All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former referee Keith Hackett believes Celtic forward Leigh Griffiths will receive a ban for his antics on loan at Dundee, Football Insider report.   

The Lowdown: St Johnstone flashpoint

Griffiths, who headed out of Parkhead on a temporary basis on deadline day, was in the headlines for the wrong reasons during his third game for Dundee.

The £15,000-a-week striker kicked a lit flare into the away crowd during a 2-0 defeat to St Johnstone in the League Cup and was charged Police Scotland with culpable and reckless conduct two days later.

Sky Sports then shared an update at the end of September in regards to Griffiths also being charged by the SFA.

The Latest: Hackett reacts

Former FIFA referee Hackett was asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Griffiths ahead of the hearing on October 16 when club action returns.

This is what the 77-year-old had to say in reply, believing the forward will get a ban.

“He can absolutely expect a ban.

“I’ve heard fans get heated, but kicking objects isn’t acceptable. It’s a silly situation, at the end of the day.

“It’s a pity but the actions from the player will send a signal to others not to do the same.

“It will also make people think what action the referee could have taken to avoid it. What action did the stewards take to avoid this as well?

“The stadium controller, the police, the authorities, they have to analyse how we can steer clear of these scenarios.

“The mitigating factor for the player is that the flare should not have been thrown onto the field of play.

“In his defence, he is rightly saying he saw it as a danger and removed it. You and I might kick it five yards, but he’s a professional footballer…

“Maybe he didn’t expect it to go that far, but he shouldn’t have done it. I’m not defending him.”

The Verdict: Celtic mistake

This wouldn’t have been as relevant for Celtic if they had cut ties with Griffiths in the summer, however, they decided to extend his Hoops deal by a further 12 months under Ange Postecoglou.

That now looks like an extremely poor call by the club, who were happy to let him leave on loan just months later.

It now seems as if he’ll be hit with a ban for his on-field antics, and you’d expect the Hoops won’t be offering Griffiths a new deal at the end of the season.

In other news: Coach with 17-honours may be open to replacing Postecoglou; he’s a Celtic fan. 

As per The Sun, Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is set for major backing by chairman Daniel Levy as the Lilywhites eye a £50 million double swoop before January 31.

The Lowdown: Conte makes transfer demands…

According to reliable reports, Spurs’ head coach has his sights set on improving the squad and has earmarked a list of positions to prioritise – specifically four.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-5/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Alasdair Gold claims that the Italian wants to reinforce Tottenham with a right-wing-back, left-sided central defender, midfielder and striker if he wishes to transform the club.

The question with Spurs is arguably whether they can afford to grant his wishes, especially since they recently announced total club debts of £706m, but The Sun have just shared some very encouraging news.

The Latest: Conte set for Levy backing…

As per their information, Levy is ‘ready to back’ Conte with a ‘£50 million’ double swoop for both Wolves star Adama Traore and Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.

The Lilywhites are ‘set’ to make an improved offer for the former, while they have also joined the chase for Carlos in what could be a blow to Newcastle United’s chances of signing him.

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

Bolstering Conte’s options with the duo would certainly come as a very exciting piece of business and transfer chief Fabio Paratici may have to pull out all the stops to make it happen.

Traore, lauded as the ‘perfect fit’ for Spurs and someone who could ‘really excite’ the fans by pundit Noel Whelan, simply must be followed by Carlos who is a proven La Liga defender.

According to WhoScored, out of Tottenham’s current crop of players, only top-performing Lilywhites centre-back Eric Dier has averaged more clearances per 90 (3.8) compared to the 28-year-old (3.6).

If Paratici, Levy and Conte can make this double move happen, it would surely boost Spurs’ chances of a top four finish.

In other news: Spurs allegedly ‘edging closer’ to signing ‘massive’ £15 million defender, find out more here.

The Nuno Santo era could not have got off to a more perfect start for Tottenham Hotspur.

They sit top of the Premier League standings heading into the first international break of the season and have made it through the qualification stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

After sacking Jose Mourinho in mid-April, chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly on the lookout for an attack-minded head coach – one that can develop the club’s young prospects at the same time.

It’s still early days but Spurs are the lowest scorers in the top ten, though they are yet to concede a single goal after three successive wins. Nuno has also given an opportunity to payers like Japhet Tangana and Oliver Skipp, so there is that balance that Levy was looking for, in some respect.

You could argue that the Portuguese is lacking the sort of creative presence that can elevate Spurs’ game even more and perhaps he can kill two birds with one stone by looking to one of their more promising youth products.

