MCFC fans react to Laporte comments

Manchester City fans think Aymeric Laporte is leaving the club following his latest comments ahead of the Champions League final on Saturday.

During the 2018/19 campaign, Laporte was one of the Citizens’ best players as they won the Premier League title ahead of Liverpool by a single point. He played 35 times in the league (Transfermarkt) under Pep Guardiola as City conceded just 23 goals in the competition.

However, he suffered a serious injury last season, which massively curtailed his playing time, and he has been unable to reclaim his place since recovering as Guardiola has generally selected John Stones and Ruben Dias ahead of him. As a result, he has played just 16 times in the league this campaign.

Speaking prior to the final in Porto, £45m-valued Laporte (Transfermarkt) suggested he does not know what the future holds for him and mentioned his lack of playing time. The comments were shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and the City fans now think he will soon be leaving. The supporters took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Laporte comments below

“He’s leaving isn’t he?”

Credit: @Revertive13

“Oh no”

Credit: @BelgianKing17

“farewell then”

Credit: @aalexariton

“Yeah I think he might leave”

Credit: @AarxnMCFC

“He’s leaveing. Painful to say but he’s leaving. Too big to be a squad player.”

Credit: @BeardedGoatKlan

“He’s off then …. Pep hinted yesterday at some big changes too. Wouldn’t be shocked to see him and Sterling go.”

Credit: @la_tarrant

In other news, Man City fans react to this Harry Kane news.

Wolves eye up Hirving Lozano move

Wolves are interested in signing Mexico and Napoli winger Hirving Lozano in the summer transfer window, according to a latest report.

The Lowdown: Lozano in-and-out at Napoli

The 26-year-old has found himself in and out of Napoli’s team this season, with injuries and illness holding him back at times but the wide man still managing to contribute.

Lozano has chipped in with four goals and assists apiece in Serie A, in just 16 starts, and he has helped them compete in a tense title race with AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The Mexican’s current deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, but according to a fresh update, a move to Molineux could be on the cards.

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The Latest: Wolves keen on move

According to Napoli Today [via Sport Witness], Wolves have been ‘following’ Lozano ‘for some time’, as they weigh up a potential summer move.

The idea of him staying pout at Napoli is ‘not entirely a foregone conclusion’, which further gives Wanderers hope of sealing an exciting signing.

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The Verdict: Audacious swoop by Wanderers

Lozano has proven himself on the biggest stage of all, catching the eye for Mexico at the 2018 World Cup, registering one goal and assist each and standing out with his pace and directness.

For that reason, it is hugely exciting to see Wolves being linked with a move for him and he could be someone who takes their attacking game to the next level in the Premier League.

With Adama Traore likely to leave permanently this summer and Francisco Trincao expected to leave, too, Lozano could fill the void out wide, and much more, becoming the latest attacking hero at Molineux.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an exciting Wolves transfer claim. Read more here.

Pundit says Alli will regret failed PSG move

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Dele Alli should have taken up the opportunity to leave Tottenham in January.

Prior to the window opening, Alli has been enduring a wretched campaign having fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, and had played just 74 minutes in the Premier League, with his only start coming on the opening-day.

Following his lack of opportunities, former manager Mauricio Pochettino was keen on bringing the £100,000-a-week attacker to the French capital on loan to improve his chances of being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros.

But Tottenham blocked the move at the last minute because they were unable to find a replacement, meaning Alli was forced to remain in north London for the remainder of the campaign.

He’s appeared 11 times in all competitions since the window closed, but having made only one Premier League start since, Windass believes the former MK Dons youngster will regret staying.

He told Football FanCast:

“I think he should have left. If the rumours were true about PSG under Poch, then I would have gone on a loan deal.

“If Dele Alli had that chance then I would have gone because I’d want to play games and I knew the manager would have trusted me.

“We don’t know what happens in training. Is he sulking? These are the questions no one can answer.”

Journalist: Areola is West Ham’s preferred goalkeeper option

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser believes that a loan move with an option to buy for Alphonse Areola would be West Ham’s preferred option this summer.

Areola spent last season in London on loan at Fulham, making 37 appearances in all competitions for the Cottagers and kept ten clean sheets.

The French shot-stopper isn’t the only goalkeeper the Hammers have looked at, as according to ESPN they have been linked with a move for West Bromwich Albion’s Sam Johnstone.

However, Rosser believes that Areola is the preferred choice because he would likely be cheaper, telling TT: “I think a loan for Areola with an option to buy would be the preference, but that one seems to be taking a little bit longer than anyone expected. I think he’d be a fantastic option.”

Areola has an impressive CV that features the likes of Real Madrid, Villarreal and RC Lens on there, and after his parent club PSG concluded a deal for Italian goalkeeper Gigi Donnarumma, Areola may find himself short of game time in the French capital if he chooses to stay there beyond the summer.

