All posts by h716a5.icu

While Tottenham Hotspur are yet to decide just who will be the permanent replacement for Antonio Conte in the dugout, one major issue that any new appointment will have to sort is with regard to the goalkeeping ranks, with uncertainty mounting over Hugo Lloris' position at the club.

The long-serving Frenchman is undoubtedly something of a "legend" at N17 having spent almost 11 years in north London, according to writer Seb Jenkins, although it remains to be seen just how much longer the veteran will be the first-choice option, with just over 12 months left to run on his existing deal.

According to reports, the Lilywhites are scouring the market to find a suitable successor to the 36-year-old, with the former Lyon man currently ranking first in the division for most errors (four) leading to goals in the Premier League this season.

While Daniel Levy and co are understandably looking to find a high-profile figure to fill the void of the £100k-per-week skipper – amid links to the likes of Brentford's David Raya – the club may well already have a possible heir to Lloris on their books in the form of teenager Josh Keeley.

Who is Tottenham's Josh Keeley?

The 19-year-old – who was signed from St Patrick's Athletic during Conte's tenure last summer – may still be in the early days of his time England, although he has already caught the eye at senior level, having only recently been included in first-team training.

The promising Irishman has earned rave reviews from club insider Superhotspur, with the respected source labelling him as a 'commanding goalkeeper from set-pieces' and describing him as being 'so quick off of his line'.

Those traits are also bolstered by the Republic of Ireland U21 international's 'good and impressive distribution' – as per the same source – with that quality on the ball making him an ideal fit for the modern game.

After sealing a "dream move" to Spurs back in July – as per St Patrick's technical director Alan Mathews – young Keeley has already established himself as the leading figure at U21 level, making 19 appearances at that age group this season.

The £910-per-week starlet has already enjoyed a taste of life at first-team level after featuring twice for his former club, having also featured twice against senior opposition for Spurs in the EFL Trophy earlier in the campaign.

While a chance to impress under Conte was always likely to be hard to come by due to the Italian's unwillingness to look to the youth set-up – a fact that left academy staff at the club frustrated – the arrival of a new man at the helm could bolster Keeley's chances of succeeding the ageing Lloris next term or in the years to come.

One area that Newcastle United currently appear particularly strong in is in the centre-forward ranks, with both Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak having begun to hit form in recent weeks after setting aside their respective injury woes.

In the case of the latter man – who missed a fair chunk of the campaign with a hamstring issue – the Sweden international has five goals in his last five Premier League appearances, while his experienced teammate – who has also had his fair share of fitness woes this season – boasts three goals from his last three league games.

That deadly duo are truly beginning to thrive for manager Eddie Howe, with it looking as if the Magpies have finally solved what has previously been a problem area for the club in the recent past.

The northeast side have seemingly seen a spate of strikers come and go with limited success since the heady days of Alan Shearer, with one such failed addition having undoubtedly been that of Japanese marksman, Yoshinori Muto.

How much did Yoshinori Muto cost Newcastle?

The 5 foot 10 speedster was snapped up by Rafa Benitez back in the summer of 2018, having previously made his mark in European football following an encouraging three-year spell at Bundesliga side FC Mainz, scoring 23 goals in 72 games for the German outfit.

The 29-cap dynamo – who had also previously scored 26 goals in only 61 games for FC Tokyo prior to that – was said to be a player the Tynesiders had been "following for a while" according to Benitez, with the Spaniard likely having hoped that his new addition would make an instant impact in his new surroundings.

As it proved, however, Muto would prove yet another wasted signing for the St James' Park outfit after scoring just twice in 28 games in all competitions, with his solitary Premier League goal coming in the defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford in October 2018.

That lack of impact ensured that the misfiring forward ultimately cost the club £4.7m per goal in relation to his initial £9.5m transfer fee, with that a marker of just how much of a blunder it was for Mike Ashley and co to sanction the deal.

