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Former Premier League striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes that signing for Aston Villa would be a step in the right direction for James Ward-Prowse, who Football Insider’s Kevin Phillips believes would cost £35m+.

On the back of another excellent season for Southampton, in which he was one of just three ever-present outfield players, the midfielder has been strongly linked with a switch to Villa Park.

Ward-Prowse managed eight Premier League goals, his best career return, whilst he also added seven assists which meant he contributed to more than 30 percent of Southampton’s league goals.

Two of which were spectacular free-kicks in Saints’ 4-3 victory at Villa back in early-November.

Despite his excellent form, the 26-year-old narrowly missed out on being named in the final 26-man England squad for the Euro’s after failing to get the nod following Trent Alexander Arnold’s withdrawal.

But whilst Gareth Southgate wasn’t completed convinced, Dean Smith has been, with Villa hoping to make the midfielder their second summer addition following the club-record arrival of Emiliano Buendia of Norwich.

And Bent told Football FanCast that he believes it’s a move the Southampton man should make:

“Where Aston Villa have got a few talented players, it would be a good move for him.

“I think he’d probably, well not push for it but he’s the captain at Southampton. Could he play another season? Maybe, but I’m not sure if they’re moving forward.

“And Aston Villa are a big club, maybe he wants to move as a stepping stone so it would be a good move for him.”

Celtic’s transfer plans will be dictated by a variety of different events and scenarios.

The Hoops will firstly need to appoint a new manager and they will have to patiently wait to see how the futures of Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer develop.

Two of Parkhead’s most sellable assets, the funds the Bhoys receive will dictate how much they can spend on replacements.

What’s the word?

Unfortunately, Celtic’s plan to replace Edouard could already be in tatters and it’s through no fault of their own.

One player the club and Eddie Howe were interested in, and were planning to bring into Paradise this summer was Josh King.

The Norwegian is currently at Everton after moving from Bournemouth back in January. He signed a six month deal with the Toffees that expires this summer, meaning he’ll be available on a free transfer.

That sounds like good news but Celtic isn’t King’s only suitor. According to Football Insider, Norwich are now chasing the striker ahead of a summer move.

The report states that Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray also want to sign the 29-year-old.

Celtic in a mess

This doesn’t only represent a blow for the club but it’s also a setback for incoming manager, Howe.

The 43-year-old is close to sealing a move to Parkhead but until he arrives, it would be foolish of Celtic to finalise moves in the transfer market.

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The longer the wait goes on, the more feasible it becomes that King will end up elsewhere. At the moment, he is free to discuss terms with foreign clubs and thus, he could already be in talks with other suitors beyond Celtic.

Considering the Hoops have no manager and no director of football, it’s unlikely the forward would be too sold on the uncertainty at Parkhead.

Therefore, the quicker Howe arrives, the sooner they can begin negotiations for new recruits.

If King decides to move to East Anglia or Turkey, it would be a massive blow for Howe before he’s even walked through the door.

That’s because the former Bournemouth striker is one of his most trusted performers.

The duo worked together on the south coast where they developed a fabulous understanding of they both worked.

King has made 170 appearances under the Englishman, racking up an impressive tally of 50 strikes; that’s a record of a goal every 3.4 matches.

Should Celtic end up missing out on the striker they will only have themselves to blame.

If Dermot Desmond had been swifter in his search for a new manager and bowed down to Howe’s demands, he may already be through the door and talking to potential new recruits. At the time of writing, that isn’t possible.

Consequently, they are likely to be further behind in negotiations with his agent. Celtic’s initial transfer plans appear to be in big doubt here which could throw a spanner in the works for Howe before he’s even taken the job.

Howe’s plans to sign a player who knows his methods and his systems well and use him at Celtic could already be in tatters.

AND in other news, Forget Howe: McKay could rescue Celtic by hiring “outstanding” 63 y/o manager…

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa may be making a real howler over Sam Greenwood this summer as news emerges from Thorp Arch about the club’s potential plans for him.

What’s the story?

The 19-year-old only joined the Whites’ youth system last summer, but he has been a revelation for the club’s U23s, helping them to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title.

