Category Uncategorized

Celtic are reportedly looking to secure a summer transfer move for Ferencvaros striker Ryan Mmaee.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Record, the striker has “emerged on their radar in recent months – with extensive data analysis undertaken.”

The report also adds that Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou “is keen to add more firepower ahead of their return to the Champions League following a five-year absence.”

The Moroccan only arrived at Ferencvaros last summer, but with 37 appearances under his belt across all competitions, the striker has quickly become a star figure for them by scoring 19 goals and supplying 11 assists in the process.

Throughout his career, the 24-year-old has scored 51 goals and delivered 26 assists in 143 club appearances at senior and youth levels.

Taking this into account, it’s easy to see why the Hoops have identified Mmaee as a suitable figure to come in and add some strength to their attack.

Supporters will be buzzing 

The previous summer transfer window saw the Bhoys cash in on Odsonne Edouard by selling him to Crystal Palace in a deal worth £15m.

During his time with the Parkhead club, the Frenchman scored 86 goals in 179 appearances across all competitions.

To replace the 24-year-old, Celtic brought in Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis, who ended up scoring a combined total of 25 goals between them in the league.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Labelled as a “feisty” player by journalist Tomasz Mortimer, Mmaee could end up being a better version of Edouard for Celtic. He has a clear knack for scoring and creating goals, which is something that the former Hoops star has failed to find at Palace this season, suggesting the Hoops were right to wave farewell to him.

Of course, Edouard scored plenty in Glasgow but his performances dwindled in 2021/22 with just nine goals to show for his efforts. Mmaee, it would appear, is in better form than the Frenchman and would surely be a hit at Parkhead.

He has scored a goal every 83 minutes this term, while Celtic’s former Bhoy only managed a goal every 137 minutes in his final campaign in Scotland.

Should they find themselves securing the Ferencvaros star’s signature this summer, it would surely leave Celtic fans rather pleased given the attacking talent he has and the depth that he can give their squad.While the Hungarian club will surely be reluctant to let their summer recruit leave after just one season in their ranks, Celtic must do all they can to bring the sharpshooter to Parkhead in the coming weeks.He could be exactly what they need to put them in a good shape to secure as much silverware as they can next season.In other news: Worth £1.8m in 2021, now worth £4.9m: Celtic struck gold on “magic” £18k-p/w star

Jesse Marsch has been named as the front-runner to take over from Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United after the Argentine was sacked on Sunday morning.

What’s the word?

After a string of shocking results, which saw the Yorkshire outfit register only two wins from 12 games, also conceding a whopping 40 goals, the 66-year-old parted ways after a little over three-and-a-half years at the club.

“Leeds say they are planning a permanent tribute to Bielsa at Elland Road. Also say they will ‘aim to make an announcement on a new appointment tomorrow.’ Marsch the favourite for the job,” revealed The Athletic’s Phil Hay.

Meanwhile, Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also delivered an update on the club’s pursuit of the former RB Leipzig and Salsburg head coach.

“Jesse Marsch’s set to be appointed as new Leeds United manager. Full agreement reached on verbal basis – final details to be sorted out in the coming hours” he tweeted. “Work permit among last issues to be resolved then Marsch will be announced as new Leeds head coach.”

Perfect fit

Whilst the 48-year-old has little experience in guiding a relegation-threatened side to safety, the American would be something of a dream appointment for the long-term, so it’s easy to see why director of football Victor Orta and chairman Andrea Radrizzani have acted swiftly to hire the out-of-work boss.

The Wisconsin-born former midfielder was sacked by the Bundesliga outfit back in December 2021, just a few months after taking over from Julian Nagelsmann but it’s his work in Austria that is most appealing.

Marsch has a playing style very similar to that of Bielsa, so the squad would need little time to adapt to new ideas and methods, which is perhaps a big bonus with only 12 games left to save their Premier League status.

That quick tempo and high-intensity pressing system saw Salzburg clinch the Austrian Bundesliga title twice. Marsch has lost just 17 of his 94 matches as Salzburg manager; an impressive win rate of 68%.

He has also played a key role in the development of stars like Erling Haaland and Patson Daka, among others, including mooted Leeds transfer target Brenden Aaronson, who is a huge fan of his.

“He has been awesome; I can’t speak of Jesse highly enough,” Aaronson said to Transfermarkt.

“We have this excellent connection, but not just because I am American, just because he right away treated me as one of the guys. He also does a really good job, we watch a lot of film, and he helps me to improve my game, and I have learned so much in just the five months that I have been here.”

