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It could be time for West Ham to finally offload Manuel Lanzini this summer…

What’s the word?

According to El Intransigente, the Irons are prepared to sell the 28-year-old midfielder as he’s no longer an integral part of the squad, often finding himself out of the starting XI, and his former club River Plate are keen to bring him back to Argentina.

Lanzini only signed a contract extension in 2019, keeping him at the Hammers until 2023 after joining the east London club for £9m three years earlier.

Claret & Hugh also believe the attacking maestro is available for transfer if the right price is offered, but it remains to be seen exactly how much that is. The five-time international is currently valued at just €7m (£6m) by CIES Football Observatory and is thought to be raking in around £70,000 per week as one of the Irons’ highest earners.

Stealing a living

Barring the odd stunner – that goal against Tottenham this season springs to mind – Lanzini has not been the same player since he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament back in 2018.

Given his age, he’s rather unlikely to ever get back to his best – or at least the level required for a likely European battle next term.

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In the last three seasons, the Argentina playmaker has failed to score more than one goal and provide more than two assists in the Premier League. That’s a total of two goals and four assists across three years, as per WhoScored, and that is simply not good enough.

The Hammers also signed Said Benrahma in the summer transfer win dow and will push to keep hold of Jesse Lingard, so there’s really no need to keep Lanzini festering away on their books. As Frank McAvennie told Football FanCast exclusively this month, the 28-year-old is “a luxury player.”

Darren Bent once told Football Insider that the midfielder had “wonderful feet” and was “certainly a top player,” but on the above evidence, he hasn’t delivered for some time and is merely stealing a living at this point.

Any fee accrued from his departure and the burden of his wages lifted off the club’s books could go towards a new signing or two, and we know how desperate Moyes will be for a striker, so it certainly makes sense to get rid of Lanzini sooner rather than later.

It’s time to show no mercy and offload the West Ham flop this summer.

AND in other news, Forget Abraham: £18m-rated “monster” could take West Ham to a new level…

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Eight years ago an incident at Ibrox went into Celtic folklore.

When Scott Brown guided a brilliant 20 yard drive around Allan McGregor and inside the post he did more than just equalise in a pulsating Scottish Cup tie – ‘The Broony’ was born.

El Hadji Diouf had been as irritating on the park as he had been in the media beforehand, so when Brown’s shot hit the back of the net there was one person that he wanted to share the moment with – the on-loan Blackburn Rovers midfielder.

Thus, a legend was born.

The Broony has been a stable part of the Celtic supporter experience since that day with it’s originator more than happy to join in, especially on the rare occasions that he finds the back of the net.

That Scottish Cup tie was won in a dramatic replay at Celtic Park, the Hoops going on to claim the trophy with a win over Motherwell at Hampden Park. It was the first trophy for Neil Lennon as manager, and it certainly wasn’t the last.

The title was lost on the final day of the season but since 2012 the SPL/SPFL trophy has been a fixture in the Celtic board room.

Last week Brown signed a two-year contract extension. If title number eight is clinched there’s no doubt that ‘The Broony’ will be at the centre of the celebrations.

Despite just being relegated immediately back down to the Championship and finishing 13 points from safety, the West Brom job will still be an attractive one for many people, according to former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell.

The Baggies are on the hunt for their third manager in less than 12 months having already parted ways with Slaven Bilic last December after earning a 1-1 draw away to Manchester City, and it was reported last week that Sam Allardyce would not be remaining as the club’s manager in the Championship.

Reports have suggested that West Brom will target Chris Wilder this summer but may face an uphill battle as the former Blades manager is reportedly willing to hold out for a Premier League job either this summer or into next season.

It is still a massive club that will attract a lot of managers despite now being in the Championship and set to potentially sell their star players, Matheus Pereira and Sam Johnstone. That’s according to Jewell, who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“It will be a well sought after job and I know Chris Wilder has been mentioned, because he did a great job, getting Sheffield United up through the leagues as well as in the first season in the Premier League. So I’m sure his name will pop up.

“It will be a job that a lot of people are interested in because, I worked there very briefly and it’s a huge football club with great supporters, great fan base and good facilities. So it’s got all the infrastructure to be a Premier League club so it will attract a lot of suitors.”

Allardyce was brought in as West Brom manager back in December as they looked to address any relegation fears early on and give the former England manager a transfer window to improve the squad but for the first time in his career, Allardyce saw his side relegated from the Premier League.

