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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, believes even Steve Bruce would have thought he was about to be sacked after the Brighton defeat.

Newcastle suffered a 3-0 defeat against their relegation rivals last week and many players thought Bruce was about to be sacked that night or in the coming day, however, the next day Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley gave Bruce their full backing.

The Magpies registered just three shots as well as completing just 393 passes, compared to Brighton’s 751, and they were just one place and point better off than Newcastle.

Speaking on what Bruce must have been thinking after the game and what was more concerning than the result itself, Howey told FFC:

“Football is all about results. So even he would have thought he could be in trouble here unless he’s had prior conversations with the owner.

“I think every fan thought Bruce would be in trouble and as I’ve said, it wasn’t just necessarily the defeat that was the issue.

“I think it was the all-around performance and the lack anything really to try and turn it around.”

Newcastle find themselves still sitting outside of the bottom three which has been down to Fulham’s ability to capitalise since reducing the gap to three or less.

The Magpies have nine games left, with their final two games against Sheffield United and Fulham, two teams they failed to beat earlier this season.

Jannik Vestergaard has enjoyed an excellent season with Southampton and the centre-back continued his impressive form with Denmark at the weekend, as they defeated Moldova 8-0 in a World Cup qualifying game.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach man has been one of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s top performers in the Premier League so far this season, with his 7.09 average rating in the Premier League only second to James Ward-Prowse in the Southampton squad.

As a result of his performances, Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the 28-year-old recently, and Jose Mourinho may well have had his eye on the defender as he impressed for Denmark at the weekend.

As per SofaScore, Vestergaard would earn an impressive 7.6/10 rating for his display in what proved to be a comfortable win for Kasper Hjulmand’s side.

During the game, the colossal centre-back would have 113 touches of the ball and would complete 101/105 of his passes during the game, resulting in an excellent 96% pass accuracy.

This emphasises that, although he is renowned for his ability in the air, Vestergaard is an excellent passer of the ball and is capable of big switches of play, as eight of his 11 long balls would find a teammate against Moldova.

Although you can argue that the standard of opposition made things easy for the Danish defender, his average pass accuracy rate of 83.9% in the Premier League rates him third of any Saints player who has made more than five top-flight appearances.

The 28-year-old was also his usual imperious self in defence against Moldova, as he won all four of his duels during the game, whilst he also contributed three tackles, one interception and one clearance during the 90 minutes.

Despite his lack of pace, Vestergaard also wasn’t dribbled past once, which demonstrates his excellent defensive ability and shows how he has improved his game during his time at Southampton, especially this season.

Therefore, should Spurs, or any other side, make an official bid for Vestergaard in the summer, they should be wary that if he continues to produce displays similar to this one for both club and country, then his current value of £16.2 million will soon be on the up.

And, in other news… Shades of Schneiderlin: Southampton could repeat transfer masterclass with 19 y/o gem

The dream appointment is still on the cards for Celtic supporters. The name Ralf Rangnick is one that’s been popular with fans and indeed, he could still make a move to Glasgow.

What’s the word?

Rangnick had been linked with the Germany job but he was also reportedly in discussions over a sporting director role at Schalke.

However, according to the man himself, that is now firmly off the table.

The 62-year-old issued a statement this weekend reading: “Schalke is very close to my heart. The overwhelmingly positive reactions from members of the Königsblauen community have influenced me and confirmed my feelings for this very special club.”

Rangnick added “I would have loved to been involved in helping Schalke on its difficult road back to its former strength. Unfortunately, due to the numerous uncertainties within the club at the moment, I do not see myself being able to take on sporting responsibility at S04 at the moment.”

This is a major twist in Celtic’s hunt for a new manager. Only a few days ago it looked as though the German’s name was one they could cross off the shortlist.

Yet, they can now firmly put him at the top of their list again.

Desmond must be buzzing

This is incredibly exciting news for Celtic fans. They were lusting after Rangnick a few months ago but it looked as though their hopes had been diminished this week.

That being said, the possibility of the German now arriving at Parkhead has been elevated.

Commentator Derek Rae revealed all the way back in November that a deal would only be struck if he was enthused by the project in Glasgow. As can be seen from his statement regarding Schalke, it takes a very particular set of circumstances for him to move.

Celtic have their own issues and uncertainties, but if he joins, it could be revolutionary for the Bhoys. That’s because of his unbelievable achievements at Leipzig.

During his stint with the Bundesliga club, he helped develop players like Timo Werner and Naby Keita, deploying a transfer strategy that was based around signing players exclusively under the age of 23.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-transfer-news-onuachu-edouard-dembele-turnbull” title=”The latest Celtic news and views!”]

