All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United’s decision to sell Kasper Schmeichel to Leicester back in the summer of 2011 must surely go down as one of the biggest blunders in the club’s recent history.

Reports claimed that Leeds sold Schmeichel for less than £1m, with then boss Simon Grayson making it clear that the call to sell the Denmark international was one that was in the “best interests” of the Whites, and that it was the “right deal for the club”.

It was suggested by the manager himself that the goalkeeping position was an area he wanted to strengthen that summer, and wanted to sign another senior shot-stopper to follow in the footsteps of Paul Rachubka’s arrival from Blackpool.

Speaking after a move to the Foxes was confirmed, Schmeichel let it be known that the decision for him to leave Elland Road was taken out of his hands, and that it was well and truly against his wishes.

He said at the time: “I want to put on record that I have never asked to leave the Leeds United, nor did I reject an offer for a new contract, since one was never put to me. I was enjoying being a Leeds United player and was looking forward to winning promotion this season with the club.

“I have spoken to the manager Simon Grayson and he has made it clear to me, that, in spite of having played well for him, this is something he believes is a good deal for Leeds United. I have been put in a very difficult situation and will spend some time considering my options for my future.”

Since then, Schmeichel of course has developed into a Premier League stalwart, having earned promotion to the top-flight with Leicester and being part of that now historic side that clinched the title against all odds in 2016.

The big Dane has also picked up 60 senior caps for his country, while he was even named by FIFA as one of the three finalists for the world’s best goalkeeper award back in 2018.

Considering that Leeds pocketed less than a £1m – absolute peanuts both in today’s market and even back in 2011 – it’s surely a shocking call that the Whites must still regret even to this day given how Schmeichel has progressed at the King Power Stadium.

Leeds just weren’t able to see the kind of potential in Schmeichel that Leicester did, and it’s the Foxes who have benefitted the most.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday frontman Dean Windass been discussing Jordan Henderson’s recent injury.

The England midfielder had missed just four of Liverpool’s Premier League matches this season, but is now facing a spell on the sidelines following a groin problem sustained in last month’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.

Henderson was replaced by Nathaniel Phillips just 30 minutes into the Reds’ 2-0 defeat, and whilst the Liverpool Echo revealed that the Liverpool captain is expected to play again this season, the club are yet to comment on when he might return to playing action.

However, the Echo confirmed that Henderson won’t feature before the upcoming international break, meaning he’ll miss Premier League games against Chelsea, Fulham and Wolves, plus their Champions League second leg against Leipzig.

And Windass told FFC that Liverpool have lost their “back-bone” with Henderson out the side. He said:

“They’ve missed him in midfield, they talk about Van Dijk, he’s been the biggest one, they haven’t had a settled back-two because Robbo [Andy Robertson] and Trent have always been the right back and the left back.

“Jordan is a good organiser, he learnt everything through Stevie, and went on to captain and win the Premier League, so the back-bone of the team has slipped away. The biggest loss is that Jordan’s been out of the midfield. It’s a blow for Liverpool, but the defence has always been a problem since Van Dijk has been injured.”

Whilst the injury to Virgil Van Dijk has been well publicised following his impact in the last two seasons, Henderson’s absence is a major blow in more ways than one – their midfield and centre-back options are even more limited, whilst they’re also without their captain and biggest leader on the pitch.

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has been tipped to stay at Ibrox by Paul Robinson, who believes the joy of the title win will keep players at the club.

No reason for Morelos to leave after ‘incredible’ title win

Robinson was recently talking to Football Insider about Morelos’ future and Rangers’ title win this season. The former England international believes that this is currently a ‘fantastic’ time to stay at Ibrox, as the players are part of something special at the club.

He described it to be an ‘incredible’ achievement and he doesn’t see any reason why the Colombian would want to leave Rangers right now.

Robinson said: “What a fantastic time it is to stay at Rangers. These players are part of something so special and they are now seeing how much it means to the fans to get back to the summit of Scottish football. It’s incredible.

“The celebrations and the feelings those players in the dressing room will have right now, why would Morelos want to leave? Why would he want to go and play somewhere else?”

