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Everton manager news on Cannavaro

Many Everton fans have been left raging over some manager news that has emerged on Fabio Cannavaro.

As per The Daily Telegraph journalist Jason Burt, he may now be one of just three managerial candidates alongside Wayne Rooney or Frank Lampard that could take the permanent job at Goodison Park, following the temporary appointment of Duncan Ferguson.

Burt also revealed that Cannavaro’s interview with the Merseyside club went ‘well’, and that he speaks ‘good English’.

The legendary Italian central defender is currently out of work having left Guangzhou FC back in September, after winning both the Chinese Super League and Super Cup with them.

He has over 200 games of managerial experience under his belt, but has never managed in a top European league before, let alone the Premier League.

Thus, one can understand Toffees fans’ frustrations if they were to appoint him.

Everton fans on Cannavaro manager news

These Blues supporters raged as the manager news was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it is ‘crazy’:

“Just relegate us”

Credit: @leads

“If it’s Cannavaro I’m done.”

Credit: @WAJG_96

“Absolute shambles we are. Moshiri needs to go he hasn’t got a clue”

Credit: @Henryblt2

“Laughable.”

Credit: @alstrstrac

“Liquidate us”

Credit: @Darren1878nsno

“Crazy. Learned from a sum total of zero mistakes. Right man or not, Ferguson isn’t even on the shortlist? Kovac? Just Fabio fresh from China”

Credit: @robr7373

In other news, find out what other manager update has Evertonians fuming here!

Celtic to sign Mehdi Ghaedi?

Ange Postecoglou’s first few months as Celtic manager have been a whirlwind affair at Parkhead.

It started with frustration as the Hoops boss was unable to land his transfer targets quickly and that resulted in the Bhoys being knocked out of Europe’s premier competition.

They are also behind their fierce rivals in the race for the Premiership crown but there have been a number of positives.

For instance, Celtic are in the League Cup final this weekend and they have achieved that primarily because of the signings Postecoglou did eventually get over the line.

Celtic will be without Jota for the final and his miss will be a devastating blow. After all, the diminutive Portuguese forward has racked up eight goals and six assists in his 18 outings for the club to date.

It’s worrying, therefore, that Celtic have not yet utilised the £6.5m option to buy they have in the terms of the 22-year-old’s loan contract in Scotland.

If they dally any further, it would not be a surprise if one of Europe’s more prestigious clubs snatched him away from Postecoglou’s jaws. He has already been touted to seal a move to one of the continent’s elite so eyes will surely be watching his performances closely.

If he does exit, it will be disastrous for Celtic but it certainly won’t be the end of the world.

They have been linked with a move for a man dubbed the ‘Iranian Neymar’ over the winter and he could move to Paradise in a cut-price deal.

That happens to be another pocket rocket in Mehdi Ghaedi. Reports from his homeland claim that Celtic are interested in a move and he’d certainly be an exciting addition.

Postecoglou has spoken before of targeting lesser-known leagues after the success of Kyogo Furuhashi and this deal could replicate that.

Ghaedi currently plies his trade for Shadab Dubai in the UAE and has registered four goal involvements in nine outings.

The 23-year-old is an incredibly tricky customer and like Jota, possesses an abundance of creativity, dazzling dribbling and potency in the final third.

Journalist, Navid Molaaghaei, once described the £1m-rated talent as a “magician” after a stunning goal back in 2019. Ghaedi appears to be used to popping up in big moments, being dubbed “extraordinary” after a late solo goal for his team back in September.

The forward waltzed past two defenders before burying an opportunity with remarkable confidence. It was a goal that typifies why he’s exactly like Jota and if the Benfica loanee does depart for good, Ghaedi would be a wonderful replacement at Celtic.

AND in other news, Forget Abada: Celtic gem who won 67% duels proved he’s now someone “Ange can’t ignore”…

Leeds hit with £20,000 fine after Chelsea

Leeds United have been fit with a £20,000 fine for failing to control their players against Chelsea, with journalist Phil Hay relaying the news.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ late heartbreak at Chelsea

The Whites suffered an agonising 3-2 defeat away to the Blues earlier this month, losing in stoppage time after a Jorginho penalty. It was a hugely spirited performance from Marcelo Bielsa’s side, but as has been the case too often this season, they came away with nothing.

Tempers flared with Leeds players after the award of the late spot-kick, with numerous individuals surrounding referee Chris Kavanagh.

