Winks fails to achieve in a similar role whilst the Croatian is clear for interceptions too after the 24-year-old managed just 1.2 per game this season.
If anything, Rakitic can come in and mentor Winks for the next season or two and have him primed to compete as his successor later down the line.
But for now, the academy graduate appears to be the makeweight with Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso and Mousa Sissoko competing for very few places.
AND in other news, Shock move for PL starlet would just be Troy Parrott 2.0…
Celtic’s hunt for a striker this summer has been well documented, but there’s only one man that should become Odsonne Edouard’s long-term successor…
What’s the word?
According to Football Insider, the Scottish champions have had a £3m bid rejected for Peterborough United talisman Ivan Toney, which involves an initial £2.5m.
It’s claimed that the League One outfit are wanting between £9-10m to let their prized asset depart.
Other teams are hot on the chase of the 24-year-old including Brentford, West Brom and AFC Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Celtic are resigned to the fact that Edouard is unlikely to sign a new contract, meaning they have to decide whether to sell him this window or next summer – when he’ll be approaching the final 12 months of his current deal.
Long-term successor
It is time for Nick Hammond to pull his finger out and pay what Posh are asking. It’s not much more than what they paid for the Frenchman following the departure of Moussa Dembele to Lyon back in 2018.
Toney was in prolific form this campaign, providing 26 goals and seven assists, via Transfermarkt,
His former boss at the English side Steve Evans described him as a “dream” to work with because of his “phenomenal” work rate and attitude whilst chairman Barry Fry slammed the Scottish giants for playing hardball over their star man.
He believes Toney “would be a revelation for Celtic” and that he’d not only “score 30 to 40 goals up there” but would earn them £40-50m in resale value too.
Edouard’s time at Parkhead isn’t going to be forever, which is why it would be wise to find heir sooner rather than later, thus paying up for the former Newcastle graduate makes the world of sense.
AND in other news, latest clanger from Celtic STAR should have Hammond worried…