Morelos has impressed in the current season for the Gers, scoring ten Premiership goals in 24 appearances. He has contributed to 0.69 non-penalty goals per 90 minutes for the side. While that is the lowest tally of his Rangers career in a season, it is still an impressive season (as per FBRef).

Earlier this season, Gerrard gushed over the striker, saying: “I thought Alfredo was outstanding for the majority of the game. I thought his performance was probably his strongest of the season.”

Morelos is a vital cog in the wheel

Morelos is currently valued at £10.80 million and his goalscoring exploits this season are pretty clear to see. He was linked with a move to Lille in the summer, but he stayed at Ibrox.

It shows that Ross Wilson and co could bring in a profit for him, but because of how important he is for Rangers, Robinson may be right to suggest standing firm. If clubs do come calling for the South American, Gerrard’s side should at the very least demand a massive price tag, perhaps even more than his valuation.

In other news, many Rangers fans have been talking about a video involving a defender – read more here.

Carlo Ancelotti is set for an anxious wait as Jordan Pickford will undergo scans on Monday to assess a potential rib injury ahead of Everton’s FA Cup quarter-final tie with Manchester City.

That’s according to the Liverpool Echo (14/3, 15:09), who quote Ancelotti as noting that the England goalkeeper aggravated a previous issue during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Burnley.

Pickford was sidelined for three Premier League fixtures and last month’s FA Cup fifth round win over Tottenham Hotspur after sustaining abdominal damage in a collision with the post in January’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United.

Pickford returned to action to guard Everton’s goal in last month’s 3-1 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Sky Blues, before keeping clean sheets against Liverpool, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.

Saturday’s outing at home to Burnley marked Pickford’s 23rd appearance of the Premier League season and 25th in all competitions, but it lasted just 43 minutes before he was forced off and replaced by academy goalkeeper Joao Virginia, who came on for his top-flight debut.

Ancelotti hopes that Pickford will be able to make a quick recovery from the recurrence of his previous rib injury, but cannot yet put a timeframe on his potential return.

“We don’t know. He has exactly the same problem as the month when he was out for two or three games,” the Italian said. “He has a scan on Monday, and we will see after the scan.

“I hope that Jordan can recover soon but we have to see, we have to check.

“It is not going to be a big, big problem because it is the same problem [as before]. It is true he was out for two to three games, but I hope he can recover soon.”

Pickford appeared to aggravate his rib injury midway through the first half of Saturday’s loss to Burnley after diving towards Johann Berg Gudmundsson’s shot, but initially played on, despite looking uncomfortable and in pain.

Though the £23.5m-rated shot-stopper could only continue for a quarter of an hour before being replaced by Virginia, with AS Roma loanee Robin Olsen not in the matchday squad as the Sweden international remains sidelined through injury.

Olsen has not featured in one of Ancelotti’s team sheets since the Merseyside derby when he watched the Toffees’ 2-0 win from the bench, sitting out the following four Premier League games.

Pickford now joining the 31-year-old in the treatment room will surely leave Ancelotti facing an anxious wait for the results of his scans, with Virginia otherwise the Italian tactician’s sole option to feature between the sticks in Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final with Man City.

Virginia had only played once in the Everton first-team, during a Carabao Cup tie with Salford City before making his top-flight debut over the weekend after an intended season-long loan spell with Championship side Reading last term.

The 21-year-old opened the first two games of the 2019/20 campaign, but would only play a further 90 minutes in the EFL Cup before returning to Goodison Park early last January.

Some Royals supporters shared on social media that they believed it was the right decision to cut short Virginia’s loan spell as he was far from ready for senior action, whilst his move to the Madejski Stadium was described as a ‘disastrous spell’ by Berkshire Live.

Ancelotti will no doubt be eager to avoid throwing Virginia in at the deep end against City, with him having only kept two clean sheets in six games with the Toffees’ Under 23s this season, making a positive update on Pickford’s injury very much needed.

AND in other news, a £15k-p/w Everton dud who gives “absolutely nothing” has been tipped to seal a summer transfer…

Liverpool earned a slender victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday evening, in a match that was unfortunately overshadowed by an injury to Rui Patricio.

The goalkeeper sustained a head injury late on, with the game eventually being sealed thanks to a goal just before half-time from former Wolves man Diogo Jota.

The Portuguese winger did excellently to combine with Sadio Mane before directing a shot into the near post.