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Also dubbed as an “amazing manager” by Haaland, the 48-year-old’s attacking 4-2-2-2 formation could provide the Elland Road faithful with some excitement in all of this mess.

“Key to my way of playing is the idea of pressing to score goals; not thinking about possession when you win the ball, but thinking about how to get the ball forward and score as quickly as possible,” he once told The Coaches Voice.

On the above evidence, there is plenty to be encouraged about should Marsch be in place before their trip to Leicester City next weekend. He’ll need to make an instant impact if Leeds are to stand a chance at remaining in the top-flight.

AND in other news, 57% pass accuracy: Whites lightweight who lost ball every 2.8 mins failed Leeds again…

Aston Villa fans have spotted Indiana Vassilev in team training at Bodymoor Heath. 

Back in July, Vassilev joined Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami on loan.

But their season came to an end in early November after they finished in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and therefore failed to progress to the play-offs.

Vassilev made 21 appearances for the Florida-based outfit, scoring three goals.

It seems, from footage posted by @AVFCOfficial, that he’s now returned to the Midlands to rejoin his parent club.

What does the future hold for Vassilev?

New manager Steven Gerrard will no doubt run the rule over the American, but Villa could potentially look to secure another loan move for him when the transfer window opens in January.

The 20-year-old has had six outings for Villa’s senior team to date, four of which have come in the Premier League.

He’s a strikingly versatile player, able to operate on either flank, as a centre forward and even as an attacking midfielder.

These Villa fans spot Vassilev in training

“Is that Vassilev?”

Credit: @HarryAVFC_

“Is that Indi Vassilev talking to Konsa at the start of the video?”

Credit: @KevinCorAvfc

“Wait Vassilev?”

Credit: @1874Jacob

“I wonder if he’ll get a chance now he’s back”

Credit: @doc3d

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

“Since when was Vassilev back?”

Credit: @1874dan

“Anyone else spot Vassilev in this video? Wonder if he’ll be given a chance in the first team”

Credit: @AstonDrilla

In other news, Steven Gerrard wants this left-back.

Aston Villa will look at a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie in January, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: McKennie links

McKennie was actually linked with a late move to Villa Park last month. Labelled as a ‘rock’ by former Juve manager Andrea Pirlo, Villa were reportedly ready to satisfy the Serie A club’s €30m (£25.7m) valuation for the USA international.

As we know, a dramatic last-gasp swoop never materialised, but it appears as if Johan Lange has already made the 23-year-old a winter transfer window target at Villa Park.

The Latest: Nixon claim

According to The Sun, Aston Villa remain keen on McKennie, who has been told by Juventus that he is free to leave the Allianz Stadium as soon as possible.

A January move to Villa Park could be explored, with no club willing to seal a loan with an obligation to buy the midfielder in the summer.

The Verdict: Central midfield a priority?

Villa allowed Conor Hourihane to leave for Sheffield United on loan late in the summer transfer window, leaving Dean Smith with five senior central midfield options plus youngster Carney Chukwuemeka.

While that may seem plenty, Villa regularly use three central midfielders in 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 systems, so bringing in another player in that area could be a wise move.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

If they don’t, and one or two of their current options get injured, they could be down to the bare bones in the middle, which is not exactly ideal for such an important area of the pitch. Hopefully they might explore a move for McKennie again in January, especially if midfield options become sparse by then.

In other news: Aston Villa announce the signing of ‘creative’ free agent; has the same agency as Konsa and Steer.

The transfer saga that is agonising for Newcastle United fans before serious talk has even started is Joe Willock, and everyone who watched him during his loan spell on Tyneside knows the Magpies have to sign him permanently – former defender Steve Howey hopes talks have already started.

Willock managed to change the way the Magpies attacked games as his ability and willingness to arrive late into the box allowed Allan Saint-Maximin to release the ball earlier and not have to dribble past as many defenders as he could to cut the ball back.

It has been widely reported that Newcastle are very much interested in bringing Willock back to St James’ Park and a fresh twist has emerged that Steve Bruce could look to offer Freddie Woodman as part of any potential deal for the midfielder.

It would be a huge blow for Bruce if he wasn’t able to bring back Willock who he clearly had a great relationship with, and if there is any chance of a deal getting done before pre-season friendlies begin, talks must already be underway and Howey certainly hopes this is the case – as he exclusively told Football FanCast:

“You would have thought that there’s already been a conversation between the clubs, Arteta and Bruce, to say this is what the fee will be as we want to offload him.”