Once again, it’s Harry Kane that sits near the top of the creativity charts, despite being their striker and only starting one game. Only one other player has averaged more than one key pass per game, as per WhoScored.

Nuno has trusted Dele Alli to start in a more advanced role in midfield but he’s yet to provide a key chance and is still some way off his 2016/17 form that saw him register 18 goals and seven assists in just one season.

Spurs’ next Alli could be found in Dilan Markanday, who just last week scored a hat-trick for the U23 squad.

According to the club’s official website, the 20-year-old gem is a ‘clever attacking midfielder who normally plays on the right’ – in some ways, this is similar to the Englishman under Mauricio Pochettino.

Furthermore, Markanday has earned a comparison to former academy star Marcus Edwards.

“Markanday has looked bright today. Have always felt he has a very similar running and dribbling style to Marcus Edwards,” football.london’s Alasdair Gold said. He also praised him when Spurs’ U19s faced Inter Milan in 2018.

“Inter are struggling to deal with Dilan Markanday. His dribbling and passing ability is pulling their defence and midfield all over the place.”

Spurs have only scored three goals in their opening three games, so it’s this sort of presence that is required in the no.10 role. Nuno should consider unleashing the U23 sensation and in doing so, he may well discover the next Alli in north London.

AND in other news, Paratici masterclass: Spurs eye “extraordinary” £34m-rated gem, he won’t cost a penny…

Southampton have been credited with an interest in Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car recently, and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

Southampton will be keen to add a new centre-back to their ranks following Jannik Vestergaard’s move to Leicester City earlier this week, and Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach has named some of the defenders that could be available to the Saints in a recent article, writing:

“Former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak, free agent Gary Cahill and Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car are amongst the players thought to be available to the club this summer – but it is expected that Caleta-Car may command a fee outside of the club’s price range.

“The Croatian defender, who first made a name for himself playing for Red Bull Salzburg, has been tipped to land a move this summer amid interest from West Ham United.”

Would Caleta-Car be a good signing?

Whilst Leach suggests that Caleta-Car could be outside of the club’s price range this summer, they have raised over £50m in player sales so far this summer, whilst also getting deadwood such as Mario Lemina and Wesley Hoedt off the wage bill at St Mary’s.

Although some of that income was spent on signing Adam Armstrong from Blackburn Rovers, there should be plenty left in the bank as Southampton consider a new centre-back this summer, and Caleta-Car certainly looks to fit the bill.

At 24-years-old, the £22.5m-rated defender would align with Hasenhuttl’s process of signing younger players to develop, and could potentially be sold for a big profit in the future.

The Croatian is highly rated by former Saints man Dejan Lovren, with the defender suggesting last year that:

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have been left excited by news on Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic as the Sky Blues continue their search for a centre-forward.

Pep Guardiola guided City to a Premier League title and Carabao Cup-winning campaign last year, as well as a Champions League final, while barely playing with a natural centre-forward.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-developments/” title=”Man City latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Club legend Sergio Aguero was the subject of many absences through fitness issues or coronavirus, while Gabriel Jesus was arguably struggling to find his best form at some points.

As such, Guardiola often deployed a false nine or makeshift centre-forward options like Raheem Sterling, and despite their success, much of City’s summer window was dominated by discussion of signing a star striker.

The likes of Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo were targeted by sporting director Txiki Begiristain with news now emerging on yet another target.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the club ‘dream’ of signing La Viola star Vlahovic amid his ongoing contract dispute at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

His deal runs out in 2023 as it stands, meaning City could have some leverage in potential negotiations to sign the dazzling 21-year-old who scored 21 Serie A goals last season and 35 in all competitions since his move to Fiorentina (Transfermarkt).

Begiristain and co are showing an intense interest as as supporters get excited by this news, find all of their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Man City fans excited by Vlahovic news…

“MY BABY”

Credit: @ZinnySZN

“Vlahovic would be a Beast under Pep”

Credit: @izzy900is

“Go all out!!”

Credit: @Hiz_Zam

“SIIIUUU”

Credit: @rubenbias_

“YESSSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @Kelvinclasher

“Get it done

Sterling + cash”

Credit: @Dhayveed15

“Bring him home in January I beg”

Credit: @LordAtrexia

“He’s coming to Manchester”

Credit: @Jacob4rmstrong

“a competent striker at this club am I dreaming”

Credit: @c_c__cc_c

In other news: ‘Finally’, ‘Yesssss’, ‘Get him home’ – Many Man City fans erupt as claim emerges on 163-goal superstar, find out more here.