Despite proving to be the match-winner at his former stomping ground, Jota’s contribution did not just end with his goal.

The £36m-rated forward was a constant thorn in the side of his ex-employers, having two shots and getting each of them on target, according to WhoScored.

A further dribble added to his game, whilst the home side were only eventually able to stop him by unfair means, with Jota winning two fouls throughout the game. Only Thiago Alcantara and Adama Traore were fouled on more occasions than the Reds’ match-winner.

His excellence on the ball continued throughout the game, as he proved to be a creative influence, providing another key pass, whilst he was also hugely reliable on the ball, only getting dispossessed on just one occasion.

Regardless of his attacking contributions, Jota was also key as Liverpool aimed to hold onto their slender lead.

Against his former club, he contributed a clearance, a tackle and two interceptions, whilst also committing just one foul. Meanwhile, he also won a huge four aerials, which for a player standing at just five foot and eight inches, is a remarkable figure, and the highest on the entire Liverpool team.

With Roberto Firmino still suffering with injury, more outstanding performances similar to that at Molineux will certainly stand Jota in good stead if he has hopes of continuing to lead the line for the Reds.

AND in more news, read why despite getting back to winning ways, the Reds have to forget about the Premier League this season…

Fans of Liverpool have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding Liverpool’s alleged interest in a summer move for Aaron Ramsey.

According to a report by CalcioMercato (via The Express), Ramsey could be set for a return to Premier League football in the shape of a move to Liverpool, who are facing the prospect of losing Georginio Wijnaldum on a free transfer when his contract expires on Merseyside this summer.

It is said that a move for the £187,000-per-week Juventus midfielder, who has scored two goals and registered four assists over his 18 Serie A appearances so far this season, would suit Jurgen Klopp’s side, due to the 30-year-old’s “potential availability” and “proven Premier League quality”.

However, after Empire of the Kop relayed the reports on Twitter, fans of Liverpool flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to be distraught at the prospect of the Reds making a move for Ramsey this summer, brandishing the news ‘ridiculous’ and ‘silly’.

So, what exactly did these Liverpool fans have to say in reaction to the reports regarding Aaron Ramsey?

“A serious club wouldn’t get a finished player such as this one.”

@SheikhSadio

“Silly to replace Gini with a player the same age, on ridiculous wage & injury prone. Nar, we should pass.”

@AngryLittleMan1

“Too injury prone, no point.”

@Evans_sly

“This guy is broken more times than Matip!”

@76Hangman

“Last thing we need is another sick note.”

@haggisjoseph

“Absolutely not.”

@MattMumford

“NO.”

@ejaz_k_

“Gets to many injuries.”

@mucko7416

In other news: these Liverpool fans were left appalled by this “depressing” transfer news – find out more here!

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie revealed that he is keen to see Tammy Abraham link-up with Dean Smith’s men again.

Abraham has struggled for game time under new Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel – though that has partly been down to injury – and is now being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Villa, where the 23-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell back in the 2018/19 season, are said to still be admirers of the English striker, meaning the Midlands club could be interested in a move in the summer if he does become available.

And for Hendrie, it is a transfer that he would love to see happen. The ex-Villa player told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I’m a big fan of Tammy, I really am. I just feel that he’s got great energy. When he was at Villa for that period of time, he was immense, he really was. He was a breath of fresh air, he gave it that belief, he gave fans a lot of pleasure and he scored a lot of goals. It might be that Tammy has to leave Chelsea, and I do feel that coming to Villa, I think it’d be a fabulous fit.”

Hendrie later went on to add:

“He’s a player I’d have all day at the club because, at the moment you’re looking at the overload that Ollie Watkins has gone through this season, [he’s] played a hell of a lot of games. Imagine having those two in your squad. I just feel that’d be a massive positive push for Villa.”

Without a doubt, the last couple of months have been difficult for Abraham, who is up against the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz for that No.9 spot at Chelsea. Furthermore, an exit really could be on the cards if his situation does not change.

After joining AC Milan on loan at the beginning of the 2020/21 season, not many Man United fans would probably have expected right-back Diogo Dalot to have enjoyed such a profitable campaign.

