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Some Liverpool supporters believe that Ibrahima Konate will be a Reds player this summer, reacting to his latest social media post.

The Reds look likely to make at least one centre-back signing in the summer transfer window, following major issues in that area this season. Jurgen Klopp is currently having to make do without Virgil van Dijk. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, all of whom are out injured for the remainder of the campaign.

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It means that Nathaniel Phillips and Ozan Kabak have become an improbable centre-back pairing, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson also having to fill in there at times.

One of the players linked with solving Liverpool’s problems at the back is Konate, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently reporting that a deal looks on the cards, claiming that the Reds “are in the process of finalising a deal” for the 21-year-old.

On Saturday night, the Frenchman took to Twitter to post about RB Leipzig’s 0-0 draw with Hoffenheim the previous night, but a number of Reds supporters hijacked it by talking up his potential move to Anfield.

Liverpool fans talk up Konate move

Here are some of the best reactions from Liverpool supporters on Twitter as they were unable to contain their excitement about the increasing possibility of Konate coming to Anfield.

“Enough. Pack your bags. Merseyside awaits”

Credit: @michaelosasu

“We can’t wait”

Credit: @Rayan_LFC

“Come to pool you beautiful man”

Credit: @LFCDGSx

“Come home we’re waiting”

Credit: @footballlfc3690

“Can’t wait to see you partner VVD next season”

Credit: @ryangreeno33

“Welcome to Liverpool! YNWA”

Credit: @Boromir_FR

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing an exciting wide player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Celtic’s hunt for a new manager has rather summed up how the season has played out for the Bhoys at Parkhead.

It has been a messy affair, a saga that’s drawn out more questions than answers as the Hoops are dealt repeated setbacks.

What’s the word?

Celtic were thought to be in advanced discussions to bring Eddie Howe to the club a week ago.

However, over the last few days, it’s become increasingly likely that he won’t be arriving at Parkhead.

The reason why is unclear but a source close to the Hoops hierarchy revealed all over the course of the weekend.

Telling journalist and author Phil Mac Giolla Bhain, a source said: “Can’t be coming. Heard today that he wants to bring the kitchen sink with him – up to 5 backroom staff – and Celtic have dug their heels in and said no.”

This was after another source suggested that Howe had sought assurances from Dermot Desmond that he’d be able to bring his own staff with him to Parkhead.

Not good news

There have been a number of issues plaguing Celtic’s pursuit of the 43-year-old but until now, we hadn’t really been given a definitive ‘no.’

Thus, the dreaded three-word message; “Can’t be coming,” is unlikely to be too pleasing for Hoops supporters.

[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!”]

The last thing they needed after a rather dreadful season was yet more toxicity and another tired saga.

The idea of Neil Lennon departing Celtic came about in the early months of the season but he didn’t actually leave his role until February. Even then, it wasn’t the Bhoys hierarchy that sacked him, the Northern Irishman simply stepped down himself.

Desmond, however, is unlikely to get a swift resolution here. He already knows that Howe doesn’t want to return to management until the summer and with backroom issues swamping him, he’d be better off seeking alternatives.

He does have one in the form of Lucien Favre but his future also remains unclear after being linked with Saudi club Al-Hilal.

The club’s majority shareholder, therefore, will need to act decisively. This is arguably the worst news he will have received yet.

Fortunately, it shouldn’t be a surprise given the events that have played out in recent days. Howe wants to bring Richard Hughes with him instead of Fergal Harkin, a man who was 90% through the door according to reports.

The former Cherries boss isn’t even at Celtic yet but he’s already causing difficulties for the club.

AND in other news, Celtic hero sees value soar by 257% after leaving, Rodgers called him a “big talent”…

Celtic defender Jack Hendry is attracting interest from plenty of Premier League sides ahead of the summer window.

The 25-year-old was sent out on loan to Belgian side KV Oostende back in July and has impressed in the Jupiler Pro League this season.

An exclusive report from 90min has now claimed that Oostende intend to take up their option to buy Hendry permanently at the end of the season for less than £2m.

Villa, Newcastle and West Ham just a few keen

The report goes onto add that Oostende are well aware of the interest in Hendry and they feel they could be able to then sell the defender to a top-flight side for around £10m.

