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Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester United fans have absolutely erupted over a managerial update involving their club and Dutch title-winner Erik ten Hag.

After the Red Devils succumbed to a humiliating loss against Liverpool at the weekend, conceding five without reply to their arch rivals at Old Trafford, it’s safe to say Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position has been under scrutiny.

The United legend has been at the centre of reports hinting he could be grasping on to his tenure by a thread as his side lay seventh in the Premier League table and eight points behind leaders Chelsea.

Given the amount of star power in their squad, not to mention summer investment, it is little surprise Solskjaer is under pressure and there have already been murmurs of who could replace the Norwegian if he is given his marching orders.

The Daily Mail claim that one man United are considering to potentially replace the 48-year-old is Ajax manager ten Hag – with journalist Sami Mokbel writing that he is ‘touted as a potential replacement’ for Solskjaer amid his links to Newcastle.

Flocking to this update, which one supporter called a ‘dream’, it’s safe to say many other Red Devils want to see ten Hag replace their current under-fire boss.

Find all of their verdicts on the development down below, via utdreport.

Man United fans flock to ten Hag news… “I AM ON MY KNEES”Credit: @J_Brodie_3“This looks promising”Credit: @SonoiyaLawrence“now we are talking”Credit: @fotball_fan“PLEASE”Credit: @Kaazz_Mufc“OMG YESSSS I BEG”Credit: @MufcLucas“Thats the dream hope it happens”Credit: @danthegenius_“Perfect choice, let him bring Overmars as well please.”Credit: @Martialized11“We beg you@ManUtdPlz for the love of gods get him inHe is the perfect man united managerPlays great football, develops youth, gives them changes and his tactics are on par with klopp,pep and he is socially presentable and well likeable as wellHe is the perfect candidate”Credit: @Krish_1129

In other news: ‘Worse than Fred’, ‘Needs to get in the weight room’…Man United fans tear into ‘very weak’ player who ‘needs shipping out’, find out more here.

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Eddie Nketiah back to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that, despite the centre-forward revealing that he is in discussions with Arsenal regarding a new contract, the 22-year-old will wait until the end of the season – when his current deal at The Emirates expires – before making a decision on his future.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

This is likely to come as a huge boost to Victor Orta and Leeds United, who have once again been rumoured to be interested in the signing of the former England U21 international this summer.

“Extraordinary at his age”

Considering the fact that Leeds were linked with a £20m move for Nketiah as recently as last summer, the news that the Whites could land the striker for free at the end of the current campaign is sure to have left Orta buzzing.

While it is true that the £9m-rated forward has not had much chance to impress under the management of Mikel Arteta this season – making 21 appearances in all competitions, only seven of which have come as starts – the 22-year-old has nevertheless proven that when given the opportunity he is more than capable of finding the back of the net.

Indeed, over his five Carabao Cup fixtures this term, the £45k-per-week hitman bagged an extremely impressive five goals – including one in a 2-0 victory over Leeds – on the Gunners’ way to the semi-final of the competition, where they were knocked out by eventual winners Liverpool.

Furthermore, the player who Noel Whelan dubbed a “dangerous” talent and Arteta claimed is “extraordinary at his age” also impressed during a loan spell at Elland Road back in 2019, scoring five goals and registering one assist over his 19 appearances for the Whites – averaging a direct goal involvement every 106 minutes of football played.

As such, considering his undoubted goalscoring ability and potential for development in the future, Nketiah’s signing would certainly appear to be a huge coup for Jesse Marsch’s side – particularly with it looking as if Orta could land the 22-year-old for nothing.

AND in other news: Marsch could unearth Leeds’ next £60m talent in “wonderful” £1.8m-rated sensation

Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Fabio Silva for £35m in a record-breaking transfer for the club, but Silva has since only been given 36 minutes of Premier League football so far this season under Bruno Lage.

The Portuguese boss hasn’t been playing the 19-year-old forward often, with just two starts for the side in the league cup, during which he has bagged two assists for the side.

The Wolves manager did speak out last week about why he hasn’t been included in the side much this season:

“Fabio is important for us,” Lage said. “He’s a young talent. Me and my staff have a pathway for the youth. Luis (Nascimento) worked with Fabio before so we see potential in him.”

“He needs to continue to work and wait for that chance. He needs to work for today and work for tomorrow.”

The teenager played 37 games in all competitions last season under Nuno Santo, scoring four goals and assisting three times for the side but has become out of favour for game time since the arrival of new manager Bruno Lage, in the summer.

Silva has been predicted to be an “extraordinary striker” by Sporting CP legend, Manuel Fernandes and even compared the teenager to Ronaldo.

“When Ronaldo was 17, he played as a centre-forward for Sporting’s youth teams. I saw him doing things that I’m now seeing a boy from FC Porto do, Fabio Silva.”