Sheffield United and Arsenal have failed to agree a deal for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, according to The Athletic.

What’s the story?

Arsenal’s interest in signing Ramsdale had been well-documented, with football.london recently claiming that the Gunners were closing in on a deal to sign the Blades shot-stopper.

But The Atheltic have now revealed that any potential move is on the verge of breaking down, as both Arsenal and Sheffield United can’t agree on a fee for the 23-year-old.

The Sun’s Tom Barclay has also reported that Ramsdale is ‘gutted’ over the breakdown in talks over the potential move to the Emirates Stadium for the England international this summer.

Sheffield United are set to take on Swansea City on Saturday evening, and it remains to be seen as to whether Ramsdale will feature in Slavisa Jokanovic’s starting XI for that clash at the Liberty Stadium, with Michael Verrips starting ahead of him for their EFL Cup clash against League Two side Carlisle United in midweek.

‘Incredible’

Ramsdale was one of the few Sheffield United players to come away with much credit to their name in the 2020/21 season, as the Blades were relegated from the Premier League.

The goalkeeper had an average Whoscored rating of 6.55 from the 2020/21 campaign, which put him seventh in the list of Sheffield United’s best performers from that frustrating season.

The goalkeeper has been a long-term transfer target for Arsenal, as they looked to provide much-needed competition for Bernd Leno between the posts heading into the new league campaign.

At the age of 23, Ramsdale could have been the ideal person to do just that, with the shot-stopper having experience of playing in the Premier League to a relatively high standard.

It’s not a fair reflection to judge Ramsdale’s performances when the rest of his Sheffield United teammates struggled throughout last term, in what was a forgetful year for the Bramall Lane faithful.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has previously praised the efforts of Ramsdale, and felt as though he played an ‘incredible’ game for the Blades when they faced the Reds.

“We arrive pretty much alone with the goalie but Ramsdale played an incredible game, few outstanding saves.”

Sheffield United’s supporters will be buzzing over this update on Ramsdale’s future at the club, as he could go on to play a key role in their bid for promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking this term.

However, with The Sun’s Tom Barclay claiming that he’s not pleased with a move to Arsenal materialising, Jokanovic will have to put his arm around the 23-year-old, and convince him to play his part for the Blades this term, as he’s far too good of an option to have sat on the substitutes bench.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke has dropped a teasing West Ham United transfer hint involving Liverpool striker Divock Origi.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye new forward…

As per manager David Moyes himself, West Ham have been on the look out for new striker over 2021 with the Scotsman saying last summer he was ‘desperate’ to bring one in.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The club have cast their eye on numerous targets, including the likes of Andrea Belotti and Adam Hlozek, with claims there may have been pre-January offers made for FC Basel forward Arthur Cabral.

Now, sharing what he knows on Origi’s links to West Ham, O’Rourke has dropped a teasing hint in an interview with GMS.

The Latest: O’Rourke drops hint…

Speaking to the outlet, the reporter hints West Ham could indeed sign the Belgium international and it’s one to ‘keep an eye on’.

He explained:

““Divock Origi finds himself down the pecking order at Liverpool and we know West Ham have been long-term admirers of the Belgian. It’s an interesting one, that one, it’s one to keep an eye on.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Despite being a bit-part player at Anfield, the 26-year-old has actually impressed when called upon by manager Jurgen Klopp – so much so he has attracted real praise.

Klopp branded Origi ‘incredible’ and a ‘monster’ to the press recently while West Ham fans will remember his sublime finish to pull a goal back for Liverpool at the London Stadium in a 3-2 thriller last month.

Still having yet to reach his peak, Origi has managed 64 senior career goals and when given an opportunity he should surely be set for far more.

West Ham, amid their search for a Michail Antonio alternative, could be the club to grant him a new lease of life.

In other news: ‘I’m hearing’ – Journalist makes big money transfer claim involving West Ham, find out more here.

Sam Johnstone should not play for West Brom again this season in order to prepare for his inevitable exit, according to reliable journalist Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Johnstone set to leave WBA?

The 29-year-old stayed put at the Baggies last summer despite their relegation to the Championship and he has continued to be a key figure in 2021/22, making 36 league appearances.

There does seem to be a potential inevitability about Johnstone moving on, though, with Albion’s promotion hopes effectively over for this season and his contract expiring in June.

The goalkeeper has been strongly linked with a move away in recent months, having been hailed as a ‘wonderful’ player by Micah Richards in the past and winning the WBA Supporters’ Player of the Year award in 2021.

