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Southampton have been linked with a move for Chelsea centre-back Marc Guehi recently and he could prove to be the man to replace Jannik Vestergaard in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side next season.

According to The Athletic, Southampton are interested in the England under-21 international after his impressive performances on loan with Swansea City this season.

Vestergaard, meanwhile, has been heavily linked with a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks – and if the influential Danish international were to depart, then perhaps the Saints’ interest in Guehi would intensify.

The 20-year-old joined the Swans on loan for the second successive season last summer and has been an important part of Steve Cooper’s side’s promotion push this term, making 34 appearances and averaging a solid 6.90 WhoScored rating for his performances.

The £5.4m-rated defender was heavily praised by England under-21 international team-mate Josef Bursik earlier in the season when he was asked to name the strongest player in the squad, saying: “Marc Guehi. He’s an absolute tank. It’s like having a brick wall in front of you, he’s massive.”

The Swans have conceded just 31 times this term in the Championship, the third-best record in the division, so it is no surprise that Guehi is attracting interest ahead of next season.

Signing the centre-back on loan from Chelsea would potentially be an option for Hasenhuttl and perhaps the Saints could complete a deal similar to the Kyle Walker-Peters transfer, where an impressive loan spell led to him joining permanently.

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Although Vestergaard has a significant height advantage on Guehi, standing at 1.99m (6 foot 6), compared to Guehi’s 1.82m (6ft) frame, the Swansea man has still emphasised his quality in the air this season.

In the 2020/21 Championship, he has averaged 3.4 aerial duels won per game, compared to the 3.6 aerials won by Vestergaard, so the young Englishman can clearly pose a threat in the air.

He has also averaged the same number of tackles per game as Vestergaard (1.6), whilst he narrowly trails the former Borussia Monchengladbach defender when it comes to interceptions, with 1.5 compared to the Southampton man’s 1.6.

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Therefore, it seems as if Guehi’s stats are very similar to Vestergaard’s, and if the Dane does leave St Mary’s this summer, then the 20-year-old could be an excellent long-term replacement in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

In other news… Signed for £9m, sold for £20m: Southampton enjoyed rare transfer success with 31 y/o liability

According to reports, Leeds are interested in signing Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico.

What’s the story?

With Gjanni Alioski set to leave Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the summer once his contract expires – there have even been suggestions that he has agreed a pre-contract with Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray – it’s no surprise that the Premier League club appear to be on the look-out for a new left-back.

Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen revealed during the broadcast of Ajax’s Europa League clash against AS Roma on Thursday night that the Whites “would like to have” the 28-year-old.

Bielsa’s game-changer

Since joining from Argentinian side Independiente, the £22.5m-rated Tagliafico has established himself as a key part of Ajax’s line-up, even helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals just a couple of seasons ago.

Dubbed as “fierce” and someone who “works hard”, he has got the kind of attacking instincts as a left-back which would surely please Bielsa. A profile done by Football.London revealed: “In Argentina, Tagliafico is regarded as the heir to Zanetti because of his lung-busting stamina, excellent technique and continuous attacking threat.”

With a decent record of 13 goals and 18 assists in 135 games for Ajax as a left-back, it’s the 28-year-old’s underlying numbers which really stand out and make him someone who could be a game-changer for Bielsa.

As per WhoScored, Tagliafico averages far more shots, key passes, dribbles and crosses per game in league football than Alioski has done this season, and is comfortably better than him defensively, too. While the two players are evenly-matched for tackles made, it’s the Argentine who wins when it comes to interceptions and clearances, while also being dribbled past on fewer occasions.

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Having a marauding left-back like Tagliafico – who this season was recorded by UEFA as having a faster sprint speed than Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi – could add a whole new dimension to Leeds’ attacks and ensure that Bielsa’s side aren’t just looking to the likes of Patrick Bamford and Raphinha for attacking inspiration.

Meanwhile, Leeds must unleash this academy starlet…

Ryan Mason will take charge of his first game as Tottenham Hotspur boss tonight in what could be a crucial week for the club’s fortunes.

The north London side welcome Southampton in the Premier League knowing that a win would put them closer towards top-four contention, leapfrogging Liverpool in the process.

And then there’s the small matter of the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon, too.

The 29-year-old may want to stamp down his authority and make this side his own whilst he’s in temporary control until the end of the campaign and as such, we may well see plenty of changes from Jose Mourinho’s recent choices.

