All posts by z3u9t.icu

For many of the opening few weeks of the season, there had been cries and lust for Ben Godfrey to return to the Everton squad.

The defender, who made England’s preliminary squad for the European Championships, had been missing in the opening weeks but has now returned.

He helped Everton defeat Burnley 3-1 a week ago but his performance against Aston Villa left plenty to be desired.

On the chalkboard

Godfrey was charged with playing at right-back on Saturday evening with Seamus Coleman ruled out for the next 2-3 weeks with a hamstring problem.

However, during the 90 minutes, the former Norwich man proved why he should really be playing in the middle of the backline.

He was caught out numerous times down Everton’s right-hand side, particularly by Leon Bailey during his late match-winning cameo for Dean Smith’s side.

As the Jamaican galloped down the Villa left to open his account for the club, the Toffees full-back was nowhere to be seen.

He’d been dragged across towards the left-hand side of the pitch and left acres of spaces for Bailey to pounce on the ball and then score.

The solution

If Rafa Benitez wants to rest Godfrey or take him out of the firing line for a match then the boss should consider unleashing one of Everton’s eye-catching teenagers.

One of them happens to be Jarrad Branthwaite. The 19-year-old played in Everton’s win over Huddersfield a few weeks ago and caught the eye.

As the Toffees reached the third round of the EFL Cup, the central defender completed a whopping 98% of his passes.

With Everton’s defence struggling this term, keeping just one clean sheet, Benitez should turn to the youngster against QPR on Tuesday evening.

The Carabao Cup is the perfect platform to unleash young players and offer them valuable experience.

Branthwaite has so far appeared six times for the Merseyside outfit but it’s in the cup competitions where he’ll arguably feel more comfortable.

Playing against Championship opposition should also be highly beneficial. He spent a period of last term on loan at Blackburn where he actually lost to Everton’s midweek opposition 1-0.

During his time there, Tony Mowbray was keen to praise the youngster after a 1-1 draw with Stoke: “[He’s] a seven or eight out of ten every week. Win your headers, play forward passes and just do your job as it says on the tin and I thought he done that very well today,” he said.

That builds on comments from his boss at Carlisle, Steven Pressley. He once tipped the defender for international stardom: “The truth is, I think he has got everything. He can pass the ball almost equally as good with both feet. He’s a terrific footballer.”

“If he continues to develop, then, without doubt, he can be an England player.”

With a number of options at centre-back for Benitez to choose from, it’s in matches like the one on Tuesday where Branthwaite really needs to stake his claim.

AND in other news, Everton rocked by big blow after weekend development, Benitez will be seething…

West Ham United have received fixture confirmation for their Europa League ties, beginning with a trip to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb on September 16th [West Ham United FC Official].

In what will be the Hammers’ maiden bow in the group stages of the competition, they will then face Austrian side Rapid Vienna under the lights at the London Stadium on 30th September.

Progressing to the middle of the schedule, the Hammers will once again welcome fans to East London as they take on Genk on 21st October, before the return clash in Belgium on 4th November.

Rounding off the group stages, David Moyes’ side travel to Austria to face Rapid Vienna on the 25th November, before finishing their programme at home to initial opponents Dinamo Zagreb on December the 9th [West Ham United FC Official].

In light of this news, loads of West Ham United diehards took to Twitter to revel in the announcement.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to the official West Ham United Twitter account, here is what some fans had to say about the ‘very exciting’ news:

“Good luck hammers”

Credit: @habib3514duhail

“Flights booked to Vienna”

Credit: @dilemma1979″Gitttt upppp”Credit: @iamjacobfinch”This group is SO Europa League, and I love it.”Credit: @billy_grimmel”Getting my head around this. Very exciting.”Credit: @WilderMinds04″Doesn’t feel real this”Credit: @LucasBasfordIn other news, West Ham United fans react to talks with a Croatian international. Find out more here.

Donny van de Beek only became a Manchester United player a year ago, but the writing could already be on the wall for the technically gifted midfielder.

After joining the Red Devils from boyhood club Ajax in a £40 million deal last summer, Van de Beek struggled for game time during his maiden Premier League campaign, starting just four top-flight fixtures.

His lack of action led to speculation that the Netherlands international could seek pastures new in the recently concluded transfer window, with a loan move to Everton widely rumoured.

However, the midfielder has played down any talk that he was close to leaving in an interview with former United ace Rio Ferdinand, insisting that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was certain about his future at the club.

