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For two long, arduous months, it appeared that Eddie Howe would become the new manager of Celtic.However, we should know by now that, when it comes to the Hoops, things are never done the easy way.The Bhoys had been in advanced talks with the 43-year-old and a deal was already done according to reports, but on Friday, a move collapsed at the 11thÂhour.

What’s the word?

Celtic have wasted no time in assessing their alternatives. Their plan B is to lure Australian boss Ange Postecoglou to Parkhead instead.

The 55-year-old is currently managing in Japan and is believed to be in advanced talks with the Bhoys over moving to Scotland.

Considering that he’s never managed in Europe, it would be a gamble from Dermot Desmond and co to hire him. That being said, it would appear that Celtic have performed their due diligence on the manager.

According to the Daily Record, the Bhoys have been tracking Postecoglou ever since Neil Lennon resigned back in February. The Yokohama F Marinos boss is reportedly very keen on becoming the Hoops’ new manager and Dominic McKay is now treating the matter with great urgency.

A good appointment?

Although Postecoglou has never ventured onto European shores, it’s hard to deny his outstanding qualities.

When he won the Japanese top flight back in 2019, Marinos’ wage budget was one-seventh of the richest team in the division. In Scottish terms, that would be the equivalent of an Aberdeen taking home the Premiership.

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Effective on a shoestring budget, his football is also particularly eye-catching. During the course of the current campaign, his team have registered the most possession of anyone in the division, with a tally of 64.7%.

Celtic are a team used to dominating possession but even the Hoops enjoyed less of the ball than Marinos in 2020/21, averaging 61.9%. Already you can start to work out why Postecoglou is so highly coveted by the Bhoys.

Another impressive aspect is the way he gets his teams to press from the front. Marinos are relentless in the way they hound and hassle the opposition, leading a pressing charge of several players.

Postecoglou seems to thrive on that modern style of football and it has proven incredibly successful for him.

Described as “infectious†by former Everton star Tim Cahill, he has caught the eye of both Pep Guardiola and Raheem Sterling.

Following a match against Manchester City, Guardiola was left impressed, saying: “Yokohama played some incredible football and they were an incredible test for us.”

After a friendly between England and Australia, Sterling echoed his club manager’s thoughts, commenting: “They’re probably one of the best teams I’ve seen play out from the back and they played some great football so it was a great test for us.”

Adept at getting from one pitch to the other with quick passing and relentless pressing, there are huge positives to agreeing a deal with Postecoglou.

It’s a gamble from the Celtic board but, if his brand of football comes off, they should undoubtedly look a more impressive outfit next season, assuming he is handed the reins.

AND in other news, Celtic must sign 49-goal gem who left a “huge impression” on Neil Lennon…

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie believes concerns over Celtic’s transfer budget could be holding up Eddie Howe’s move to the club.

Howe has long been linked with Celtic as they look to replace Neil Lennon but nothing has yet been made official.

The former Bournemouth boss may be holding out for a Premier League opportunity, with some reports suggesting that he could be in line for the Crystal Palace job.

Hendrie also thinks the possibility of not being able to bring in the players he wants could be causing issues.

Discussing Celtic’s pursuit of Howe in an exclusive interview with TT, the Sky Sports pundit said:

“I think that’s why it’s taken a little bit longer to get a manager back into the door. You know, ‘What have I got to go and bring new players in? What have I got that I can [use to] compete against Rangers?’

“It seems to be that there’s a problem or there isn’t enough that is attracting managers in to say, ‘Well, I can bring new players in, we’re going to rebuild this football club’ and that possibly will be why there isn’t a manager in that door at the moment.”

Given how far off Celtic were from their city rivals this season, it is probably to be expected that any incoming manager would want reassurances regarding the transfer budget. So it would not be a surprise if an issue surrounding that was holding up Howe’s move to the Bhoys.

Many Aston Villa fans have been discussing Jack Grealish’s latest tweet, which has elicited a glowing response on the social media platform.

The 25-year-old recently relayed a tweet from the official club account after Aston Villa had posted a video involving actor David Bradley, who was talking about the club and it’s rise and fall through the years. The title of the video was – “They say you don’t choose Aston Villa, it chooses you.”

Bradley was talking about the beauty of fans and how so many Villa fans are connected to the club. The video included footage of the Villans’ greatest moments over the decades.