Willock was reportedly available for £20 million this summer but with seven goals in his last seven appearances for the Magpies, it would be widely expected and acceptable if that fee had increased slightly.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

At the end of the season, Mikel Arteta was asked about the future of Willock and he claimed that his future was being sorted and organised to remain at Arsenal but there remains hope on Tyneside that a deal can be done.

Celtic’s season is done and dusted and for the first time in over a decade, a campaign will end without a trophy entering the Parkhead cabinet.This has been a season to forget for the Bhoys as they’ve not only lost their grasp on the league but also their stranglehold over the cup.The Hoops will now go back to the drawing board and ramp up their search for a new manager. After all, the showing from their interim coach hasn’t been too impressive.Celtic may have defeated Livingston 6-0 last time out but as they travelled to Ibrox, it was their turn to be swept aside.It was an afternoon to forget for John Kennedy’s team who were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the hands of Rangers following a 2-0 loss.The visitors had plenty of chances, namely through Odsonne Edouard. He missed a golden opportunity to score in the second half before he also saw a penalty saved.That moment just about summed up what was a torrid day for Celtic. Although they failed to find the net, they were arguably worse from a defensive point of view.Diego Laxalt was turned inside out by Joe Aribo for the Gers’ second goal but Jonjoe Kenny didn’t particularly set the world alight either.In fact, in the two Old Firm matches he’s now played in, the defender has been particularly abject.[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-lampard-klimala-ajer-gossip” title= “Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]Last month it was Kenny’s woeful back pass that led to the corner from which Alfredo Morelos scored but on this occasion, he was even worse.The Everton loanee set the tone from the very first goal. Rangers broke down the right-hand side and with Laxalt caught further up the pitch they had the whole of that flank to attack.Consequently, Aribo was able to move into the area and then fire a shot towards goal. It was deflected into the path of Steven Davis who fired home acrobatically. The reaction was slow from Kenny, who should have done more to prevent the shot from even taking place.His arduous day was then typified for the second strike, putting the ball into the back of his own net.The creator was Aribo again as he got down the right once more and then fired in a dangerous cross for Ryan Kent. However, as the winger looked to slide the ball home it came off Kenny and found its way past Scott Bain.The defender failed to track Kent which would have done a lot to prevent the goal from occurring.

Kenny was given a scathing assessment by plenty during the game. Speaking on Premier Sports’ live coverage of the match, John Harton said he was “absolutely nowhere†for the goals.

Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes added on A Celtic State of Mind that the loanee had a “horror showâ€, describing it as a “nightmare of a first-half†for the 24-year-old.

After his first two Old Firm matches, Kenny will be sweating over the prospect of having to play another one at the beginning of May.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

AND in other news, McGinn 2.0: Celtic will always rue not signing 107-cap star, he’s “out of this world”…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Newcastle United man has been speaking about Tottenham Hotspur and their reported interest in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus.

Spurs have been linked with the German international in recent weeks, and he has been touted as someone who could potentially replace Dele Alli at the North London club, should he complete a loan move to PSG before next Monday’s deadline.

The 23-year-old has been solid in the Bundesliga so far this season, having contributed three goals and four assists in 17 appearances, which has seen him average a 6.94 rating.

He was also superb in Marco Rose’s side’s Champions League group stage matches, averaging a 7.28 rating across his six appearances in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, so it is no surprise that sides such as Spurs, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are taking an interest in the young midfielder.

Here’s what Lee had to say about Neuhaus when speaking exclusively to FFC:

“He’s a great player. He gets forward and scores goals. Maybe Dele’s going to go in the summer, which he probably should do. Maybe he could be a replacement for Alli.”

As Lee suggests, Neuhaus is developing a reputation for scoring goals from midfield, having now scored five goals in all competitions this season.

He has also managed six assists in that time, which means he is closing in on the nine goals and six assists Alli managed in all competitions last season, despite Neuhaus playing much more as a box-to-box midfielder.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-and-rumours” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours, injury latest and more!”]

Should Alli join PSG on loan this month, or leave in the summer, Spurs may need to bring in a goalscoring threat to replace him, with only Tanguy Ndombele having scored more than once in the Premier League of Mourinho’s central midfield options this season.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Therefore, it seems as if the £25.2 million-rated man would be a strong addition to Mourinho’s side both now and for the long-term future, although Daniel Levy will have to see off some serious competition if he wants to bring him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

And, in other news… Forget Di Maria: Levy can sign Jose a goalscoring winger; he won’t cost a penny

Even though their season wasn’t crowned with any silverware in the end, Inter Milan were still quite successful overall. Alongside the surging Atalanta, they pushed Juventus to the final days of Serie A and were a genuine threat to their domestic dominance.

