All posts by h716a5.icu

David Moyes should urge West Ham United to sign Hans Vanaken in the summer, after it was revealed that the Club Brugge midfielder was flattered by their previous interest.

What’s the word?

According to Voetbal 24, Vanaken was charmed by the Hammers’ efforts to sign him last year and would now consider a move to the London Stadium. The 28-year-old opted to remain in his native Belgium at the time of the Irons’ pursuit as the Blauw-Zwart rewarded him with a bumper new contract.

However, he no longer feels as appreciated at the Jan Breydel Stadium after a somewhat daunting campaign under Philippe Clement, and would explore the idea of a move away.

The prospect of life in London had appealed to Vanaken and his wife before he put pen to paper on a £35,000-per-week contract, which saw the nine-cap maestro commit his future to Club Brugge through to 2025.

Offers of €20m (£17m) would be enough to prise Vanaken away from the Blauw-Zwart’s clutches, although West Ham could face strong competition in any revived efforts, with several Premier League sides now scouting the Lommel United product.

Vanaken particularly piqued the interest of a wealth of English suitors with his impressive display against Belarus on Tuesday, after striking his first international goals and complementing the brace with an assist.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-west-ham-news-gossip-and-views” title=”The latest West Ham news and views!”]

Voetbal 24 noted that his performance showed the rest of Europe the ‘enormous talent’ that Belgium already knew Vanaken had after an 11-goal, seven-assist domestic campaign.

Should West Ham target Vanaken again?

While West Ham are not cited as one of the clubs interested in a move for Vanaken this summer, Moyes should urge the London Stadium hierarchy to revive their prior efforts given the 28-year-old’s current position on his Club Brugge future.

Reports by Het Laatste Nieuws, via Sport Witness, claimed that the Irons lodged offers in excess of €15m (£13m) for Vanaken entering the final stages of the transfer market, but the Blauw-Zwart were firm in their position and made a statement by agreeing to a new contract.

Club Brugge also argued that the timing of the offer left them with no chance of signing a replacement, although the fee presented on its own did not satisfy their valuation.

Vanaken’s new deal would have come as a huge blow for Moyes at the time, as the playmaker was described as his ‘dream’ signing to add to a West Ham side that Said Benrahma was about to join on his initial loan deal from Brentford.

There was little wonder why Moyes was so keen to sign Vanaken as well, with Sporza commentator Frank Raes waxing lyrical over the Belgian following a 17-goal, three-assist campaign which saw the 28-year-old captain Club Brugge home and away to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

“He has been one of the finest footballers in [the] Belgian league for several years,” Raes said, via quotes shared by Medium. “Hans has good feet, is strong with the head, has insight and also his running and scoring ability are of high-quality.”

Journalist Peter Vandenbempt added: “Vanaken gets better every year. He has everything Club Brugge wants: vision, technique, the right mentality and scoring ability.”

Given Moyes’ previous position on Vanaken being a dream signing, the Scottish coach should be all over the midfielder reconsidering his long-term Club Brugge future.

AND in other news, West Ham are in a three-way Premier League battle for a 6 ft 6 titan with “all the attributes”…

Fans of Sunderland have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the club relayed footage of a spectacular Chris Maguire strike in a recent U23 fixture.

So far this season, Maguire has been in decent form over his 29 League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side, with the 32-year-old scoring four goals and providing five assists, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.71 – ranking him as the Black Cats’ 16th-best performer in the third tier.

However, having not started a league fixture for Sunderland since the beginning of December, it would appear as if Johnson felt the £315k-rated winger could do with a run out for the club’s U23 side against Burnley U23s on Tuesday, and Maguire did not disappoint, scoring a thunderous drive from the edge of the box in the Premier League 2 fixture.

And, after Sunderland relayed footage of the winger’s goal on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many questioning why the 32-year-old was involved in the youth fixture, while others simply heaped praise on Maguire for his strike.

So, what exactly did these Sunderland fans have to say in reaction to the footage of Chris Maguire’s goal?

“Should be starting in the first team.”

@GateshillRobbie

“Too good to be playing for the U23s. Really hope he gets more first-team opportunities.”

