Everton podcaster stunned by ‘unreal’ moment vs Forest

Everton podcaster Ryan Williams was left stunned by the referee giving a foul against James Tarkowski on Renan Lodi against Nottingham Forest.

The Lowdown: Points shared

The points were shared at the City Ground as Everton twice saw their lead pegged back by Brennan Johnson.

Demarai Gray had put the visitors ahead from the penalty spot, and Abdoulaye Doucoure scored a header in the first half, but it was not enough as the Goodison Park outfit had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

The Latest: Williams stunned as foul given

Taking to Twitter, Williams was left stunned at a foul that was given against Tarkowski on Lodi in the second half, leading to the central defender finding himself in the book:

“Wow. Tark never touches him. Second flop by Lodi. Unreal.”

The Verdict: Feisty encounter

The encounter between the two relegation-threatened sides turned into a feisty one, with no fewer than 28 fouls committed between them.

Tarkowski’s yellow card was one of eight handed out in the end, as both sets of players got into a number of scraps between them, with three vital points on the line.

In the end, both teams had to settle for a draw, which does not really help either in terms of their respective battles to avoid the drop come the end of the season.

Nonetheless, the Toffees must put this game behind them, and look forward to the next one.

Derby made ‘late’ January offer for Hunt

Derby County ‘came in late’ with an offer to sign Sheffield Wednesday defender Jack Hunt in January, according to journalist Alex Miller.

The Lowdown: Warne’s connection

The League One right-back has been based at the Hillsborough Stadium since 2021, but having fallen out of favour playing just three minutes of football between September and January, his future heading into the window was uncertain.

Rams manager Paul Warne already knows the 32-year-old having managed him at his previous club Rotherham, and following a fresh update, news has emerged that he made a last-minute move to try and bring him to Pride Park.

The Latest: Derby make Hunt offer

Taking to Twitter, Miller revealed that Derby approached Sheffield Wednesday regarding a possible deal for Hunt, though the Yorkshire outfit were quick to turn it down. He wrote:

“Told Derby came in late in the January window with a cheeky effort to take Jack Hunt off Wednesday’s hands.

“The landscape has changed on the Owls right and after a heel-kicking first half, Hunt can be important in the title run-in.”

Expanding in his column for The Star, the reporter stated that the offer put forward was a ‘structured free transfer’, but the Owls ‘swiftly stamped out’ the chances of a move.

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The Verdict: Worth another attempt

Hunt will be out of contract at Wednesday at the end of the season so Derby should definitely look to capitalise and make a second approach in the summer.

The Rothwell-born talent has clocked up 17 assists and two goals during his spell with Darren Moore’s side and has already put 20 crosses into the box this term, showing his desire to constantly get down the flank.

Despite primarily being a right-back, the veteran can also operate in four other positions, including centre-back and in midfield, which will be an attractive attribute to the boss.

Should Hunt not extend his stay with the Owls, Derby will be hoping that his existing connection to Warne will give them the advantage in the race for his signature this summer.

Man United: Romano drops De Jong update

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting Manchester United transfer update that will please Erik ten Hag.

What’s the word?

The update is regarding the club’s interest in Barcelona player Frenkie de Jong with Romano tweeting on Sunday evening:

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“Manchester United are discussing internally about submitting a new proposal for Frenkie de Jong in the next days. It’s a serious possibility, while talks with Barça are still on. Deal will enter into key stages after €60m [& add-ons] verbal, opening bid turned down.”

Ten Hag surely excited

The Dutchman faces an important summer transfer window ahead if he aims to take the club back to the heights seen under Sir Alex Ferguson.

It’s clear that quality is required in the midfield area, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard all having left United in the last few weeks.

Far too often last season the side were overrun in the midfield, with the 4-1 and 4-0 losses to Watford and Brighton particularly galling.

With this is mind, Ten Hag will be desperate to add De Jong to his squad ahead of next season, and with the qualities that the 25-year-old possesses, the move is a no-brainer.

Compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, De Jong ranks in the top 8% for completed passes (90.1%), the top 6% for progressive carries (7.08 per match), and the top 9% for touches in the opposition box (2.74 per match).

These stats show that Ten Hag would get a midfielder who can add that star quality into the heart of the midfield and contribute positively in an attacking sense, further backed up by his four goals and five assists in all competitions last season.