So, here’s our predicted XI for the first game of the Mason era, as well as the latest team and injury news ahead of kick-off…

Mason could be tempted into wholesale changes, especially with one eye on Sunday – a chance to clinch Spurs’ first trophy since 2008.

Club captain Hugo Lloris is expected to remain between the sticks, whilst there may even only be a slight alteration to the backline. We expected Spurs to line up in a 4-2-3-1 of sorts, something the 29-year-old has utilised in the academy system.

It would see Sergio Reguilon, Joe Rodon and Toby Alderweireld keep their places, with 27-year-old Eric Dier and the £18m-rated Serge Aurier two casualties.

Young versatile defender Japhet Tanganga could be in line for a recall to the XI after being unfairly axed for the Manchester United and Everton games.

In midfield, it would be a bold call to snub Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, so he should continue as the engine room enforcer but instead of either one of Spurs’ French duo, Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele, we may well see a return for Harry Winks, especially as he’s someone that has played with Mason before.

Mourinho had snubbed Gareth Bale in recent weeks and he’s surely now in line for a boost, along with Dele Alli, who has only played 232 league minutes all campaign. The pair will welcome the change in the dugout and it would not be a shock to see them both start here tonight.

Even more so in the absence of leading talisman Harry Kane.

The Evening Standard have ruled the 27-year-old goalscorer out of this clash as he’s yet to train this week. He’s also a major doubt for Sunday, too.

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Mason could push Heung-min Son upfront as he has the work rate to tire defences and run them ragged, it would allow Bale to start in his preferred right-wing spot.

Lucas Moura could then start on the other flank, with Alli through the middle.

In total, that would make five changes.

AND in other news, Spurs could find their next Pochettinio in 45 y/o gem who WOWED Guardiola…

Leeds defenders Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente received praise for their performances against Manchester United, as well as the ‘outstanding’ Kalvin Phillips.

The Whites picked up another good result against a top side on Sunday, drawing 0-0 at home to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. In truth, it wasn’t a game which will live long in the memory, but Marcelo Bielsa’s men more than held their own, as was the case against Manchester City and Liverpool recently.

A number of individuals stood out on the day, with Phillips arguably the star turn following a monstrous performance in the middle of the park.

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Leeds trio praised by journalist

Taking to Twitter after the game, journalist Graham Smyth hailed the 25-year-old, but pointed out that Struijk and Llorente also excelled:

Transfer Tavern take

These glowing reviews are fully merited, with Phillips not giving Bruno Fernandes a second to breathe at Elland Road, man-marking him and producing a total of four successful tackles and 12 recoveries.

Meanwhile, Struijk and Llorente were a rock-solid centre-back pairing, rarely allowing a dangerous Red Devils attack to click. Struijk won six of his eight duels overall, outlining his dominance, while Llorente enjoyed a pass completion rate of 90%, also winning both of his tackles.

With so many Leeds players on top of their game, it’s little wonder that the in-form visitors couldn’t find a breakthrough on Sunday.

In other news, an ex-Leeds player has been discussing the importance of one individual. Find out who it is here.

Speaking to talkSPORT, dropping his verdict on the heavy links with Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag, pundit Jason Cundy has claimed he could be the ‘ambitious’ appointment Tottenham Hotspur need – with the 51-year-old coaching a style of football that Lilywhites fans ‘want to see’.

Ten Hag has moved up the Spurs managerial shortlist after it was confirmed that exciting young coach Julian Nagelsmann has taken the job at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich (official).

Cundy reacts as Spurs eye Ten Hag

Indeed, the 33-year-old was reportedly top choice for Tottenham, but chairman Daniel Levy and co will now need to look elsewhere for a boss who can elevate them to the desired level.

Eredivisie coach Ten Hag is currently being linked, and Cundy believes he could be a good candidate for the role at Spurs.

“I think Spurs need to move forward and be a bit ambitious about their new boss.” explained the former Lilywhites defender to talkSPORT.

When asked who could come as that ‘ambitious’ appointment, Cundy explained:

“Ten Haag’s been linked, the style of play at Ajax is befitting of what Spurs fans want to see.”

Transfer Tavern take

The Dutchman has been likened to Pep Guardiola, even once working at Bayern Munich with the Manchester City boss.

Indeed, Ten Hag was the Bayern II reserve coach while Guardiola took charge of the first team – and he was apparently given that role due to his glowing reputation with young players.

Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold has backed the claim that he is proficient with nurturing future stars, with Ten Hag also encouraging a similar attack-minded style of play to Guardiola.

Given these aspects of Ten Hag’s managerial style, he could come as a really sound alternative to Nagelsmann.

In other news: Tottenham working to sign this colossus, find out more here.

A number of Crystal Palace fans have praised Tyrick Mitchell on social media for his first-half display against Manchester City.

Roy Hodgson made two changes from the defeat to Leicester City last time out, with Mitchell and Andros Townsend coming in for Patrick van Aanholt and Jordan Ayew.

The 21-year-old came in for his 14th league start of the campaign and first since the win over Brighton back in February.

Palace went into the game in 13th place, knowing a shock win over Pep Guardiola’s side would take them over 40 points.

Mitchell, valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, has made just 18 appearances for Palace and is coming up against City winger Ferran Torres at Selhurst Park.

Prior to kick-off, Mitchell averaged a Premier League match rating of 6.61/10 this season, as per WhoScored – and it seems as if numerous Palace fans think he’s putting in a solid shift.

Palace fans react

This is what these Eagles fans had to say about Mitchell’s first-half performance against the Premier League champions-elect, with one claiming he is ‘bullying’ City.

“Tyrick Mitchell. Unbelievable.”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“MITCHELL YOU BALLER”

Credit: @Danlivermore4

“Mitchell you king”

Credit: @CPFCWiII

“Tyrick Mitchell is top class”

Credit: @CiaranCPFC

“Tyrick Mitchell bullying City. Remember, he is 21 years old”

Credit: @Mark_CPFC

“Mitchell is a baller man We are so lucky. Just wait.”

Credit: @DrizzyCPFC
In other news: ‘Rather have Roy’, ‘Hate it’ – Many Palace fans erupt at manager news, find out more here.

Leicester City’s top four chances took a huge blow on Friday night with a 4-2 humbling at the hands of Newcastle United.

Despite having been widely fancied to claim all three points and bolster their bid for a Champions League place, the Foxes turned in a horrendous defensive showing in falling to defeat to the Magpies.

Goals from Joe Willock and Paul Dummett put Newcastle in charge before a brace from Callum Wilson extended the visitors’ advantage. Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho managed to reduce the deficit for Brendan Rodgers’ men late on but the damage had already been done.

One of the main culprits for Leicester’s awful defensive showing was Turkish centre-back Caglar Soyuncu.

Starting alongside Wesley Fofana and Timothy Castagne, the 24-year-old was utterly disastrous throughout the game. His match started off horrendously as he almost conceded a penalty by tripping Wilson on the edge of the box in the first few minutes.

It then got even worse in the most harmful way as he attempted a turn in defence, only to be robbed by Willock, who then went on to score past Kasper Schmeichel.

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Soyuncu’s game did not improve, either. Of the seven duels he attempted, he only won one according to SofaScore – a shocking rate considering he was effectively the senior centre-back in the Leicester defence.

Within that, he was extremely rash, conceding three fouls during the game – a number which was not worsened by any player on the pitch.

It was not just in his defensive work that Soyuncu was shocking. He was also routinely guilty of wasting the ball, having lost possession on 12 occasions – only two of his team-mates were more careless on the ball.

Considering that the former Freiburg man is rated at £36m by Transfermarkt, his performance against Newcastle was certainly not befitting of that valuation.

AND in more news, Brendan Rodgers is set to stay at Leicester according to Brian Deane…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Tottenham Hotspur legend, Graham Roberts, has revealed that he doesn’t want to see Graham Potter appointed as the club’s next manager.

Potter has been linked with the job at Spurs after impressing since being appointed as Brighton’s manager in 2019, having turned them into one of the most attacking and enjoyable sides to watch in the Premier League.

Steve Hitchen, Spurs’s chief scout, is reportedly set to recommend Potter as a good candidate for Daniel Levy to consider appointing as Jose Mourinho’s replacement at the end of the season.

Speaking on if he would like to see Potter as Spurs’ next manager and what his time at Brighton has proved, Roberts exclusively told FFC:

“No, not for me. I think he’s done okay at Brighton, they beat Liverpool, but then lost to West Brom and Sheffield United, so to me that shows there’s something not right there.”

Levy has put Ryan Mason in temporary charge until the end of the season, as they look to take their time in appointing Mourinho’s successor.