Known as the professor of the high press, he was also incredibly meticulous behind the scenes. Rangnick was very demanding, expecting players to arrive at training 90 minutes early in order to undergo saliva and blood tests.

As a consequence, he was able to work out how hard his squad would be able to train. They would also test gluten and lactose and tailor diets to each individual’s requirements as a result. His methods were so meticulous that he also brought in a sleep coach.

It’s pretty evident why this would be a dream hire.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges in Celtic manager hunt, it’s bad news for Hoops supporters…

Manchester City fans have been reacting to the news that Pep Guardiola will ask Sergio Aguero if he wants to stay at the club and, ultimately, it will be down to the player to decide whether he wants to stay or go.

The £31.5m-valued Argentina international (Transfermarkt) made the move to the Etihad Stadium in 2011, and has since gone on to become a club legend. With 257 goals for the Citizens in all competitions, he is their record goalscorer (bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk), and his strikes have helped the Manchester outfit win four Premier League titles.

However, his importance is dwindling at City. He has played just 32 league matches across this season and last (Transfermarkt), with a number of injuries keeping him out of the action for sustained spells. He is out of contract at the end of the season, and it is not clear whether he will stay with his current employers.

According to journalist Lu Martin, Guardiola will ask Aguero himself whether he wants to stay – it will be down to the 32-year-old himself to make the decision. The news, which was shared on Twitter account @City_Xtra, has delighted the City supporters, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Aguero news below

“Aguero is our greatest legend ever! He will remain no1 in our hearts no matter what ! I’m happy pep is giving him a choice!”

Credit: @BlissMcfc

“Good”

Credit: @FPL_Ben_

“Pls be true”

Credit: @DavidsQuests_

“you love to hear it, all I’m asking is for Agüero to surpass Rooney as the 2nd greatest goal scorer in EPL history. He only needs 28 between now and next season”

Credit: @secondImpact

“Best news ever”

Credit: @Libulele_

“I’ll tear up if he actually stays another season but If he wants to leave understandable”

Credit: @MCFCAG

In other news, Man City fans react to this £128m transfer claim.

Crystal Palace’s on-loan forward Michy Batshuayi has certainly not had the best of times since joining Chelsea from Marseille.

The Belgian has been farmed out on four separate loan deals away from Stamford Bridge, making a total of just 77 appearances for the Londoners since his arrival nearly five years ago.

Now, he has been encouraged to depart the club permanently by former Belgium hero and compatriot Erwin Vandenbergh.

However, having twice signed the 27-year-old on temporary deals twice in the past, Steve Parish and the Eagles should avoid making a permanent move.

It is fair to say that Batshuayi’s second loan spell at Selhurst Park has not gone as positively as the first. Having scored six goals in 13 appearances during the second-half of 2018/19, he has scored just once in 18 showings this time around.

This run of poor form is not entirely surprising considering that he has not managed to score double figures in a single season since the 2017/18 campaign, the second-half of which he spent with German giants Borussia Dortmund.

Batshuayi’s confidence in front of goal appears to have totally evaporated due to that barren run of form. He is now only averaging 0.7 shots per game in the Premier League this season according to WhoScored, a hugely disappointing record for a striker.

At the age of 27, Batshuayi is certainly not a young forward and he should be in his peak but this new low appears to have plunged his future in the Premier League into doubt.

Rated at £10.8m and out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer, a move for the Belgian may not actually be too costly in the near future.

However, with a recent record as poor as his, Palace’s funds really should not be spent on securing a permanent deal for Batshuayi.

AND in more news, the Eagles should also avoid signing Sheffied United man John Lundstram…

The latest instalment of the Manchester derby is not quite the title clash that Manchester United would have envisaged.

The Red Devils can cut the gap to Manchester City at the top of the table with a win but only to 11 points, perhaps merely delaying the precession to the title of Pep Guardiola and his men.

However, bragging rights are certainly up for offer and a key to United getting a result will be the performance of Bruno Fernandes.

As has been the case for many games since the Portuguese arrived from Sporting Clube de Portugal, he is set to be the Red Devils’ main hope.

In his time at Old Trafford so far, he has contributed 34 goals and 21 assists in just 62 matches – some seriously impressive numbers.

His contribution has even increased this season with Fernandes contributing to 49% of United’s 53 Premier League goals throughout the campaign.

He is also by far and away the most creative player in the entire Red Devils’ squad. According to WhoScored, he is averaging 2.8 key passes per match. His nearest midfield competitor is the lesser-spotted Juan Mata at just 1.1.