One of the main reasons that Silva did get so much game time last season was due to the fact Raul Jimenez suffered a horrific skull injury a few months into the season in November 2020, missing the rest of the season for Wolves, meaning that the youngster had the opportunity to step into his shoes quickly.

Although the Mexican has made his return to the side, Lage will need to look at future prospects for Silva, who will be keen to break back into the first team.

Wolves will be looking to capitalise on their fantastic first half of the season, with the view to securing a European spot by finishing in the top half of the Premier League.

The number of attacking options in Wolves’ locker still hasn’t deterred the rumour mill from working overtime when it comes to the imminent winter transfer window, with Enner Valencia linked to a move to the Molineux.

However, Lage could make smarter moves by saving millions and forgetting about the aforementioned target, utilising Silva in the team instead.

In other news: Hatfield hints at an early exit for Traore

Tottenham Hotspur are one of multiple Premier League teams lining up a move for Kieran Trippier in what would be a sensational return to north London…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, as many as nine English top-flight sides have made an enquiry to Atletico Madrid over the 31-year-old right-back, who joined the LaLiga outfit from Spurs for around £25m back in 2019.

The Lilywhites are said to have asked about his availability heading into the January transfer window.

Manchester United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are among the many clubs thought to be keen on the England international, though it remains to be seen how much he would command with his release clause being in the region of £50m.

Transfermarkt, however, value him at just £18m.

Bye-bye Doherty?

A move for another right-back this season would surely spell the end for Matt Doherty’s time in north London as sporting director Fabio Paratici already signed Emerson Royal to replace Serge Aurier in the summer.

Indeed, it’s thought that the Northern Irishman, who was signed by Jose Mourinho for £15m, is on the chopping block next month.

“Spurs would be interested in moving on Dele Alli and possibly Matt Doherty, and there are others they would listen to offers for,” revealed The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke this week.

Trippier was a regular part of Diego Simeone’s side as they clinched the LaLiga title last season. As per WhoScored figures, he ranked as his second-best player with a rating of 7.20.

On top of providing six assists from defence, the Englishman also led the squad for tackles (2.2 per game) and interceptions (1.4 per game), and was also a major influence in the final third, managing the second-highest number of key passes (1.4 per game).

Despite heading towards his mid-thirties, it’s evident that Trippier has still got it and he would be a mighty fine addition to Conte’s squad.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has regularly lauded the right-back in the past. In the summer, he was dubbed a “defensive animal” and a “warrior” for his form and contribution at Atletico in recent times.

Spurs fans have always held Trippier in high regard, so they would surely be excited by the prospect of bringing him back to N17, whilst on the above evidence, he would be the perfect signing for Conte.

His ability to contribute at either end of the pitch is exactly what’s required in his wing-back system, so sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to seal the former Lilywhites star this winter – at all costs.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Eric Dier: Spurs eyeing swoop for £45m-rated “top player”, Conte “wants” him…

Flocking to Twitter, many Southampton fans are buzzing over a fresh transfer update out of St. Mary’s Stadium involving Fulham forward Fabio Carvalho.

Saints transfer chief Martin Semmens has kept his role as chief executive even after Serbian-born businessman Dragan Solak completed his £100 million takeover in early January (Sky Sports).

As such, the Southampton CEO is still tasked with overseeing recruitment strategy as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side become linked with a few signings.

Their main priority appears to be wrapping up a permanent deal for loanee Armando Broja, who has impressed since joining on a temporary transfer from Chelsea (The Guardian).

However, that doesn’t mean other moves aren’t in the pipeline, with an update emerging involving Fulham forward Carvalho.

According to Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, speaking to Give Me Sport, Southampton are in pole position to sign the exciting Championship talent who has seven goals and two assists this season.

As per the ‘transfer insider’, Semmens and have ‘really been leading the race’ for Carvalho despite interest from Liverpool, West Ham and Tottenham (TEAMtalk).

Saints fans buzzing…

Flocking to this claim, many Saints supporters have been left buzzing on Twitter, with one fan calling him a would-be ‘unreal signing’.

His brilliant Championship form at the tender age of 19-years-old just shows how much potential Carvalho may have to become a really top level player, and the fact he could leave as a free agent as things stand is even more of a reason to swoop.

Here’s how Southampton fans reacted on social media as their club lead the way:

“Perfect signing if we pull that off”

Credit: @Charlie_Mercer_

“This is an incredibly inspiring move. Another youngster who can shine in a young talented team”

Credit: @LH_SFC

“PLEASEEEE”

Credit: @danthemanmfer

“This excites more than any potential deal for Broja tbh. #saintsfc”

Credit: @andrew2021k

“Get this done”

Credit: @Ross_Hodgson98

“YES YES YES”

Credit: @sfcrxbbo_

“This would be an unreal signing. Instantly replaces Redmond and brings energy in those winger positions”

Credit: @sfchenry_

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Fernando Llorente has been deputising quite ably for Harry Kane since the England striker sustained an ankle ligament injury.

