All posts by n8rngtd.top

Sheffield Wednesday could lose their star forward Josh Windass this summer should they face relegation from the Championship…

What’s the word?

That’s according to reliable YorkshireLive reporter Dom Howson, who dropped a fresh claim over the future of the 27-year-old Owls ace earlier this week.

In response to one supporter in a recent Q&A, he said:

“I think they would struggle to keep Windass if they were relegated. I could see him having a lot of Championship interest. I know he was linked with WBA a couple of months ago.”

Bad news for Moore

The Owls have a tough task in staying up as it is, even despite their rampant 5-0 victory against Cardiff City last time out, they still remain seven points adrift of safety with only one game in hand on that 21st spot.

Windass has played a key role this season and is probably a player that Moore would love to keep around next season irrespective of what division they find themselves in.

In terms of goal contributions, the former Rangers man sits joint-top, having provided six goals and four assists. This accounts for a whopping 30% share of all the goals the Owls have scored in the second-flight this term.

He has also proven to be a versatile threat under Moore, playing in four different positions since the 46-year-old was appointed. Windass is the sort of player that fits the expansive, attacking style of football the ex-West Brom coach deploys.

Dean Windass highlighted a key part of his son’s game being his explosiveness in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, only bolstering his credential in south Yorkshire under Moore.

“He’s a quick, explosive runner,” explained Windass.

Indeed, the £1.44m-rated dynamo would be a big miss for Wednesday. He is under contract until 2022, but as Howson claims, the Owls are unlikely to be able to keep hold of him if they go down.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday eye Jordan Rhodes replacement in 23 y/o on a “different level”…

Mason Holgate delivered an error-strewn performance as he badly let Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti down by gifting Tottenham Hotspur a draw on Friday night.

Ancelotti opted to field Holgate as part of a three-man defence beside Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey for the visit of Jose Mourinho’s Spurs to Goodison Park, as the Italian sought to manage an adductor injury for Yerry Mina.

The Toffees were badly in need of a positive result against the north Londoners after a run of two defeats and two draws, but were forced to settle for a third straight stalemate after goals from Harry Kane either side of a brace from Gylfi Sigurdsson.

The result meant that Everton remained eighth in the Premier League table and a point behind Tottenham, who have played a game more, and they now trail the top four by six points ahead of West Ham visiting Newcastle on Saturday.

Everton will have felt that the win was there for taking having controlled every department of the pitch after Sigurdsson converted a penalty to equalise in the 31st minute, and they firmly deserved the lead when the Iceland international clinically volleyed home just after the hour mark.

However, defensive mistakes proved costly for the Toffees as a mix-up between Holgate and Keane gifted Kane an opening for his second of the night, which the England captain refused to waste by rifling an unstoppable effort past Jordan Pickford.

Kane had fortuitously opened the scoring midway through the first half after Keane failed to make purposeful contact with Tanguy Ndombele’s cross before Holgate’s slip left the 27-year-old unchallenged to lash home.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-everton-news-and-views” title=”Latest Everton news and views!”]

Neither Keane nor Holgate will have been pleased with their efforts to prevent Kane from moving two clear at the top of the Premier League’s Golden Boot race with his 20th and 21st goals of the season.

Everton’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are now in relative tatters and must rely on results going away from West Ham, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs if they are to claim a spot for UEFA’s premier club competition.

Ancelotti will have been particularly disappointed by Holgate’s display, having seen the £16m-rated centre-back – who the Liverpool Echo’s Sam Carroll has previously dubbed as “Mr Dependable” – struggle more than Keane throughout.

Holgate could have done better to prevent both of Kane’s goals, having been in the perfect position to intercept Ndombele’s delivery despite Keane’s attempted clearance, only to slip at the crucial moment.

A communication breakdown later led to Kane bagging his brace despite Keane appearing to call for Holgate to leave Erik Lamela’s cross as he stooped to head clear the danger, only for the ball to ricochet into the forward’s path.