Even his teammates are aware of his immense influence since his arrival. Brazilian Fred has suggested that Fernandes “took over” the Manchester United midfield as soon as the ink dried on his contract at Old Trafford.

His creativity, dynamism and leadership are going to be even more important against such a good Manchester City side.

After a relatively poor start to the campaign, Guardiola has created a formidable team. The Citizens can boast the best defensive record in the Premier League having shipped just 17 goals throughout the entire season so far.

That stubbornness could suffocate United’s attacking players throughout the match, meaning Fernandes will have to be on top form if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aspires to take anything from the Etihad Stadium.

In the melting pot of the Manchester derby, Fernandes once again has to show his immense quality and display exactly why he has become the main star, not just in the United midfield, but the entire team.

If the Portuguese star struggles, it’s hard to see a way how United can penetrate what has been a fantastic City back line. If he plays well, however, then the visitors have a chance to leave the Etihad with a positive result.

AND in more news, read our opinion on why Edmond Tapsoba could be the perfect foil for Harry Maguire…

Speaking before Villa’s defeat against Leicester at the weekend, Smith admitted: “Matt has a hamstring strain. I am not sure the grade but it will mean a few weeks out, which is a blow for us.

“But it is something we have been good at dealing with so far. We have not had too many injuries but when we have people have come in and done the job for us.”

Unfortunately for Villa and Smith, Cash’s stand-in on Sunday, veteran full-back Ahmed Elmohamady, just looked completely off the pace, with it being no surprise that the manager singled him out for criticism after the game following his role in the opening goal.

He said: “I’m disappointed with the goals. Elmo shouldn’t have got involved with the first one, leave it to Ezri and deal with the second ball. In general they dealt with the second balls better than we did.”

At 33, Elmohamady isn’t the future of Villa, and in the pace and intensity of the Premier League, it’s difficult and unreasonable to expect the Egyptian to be the kind of marauding full-back that Cash is.

But in one academy starlet, Smith could solve his major concern at right-back: Kaine Kesler.

The 18-year-old made his first-team debut when he took to the field in that now famous FA Cup clash against Liverpool earlier this calendar year, where Villa’s entire side was named full of the club’s U23s and U18s after the first-team squad were forced to sit out.

Kesler who has predominantly played at right-back at Premier League 2 level, seems to have all the tools in his locker to be a real dangerous threat going forward for Villa, with his pace something that has already made people sit up and take notice.

In fact, speaking to The Athletic, one source said: “He looks like he’s got a real chance of featuring for the first team in the future. His speed is frightening and that could set him apart.”

And writing for The Athletic, Gregg Evans revealed that “senior players have been taken back by his blistering pace and his desire to make an impression when called upon”, and that “Smith rates the rapid right-back highly”.

Smith should make the brave call of giving Kesler the chance to shine now that Cash is out, and he could well be the man to solve the Villa’s boss’ concern in that position.

When it rains, it pours.

That’s what Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg quickly found out on Wednesday evening after the north London outfit were dumped out of the FA Cup by Everton in extra time.

And uncharacteristically, the Danish powerhouse was way off it at Goodison Park.

As Football FanCast outlined last month, the 25-year-old dubbed a ‘captain without the armband’ has arguably been Tottenham’s signing of the season so far but last night he was shocking in every sense.

Only Hugo Lloris (6.0) received a worse rating than Hojbjerg (6.1) as per SofaScore ratings, and it’s easy to see why.

The £27m-rated midfielder endured an absolute horror show – he was sloppy in possession for the Toffees’ opener as he gave the ball away in a dangerous position only for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to slot home and then he committed the all too familiar sin of conceding a penalty by clumsily tripping up the talismanic striker.

Hojbjerg was also dribbled past a whopping five times, more than anyone else on the pitch. He’s usually a hard man to bypass in that engine room having averaged 2.7 tackles per game as well as only being dribbled past 1.8 times per match in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

He was even careless with the ball, losing possession 20 times, which was the second-most of any Spurs player on the night. Again, this is awfully unlike the Denmark international as that’s double his average (10.8) for the top-flight campaign so far.

It’s no wonder the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick graded his performance a 4/10 in his post-match ratings column, and he dubbed him ‘sloppy and uncharacteristic.’

Everything usually runs through Hojbjerg in the middle of the pitch – his match-high 135 touches would certainly reinforce that – but he was far too weak as he also won only 58% of his duels, often losing out to the Toffees’ playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson and his supporting cast, Tom Davies and Abdoulaye Doucoure, whom all graded 6.8 or better as per SofaScore ratings.