After an impressive campaign in the Premier League last season, where the Hammers finished sixth, David Moyes will be hoping to strengthen his squad this summer to help West Ham mount another charge on the top four next season.

Howey endorses Manchester City move for Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski to Manchester City is a “very good shout”, says the club’s former defender Steve Howey.

City are desperately trying to sign a new striker this summer but are having trouble landing target Harry Kane from Tottenham.

As per multiple reports, including from The Guardian, the north London outfit’s stance is Kane is not for sale.

It means City may soon have to look elsewhere. And, according to the Daily Mail, that elsewhere could be German giants Bayern Munich.

The outlet reported earlier this month that Pep Guardiola is weighing up a reunion with his former forward Lewandowski as the Premier League champions continue to struggle to strike a deal with Spurs for Kane.

For Howey, the Poland international could be the perfect alternative. He exclusively told TT:

“I think he would cost less and he’d probably be asking for slightly less in wages as well. I mean, that’s a very good shout.

“They haven’t really got an out-and-out goalscorer like [Sergio] Aguero, that’s what he did. He was just born to score goals, but Lewandowski is born to score goals too.”

It was another ridiculous campaign by Lewandowski last season after he managed to score 48 goals in all competitions. Whether Kane is off the table or not, the 32-year-old is definitely an option City should be considering.

Ex-Leeds star not convinced by Rose

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has admitted that he is not Danny Rose’s biggest fan.

This comes after another former Leeds star, Paddy Kenny, suggested that the Yorkshire club should look to re-sign the 30-year-old this summer.

Leeds’ search for a new left-back has been well-documented, with Ezgjan Alioski set to leave Elland Road when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The Whites have been linked with the likes of Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico and Crystal Palace man Patrick van Aanholt.

Like Van Aanholt, Rose will be a free agent in the summer and has loads of Premier League experience, so he could be an option worth exploring.

Palmer, though, remains far from convinced. On the Tottenham defender, he told TT in an exclusive interview:

“I’m not a big fan of Danny Rose. As a person, I think he’s a really decent person. But as a player, I’m not a big fan of his, to be fair.”

Rose, who came through the youth ranks at Leeds, is not currently a part of Spurs’ Premier League squad after being excluded by former manager Jose Mourinho.

Even with the Portuguese coach now gone, the England international’s future still looks to be away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as his contract continues to run down.

Pundit warns Everton to stay away from Real Madrid’s Marcelo

Marcelo should be a no for Everton, that is according to former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

The Real Madrid star is currently being linked with a move to Goodison Park, with the Mirror claiming the Toffees and Palmer’s old side Leeds United are both in the frame to sign him.

The 58-cap Brazilian only played 16 league fixtures last season, firmly behind Ferland Mendy in the left-back pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu. He is also now 33 years of age, so he is not exactly getting any younger.

Ultimately, for Palmer, Real Madrid letting him go is a huge red flag. Speaking about the reports linking Marcelo to Everton, the ex-Leeds player told TT:

“For me, I think Marcelo at 33, no. Why are Real Madrid letting him go? You’ve always got to question that. Why are Real Madrid letting him go? Why have Real Madrid let [Sergio] Ramos go? You’ve always got to ask yourself a question.”

At Everton, Marcelo could easily find himself behind another France international in Lucas Digne.

Going forward, the 27-year-old has really come up with the goods for the Toffees. He assisted seven goals last season in the Premier League and another seven the campaign prior, truly impressive numbers for a full-back.

Arsenal target Everton’s Calvert-Lewin

Everton could be set for a big blow over the coming months after it was revealed Arsenal have set their sights on star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

What’s the word?

According to reports, the Gunners have identified the highly-rated 24-year-old as a possible replacement for wantaway forward Alexandre Lacazette.

The France international is expected to depart the north London outfit either in January or as a free agent next summer following the expiration of his current contract, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already begun the search for his successor.

He’s reportedly in the market for a young goalscorer with Premier League experience to continue his policy of building a new squad around youth, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins the alternative target.

However, the Toffees are expected to put up a fight for Calvert-Lewin, with the report stating: “Ambitious Everton will fight tooth and nail to keep top scorer Calvert-Lewin, who has established himself as Harry Kane’s England back-up over the past year.

“He signed a long-term Goodison deal worth £75,000-a-week last year, and it would cost upwards of £50million to prise him away from Merseyside.”

Everton fans will be gutted

Calvert-Lewin has become a key player for Everton in recent seasons, scoring 32 Premier League goals in 72 appearances since the beginning of 2019/20.

Thus, losing their star striker and top scorer would be a seismic blow to any ambitions they have of qualifying for Europe next term.

His outstanding performances at club level have seen him become a regular member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad, where he’s the first-choice backup to captain Harry Kane.

Although he only made two substitute appearances throughout the summer as the Three Lions reached the Euro 2020 final, his presence as the only natural alternative to the Tottenham Hotspur star illustrates just how highly Calvert-Lewin is thought of.