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The Latest: Leeds hit with £20k fine

The behaviour of the Whites players has seen them receive a hefty five-figure punishment, with The Athletic’s Hay confirming the news on Twitter on Monday as he simply relayed: “Leeds hit with £20,000 fine.”

In the report, it is stated that the Whites have been punished for ‘failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion when they surrounded the match referee.’

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The Verdict: Another blow

Not much appears to be going right for Leeds at the moment, with Bielsa’s men sliding ominously down the Premier League table after some heavy defeats and suffering a host of injuries to key players.

This fine is a further blow for the club at a time when money is needed for signings in the January transfer window, although the amount paid shouldn’t affect their budget too much.

In truth, it was nice to see the passion shown by Leeds players on that painful afternoon at Chelsea, showing that they truly care about results and the fate of the club.

In other news, Leeds have received a potential transfer boost. Read more here.

Wolves must sign Sven Botman in January

Despite having an average squad age of 26.4, three of Wolves’ five oldest senior players are defenders.

One of those is 30-year-old centre-back Willy Boly, who along with being one of the squad’s oldest current players also has a rather worrying injury record over recent months and years. It was also recently revealed by Old Gold manager Bruno Lage that the Ivorian has suffered a muscular injury.

With this in mind, a potential dip into the transfer market during the upcoming January window could be on the cards for the Midlands club.

Recently, journalist Luke Hatfield said that he thinks Wolves could be “keen to revive their interest” in Lille defender Sven Botman in January if a deal can be done after being linked with him during the previous summer transfer window.

Since joining the French club from Ajax’s under-21 side back in the 2020 summer transfer window, the 21-year-old has gone on to make 59 appearances for Lille across all competitions, chipping in with one goal and one assist along the way.

Furthermore, the 6 foot 3 Botman has proved himself to be a solid defensive unit for Lille by averaging 4.4 clearances per game and winning 68% of duels in Ligue 1 this season.

Labelled as a potential “leader” on the pitch by former Lille manager Christophe Galtier, the 21-year-old could not only fix Lage’s short-term issue of Boly being out injured for the time being. The Dutchman could also prove himself to be a suitable long-term replacement for the likes of Boly and Romain Saiss given his young age.

Taking all this into account, working out a deal in January to bring Botman to Molineux in January should be at the top of Fosun’s priority list to help the club strengthen their squad with a player who has admitted to having dreams of playing in the Premier League at some stage in his career.

However, with the defender also being previously linked with a number of other Premier League clubs in the past, Wolves could have some competition for his signature if those reported suitors also see an opportunity to sign him in January.

In other news: One man is edging closer to a significant deal with the club

Aston Villa: Fans react to Nakamba update

Aston Villa have struck a deal with the Zimbabwean Football Association which will see midfielder Marvelous Nakamba remain at Villa Park over the festive period.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

Nakamba has been a regular under Steven Gerrard, starting all four games under the new manager. The 27-year-old was due to join up with his country two days before Christmas ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, however, Villa will now keep hold of him until the New Year.

That means Gerrard will have the defensive midfielder available for games against Chelsea, Leeds United and Brentford, with Nakamba’s first game for his country against Senegal on January 10.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the update on Nakamba on social media. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many excited at the news on the £34,000-a-week midfielder and one labelling it as ‘massive’.

“Unreal this, get in”

Credit: @_HarryAVFC

“Zimbabwe in some space, finds GERRRRAAAARDDDDD, OH MY.”

Credit: @TheVillaVision

“Massive if true”

Credit: @YusufYasser1

“you simply can’t say no to the villa”

Credit: @catrinavfc

“Love to see that”

Credit: @Nathhhavfc

“WWWWWWW”

Credit: @brazilianwizard

In other news: ‘Unreal’ – Lots of Aston Villa fans buzzing as club share news on ‘baller’. 

Celtic: Hutton reacts to Lee Buchanan links

Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton has been reacting to Celtic’s interest in Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Buchanan profiled; Taylor injury

Buchanan, who can also play as a centre-back, is out of contract with The Rams at the end of the season.

An England under-21 international, the 20-year-old’s Transfermarkt valuation has been on the rise in the last 12 months, and he has made 13 appearances under Wayne Rooney this season.

Celtic have had their own left-back issues following Greg Taylor’s shoulder surgery in September. Since then, Ange Postecoglou has used Boli Bolingoli, Adam Montgomery and Josip Juranovic to fill the void left by Taylor, and it now seems as if Buchanan could be a possible signing.