The former Swansea City striker has been thrown in at the deep end under Mauricio Pochettino and has done well, and he deserves the chance to play against Leicester City this weekend and earn his way into next week’s clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

 On the chalkboard

The 6 foot 4 striker has had a divisive effect since coming into the team.

He scored an own goal against Fulham but also gave Spurs hope of progressing to the Carabao Cup final with an excellently taken header against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Pochettino’s men, of course, lost on penalties.

He also scored against Watford, a late winner, to give the club a 2-1 victory having already provided a clever assist to Heung-Min Son for the South Korea international to level the scores.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Llorente was also on hand to again give Son the chance to score next time out, chesting down a long ball that the winger lashed home against Newcastle United.

The 33-year-old is not the most elegant striker, and sometimes appears akin to a bull in a china shop, but he has the ability to change games and has been at the centre of Spurs’ two most recent victories.

They face Leicester this weekend and rotation is likely, particularly with Dortmund to come on Wednesday.

Pochettino, though, should give Llorente the chance to earn his place against the German giants.

Kane fitness not guaranteed

The Sun report that Kane could be fit for the game against Dortmund.

It would mark a shocking turn of events, given that he was initially ruled out until March.

But the fitness of the England captain is far from guaranteed and is nothing to be trifled with by Pochettino, such is his history of ankle problems.

Playing Llorente against Leicester, then, is something of a low-risk, high-reward strategy.

Indeed, if he struggles to hit the back of the net, Son and Christian Eriksen can share the load, but if he gets on the goal trail, he will head into the game against Dortmund full of confidence.

Llorente is a completely different threat to Kane, and the Bundesliga giants may struggle to contain him – he should be given the right to prove that this weekend.

Celtic followed up last weekend’s Old Firm victory with a blistering 7-0 thrashing against St Johnstone at Parkhead this afternoon.

The Hoops were 3-0 up and cruising at half-time thanks to goals from Reo Hatate, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Daizen Maeda. The second half saw a penalty from Josip Juranovic, a brace from substitute Matt O’Riley and a clinching goal from Liel Abada put the icing on the cake for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Despite this emphatic victory and plethora of goals for the home crowd to enjoy, not every player wearing a Celtic shirt delivered a strong performance.

Having scored the equaliser against Rangers last weekend which eventually helped the Hoops to secure all three points at Ibrox, Tom Rogic found himself in the starting XI once again today.

However, with just 50 touches of the ball, nine fewer than goalkeeper Joe Hart, the Australian failed to have much of a positive impact for his team on this occasion. The 29-year-old ended up losing possession of the ball 16 times during the first half before he was replaced by O’Riley at the interval.

Rogic, who has been described as being like a “ballet dancer” in terms of his midfield play in the past by A Celtic State of Mind pundit Kevin Graham, also failed to complete two of the three dribbles he attempted.

Off the ball, things weren’t much better for the midfielder, who lost 86% of his duels, committed one foul and getting dribbled past on one occasion.

This display ultimately earned the Old Firm derby hero an underwhelming overall match rating of 6/10, making him the lowest-rated player in a Celtic shirt according to SofaScore.

Given how O’Riley had an instant impact on the scoreline in the second half, it turned out to have been a masterstroke from Postecoglou to put him on for Rogic at the interval.

The Hoops boss may well feel let down by what he saw from his compatriot this afternoon and will be hoping that the 29-year-old can improve on this less than stellar performance.

In other news: £2.7m down the drain as Celtic had a howler on “difficult” £450k-rated Parkhead flop

Arsenal are reportedly hopeful that 18-year-old striker Khayon Edwards will sign a new contract with the north London club, according to Football London, with the youngster starting to make a serious impression for the Gunners’ youth sides.

The English youngster is currently on a scholarship deal that is set to expire in the summer and talks regarding an extension have been ongoing over recent months.

However, it is believed that both parties are nearing an agreement, with Edwards sharing the same agent as Hale End product Bukayo Saka.

The question is, can the 18-year-old be the next player to step up into Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans?

In the pipeline

Having scored 16 goals and registered five assists in 16 appearances in the U18 Premier League this term, it’s no surprise that Arsenal are incredibly keen to keep Edwards on their books.

The 18-year-old has also played twice for the U23s in the Premier League 2, scoring once.

Academy chief and former Arsenal player Per Mertesacker recently discussed his vision for creating ‘Strong Young Gunners’, with Edwards firmly part of that vision.