Spurs will now be onto their third manager since November 2019, which was when Mauricio Pochettino was sacked, leading the way for Mourinho to be appointed.

This season has been one plagued by injuries for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the academy or part of the first-team set-up, the treatment room has been full for the majority of the campaign.

Jonny has suffered two ACL problems, Pedro Neto is out for six months with a broken knee cap and Daniel Podence will now miss a period of time after undergoing surgery on his groin.

They have also missed the services of Raul Jimenez who has been absent since November while he recovers from a fractured skull.

The Mexican is nearing a return but there are still plenty of boxes left for him to tick before he makes a full comeback.

It’s unlikely he’ll be available to face Everton on Wednesday but another player that will be absent is Theo Corbeanu.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Nuno Santo commented: “He’s not going to be involved. Only the senior players will join the group for Everton.”

The reason for that is because he picked up an injury while playing for the club’s U23 side this week.

It’s not a huge blow for Wolves given his status in the first-team but it will irk Nuno considerably that his already small squad is now missing another player.

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It’ll represent a big setback to the player, though.

Corbeanu came off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend to make his senior debut for the Wolves first-team. In doing so, he became the youngest Canadian to play in the Premier League.

With the Old Gold having nothing but pride to play for during the rest of the season, the youngster may have been in with a chance of securing more minutes as the campaign drew to a close.

It will have been exciting to see what he could do at senior level. After all, the qualities he has at his disposal are mouth-watering.

Speaking earlier this season, U23 boss James Collins said: “He’s athletic, tall, can head it, can defend, can dribble past people and score, he can shoot, he can pass, he’s both footed, he’s got a bit of everything.”

Collins added: “Theo can be anything he wants to be. He’s an outstanding prospect.”

Corbeanu’s chances this term may have been curtailed but it won’t be a great surprise if we see him in the first team on a more regular basis next season.

AND elsewhere, Wolves set for huge boost after Molineux news emerges, Nuno will be thrilled…

One area where Celtic will need to recruit this summer is in defence.

The Hoops have been abject at the back and have shipped 16 more league goals than their Glasgow rivals throughout the 2020/21 Premiership campaign.

The Parkhead goal has been breached on a regular basis but things won’t get any easier if Kristoffer Ajer heads elsewhere.

What’s the word?

The Norwegian won’t be the only defender who could depart Paradise this summer. Jonjoe Kenny is due back at Everton following the conclusion of his loan spell, while Diego Laxalt will be moving back to AC Milan.

The Uruguayan has had a troublesome spell in Glasgow and it said a lot that John Kennedy favoured Adam Montgomery over both him and Greg Taylor when Celtic demolished St Johnstone in midweek. However, with Laxalt heading off, the Bhoys could do with another left-back.

According to TEAMtalk, they are interested in signing MK Dons’ Matthew Sorinola. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Buckinghamshire but could be heading for a summer move.

Unfortunately for the English League One side, they look set to lose him for a minimal compensation fee. Sorinola has refused a new contract and now has suitors ranging from Celtic to clubs in Belgium, France and Spain.

Perfect for Howe

The defender doesn’t have too much experience under his belt, but from what we’ve seen of him, he could be perfect for seemingly incoming manager Eddie Howe at Celtic.

That’s because of the system and style of football to which Sorinola has become accustomed to playing at MK Dons.

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Russell Martin’s side are one of the best at keeping possession in English football – in fact, only Manchester City have enjoyed more of the ball in England’s top four tiers this season. Pep Guardiola’s team have had an average of 60.9% of possession in 2020/21, while MK Dons have had 60.3% of the ball across their matches.

This is crucial because of the way that Celtic and indeed Howe like to play. The Hoops generally dominate the ball, something to which their possession average of 61.9% testifies.

Howe favoured an aesthetically pleasing brand of football during his time in charge of Bournemouth, which suggests that Sorinola would be the ideal signing at left-back. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, completing 83% of his passes, while he loves to bomb forward.

The 1.73m (5 foot 8) full-back has been involved in as many as five goals this season and he is also strong in the challenge, winning 1.2 tackles per match.

Speaking about Sorinola earlier this term, Martin hailed the 20-year-old’s aggressive but calming nature, 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.”

Celtic have witnessed Aaron Hickey and Kieran Tierney slip through their grasp in recent years, so it would be nice if they were the ones signing a precocious full-back instead.

AND in other news, Howe set to be dealt big Celtic blow before he’s even arrived, McKay surely fuming…