All posts by h716a5.icu

Chelsea remain on course to have a decent season this term despite plenty of chat about Mauro Sarri not getting what he should out of his team.

The Blues can still capture the Europa League, while they also remain on course to land a spot in the top four, something which would surely constitute a successful season for the Italian manager.

However, there is a big summer ahead for Chelsea, with the club in the midst of a transfer ban – something they are indeed appealing – and looking at some of their top stars like Eden Hazard potentially moving away from the club.

If Chelsea can indeed overcome the transfer ban though, then we here in the Tavern feel like they need to be going all out for Ajax defender Matthijs De Ligt, who despite interest from Barcelona has revealed that he might well be interested in a move elsewhere in the summer.

The Ajax youngster has been nothing short of superb for the Dutch side this year, leading from the back as Ajax have moved within one game of landing a spot in the Champions League final.

Ajax have a historical link with Barcelona which has naturally led to De Ligt being linked with a move for the defender, but Chelsea are desperate for younger players in their squad who are ready made for first-team action, something which De Ligt falls right into.

It does of course come down to Chelsea being able to get some good fortune from the powers that be in relation to their transfer ban, but if they can get out of it, then signing De Ligt has to be a priority.

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Everton fans have taken to Twitter to moan about the return of Cuco Martina, after it was revealed that Feyenoord would not be exercising their option to buy as they look to balance their finances.

The Curacao international was signed on a free transfer by Ronald Koeman back in 2017, after being left as a free agent following his time at Southampton where he worked under the Dutch coach.

In this era of ‘big 6’ dominance, has finishing 7th become as good as winning a trophy? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have their say in the video below…

Martina made 28 appearances for the Toffees before spending time on loan at Stoke and Feyenoord, but will now be returning to Goodison Park in the summer.

It was always a strange decision by Koeman to sign Martina, as he had never really offered anything to show that he was up to the standard required at a club like Everton.

Even more amazingly, Koeman signed Martina up to a three-year deal, so the Merseysiders are stuck with the 29-year-old until the summer of 2020.

Let’s see what the frustrated Everton supporters on Twitter have been saying about Martina’s return…

West Ham United will need to build upon this year’s campaign and adding quality to their squad this summer would have to be considered a priority.

The Hammers were rather successful in the transfer window last summer as Manuel Pellegrini managed to bring in a number of players to help significantly improve the side he inherited.

However, the London Stadium outfit still have a number of areas that could do with upgrading ahead of the new season and one man that has been linked with a move to east London could be an excellent coup for the Irons.

Enter Steven Zuber.

According to the guys at Tuttomercatoweb, West Ham are allegedly interested in the Hoffenheim flyer and are thought to be keeping tabs on him as he has been impressing in his loan spell with Stuttgart.

The Switzerland international is extremely versatile, as he can play in any position on the left-hand side comfortably, whilst he is also more than adept at playing in the centre of midfield – an area of the field where we have suffered a number of injuries.

However, what makes him more appealing is the fact that he is thought to be valued around €7million (£6.1m). Pocket change in today’s transfer market, even for a club like West Ham!

Indeed, Zuber is a quality player, and although the Hammers already have bundles of talented players in wide positions, the 27-year-old would still be able to provide the depth required in the Premier League, whilst he might also be a perfect upgrade on the likes of Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell at left-back.

But, the club is going to have to act quickly if they do decide to make a move for him, as the likes of Nice, AS Roma and SS Lazio are all thought to be interested in securing his signature.

Pellegrini must not think too long and hard about this one, as it is unlikely he will be available for too long.

West Ham fans, do you think the club should sign Zuber this summer? Let us know below!

Frankly, Oliver Burke cannot be retained at any costs.

The disastrous showing at the Ibrox last week outlined him as a waste of space. Indeed, he’s been unable to deliver when required and been toothless in front goal, looking a shadow of the player who excited so many at Nottingham Forest as a youngster. So, in order to remain Scotland’s best amid the potential Rangers uprise next season, the Hoops need to bring in some serious firepower next season.

Rather than looking for someone new, why not go with some you could trust? Indeed, Celtic should look at a proven superstar than scouting an expensive buy. Burke loan might’ve flopped big time, but one who didn’t was Patrick Roberts, multiple times.

After all, who could forget his first season, when he contributed goals left, right and centre?

When David Hay (as per the Evening Times) thinks bringing Roberts back would be wise, who’s there to argue against it? Granted the 22-year-old winger hasn’t really been in best form during his loan to Spanish side Girona, being unable to score or assist in a miserable campaign but to blame him too much would be wrong.

Clearly, the former Fulham ace is a talented player and someone who understands what it means to represent the Hoops.