However, it now appears that his immediate future could lay outside of Elland Road, with The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth revealing that he could be sent out on loan.

He said: “Leeds may also listen to loan offers for striker Sam Greenwood, signed from Arsenal last summer, who scored a dozen times in 18 Premier League 2 fixtures this season.

“The YEP understands there was Championship interest in the 19-year-old’s services during the campaign but head coach Marcelo Bielsa wanted him to develop at the club.”Deserves a first-team chance

In his first season with the club, Greenwood managed 12 goals in 18 games, playing in a number of different roles, including up front, behind the striker and further back as a central midfielder.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously been very vocal in his praise of the youngster, saying: “He’s started really well at Leeds and he was very well thought of at Arsenal, and they weren’t rushing to get him out (of) the door this summer. From what we’ve seen of him so far, his movement and his finishing and everything else, he looks like a very natural striker.”

Meanwhile, Leeds Live’s Joe Donnohue said: “He may have hit the ground running at Thorp Arch, but he has only been here for a matter of months. His start may have been excellent, so imagine how much better he could be with consistent football.”

Rather than sending the highly-exciting prospect out on loan, could Greenwood be offered the chance to prove himself in the first-team during pre-season and seeing whether he can cope with Bielsa’s demands?

The teenager made the switch from Arsenal to Leeds after failing to break through at the Emirates, and a loan deal just seems like the kind of thing that would have happened had he stayed in north London.

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A better pathway to the first-team is surely one of the things that the Whites would have offered Greenwood when they initially signed him, and they can live up to that end of the bargain right now.

Given how Leeds fans are already on board with the 19-year-old, it surely wouldn’t have them happy seeing him just fade out of the spotlight by heading on loan.

Meanwhile, Bielsa is close to clinching his first permanent signing…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leicester City striker Brian Deane believes Brendan Rodgers could be in it for the long haul at the King Power.

Premier League rivals Tottenham recently sacked Jose Mourinho, who will take over at AS Roma in the summer, sending them on a search for a new manager.

That search seemed to have taken them to Rodgers, but the 48-year-old quickly put a stop to things by declaring his intention to remain in the East Midlands.

And now Deane is hoping to see Rodgers cement a legacy at the King Power, a legacy that could include Champions League football and an FA Cup trophy.

When asked by FFC if Rodgers’ long-term future is at Leicester having turned down a big club like Tottenham, the ex-Premier League forward said:

“I’d like to think that he’s going to stay there. He’s come in at Leicester and he’s put his mark on it.

“You don’t have to go to the biggest clubs to achieve massive things. It’s more of an achievement for him to achieve something at Leicester than it is at Tottenham, believe me.”

Speaking on the subject further, Deane also went on to add:

“He will go down as one of their best ever managers based on the fact that he’s come in, they play the kind of football that they do and they’ve got a chance of winning a cup now.

“If I was Brendan Rodgers, I’d just be happy to sort of like cement your legacy where he is and hopefully he does that.”

Indeed, Rodgers is on course to becoming a Leicester legend, something he could probably achieve this season with an FA Cup triumph at Wembley.

Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton admits Tyler Roberts’ future will ultimately be decided by how much first-team football he is playing.

The Lowdown: Up-and-down season for Roberts

Leeds United have enjoyed a superb season back in the Premier League, picking up some memorable wins and playing scintillating football along the way.

While Marcelo Bielsa has had some undoubted key performers, someone who has been on the periphery a little is Roberts.

The 13-time capped Wales international has only managed 14 starts in the league, scoring once and registering two assists in that time.

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The Latest: Pundit admits Roberts could leave

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton believes Roberts’ future is up in the air because of a lack of playing time, following rumoured interest from Newcastle United and suggestion that he has rejected a new deal:

“The contract is such a big thing. The club have obviously made an offer. Does he see that as the right one for him?

“Is he going to get enough game time? I think a lot of it comes down to that as a player at that age. You want to play football.

“If you’re going to be in and out, or they can’t guarantee you’re going to be a starter next season, it doesn’t surprise me that you’re looking at your options.