The Latest: Celtic visit; Hutton reacts

According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon of The Sun, the Hoops could turn to Buchanan to solve their left-back issues. He claimed that Celtic have sent top scout Mick Doherty to watch the youngster in action – the first move in a possible winter window swoop.

Hutton, who regularly features as a pundit for the BBC, was talking to Football Insider about the links to the Derby youngster. This is what he had to say, admitting that both Celtic and Glasgow rivals Rangers should be looking to take advantage of Derby’s financial struggles:

“There’s never a problem with looking for a bargain.

“If there’s an opportunity to take advantage of a club who are in a difficult situation, you look at the likes of Barcelona selling off their best players – Rangers and Celtic have to take it.

“They’ll be looking to pinch the best talent they can down south because it’s a small fee they will have to pay.”

The Verdict: Worth a low-risk gamble?

Celtic may hold an advantage over any English clubs who are interested in the full-back due to cross-border rules. The Hoops will be allowed to approach Buchanan in the New Year ahead of a possible pre-contract agreement, should his situation remain the same as now.

Another option is for Celtic to make an offer to the English Championship club with a view to an immediate deal, with Nixon reporting that Derby may sell in the next window.

You’d expect that the figure would be a cut-price one as well due to the 20-year-old’s contract situation, so signing a left-back who Rooney hailed as ‘incredible’ and who has been tipped for England could be a low-risk gamble worth taking from the Hoops’ hierarchy, especially given Celtic’s recent instability in that position.

In other news: Lost the ball 44 times, 16 duels lost, only 1 shot on goal: Celtic’s worst 3 performers against Livingston

Barcelona braced for Coutinho approach

Barcelona are ‘waiting’ for Newcastle United to make an approach for Philippe Coutinho, according to Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

The La Liga giants paid £142m to sign the Brazilian from Liverpool back in 2018 in one of the biggest-ever transfers (via BBC Sport) but the move hasn’t worked for the 29-year-old, who admitted recently that he had ‘suffered’ at Camp Nou.

Since the start of his full season at the club, he’s registered only 12 goal involvements in La Liga. That’s partly down to the fact Barcelona sent him on loan to Bayern Munich for the 2019/20 season.

Coutinho’s Transfermarkt value has plummeted to £18m but his wages are costing the Catalan club €20m (£17m) per season, which equates to a seismic weekly top-up of £380,000.

The latest

According to Sport (via Sport Witness), Barcelona know that Coutinho’s departure could pave the way for signings, and all eyes are on Newcastle, with the Catalan giants aware of the Magpies’ intention to splash the cash in January and of the player’s positive reputation in England.

There has been no approach just yet, but it’s anticipated that an agreement will be reached if Newcastle ‘step forward’.

The verdict

The report alluded to Coutinho’s ‘great image’ on English shores, and that stems from his dazzling displays for Liverpool, whose manager Jurgen Klopp even used the word ‘genius’ to describe him back in 2016.

It seems doubtful now that he will be able to recover those levels, especially given the evident damage to his confidence. However, if Newcastle’s PIF ownership truly believe they can revitalise Coutinho, who contributed to 99 goals in 201 games for Liverpool, then it seems as if they have willing negotiating partners in Barcelona. In turn, that could help a move to be completed with relative ease.

In other news, Newcastle also want this goalkeeper in January

LFC fans happy to see Oxlade-Chamberlain go

Some Liverpool supporters are willing to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leave the club following an update regarding his Reds future.

The 28-year-old has slowly fallen out of favour at Anfield as the years have passed, becoming an increasingly peripheral figure despite previously being called ‘outstanding’ by Jurgen Klopp.

It could be argued that Oxlade-Chamberlain has never fully recovered from the cruciate ligament injury he suffered back in 2018, with other midfielders at the club seen as more influential these days.

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The Englishman has only managed one start in the Premier League so far this season, as well as making just two in the top flight in the whole of 2020/21.

According to The Mirror [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Oxlade-Chamberlain believes he may have to leave Liverpool in order to get more playing time elsewhere.

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Liverpool fans react to Oxlade-Chamberlain update

These Reds fans have taken to Twitter to react to the news, admitting they would be happy to see the midfielder move on given his unenviable injury record and lack of impact in recent years.