Grealish shared his admiration for the video, retweeting it with the added comment of: “What a video man ❤️💙 the way I can’t wait to have fans back!! @bradders_david you legend! 🙌🏻”

This came after the European Super League was announced amidst widespread vehement outcry. Even during Leeds’ Premier League against Liverpool, the Whites’ players wore training jerseys in protests of the ESL, while protests were held outside Elland Road (BBC Sport).

Liverpool are among the six English clubs to have signed up to the Super League, while Gary Neville launched a scathing attack on the concept of the ESL.

Grealish’s tweet drew the attention of many Aston Villa fans, who loved the response from the 25-year-old, whose local status and love for the club has often been apparent.

What did Aston Villa fans make of Grealish’s tweet?

“100% accurate, I know cause it hit me when I was 5 years old and now I’m 49 and still as strong as ever.”

Credit: @Simon1874Villa

“Who needs a Super League when we’ve got Super Jack!”Credit: @Gareth32Gareth”Love you forever and always.”Credit: @LawsAVFC”We are, without any shadow of a doubt, a truly great club… if not the greatest in the country.”Credit: @skippyjackson”You’re never leaving are you hahahahaha love you.”Credit: @AVFCOlly_”Goosebumps, passion, pride, yes we are Aston Villa!”Credit: @TonyV1llaIn other news, “The last thing you want to see” – Exclusive: Lee Hendrie reacts as big Aston Villa blow emerges

Son Heung-min was pictured in tears after the final whistle after Tottenham were beaten in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

Aymeric Laporte scored an 82nd-minute winner for Manchester City, extending Spurs’ 13-year wait for a major trophy.

Son is still yet to win a piece of silverware in his professional career.

Why don’t Everton fans like Son?

The South Korea international is far from a popular player on the blue half of Merseyside. Back in November 2019, his challenge on Everton’s Andre Gomes led to a serious ankle injury for the Portuguese midfielder.

He was shown the red card and appeared to be devastated by the incident. Gomes would return to action the following February, having missed 109 days and 17 games.

Spurs promptly appealed the red card and successfully had Martin Atkinson’s decision overturned, meaning that Son escaped a three-match ban.

Twitter fan feed Toffee TV relayed the footage of the tearful Korean at the final whistle at Wembley yesterday, accompanied with a zipper-mouth emoji.

Here’s how Everton fans reacted, with sympathy in short supply.

Everton fans smug amid Son woes

“Hahhaahahahahahahaahahahaahahahahahahahaahahahabahahhaah”

Credit: @emmarc

“He needs to get himself sponsored by some tissue company… never known someone cry so much.”

Credit: @Absentee76

“Is he hoping the result will be overturned if he cries enough?”

Credit: @sunscreemer

“No doubt the powers that be will see these tears and overturn the result”

Credit: @SteRoberts18

“Pray for Son”

Credit: @philliplhayes

“Love it”

Credit: @Tony_willow86

“Drink it in”

Credit: @eveyaus

“This video brings me a great deal of joy. I know it’s petty, but I never want him to have good things.”

Credit: @Philatty

In other news, this on-loan Everton man was hailed for his performance at the weekend.

Southampton are reportedly keeping tabs on Celtic defender Leo Hjelde ahead of the summer transfer window, according to The Scottish Sun.

The report claims that the Saints are looking at the 17-year-old, as well as Rangers youngster Kyle McClelland.

Hjelde’s versatile Ross County stint

Hjelde, who stands at 6 foot 1, is currently out on loan at fellow Scottish Premiership side Ross County, with the Norwegian making nine appearances in all competitions.

The teenager has played at centre-back, left-back and left-midfield at Victoria Park, scoring his first senior goal against Kilmarnock last month.

It seems as if his displays have caught the attention on the south coast, with Hjelde having just over 12 months remaining on his Parkhead deal.

Transfer Tavern take

John Hughes, Hjelde’s manager at Ross County, called the teenager ‘unbelievable’ last month, and it seems as if the Hoops may have a decision to make on the promising youngster this summer.

We have seen first hand with Stephen Welsh this season how a young Hoops defender can have a real impact in the senior squad, and should Hjelde remain in Glasgow, he could be the next to breakthrough.

Christopher Jullien is out through injury at this moment in time, while Hjelde’s countryman Kris Ajer has been linked with a move away.

That could result in Hjelde having a real chance to establish himself in the first-team setup next season, providing he remains at the club beyond the summer.

In other news: Celtic source shares twist in Eddie Howe deal; the reason he’s having second thoughts comes to light, find out more here.

قررت الجامعة الملكية المغربية لكرة القدم صرف مكافأة مالية للاعبي منتخب المغرب قبل مواجهة مصر في ربع نهائي كأس أمم إفريقيا.

