Robinson backs Klinsmann for Spurs job

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur pundit Paul Robinson has been left in awe of manager Jurgen Klinsmann after he revealed his stance surrounding the Lilywhites job live on TV.

The Lowdown: Klinsmann would ‘absolutely’ consider Tottenham…

Speaking during a live broadcast of Euro 2020 on BBC last week, the former USA national team coach revealed that he would ‘absolutely’ consider the Tottenham job.

He also lifted the lid on contact with chairman Daniel Levy, confirming that a phone call had taken place between the pair after Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.

However, Levy didn’t appear to consider Klinsmann a candidate for the Spurs job, with Robinson now responding to this revelation and urging Tottenham to appoint the German.

The Latest: Robinson backs Klinsmann to Spurs…

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson didn’t hold back in his praise for the ex-Lilywhites striker and has told Tottenham to hire him – even as a possible stop gap.

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“He would give the whole place a lift. Players would come to Tottenham because they would want to play under Klinsmann,” the ex-England international explained.

“In the short term, he is the best option I think. The other options look desperate.

“Give it to Jurgen for 12 months, get the feel-good factor back and go from there.

“He is a top-class manager and I cannot think of anyone who is still in the running that I would rather have in the job. Klinsmann is the only one that excites me.”

The Verdict: Nope…

We don’t agree with Robinson on this one when it comes to Tottenham’s new manager.

While Klinsmann is a hugely popular figure at the club, his managerial record at club level has been questionable in recent times, leaving his most recent post at Hertha Berlin after just 76 days in charge.

He was also sacked by the USA national team after a series of disappointing results towards the end of his tenure, which included a World Cup qualifying loss to minnows Costa Rica (ESPN).

Alas, names like Nuno Espirito Santo and Graham Potter arguably come with better credentials given their recent track records in the Premier League.

In other news: ‘Tottenham have renewed their interest’…Sky Sports reporter shares news coming out of N17, find out more here.

West Ham: Fans react to Andriy Yarmolenko’s Ukraine display

Andriy Yarmolenko helped Ukraine book their spot in the quarter-finals of the European Championships on Wednesday evening, as they won 2-1 in extra time against Sweden. 

They took the lead after 27 minutes through Oleksandr Zinchenko, before Emil Forsberg’s deflected effort drew the game level shortly before half-time.

After Marcus Danielson was sent-off in extra-time for Sweden, it was Ukraine who made their man advantage count late on, as Artem Dovbyk headed home in stoppage-time to spark jubilant scenes from their supporters.

One player who played his part in the win over Sweden was West Ham forward Yarmolenko, with the 31-year-old’s inch-perfect cross finding Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko who fired them into the lead on the night.

Yarmolenko has made four appearances for his country this summer, and will be hoping that he can go from strength to strength as the tournament progresses.

He has found regular game time hard to come with West Ham’s first-team in recent seasons though, with the experienced Ukrainian often down the pecking order for David Moyes while also struggling with injuries.

Plenty of West Ham supporters took to social media to react to Yarmolenko’s assist and performance on the night, with many of them being impressed.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter below…

“Are we watching prime Messi? I think so.”

Credit: @WHUKasp

“He’s a beast.”

Credit: @ijai101120

“Best RW this Euro.”

Credit: @KJOtekkerz

“Can’t stop watching it honestly sensational.”

Credit: @AmbitiousAnang

“Yarmolenko is a baller.”

Credit: @Kungfu__

“Beauty.”

Credit: @goatedfredders

“He looked knackered before half time. He’s not used to playing for more than 20 minutes! The pass for the goal was all class though!”

Credit: @Malcolm_Sillick

“Absolutely superb, fingers crossed he’s able to do this again on Saturday.”

Credit: @HalfManHalfLard

Dean Jones drops Declan Rice update

Writing for Eurosport, journalist Dean Jones has dropped a transfer update involving West Ham United star Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: Rice rejects contract offers…

As per The Telegraph, who first broke the news, the 22-year-old has rejected multiple contract offers from the Irons as multiple clubs circle, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City all thought to have an interest in him.

This claim is backed by club insider ExWHUemployee, who says that the England midfielder has indeed rejected offers of a new deal but the club have no intention to sell this summer (via Hammers News).

The Latest: Jones drops update…

As per Jones, writing for Eurosport, Rice is prepared to consider offers away from West Ham this summer as he eyes Champions League football and a chance to win trophies at club level.