Going into the final year of Manchester City contract, Celtic would potentially bargain a smart deal for Roberts. If they’re thinking ambitiously, they wouldn’t have to rely on a loan and should cut a low fee to buy him permanently, saving him from his nightmare out in Spain. As a result, their issues down the wings would be solved, and the fans would surely get back onside with a club who’ve been fairly tight in the market.

Parkhead will never say no to Roberts after the magic he’s created in recent times, Peter Lawwell and his fellow decision-makers shouldn’t.

Celtic fans, would you want Roberts back at Parkhead next season? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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In all honesty, Aston Villa were pretty poor over both legs of their play-off semi-final with West Brom.

For 75 minutes against the Baggies in the first leg they were up against it and in the return fixture at the Hawthorns they also struggled to get a foot in the game.

Yet, football is a funny game and, lo and behold, Villa are potentially just another 90 minutes away from a Premier League return after prevailing on penalties.

On the chalkboard

For all the hard work Villa have done in a bid to achieve promotion, they’ve had certain circumstances handed to them on a plate.

There’s a tale of four red cards that have and still could benefit Villa. Because of that, they’ve gained an unexpected advantage.

Ahead of their semi-final meeting with West Brom, Hal Robson-Kanu was suspended after he picked up a red card against Derby. The Welshman, had he been available, surely would have taken a penalty in the second leg shoot-out. Advantage number one.

Advantage number two came in the form of a red card for Dwight Gayle. Before his red, he’d been sublime, scoring the opening goal of the tie. Had he played a full part, Albion may have come through themselves.

A third red card then played into their hands at the Hawthorns. Chris Brunt, one of Albion’s chief men from set-pieces was sent off and consequently couldn’t take a penalty.

You’d have betted on him to score, but instead, Albion were reliant on a host of defenders who didn’t look up to the job from 12 yards.

As if that wasn’t enough, another suspension has played into their hands ahead of the final. Derby’s Scott Malone was sent off against Leeds and, as a result, Ashley Cole will likely play at Wembley.

At the age of 38, having to deal with the likes of Andre Green or Anwar El Ghazi is the last thing the left back needs. Malone is hardly consistent himself but he’d have been a more reliable option.

“Fair play nonsense!” – Watch one fan’s astonishing defence of Leeds’ controversial goal against Villa on Sunday in the video below…

Instead, Cole will be a huge weak spot for Villa to target next Monday. If Dean Smith’s men are able to exploit him, there could be plenty of space in behind for the Villans to prosper.

Green was able to make Stuart Dallas look completely out of his depth last month when Villa took on Leeds and, with that in mind, he simply has to target Cole if he starts.

With the Football League season all but over, it’s time for teams to start focusing on their summer plans, and for Portsmouth, this transfer window is massive.

With promotion to the Championship missed out on by the slimmest of margins, Kenny Jackett will be looking to add quality to his team that can take Portsmouth back to the second-tier in 2020, but recent reports make for underwhelming reading for Pompey supporters.

According to the Portsmouth News, the club are to revive their interest in Ipswich Town striker Ellis Harrison, who has been an underwhelming figure for the Tractor Boys this season, scoring just once in 17 appearances for the relegated Championship side.

Valued at £675,000 on Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old striker will be a weird and unusual signing for Portsmouth.

Although the club have attempted in the past to sign the attacker, this season has shown the Harrison is a player that should be avoided this summer after such a poor campaign with Ipswich.

One goal all season in over 15 appearances for any striker in any division is a poor record for a professional striker, and heading into next season, Jackett needs attackers who have consistently scored goals throughout their career, and after Harrison’s year with Ipswich, the 25-year-old doesn’t fit the bill.

Portsmouth will be aiming for automatic promotion next season after coming so close this year, but Jackett and co won’t make it far if the club decides to make underwhelming signings, and for Harrison, he fits into such category.

Portsmouth fans, who should the club be targetting this summer? Let us know!

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Rangers are set to wait until later in the summer to make a move for Hearts defender John Souttar, according to website Football Insider.

What’s the story?

The outlet reckon that while Steven Gerrard and his recruitment team at Ibrox are keen on on the Tynecastle stopper, the player himself is unlikely to make an early summer move away from Edinburgh.

Clubs such as a Derby County are also keen on the defender, according to the report, so it could be a tricky few months when it comes to securing his signature.

Defence is clearly a priority for Gerrard, with reports this week that a third bid will be lodged for Oldham centre-back George Edmundson.

Urgent action

Gerrard’s problem when it comes to a potential Souttar deal is that he badly needs the right personnel in place for upcoming UEFA Europa League qualifiers, which kick off in less than two months’ time.

Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…

With Joe Worrall leaving to go back to Nottingham Forest and Gareth McAuley’s contract expiring, it’s crucial that Rangers get the right business done in the defensive line as early as possible. Back-up could be needed in case of injury to Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic.