The young Portuguese defender has enjoyed an excellent season at the San Siro, racking up 24 appearances in all competitions for the Italian giants.

In that time, he has played a role in seven separate clean sheets, as well as getting himself on the scoresheet twice and providing a further two assists.

It is form that has seen Milan express an interest in signing him permanently, with The Metro reporting that they have submitted an informal offer of £12m.

Whilst it could be tempting for Ed Woodward to sell considering that Dalot is only valued at £9m at the current time, the club should do everything they can to keep hold of him once he returns from his spell in Italy.

Whilst Aaron Wan-Bissaka has consistently been the Red Devils’ starting right-back, United could find themselves in a precarious position should the former Crystal Palace man sustain an injury.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=” Latest Man United transfer rumours and news!”]

Other than him, there is no other natural right-back in the squad at Old Trafford, meaning Dalot could certainly have a vital role to play upon his return.

Meanwhile, whilst the club are blessed with a number of talented left-backs in the form of Luke Shaw, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams, the Portuguese can also deputise on the left-side, again seeing him become an excellent option for squad depth.

At just the age of 22, Dalot also has plenty of time to improve, so he could become even better than his spell in Milan suggests he currently is.

Even United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has laid out his intentions for the right-back to return to Old Trafford, stating he was “looking forward” to reintroducing Dalot to the squad following the Red Devils’ recent clash with AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League.

He will be hugely disappointed then to see Dalot allowed to depart on a permanent basis following his temporary exit and excellent season with Milan.

AND in more news, take a closer look at Luke Shaw’s fantastic England return…

Celtic were handed a blow in their pursuit of Eddie Howe on Wednesday. However, it seems as if the Hoops have their own concerns regarding the former Bournemouth boss.

Sky Sports were informed by Howe’s representative that the 43-year-old isn’t planning to return to the dugout until the summer at the earliest.

This comes after reports suggested that Howe was set to be announced by the Hoops at some point this week after ironing out finer details over a Parkhead switch.

Celtic’s Howe doubts emerge

In a report from Football Insider on Thursday, a Hoops source actually revealed that it is not just Howe who is holding up proceedings – the club themselves aren’t convinced over the former Cherries man.

They suggest that Celtic aren’t sure the Englishman is willing to deal with the pressure and scrutiny of managing a club where the expectation is to win every match, yet another fresh twist in what is fast becoming quite the saga.

Transfer Tavern take

We’re not so sure that Celtic now have their doubts on Howe, as the latest report suggests.

Dermot Desmond made Howe his number one target for the vacant role following face-to-face talks in London just last week, and it seems bizarre that a little dithering from the manager’s end would cause the club to completely change course.

However, it seems as if Howe won’t return until the summer, but hopefully, when he does, he’ll be in the Parkhead hot-seat.

In other news: Report shares Celtic’s Howe alternative, find out who it is here. 

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur and their chairman Daniel Levy are planning to open talks for Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar this summer, coming after a deal was ‘very close’ to happening in January.

Skriniar has excelled again for the Nerazzurri this season, starting 23 Serie A matches so far and averaging an impressive 91.7% pass accuracy from the back (WhoScored).

Tottenham planning Skriniar talks

Jose Mourinho is said to be a big admirer of the Slovakian international, coming after chief scout Steve Hitchen flew to Italy for transfer talks last summer (football.london).

Tottenham’s interest in signing the 26-year-old last summer is well-known, with reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold even saying the defender was ‘very keen’ to join the club in 2020 (football.london).

Football Insider have now claimed that Spurs have reignited their interest and Levy is planning to open talks for Skriniar in the next transfer window. They added that the Lilywhites made a January attempt, with the agreement being ‘very close’ at one stage.

Transfer Tavern take

Jose Mourinho’s top priority is said to be recruiting a centre-half, and Inter’s financial situation could open the door for Spurs to land Skriniar this summer. Standing at a towering 1.88m (6 ft 2), the colossus has maintained his brilliant form which attracted Spurs last year.

Adam Zilak, a former teammate of the international defender, recently hailed Skriniar as an ‘incredible defender’ (La Gazzetta dello Sport), leaving little wonder as to why Levy and co wish to open talks again this summer.

In other news: Tottenham have been dealt a potential Harry Kane blow, find out more here.