But Antonio Conte might still have to revamp the squad if they are to move forward and according to Sport Mediaset (via Sempre Inter), the Nerazzurri are willing to sell their prized asset, Milan Skriniar, and Tottenham Hotspur are among the teams who have taken a liking to the defender.

The Slovakian star has seemingly slipped down the pecking order over in Italy and that could make him available in the ongoing summer transfer window. Alongside Spurs, teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United were mentioned, meaning Jose Mourinho could face stern competition for the centre-back’s signature.

For that reason, he’s willing to sweeten the deal by potentially including Tanguy Ndombele in the negotiations, as the same source claims, in an attempt to maybe lower the Italian’s asking price of €50m (£45.2m).

Still, the papers don’t exactly say whether this is a deal that Inter would indeed accept but it is a way for Mourinho to make it a bit more attractive if nothing else.

It would be quite difficult for Spurs to compete with the likes of Real, City and United financially so this could be the way to go for the Special One and his crew.

Only time will tell how successful they’ll be in that.

Verdict

He may have fallen down the pecking order just a bit but Skriniar is still very much a top-quality defender who would undoubtedly boost Spurs’ backline. After all, they are in need of reinforcements and this signing could be a big statement for the Premier League side.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

But first, however, they will have to fend off other European giants and convince Inter they are the club to do business with.

As Liverpool close in on a historic Premier League title, naturally, a lot of the plaudits have gone towards Jurgen Klopp and his players – after all, these are the men doing the business on the pitch.

Former Red, Jan Molby, even remarked that “in the big scheme of things”, they would go down as “one of the best football teams we have ever seen”. Quite the impressive statement to make, but when looking at how the Merseyside outfit remain unbeaten after 27 Premier League games, it doesn’t seem so outlandish.

But when the title does eventually make its way to Anfield this season, perhaps those who are rushing to praise the Reds should look to steer some of the limelight to a man who has been working in the shadows: Michael Edwards.

Watch Liverpool Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Liverpool’s sporting director is rarely seen in the public eye, but has been a major part of why Klopp’s men have risen to the summit of both English and European football in recent times.

Whilst ensuring you have a top-level coach like Klopp who can get the best out of his players is important, bringing the right players in – both in terms of their technical quality and attitude – is similarly vital. And the Reds have absolutely nailed this to perfection under Edwards.

When they’ve splashed the cash, they have done so wisely, and on players who are now performing key roles for the team. The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson have arrived in moves worth more than a combined £100m, but have justified their price tags with aplomb – the Reds have the best defensive record in the league with just 17 goals conceded.

Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…

But they haven’t just got their big-money signings right either. Andy Robertson, at an initial £8m from Hull, is the prime example of getting more than what you paid for. Despite playing at left-back, he has managed seven assists across all competitions this season, including one each in wins over Manchester United and Manchester City this season.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Edwards has been the mastermind behind Liverpool’s superb transfer activity, and it’s exactly why the Reds have him to thank for. The likes of Klopp and Van Dijk may be at the top of the list when it comes to people singing their praises, but the Reds should not forget the incredible contributions their sporting director has made, away from the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Liverpool’s chase for this striker is “in Jurgen Klopp’s hands”.

Newcastle have been without some key performers at the back this season but those who have come in to replace them have stepped up to the plate in remarkable fashion.

Steve Bruce could have been forgiven for fearing the worst after Jamaal Lascelles was ruled out until January 2020 a few weeks ago and though they lost the following game against Aston Villa they have bounced back empathically.

Federico Fernandez has played a big part in that, as the Argentine has barely put a foot wrong and has conducted himself with composure at the back, which is much-needed with the captain’s absence.

He is working very well alongside Ciaran Clark and fans are beginning to recognise their importance, though perhaps the credit ought to be directed at Bruce for his organisation and motivation of the players.

Regardless, Fernandez is a worthy target of praise considering he has averaged 6.9 clearances per league game this term and kept Lys Mousset quiet against Sheffield United.

Fernandez has worked hard to get into the position he’s in but he may need to work even harder if he is to maintain his place in the team, as Newcastle have several other capable centre-backs who will challenge his place once they are fully fit.

He has proved to Bruce that he can be relied upon though and he is key to Newcastle’s defensive style, as they invite a lot of pressure and balls into the box, which he is capable of dealing with if you look at his clearances stat.

FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

The 30-year-old has now swayed the thinking of some Magpies’ fans too as they doubted him when he first joined, only to become one of their better and more important defenders.

Newcastle fans also took time to praise another star performer after the Sheffield United match, here is what they have had to say.