The Latest: Madeley makes big Johnstone claim

Taking to Twitter on Monday as he shared a corresponding article from The Athletic, Madeley claimed that Johnstone should not play for the rest of the season, allowing West Brom to transition and prepare for life without him next term. He claimed:

“Sam Johnstone’s status as a successful Albion player is secure but he should not play again this season – there is no point.”

The Verdict: There’s sense to it

With the Baggies completely out of the promotion picture and with little to play for in the remaining weeks, Madeley’s suggestion does make sense in many ways.

It would give Bruce an opportunity to use others in the role, with those of a West Brom persuasion knowing what Johnstone can offer and also realising that he is coming to the end of his time at the Hawthorns.

In truth, the hope is that a high-quality replacement comes in, given the 29-year-old’s aforementioned influence, but giving David Button a chance to prove himself over the next few weeks shouldn’t do any harm for the time being.

In other news, West Brom reportedly face competition for one player. Find out who it is here.

With 11 Premier League games played so far this season, Southampton have only managed to find the back of the net on teen occasions, leaving only Norwich City (5) and Tottenham Hotspur (9) having scored fewer than Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Taking this into account, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they have been linked with a transfer move for a fairly familiar Premier League attacking player.

What’s the news?

It has recently been claimed by journalist Ekrem Konur that Southampton, alongside fellow Premier League clubs West Ham United and Newcastle United are interested in signing Jesse Lingard, who Manchester United are apparently willing to sell for a fee of £12m.

After completing an impressive loan spell at West Ham last season where he managed to score nine goals and provide five assists in 16 appearances, the Englishman has made just eight appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions.

He has started just once but has managed to bag two goals and provide one assist in the process, even though United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said back in July that Lingard is in his plans for this season.

Dream move?

Given his lack of playing minutes this season at Old Trafford, it’s not surprising to see that reports linking the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £19.8m according to Transfermarkt, with an exit.

However, Man United’s loss is Southampton’s gain and a move is something that the club’s sporting director Matt Crocker should definitely be looking to explore to add an extra attacking option to Hasenhuttl’s squad.

He is someone who has a total of 154 appearances Premier League appearances under his belt with 29 goals and 17 assists. That sort of offensive ingenuity, therefore, could make the difference during the back end of the campaign.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-southampton-news” title=”Check out the latest Southampton news!”]

Southampton had no hesitancy in splashing out a fee of £15m for Adam Armstrong, a player who had very little prior experience of playing the Premier League, in the previous summer transfer window.

Therefore, potentially securing Lingard, who has been described as a “unique” player in the past by Michael Carrick, for a fee of £12m would be a dream move for the Saints.

Unlike the aforementioned Armstrong a few months back, he possesses experience in the top flight and his attacking talents which would almost certainly make the team much more of an attacking threat as a whole. The Saints simply have to make sure he’s making the trek to the south coast in January.

In other news: Ralph dealt potential injury blow on “excellent” Saints beast, fans will be gutted – opinion

A number of Wolves supporters have hailed Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho following a club tweet after the 1-0 victory at Manchester United.

Wanderers enjoyed a famous Premier League win on Monday evening, clinching all three points at Old Trafford for the first time in more than 40 years.

It was an exceptional performance by Wolves all round as they used the ball intelligently, defended well and ultimately got over the finish line.

It was Moutinho who scored the only goal of the game, firing home from 20 yards late in the match, and both he and fellow Portuguese hero Neves were superb in the middle of the park. As per Sofascore, their combined statistics saw them complete 99 passes, win 10 duels, execute 14 accurate long balls and win six tackles.

After the game, Wolves’ official Twitter channel posted a photo of the pair embracing warmly following an iconic evening for Lage’s side.

Wolves fans hail Neves and Moutinho

These Wolves fans took to Twitter to heap praise on the “unbelievable” duo, who one hailed as “the best ever” midfield partnership at Molineux.

“Better than Man Utd’s midfield”

Credit: @HombreSinatra

“The best ever midfield partnership to grace the Wolves, be amazed if we ever see anything like it again. Both absolutely world-class on their day”

Credit: @HarryGoring10

“‘bUt thEy CAnT pLaY toGethER’. Both are simply world-class. We are so, so, so, so lucky to have them. The ultimate away day today”

Credit: @mattgrubb47

“Unbelievable”

Credit: @samwolves89

“Can you believe these two play for our club”

Credit: @alexjjones_

“Both absolute class this evening”

Credit: @olly_stock

In other news, Luke Hatfield has talked up a potential Wolves move for one player. Find out who it is here.