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Everton: Rabiot-Kean swap mooted

Juventus could look to bring Everton striker Moise Kean back to Turin by offering to send Adrien Rabiot the other way, Gazzetta Dello Sport have claimed.

Carlo Ancelotti handed the 25-year-old a Paris Saint-Germain debut during his time in the French capital, and a report earlier this month suggested that the Everton manager had his sights set on a reunion.

What could Rabiot offer Everton?

Rabiot joined Juventus in the summer of 2019 after his PSG contract came to an end. The Frenchman, who can play either as a defensive or central midfielder, has made 35 appearances for Andrea Pirlo’s men this season (via Transfermarkt).

In terms of the defensive side of his game, he has averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game in Serie A (via WhoScored). Attacking-wise, he boasts one dribble, 0.8 shots and 0.3 chances created per match. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in all competitions.

He outperforms Andre Gomes for all three metrics and also has a better tackling and clearances average than Tom Davies. He also takes more shots per game than the Everton duo and completes more dribbles than Davies (via WhoScored).

Rabiot piqued the interest of a rival fanbase in 2018 when an Instagram post suggested an admiration for Anfield. His manager Pirlo has been effusive in his praise of the 25-year-old, telling Sky Sport Italy (via Goal.com): “He is a complete player, I have rarely seen someone so strong both physically and technically.”

Juventus regretting Kean sale?

Meanwhile, many Everton fans will likely have been keeping a close eye on Moise Kean’s exploits at PSG. The 21-year-old managed only two goals in his first season at Goodison Park, but has scored 14 goals this season, a tally bettered only by Kylian Mbappe in the Ligue 1 side’s ranks.

Everton paid an initial £25.1m to sign him from Juventus in 2019, but it seems that the Old Lady is looking on in envy at his exploits this year.

Rabiot may be the bargaining chip they need to bring him back to Turin.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Rabiot would be a great signing for Everton, and another show of the club’s ambition. Transfermarkt value him at £28.8m, and Kean a shade under tjat at £27m. Might they entertain the idea of a straight swap?

The Frenchman would represent an upgrade on Davies and Gomes and could slot into the midfield in front of Allan as a number eight.

In other news, Everton will apparently listen to offers for this defender to raise funds.

Saints: Svanberg drops hint on transfer

In a recent interview, the reported Southampton summer transfer target, Mattias Svanberg, discussed the potential of a move to the Premier League.

In the interview with Swedish outlet Sportbladet (via Sport Witness), the Bologna central midfielder expressed a very strong desire to one day make a move to England, suggesting that the Premier League was the competition he watched most as a child.

He said: “I think and believe, I hope so at some point. That would be fun [to play in the Premier League]. I’d probably rather play in England. It’s the league you’ve looked at the most when you’ve been a kid and the league I follow the most if I don’t watch Italian football.”

However, when questioned whether this potential move to the Premier League could come after Euro 2020 – with Southampton, Everton and Leicester City all reported to be interested in the Sweden international – the 22-year-old appeared slightly more reserved, suggesting that, as long as he is contracted to Bologna, his immediate future lies in Italy, as far as he is concerned.

Transfer Tavern Take

So far this season, Svanberg has been in decent form over his 25 Serie A appearances for Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side, chipping in with three goals and providing two assists, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.86.

However, considering that the midfielder’s asking price has been quoted as being around €25 million (£21 million), taking into account his level of performance for Bologna so far this season, in addition to the fact that the 22-year-old’s current Transfermarkt valuation is just £8.1 million, this price would appear rather steep.

In other news: loads of Saints fans pleaded for this ‘no brainer’ deal for this ‘superb’ £60k-p/w star – find out more here!

Hendrie reacts to update on Bielsa’s future

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has given his thoughts on an update regarding Marcelo Bielsa’s future at Leeds United.

Bielsa’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but it is starting to look increasingly likely that the Argentinian coach will remain at Elland Road.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who recently spoke to GiveMeSport (via This Is Futbol), Leeds are planning with him ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

In Hendrie’s eyes, Bielsa has done a great job since taking over and the ex-Premier League player expects most Leeds supporters to be pleased with the news that the club expect him to stay. On Bielsa, Hendrie told FFC:

“He’s done a great job. He’s got them into the Premier League, he’s played some attractive football and we’ve seen them be unbelievable in football matches, the possession-based style that he brings to the football league.