Kane’s double meant that Everton had to settle for a point, but the result could have slipped through the Toffees’ fingers were it not for Keane, who blocked two shots and made three clearances while Holgate ended the night with two clearances to his name, per SofaScore.

With Mina set to miss the next few weeks through injury, Ancelotti faces tough decisions over sticking with an unchanged backline or dropping one of his three centre-backs when Everton visit Arsenal next Friday.

AND in other news, a rarely-seen Everton outcast is wanted in a £10.5m summer transfer…

Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned and fined as a result of his vulgar response to Lionel Messi taunts during Al-Nassr’s clash with Al-Shabab.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Portuguese reacted to those in the crowd
• Not the first time he has made crude gesture
• Will now sit out one Saudi Pro League fixture

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reacted to those in the stands after a dramatic 3-2 win over their Saudi Pro League rivals. He was caught on camera appearing to aim an obscene gesture towards his critics in the crowd.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  An investigation into Ronaldo’s actions was launched, with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation moving quickly to assess all of the evidence available to them. The SAFF has now announced that CR7 must serve a one-match ban while also paying a 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) fine.

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The committee revealed that 10,000 Saudi riyals will be paid to the SAFF and 20,000 riyals to Al-Shabab to help cover their costs of filing a complaint. The decision is not subject to an appeal, meaning that Ronaldo will sit out a meeting with Al-Hazm on Thursday.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Ronaldo also appeared to grab his genitals during a Riyadh Cup game with Al-Hilal on February 8, before rubbing a scarf on his crotch when leaving the field, and has previously reacted to ‘Messi’ chants from the terraces. He has been delivering, though, when it matters most, with a nerveless penalty converted against Al-Shabab taking him to 34 goals for the season through just 35 appearances.

Ralph Hasenhuttl looks to have been handed a big boost ahead of Southampton’s relegation clash with Sheffield United at the weekend, with Ibrahima Diallo having now recovered from the injury which kept him out for all of February.

The Austrian confirmed ahead of the game that the French midfielder was back in training ahead of the trip to Bramall Lane, and hinted that he could feature against Chris Wilder’s side on Saturday.

The 21-year-old missed all of last month due to a muscle injury and was a big miss in recent fixtures, particularly in the absence of fellow defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu, who has unfortunately been ruled out until next season after suffering an ankle fracture.

Southampton have been in awful form so far this year, as they have picked up just one point from their last nine games in the Premier League, which has seen them slip from European hopefuls to relegation candidates.

Therefore, to have Diallo back ahead of the game against a resurgent Sheffield United could be a big boost for Hasenhuttl, whose side lacked any real defensive discipline in their 1-0 defeat against Everton last time out.

Just seven points separate Southampton and 18th-placed Fulham, so the south coast club certainly cannot rule out the possibility of being relegated to the Championship this season, and must therefore ensure that they leave Bramall Lane with all three points on Saturday afternoon.

Having Diallo back in midfield should not only improve Southampton’s defensive solidity but could also have a promising impact on their attacking play.

If the Frenchman, who joined the Saints for £12.7m in the 2020 summer transfer window, stays deep to protect the defence, it should allow James Ward-Prowse to push on more and join the attacking play, with the midfielder having struggled for goals and assists in recent weeks after an electric start to the season.

It should also hopefully allow Hasenhuttl to move Stuart Armstrong back out wide, as the Scottish international struggled against Everton in central midfield and left Southampton vulnerable to the Toffees’ attack due to an understandable lack of positional discipline.

Therefore, it is a potential game-changer for Hasenhuttl to have Diallo back available ahead of the weekend’s game, and hopefully his return can be the catalyst for the Saints turning their awful form around.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl made key tactical mistake with “very smart” beast vs Everton

Liverpool are reportedly set to make Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Adama Traore their first signing ahead of the 2021/22 season.

According to reports in Spain, the Reds have agreed a deal with the Midlands outfit in a switch that would see the winger become the second player to switch Molineux for Anfield in as many years, following the transfer of Diogo Jota.

Whilst the Portuguese has been a success story with the reigning Premier League champions, signing Traore would be a huge mistake by Michael Edwards as Liverpool aim to re-establish themselves at the top.