“No, I spoke with the manager and the club, and they said they wanted me to stay here,” Van de Beek explained to Ferdinand on his YouTube channel (as relayed by The Mirror).

“The manager was really positive about me, and he said ‘I need you, and I want to keep you here’. He also said: ‘What I see from you every day at training, is a different Donny now’,” he added.

“He was really positive about me, and now I am feeling well, I am in good shape, and I hope that I can show the fans that I have improved a lot. He said he sees a big difference, maybe I am a bit stronger now, and he can see that I have one year of experience in England now.”

Nevertheless, despite Van de Beek’s positive outlook, it appears as though the Old Trafford outfit are already lining up a potential replacement for the 24-year-old.

Well-known journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has recently revealed that Leicester City maestro Youri Tielemans is on United’s wishlist, possibly resulting in the Dutchman’s departure.

“I am told that he is on many top clubs’ list. Real Madrid have his name in mind for the future, Barcelona the same,” Romano said (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury).

“In England, many clubs are interested. Manchester United have to decide on Paul Pogba, but Tielemans is one to watch for the future for Manchester United.”

Although Pogba has entered the final year of his current contract with the 20-time English champions, his style varies greatly from that of Tielemans, and it’s unlikely that the Leicester gem would be considered a direct successor for the World Cup-winning colossus.

As a result, it’s likely to be Van de Beek that makes way for the Belgium international should United make their move, with Bruno Fernandes instrumental to their play and Fred and McTominay positioned further back.

It’s been a frustrating spell on English shores for Van de Beek, and he’ll surely be hoping to use this season as a platform to showcase his true ability on the biggest of stages.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer potentially huge selection blow pre-NUFC, Ole will be absolutely gutted 

Leeds United could unearth their new Pablo Hernandez in Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho amid a recent transfer update.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Mail, Fulham have hit a contract impasse with the 18-year-old, whose deal at Craven Cottage expires at the end of this season.

The report adds that the likes of Leeds, West Ham, Norwich and Porto are all said to be interested in making a move for the teenager, and that “owners Shahid and Tony Khan face a difficult decision whether to cash in if they can’t reach agreement with the youngster over a new deal.”

Leeds’ new Pablo Hernandez

Speaking after he watched him score his first goal for the club against Southampton towards the back end of last season, former Fulham boss Scott Parker said: “Fabio was lively, he had great amounts of energy. All round his performance was very good for a young boy that has come into the team for his full debut.

“He showed real courage and bravery, he’s earned the right to get into this team. He’s not in this team because our season’s over, he’s in the team because he deserves it.”

Able to play absolutely anywhere across midfield and further forward too, Carvalho has been at his best for Fulham’s youth sides when playing just behind the striker, just like Hernandez at Leeds.

In 42 games in that position for the Cottagers, the England U18 international has smashed in an incredible 20 goals and provided another nine assists too, while he’s also equally effective out wide too (he’s scored seven goals and set up another eight from the right hand side).

At his best, Hernandez was similarly creative and exciting to watch, with his nimble footwork and eye for goal being a huge part of the Whites’ resurgence in the last couple of years. As per Whoscored, in the 2018/2019 campaign in which he scored 12 and set up another 12, he averaged a whopping three key passes and 2.7 shots per game in the Championship.

In 175 games for the club, the little Spaniard netted 36 goals and provided another 41 assists, a pretty impressive feat especially when you consider Hernandez was well into his 30s when he joined up at Elland Road.

Just like the former Leeds man, Carvalho is similarly small in stature standing at just 5 foot 7, but also has the craft and agility to be a real threat to opposition defences when running with the ball.

Given his similar style of play, and the fact he remains so young at just 18, Carvalho could come in and develop into Leeds’ perfect successor to Hernandez at Elland Road over the long-term.

Meanwhile, Angus Kinenar has dropped an update on Marcelo Bielsa’s future…

Leeds United are continuing to monitor Sampdoria powerhouse Omar Colley, although they are now set to face significant transfer competition for him.

What’s the story?

It has been suggested in recent weeks that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are interested in signing the Gambia international in the upcoming summer transfer window as they look to strengthen the centre of their defence.

Italian publication Il Secolo XIX had claimed (via Sport Witness) that Leeds’ scouts have been left impressed by Colley and that they are now serious about signing him.