Aston Villa, Brighton, Burnley and Wolves were all keen in January, with Crystal Palace Leicester City, Newcastle United and West Ham now keeping an eye on the Hoops man.

Transfer Tavern take

Celtic may have made a huge transfer blunder by allowing Oostende to have an option to make Hendry’s loan permanent in the summer, as he’s proven his quality in Belgium this season.

Hendry, who, statistically, has been the club’s fourth-best performer, has made 23 league appearances. (WhoScored)

He has only made 27 appearances for the Hoops since his £1.44m move three years ago, spending time out on loan with Melbourne City prior to his Oostende switch.

Should Oostende cash in for under £2m, the Hoops would make a small profit, however, they may then have to watch on and miss out on a possible £8.56m profit, should the Belgian side sell to a Premier League outfit for the reported £10m.

In other news, journalist drops Celtic manager update!

Carlo Ancelotti will be bitterly concerned by the fitness of his Everton squad after Gylfi Sigurdsson joined James Rodriguez in missing training on Wednesday.

That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who note that neither of the Toffees’ creative midfielders were involved in the action at Finch Farm as Ancelotti readies his squad for Saturday’s clash with Burnley.

Rodriguez has missed the Blues’ last three Premier League fixtures with a minor knock, but Ancelotti had hoped to see the Colombian passed fit for the Clarets’ visit to Goodison Park.

Everton are yet to disclose the precise reason behind Rodriguez’s absence, sparking fury from former Colombia star Ivan Valenciano, who claimed Ancelotti is “lying from every point of view” as the Italian tactician will not reveal how long he will miss.

Sigurdsson opened the action in place of Rodriguez at home to Southampton and away to Chelsea, and came off the bench to assist the winner over West Bromwich Albion having initially been rested at The Hawthorns.

Ancelotti is expected to state why the Iceland playmaker was not present for training on Wednesday when he addresses the media later this week, with the reason for his absence also unspecified at this time.

Rodriguez and Sigurdsson were not the only players to be missing from the pre-Burnley sessions, either, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jean-Philippe Gbamin not involved.

Doucoure was ruled out until, at least, following the March international break after sitting out Monday’s loss to Chelsea with a suspected fractured foot, which could see the £20m summer signing from Watford miss up to eight weeks.

Gbamin has not featured for Everton since making only his second appearance in royal blue at home to the Hornets in August 2019, having been hampered by an Achilles tendon injury during his initial rehabilitation from two rounds of surgery and two setbacks.

Ancelotti will be bitterly concerned by the prospect of facing Burnley without either of Rodriguez or Sigurdsson on the field to pull the strings, with the midfield pair two of Everton’s most creative options.

Only Lucas Digne has assisted (6) more goals for the Toffees in the Premier League this season than Rodriguez (4) and Sigurdsson (4), who also rank third and fourth in terms of the club’s top scorers too, with five and four goals respectively – behind just Dominic Calvert-Lewin (13) and Richarlison (6).

Rodriguez further provides a team-high 1.7 key passes per top-flight game this term, ahead of Digne (1.4) and Sigurdsson (1.1) as the only Blues players to provide more than one an outing on average, per WhoScored.

Doucoure’s absence will also deprive Ancelotti of his fifth-most creative option, with the 28-year-old providing 0.8 key passes a game – just behind Bernard (0.9), who has only played 393 minutes of Premier League football this season.

Burnley may be leaking goalscoring chances this season, with only West Brom (15) allowing more shots per game than the Clarets (14.4), but Ancelotti will surely fear the prospect of facing Sean Dyche’s side without a visionary, creative player in the Toffees’ midfield.

AND in other news, Everton face a £33.5m asking price to sign a sought-after 24-year-old talent…

MatériaMais Notícias

Após quatro empates seguidos, eliminação na Copa da Primeira Liga e protesto da torcida, o Internacional conseguiu amenizar a pressão que ronda o ambiente. Atuando no Beira-Rio, no dia do aniversário de 244 anos da cidade de Porto Alegre, o Internacional derrotou o Novo Hamburgo, por 4 a 2, em duelo válido pela 11ª rodada do Campeonato Gaúcho.

