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Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, Carlton Palmer has suggested Leeds United transfer target Louie Sibley would be a perfect fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested the Derby County starlet is of interest to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, and that they had joined the race to sign him this month, although a summer move is considered more likely.

The 19-year-old has been a consistent member of Wayne Rooney’s first-team this season in the Championship, making 16 appearances in the competition.

And speaking to FFC, Palmer has suggested that Sibley would be a great acquisition for the future for Leeds, although that they still needed proven quality to go along with it.

He said: “Well, in terms of the way Leeds play, he definitely fits into their system. I think Bielsa will look to youth, but you’ve also got to get experienced players as well. Now, once you’ve done that first season, as you’ve seen with Sheffield United, you’ve got to get that balance between youth and experience.

“He’d be a great signing for the future and I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him. Leeds would take him for the future, but they also need proven quality now to take them to the next level.”

At 19, the attacking midfielder should hardly be expected to come in and shoulder the entire creative burden of Leeds. But, his potential is there for all to see, with plenty of plaudits already.

Speaking after a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, former Derby boss, Philip Cocu, declared: “He played a great game. He’s a great character — he has a good mentality, he has the desire to win, to play, to find his positioning between the lines. He’s not scared of anybody. It was a pleasure to see him play.”

Able to play as a number ten, or even deeper, Sibley’s got the versatility to really be a perfect fit for whatever system and tactic Bielsa chooses to employ at Elland Road.

But as Palmer said, it’s important Leeds bring in some experience too to go along with that.

Meanwhile, Leeds are making a foolish mistake over this player…

Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Liverpool earlier in the week only emphasised how far away Jose Mourinho’s squad are from truly contending for the title under his tenure.

The north Londoners struggled to create chances against Jurgen Klopp’s fifth-choice centre-back, Nat Phillips, and Jordan Henderson, who was playing out of position on his return from injury.

Aside from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s scorching solo goal, Spurs only had one other shot on target while across 90 minutes, Mourinho’s men mustered up just three attempts in total, via SofaScore.

Tanguy Ndombele has found himself in good form lately, scoring three goals in two matches prior to kick-off but he’s still not being the creative sort of influence like Christian Eriksen once was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Despite pulling off four successful dribbles, the Frenchman failed to convert his drives forward with any real substance, failing to contribute a single key pass to Harry Kane or Heung-min Son.

A frequent occurrence as the club-record signing is averaging only one key ball per 90 minutes, via WhoScored, which ranks him eighth in this Spurs squad.

Similarly, he sits seventh for progressive carries forward (95.9 yards per 90) behind both Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – who is a more defensive influence – and Giovani Lo Celso.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-spurs-news-and-transfer-rumours” title= Read this week’s latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more…”]

His inability to get forward in this sense could be one reason why he’s not having a great influence in the attack.

Which is why the need for a new signing, perhaps in the form of mooted target Nicolo Barella, is required as soon as possible.

Spurs are said to be interested in the emerging Italy sensation by Calciomercato, just 18 months after his €49m (£45m) switch to Inter Milan from Cagliari, where former boss Rolando Maran lauded him “extraordinary.”

The 23-year-old has proven to be one of Antonio Conte’s biggest threats this term, delivering two goals and five assists. He has also managed 1.5 key passes per 90 minutes, an increase on Ndombele’s returns, per WhoScored.

Barella is also averaging 151.1 progressive carries forward per 90 minutes, a whole 56 more yards than Ndombele in the Premier League this term, so it’s no wonder that he is able to be more of a creative presence for Inter, via FBRef.

Evidently, the 18-cap Italian international can bring Spurs something that their leading man cannot, so Levy must sanction a move for him as soon as possible.

The “warrior full of determination” could lower the burden on Kane and Son, who have contributed 24 goals and 17 assists between them compared to the four goal contributions from Ndombele.

Spurs need Barella more than ever.

AND in other news, this Spurs regular betrayed Jose Mourinho against Liverpool…

Manchester United could sign their next Ruud van Nistelrooy in Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Braut Haaland.

What’s the word?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that he is keeping tabs on fellow Norwegian striker Haaland, who has been in prolific form for the Bundesliga giants, providing 22 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

The 20-year-old, who is currently valued at €150m (£131m) via CIES Football Observatory, has been heavily linked to Old Trafford amid interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City and the pair previously worked together during his time at Molde.