The 6 foot 2 target man returned from his international exploits in emphatic form at the start of the current campaign, bagging a goal in each of Everton’s opening three top-flight fixtures before a broken toe sidelined him.

Calvert-Lewin’s departure would be a significant setback in the Goodison Park outfit’s plans under new manager Rafael Benitez, and the Spanish tactician will be hoping his key man remains on Merseyside for many years to come.

With Salomon Rondon struggling for goals, it only elevates the England international’s importance at Finch Farm; they simply have to keep him.

And, in other news…Report reveals exciting Everton transfer update, fans should be buzzing 

Jean-Philippe Gbamin linked to Fenerbahce

Everton’s Jean-Philippe Gbamin could be offered a way out of his Merseyside nightmare after Fenerbahce were linked with a move for the midfielder.

What’s the story?

According to Turkish publication Takvim the Super Lig giants are reportedly interested in bringing Gbamin to the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium over the winter window.

The report doesn’t name a prospective price tag for the 26-year-old, although with his current contract not expiring until the summer of 2024, the Toffees will be hopeful of recouping a large chunk of the £25m they paid for his services two years ago.

Fans should be delighted

Gbamin arrived on English shores back in August 2019 after cultivated a reputation for being an effective holding midfielder throughout his time in the Bundesliga with Mainz 05.

The Ivory Coast international scored three goals and registered four assists in 95 appearances for the German outfit, catching the eye in a range of different areas.

He became renowned for intelligent play from the Mainz engine room while also being capable of supporting attacks through his dazzling dribbling skills, long-range shooting and impeccable range of passing.

However, things have not gone to plan for Gbamin during his time at Everton. The midfielder has missed 619 days of football since signing after enduring numerous years of injury hell. Consequently, he managed just 135 minutes of Premier League action in his maiden campaign at Goodison Park.

A serious hamstring issue was the Ivorian’s first setback before an Achilles tendon problem instantly followed, condemning him to a lengthy spell on the treatment table once again.

After making his comeback in April against Crystal Palace, he was consigned to the sidelines once again after spending just 11 minutes on the pitch for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Proceedings do look more encouraging for Gbamin this season, however. He completed 90 minutes against Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup a few months ago, providing hope that he can start to put a miserable chapter of his career behind him.

Nevertheless, a large section of Everton fans will surely be delighted to learn that the midfielder could be set for pastures new over the coming months.

After all, Everton are currently restricted by financial fair play and need to free up as much room on the wage bill as possible. James Rodriguez’s departure has allowed for some extra wriggle room but Gbamin leaving as well would allow Marcel Brands and co to flex their financial muscles a little more.

His arrival offered much promise, but it’s just been setback after setback for the unfortunate maestro, and the Blues may be best off cutting their losses before any more damage is done.

And, in other news…Everton increasingly likely to sign £187k-p/w gem, fans surely buzzing 

Leeds United back in for Rangers’ Ryan Kent

Leeds United appear to be back in for Rangers star Ryan Kent this summer amid speculation over a move last year.

What’s the story?

It was confirmed in the summer of 2020 by Gers boss Steven Gerrard that the Premier League side had a bid rejected by the Ibrox outfit, and that Leeds’ initial bid was nowhere near their valuation.

Then, Victor Orta admitted that a deal for the winger was never likely to happen because the Scottish club simply didn’t “want to sell him”, and that it was “never their plan to put Kent in the market”.

Now, The Athletic claim that Marcelo Bielsa’s men retain an interest in the 24-year-old as they look to strengthen their wide options ahead of the new Premier League season next month.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Given that Leeds wanted him last summer, and were only unable to do so because Rangers dug their heels in and refused to let him go, Bielsa will surely be buzzing at the news that the Whites remain interested in him.

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has waxed lyrical about the winger saying: “There’s Ryan Kent who is phenomenal – he gets you off your seat. His numbers have increased season after season. Even if the team are not at the level we saw at the start of the campaign, he is still a threat. He is so comfortable with the ball – it is like has superglue in his boots!”

And, speaking back in May, former Premier League and Leeds striker Carlton Palmer backed a move to Leeds for Kent, saying exclusively to FFC: “Listen, Champions League or no Champions League, the place to play is in the Premier League. If he got the opportunity to go and play in the Premier League, I’m sure he’ll go and play in the Premier League.

“He’s got maybe an opportunity to play in the Premier League. For me, as a manager, as a player, the place to be now or the place to play is in the English Premier League.”

While a permanent deal for Jack Harrison has already been completed, and Raphinha will no doubt be a starter on the right flank, Bielsa is in need of some quality strength in depth outside of those two.

And in a player who bagged 13 goals and provided 15 assists last season, and was actually fouled more times per game than Raphinha, the Leeds boss can find exactly that.

It’s exactly why this latest update is sure to have the Leeds boss buzzing, he’d love to have Ryan Kent in his squad.

Meanwhile, Leeds are closing in on a major agreement…

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