SampNews24 have now revealed that, along with the Whites, the likes of Newcastle and West Ham are also said to be monitoring the defender, and Sampdoria could look to cash in on him in order to raise funds for signings elsewhere.

Imagine him and Llorente

Given that Leeds signed two established centre-backs in the shape of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente just last summer, it seems somewhat surprising that Victor Orta and co are looking to sign another proven central defender – especially when they also have club captain Liam Cooper and the likes of Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk, both of whom can fill in there too.

Last season saw Colley win 2.6 aerial duels per match, which would hypothetically rank him second among Leeds’ squad for 2020/21, with only Cooper averaging higher with 3.8 per game.

The 1.92m (6 foot 3) monster appears to have the kind of defensive strengths which would make him a formidable opponent for opposition attackers to overcome – indeed, his average of only being dribbled past 0.3 times per game is better than any current Leeds outfield player last season.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Serie A expert Conor Clancy delivered his backing behind a potential move, saying: “I don’t think he’d be starting ahead of him but he might be a good partner to Llorente. With Sampdoria, he really, really struggled, but with Maya Yoshida beside him, he’s looked a much better player.

“I think you can put that down to Yoshida just being that calming presence, that person who’s able to talk him through games a little bit.”

A partnership of Llorente and Colley at the back would give Leeds a perfect blend of qualities, with the former the ball-playing defender capable of playing passes into midfield, and the latter offering more defensive solidity alongside him.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay claims Leeds are interested in this starlet…

Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign Mariano Diaz before the summer transfer window shuts.

The Lowdown: Striker needed

With the departures of Andy Carroll and Yoshinori Muto, the St James’ Park club look awfully light in attack.

They only have Callum Wilson, Joelinton and Dwight Gayle to call upon as current centre-forward options (Transfermarkt), and so another striker is certainly needed before the window closes.

The Latest: Diaz offered

As per Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle have been offered the opportunity to sign Diaz and are interested in signing the Real Madrid marksman.

Although the 28-year-old is not their priority at the moment, they are keeping tabs on him as the transfer window progresses.

The Verdict: Avoid

While Steve Bruce’s squad is certainly short up front, they should avoid signing Diaz and instead move on to other targets.

The Champions League winner, who was praised by his teammate Luke Modric back in November, has not really lived up to the hype since signing for Real Madrid, managing just one goal in 22 games across all competitions last season (Transfermarkt).

Reportedly earning around £150,000 per week at the Bernabeu as well, those are the kind of wages which Newcastle simply should not be paying (and aren’t) for any player, let alone Diaz.

In other news, find out what worrying insight on NUFC’s takeover case has been dropped

Kevin Phillips has urged Glasgow Rangers to sell Alfredo Morelos as soon as possible and believes it is the right time for the Colombia international to leave.

The Lowdown: Morelos future up in the air

Morelos’ future has been the subject of much speculation this summer, with Porto in particular said to be interested in his services.

The 25-year-old was even said to have agreed personal terms with the Portuguese outfit (Antena 1), but there has so far not been any concrete offer for the striker.

The Latest: Phillips urges sale

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips has urged the Gers to sell Morelos this summer. He said:

“I’ve been saying it’s time for Morelos to go for a while now.

“It would help them out financially too if they need that extra cash now.

“There are always issues with him, you know he will miss games in the season.

“Whether that’s through a red card or an accumulation of quite a few yellows.

“I would imagine Rangers are expecting an offer for him now, other clubs know all about the financials.

“I think he will go.”

The Verdict: Will there be a better time?

Unless Morelos signs a new contract at Ibrox – which would be a shock considering he has previously revealed his desire to play in a more prestigious league (Goal.com) – there will surely never be a better time for the Gers to let Morelos go.

With two years left on his current deal (Transfermarkt), he still has a strong sale value. If the Gers were to wait another year, the potential fee they could receive for his services would be significantly lower.

Of course, Morelos is a striker with plenty of talent as he has shown with 95 goals in 185 appearances for Rangers, but Steven Gerrard does have a number of other options at his disposal in Fashion Sakala, Cedric Itten, Kemar Roofe and Jermain Defoe. If Morelos wants to leave, the Gers should respect his wish.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this interview.

According to Hommed (via The Daily Record), Saint-Etienne have gone cold on Glasgow Rangers target Zinedine Ferhat.

The Lowdown: Gers linked with Ferhat

The Gers have been linked with a move for Algeria international Ferhat (Foot Mercato), who currently plays in Ligue 1 for Nimes.