Ordinarily a player of Souttar’s calibre would be worth waiting on, but the European qualifiers are so important to Rangers’ progression at the club. The run to the group stages of the competition in 2018/19 gave the side great confidence and huge financially.

If the Hearts defender is not up for a move until later in the window, it could be time to move onto other targets.

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According to the Sun’s Alan Nixon, Tottenham are likely to submit a low offer for Jack Clarke in an attempt to sign the youngster on the cheap.

It had previously been reported that Leeds have slapped a £20m pricetag on the 18-year-old’s head, and they mustn’t let him go for anything less than that.

Can’t let Levy control the deal

Daniel Levy has proven during his tenure as the chairman of Tottenham Hotspur that he is one of the most difficult men in English football to negotiate with.

Spurs historically aren’t big spenders, and it should come as no surprise that they are attempting to lowball Leeds in this deal for Clarke, but Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani can’t allow themselves to be ripped off when selling their prize asset.

QSI curveball

A huge curveball could be thrown at this potential deal with the reported investment from Qatar Sports Investments at Elland Road.

Leeds’ money worries would be hugely alleviated by investment from PSG’s owners, and Spurs would no longer have the power over Clarke’s future.

If QSI provide the Yorkshire club with funds in the upcoming transfer window, Orta and Radrizzani would be able to stand firm on their £20m valuation of the youngster as they would have no reason to sell him for a penny less than what he is worth.

For all the excitement around the potential arrival of new billionaire investors, the amount of power gained in situations like this may be the best thing to happen to the club.

The days of young talents such as Lewis Cook and Charlie Taylor being poached by clubs such as Bournemouth and Burnley could be gone, and Leeds may finally be able to develop their academy prospects and watch them flourish.

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According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool ‘have made no contact’ with Lille over a swoop for Nicolas Pepe in this summer’s transfer window.

A recent report claimed that the Reds had already made an offer as they looked to sign the attacker ahead of the 2019-2020 campaign.

However, according to the Liverpool Echo, that is not the case, with Jurgen Klopp’s side yet to hold any talks over a move for Pepe.

One thing is for sure, Lille will face a tough task to keep hold of the 24-year-old this summer when considering how he performed last term.

Indeed, a record of 23 goals and 12 assists in 41 appearances in all competitions showed the Ivory Coast international’s quality.

Watch the best UCL final reactions from Liverpool and Spurs fans (and their enemies) in the video below…

Liverpool will seemingly not be signing the winger this summer, though, and a number of the Merseyside club’s fans have been on social media reacting to the latest developments – a selection of which can be seen below:

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Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson believes Neil Lennon must be properly backed by the club during this summer’s transfer window, as reported by The Daily Record.

What’s he said?

Despite winning a treble for the third successive year last term, this summer definitely feels like a transitional one for the Celtic squad.

After filling in for Brendan Rodgers mid-season, Lennon will finally have a chance to stamp his own authority on the team and make additions that better suit his vision of how the Hoops should play.

That will of course cost money and Wilson is adamant that the recruitment job ahead can’t be done on the cheap, urging the Celtic board to back the new manager with all the resources he needs.

C’mon the Hoops’ Keith remembers the late Phil O’Donnell in the video below…

As quoted by The Daily Record, the 35-year-old said:

“You can’t say just because Neil’s a Celtic man, he’s been here before, he loves the club, all that stuff, that you can sell him short with, say, £8million to beef up the squad.

“It has to be an awful lot more than that, considering how many positions they need to fill.

“It’s going to take a chunk of cash. He needs centre halves, a striker, a right back, cover at left back.

“Every good squad has a cycle. You can’t keep winning without freshening up and Neil has proven in the past he can find a quality player or two.

“You can trust him with a transfer kitty, and with nine and maybe 10 coming up, Peter has to be aware of what the fans will expect.”

Is he right?

The positions Wilson mentions are the definite priorities for Celtic this summer with the midfield and wing positions looking pretty strong barring any departures.

He is also right to suggest it will cost a fair wedge of money, but the club would be the first to point out it’s about investing in players wisely, rather than simply spending for the sake of spending.

Celtic often stick to a defined profile of player when entering the market and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

The most successful stars to come through Celtic Park in recent years have been young talents not quite yet at their prime who can improve in the first-team and be sold on for a much larger fee.

Perhaps key will also be getting through the early rounds of the UEFA Champions League qualifying process unscathed – reaching the group stages or at least confirming a place in the UEFA Europa League groups unlocks both personnel and cash available to Lennon.

The perception of Lennon’s appointment is that it was a cheap option, but the signs are there the club will invest in this squad. There’s too obvious a need and recruitment failure will have the Hoops support up in arms.