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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Prior to his sacking, Ray Parlour expressed his surprise that Tottenham Hotspur did not back manager Mauricio Pochettino, per talkSPORT.

What’s he said?

Pochettino was officially sacked on Tuesday evening.

And Parlour, a former Arsenal midfielder, believes that the Argentine should have been given greater support in the transfer market.

He said: ““I’m surprised they haven’t backed him, I really am, by saying ‘right, what do you need? We got to the Champions League final, amazing season for Spurs last year, let’s kick on, let’s try and move closer to Liverpool and Man City, we’ve got a great stadium now.

“‘I know a few players will be leaving but we’ve got to try to get players in, with the quality to keep us up there, with the likes of the top two.’”

Not done enough

Daniel Levy didn’t do enough for Tottenham during Pochettino’s tenure.

That doesn’t just include the summer, but also the transfer windows that have come before it.

Spurs became the first club in Premier League history not to buy a single player in the summer transfer window last year and were then inactive in January, too.

The solution to that in the most recent window was to buy three first-team players in Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso and Ryan Sessegnon. Only the former has made more than one start in the Premier League so far this season.

It simply doesn’t add up, especially when one includes the departures of Kieran Trippier and Fernando Llorente; neither player was directly replaced.

And so the Spurs squad is weaker now than it was as it headed into the Champions League final which, really, is unforgivable.

Pochettino is a manager, not a miracle worker, and managers, like carpenters, are only as good as their tools.

Levy hasn’t been providing them as he should have been and he is as culpable as anyone for Pochettino ultimately losing his job.

Newcastle United suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season over the weekend as Fulham prevailed 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers were well worth their victory as Eddie Howe’s men delivered arguably their worst performance of the season, although it had been coming.

Several of the starting XI were disappointing during the defeat, most notably Anthony Gordon, who has been excellent in recent weeks.

Anthony Gordon’s game in numbers vs Fulham

The Englishman was deployed on the right wing with Harvey Barnes given a chance to shine on the opposite flank.

While the former Leicester City shone, scoring the club’s only goal, Gordon largely struggled to create any meaningful opportunities during the clash.

While he made two key passes and succeeded with two of his three dribble attempts, the winger struggled to make inroads into the Fulham defence, looking like a shadow of the player he has been in recent weeks. So poor was the England international that journalist Luke Edwards suggested it was “his worst performance for Newcastle.”

Four crosses were delivered into the opposition penalty area, yet only two were successful. Gordon even managed to lose possession a staggering 16 times while on the pitch, along with winning five of his 11 ground duels, showing that he was beaten more often than not in his one-on-one battles.

He was even given a match rating of just 5/10 by Newcastle World for his display, showcasing how poor he really was.

Goals

0

Assists

0

Key passes

2

Big chances created

0

Dribble attempts (successful)

3 (2)

Possession lost

16

While the League Cup clash against AFC Wimbledon is postponed, Howe could certainly make a change to his starting XI for the league match against Manchester City, especially to freshen things up.

Might this see a summer signing given his first start for the club?

The best replacement for Gordon

William Osula is clearly ready to make an impression. The Dane was signed for a fee of £15m during the summer transfer window, joining from Sheffield United with hopes of becoming a first-team regular at St James’ Park.

Primarily a centre-forward, the youngster has operated on the wing numerous times throughout the embryonic stages of his career and this could see Howe make a few tactical tweaks to his team.

Last term, he made 24 appearances for the Blades, scoring three goals and his performances clearly caught the eye of Howe, who wasted no time in bringing him to the north-east.

Previously hailed as a “serious player”, Osula has all the required attributes to be a success at the Magpies, about that there is no doubt.

What he needs now is some minutes in the first team to demonstrate his abilities to the manager.

What better occasion than a match against the four-time reigning Premier League champions this weekend? It might be a big gamble, but considering how poorly they have played recently, it could be one which reinvigorates the team.

It would be a surprise to see the Toon claim anything against City, but stranger things have happened.

Newcastle wanted to sign future Ballon d'Or winner, they got Geremi instead

Sam Allardyce missed out on a future legend of the game back in 2007…

1 ByRoss Kilvington Sep 22, 2024

The international break can either bring a player's form to a complete standstill or hand it another major boost ahead of their return to domestic action. For one Liverpool star, in particular, the latter has certainly been the case.