@AlexWil38702190

“Needs game time. There aren’t many Sunderland players who can do what Maguire can do – game-changer.”

@paulbasnett10

“Oh my God.”

@ChrissSAFC

“Pick that one out.”

@Tog41

“Stonker.”

@grahaml35342400

“Things you love to see.”

@DanielLPCQI

“Wow.”

@mattythompson95

In other news: loads of Sunderland fans were buzzing after these ‘exciting’ comments emerged – find out more here!

According to Steven Beck, the agent of James Garner, Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing the midfielder.

Rangers want Garner

The £3.6m-valued 20-year-old is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest from Premier League giants Manchester United.

Speaking to Stretty News, Beck has revealed the Gers are eyeing a move for the youngster. He said:

“I had a couple of chats with John Murtough last week, but I’m so relaxed on the situation, as is James because things are going so well for him. […] James has put himself in a great position where he’s probably going to have, if he does go out on loan again, the majority of the Championship and I would be amazed if one or two Premier League clubs don’t try and do something.

“I know Brighton like him, I know Norwich like him. […] I know Rangers are really keen on him as well.”

Plenty of talent

Any player who comes through the Red Devils’ youth system must be a talented one, and Garner clearly seems to be. He has so far appeared seven times for their senior side, while he has played on 33 occasions for Forest in the Championship (Transfermarkt). He has plenty of time left ahead of him to improve and he has even been compared to Old Trafford legend Michael Carrick (The Athletic).

As it stands, he has just one year left on his contract, so Steven Gerrard and co could well be able to sign him permanently should they wish. However, Beck discussed a loan move here, and whether Ross Wilson and co would be willing to take him just for one campaign remains to be seen.

In other news, Rangers have been urged to sign this striker.

Aston Villa are eyeing a summer move for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

What’s the story?

With reports in recent days and weeks raising question marks over the futures of both Emiliano Martinez and Tom Heaton this summer, it’s no surprise that Villa appear to have their eye on signing a new shot-stopper in the transfer window.

According to Turkish outlet Takvim, Villa had representatives watching Bayindir in Fenerbahce’s 3-1 victory over Gaziantep, while fellow Premier League sides Newcastle and Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in the 23-year-old.

He’s been tipped to move to the Premier League

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 6, Bayindir would certainly be able to replace the sheer presence Martinez has in goal if the Argentine were to leave for Manchester United this summer.

The 23-year-old was recently praised for an impressive performance by former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil after the German made his debut for Fenerbahce earlier this year.

And, due to his form, former Turkey ace Oktay Derelioglu tipped Bayindir to make the step up to one of the Premier League’s big boys, along with fellow Turkish shot-stopper Ugurcan Cakir.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-aston-villa-transfer-rumours-and-news-copy-copy” title=”Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news”]

He said: “Within a few years (Altay could play for) Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona or Chelsea. Altay and Ugurcan should cost 50m euros (£43m). In my opinion, the best squad of the league is Fenerbahçe’s. But if it were not for Altay Bayındir, the team could have around 48-49 points.”

While Martinez has had an outstanding debut campaign at Villa Park this season – he’s kept 14 clean sheets in the Premier League which is the third-most in the entire division – Dean Smith’s side could really do with someone to provide genuine competition for him.

Whether Martinez stays or goes, Villa could really benefit from having a goalkeeper like Bayindir in their ranks, and it’s unsurprising that Johan Lange is keen to make that happen.

Meanwhile, Villa must surely regret this major howler…

Lots of Everton fans have been left to blast the display of Mason Holgate in their 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Friday night.

The former Barnsley man was guilty of some very poor defending along with Michael Keane for both of their goals conceded at Goodison Park, as Harry Kane pounced both times to earn Spurs a point.

Holgate did not have his best game for the Merseyside club statistically as well, as he failed to block any shots on Jordan Pickford’s goal and also lost possession of the ball on no fewer than on 11 different occasions in the match, earning him a very measly 6.4 overall rating on Sofascore, the second-lowest out of any Toffees outfield player to have set foot on the pitch.

Everton fans on Holgate display

These Blues blasted his performance on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to compare the English central defender to a ‘Sunday league’ player.