“I like Bielsa, I really do and I’m pretty sure there’s a majority [of fans who want Bielsa to stay].”

This season, Leeds have recorded a ball possession average of 56.4%. Only Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City are seeing more of the ball (via WhoScored), really putting into perspective how dominant Bielsa’s men are in matches.

Price tag set for Saints target Herrera

As per El Universal, Manchester City are said to be looking for €18m (£15.6m) to part ways with Southampton target Yangel Herrera.

Price tag set for Herrera

The Saints have been linked with a move for Herrera (Manchester Evening News), who is currently on loan at Granada in La Liga.

Now, it has been revealed the Venezuela international is valued at €18m (£15.6m) by the Citizens.

Bargain

Herrera has been with Granada since the start of the 2019/20 campaign and has been an important part of their success. He has managed 75 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists (Transfermarkt). He helped Granada finish seventh in the table last term and reach the Copa Del Rey semi-finals while this time out, they have made it to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, although they do face an uphill battle to qualify for the next round as they trail Manchester United 2-0 after the first leg.

Given his performances in Spain, Pep Guardiola and the Citizens are said to be considering introducing him into the City fold from next term onwards (Goal.com). However, should they decide he does not quite have the ability to perform at the level required, Southampton may have the chance to sign a player racking up a lot of high level experience at the age of 23.

In other news, Southampton fans rage at this club deal.

Wolves eye swoop for Roman Yaremchuk

When the summer transfer window opens, Wolves’ plans should firmly be on adding some attacking talent.

Pedro Neto’s absence of six months is only going to make things worse, so Jeff Shi and Nuno Santo will have to work quickly.

What’s the word?

According to Belgian outlet HLN, Wolves are interested in signing Gent striker Roman Yaremchuk.

The Ukrainian has been among the goals in Belgium this season and as such, has attracted interest from the likes of Arsenal too.

The report states that €20m (£17.3m) will be enough to prise him away this summer. Wolves will also be boosted by the fact that Yaremchuk actually wants to leave.

That being said, Gent have tied the forward down on a contract until 2025 so they have a stronghold on his future.

Perfect for Nuno

Yaremchuk is far from a household name but his performances are rightfully attracting admirers from around Europe.

Dubbed “fantastic” by former Gent manager Wim De Decker, the 25-year-old is a feared prospect.

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He has scored 18 times in all competitions this term, taking his tally in Belgium to an eye-catching 56 strikes in 145 outings.

He is ruthless in front of goal and considering Nuno’s attacking woes this term, that would suit Wolves perfectly.

Willian Jose netted his first strike in the Old Gold against Sheffield United but Fabio Silva has found the net on just three occasions since his club-record move last summer.

If you compare Yaremchuk to Silva, you’ll instantly notice he’s better. That’s not just because of his devastating goal tally either.

44% of the Ukraine international’s shots are on target compared to just 38% from Silva. Furthermore, he successfully completes a higher percentage of dribbles, aerial duels and passes.

Standing at 6 foot 3, he is a similar height to the effervescent Raul Jimenez and crucially, they play in a similar way; something Nuno would adore.

Yaremchuk regularly drops deep into midfield to make an option for himself and to hold the ball up, a style of play that has become notorious with Jimenez at Molineux.

An option in the build-up, he is also regularly on the end of offensive phases, putting the ball in the back of the net.

After a torrid campaign, Wolves would surely relish more options in attack. Yaremchuk would provide them with plenty of quality.

AND in other news, Forget Jose: Wolves gem who won 13 duels stole the show on Saturday, he’s “unplayable”…

Woodward departure huge boost for MUFC

The upcoming departure of Ed Woodward from Manchester United was confirmed on Tuesday evening.

Having been at the club in some capacity since the arrival of the Glazer family at Old Trafford in 2005, he will leave the club having held the role as the Red Devils’ Executive Vice Chairman for the past nine years.

Whilst he will not officially be leaving the club until the end of 2021, the departure of Woodward is a huge moment for the club as they get rid of a figurehead who has continued to pour money down the drain since taking the reins.