However, they are yet to make a concrete approach for the midfielder, with both Marseille (Le10 Sport) and Saint-Etienne believed to be ahead in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Saint-Etienne go cold

Les Verts were thought to the be the front-runners for the 28-year-old, but that no longer appears to be the case.

While they are still monitoring Ferhat, they are now on the lookout for cheaper alternatives as well, with the door now open for Ross Wilson and Steven Gerrard to swoop in.

The Verdict: Boost for Rangers

This is no doubt a boost for Rangers, and it will give Gerrard and the club hope that they can convince Ferhat to make the move to Ibrox. The right-sided midfielder has proven himself to be incredibly adept at creating chances over the past four campaigns, racking up 45 assists, while he has also managed 19 goals during that time (Transfermarkt).

Valued at £7.2m (Transfermarkt), Ferhat has just one year left on his contract, meaning he could likely be signed for a much lower fee this summer. The question is, can Rangers convince him they are the right choice for him? With Champions League football as a potential carrot, the Gers are surely a realistic option for Ferhat.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this pre-season news.

Leeds United have made an offer for Celtic starlet Matthew Anderson as Graham Smyth drops a major transfer update.

What’s the story?

The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist has now revealed that the Whites have made a bid for the 17-year-old, who they want to add to the Thorp Arch ranks this summer.

Smyth added: “The Whites’ first team recruitment will take priority, however, before attention can turn fully to what they need below the senior squad.”

One for Leeds’ future

At only 17, Anderson won’t be someone to come straight in to Marcelo Bielsa’s first team and immediately command a place in the Premier League. However, given the kind of player he has been described as, and the rave reviews he has earned, he seems destined for the top.

As per Leeds Live, Anderson is “a dynamic and attack-minded full-back who could provide a real attacking outlet on the Whites left flank for years to come. The Whites, who also hold an interest in another Hoops youngster Leo Hjelde, reportedly feel Anderson could be an invaluable addition the Thorp Arch ranks this summer.”

Blantyre Soccer Academy chief Jimmy Whelan has talked highly of the potential that the teenager has, even comparing him to an already established Premier League star. He said: “It’s fantastic for us as a club, and it’s great to see Matthew doing so well. He really is one to watch, he is the real deal, and could be like Kieran Tierney.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

While big-money signings and high-profile additions will naturally get fans excited, bringing in young talent who could end up being superstars in years to come is a strategy which can capture the imagination too.

As a young, “attack-minded” full-back, the 17-year-old Anderson is the kind of signing which will surely have Bielsa excited at the prospect of moulding him into one of the Premier League’s finest. The Leeds manager must duly be buzzing with Smyth’s latest transfer update.

Meanwhile, Bielsa can finally wave goodbye to this man…

Many Everton fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Moise Kean.

As per football journalist Saber Desfarges, talks are moving ‘in the right direction’ for the Italy international to return to Paris Saint Germain on loan once more for the new 2021/22 season.

Kean ‘wants more than anything’ to play for PSG next term, and it is his ‘only will’ this summer.

The striker impressed so much while on loan in the French capital last campaign, scoring no fewer than 17 goals in 41 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), but his time at Goodison Park has been far less productive, with a mere four goals from 37 matches (Transfermarkt).

Thus, it would be a wise idea for the Merseyside club either to sell the 21-year-old on a permanent deal for a potentially hefty fee, or keep him as a squad player for next season.

Either way, another loan does not really help the Toffees’ cause.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-updates-4/” title=”Everton updates! (4)” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Everton fans on Kean transfer update

These Blues fumed as the exit news was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘insane’:

“PSG having us off again, a second loan period is gonna cost us ££ in value if he doesn’t have another blinder of a season. Sell him already”

Credit: @soloilmeglio82

“Haha my god we are a joke if this happens, what will it be next season another loan, then take him on a free. For once play hardball. £40/50 mill or do one.”

Credit: @TeePot20

“Just when you thought we couldn’t get anymore stupid”

Credit: @james_gavo3

“God we’re run by absolute clowns”

Credit: @GeorgeWoodEFC

“We’re already a joke. Absolute shambles of a club.”

Credit: @MichaelHilditc5

“On loan??? That’s insane”

Credit: @wasuprich

In other news, find out which Evertonian has been slammed as a ‘terrible professional’ here!