It can even be said that such a move was a bigger mistake than the signing of another goal-shy forward – Emmanuel Riviere – with the Frenchman at least managing to reach three goals in all competitions, with that equating to around £2m per goal after initially arriving on a £6m deal in 2014.

That showcases just how "disappointing" Muto's three-year stay in England was – as per Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas – with it seemingly having been something of a relief to see the striker depart for Vissel Kobe in 2021, after leaving by mutual consent.

Everton have emerged as a serious contender to sign Brondby goalkeeper Mads Hermansen this summer, according to reports.

What's the latest on Hermansen's future?

Sean Dyche will have been extremely pleased to have secured the long-term services of Jordan Pickford, who signed a new deal in February that keeps him at the club until 2027, and it’s obvious that he will always be No 1 going forward, but the manager is lacking strong options on the bench in the Premier League.

The Toffees’ second-choice shot-stopper, Asmir Begovic, isn’t getting any younger at 35, and neither is their third-choice in 39-year-old Andy Lonergan. With the pair both out of contract at the end of the season, the need for more youthful reinforcements is clear.

The Denmark U21 international has a deal in the Superliga that runs until 2025, but Hermansen has already publicly confirmed that he’ll be leaving and looking for his next destination during the upcoming window. Having made 22 appearances this season, he has caught the attentions of the hierarchy on Merseyside.

According to Danish outlet Bold (via Sport Witness), Everton and Burnley are two of the “hottest suitors” in the race to sign Hermansen. The Brondby keeper is attracting “massive interest” from England, with the Toffees specifically mentioned as one of the clubs “particularly” keen to complete a deal.

Clarets manager Vincent Kompany has already been spotted in attendance at one of Hermansen's games, so could be moving faster, but it’s stated that his future isn’t set to become clearer until the conclusion of the current term, with Dyche’s outfit still looking to preserve their top-flight status.

Should Everton make a move for Hermansen?

Hermansen is still very much in the early stages of his career and is yet to have competed at the highest level, but his performances at Brondby have been promising and could be the ideal backup for Pickford at Everton.

The 6 foot 2 star has kept five clean sheets in 22 appearances across all competitions this season, with a total of 12 in 61 outings since making the step up to the senior team, as per Transfermarkt. Elsewhere, he has recorded a save percentage of 68.7%. This season, the £900-p/w talent has also made 69 saves from a total of 99 shots faced on target, which highlights one of his key strengths.

Therefore, Hermansen – hailed as a “jewel” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – arguably deserves an opportunity to show Dyche what he’s capable of, with a move potentially in the works should he decide that Everton is his preferred destination.

Everton have found themselves in a Premier League relegation battle once again this season and Sean Dyche now just has ten games remaining to save the club from a spell in the Championship.

The Toffees are currently only two points clear of the bottom three following their 2-2 draw with Chelsea ahead of the international break and will need to pick up more crucial points over the coming weeks to secure survival.

Dyche took on the task of saving the Merseysiders back in January and has since picked up 11 points out of a possible 24 in his first eight fixtures so far, with many of his tweaks already improving performances.

The Everton boss has leaned on some of his former players like Michael Keane and Dwight McNeil who both found themselves out of favour under Frank Lampard, but it's not just his Burnley alumni that have seen their opportunities increase.

One player who has revived his Everton career is midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure after it was reported he was banished from the squad's training sessions and matchday squads following a fractured relationship forming with Lampard, however, has thrived under Dyche.

As it stands, the £120k-per-week Frenchman will be out of contract this summer and after playing a crucial part in the improvements seen on the blue side of Merseyside over a short time, there is no doubt that a new deal could be on the horizon.

Will Doucoure stay at Everton this summer?

The talented midfielder joined the Toffees back in 2020 in a £20m deal after impressing at Watford and has tallied up 88 appearances, seven goals and nine assists over his time at the club so far.

Dyche spoke out in February about his decision to give the 30-year-old a second chance at Goodison Park after becoming a fringe player ahead of his arrival:

"He's certainly someone that could help the club going forwards. I think he has done very well. Different managers see different things, different managers want different things.