Liverpool's flying start under Arne Slot

The Reds couldn't have asked for a better start under new boss Arne Slot, who has the near-impossible task of replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. The Dutchman is not attempting to simply replicate the Liverpool legend, however. He arrives his own man with his own techniques. Gone are the fist bumps, replaced instead by the more reserved thumbs up, job done attitude of Slot.

Liverpool "machine" who was sold by Klopp outscored Diaz & Nunez in 23/24

He’s a Premier League icon…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 10, 2024

More classical than heavy metal thus far, Slot's side have been as stylish as the Premier League gets, winning three from three without conceding once in a run that includes a stunning 3-0 mauling of Manchester United at Old Trafford. Even without Klopp, things quite clearly haven't changed all too much when it comes to the modern history of that rivalry.

Alas, Old Trafford victory aside, what has been most impressive is how Slot has transformed Ryan Gravenberch into the defensive midfielder that he was craving at the heart of his Liverpool side. The Dutchman has stepped up for his club and more recently for his country to win over a harsh critic in Rafael van der Vaart.

Van der Vaart's praise for Gravenberch

As the Netherlands held Germany to an entertaining 2-2 draw courtesy of goals from Denzel Dumfries and Tijjani Reijnders, it was one particular pass from Gravenberch that caught the eye of Van der Vaart. The Liverpool man unleashed a stunning half-volleyed pass into the path of Xavi Simons, who failed to convert to hand his teammate what would have been the ultimate assist.

Earning the praise of Van der Vaart, the former Tottenham Hotspur star said via The European Lad: "That pass by Ryan Gravenberch. I actually wanted to go home after he gave that pass because it ain't going to get any more beautiful than that."

The former Bayern Munich man may have finally discovered his best form after a difficult few seasons, and that could leave Ronald Koeman with no choice but to hand him a permanent place in his Dutch side. Of course, the ex-Everton boss didn't hand Gravenberch a single minute at Euro 2024 in a move that he may now be regretting.

The task for Gravenberch is now to pick up where he left off for Liverpool. As things stand, he's set to save the Reds from spending what could likely be over £50m on a defensive midfield solution by handing Slot the perfect option. With Nottingham Forest up next, Liverpool, Slot and Gravenberch have the chance to make it four from four in the Premier League.

Chelsea are aiming to take the Premier League by storm under Enzo Maresca this season, putting the misery of recent years firmly to bed.

The 6-2 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux one week ago shone a light on Stamford Bridge's colourful attacking talent, with Cole Palmer scoring and supplying all three goals for Noni Madueke's emphatic hat-trick.

Summer signing Joao Felix scored on his second Blues debut, with Pedro Neto claiming the assist at his former stomping ground.

Nicolas Jackson also bagged his first of the season, but transfer activity would suggest that Maresca wants an upgrade at no. 9.

Chelsea's late hunt for a new striker

Chelsea have been interested in signing Victor Osimhen this summer and, as per Fabrizio Romano, remain hopeful of winning the battle against Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia for the Napoli centre-forward.

Al Ahli are in theory willing to pay Osimhen £480k per week, or thereabouts. As such, Chelsea are considering alternatives at this late stage, with Football Insider reporting that Brentford's Ivan Toney is still on the radar.

Valued at about £40m, the 28-year-old is also being pursued by Arsenal and Manchester United, so Chelsea might want to make their move quickly, stealing ahead and strengthening further ahead of a pivotal campaign.

What Ivan Toney would bring to Chelsea

Goals and assists – oh, and a physical presence that would strike a frisson of fear through Chelsea's adversaries. Toney has actually been said to be "kind of like Harry Kane" by England teammate Declan Rice for his rounded skillset.

The 28-year-old is a proven Premier League star and would be significantly more affordable than Osimhen. Moreover, Toney would be more inclined to allow Jackson into the fray at times, whereas Osimhen's superstar standing and salary demands make a telling comment on where he believes he should be in the club's pecking order.

Hailed as a "monster" of a striker by Thomas Frank, Toney has missed Brentford's opening fixtures this season as a resolution is sought out, and while his 2023/24 season was hampered by a long-term suspension, he thrived the year before.

Erling Haaland

35

36

Harry Kane

38

30

Ivan Toney

33

20

Mohamed Salah

38

19

Callum Wilson

31

18

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 11% of forwards in the top flight that year for goals scored and the top 9% for assists per 90, emphasising the kind of focal role he would play under Maresca.

Just imagine him and Palmer, who is something of an elite-level goalscorer himself but boasts one of the finest creative games in the business – over two league fixtures thus far in 2024/25, the 22-year-old has indeed claimed three assists and placed a whopping six key passes, as per Sofascore.