ويلعب منتخب المغرب ضد مصر يوم الأحد المقبل، على أرضية ملعب أحمد أهيدجو بياوندي.

ووفقًا لما نشره موقع “LE360” المغربي فإن لاعبو المغرب سيحصلون على مكافأة قدرها 40 مليون سنتيم أي ما يعادل 400 ألف درهم مغربي بعد فوزه على مالاوي في دور الـ16 بهدفين مقابل هدف.

طالع أيضًا.. لاعب منتخب المغرب يتعافى من كورونا قبل مواجهة مصر في أمم إفريقيا

وأضاف التقرير ذاته أن منتخب المغرب سيحصل على 50 مليون سنتيم حال نجاحه في الفوز على مصر والتأهل لنصف النهائي، في حين سيمنح مكافأة قدرها 100 مليون سنتيم إذا فاز بالبطولة و70 مليون سنتيم إذا حقق المركز الثاني.

جدير بالذكر أن منتخب مصر قد نجح في تخطي كوت ديفوار بدور الـ16 من الأمم الإفريقية بعد الفوز عليه 5-4 بركلات الترجيح.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who is a Wolves Hall of Famer, has called on his former side to go for the young Burnley duo in Dwight McNeil and Josh Brownhill.

Wolves currently have six players over the age of 30 with five of them playing at least 12 games in the Premier League this season, which could explain why they have been linked with McNeil and Brownhill.

In the centre of midfield they possess two of the best passers in the league with Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, however, the latter is 35-years-old this year so a younger replacement such as Brownhill could add some energy into the side.

Speaking on what type of players Wolves should be targeting and how they need to get the right balance in the squad, Bull told FFC:

“I’ve mentioned Dwight McNeil and Josh Brownhill already and they’re players that are enthusiastic and would fit into our side.

“They fit in with our age bracket as well, because our average is 25-years-old and I always say you need a squad half full of experienced players to help the youngsters out.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/exclusive-andreas-sondergaard-wolves-premier-league” title=”Exclusive! Andreas Sondergaard talks all things Wolves”]

“I think whoever the club decide to bring in will grasp the chance with both hands and do a very good job for us.”

In the past Wolves have pulled off some great coups in the transfer market, for example when they signed Ruben Neves in the Championship as well as Diogo Jota for £12 million. 

MatériaMais Notícias

O goleiro Paulo Victor se machucou logo no início do Campeonato Brasileiro e acabou perdendo a vaga de titular do Flamengo para Alex Muralha. Questionado se o goleiro estaria insatisfeito com sua situação no clube, o técnico Zé Ricardo acredita que isso é normal e garante que não tem nada contra o jogador. O treinador destacou que conta com Paulo Victor e ele vai ter uma nova oportunidade.

– É claro que ele não fica satisfeito de não jogar. Nada contra o Paulo. Tenho profundo respeito por ele. É só uma questão de oportunidade, ele vai voltar no momento certo. Espero que todos os jogadores entendam isso. Até por respeito com o colega que está trabalhando. É se preparar que a oportunidade vai aparecer. Estamos muito bem servidos de goleiro – disse o treinador.

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Zé Ricardo explicou que as lesões e o bom momento vivido por Muralha culminaram para que Paulo Victor fosse parar no banco de reservas. Segundo o técnico, o goleiro, que saiu do time depois da terceira rodada porque se machucou, já ia voltar contra o São Paulo, na nona rodada, mas acabou sofrendo nova lesão.

– O Paulo é um excelente goleiro, um jogador de nível muito alto. Ele ia retornar no jogo contra o São Paulo, mas teve outra contusão e ficou muito tempo fora. Nisso o Alex estava vindo em uma sequência boa. A gente conversou e achou por bem manter o Alex. Mas ele está trabalhando de forma muito legal. teremos muitos jogos, duas competições, vamos precisar dele e é bom ele ficar preparado – afirmou Zé Ricardo.

Tottenham could potentially sign Jose Mourinho’s new Sergio Ramos by bringing in Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Spurs are after the Serbia international, and are keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

An update was delivered on their pursuit of the 6 foot 4 powerhouse by Italian publication CalcioMercato, who claim that Mourinho’s side, along with fellow Premier League giants Liverpool, have reached out to Milenkovic’s agents over a potential move.

The report adds that Manchester United also remain in the equation for his signature, and that Fiorentina also hold out hope they can tie him down to a new deal.

Mourinho’s new Ramos?