"He has just responded very well so far – but I want him to continue in that vein. I agree, he has played very well. He keeps working in both boxes, driving with his running that's for sure. The signs are good."

Doucoure – who writer Peter Guy claimed has been "reborn" – has scored twice and assisted his teammates on two occasions in the last three games, proving to be a crucial and hard-working asset in Dyche's team and more importantly, proving that he is worthy of a spot in the starting eleven.

Despite reportedly being close to a move away in January, Everton now have an option to extend the Mali international's stay for another 12 months and if he continues to put in the performances he has displayed so far there is no reason why that won't be triggered.

With that being said, Doucoure's contributions could be absolutely crucial to Everton beyond their relegation battle this season and should the side survive he will be a valuable asset to Dyche in the future.

HLTCO host Dan Cook has claimed that Brighton may be a more "attractive proposition" for Mateo Retegui amid transfer links to Crystal Palace.

What's the latest on Mateo Retegui and Crystal Palace?

The Italian striker made headlines last week as he scored on his national team debut against England and then followed this up with another effort against Malta.

The 23-year-old was actually born in Argentina – and is currently on loan at Tigres from Boca Juniors – but qualifies to play for Italy thanks to his grandfather.

After the most recent game, his national team manager Roberto Mancini was full of praise but warned that he still needed to do more to prove himself as a top player.

He told the press: "He unlocked the match, he was essential today. But I repeat: he needs time, he still needs to learn more about European football."

According to Corriere dello Sport (via FC Inter News), Retegui could be set for a move to a big team in Europe this summer with Inter Milan named as a possible option.

Beyond the Serie A team, Palace and Brighton were also linked and while speaking on the HLTCO podcast, Cook explained why it might be a hard deal to pull off for the Eagles.

He said (8:12): “I hate to say this in a Crystal Palace podcast, but I'm not sure we are necessarily anything like as an attractive proposition at the moment as Brighton and Hove Albion.

"They are upwardly mobile, there is every chance they will get into Europe by the end of this season.

"And you look at our current plight, you know, hopefully Roy Hodgson can steady the ship and keep us afloat in the Premier League.

"But without a permanent manager, and without a guarantee of even the division that we're going to be playing in next season, you do wonder whether or not he may well plump for the seagulls."

Why would Mateo Retegui want to join Brighton?

It's certainly true that Palace are struggling to maintain their status as a Premier League side sitting just three points above the bottom three with only ten games to keep themselves up.

All the while, bitter rivals Brighton have lofty ambitions as they look to bright European football to the Amex next season, currently seventh in the league, level on points with Liverpool in sixth (with a game in hand too).

With that in mind, it's not hard to see why Retegui – who has six goals in eight league games with Tigre this term – may feel as though Brighton is the more appealing destination should he seek out a move to England in the summer.

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has suggested that Tottenham could well tempt out-of-work boss Julian Nagelsmann to join the club.

The Lowdown: Spurs seek Conte replacement…

Spurs have reportedly been seeking an heir to current head coach Antonio Conte after his outburst against Southampton last weekend.

The Italian had been linked with a departure from north London at the end of this Premier League season but an astonishing post-match rant last Saturday could push his exit forward.

Conte questioned the very culture of the club and lack of silverware in a thinly-veiled dig towards the Tottenham hierarchy, all the while questioning his squad’s overall desire.

“They are used to it here, they are used to it. They don’t play for something important yeah. They don’t want to play under pressure, they don’t want to play under stress,” exclaimed a furious Conte.

“It is easy in this way. Tottenham’s story is this. Twenty years there is the owner and they never won something but why? The fault is only for the club, or for every manager that stays here. I have seen the managers that Tottenham had on the bench.”

Spurs are still pushing for a top four Premier League finish and their next move will be a crucial one, yet the newly-found availability of Nagelsmann presents a real opportunity.

The Latest: Nagelsmann could be tempted by Spurs…

The north Londoners have been heavily linked with Bayern’s former boss in the last 24 hours and ever since his surprise departure from the Allianz Arena.