Com o triunfo conquistado graças aos gols de Eduardo Sasha, Paulão, Anderson – principal alvo do protesto de sexta – e Vitinho, o Inter ainda conquistou um objetivo importante: ingressou no G4 do Estadual, já que o São Paulo de Rio Grande, o então quarto colocado, foi derrotado pelo Cruzeiro de Porto Alegre nesta tarde. Já o Noia corre o risco de deixar o grupo dos classificados às quartas de final com os demais resultados da rodada.

PRÓXIMOS JOGOS

O Internacional voltará a atuar pelo Gauchão na próxima quinta, quando receberá o Brasil de Pelotas, às 19h30, novamente no Beira-Rio. Já o Novo Hamburgo, um dia antes, visitará o Juventude no Alfredo Jaconi, às 20h30

INTER ABRE VANTAGEM NA ETAPA INICIAL

O Internacional iniciou o duelo contra o Novo Hamburgo tentando se impor. Tendo Marquinhos como novidade, o retorno de Paulão e Paulo Cezar Magalhães na vaga do suspenso William, o Colorado bem que tentou envolver o rival, mas faltava inspiração.

O Novo Hamburgo, com a necessidade de vencer para seguir no grupo dos classificados às quartas de final, tentava agredir o Inter, mas encontrava dificuldades para transpor a última linha defensiva colorada. Já o Inter foi crescendo com o passar dos minutos. Aos 19 minutos, a investida colorada terminou com finalização de Marquinhos e a bela defesa de Bruno Fuso. O gol que faria justiça ao melhor futebol do Inter veio aos 26. O criticado Anderson deixou Sasha na cara do gol e o camisa 9 fez Inter 1 a 0.

Se o Noia tinha dificuldade para ter a posse da bola e ser efetivo, o Inter soube aproveitar. Escanteio cobrado por Vitinho e cabeçada indefensável de Paulão, aos 36. Mas a tranquilidade colorada durou pouco. Kiros cobrou falta com força, Muriel não segurou e Anderson Paraíba, aos 39, diminuiu o prejuízo do Novo Hamburgo.

ETAPA FINAL MOVIMENTADA E VITÓRIA COLORADA

O Inter voltou para a etapa final controlando o ímpeto do Novo Hamburgo e trabalhando a bola em busca do terceiro gol. Após o Noia arriscar uma pressão, o Colorado tomou conta do jogo novamente e alcançou o já citado objetivo. O tão criticado Anderson concluiu a jogada iniciada por Artur, aos 20. Sem se acomodar, o Inter ampliou dez minutos depois. Alex, o responsável por entrar na vaga de Anderson, sofreu pênalti e Vitinho marcou o quarto gol colorado.

Abel Ribeiro trabalhou, garantiu os ingressos de Robinho e Zulu no jogo e, um minuto depois, o primeiro marcou o segundo gol do Novo Hamburgo. Cobrança de falta e nova falha de Muriel, que não conseguiu espalmar a bola. Ainda houve tempo para Bruno Grassi evitar o quinto do Inter, após Alex aproveitar a sobra da zaga do Noia.

FICHA TÉCNICA
INTERNACIONAL 4 X 2 NOVO HAMBURGO

Local: Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre (RS)
Data-hora: 26/3/2015 – 16h
Árbitro: Leandro Vuaden (Fifa-RS)
Auxiliares: Maurício Coelho Silva Penna (RS) e Julio Cesar Espinoza de Freitas (RS)
Público/Renda: 6.348 pagantes/8.240 presentes/ R$ 201.660,00
Cartão amarelo: Mazinho (NOV)
Cartões vermelhos: Não houve.

Gols: Eduardo Sasha, 26’/1ºT(1-0); Paulão, 36’/2ºT(2-0); Anderson Paraíba, 39’/1ºT(2-1); Anderson, 20’/2ºT(3-1); Vitinho, 30’/2ºT(4-1) e Zulu, 33’/2ºT(4-2).

INTERNACIONAL: Muriel; Paulo Cezar Magalhães, Paulão, Ernando e Artur; Fernando Bob (Silva, 32’/2º), Fabinho, Marquinhos (Aylon, 14’/2ºT), Anderson (Alex, 21’/2ºT) e Eduardo Sasha; Vitinho – Técnico: Argel Fucks.