The former defender said: “Strong Young Gunners means this is our vision where we want our players to stand strong in every scenario they will face. We are passionate about creating youngsters who can rise to any challenge and we have a rich history and heritage we want to pay tribute to and carry on.”

Arteta has done brilliantly to integrate youngsters into the first team, with both Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe strong examples given their Hale End credentials.

Saka (20) and Smith-Rowe (21) have both scored ten goals across all competitions this season and have also scored for the England senior team, with the former heavily involved in the Three Lions’ run to the European Championship final last summer.

Moreover, 18-year-old midfielder Charlie Patino was awarded an appearance against Sunderland earlier this season in the EFL Cup and scored.

Edwards, who was dubbed “deadly” by Football.London’s Kaya Kaynak, will undoubtedly want to replicate the duo’s fortunes and make his own pathway into the first team over the coming seasons.

The teenager could find himself on the end of an opportunity to impress the Arsenal boss soon, particularly with striker Alexandre Lacazette still yet to sign a contract extension ahead of the expiry of his deal in June whilst the same applies for Eddie Nketiah.

However, if the English youngster is to sign a new contract with Arsenal, there will certainly have to be a belief that the 18-year-old can eventually work his way into the first-team plans and become the next Saka.

He’s certainly exciting and confident enough to do exactly that.

AND in other news: Arteta must ruthlessly axe “shocking” £18m-rated AFC liability, he’s “not world-class”

Aston Villa are thought to be admirers of Brentford manager Thomas Frank, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans.

The Lowdown: Frank’s time at Brentford…

The Dane was actually Dean Smith’s assistant at the west London club and took over as their manager when the latter joined Villa back in 2018. Since then, he has taken charge of 161 games, winning 79 of those and taking the Bees into the Premier League.

Brentford have impressed in their first Premier League campaign, beating Arsenal and West Ham and drawing with Liverpool, whose manager Jurgen Klopp labelled Frank ‘incredible’ and ‘entertaining’.

Villa are now on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Smith, and it seems as if they may look to take another Brentford manager three years on after securing the 50-year-old.

The Latest: Villa are admirers of Frank

Evans shared a story on The Athletic regarding Smith’s sacking and the contenders to replace him.

Well-known targets such as Steven Gerrard, Ralph Hasenhuttl and Kasper Hjulmand were mentioned, but the journalist added that Villa are admirers of Frank.

Evans also claimed that NSWE are prepared to pay compensation to get the manager they want, which would not preclude any candidates who are currently in a job.

The Verdict: Lange to be key?

Sporting director Johan Lange will reportedly play a key role in bringing in a new head coach, so a move for fellow countryman Frank could be a realistic one. The pair know each other well after sharing an office when coaching at Lyngby, and the Brentford boss has impressed in his first season as a manager in the English top flight.

Lightning may well end up striking twice when it comes to Brentford bosses leaving for Villa, so the links to the 48-year-old may be worth keeping a close eye on during the international break.

In other news: Five-honour boss also in NSWE’s Villa’s thoughts; he’s ‘one of the best’. 

Liverpool are “big admirers” of Leeds United star Raphinha amid rumours the club are keen on signing him.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks had revealed that Jurgen Klopp’s side are very much interested in a move for Raphinha, amid speculation that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich were set to sign him this month.

Now, journalist Pete O’Rourke has delivered an update on the Reds’ current stance on the exciting winger.

He said: “He figures on the list of a lot of clubs. The likes of Liverpool, big admirers of the Brazilian.”

Anfield would be rocking

Dubbed as “star dust” and a “match-winner” by The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent Phil Hay, Raphinha has simply been a revelation for Marcelo Bielsa’s side since his arrival from Rennes.

This season has seen him score an impressive eight times in 17 Premier League games as well as provide one assist too, including netting against the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea recently too.

Raphinha’s displays had Leeds teammate Patrick Bamford hailing him after the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last year, with the Englishman telling Sky Sports: “I think, to be honest, he has been a steal for Leeds. I am surprised. As soon as he came in, you saw him in training, you know sometimes with players whether they are good or they are top class, and he really was. He stood out straightaway.

“I am surprised that bigger teams, more established Premier League teams I should say, haven’t taken a punt on him because he really is someone special, and he is young.”

As per Whoscored, Raphinha averages a whopping 3.1 shots and 2.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season, both of which rank him very highly compared to the rest of the division – in fact, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah shoot more often than him, while only Lucas Moura, Allan Saint-Maximin and Adama Traore complete more dribbles.

The £36m-rated star would surely get Anfield absolutely rocking with his direct and exciting style of play.

Meanwhile, this Liverpool target has shades of Steven Gerrard…