Since 2013 and his first transfer window, Woodward has spent a huge £1.08 billion in the transfer market – some of those signings having little to no impact.

His debut arrival set the tone as the Red Devils failed to bring in any notable signings for new manager David Moyes before eventually splashing a considerable sum on Everton’s Marouane Fellaini.

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This trend has continued even to this day with expensive arrivals such as Angel Di Maria, Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all exiting Old Trafford as quickly as they’d arrived following a poor spell with the Red Devils.

Even summer signing Donny van de Beek appears to be going the same way with the Dutchman having started just two Premier League games.

Whilst Woodward cannot be blamed for all of those aforementioned failures, the sheer fortune that the Red Devils have been forced to pour down the drain has drastically hampered the club in recent seasons.

With him gone, this could certainly give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer far more freedom in the transfer market.

Of course, the 49-year-old has done some positive work with Manchester United, especially on a commercial basis – the club’s commercial income rising £35.6m in just three months during his tenure.

However, that commercialisation is exactly where Woodward has fallen. His resignation comes following the backlash directed at the club for the proposal of the European Super League, United eventually withdrawing their participation.

His departure from Manchester United then will surely be a relief for supporters and for the manager, who will hopefully get more of a voice when it comes to transfers.

AND in more news, find out why Solskjaer will have been furious with the now collapsed prospect of the Super League…

Salisu can be Saints’ Bertrand heir

Southampton have seemingly been in the market for a full-back for some time and will almost certainly look to bring in a left-back and a right-back this summer, with their lack of options in those positions having been cruelly exposed at times this season.

Ryan Bertrand has been a mainstay in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side at left-back, despite some less than impressive performances, with the 31-year-old starting 29 of the Saints’ 32 Premier League games so far this campaign.

The former Chelsea man was briefly injured earlier in the season and missed the 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at St Mary’s, with Jake Vokins emphasising that he was nowhere near ready for Premier League football with his performance.

He was subsequently sent on loan to League One Sunderland, which left just Bertrand available as a natural left-back in Hasenhuttl’s squad. However, the Austrian has seemingly found a solution in recent weeks, with Mohammed Salisu filling in there on a number of occasions.

The Ghanaian defender, who joined from Real Valladolid in the summer but has been limited to 10 appearances for the Saints, was utilised at left-back for the 5-2 loss against Manchester City before being selected there again for the game against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek.

Although both games have resulted in defeat, the 22-year-old has shown that he is a viable option in that position for Hasenhuttl, and perhaps he could prove to be the natural replacement for Bertrand this summer should he depart St Mary’s when his contract comes to an end.

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Whilst Salisu has shown very little going forwards, his positioning could allow Southampton to transition into a back three when they have the ball, with Kyle Walker-Peters pushing up on the opposite flank.

After all, Bertrand has managed just one assist so far this season, so he clearly doesn’t get forward particularly effectively. Having a more naturally defensive option such as Salisu there would make a lot of sense for Southampton.

Earlier in the season, Jannik Vestergaard was quick to sing the praises of the 22-year-old despite his lack of first team opportunities at that point, saying: “He looks comfortable on the ball, he has an amazing physique and is just generally a nice guy. I think he’s a big talent and he has a lot of years ahead of him.”

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Therefore, after an impressive performance against Spurs, perhaps Hasenhuttl should give Salisu a run of games to see if he could step up as Bertrand’s successor next season.

In other news… “Brilliant” £70k-p/w Southampton beast may have already played his last Saints game after recent setback

Sky Sports share Tottenham managerial update

Sharing a development on the Tottenham Hotspur manager hunt involving Brendan Rodgers, Sky Sports have now relayed that Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers apparently has ‘no interest’ in the north London vacancy.

Rodgers has been touted by the media as a sure-fire candidate in recent months alongside Julian Nagelsmann, and with the latter boss confirmed to be taking over at Bayern Munich, it appears Tottenham’s list is growing smaller and smaller.

Sky Sports share development in Spurs manager hunt

Sky now relay that Rodgers apparently has ‘no interest’ in talking with Spurs over the position and remains committed to Leicester as a side who can challenge for European spots.

“Got some news to bring you regarding Brendan Rodgers,” explained Sky (via Football Daily).