The report added that being being a key part of the England squad over Euro 2020 has only reinforced beliefs that the midfield gem is ready and could handle the pressure of a ‘big club’.

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Meanwhile, it is believed that the Irons’ London rivals Chelsea will ‘touch base’ about making an offer for the 22-year-old ‘later this month’.

In terms of potentially signing a new deal at West Ham and putting the exit saga to bed, the club may have to offer Rice a salary which has ‘never been seen before’ at Rush Green.

The Verdict: Keep or sell?

According to this report, West Ham value him at around £80m, so if Chelsea come calling with the correct bid later this month, should the Irons consider it?

David Moyes arguably needs to strengthen in key areas such as centre forward and centre-back, but losing their superstar midfielder could be a heavy price to pay for a bolstered transfer kitty.

Rice averaged the joint-most interceptions per game out of the entire West Ham squad over 2020/21 whilst started 32 Premier League matches, highlighting just how integral he is to Moyes’ team (WhoScored).

As West Ham gear up for the Europa League group stages, the club should only contemplate letting him go if a truly ridiculous offer comes in and they’re sure they can strengthen the squad overall with the subsequent funds.

In other news: ‘We understand’…Sky Sports drop live TV claim as West Ham eye ‘powerful’ striker, find out more here.

Spurs make Schick enquiry

Writing on Twitter, Sport Italia TV journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have ‘asked for information’ in regards to Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing new striker?

Tottenham have been tipped to target new forwards this summer after the Lilywhites opted against taking up the £36 million option to buy Carlos Vinicius after his loan from Benfica.

This means Spurs are severely lacking in the out and out striker department with Harry Kane currently the only star option in that position.

The Latest: Journalist says Spurs have made Schick enquiry…

Writing on Twitter, Italian reporter Galetti has claimed that Spurs have ‘asked for information’ in an enquiry to sign Schick this summer.

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The Czech Republic striker shined at Euro 2020 and scored one of the goals of the tournament, lobbing Scotland keeper David Marshall from the half way line.

Galetti said that managing director Fabio Paratici ‘appreciates’ the Bundesliga star with Spurs’ enquiry coming ‘in recent days’.

However, Bayer Leverkusen value Schick at around €40 million (£34.4m) – which is currently deemed ‘too high’ by Tottenham.

The Verdict: Worth it?

Schick’s exploits at Euro 2020 highlight the ability that he has, with Czech national team boss Jaroslav Silhavy calling him a ‘genius’ after his heroics against Scotland (The Jakarta Post).

However, his goalscoring record at club level isn’t exactly head-turning.

The 25-year-old scored just nine goals in 20 Bundesliga starts over 20/21 and Tottenham should want a player who can score more consistently as their back up option to Kane.

If Spurs could wiggle down his £34.4m asking valuation, you could start making a case for signing Schick, but for now, it is too high a price to pay given the Lilywhites’ financial situation.

In other news: Spurs frontrunners to sign ‘absolutely sensational’ player with Nuno set for final call, find out more here.

Villa have bid accepted for WBA’s Tim Iroegbunam

Aston Villa are edging closer to making another signing after reports that they have now had a bid accepted by West Brom for Tim Iroegbunam.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, Dean Smith’s side are inching closer to the signing of the 18-year-old, with the club having “agreed to pay a six-figure compensation fee to their rivals for Iroegbunam’s development costs”.

It’s added that: “The young central midfielder, 18, has rejected a new contract from the Baggies in favour of joining Villa. Albion’s academy player of the season is now set to make the short journey from the Hawthorns to Villa Park to complete the move.”

Johan Lange working his magic

Given that they have already tied up summer deals for first-team stars like Emi Buendia and Ashley Young, news of Josh Feeney’s recent arrival, and now Iroegbunam’s likely signing too, shows that Lange is really working his magic in the summer transfer market.

A profile piece done by The Birmingham Mail said of the teenager: “The 18-year-old, described as “combative and all-action” by Albion coaches, will look to link up with former teammate Louie Barry at Villa with the pair remaining close friends off the pitch. BirminghamLive has been told that Iroegbunam has turned down a new and improved contract at The Hawthorns in favour of moving to Villa Park.”

While Iroegbunam may not come in and make an immediate impact on first-team matters in the Premier League next season, it is exciting to see Villa continue to make moves to strengthen their academy sides and protecting their long-term future.