NOVO HAMBURGO: Bruno Fuso; Celsinho, Diego Macedo, Schneider e Jonathan (Robinho, 32’/2ºT); Juninho, Neto, Anderson Paraíba, Mazinho (Ruan, Intervalo) e Saldanha; Kiros (Zulu, 32’/2ºT) – Técnico: Abel Ribeiro.

After getting their first win of 2021 at the weekend, Aston Villa slipped to a hugely disappointing 3-2 defeat to Burnley on Wednesday night.

Dean Smith’s side took the lead on two occasions in the Premier League encounter at Turf Moor, but the Clarets produced a stunning comeback in the final 15 minutes to claim all three points.

It was the first time since November that Villa had conceded three or more goals in a top-flight game, and defensively they were all over the place, with right-back Matty Cash the main culprit.

The summer signing from Nottingham Forest endured a nightmare game coming up against skilful Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, with the Clarets ace terrorising him all night and scoring his side’s second equaliser on the night.

Cash lost possession 24 times over the course of the game, which was the most of any player on the pitch, and far above his season average – as per Sofascore, the full-back concedes the ball 14.2 times per match.

The 23-year-old’s wastefulness with the ball was arguably the least shocking thing about his display, with his defending and positioning sense having gone haywire.

He lost six of his nine total duels as he got physically outmuscled by Burnley’s players, whilst he made no tackles, and just one interception and clearance apiece – in terms of defensive contributions, Cash had the lowest amount among all of Villa’s back-line. The full-back just didn’t get out quick enough to stop the Clarets from crossing the ball, and there was an intensity missing in his game in wanting to put his foot in and stay touch tight.

It was a rare howler from the former Forest ace – his average Whoscored match rating in the Premier League is 7.07 and ranks him fifth among all his teammates – but one that let his manager down in a game that Villa really needed to win as they look to claim a surprise European place this season.

Whoscored gave him a match rating of 6.1 for his performance on Wednesday night, and it’s something a couple of Villa fans spotted.

Dropping points to sides like Burnley, even away from home, just won’t cut it in the race for the top six, and Cash’s performance was a let down.

Meanwhile, Villa could land a Barkley upgrade in this Brazilian…

West Ham have been offered the chance to sign an available striker in a late and desperate deadline day twist…

What’s the word?

According to beIN Sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri, former Chelsea striker Diego Costa is an option for David Moyes’ side, he tweeted:

It comes several hours after transfer analyst Kristian Stuart mooted the London Stadium as the ‘most likely’ destination for the out-of-contract veteran.

And given he’s not under contract anywhere, the Hammers do not have to get this over the line before tonight’s 11pm deadline, though it would still signal an act of desperation on the Irons’ part as they have had all month to secure a new striker.

Much-needed addition

Indeed, the east Londoners have been looking to replace Sebastian Haller after the club-record £45m signing left for Ajax in a £20m deal at the start of the month.

Right now, Moyes is living rather precariously as he only has Michail Antonio to call upon in attack. If the 30-year-old were to pick up an injury, it could certainly derail the good form that’s seen them rise into fifth place.

He has already missed eight league outings this term, so there’s always a risk he could miss more given his history.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/west-ham-deadline-day-latest-news-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=”Deadline day is here: Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Costa would be an interesting solution at this stage as there cannot be many other options out there this late – or after the window. The 32-year-old powerhouse has bags of experience in the top-flight.

He made 120 appearances for Chelsea, of which 89 were in the Premier League, where he bagged 52 goals – a rate of a goal every 1.7 matches in the competition, via Transfermarkt.

Earlier in the window, when Costa was initially linked, Paul Merson delivered his verdict on the potential move, claiming that he’d be “perfect for West Ham, absolutely perfect” to Sky Sports News [1:03 pm, January 2nd, 2021].

At this stage of the window, it is a case of getting someone in regardless of the quality, so in some ways Merson is right. Costa is the only ‘perfect’ option out there right now.

At least he valuable experience in the English top-flight, unlike several of their other mooted targets this month.

AND in other news,ÂWest Ham must strike as “top target” receives transfer blow…

MatériaMais Notícias

O comando do futebol vascaíno passou por mudanças após o rebaixamento do time para a Série B, no fim da temporada de 2015. Uma dessas mudanças foi o afastamento de José Luis Moreira do cargo da vice-presidência de futebol. Vice-presidente geral, Fernando Horta (que é presidente da Unidos da Tijuca) falou sobre como concilia o trabalho entre a escola de samba e o clube em entrevista à Rádio Brasil e também comentou sobre como anda a questão política vascaína após as polêmicas do ano passado.