With Romano stating that a deal won’t begin until the fee has reached over the €60m mark (£51.6m), Ten Hag will need to act fast, and if he secures his services, it would be an extremely shrewd signing.

AND in other news, Man United could sign their “own Konate” as ten Hag plots bid for 6 ft 5 monster…

Liverpool: Reds will pursue transfer options

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes Liverpool will now turn their attention to bolstering the midfield department. 

The lowdown: Through the door

Newly appointed Sporting Director Julian Ward has wasted little time in flexing his negotiation muscles having taken over from Michael Edwards, securing the capture of Darwin Nunez from Benfica for an initial £64million (Sky Sports).

The Uruguayan frontman follows Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho through the arrivals door at Anfield, albeit much of the work for the 19-year-old starlet was completed in January.

A deal has also been agreed for Calvin Ramsay to join from Aberdeen, with the Reds now waiting on the young Scot to pass a medical and sign on the dotted line of a five-year contract.

The latest: Midfielders incoming…

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has claimed that Liverpool will now attempt to reinforce the midfield options at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, although it could be for next summer if none of the current options depart.

He said: “I think it’s the next big position that he’ll be looking at. We know they’ve had an eye on players like Tchouameni recently, and they might have gone through with it, but they were definitely keeping an eye on players at that level.

“If Milner would have gone and Oxlade-Chamberlain was leaving, then I would feel like they had reason to strengthen right now. But, as it stands right now, Liverpool have got loads of numbers in that area of the field.”

Paul Joyce of The Times also believes midfield is next on the agenda, but reports that the club are happy to wait until next year.

The verdict: Signing needed

Even if the Reds do get another season out of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Klopp and Ward should be targeting an alternative to Aurelien Tchouameni as the German manager embarks on another hectic campaign that will start with the Community Shield before a Premier League opener against Fulham and be fragmented by the mid-season World Cup in Qatar.

Having missed out on the Frenchman to Real Madrid, it’s likely that FSG are willing to sanction further funds this summer and as such, finding a player who can operate in multiple midfield roles to potentially rotate with the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson is essential.

Last season, Fabinho in particular made a mammoth 48 appearances across all competitions and is almost certain to be an integral part of the Brazil squad in the winter.

As things stand, the only natural cover comes in the shape of youngster Tyler Morton, with both James Milner and Henderson forced to filled in at times, leaving adequate room within the squad for a genuine understudy to be added to the Anfield ranks.

In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped a Sadio Mane transfer twist.

Tottenham: Sky Sports pundit thrilled by Jesus latest

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper turned Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left thrilled by the latest transfer news involving Man City forward Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Spurs make contact…

It is believed that manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici wish to add a striker to their ranks this summer with Sky Blues attacker Jesus among their targets.

Fabrizio Romano, sharing news in the last few days, has revealed that the Lilywhites are now in contact with his representatives over a potential move to north London this summer.

Speaking on Chris Cowlin’s YouTube channel, the transfer journalist states there have been discussions between Jesus’ entourage and Tottenham as Robinson reacts to this promising development.

The Latest: Robinson thrilled…

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-England international claims Jesus would be an ‘ideal’ striker signing for Spurs and Conte – drawing particular attention to his quality.

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He explained:

“There is not a starting spot for him at Spurs but he’d be an ideal signing because of his versatility and quality.

“It is down to the player’s ambitions. He will have no shortage of clubs interested in him.

“It depends on what he is driven by. Is he driven by success or finance?”

The Verdict: Make a move?

While the Brazil international will find it hard to get in ahead of Harry Kane, his brilliant return of Premier League goals and scintillating form towards the end of 2021/2022 perhaps suggests Jesus could give it a real go.

The 25-year-old bagged six goals in his final seven league matches of last season, displaying his true quality when given a chance, and we believe Jesus could perhaps do the same at Tottenham under Conte.

In other news: Conte desperate for Spurs to sign ‘world class’ star who’s now in real danger of being sold, find out more here.

Rangers must sign Matthew Sorinola

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is set for a busy few months working alongside Ross Wilson in his first summer transfer window in charge of the Glasgow giants.

The Dutchman joined after the end of last summer’s market and was backed in the January window as Aaron Ramsey, Amad Diallo, James Sands and Mateusz Zukowski all came in.

