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Leicester City have been linked with a number of wide options heading into the summer transfer window.

Two of the most prominent names have been Florian Thauvin of Olympique Marseille and Borussia Dortmund’s Thorgan Hazard.

It is certainly key that the Foxes bring in another wide option next season with on-loan Cengiz Under set to return to AS Roma. It should definitely be the former Newcastle United man Thauvin who Brendan Rodgers and Jon Rudkin target.

Both at the same age of 28, albeit Hazard being two months younger, the Frenchman is enjoying a much better season throughout 2020/21.

He has eight goals and nine assists in all competitions for Marseille, whilst the Dortmund man can only boast three goals and four assists, the lowest amount of goal contributions he has racked up in a single season throughout the entirety of his senior top-flight career.

Whilst Thauvin is clearly excelling thanks to his tangible output throughout the current campaign, the £25.2m-rated wideman continues to outperform Hazard in his general play.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leicester-city-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-mcgregor-iheanacho-soyuncu-dewsbury-hall-rodgers” title=” Latest Leicester City news, transfer rumours and more… “]

According to WhoScored, he attempts more than double the Belgian’s shots per game in the league, racking up two per match in Ligue 1, compared to the Dortmund man’s 0.7 per game in the Bundeslliga.

Thauvin’s composure and threat on the ball continues when looking at his 1.6 dribbles per game compared to Hazard’s paltry total of just 0.4. For context, even Leicester defender Wesley Fofana has completed more than that with his 0.6 per game according to WhoScored.

Meanwhile, the former Newcastle man is far more of a creative influence too, providing 1.5 key passes compared to Hazard’s 0.8.

So, whilst on paper, both Thauvin and Hazard may seem like extremely similar players, the former is the stand-out right-winger.

He then should certainly be Leicester’s number one priority should they, as is expected, choose to recruit a wideman in the summer transfer window.

AND in more news, the Foxes have been dealt a huge blow in the race for Celtic Odsonne Edouard…

Leeds United youngster Robbie Gotts has been tipped to leave the club this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa not seeing him as part of his plans.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Salford City, having moved to the League Two club in January, affording him more regular first team football.

Gotts’ current Leeds deal expires at the end of next season, raising question marks over what the next chapter in his career will be.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Gotts could leave Leeds, claims Hay

According to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay, the youngster is unlikely to convince Bielsa to be part of his future plans, with a move elsewhere appearing to be on the cards:

“He’s [Gotts] a lovely lad and a good player but I got a distinct impression that he suspects his future lies elsewhere. Bielsa always keeps his leading under-23s close to him. He’d rather they trained at Thorp Arch than played elsewhere on loan.

“This naturally concludes that anyone who is allowed to leave on loan is a fair distance from his plans.”

Gotts has managed three appearances for Leeds to date, making his debut away to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round in January 2020.

Transfer Tavern take

In truth, it makes sense for all parties for Gotts to find a new permanent club moving forward, with the midfielder once described as ‘excellent’ by Richie Wellens.

If Bielsa can’t guarantee him a regular squad role, he risks growing stagnant in his career, so being a key man at a different club makes far more sense.

Leeds are now at a level where they are a mid-table Premier League club with aspirations of improving further – Gotts doesn’t appear to be at that standard in Bielsa’s eyes.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with an outrageous move this summer – find out who the player in question is here.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has urged Everton fans to ‘keep an eye on Max Aarons’, the Norwich City right-back.

Sky Sports reported last month that the Blues were considering making a move for Aarons, claiming that Norwich are looking for a fee in the region of £30m-35m regardless of whether or not they secure promotion.

However, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also apparently in the race to sign him.

Everton keeping a close eye on Norwich talent again

Aarons is currently on international duty with England under-21s, having been called up for the group stages of the European Championships in that age category.

The 21-year-old has played every minute in the Championship for the Canaries so far this season, averaging 1.3 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 0.7 shots per game (via WhoScored).