“He had his period in 2018 where he was so good but that’s it really”

Credit: @thanospv

“Yessss”

Credit: @CliffordEweka

“Omw to take him to wherever he wants”

Credit: @Dan_Davo5

“Another step closer to a proper midfield signing”

Credit: @ABxLFC

“Let’s sell him for a good price to Newcastle then”

Credit: @Seyjith

“Cool. Later Ox”

Credit: @kian_malone

In other news, some Liverpool fans are against the idea of the Reds signing one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds: Espanyol set price for Raul de Tomas

An update has emerged on Leeds United transfer target Raul de Tomas regarding the fee that his current club wants for his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Fichajes, Espanyol are looking for a fee in the region of £38m (€45m) for the 27-year-old ahead of the January window.

The report claims that fellow Premier League clubs Tottenham and West Ham are also keeping tabs on the centre-forward.

Viduka 2.0

Victor Orta must secure a deal to sign de Tomas in January as he could land Marcelo Bielsa a new goalscoring sensation. The forward has been in fantastic form for Espanyol in the past 18 months and has the potential to come to England and become a consistent scorer for Leeds.

One prolific forward that Leeds fans are sure to remember is Mark Viduka. The Australian was sublime for the club in his day and scored 71 goals in 165 games whilst at Elland Road. In his four Premier League campaigns for the Whites, Viduka scored 11 goals twice, 17 goals and 20 goals as he proved himself to be a reliable finisher at the top level.

De Tomas could come in and have a similar impact for Bielsa. Whilst he was in the Real Madrid academy setup, the attacker provided a self-assessment of his qualities to the club’s official website, saying: “I am a pacey, competitive and technically gifted goal-scorer.”

The Spaniard has six goals and two assists in 11 La Liga appearances this season, which leaves him well on course to hit over double figures this season. This comes after he fired Espanyol to promotion with 23 goals in 37 games in the Segunda Division last term, scoring 34 goals in 64 games in all competitions for the club overall.

He also scored 38 goals in 66 games for Rayo Vallecano earlier in his career, which adds to the theory that he could come in at Leeds and be a goalscoring sensation. De Tomas has proven that he can score goals at a superb rate in Spain, so Orta must take the plunge and bring him to England in January to see if he can become the new Viduka at Elland Road in the Premier League, as his statistics suggest that he could.

AND in other news, Orta masterclass: Leeds landed dream deal for gem who “could have been anything”…

Southampton: Ralph must unleash Tella

Southampton lost 1-0 to Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday as their winless start to the campaign extended to six matches.

The Saints have drawn four and lost two of their opening six league matches, holding Manchester United, Newcastle, Manchester City and West Ham to draws, whilst losing to Everton and Wolves.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have scored four goals in those six Premier League games, with two of them coming in a 2-2 draw with the Magpies. Of those four strikes, one – Mo Elyounoussi v Newcastle – came from a wide player.

This suggests that Southampton are struggling for quality in the wide areas, with no winger for the Saints registering an assist either this term in the league. Therefore, it could be time for the Austrian head coach to unleash the rarely-seen gem Nathan Tella.

Earlier this month, Hasenhuttl explained why Tella has not been actively involved for the club in the Premier League.

He told Hampshire Live:

“I am actually a little bit disappointed that I cannot give him more chances to play. The games that we are playing at the moment are not so perfect for him, I think.

“We saw last season that Nathan was by far the most developed of the younger group and he had a really good pre-season but, as always with young players, he must consistently work hard and show up to get those chances to play.

“I must say that, in the number ten position, he has a lot of good qualities. He is very energetic and he has a really good ability against the ball, running back and sprinting back.

“It will help him if he can get a little closer to the goal. I see him as a striker. He is an alternative for Adam Armstrong at the moment, who does a very good job as a striker.”

Whilst Hasenhuttl has said that he sees Tella as a striker, he must now consider giving him an opportunity to shine in one of the two wide number 10 roles. As he said himself, he is energetic and able to work up and down the flank, possibly offering more defensive protection for the full-backs whilst also causing problems for the opposition with his pace.

Tella could solve a key problem for Southampton if he is unleashed from the start in the Premier League if he is able to find his form. He has played two games in the League Cup this season and provided one goal and one assist, which suggests that he could have the quality to be a threat in the final third, which is what the Saints have been lacking out wide this season.

Therefore, Hasenhuttl must give him the chance to start out wide and show what he is capable of doing. If it doesn’t work then he can go back to the other players who are also struggling, but for now, it is surely worth throwing the young forward in.

AND in other news, Ralph masterstroke: Southampton flop has seen value plummet 64% since St. Mary’s exit…

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