Gold, writing in a piece for football.london and on Twitter, claims he is a manager Spurs have contemplated hiring twice before.

The journalist says that Spurs ‘might be able to quickly tempt’ Nagelsmann into joining, especially when factoring in he ‘developed real affection for the club’ during Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.

The 35-year-old apparently forged a real connection with Spurs while Pochettino was in charge and became a big fan of their playing style.

The Verdict: Boost for Spurs?

Bayern’s surprise decision to sack Nagelsmann has presented the north Londoners with a chance to sway him for the third time of asking.

Third-time lucky is the age-old saying and RB Leipzig’s former boss would come with both pedigree and the status of being Europe’s most exciting young coach.

Already boasting a league title on his CV at such a young age, Nagelsmann’s brand of intense, high-pressing football could also excite Spurs supporters.

Called a ‘sensational manager’ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, it’s safe to say the German would come as a brilliant Conte replacement given his free agent status.

Leeds United Supporters Trust have shared their frustration at an off-field fixture update for the Whites.

The Lowdown: Two fixtures changed

The Whites secured a crucial Premier League victory on Saturday afternoon at Wolves, with Javi Gracia’s side winning 4-2 at Molineux. The result took Leeds up into 14th place and two points clear of safety after beginning the day in 19th position.

There was an off-field update prior to the game at Wolves, though, which has an impact on the club’s fixtures with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in April. Leeds’ home meeting with Palace has been moved back to Sunday 9th April with a 2pm kick-off, while the trip to Bournemouth is now scheduled for Sunday 30th April with another 2pm kick-off.

The Latest: Supporters Trust fume

Leeds United Supporters Trust were quick to react to the news on Twitter after the club shared the update on their official website on Saturday morning, describing the change to the Bournemouth game particularly as ‘madness’.

‘What on earth is the rationale for moving the Bournemouth game to a different day when it’s not on TV? Madness when travel is already booked for so many! Football is for fans blah blah blah blah!’

The Verdict: Huge month

Of course, this update isn’t ideal for supporters who have already made travel plans for those games, with short notice for the Elland Road clash against Palace specifically.

These fixtures could be key in regards to Leeds’ Premier League status, though, with both Palace and Bournemouth battling at the bottom with the Whites. Two wins would be massive as the club look to avoid the drop, with Gracia’s side facing Arsenal after the return from the international break. A home meeting with Nottingham Forest follows before entertaining Palace, with Leeds looking to continue the feel-good factor under the Spaniard.

Leeds United are a side that have been ravaged by injuries over the last season or two, with the last campaign having been particularly marred as their star players all suffered.

Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper all faced lengthy spells out, leaving the core of the squad threadbare.

Whilst Javi Gracia has inherited a struggling squad, the benefit for him is that many of the major absentees could be set to make a swift comeback.

Whilst Rodrigo is the outstanding returnee, given how he shouldered much of the goalscoring burden for Jesse Marsch, there is another who might offer an even bigger boost.

The squad will likely feel more enthused to see their captain make a triumphant reinstation, as Liam Cooper nears full health.

When will Liam Cooper be fit for Leeds?

Having awaited late fitness reports on the Scotsman, who did not feature against Brighton and Hove Albion, there is cause to believe that either this weekend or after the international break could see him back ready to play.

The £25k-per-week titan has been a mainstay for numerous managers since his 2014 move but truly announced himself as a top defender under Marcelo Bielsa.

During their first season back in the Premier League, the 31-year-old boasted a 7.10 average rating which was underpinned by an 86% pass accuracy and 2.4 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 2.7 clearances per 90 (via Sofascore).

Podcaster Jack Collins was full of praise for Cooper during that campaign, as he claimed on the Ranks FC podcast (via This Is Futbol): “I think Liam Cooper is a very, very good footballer and I think the fact that Leeds have struggled when he’s not been in the side is testament to the fact that he is actually crucial – not only on a spiritual level, in that [Sergio] Ramos-esque kind of thing – but actually, technically, bringing the ball out, playing this Bielsa system, he’s a very, very good footballer.”