Shades of Ruud van Nistelrooy

Haaland has been in scintillating form for Dortmund this season, scoring 14 goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances, including an eye-catching brace against RB Leipzig.

He netted twice in both games against bitter rivals Borussia Monchengladbach but despite his best efforts, last season’s runners-up have struggled to replicate the form that saw them mount a second successive title challenge last term, with interim manager Edin Terzic’s side lying sixth in the table at the time of writing.

However, his heroics are reminiscent of the kind of performances United fans became accustomed to when Ruud van Nistelrooy was in his heyday at Old Trafford.

Van Nistelrooy nearly always put on a show for the Red Devils. In 219 appearances for the club, the former Netherlands international scored 150 goals and provided a further 21 assists in all competitions – he famously scored twice in United’s 3-0 win over Millwall in the FA Cup.

And in Haaland, United could find their next Van Nistelrooy. Not only does the Norwegian deliver when it counts, but he also shares some similar characteristics with the club legend.

Previously described as “unstoppable” by his former boss Lucien Favre, Haaland is also a goal machine, as he has proven to be both a potent finisher and dangerous counter-attacking threat.

The centre-forward is also adept at holding on to the ball, in a similar way to Van Nistelrooy, and he is averaging a staggering 4.8 shots per 90 in the Champions League this season. A return of six goals in the European competition ranks him joint-top of the charts together with the likes of Neymar and Marcus Rashford.

If Solskjaer is legitimately interested in adding to his attacking options in the summer, Haaland simply has to be his first port of call.

AND in other news, Sevilla star Jules Kounde is perfect for Manchester United…

Many Liverpool fans reacted in their droves to the latest update from the well-respected journalist from The Times, Paul Joyce.

He posted on Friday morning that captain Jordan Henderson has undergone surgery for the groin injury that he picked up against Everton and is “likely” to be out for up to eight weeks.

The 30-year-old joins the lengthy list of first-team names that are occupying the Anfield treatment room, with another central defensive option out of action.

Henderson has been covering the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip in an attempt to ease Jurgen Klopp’s headache – but has suffered a similar fate to his teammates, albeit not as severe.

With this in mind, supporters were devastated by the update on his fitness, with some suggesting that the 2020/21 campaign should be “null and void.”

Familiar feelings of injury woes for these fans

“Weekend in ruins and its 9 am on Friday.”

Credit: @andy_lane

“Thanks Paul, ruined the weekend”

Credit: @perryh

“just null and void the season. for the love of God.”

Credit: @StateOfReds13

“Cursed”

Credit: @dannyb96

“Season is well and truly done and dusted”

Credit: @RedOesterCult

“LORD MAKE IT STOP”

Credit: @kyannaskrdj

“Championship here we come”

Credit: @haavardanm

In other news, Liverpool loanee hailed as “excellent” after featuring out of natural position.

After continuing their recent good form with a 1-0 victory over Rotherham, Nottingham Forest take on Derby County on Friday night looking to make it three wins on the bounce.

Chris Hughton’s side have turned things around since the start of the new year, losing just three times in all competitions, including really improving things defensively – Forest have conceded just two goals in their last seven games.

While Hughton may be reluctant to make too many changes from the side that beat Rotherham on Tuesday evening, one player who the Forest boss should be looking to bring back into the fold is Alex Mighten.

The 18-year-old was dropped to the bench for the clash in mid-week, perhaps with one eye on being given a start against the Rams on Friday. And when you look at how the teenager has performed since emerging onto the scene, it’s clear why he could well be a potential game-changer for Forest.

The Championship side have rather understandably looked to protect Mighten from over-exposure and placing too much responsibility on his shoulders, and it’s no surprise that despite making 13 appearances this season in the league, that’s only amounted to 572 minutes of action.

Hughton has tried to ease him into things, but the talent is unquestionable. Forest right-back Cyrus Christie waxed lyrical about his ability, saying:

“Alex gives us a different dynamic. He is unorthodox. You do not know what he is going to do. He is so tricky and lively. You hate playing against him in training when you perhaps don’t feel 100 per cent but he is somehow operating at 120 per cent. He has been fantastic. He has not let his head drop.”

The £3.5k-a-week earning gem ranks joint-sixth for most dribbles per game in the Championship this season for Forest (1.1), while only three other players in the squad are fouled more times than him (1.8).

It’s a testament to his constant desire to make things happen and take Forest forward, rather than just trying to settle for the simple pass and play things safe.