One of the first pieces of business he may need to worry about is the possible departure of defender Calvin Bassey.

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has backed the Nigeria international to reunite with his former manager Steven Gerrard. He recently told GIVEMESPORT: “Bassey is clearly highly rated by Villa. I think that deal will happen; I can see it happening. Obviously, [Diego] Carlos coming in might change the picture, but it’s clear Villa rate him highly, and for me, it’s just a no-brainer.

“The way he played in the Europa League, he looks like a player that’s just naturally ready to step up and perform.”

Unearth Bassey 2.0

If the defender does end up at Villa, Rangers could unearth Bassey 2.0 in a deal for left-back Matthew Sorinola, who was touted with a move to Ibrox last year.

Like the current Gers man, who came through the ranks at Leicester, he is eligible to play for England or Nigeria at international level and can come in as a full-back option for van Bronckhorst, which is why the club must now return for his services and agree a deal.

He spent the 2020/21 campaign in the first team at MK Dons in League One and caught the eye with a string of impressive displays.

In 34 appearances, he registered four assists and created an eye-catching eight ‘big chances’ as he showcased his ability to provide an attacking threat from left wing-back.

This shows that he has the ability to burst forward down the left flank in attack, which is something Gers fans have been able to watch with their own English/Nigerian defender this year as Bassey registered three assists in the Premiership.

Former Dons manager Russell Martin once took the time to hail the gem’s talent, saying: “He’s technically right up there with anyone in the squad – he wants to play. I love his calmness too – for a young lad, he’s so composed.

“He defended really well. People may question his size but when you’re as brave as he is to play with the ball and get in people’s faces and shut them down, he has so much ability and potential.”

At the age of 21, he has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and he can join with a view to him improving over time, rather than being expected to be the finished article straight away.

Rangers have already enjoyed success in bringing Bassey over as a young left-back from an English club in a similar deal and they can now repeat that trick by signing Sorinola, albeit he would be arriving from Belgian side Royale Union Saint Gilloise after joining them from MK Dons.

Van Bronckhorst can take his time with Sorinola and help him to fulfil his potential and become a first-team regular at Ibrox, with the gem potentially following in Bassey’s footsteps at left-back.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Weston: Rangers can form deadly future duo in deal for highly-rated teen…

Manchester United: Jurrien Timber move ‘practically closed’

Manchester United’s move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is ‘practically closed’, according to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida.

The Lowdown: Timber talks

Erik ten Hag has seemingly made the 20-year-old his first major target as United manager. The Red Devils first made contact over a possible move at the end of April, and a transfer has slowly gathered pace with the defender’s representatives in England last weekend.

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Timber, described as a ‘top talent’, as per the official UEFA Champions League Twitter channel, can play anywhere across the back four and is valued at a career-high £27m by Transfermarkt.

The Latest: Almeida’s update

Almeida took to Twitter on late on Friday evening to provide a Manchester United transfer update.

He revealed that a move for Timber is ‘practically’ done, adding that the club are now turning their attention to Villarreal’s Pau Torres.

The Verdict: New partnership?

Although Timber can play as a full-back, Ten Hag mainly used the Netherlands international at centre-back last season. He made 38 appearances at the heart of the defence and just five at right-back, helping Ajax to the Eredivisie title, conceding just 19 times in 34 games.

It looks as if he will become the club’s first major signing of the Ten Hag era, and with United now looking at a move for another centre-back in Torres, that could spell trouble for the likes of Harry Maguire, who was heavily criticised last season.

In other news: Reliable journalist leaks Man Utd talks as Ten Hag now eyes ‘terrific’ Englishman. 

Tottenham: McLeish thrilled by Jesus transfer development

Former Scotland manager turned Sky Sports pundit has been left thrilled by some Tottenham Hotspur transfer news involving Man City star Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites ‘set’ for Jesus battle…

Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici, as per reliable reports, are eyeing a move for the Brazil international after his impressive finish to the 2021/2022 Premier League season.

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Jesus ended last campaign with a brilliant six top flight goals in seven of his last appearances under manager Pep Guardiola as the South American becomes heavily linked with an Eastlands exit.

The 25-year-old is now on manager Antonio Conte’s radar as Mike McGrath of The Telegraph claims Spurs are ‘set to rival’ north London neighbours Arsenal for his signature.