Everton captured Ben Godfrey from Carrow Road last summer for a fee of £25m and he has enjoyed a successful first season on Merseyside, hailed as a ‘revelation’ by BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty in February after the 2-0 win at Anfield against Liverpool.

The hope is that Aarons can follow in his footsteps, and these Toffees fans on Twitter are certainly excited about that prospect after reading Romano’s cryptic tweet:

Everton fans express excitement after Romano’s Aarons teaser

“I like it a lot”

Credit: @SJM1878

“Love you”

Credit: @DirtyDigne

“Inject it”

Credit: @kian04301982

“AGH”

Credit: @chloemcnulty31

“You don’t have to ask me twice”

Credit: @PolariChat

“Oh my days”

Credit: @smythy2

“Max Aarons should be our priority this window. Hopefully talks are progressing well and he can come play with Godfrey again”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

In other news, many Everton fans were also pleased with this update. 

Ralph Hasenhuttl is facing a headache at Southampton following the international break, with Nathan Redmond’s superb performance against Bournemouth at the weekend highlighting his potential as a striker in the Austrian’s 4-2-2-2 system.

The former Norwich City man, who reportedly earns £60k per week at Southampton, has endured a poor campaign that has seen him manage just one goal and one assist in 20 Premier League appearances, resulting in a less than impressive 6.45 average rating.

However, despite having not found the net in any competition since the 3-0 win against Sheffield United in December, the 27-year-old looked full of confidence at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday and contributed two goals and one assist in the 3-0 win.

This could give Hasenhuttl a very difficult decision to make following the international break, with Southampton set to face Burnley at St Mary’s in their first game back on April 4th.

Danny Ings is currently sidelined through injury but it is expected that he could make his return against his old side following the international break, so it will be interesting to see whether or not Hasenhuttl throws him straight back in.

There is also the added competition of young Nathan Tella, who has impressed in recent weeks in a striker role, particularly in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United recently.

Che Adams has also found his feet again after a poor run of form that saw him fail to find the net in January and February, before breaking his duck with a screamer at Bramall Lane, which he then followed up with goals against Manchester City and Brighton.

He was also unfortunate not to make it four goals in four in the 3-0 win at Bournemouth, as his fierce strike from 25 yards was ruled out for a tight offside.

Redmond was undoubtedly the star of the show though, as he played in Moussa Djenepo for the opening goal with a perfectly-timed pass and then making it 2-0 before half-time with a superb run and finish, before completing his brace by finding the bottom corner after Stuart Armstrong’s effort came back off the post.

Therefore, Hasenhuttl arguably has three in-form strikers to choose from right now, whilst Ings will surely demand a place in the starting eleven when he returns from injury, which gives the Austrian a huge decision to make following the international break.

And, in other news… Southampton could sign their next Mane with £8.5m swoop for 18-goal beast

West Ham visit Manchester United on Sunday looking to stake their claim to Champions League qualification, but David Moyes has revealed there are a number of injury concerns.

The Irons are six points behind the Red Devils, albeit with a game in hand, and can put the pressure on fourth-placed Chelsea with a win after the Blues’ goalless draw with Leeds United on Saturday.

Manchester United have beaten West Ham in each of their previous two meetings this season, but required extra time to eliminate the Irons from the FA Cup last month. However, their Premier League form has been underwhelming, with five draws in their last eight fixtures.

Moyes will be without Jesse Lingard at Old Trafford, with the on-loan midfielder ineligible to face his parent club. With that in mind, here’s a potential line-up the Hammers may field…

Moyes confirmed on Friday that West Ham are facing a number of injury concerns ahead of travelling to Manchester United this weekend, but hopes that those facing late fitness tests will be able to feature.

“We’ve got a couple of slight doubts behind the scenes on a couple of players, who have just picked up slight injuries which I’m hoping will be okay,” he said. “I won’t know until tomorrow [Saturday] to see how a couple of them are going.

“That’s just something I’m nursing behind the scenes a little bit. It might be that they’re all okay, it might be that they’re not okay – that’s where it is.”