The £31.5m-rated wideman is of course a talented player but his productivity is simply not enough to justify a big-money swoop.

In five seasons of Premier League action, Traore has only managed to accumulate five goals and 14 assists, with the vast majority of those contributions coming in his fantastic 2019/20 campaign.

The five-time Spanish international’s statistics have nose-dived since then though, having only supplied a solitary assist for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men throughout the current season.

When comparing Traore with his former teammate, Jota, during 2020/21, it is the Liverpool man who continues to come out on top.

According to WhoScored, the Portuguese ace produces more shots and passes, whilst getting dispossessed much less frequently.

Considering he would also have competition from the likes of first choices Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, as well as Jota, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the returning Takumi Minamino for a starting berth out-wide, it is hard to envisage Traore making a significant impact on Merseyside.

Whilst Klopp might be keen to strengthen his options out wide with the “unplayable” Wolves man, Traore does not look like the correct solution.

Should they have agreed to a deal already, as reported, Edwards should do everything he can to back out as quickly as possible.

AND in more news, Liverpool should increase their bid for a Serie A starlet…

Carlo Ancelotti brushed aside speculation linking Real Madrid with a move for Kylian Mbappe and insisted that he remains focused on the job at hand.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mbappe continues to flirt with Real Madrid
• Ancelotti refused to be drawn in by rumours
• Insisted balance is most important thing

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe has reportedly informed Paris Saint-Germain of his intention to depart the club, once he hits free agency in the summer. Real Madrid have been long-term admirers of the 2018 World Cup winner and after being snubbed on two occasions in the past, it seems that they would finally achieve their target.

Advertisement

• WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

  However, Ancelotti remains unfazed about the growing speculations and told reporters: "I see and hear everything but nothing else. I understand that it’s the topic of the day for you but not for us. We have prepared for tomorrow’s game and that’s what we have talked about, not about anything else. I’d like to work on this season, there’s a long time to go before next season."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aurelien Tchouameni reached for the popcorn after Mbappe's bombshell exit news went viral. However, Ancelotti asserted that the ongoing speculations won't be a distraction for the squad as they continue to fight for silverware on multiple fronts.

  "If I’m worried about Mbappe, do you see me worried?" he asked. "I think it’s going to be the same for the next few press conferences, I’m not worried."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Ancelotti currently has Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Joselu, and Brahim Diaz at his disposal in attack, with Jude Bellingham firing on all cylinders in midfield in an extraordinary debut campaign in Madrid’s colours. When asked if the inclusion of Mbappe would disrupt the equilibrium of the squad he explained: "Yes, I agree that good players can play together, but the important thing is to keep the balance. The most important thing is quality and balance. If you combine those two aspects well, it’s good."

  Real Madrid will be in action against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in a La Liga encounter.

USMNT captain Tyler Adams has passed his 'return to play' tests for Bournemouth following a long spell out with injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• USMNT star passes 'return to play' tests
• Underwent hamstring surgery last year
• Captain set to fight for USA role again

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Finnish orthopedic surgeon Lasse Lempainen posted on Instagram that he collaborated with the Cherries and Adams to perform the American's 'return to play' tests. The midfielder underwent hamstring surgery last year and has yet to make a league appearance for Bournemouth since his mid-summer transfer.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In his photo with Adams, the surgeon states that he "will be back soon", and this surely has both Bournemouth and USMNT fans buzzing. More than anyone, though, it's likely the USMNT captain who is bursting with excitement. The midfielder has not played two matches in a row since last spring for Leeds United, with his lone appearance since coming in September for the Cherries before re-aggravating his injury, causing the surgery.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Adams has 36 international caps with the USMNT, scoring one goal. He has made just one appearance so far for Bournemouth, having been brought off the bench in his team's 2-0 win against Stoke in the Carabao Cup in September.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ADAMS AND BOURNEMOUTH?

  The Cherries take on Newcastle United in the Permier League on Saturday. Meanwhile, Adams is shooting for a return to the pitch this March.