Palmer is one of Europe's eminent talents following his emergence last term, scoring 25 goals and adding 15 assists across 45 matches.

Madueke, after claiming the match ball last weekend, revealed that the England international has "got the ability to play the right pass at the right time", something Toney would no doubt relish at club level.

Chelsea need to shift a few pieces but there's definitely room to sign a player of Toney's calibre. After all, he might prove to light up the Premier League alongside Palmer, forming a new partnership for the ages.

Their next Lampard & Drogba: Chelsea in talks for late "monster" signing

This would ice the cake sweetly at Stamford Bridge…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 26, 2024

Newcastle United may have moved their attention to defence in regards to their next transfer business, with Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, reporting that the Toon are now keeping close tabs on Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

How many games has Giovanni Di Lorenzo played for Napoli?

The right-back has spent the last four seasons with current club Napoli, and has long been an important player for the side. Even when he first linked up with the Serie A outfit from former club Empoli, he was thrown straight in and given 33 appearances in that very first campaign.

He has since managed to rack up 139 league outings for the now champions of Italy during his time there, and with ten goals and seventeen assists along the way, he has proven to be an asset going forward for the club too.

Having spent the entirety of his career in Italy though, it appears a potential change may be on the cards. That's because according to a report from Spazio Napoli, via Sport Witness, the right-back is now on the radar of Newcastle United.

The Premier League side are keeping a close eye on the player now, with the 29-year-old seemingly now on their transfer wishlist. It adds that this interest in Di Lorenzo has only materialised over the "last few hours".

It means that no bid has yet been made and no official approach has come forth but Napoli are "worried" by the interest due to the financial might the Magpies now possess.

How much is Giovanni Di Lorenzo worth?

It's unclear how much a potential deal for Di Lorenzo may cost Newcastle. However, Transfermarkt suggest that his value is around the 25 million Euros mark (or £21.5m). It means that a deal wouldn't break the bank for the Toon if it was that amount, especially considering their new ownership, but it would still represent a profit on the player for Napoli.

He could be worth that amount too when you consider how well he has played for Napoli. Football journalist Josh Bunting has previously stated that a goal from Napoli was helped by a "perfect" ball from Di Lorenzo and has also called the player "excellent" too.

The Napoli man has warranted these superlatives then and it means that his signing could represent good business for Newcastle. They already have Kieran Trippier on that right flank but he would provide a good battle for that spot and sufficient depth as they embark into four competitions next term.

Manchester United have been dealt a blow as transfer target Adrien Rabiot is now set to stay at Juventus, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Do Man United want to sign Rabiot?

Erik ten Hag is looking for additions to his midfield, and the club are currently in negotiations for Mason Mount, but France international Rabiot was a target.

Conversations for the "immense" talent had taken place over the 28-year-old, and he could have been a serious option should he have elected to depart Juventus on a free transfer in favour of a move to Old Trafford.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Rabiot has received an improved offer to keep him in Turin, and this now looks like the most likely outcome.

"Currently, could be a free agent, Adrien Rabiot, who is out of contract at Juventus. We know there were conversations between Erik ten Hag and people close with Rabiot, because he's always been a big fan of the player, and he's one of the names, of the options considered into the club for Manchester United's midfield," he stated.

"Rabiot has always been one of the players appreciated at Man United, but Juventus made an improved proposal to extend his contract. So to sign a new deal at Juventus for Adrien Rabiot, and now they are confident to get it done.

"So the conversation between Juventus and Rabiot is positive, it is not done yet. But Juventus are really trying to extend his contract. In this case, of course, no Man United or no to any other option for Rabiot, who dreams of Premier League football but didn't receive the right proposal yet."

What do Man United need in midfield?

Whilst Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been two of United's better performers, signing a third option to complement both in the middle of the park will be crucial for Ten Hag this summer.

Although Christian Eriksen did well going forward, notching up ten assists in all competitions, the 31-year-old received criticism for his lack of defensive intensity, which often led to Casemiro and the United defence being exposed.

United experimented with Marcel Sabitzer on loan in January, but it appears that neither he nor Brazil international Fred have a future at the club.

If United's pursuit of Mount fails, then they may find themselves back at square one when it comes to reinforcing their midfield, and the lack of clarity over their ownership situation means that they could be held back in the market when pursuing their top targets.

Michael Beale could face a few tough decisions as Glasgow Rangers manager this summer, especially with regards to which players depart the Ibrox side across the transfer window.