West Brom’s Achilles’ heel this season was their defensive frailties having conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season having leaked an amazing 76 goals in just 38 games.

West Ham United have another new striker on their shortlist ahead of the summer…

What’s the word?

According to Eurosport, the Irons are tracking Atalanta forward Duvan Zapata ahead of the upcoming window as they fear Tammy Abraham could be out of reach financially.

It’s claimed that David Moyes will have around £35m to spend on a new forward but that is still short of Chelsea’s £40m valuation, and that’s on top of his desired £140k-per-week wages.

Zapata provides an interesting alternative and sits alongside Brentford talisman Ivan Toney and Sparta Prague’s Adam Hlozek on Hammers’ priority list.

Sign him up

If Abraham is too expensive, then Moyes should absolutely target the Serie A goal machine instead. It’s no secret that his squad needs another forward and at the very last that’s one extra frontman.

GSB never replaced Sebastian Haller after sanctioning his exit during the January transfer window after just 18 months at the London Stadium, meaning the Scottish manager was left with an injury-prone Michail Antonio as his only senior option.

The 30-year-old powerhouse has proven to be a prolific marksman in Italy throughout his career and this season he has been in fine form, providing 18 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-transfer-rumours-gossip-team-injury-news-gsb-update” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

That has taken his overall tally for Atalanta to a whopping 65 strikes in only 126 appearances, which is around a goal every other game.

His physical attributes make for the most appeal as at 6 foot 2, he has the stature to cause many Premier League defences nightmares, and that is something that his former teammate, Papu Gomez, alluded to last season.

Speaking on Instagram (via Goal), he claimed:

“Zapata’s shorts look like underwear, he is so big. Sometimes I don’t even want to get close to him in a match because he’s a beast and it hurts. When he is feeling good he’s like a train – you throw the ball forward and ‘ciao!'”

Furthermore, ex-Colombia boss Jose Pekerman praised Zapata after his international debut and suggested that they “need him with his power.” He has since gone onto land 16 caps for his national side.

It remains to be seen how much of that £35m would be eaten up by a move for the Atalanta sensation but given CIES value him at €30m (£26m), he should certainly come a lot cheaper than Abraham, who is yet to deliver as consistently as Zapata.

Moyes will also finally get another option up front, ending the nightmare of the last few months.

AND in other news, Huge blow: Moyes handed injury setback, Irons star “may not play again this season”…

Many Arsenal fans have been left to buzz as Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kieran Tierney is in contention to play in the UEFA Europa League.

As per the official website of the Emirates Stadium faithful, the Spanish manager said that the former Celtic star did not need the surgery that they thought he needed, and so may be in contention to play again this season much earlier than originally anticipated.

Tierney is such an important player for the Gunners, as they clearly miss his athleticism and attacking threat down the left flank when he is not playing, having to fit central midfielder Granit Xhaka in there in recent games in the Premier League against Fulham and Everton respectively, in which they have dropped points in both.

Arteta admitted he isn’t sure if the Scot will be ready to face Villarreal, but he is at least in with a chance.

Arsenal fans on Tierney injury update

These AFC supporters buzzed upon reading the news that Tierney could be in contention to face Villarreal after it was shared on Twitter:

“Tears in my eyes #KT my guy! Hope to see you out there doing what you do best! @kierantierney1 let’s make our lives easier for once @Arsenal please tomorrow night.. #UEL”

Credit: @ahmedjush

“When I hear about Kieran I smell a win.”

Credit: @BNyamera

“TIERNEY BACKKKKKK #KroenkeOut”

Credit: @minminminszn

“Tierneyyyy”

Credit: @acharlton9

“Tierney being fit is all I needed to hear”

Credit: @9nismo

“I am actually on my knees to have KT back tomorrow”
Credit: @ConnorNevill

In other news, find out what Daniel Ek update has left Gooners buzzing here!

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to an update regarding Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham on social media.

Reports last month claimed that Villa remain ‘admirers’ of the 23-year-old ahead of the summer window.

The striker scored 26 goals in 40 appearances in the Midlands while on loan during the 2018/19 season, helping the club back into the top flight through the playoffs.

Abraham hasn’t featured for the Blues since the end of February, though, with speculation mounting over a potential Villa Park return.

Birmingham Live ran a Q&A with Football.London’s Chelsea correspondent Adam Newson on Thursday.