“Says he has no interest in talking to Tottenham about their managerial vacancy.

“Instead, he believes that Leicester has the potential to regularly challenge for European places in the short term and the medium term.

“This is what Sky Sports news has been told.”

Transfer Tavern take

As the broadcaster shares this update, it could come as a blow in Spurs’ search for a prestigious new boss who can guide them back to the top of English football.

Daniel Levy’s project with former boss Jose Mourinho definitely didn’t go according to plan and Spurs will have to tread carefully over who they next appoint at the helm.

Ideally, the Lilywhites are reportedly on the search for an attack-minded coach who can re-install an exciting brand of football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Rodgers certainly fits that mould.

One man who has recently been linked and falls into this category also is Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag, and given his famed reputation developing young stars, he could be an ideal alternative to Nagelsmann and Rodgers.

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

Leeds face transfer competition for Maitland-Niles

Leeds have been told they face significant competition in the race to sign Arsenal star Ainsley Maitland-Niles this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are keen on bringing the England international to Elland Road, although now, former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that plenty of teams will be interested too.

He said: “100 per cent. I think he would be a good signing for a lot of teams. I wouldn’t mind him at Villa. He showed at the weekend, he can play in different positions. A very good player, he can attack.

“He can play in a similar amount of positions as Dallas. Both are Mr Reliable and he could be the next Dallas. I’m sure there will be more teams than Leeds after him. I don’t see him going back to Arsenal and playing so it’s probably the right decision for him to move on.”

Solving a major Bielsa problem

One of the main issues Bielsa has faced all season, and arguably throughout his tenure as Leeds manager, is the real lack of depth. Injuries can often really take their toll on the Whites, leaving them exposed in several key areas when one or two players go down – you only have to look at how Pascal Struijk has had to slot in at centre-back in recent weeks and months to see that.

But in the versatile Maitland-Niles, Andrea Radrizzani could go a long way to solving that issue for Bielsa. This season alone has seen the England international feature at left-back, right-back, left-midfield, right-midfield and in the middle of the park too.

That ability to play in numerous roles and positions is something that former Celtic star Chris Sutton has previously hailed, saying: “The young man’s versatility is a weapon. He is such a versatile talent – a diamond.”

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The £16.2m-rated Maitland-Niles would be the kind of shrewd buy that plugs a few different holes in the Leeds squad at once, while also allowing him the opportunity to potentially shine as a central midfielder.

Meanwhile, Leeds must unleash this star who’s “got it all”…

Leeds must drop Gjanni Alioski vs Spurs

With a clash against a rejuvenated Tottenham at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa must make the ruthless call of dropping Gjanni Alioski from the starting line-up.

The Whites suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Brighton last time out in the Premier League, and Alioski in particular had a difficult afternoon at the Amex Stadium. The North Macedonia international gave away an early penalty, lost six of his nine duels and coughed up possession 10 times (Sofascore).

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan tore into the 29-year-old and insisted that it was just another display which highlighted the need for the club to sign a left-back this summer.

He told Football Insider: “Alioski was diabolical to be quite honest with you. The free-kick, where he is trying to get a megs in the wrong area, that was his first mistake. The second mistake was back to the Alioski of old.

“We saw that weakness on the left-hand side again. The right thing was to take him off, 100 per cent. He was a liability. Another game which highlighted our need to go into the market for a left-back.”

Whelan has also previously gone on record to slam Alioski as a “liability”, claiming after the game against Chelsea earlier this season that opposition teams target him down the left-hand side.

He said: “Leeds need a natural full-back there that you know can cover most bases, definitely defensively because as much as he gives everything, he is a liability. He’s not the best of defenders.

“I think that’s why you could see a lot going down that left-hand side, really targeting Alioski and you saw that frailty there at times.”

The £55,000-a-week ace has been linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer, with reports claiming that Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray are interested in signing him on a free transfer once his contract expires.

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It would be a ruthless call from Bielsa to drop Alioski from the line-up against Spurs after seeing him start the past few games, but after his difficult afternoon against Brighton last week, and a potentially daunting battle against an in-form Gareth Bale on Saturday, there’s surely only one decision to make.

Meanwhile, Leeds eyeing move for this history-making starlet…

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