A major overhaul is needed and with Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell arriving in January, Beale has already added another four new signings this summer, with the possibility that there are still a few more to arrive over the coming weeks.

The likes of Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin look certain to depart, playing only bit-part roles last season, while money could also be freed up by moving on Kemar Roofe, who largely struggled with injury during 2022/23.

The forward missed 35 games due to a knee injury, making only six appearances and scoring twice, and while there isn’t any denying his undisputed quality in front of goal, scoring 36 goals in 78 games for the Gers, earning a reported wage of £26k-per-week is a waste if he is playing so little.

Beale could move him on by making a swoop for one of his former players this summer; Lyndon Dykes.

Could Rangers sign Lyndon Dykes?

The Ibrox side have been linked with the Scotland international since the January transfer window, however, just a few weeks ago, it was claimed by Football League World that Queens Park Rangers could now sell the £6k-per-week forward as he failed to agree terms on a new contract.

With just one year left on his deal, Beale could perhaps secure him for a low fee and he would be another reliable option that the Gers could call upon in front of goal.

Former manager Steven Gerrard lauded him back in 2020 when Dykes was playing for Livingston, dubbing the striker as “quite dangerous” and following 14 goals and ten assists during the 2019/20 campaign, the 27-year-old got his big move to the Championship and has continued his rich vein of form ever since.

29 goals and 11 assists across the previous three seasons isn’t prolific by any stretch of the imagination, but Dykes, like Roofe, has more qualities than simply sticking the ball in the back of the net.

He is able to bring other players into games with his ability to hold the ball up, while he is excellent in the air, ranking in the top 8% over the next eight European leagues out with the top five for aerials won per 90 (5.74) and three of his eight club goals last year came from headers.

Nine goals in just 29 appearances for Scotland suggest the 6 foot 2 machine can certainly cut it on the international stage and with Beale looking to add some strength in depth to his playing squad, the Australian-born star could be an excellent addition, one that helps banish Roofe in the process.

Leeds United have been a side never shy in front of goal, whether it be under the exceptional Marcelo Bielsa or even the struggling Jesse Marsch.

Even when trundling towards the drop last term, the Whites still managed to notch 48 goals, outscoring most of their relegation competition. This does mark a far cry from the 62 they scored during that imperious return to the top flight though.

However, recent reports have emerged suggesting that Rodrigo, their top scorer from that torrid later campaign, has a release clause of just €3.5m (£3m), making the Spaniard ripe for the plucking from Elland Road.

A huge chunk of that aforementioned figure could be set to depart.

Given he was initially bought for £27m, the club are set to make a monumental loss on the 32-year-old who offered a brief glimmer of hope throughout a dark and depressing year in Yorkshire.

To offset such financial failures, the 49ers will have to be shrewd in this summer window, likely scouring from within the Championship or the free-agent market to find their deals.

Fortunately, an option within the latter has come to light, with soon-to-be departing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele free from his £51k-per-week contract this summer, and reportedly on the list of Leeds' new ownership.

Could Moussa Dembele replace Rodrigo at Leeds United?

Having scored 13 league goals for a relegated side, Rodrigo has already proven himself a fine asset more than capable of starring in the top flight. His exit is almost a guarantee given the tiny fee attached to him.

However, this French forward could perhaps pose a fine alternative, despite the statistics of late suggesting a recent loss of form.

Just three goals in 23 Ligue 1 showings are a harsh indicator, given the form of Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him. The 26-year-old has only started eight games in the league.

As the machine-like striker in the season prior, he showcased his true talents by finding the net on 21 occasions, proving himself more than capable of leading the line. When handed confidence and a run of games, the former Celtic man has proven his talent in front of goal.

That spell in Scotland, where he would score 51 goals in just 94 games, saw Brendan Rodgers rush to praise him. The currently out-of-work manager claimed:

"Moussa has everything with his power and pace. It was a different sort of system and the boys looked a real threat and linked up really well.

“His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate. He was excellent. I am very pleased to have him back and his contribution."

With the 49ers having inherited something of a mess in this Leeds team, still licking their wounds from a relegation that three different managers could not halt, they could offer some clarity by making a confident first foray into the market.

Not only would it mark a huge statement of intent, but it would also offer an immediate replacement should Rodrigo exit Elland Road.

Liverpool are on the verge of confirming Alexis Mac Allister as their first summer signing and now a new update has emerged on another Brighton and Hove Albion star who could be set to join his teammate at Anfield.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Moises Caicedo?