With how important he has been in the past, his return could at the very least help keep goals from going in whilst Rodrigo’s return seeks to help at the other end of the pitch.

After all, he has already scored ten in the league.

With how the Spaniard is likely the most high-profile returning member, Cooper could actually act as Gracia’s secret weapon to add defensive steel and some much-needed leadership back into the team.

Arsenal’s Hale End academy has churned out talent after talent over the previous 25 years, from the likes of Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy to Jack Wilshere emerging and becoming stars in the first team.

Mikel Arteta now has his own generation of youth prospects to pick and choose from, with the academy arguably having never been stronger than it has been under the Spaniard’s tenure.

Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, and Eddie Nketiah have all made massive strides under the 40-year-old, yet it is Emile Smith Rowe who could perhaps be the surprise package, with his value skyrocketing.

How much is Emile Smith-Rowe worth now?

The 22-year-old has been unlucky with injuries this term, missing 13 matches in total while only playing nine matches across all competitions.

However, his sparkling form since breaking into Arsenal’s first team in the 2020/2021 season has seen his value rise, with Transfermarkt rating him at a whopping €38m (£34m).

That is a staggering 1316% increase from the start of the aforementioned campaign when he was valued at just €2.7m (£2.4m).

The Englishman made his name at Hale End, scoring 21 goals and grabbing eight assists for the U18 and U21 sides, and these numbers caught Unai Emery’s eye, thus giving him some experience in the Europa League in 2018/2019.

Two goals in four appearances in the competition was an encouraging start and loan moves to RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town convinced Arteta that Smith Rowe was ready for regular first-team football.

Last season, the attacking midfielder was in superb form, scoring ten Premier League goals, creating three big chances, making 0.9 key passes per game, and succeeding with 60% of his attempted dribbles with his attacking output was key for Arsenal.

Indeed, he ranked second behind only Saka for goals, third in the squad for shots on target per game (0.7), and fifth for big chances created.

Despite his injury this term, Arsenal have been excellent and Arteta will be pleased to have the youngster back in the squad ready to gain some vital minutes ahead of what could be the most important two months in the club’s recent history.

The £40k-per-week star certainly has an extremely bright future with former Gunners player Mesut Ozil dubbing him a “difference maker” in 2021. That was certainly a testament to just how impressive he looked upon breaking into the senior side.

Having cost nothing, Arsenal have definitely hit the jackpot with the 22-year-old and if he can recapture the form he showed last season over the next eight weeks, Arteta may well have a secret weapon he can utilise.

Nottingham Forest could be without left-back Renan Lodi for this afternoon’s meeting with Everton.

The Lowdown: Regular

Lodi arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid over the summer and has made himself a regular in Steve Cooper’s side in 2023. The 24-year-old, hailed as ‘hard-working’ by Diego Simeone, has started the last 10 Premier League fixtures, helping Forest to four clean sheets.

The Reds have picked up a more than respectable 15 points in that run, however, the Brazilian may miss a matchday squad for the first time since October after he was replaced with an issue against West Ham last time out.

The Latest: Injury update

Nottingham Post reporter Sarah Clapson shared a story on Friday following Cooper’s pre-Everton press conference.

The story said that Lodi faces a late fitness check ahead of this afternoon’s fixture and that the full-back was actually a doubt before West Ham with a groin issue.

The Verdict: Toffolo time?

Lodi is one of three left-backs on the books at the City Ground alongside Harry Toffolo and Omar Richards. As per WhoScored, Lodi has outperformed Toffolo this season, so missing the former for a key fixture wouldn’t be ideal. Richards has been out all season through injury, so if Lodi isn’t passed fit, Cooper may be forced to go with Toffolo.

The 27-year-old last started for Forest in the league back in October, although he was initially first choice at the beginning of the campaign, so could prove to be a solid replacement.

All eyes will be on team news an hour before kick-off, and it’ll be interesting to see if Lodi makes it or if Cooper is forced into another defensive change