Newson believes Abraham would be open to a return to Villa, if the circumstances are right. He then added that Chelsea could be hoping to receive £40m+ for the forward.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the story along with Newson’s quote of Abraham being open to a Villa return on Twitter on Thursday morning.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many seemingly keen on a summer deal.

“2021 might not be so bad”

Credit: @The_BigFox

“I think I will cry on our first home game next season if he’s there…welling up just thinking about it!”

Credit: @VictoriaMarkou

“Bring …. Him….. home”

Credit: @AVFCJoshuaa

“Yes please.”

Credit: @RaddersAston

“£40m is a snip. If he is made available, go and get him.”

Credit: @Kkasir23

“I will shed a tear of joy the day Tammy and Axel return back home”

Credit: @HoItender

In other news: Villa source shares club’s summer plans, find out what they are here. 

Celtic’s search for a new manager has taken on an exciting lease of life over the last week or so with the Bhoys really stepping up their hunt to replace Neil Lennon.

A number of managers have been touted with taking over but there is one name that’s now seemingly at the top of their list.

What’s the word?

Journalist Alan Nixon reported earlier this week that Eddie Howe was a serious candidate to become Celtic’s new manager.

That information has now also been reported by The Scottish Sun. They claim that Howe is indeed in the frame to take over, but they have also revealed the 43-year-old’s stance on heading to Parkhead.

They state that the former Bournemouth boss is seriously interested in succeeding Lennon in Glasgow.

Howe has even started his own due-diligence on the behind-the-scenes structure of the club and has sounded out contacts within the game who have close ties to Celtic.

Having sought advice from those connections, he is ready to return to management and become the new Bhoys manager.

Fantastic news for Celtic

Over the last week or so the Hoops hierarchy haven’t particularly had an easy time of it when trying to find Lennon’s replacement.

Jesse Marsch has been ruled out of the running to come to Scotland while Chris Wilder is facing pay-off issues and interest from Burnley.

As for Roy Keane, he now looks less likely to arrive after seemingly being the favourite a week ago.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

However, they have received a few boosts in the last few days with Lucien Favre and now Howe reportedly interested in becoming the next Celtic boss.

If those two names are at the forefront of Dermot Desmond’s thinking then fans should be completely delighted. Celtic podcaster Paul John Dykes revealed last week that Keane’s potential arrival had gone down like a led balloon among the supporters.

However, Favre and Howe have achieved a lot more and they’ve also not had ten years away from management.

Favre had a win rate of 61.82% before losing his job with Borussia Dortmund in December while Howe’s achievements make for impressive reading.

In two separate spells, he took Bournemouth from League Two to the Premier League, cementing themselves in England’s top-flight.

He is meticulous on the training ground and is known for developing and using young domestic talent; something that would undoubtedly benefit the Hoops.

Should Desmond bring him to Parkhead, he’d be a brilliant appointment, one who could breathe fresh life into a decrepit think tank.

AND in other news, Celtic could land Kenny upgrade in 32 y/o who’s “up there as a captain with Maldini”…

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp faced the microphones on Monday night after the club’s owners agreed in principle to join the European Super League.

The Reds were subject to boos and angry chants as they arrived at Elland Road to face Leeds United, seemingly from both sets of supporters.

After the game, which finished 1-1, Klopp was critical of Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.

The German said he ‘understands’ the backlash and admitted he ‘doesn’t like’ the idea, having been kept in the dark by the ownership, but he felt Neville’s comments about Liverpool were ‘not okay’.

The Manchester United legend had accused the club’s hierarchy of ‘pretending’ to adhere to the ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ motto and labelled them an ‘absolute disgrace’.

Everton News Feed relayed the Reds’ manager comments, adding: ‘He’s not really understanding it is he?’

The European Super League plans, which would see the ‘big six’ qualify every year, have been denounced at Goodison Park.

Everton are above Arsenal and only a point behind Spurs with a game in hand in the current Premier League standings.

Klopp slammed for post-Leeds comments

“Had the opportunity to make a statement but instead he whinged about Leeds’ T-shirts and Gary Neville the bottle job.”

Credit: @samhargreaves94

“Totally knew about it too. As if he didn’t.”

Credit: @Mr_Jampot

“Did I hear that right. The owners are good people haha. They tried to furlough their staff until there was an outcry. Good people hahahahahahahahahahahah.”