“It’s only natural as a football player, you want to play football. You don’t want to sit on the bench and play 12 games a season. You want to play 30-plus games a season.

“If Newcastle can offer him that then it will be something that he’ll be thinking very, very hard about. They’re obviously in the Premier League, It will be a difficult decision for him.

“I think it’ll come down to the games because I’m sure Leeds and Newcastle will offer him a decent contract. It comes down to where you’re going to play the most.”

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The Verdict: Keep hold of him

While Roberts may not be one of Bielsa’s undisputed key players at the moment, it would be a huge shame to move him on at this stage in his career.

At 22, the attacking midfielder has so much potential, already making 81 appearances for the Whites, showcasing that Bielsa clearly sees a player in there.

It would be understandable if Roberts sees his future elsewhere, however – in many ways, it is admirable if he wants to play more football, rather than be a squad player for the foreseeable future.

Leeds fans could find it hard to begrudge him a move, but he is someone who still has so much to offer at Elland Road.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly scheduled talks with one player over a summer move. Find out who it is here.

Ondrej Kudela was planning not to travel to England this week because of ‘health problems’, with UEFA now officially opening proceedings over the incident involving Rangers’ Glen Kamara.

The 34-year-old was accused of racism by Kamara in the recent Europa League clash between the Gers and Slavia Prague, in what appears to be a completely unacceptable incident.

The Czech side progressed to the quarter-finals at the expense of Steven Gerrard’s men and they take on Arsenal in the first leg on Thursday night, but Kudela will not be involved.

Kudela won’t travel to England for questioning

Reporter Andrew Maclean confirmed on Twitter that Kudela was to play no part in the game at the Emirates, citing health issues as the reason for not travelling – the centre-back was set to be questioned by police over what happened with Kamara during their 2-0 win over Gers last month.

Since that report, Ewan Murray has revealed that UEFA have actually suspended Kudela for one match while they investigate the matter, but that hasn’t stopped Gers fans from understandably ripping into the original excuse that was going to keep him from travelling, per Maclean.

Here is how Rangers fans reacted

“UEFA have been very quiet on this matter about time they spoke out about this player punish him and make sure it won’t be tolerated in the game again but just silence from them ! If he had nothing to hide why won’t he travel then. We all know why.”

Credit: @Raberto54085252

“@EuropaLeague, how you can allow that game to even go ahead is disgraceful….you have sat on this for 3 weeks now and done nothing!”

Credit: @petera1872

“Came down with sudden case of cowardice. If he had nothing to hide he’d talk to the police”

Credit: @onestafc

“Health problems…….. sick in the head more like”

Credit: @unbawmcgaw

“Coward”

Credit: @geeb1872

“Is being scared of the truth a health issue?”

Credit: @RANGERSviews82

In other news, Rangers are keen on signing an exciting young British talent – find out who it is here.

According to a report by Fussball Transfers, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur have ‘knocked’ on the door for VfB Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic in an enquiry – with the Lilywhites now officially joining the race for his signature. 

Kalajdzic, who stands at a towering 6 foot 6, appears to be on the radar of many clubs as his exploits in the Bundesliga attract attention.

Tottenham enquiry for Kalajdzic emerges

The 23-year-old has scored 15 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for Stuttgart so far and is apparently valued at £15 million – very reasonable when taking into account his form and age (Eurosport).

This has prompted Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy to launch an enquiry or ‘knock’ at the door – but the Lilywhites may face real competition as the Austrian is in ‘high demand’.

However, the Bundesliga side aren’t prepared to surrender him to interested parties that easily – with Fussball Transfers (via Sport Witness) relaying they will need ‘convincing’ to part ways this summer.

Transfer Tavern take

Given his exploits over 2020/2021, alongside his plethora of plaudits from those in the media, Kalajdzic could be worth the effort.

He has been described as an ‘Ibrahimovic-machine’ as he continues to draw comparisons with some of world football’s most towering and deadly forwards.

Among those names, he has even been compared to Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland (The Daily Express) – and the mooted £15 million fee amid uncertain financial times comes as a real motivator and possible bargain.