That may feel a little harsh on a young player with potential, but it’s fair to say the Goodison faithful were not happy with what he produced against Jose Mourinho’s side…

“Keane and Holgate like a pair of Sunday league players. Other than that we battered them there. Looking more like a shootout for 7th place now with spurs #EVETOT #EFC”

Credit: @PaulEddie84

“So frustrating. Didn’t play badly. Keane and Holgate poor. James and Sigurdsson really good. #efc”

Credit: @james_mcgrow

“Defensive mess again! Absolutely awful and Holgate at fault again for me #EVETOT #EFC #COYB”

Credit: @Macca8t1

“Good 1st half performance. Always look better when we play the ball quicker and close down as a team. Allan looks a couple of games away from full fitness, still not convinced with Holgate. #efc”

Credit: @caehoward

“Holgate for me at fault both goals. Didn’t communicate with Keane in both, could of instructed Keane the 1st, didn’t listen to Keane at all the 2nd when he was screaming. And all the rumours are about Mina? #EFC”

Credit: @AlanWong_1987

“Keane & Holgate cost us the points tonight with their playground defending #Everton #efc”

Credit: @Kmac7472

In other news, find out what transfer update has been lauded by Toffees here!

A number of Liverpool supporters have been venting their frustration at Andy Robertson following a wasteful moment against Leeds United.

Jurgen Klopp’s champions drew 1-1 at Elland Road on Monday night as their up-and-down season continues. The Reds impressed in the first half, dominating possession and taking the lead through Sadio Mane, before losing their way after the interval.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

Leeds created a host of good opportunities as the minutes ticked by and Diego Llorente headed the equaliser late on to secure a point for the Whites.

One hugely frustrating moment proved to be pivotal, however, with Robertson wasting a three-on-two situation when Liverpool were 1-0 up, over-hitting a simple pass.

Had the same scenario occurred in the previous few seasons, chances are the Scot would have teed up a teammate with an inch-perfect ball, but he has struggled in 2020/21, registering no assists for the Reds in this calendar year.

Liverpool fans vent their anger at Robertson

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to Robertson’s disappointing pass, a moment which could ultimately play a part in the Reds failing to finish in the top four of the Premier League.

“That Robertson pass sums up the season, exhausting and frustrating”

Credit: @DHardayal

“It is not Klopp’s fault that Robertson cannot give a good pass to a teammate at 2 meters to end a counter-attack. Robertson this year has been horrible”

Credit: @MarioH47941443

“Robertson can’t even pass a ball one yard to put Jota in on goal for an easy finish”

Credit: @muzzer9

“Aren’t we going to talk about what Robertson just did? Like how can u miss a 5m pass, how is that possible???????”

Credit: @BlerandDragusha

“Can someone show Robertson how to pass a ball to a teammate”

Credit: @BealToBoston

“Robertson gets the ball, has a man either side of him with a relatively easy pass on to both, bearing down on goal.. and I knew he’d misplace the pass, just knew it”

Credit: @CassiusBurke

In other news, a Premier League striker is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar. Find out who it is here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been having their say on the club’s confirmed fixture changes for May on social media.

Two fixtures involving Villa have been rescheduled due to broadcast rights, with the club confirming the alterations on their official Twitter page on Wednesday afternoon.

Dean Smith’s side will now take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, May 1 at 8pm, with the game available to watch on BT Sport.

Villa’s next fixture against Manchester United will take place eight days later on Sunday, May 9 at 2:05pm, broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Villa’s home clash against Everton is still yet to be rescheduled after being postponed back in January due to health protocol issues at Villa Park.

Villa fans react

This is what these fans had to say to the club’s tweet about the fixture changes, with a few left wondering about the reverse fixture against the Toffees.

“Schedule the second Everton game please it’s doing my head in”

Credit: @ReubenOwen_

“Please stop moving fixtures to a Saturday night when I can’t watch them”

Credit: @FootballJustFoo

“Everton double header”

Credit: @smithy1874

“I like how serious they look about the fixture change.”

Credit: @Elliot_CB

“right so what about the other Everton game”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“How about a home match with Everton?”