According to The Telegraph reporter Sam Dean, Liverpool could become involved in the race to sign Moises Caicedo this summer.

Dean tweeted: "Brighton will demand significantly more than £70m for Moises Caicedo this summer. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have all shown interest — and Liverpool could yet become involved, depending on the eventual cost."

Should Liverpool sign Moises Caicedo this summer?

There is no doubt that Liverpool have a desperate need to complete an overhaul in midfield and the imminent announcement of a completed deal for Mac Allister will be a fantastic start to the club's intentions to inject some youth and high quality into the centre of the pitch.

The Anfield faithful will be under no illusion that FSG will be willing to splash the cash to match the extreme spending of Chelsea and Manchester United, but instead will focus on getting cost-effective deals done, with the World Cup winner reportedly costing the Reds a cool £35m for his services.

Having said that, the American owners scrimping has ultimately denied Liverpool the chance to compete in the Champions League and the struggles of last season should serve as a warning to the club hierarchy that their top-flight rivals are strengthening around them.

As a result, the signing of Caicedo would be an incredible opportunity for Jurgen Klopp as he would have a ready-made unstoppable midfield partnership if a deal could be done to reunite the Ecuadorian ace with his Brighton teammate Mac Allister at Anfield.

The dynamic duo dominated their opponents in domestic competition this term, with the pair part of a phenomenal side under Roberto De Zerbi who excelled to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and qualify for Europa League football with a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.

Caicedo's partnership with the 24-year-old has often been highly praised, with journalist Julien Laurens claiming that the pair are exactly what Liverpool need:

"The Mac Allister – Caicedo partnership is just so so good. They are exactly what Liverpool need so badly."

Whilst the Argentine boasts explosive attacking strengths, Caicedo – dubbed "terrific" by Tim Vickery – ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for pass completion, tackles and interceptions, whilst also ranking in the top five Premier League players this season for tackles won and interceptions completed, proving he is one of the most prolific ball-winning midfielders in Europe.

Whilst Mac Allister is likely to serve as a replacement for Naby Keita and an upgrade on Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott, Caicedo would be the perfect alternative for either Jordan Henderson or Fabinho, injecting energy, consistency and creativity from the deeper role.

Indeed, Caicedo's reported £80m price tag will pose as a stumbling block for Liverpool as it is unlikely they would be willing to commit to such a high transfer fee, however, securing the young talent's signature alongside Mac Allister would set up Klopp's midfield for years to come.

Hibernian are keeping tabs on defender Morgan Feeney as they look to bolster their defensive options ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Morgan Feeney to Hibs?

According to the Daily Record, Hibs are eyeing up a move for Carlisle centre-back Feeney as Lee Johnson aims to bolster his back line.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at the English side this summer, meaning Hibs could secure him on a free transfer, although they could face competition from fellow Premiership sides Hearts and Aberdeen, while there is also interest from League One – suggesting that the Easter Road outfit face a tough battle to sign him.

Could Morgan Feeney improve Hibs?

In the top flight last term, Johnson’s side conceded 59 goals, which was the joint fifth lowest across the whole league, however, they face a big problem in terms of centre-back options ahead of 2023/2024.

The departure of Mikey Devlin leaves Hibs with just two senior centre-backs at the moment and there will need to be a few additions over the coming weeks in order to improve the depth of the squad.

Johnson could secure a reunion with Feeney, having coached him during his spell as Sunderland manager and the 6 foot 2 gem could certainly come in and solve their defensive problem, no doubt about it.

The Englishman made his debut for Everton when he was just 17, and although he didn’t make the grade at Goodison Park, he has played for Tranmere Rovers and Sunderland, before finally enjoying a solid run of matches at Carlisle, featuring 76 times for the club.

The defender played 31 times in League Two as Carlisle secured promotion via the playoffs, however Feeney missed the end of the season due to injury. The 24-year-old did play a big part in the club achieving a top seven spot however, achieving a Sofascore rating of 6.96/10, which ranked him as the third-best player in the squad.

He also ranked in the top five for accurate long balls per game (2.2), interceptions per game (1.3) and clearances per game (2.8) to further underline his importance to the team and Johnson must act sooner rather than later to snap him up ahead of next term.

Journalist Nathan Ridley lauded the player following his injury in April which ruled him out for the rest of the season, saying: “A real shame if Morgan Feeney's time at Carlisle ends like this. He's more than capable of playing in League One.”

Luring him North of the border for nothing would represent a good piece of business for Hibs, and they need to make defensive signings a priority considering just how thin they are at the back.