Credit: @ElTelTheToffee

“They knew about it, possibly explains their terrible form lately. Needs to put his own house in order before he starts on Neville though.”

Credit: @pshughes10

“Oh he is, just deflecting the main question so he doesn’t have to answer it! I am very surprised, thought he would do something like Milner!”

Credit: @ianjacques68

“Is it just me or doesn’t he always seems kinda spineless and full of excuses as soon as things get kinda heated?!”

Credit: @killenpabanken

“At least Pickford isn’t getting blamed for this super league idea.”

Credit: @Paul34088722

In other news, this Everton star broke the first-team’s silence on the Super League.

Former Sheffield United midfielder Keith Gillespie has exclusively told Football FanCast that the Blades’ “poor” campaign could see them struggle to cash-in on some of their players this summer.

Since losing heavily at Chelsea back in November, United have been rooted to the bottom of the Premier League for the entire campaign, and are likely to have their relegation back to the Championship confirmed in the coming weeks.

Sheffield United finished 8th in their first season back in the top-flight in what proved a well-oiled machine under Chris Wilder, but they’ve struggled at both ends of the pitch this term.

The Blades have scored the fewest amount in the division – with only Southampton and West Brom shipping more than their 52 in the Premier League.

Following the recent departure of Wilder, it promises to be a summer of change at Bramall Lane, especially with a host of players out of contract this summer, including one of last season’s major success stories in John Lundstram, and Gillespie believes their lacklustre campaign could affect their transfer plans.

He told Football FanCast: “In terms of the performances this season, because Sheffield United haven’t won games and have been poor this season, clubs are going to go ‘there’s nobody really I want to pick from Sheffield United’ that’s going to improve their side. Last season [John Lundstram] he was fantastic, popped up with a lot of goals, but this season has been more difficult.

“I know he’s out of contract, but he’s been a very good signing for him and somebody that definitely they would want to hold on to to help them get back to the Premier League. But if somebody comes knocking from the Premier League, he isn’t turning that down. 

“You want to be playing as much Premier League football as possible, because it is a short career, so you can understand players making that decision.”

With no permanent manager and some of their best players possibly eyeing moves away from Bramall Lane, by the time Sheffield United get their Championship campaign underway in early-August, they could have very different look about them.

Jordan Rhodes’ recent form has presented Sheffield Wednesday with a fresh problem.

The Owls’ club-record £8m signing is out of contract in the summer and after scoring the most goals since Darren Moore’s appointment, he looks to finally be finding his goalscoring boots once again.

A lot of his Hillsborough career has been forgettable.

Indeed, the 31-year-old talisman, who is just eight more strikes from becoming the Championship’s all-time record holder, has only scored 19 goals in 103 appearances for the club – he joined in February 2017.

In that time, he’s even had a stint away on loan to Norwich, helping the club to the league title. Canaries boss Daniel Farke dubbed Rhodes “the most special, unique guy I’ve worked with,” so clearly he left an impression.

Moore is clearly a fan of his, having worked with him at Blackburn Rovers in the past, too. The 46-year-old lauded the Scotsman in his very first press conference, he said (via YorkshireLive):

“Jordan is a good striker. He can finish and we don’t doubt that finishing ability.

“There’s plenty more football left in Jordan. There’s a wonderful talent if we are looking at him as an isolated figure.

“He’s a goalscorer, and he knows where the back of the net is.”

To make the situation worse, this sudden upturn in form has coincided in interest ahead of the summer transfer window, and local rivals Huddersfield Town are among the teams keen to land him.

That move would make a ton of sense given the Terriers’ lack of striking options, but the Owls simply cannot let that happen. Instead, Dejphon Chansiri must offer all he can do to keep hold of him.

His brace against Barnsley last time out was atypical for a poacher – a deft, well-placed header, and neat, calm finish. Speaking after the match, the smiling £810k-rated forward spoke about his mood at the club. He said (via YorkshireLive):

“I feel like I’m playing with a smile on my face, and I’m really enjoying it. It’s nice to be out there and it’s nice to be wanted again. I’m doing my best.”

If that’s the case, then Rhodes is happy at Wednesday, happy under Moore and perhaps would accept an extension. If the former West Brom coach is to be the long-term manager here, then he ought to get to keep his goalscoring talisman.

Chansiri must tie the 14-time international down before it’s too late. He cannot leave for Huddersfield, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday handed fresh injury boost…