The Latest: McLeish reacts…

McLeish, giving his take in reaction to the news, has been left thrilled – claiming Jesus is ‘tremendous’ and would be brilliant back-up to star man Harry Kane.

He explained to Football Insider:

“The five games at the end of the season, he was tremendous. He showed his real quality. He’s a guy who’s coming to the peak of his powers.

He may not be the best prolific goalscorer we’ve ever seen but he could evolve to give a better contribution and to score goals. At Tottenham, okay, there’s a pressure on them because of where Conte’s taken them but it won’t be the same pressure he’s under at Man City.

“He could definitely could be cover for Harry Kane.”

The Verdict: Brilliant option…

Still yet to hit his prime and already proven in England, we believe Jesus is certainly a brilliant option.

Steve McManaman recently branded the striker a ‘superstar’ for his incredible recent form, and with a price tag of around £55 million, there is an argument to be had that it’s a fairly do-able move on paper.

Amassing over half a century of caps for Brazil at international level, his 58 goals and 32 assists in the top flight alone back just how threatening he can be in the final third.

As Tottenham gear up for a transfer battle with Arsenal, Conte could be overjoyed if Paratici manages to win the tussle for Jesus.

In other news: Conte could see ‘one of the best in the world’ join Tottenham after behind-the-scenes development…find out more here.

Spurs: Gold drops Conte update

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the football.london journalist revealed that, following the news ENIC have made an additional £150m available for Tottenham’s summer transfer business, Daniel Levy is now confident that the 52-year-old will remain in charge of Spurs heading into the club’s 2022/23 campaign.

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In his tweet, Gold said: “Want more good Spurs news? Understand the club are confident enough that Conte is happy about their ambition that Levy won’t be heading over to the meeting in Italy.”

Supporters will love Gold’s update

Considering the astonishing turnaround Conte achieved at Tottenham following his appointment last November, Gold’s update suggesting that it now appears as if the Italian will be leading Spurs into their 2022/23 campaign is certain to be news that supporters will love.

Indeed, the 52-year-old rather miraculously managed to secure a top-four finish on the final day of the season, a feat that was widely unexpected upon his move to north London last year – when Tottenham were languishing down in ninth place in the Premier League standings.

The former Juventus, Italy and Inter Milan manager’s January signings also proved to be inspired, with both Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski becoming instant hits at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – with the duo ending the season as the club’s third and fourth-best performers in the top flight respectively according to SofaScore match ratings.

As such, considering the quite extraordinary results he has achieved already, the prospect of Conte being armed with a £150m war chest and a full pre-season in order to drill his players is certainly one that will excite everyone involved with the club – as the future of Tottenham appears extremely bright under the management of the Italian.

AND in other news: “Spurs will make a move..”: Gold drops huge transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Devlin talks up Celtic target Jeahze

Rumoured Celtic transfer target Mohanad Jeahze would be ‘a great fit’ at Parkhead this summer, according to The Athletic’s Hoops correspondent, Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Jeahze linked with Celtic move

Ange Postecoglou is certain to be eyeing up new signings during the summer transfer window, as he looks to take his squad up another level and compete on multiple fronts next season.

One player who Celtic have been linked with signing is Jeahze, with the 25-year-old shining at left-back for Hammarby this season, even being hailed as the best in Sweden in his position by Darijan Bojanic.

It looks like a move that could come to fruition in the coming months – Bhoys officials even visited Hammarby recently – and someone who clearly approves is Devlin.

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The Latest: Devlin excited by signing

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist claimed Jeahze would be a ‘great’ addition at Celtic:

“Watched a lot of Jeahze last few days, and spoke to Frida Fagerlund (Swedish journalist), for background and tactical profile of the kind of player Celtic would get if he signed. No transfer is guaranteed to work out, but on paper he’d be a great fit.”

The Verdict: Sign him up, Hoops

Left-back is certainly an area where more depth is required at Celtic this summer, providing more competition for playing time for the likes of Josip Juranovic and Greg Taylor.

Jeahze looks like an exciting option to come in, with 25 an ideal age for a new signing and four caps for Iraq outlining his credentials as an international footballer.

The fact that Devlin sees him as an ideal tactical fit also means the transfer makes even more sense, with Postecoglou looking to bring in players ideally suited to his system rather than just quality individuals.

In other news, a Celtic signing could reportedly be announced soon. Read more here.

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