With Louie Barry recently extending his terms in the Midlands as well, the Villans look set for a remarkably bright future.

Lange has certainly enjoyed an impressive start to the summer transfer window thus far.

Meanwhile, Villa are set for an exciting boost…

Romano provides Liverpool transfer update

Liverpool will add ‘something fresh’ in terms of new signings in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Key summer at Anfield

The Reds need a productive time of things this summer, in order to provide stiff competition for Manchester City and look to wrestle back the Premier League title from them.

Ibrahima Konate has already arrived from RB Leipzig, with the centre-back a hugely exciting prospect, but other new faces also need to come in and help make Jurgen Klopp’s squad even more formidable.

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The Latest: Romano provides update

Speaking to Anfield Watch, journalist Romano has provided an update on Liverpool’s current situation, claiming he expects progress to be made in the coming weeks:

“I expect Liverpool to bring something new and something fresh in.”

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The Verdict: Two key areas to fill

This is an encouraging update from Romano, with a couple of additions so important at Anfield this summer, in order to bring a freshness to proceedings.

With Gini Wijnaldum joining Paris Saint-Germain, a new top-quality midfielder is needed – someone who possesses the Dutchman’s energy levels and consistency.

Not only that, but another attacking player wouldn’t go amiss, bringing quality in both wide and central areas, in order to keep Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino on their toes.

The former pair will of course depart for AFCON in January 2022, so an additional speedster on the wing is almost a necessity.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to comments from one rumoured Reds transfer target. Read more here.

Sky Sports drop West Ham takeover claim

Speaking live on air (via Football Daily), broadcast giant Sky Sports have now dropped a West Ham United takeover update.

The Lowdown: West Ham prospective buyers attempt swoop?

As first reported by the Daily Mail, a group of investors based in the United Kingdom have made a takeover bid for West Ham – reaching around £400 million.

Sources close to this development say the prospective takeover bid would’ve injected much-needed transfer funds into the club and hugely benefit manager David Moyes, all while transforming the surrounding area with outside investment.

After having their offer rejected by majority shareholder David Sullivan, the consortium which includes former QPR chief executive Philip Beard apparently remain determined to strike a deal.

The Latest: Sky Sports drop takeover update live on air…

Sky Sports, speaking live on air, have now dropped their own update after this development and shed light on the situation.

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According to the broadcaster, GSB still ‘do not want to sell’ and any interested party must prove they have the finances to take West Ham to the next level.

“West Ham’s owners have turned down an informal approach to buy the club,” they explained (via FD).

“The offer lead by the former QPR chief executive Philip Beard was rejected because it was vague and not in the best interests of the club we’re told.

“David Gold and David Sullivan bought West Ham in 2010 and have regularly been approached by prospective buyers, now we’re told they do not want to sell, and anyone wanting to make a bid would need the finances to take West Ham to the next level.”

The Verdict: Disappointing?

Friction between West Ham fans and the club’s owners is no secret and there have been large protests past seasons over their decision making and how the Hammers are run (Evening Standard).

In particular, a large section of fans were disappointed at West Ham’s progression since they were asked to leave their spiritual home of Upton Park for the London Stadium – with the board previously promising a world class team and failing to deliver (The Guardian).

While they have qualified for the Europa League group stages next campaign, it was arguably very unexpected given the lack of investment and more a real overachievement by manager David Moyes.

As such, there may be a fair number of Irons fans who are disappointed by this latest update from Sky.

In other news: West Ham in contact to sign 23 y/o, lucrative five-year contract already discussed…find out more here.

Liverpool are set to sell Harry Wilson

Liverpool are closing in on their third significant sale of the transfer window as Harry Wilson edges closer to the Anfield exit door.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, Championship outfit Fulham have jumped ahead of Benfica in the race for the 24-year-old’s signature, with a £10m asking price muted.

Wilson would join Taiwo Awoniyi and Marko Gruijc in departing Liverpool in search of regular game time after enjoying several successful loan spells away from the club.

He’s not good enough

The Wales international first rose to prominence during an extremely fruitful spell at Derby County in 2018/19, where he bagged 18 goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances for Frank Lampard’s Rams.

Since then, Wilson has embarked on temporary spells at Bournemouth and Cardiff City, largely impressing with his technical ability and eye for goal.

However, he hasn’t shown enough quality to warrant a place in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad at Liverpool and has only made two appearances for his boyhood club throughout his career as a result.