Throughout his illustrious managerial career, Mourinho has worked with some of the world’s best, not least Sergio Ramos in his time at Real Madrid.

The Spain international was one of the cornerstones of Madrid’s success in the early 2010s under Mourinho’s leadership, playing 137 times for him – the second-most he’s played for any manager, only behind current Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane.

Ramos was his leader on and off the pitch, and enjoyed some of his peak years under Mourinho’s management – he was named in FIFA’s World XI for three years in a row during the pair’s time at the Bernabeu.

Speaking back in 2012, the current Spurs boss remarked: “When Sergio is at his best, he gives me all that a defender has to give: security in defence, quality bringing the ball out, strength and set pieces, leadership. When he is in shape, he is one of the best.”

And in Milenkovic, Daniel Levy could unearth something incredibly similar. The Serbian is an absolute powerhouse in the centre of defence, averaging 1.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in Serie A this season – both stats in the top five among Fiorentina’s entire squad.

The £25.2m-rated titan has already earned rave reviews for his abilities and potential, being described as someone who is “fearless” and is a “beast”. Milenkovic has shown he could also develop into the leader Ramos is right now, having captained Fiorentina on a couple of occasions already this season, despite only being 23.

When Mourinho joined Madrid as manager in May 2010, Ramos was only 24 and was still trying to make his mark on world football. Milenkovic is in that similar age profile, and under the Spurs boss’ guidance, could develop into a superstar just like the Spaniard did.

Meanwhile, Spurs played a blinder by selling this man for £17m…

Jose Mourinho’s side return to Premier League action later this evening as they welcome defending champions Liverpool to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It was only on Monday night that we last saw Spurs in action as they made it into the FA Cup fifth round with a come-from-behind victory over Championship minnows Wycombe Wanderers.

Mourinho needed his substitutes to make an impact in the second half despite fielding a pretty strong XI.

Eventually, a trio of late goals sealed a 4-1 win at Adams Park, though the scoreline was certainly flattering given it took until the 86th minute to break the deadlock.

And one player who started that game ought to be axed when an elite-quality outfit travel to the capital tonight…

On the Chalkboard

With Liverpool in town, Mourinho needs to name his strongest lineup possible, and that simply doesn’t involve Davinson Sanchez.

The 24-year-old has endured quite a turbulent 2020/21 campaign so far.

He’s fallen heavily out-of-favour in the Premier League, starting only six of their 18 outings and since the shocking West Ham comeback in October, in which he scored an own goal, the one-time club-record signing has been snubbed from the travelling squad nine times, per Transfermarkt.

Though Sanchez has started two of their last four matches in the competition, Mourinho must resist the temptation to give him another run-out as Liverpool have the sort of quality that could punish his inconsistencies.

Indeed, he looked fine against Fulham, a team struggling in a relegation battle, while against Wolves, he was protected in a back three.

Mourinho already knows that the Colombian can be a liability. Indeed, his Manchester United actually targeted him at Ajax during the Europa League final in 2017. He revealed that they tried to block Matthijs de Ligt so Sanchez would have more of the ball, thus creating “trouble” for him.

While during Amazon’s ‘All or Nothing’ series, the Special One questioned his mentality.

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Sanchez is alarmingly shaky at the back, and it is often his pace that can compensate for some lapses in concentration – former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood dubbed the centre-back “a mistake waiting to happen” in October.

That echoes similar comments from the Hotspur faithful, who as recently as their Carabao Cup semi-final were calling him a ‘liability’ and wanting him sold.

Of all of Spurs’ current central options, Sanchez is dribbled past most frequently, averaging once per 90 minutes.

By comparison, Man United’s Harry Maguire has been a rock, only being dribbled past 0.45 times per 90. Similarly, in the leakiest defence in the division, Semi Ajayi is only dribbled past 0.58 times per 90, via FBref.

That only goes to show why he cannot be trusted with the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in line to start in north London tonight.

Both Mane and Salah attempt 3.48 or more dribbles per 90, and successfully pull them off over 50% of the time – that spells a recipe for disaster, it truly does.

Valued at €40m (£36m) by CIES Football Observatory, the £75k-per-week enigma does have some good qualities such as his speed and the fact that he averages more tackles per game (2) than any other Spurs centre-back.

But the Reds are a side capable of exposing his weaknesses. They aren’t a Fulham.

Mourinho has Joe Rodon, Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld to choose from, so there is no need to risk the inconsistencies of Sanchez in this crucial crunch match.

AND in other news, Spurs’ “unplayable” monster must be unleashed on Liverpool tonight…