As evident above, it was quite a nightmare for Hojbjerg – rare, but totally unneeded.

AND in other news, this £18m-rated liability badly let Mourinho down…

West Brom have been told how much it’ll cost to sign one of their mooted transfer targets…

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Celtic are willing to sell midfielder Olivier Ntcham for just £7m this month as the SPFL giants have given a green light over his potential departure.

They claimed just three days ago that the Baggies were one of several teams interested in signing him alongside Premier League rivals Southampton.

It is thought that his asking price has been slashed by around £5m since the summer window as the Hoops are resigned to the fact they will not receive in excess of £10m anymore.

Bargain move

Whilst it’s not the holding midfielder that Sam Allardyce is thought to be desperate for, Albion cannot sit back and watch now Ntcham’s price has been made.

The 24-year-old has endured a mixed campaign in the league as Celtic struggle to make ground on Rangers, but in Europe, he has really thrived.

Per WhoScored, the French midfielder has displayed his box-to-box abilities by averaging two dribbles, 1.4 shots, 1.2 tackles and 0.8 key passes per game.

Considering they were in a group with AC Milan and Lille, these are really impressive returns as it shows he’s been able to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

Over the course of his Parkhead career, Ntcham has proven to be a goal threat, managing 24 goals and 13 assists in 147 appearances per Transfermarkt, which only emphasises the impact he could have in attack too.

By comparison, he ranks pretty well to the Baggies’ current options in the role – he’s managed more key passes than either of Romaine Sawyers, Conor Gallagher or Jake Livermore, while neither of the trio are close to matching his dribbling ability, via WhoScored.

Only the Chelsea loanee is managing the same number of shots per game as above.

Ntcham has often been praised by those in charge at Celtic Park. The man who signed him, Brendan Rodgers, dubbed the maestro a “terrific talent” and with his current Foxes side in the title race, it’s fair to suggest that he knows a player when he sees one.

Meanwhile current Hoops boss Neil Lennon once said they had “one hell of a player” on their hands in an interview with the Celtic View, via 67hailhail.

£7m seems like a bargain when you remember that the likes of Oliver Burke, Nacer Chadli and Brown Ideye all cost more.

Albion sporting and technical director Luke Dowling ought to get this done before it’s too late.

AND in other news, West Brom can upgrade Romaine Sawyers with swoop for £9m-rated colossus…

Tottenham Hotspur start their FA Cup quest as the competition resumes with the third-round proper this weekend.

Jose Mourinho’s side landed themselves a favourable tie as they will travel to non-league minnows Marine on Sunday afternoon.

The Northern Premier League outfit stunned League Two Colchester United in the second round and will be on the hunt for another giant-killing tomorrow night.

Earlier in the week, Spurs advanced into the Carabao Cup final thanks to a 2-0 victory over Brentford and whilst they have one foot closer to their first piece of silverware in 12 years, they shouldn’t take their opposition for granted.

And Mourinho has plenty to consider in terms of team selection. However, it is unlikely that he tinkers too much after revealing in his pre-game press conference that only one U18 player would be travelling with the senior squad.

One name he must consider axing from his stating XI is Lucas Moura after he dropped a disasterclass in midweek.

Aside from Harry Kane, the Brazilian winger recorded the lowest rating (6.6) of any Spurs player per SofaScore.

He won just four of 11 duels, was dribbled past three times, made only 71% of his passes and could only touch the ball 28 times in 71 minutes of action.

His display even came under fire from former Spurs midfielder and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara, who tweeted: “Need to see more from Moura, drifts in and out of games and shows no cutting edge this season.”

Indeed, Moura’s poor form this term has seen him slip out-of-favour in the Premier League, starting just one game since October (ten matches).

He’s become somewhat a ‘cup winger’, but here against Marine, no mercy must be shown. He has to be dropped for underperforming once again.

The £36m-rated (€40m) dynamo has even struggled to find the net in the top-flight, managing just one goal since January 2020.

Despite the drastic drop in fortunes, it was only two months ago that teammate Eric Dier claimed Moura was “a nightmare,” he told the Premier League’s official YouTube channel:

“There’s no-one worse to train against than Lucas Moura. He’s a nightmare. He’s so fast, so sharp.”

Mourinho also confirmed that Bale was fit and training again, so it makes the decision to ruthlessly drop him all that easier this weekend.

AND in other news, Mourinho can repeat Ibrahimovic masterstroke with £120k-p/w leader…