Wilson made three appearances for his national side at this summers’ European Championship, although it ended in disappointment after being sent off in the last minute of their 4-0 defeat to Denmark in the last 16.

He’ll be hoping to put that memory to bed moving forward and showcase his true potential at Craven Cottage next term.

With the financial impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic continuing to affect football club’s finances, offloading unwanted fringe players for sizeable fees is the easiest way to boost the coffers.

Therefore, Klopp must ruthlessly axe Wilson this summer, selling him on a permanent basis rather than sanctioning another loan despite his impressive performances.

The money generated from his departure will provide a significant boost to the German tactician’s transfer budget, potentially allowing him to bring in another top target.

Former RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate is the only acquisition that the Merseyside outfit have made so far in the current window, but the sales of Awoniyi, Gruijic and potentially Wilson, could mean another signing is just around the corner.

And, in other news…Klopp must brutally axe £10k-p/w Liverpool flop who “looks lost”, he’s been shocking 

Celtic closing in on Aurelio Buta

An update has emerged on Celtic’s pursuit of Royal Antwerp’s Aurelio Buta.

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin has claimed that the Hoops are closing in on the signing of the 24-year-old.

Devlin shared an article on how Buta could fit in at Celtic Park, with the tweet starting: “So it looks like Celtic are (finally) closing in on a right-back.”

Frimpong replacement

Celtic fans will be delighted with this news as he could be the perfect replacement for Jeremie Frimpong, albeit almost eight months on from the latter’s departure from the club. The former Manchester City man left for Bayer Leverkusen in January and has not been replaced with a permanent addition as of yet, with Jonjoe Kenny spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Parkhead.

The first obvious point of comparison is their respective heights. Frimpong and Buta are both 5 foot 7 and play at right-back, suggesting that they are very similar players in stature. They are small, nimble, and able to get up and down the pitch to provide Celtic with defensive and attacking value.

In Devlin’s article for The Athletic, he also compared the pair, stating: “We can use Jeremie Frimpong as a point of comparison, although opting for his breakthrough 2019-20 season rather than 2020-21 for comparison as he left midway through for Bayer Leverkusen. Frimpong is a full-back/wing-back hybrid in a similar mould if younger and more inexperienced.”

This shows that he could be an ideal replacement for Frimpong in style, whilst he could also have the quality to make an impact in the Scottish Premiership. The full-back was touted with a move to Wolves back in 2019 and journalist Aster Nzeyimana heaped praise on the “very gifted” defender, saying: “He’s one of the best full-backs in the Belgium league – that’s a widespread opinion.

“In the last two years he’s grown defensively, he has admitted that himself. He’s quite a small player but he’s technically very gifted. We have a history in Belgium of good attacking full-backs and he really fits right in. He’s instrumental to Antwerp.”

The 24-year-old has 19 assists in 108 games for Antwerp, which highlights the attacking quality he can provide from the right flank.

Celtic fans could enjoy watching him bomb down the wing on the overlap before whipping in a cross for a forward to finish, and it is now down to the club to get this deal over the line to bolster Ange Postcoglou’s squad.

AND in other news, Celtic in talks to sign £10k-p/w beast who is “incredibly fast”, Ange needs him…

Pundit hopes Man City will not break the bank for Harry Kane

Michael Ball has called for Manchester City to spend their money wisely and not pay over the odds for Harry Kane.

Kane has been among City boss Pep Guardiola’s top summer targets since the England captain publicly confirmed he was eager to leave Tottenham Hotspur in a bid to challenge for more silverware.

The Sun reported Kane was set to get his wish and join the current Premier League champions in a £160million deal after Spurs chairman Daniel Levy sanctioned the move. However, City dismissed claims of the transfer, which would break the British transfer record, being agreed.

Kane finished last season as the Premier League’s Golden Boot winner and also registered the most assists, resulting in him snapping up the Playmaker award.

Guardiola is looking to strengthen his attacking options after seeing club legend Sergio Aguero depart following the expiry of his contract and join Spanish giants Barcelona.

While he believes Kane is the ideal replacement for Aguero, former City left-back Ball does not feel the 28-year-old is worth £160million.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I hope they don’t pay £160million but I hope Harry Kane still goes to Manchester City.

“They need that type of player to push for that Champions League, which is what they’re craving.

“If they feel £160million is worth it to make that happen, so be it.”

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