Lots of Wolves supporters have been talking about a potential return for Matt Doherty in the summer transfer window.

Football Insider have recently reported about Doherty, saying that Wolves are open to bringing the Irishman back to the club in the summer but only if Spurs are looking to lower their asking price for the defender in the summer.

The report states that while Nelson Semedo has shown signs of improvement after a slow start, he doesn’t offer the same sort of goal threat as Doherty did during his time at Molineux.

Doherty has made only 15 appearances in the Premier League, getting a couple of assists. He has played seven times in the Europa League too.

The former Molineux favourite is currently valued at £16.20 million, but it was at around £18 million when he arrived at the north London side.

The news about Doherty was relayed on Twitter by Talking Wolves. Lots of Wolves supporters made their views clear about a potential return for the Irishman.

What did Wolves fans make of the news about Doherty?

“Never go back….sends a negative message to the squad.”

Credit: @WV1Wolf

“If the point was to sell him to get someone else, then why are we re-signing him?? Makes no sense. If this is true, it is absolutely ridiculous.”

Credit: @iamrockymstar

“Given the reports of us having limited transfer funds, I don’t see this happening, not a priority.”

Credit: @GavinderPawar

“No thanks. Semedo is better and hoever has a higher ceiling. Never go backwards.”
Credit: @k3ym4n6
“I think this is bad business I would only play him as a midfielder.”
Credit: @SamCl0ver
“The buying him basically means a mistake was made selling him. Nuno is too stubborn and obstinate to admit that.”
Credit: @Gregvegas67
In other news, Wolves are looking to sign a Real Madrid youth graduate – read more here.

Barcelona are set to take on Club America in Dallas on December 21, only a day after their final La Liga fixture before the Christmas break.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Blaugrana schedule exhibition match in Dallas just before Christmas
• Set to play Almeria on December 20
• Club America currently top of Liga MX

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blaugrana have organised a friendly against Club America for late December, due to take place with very little time for the Spanish side to recover and fly to Dallas.

Advertisement

• FC Barcelona
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The fixture comes just four months after Xavi's side embarked on a lengthy trip to America for their 2023-24 preseason tour. They have played in Dallas before, beating Real Madrid 3-0 in a summer clasico. According to a cut of the proceeds from the match will be donated to relief efforts for Hurricane Otis, which hit Mexico a few weeks ago.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  This is the second time Barca have announced a fixture with a quick turnaround this year. They flew to Japan on June 6 to take on Vissel Kobe, a game that kicked off less than two days after the final contest of their 2022-23 title-winning season.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Barca's next fixture is on November 25, when they will line up against Rayo Vallecano in a La Liga clash.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed Southampton tried to sign Timothy Castagne last summer before he made the move to Leicester City instead.

Saints tried to sign Castagne

Castagne made the move from Atalanta to the King Power Stadium last year for a fee of £21.5m (BBC).

Speaking prior to the Saints’ clash with the Foxes on Friday, Hasenhuttl revealed his side attempted to capture the 25-year-old but were unable to do so. He told Hampshire Live:

“He was a player we were interested in. He was available and we knew this.

“Although they have lost players like [Riyad] Mahrez or [N’Golo] Kante or [Harry] Maguire, you see that Leicester are still able to bring very good players in,

“We had an eye on [Timothy] Castagne but as soon as they are in the duel, then we have no chance to get him. This is exactly what makes the difference between these two clubs. It is normal.”

Shame

Other than a couple of spells on the sidelines through injury (Transfermarkt), Castagne has proven to be an inspired signing for Brendan Rodgers and co. He has managed two assists and four goals in all competitions and has displayed his versatility by playing both at left-back and right-back, as well as in midfield.

It was an ambitious move from the Saints to sign him – after all, he competed in the Champions League last term with Atalanta and will have been wanting to play for a side that harboured ambitions of featuring in that tournament on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the south-coast outfit are unable to offer anything close to that at the moment. However, at least they are looking to capture top talent, it seems.

In other news, Southampton have been dealt this transfer blow.