It’s exactly the kind of fearlessness that Hughton should look to unleash for the Derby game, and Mighten’s directness and skill could be the key to ensuring Forest’s excellent recent run continues.

Former England international Carlton Palmer has hailed David Moyes and has told Football FanCast that he is on the comeback trail after his spell at Manchester United.

Moyes has been attempting to rebuild his reputation after failing at Old Trafford following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Scot did not even last a season in 2013/14, and has since managed Real Sociedad in La Liga, spending 12 months at the club, and Sunderland, with whom he endured the first relegation of his career.

In his first spell with the Hammers, in 2017/18, he kept the club up, and was reappointed in December of 2019.

Since his appointment, he guided the Hammers to a 16th-placed finish last term despite the very real threat of relegation, and is now attempting to take them into Europe.

While Palmer does not believe the Irons will qualify for the Champions League, he does think that Moyes deserves an immense amount of credit for the job he is doing.

He told FFC: “I don’t see West Ham finishing in the top four but they’re having a fantastic season. I’m delighted for David Moyes because I think David Moyes has never really recovered from taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

“David Moyes was and is a top manager and unfortunately there was a massive rebuilding job to be done at Manchester United and it was always going to be difficult for him, stepping into the shoes of Sir Alex.

“It seems that he never really recovered and it seems that he’s gone to West Ham, his first spell there, and he’s found a little niche like he did at Everton and he’s back to doing what he does best. He knows how to win football matches and he’s a fantastic coach.”

The Irons are next in action on Monday against Leeds United as they bid to increase their chances of a remarkable top-four finish.

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been giving their views on an update regarding transfer target John Lundstram.

The Eagles are thought to be leading the race ahead of Premier League rivals Burnley for the Sheffield United midfielder, according to The Mirror, cited by Yorkshire Live.

Yorkshire Live’s report was shared on social media by @CPFCtransfersHQ on Tuesday afternoon, with plenty of Palace supporters split on the update.

Lundstram, 27, is out of contract at Bramall Lane at the end of the season, meaning Palace could acquire the £7.2m-rated ace on a free transfer in the summer window. Palace are reportedly planning a summer squad overhaul and see Lundstram as part of their transfer plans.

The central midfielder has reportedly turned down multiple offers to stay with the Blades, with his latest contract snub leaving Chris Wilder ‘baffled’.

Lundstram has made 57 Premier League appearances for his current employers over the last 18 months, scoring five goals and providing five assists.

Here’s what some Eagles fans had to say to the transfer update

“any danger of us buying actual good players? this stinks of a Roy signing”

Credit: @danofthesouth_

“I take it a new manager is lined up and is OK with this?”

Credit: @MingayRichard

“that would be a poor signing IMO”

Credit: @sfield3

“Uninspiring transfer yes, but he’s less injury prone than McCarthy and been very good for Sheff Utd and on a free seems a no brainer and replacing a 31 year old with a 27 year old”

Credit: @AdAmCpFc91

“Not the most exciting signing but facts are we could be really low on numbers due to amount of contracts coming to an end. So a few like this around some proper good signings will be important.”

Credit: @Alitheeagle1

“biggest rebuild in our club’s recent history headlined by JOHN LUNDSTRAM”

Credit: @palacejacob

In other news: Palace are interested in a 21-year-old defender from another Premier League side, find out more here.

Reports by Sabah earlier this week claimed that Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are exploring a move to sign Joshua King at the end of the season, and Carlo Ancelotti should allow the striker to leave Everton so long as Moise Kean returns from his Paris Saint-Germain loan spell.

King is set to become a free agent this summer having only joined the Toffees on a short-term deal upon his £2m arrival on Deadline Day last month, although the transfer included a clause that allows the Blues to extend the Norway international’s contract longer-term.

Ancelotti reportedly intends to activate the agreement as the Italian and his staff have been impressed by what the £10m-rated forward has delivered in training, while King has expressed that his intentions are to remain at Goodison Park beyond the current campaign.

But Fenerbahce are now thought to be monitoring developments as the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium natives work on strengthening Erol Bulut’s squad, and they have already spoken with King’s representatives over a move to Istanbul.

It was not suggested how King responded to the Yellow Canaries’ approach, but the report included a photo that the forward uploaded to social media last summer of his son wearing a Fenerbache jersey – suggesting there is a connection to be built on.

King had been linked with a move to join Fenerbahce from AFC Bournemouth during the previous off-season, too, which is noted to have excited the club’s fanbase.