– Eu sempre estive presente. O Vasco está unido. O Zé Luis pediu um licenciamento, é um grande vascaíno, está cuidando de assuntos pessoais. Esteve ontem (domingo) no jogo, todas as forças estavam lá e nós estamos unidos para fazer um Vasco forte – disse Horta.

A reportagem do LANCE! procurou o vice-presidente de futebol licenciado para saber se existe alguma possibilidade de retorno em pouco tempo ao cargo. No rápido contato, o dirigente limitou-se a dizer que continuará afastado para ficar mais próximo do filho, que está com problemas de saúde. E a previsão para voltar a direção vascaína é indefinida.

– Estive no jogo, mas continuo licenciado. Não tenho previsão para retornar. Vou ficar mais próximo do meu filho – disse Zé Luis.

Tradicional aliado de Eurico Miranda, José Luis Moreira não aprovou mudanças no futebol no fim de 2015 – como a saída de Paulo Angioni – e quis até renunciar, mas foi demovido na ocasião e entrou de licença. O tempo fez com que os problemas ficassem de lado e uma reaproximação, como a presença no clássico diante do Flamengo, parece estar acontecendo.

Leeds United and their fans will be delighted with their recent Premier League result which saw them come away from Goodison Park with a hard-fought three points. The victory lifts them higher up the table, just one point behind Manchester City.

It was winger Raphinha who came to the rescue with a late goal to tip the scales in his side’s favour. Marcelo Bielsa was thrilled with his performance and lauded Victor Orta for signing him in his recent post-match press conference.

However, the boss didn’t have praise for all of his players and targeted Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich for their struggles to keep James Rodriguez in check.

“We made a conscious effort to have someone close to him throughout so that he was not able to do the thing he likes to do the most,” Bielsa said. “And despite the efforts of Dallas, Cooper and Klich, he was a player who was very difficult to neutralise.”

Indeed, Rodriguez was Everton’s most dangerous player and he caused the Whites a lot of trouble. According to Sofascore, the Colombian completed five key passes and created a big chance for the Toffees to score. He also had two shots on target and was successful in 100% of his attempted dribbles, highlighting just how much of a thorn in the side he was for the Leeds defence.

Bielsa and his men will face Chelsea in their next outing and will need to tighten up their defence if they want to keep the likes of Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham at bay. The Blues pose a huge threat in front of goal and Leeds simply cannot afford to be lax at the back.

Skipper Cooper will particularly be disappointed and he must improve his and his defensive teammates’ game to stand a chance next weekend.

In other news, This Leeds ace was Bielsa’s star man against Everton…

Aston Villa must surely consider going back in for Reading midfielder John Swift, after rivals Sheffield United appeared to drop out of the race to sign him.

What’s the story?

The former England U21 international was the subject of intense speculation over the course of the summer transfer window, with reports even going so far as to claim that Villa were ready to make a bid for him.

That however failed to materialise before the end of the deadline, but Villa could be tempted to go back in for Swift given what Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder had to say about possible incomings for the Blades.

He said: “There are conversations. There won’t be permanent transfers. There will be loans. There’s been discussions through agents who represent players and through clubs as well. It’s a fluid situation, as you can imagine. I’d like to use both loans and I’ll be putting my recommendations to the board.”

Potential McGinn upgrade

With John McGinn woefully out of form this season for Villa – he’s managed no goals or assists in the Premier League since mid October – Smith must surely be looking at Swift as someone who could add a bit of dynamism and spark to the centre of midfield.

The Reading ace hasn’t featured much for the Royals this season due to injury, but he does have a track record of being someone who can offer a goal-scoring threat, managing 45 goal contributions in 152 games for the club.

And after he put an impressive performance against Leeds United last season in the Championship, Marcelo Bielsa made it quickly just how much he likes him, saying: “Swift is a great player. I rate him a lot. He is a player who appears suddenly in attack and the same in transition. Especially when he passes from the defence to the attack.”

The £4.5m-rated man could give Villa an extra edge in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, Villa could land a surprise bargain in this Premier League star.