In other news: Tottenham are still in the race for this 6 foot 2 ‘phenomenon’, find out more here.

Many Everton fans have been lauding the news from football.london that Alisher Usmanov could invest in the Goodison Park club.

The Merseysiders have recently been told that they can proceed with plans for a proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, which could provide an opportunity for the Russian billionaire.

Usmanov revealed to the Financial Times last year that he was ready to increase his involvement with Carlo Ancelotti’s team, and further hinted at potentially striking a deal for the naming rights at the new stadium.

With the plans been given the green light, the 67-year-old tycoon may well get his wish, and that may not be the last of the money that he could pump into the Toffees.

The news has got several Blues excited over his potential involvement with the club, as they could stand to benefit from an embarrassment of riches.

Everton fans on Usmanov news

These Everton supporters lauded the news of Usmanov’s potential investment on Twitter:

“Welcome to the people’s club big dog.”

Credit: @Gazefc1979

“Oh go on then @chriscally1977 @wazzaevo @birdy9680 @Tr1ckyTrev88″Credit: @BH_Design”Ohhhhh hello”Credit: @jfenwickeverton”Up the Billionaire Blues”Credit: @JonathanDunn12″And with the changes coming in the FFP things are looking good for us”Credit: @mattiemahon”Inject it £18.5 billion mate Mbappe is ours”Credit: @Spinkseey9In other news, many Everton fans were delighted with this transfer update.

Patrick Bamford should be dropped for Leeds United’s Premier League clash with Manchester City, according to Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side make the trip to Etihad on Saturday lunchtime, in what represents a huge test for the Whites.

Leeds currently sit 11th in the table after a good season back in the top flight, but they will want to finish the campaign in strong fashion.

Bielsa has a few selection issues ahead of the game, with Bamford’s form dipping of late, having scored just once in his last five appearances.

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Agbonlahor tips Bamford to be dropped

Someone who thinks the striker should be left out of the stating lineup this weekend is Agbonlahor, who told Football Insider about his reasoning behind the decision:

“He looks tired for me, he looked very tired coming off. He wasn’t energetic. He looked disappointed coming off but I think it was the right decision.

“Rodrigo looked like he had a lot of energy. Maybe it’s time for Bamford to have a little rest on the bench and let Rodrigo play against Manchester City.

“You cannot play every game of the season. You do need a rest, especially when you’re over the age of 25. Maybe it’s something Bielsa does and he maybe just needs to give his team a little bit of a rest and rotate some players.”

Transfer Tavern take

It would be a shock to see Bamford axed, considering he has scored 14 league goals in 30 appearances, while Rodrigo has just three in 21, struggling to find his feet in England.

There are signs of him looking fatigued of late, and considering the workload that Leeds’ players will have to put in against a relentless City side, it could be that Rodrigo is a fresher option, but we find it hard to believe Bielsa will drop his star man for the toughest test they’ve faced so far.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a midfielder who has been on fire in another European league this season. Find out who it is here.

According to Football Insider, Southampton are one of a number of clubs said to be interested in signing Jan Kuchta this summer.

Saints want Kuchta

Kuchta was in action for Slavia Prague in the Europa League on Thursday as his side took on Rangers.

As per Football Insider, the Saints are one of several Premier League clubs looking at the 24-year-old. The other teams mentioned are West Ham United, Newcastle United and Brighton.

Interesting

This has been Kuchta’s best season by far as a professional footballer. He has amassed 13 goals and and seven assists in 25 games in all competitions – he has only scored 36 goals throughout his career (Transfermarkt). As Slavia have reached the round of 16 in European competition, Kuchta has played his part in getting them there, scoring twice in that run.

Currently valued at just £900,000 (Transfermarkt), he could well be a bargain for any club trying to sign him. He is also still quite young, meaning he has plenty of time to improve as a player. With Danny Ings’ future at St Mary’s still uncertain (The Telegraph), Ralph Hasenhuttl may be in need of a new striker very soon. It remains to be seen whether Kuchta moves to the Premier League in the summer.

In other news, some Southampton fans react to news on this defender.