The 29-year-old is also represented by the ROGON agency, who sealed Attila Szalai’s move to the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in January.

ROGON may now look to orchestrate a move for their client to leave Everton for the Super Lig, having seen King only play 117 minutes of Premier League football under Ancelotti over eight appearances from a possible nine, of which each has come from the bench.

King registered his longest appearance in royal blue to date at 34 minutes during last month’s 2-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Fulham but he is yet to score or assist a single goal.

Ancelotti can overlook Everton’s option to extend King’s contract beyond the expiration of his current £45,000-per-week deal and allow the forward to join Fenerbahce in the summer, despite the speculation of an extension being in the works, so long as Kean returns.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated on the Here We Go podcast last month that Ancelotti is a “big fan” of Kean and is planning on unleashing the forward at Goodison Park next term, unless Everton receive offers worth around €60-70m (£51.5-60m).

But Paris Saint-Germain are keen to retain the Italian beyond his loan spell, with reports by il Bianco Nero at the start of the month claiming that the Ligue 1 giants will strive to reach a deal ‘at all costs’.

Ancelotti would be better set by holding firm in his apparent desires to bring Kean back than his aspirations of handing King a new contract, as the former has struck 15 goals and provided one assist in all competitions for PSG this season while the latter has failed to impress.

King has earned the lowest average WhoScored match rating by a current Everton player in the Premier League this season at 6.06 out of 10, and is yet to offer a single shot or key pass in any of his appearances to date.

Meanwhile, Kean has earned an average 7.02 out of 10 rating in Ligue 1 fixtures, while providing first Thomas Tuchel and now Mauricio Pochettino 2.1 shots and 0.3 key passes a game.

If the decision is between Kean and King, Ancelotti’s choice is simple. If he wants to have a top competitor for Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Merseyside next season, it has to be Kean.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti is eager for Everton to sign a £32.5m-rated titan who top clubs would sign “without thinking twice”…

According to a report by Spanish media outlet Fichajes, West Ham United have a ‘closed agreement’ to sign Napoli powerhouse Nikola Maksimovic upon the expiry of his contract – and if nothing goes wrong, he will become the Irons’ first signing for next season. 

West Ham have agreement for Makismovic signing

Maksimovic, standing at a towering 1.93m (6 foot 4), will allegedly not continue at Stadio San Paolo as talks over a new deal break down – and this report has made an emphatic claim that West Ham already have a solid agreement in place for his signature.

The 29-year-old, who could be seen as a worthwhile replacement for Hammers defender Fabian Balbuena as his contract is due to expire at the London Stadium, is apparently all but set to join West Ham in the summer.

Fichajes describe the agreement as being ‘total’, with it looking like he will become David Moyes’ first signing for next season as it stands.

As well as this, the news outlet stated that manager Moyes personally tabled Maksimovic as a new defensive option and has even prioritised him before other players.

Transfer Tavern take

Despite starting just 10 Serie A matches this season, the centre-back displays a cool head on mature shoulders and stands out as a supreme ball-playing defender.

He has averaged an impressive 92.4% pass accuracy out from the backline this season, even being given the nod by Gennaro Gattuso to start every Europa League game for the Azzurri before they were knocked out by Granada in the round of 32 (WhoScored).

West Ham apparently have an agreement in place to sign him for free this summer, and he could be a worthwhile coup.

In other news: West Ham fans erupted at this news, find out more here.

According to an update by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, via West Ham News, Irons trio Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Andriy Yarmolenko are all targeting a return against Wolves after the international break – with one supporter branding it ‘massive news’.

Masuaku has been out for months after undergoing knee surgery, while both Yarmolenko and Ogbonna suffered knocks recently which have kept them sidelined from the matchday squad.

Providing an update, ExWHUemployee revealed that the West Ham trio are targeting a Premier League return against Wolverhampton Wanderers after the international break.

Given that David Moyes could feasibly have all three back in time for that match, bolstering his options enormously, it is little wonder why these supporters have plenty to say.

Check out some of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Ex’s injury update

“Great news”

Credit: @northwesthammer

“Excited to have Oggy and Arthur back.”

Credit: @luke50490576

“Sorry I think you just said all 3 are coming back? I’m getting way too excited”

Credit: @Kappanitreal

“This is good news”

Credit: @gary_killington

“Massive news”

Credit: @conwhufc03

“Good to hear”

Credit: @oreeves03

In other news: many West Ham still want this powerhouse, find out more here.