Credit: @AVfc_PL

In other news: Many AVFC fans share love for Christian Purslow’s European Super League comments, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Daniel Pinder, editor-in-chief at Get German Football News, claims it can be tiring for players to work under Julian Nagelsman as he expects a lot from his players.

Nagelsmann was already one of the favourites to replace Jose Mourinho as results began to worsen under the Portuguese manager, however since his sacking he has been reported as Daniel Levy’s first-choice to take the job.

The German coach managed to guide Hoffenheim to the Champions League before getting a bigger move away to fellow Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, and he took them to their first-ever Champions League semi-final last season.

Speaking on what it’s like to work under Julian Nagelsmann and what type of manager he is, Pinder told FFC:

“He expects a lot from his players, which can be tiring because he is known as a laptop manager.

“He uses big drones during training and also has a massive monitor next to the training pitch so he can go over little bits and pieces with the players.”

Tottenham Hotspur are currently five points behind West Ham in fourth with just six games left to play in the Premier League, and also have no European football to play this season.

Daniel Levy pulled the plug on Mourinho’s time at Spurs, just days before their Carabao Cup final match against Manchester City and a Premier League clash against Southampton.

Lots of Everton fans have been fuming over the performance of Richarlison in their 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday night.

Carlo Ancelotti saw his team lose yet another game at Goodison Park as Anwar El Ghazi scored a late winner after Dominic Calvert-Lewin had equalised from a corner, with Ollie Watkins giving Dean Smith’s team the lead early on after pouncing on a defensive error from Mason Holgate.

Nonetheless, Richarlison struggled to make an impact on the match, losing out on six of his 10 duels as well as recording fewer touches than Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (Sofascore).

The former Watford star also lost possession of the ball on 13 separate occasions, the fourth-most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Everton fans on Richarlison display

These Toffees supporters blasted his performance on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that the Brazil international was ‘abysmal’:

“Richarlison is so clumsy it’s not funny, Gomes seems to be constantly moving in slow motion. #Takes #EFC #coyb”

Credit: @footyanalysis

“Everton still not good enough to play the way Carlo wants to play and not good enough to carry passengers. Richarlison needs to be dropped. Holgate can’t play centre half. Gomes needs dropping permanently #EFC”

Credit: @dazzler1878

“#Richarlison is so frustrating at times. Easy ball on to Sigi and doesn’t put his head up #efc”

Credit: @sicurrie

“Coleman. Holgate. Richarlison. Iwobi. Gomes. Any one of them could and should be taken off here, been dreadful. #EVEAVL”

Credit: @northernharto

“Richarlison needs to be dropped. He offers nothing as a creative force.”

Credit: @AlexOBr82171506

“Richarlison was and has been abysmal. So has most of the team including Sigurdsson but Richarlison as been equally dreadful.”

Credit: @JMoran1982

In other news, find out whose display against Villa was also slammed by numerous Everton fans.

Former Premier League striker Dean Windass has exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Everton could revisit their interest for Wilfried Zaha this summer.

Zaha has enjoyed another impressive season for the Londoners, scoring 10 times in 25 appearances to help guide Palace to Premier League safety once more.

However, the £130,000-a-week wide man hasn’t signed fresh terms for almost three years and asked to leave the club 12 months ago.

He ended up staying with his boyhood club but turns 29 in November and is approaching a pivotal period in his career, with Palace seemingly losing value on the 28-year-old with every passing year.

Everton and Arsenal were both strongly linked with Zaha back in 2019 when Marco Silva was manger, although the Gunners ended up signing his Ivory Coast teammate Nicolas Pepe, which allowed Alex Iwobi to make the switch to Merseyside.

But with Iwobi failing to live up to his £34m price-tag, Windass believes that Ancelotti might consider registering his interest in the Palace winger.

He told The Transfer Tavern:

“They’ve done well this season, I called it they’d get relegated this year.

“He’s been there since he was a kid, but does he want another relegation battle next season – or does he want to be pushing for sixth or seventh with Everton, or someone like that? Technically in the wide areas, Ancelotti is probably looking for somebody like that.”