Lingard will be one who cannot feature against the Red Devils due to the terms of West Ham’s loan agreement, depriving Moyes of a four-goal, two-assist option who has been involved in more goals than any Hammers player since his arrival at the London Stadium.

“He’ll be a big loss because he’s had a big impact on the team and how we’ve played. He’s been a positive signing for us, coming in in January, so it is a loss to us, but we’ve got other people,” Moyes added.

Lingard is likely to be the only player who started Monday’s 2-0 win over Leeds to be withdrawn from the West Ham line-up against Manchester United, barring a tactical shift from the east London outfit or a late injury.

Jarrod Bowen will be expected to take over the England international’s place in the team and replace Pablo Fornals on the right wing, with the Spaniard changing sides and Said Benrahma moving centrally.

Bowen has not started either of West Ham’s last two Premier League games after falling out of the team which beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 last month, although the £25m-rated maestro has won plaudits this season, with Dean Windass telling Football FanCast that “he’s proved me wrong”.

Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford will be a big test for Benrahma after Moyes vocalised his desires to see a better end product from the Algerian after beating Leeds.

Benrahma is yet to score in claret and blue since his initial arrival on loan from Brentford last summer, while providing five assists in 22 appearances, of which he has started 12, across all competitions.

Moyes could look to reduce his forward options in Lingard’s absence, which may open the door for Ben Johnson to feature at left-back in a return to a five-man defence, or Mark Noble to start in a more congested engine room to try and thwart the dangerous Bruno Fernandes.

In other news, West Ham are keen to sign a “special talent” who his manager feels “privileged” to have in his squad…

Julian Nagelsmann will be Tottenham Hotspur’s top option to replace Jose Mourinho should fortunes not soon change in north London, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The Telegraph’s Matt Law has claimed that the Portuguese boss is facing a pivotal 12-day period in which his job could be under serious threat past the current campaign.

Spurs have lost five of their last six in the Premier League but do still have a place in the Carabao Cup final and likely the last 16 of the Europa League too.

The RB Leipzig manager, thought to be one of the most exciting up-and-coming coaches in the game, is said to be Daniel Levy’s first choice should he be forced to sack Mourinho.

He’ll make Spurs ‘mean’

Whilst it is still too early to say whether or not Mourinho should face the axe – after all, he’s one game away from clinching their first piece of silverware since 2008 – it wouldn’t hurt to consider alternatives just as long as they are genuine upgrades.

And that’s where Nagelsmann is an intriguing candidate.

The 33-year-old has been tipped to reach the heights of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, arguably two of the best managers in the Premier League right now, whilst he has drawn inspiration from the latter.

Perhaps more interestingly, it is comparisons to legendary arch-rival Arsene Wenger that could signal a new direction at Hotspur Way.

Nagelsmann has been noted to be a fan of the former Arsenal man’s work with current Gunners winger Reiss Nelson outlining the similarities between the two in an interview with Bundesliga.com.

During a loan spell under him at Hoffenheim, he was asked if there was a connection, and he replied:

“Yeah, 100 per cent. They give youth a chance like Arsenal do, bringing young talents through like Jack Wilshere. It’s the same with the boss here. He gives opportunities to young players and he has belief in them.”

But it is not only the faith in emerging prospects that makes the German so appealing. He’d certainly help alleviate one of Tottenham’s biggest problems – that leaky backline.

The revolutionary record-breaker has developed Leipzig into one of the meanest defences in the Bundesliga – indeed, no other side has conceded fewer (18) this season. Not even league leaders Bayern Munich (31), who have subsequently splashed €42.5m (£36.5m) on RB colossus Dayot Upamecano.

Known for his innovation in an attacking sense, the German outfit always remain compact defensively and have never spent over €16m (£14m) on a central defender, which will be music to Levy’s ears as it shows he can develop what he has – or at the very least, not spend bucket loads.

They are the fourth-most successful side in the Bundesliga for pressing, though they top the charts for total number of pressures per 90 (50.7), as per FBRef, which makes their impressive goals against tally all that more impressive as despite the constant work-rate, they aren’t letting the opposition into potential gaps and spaces.

This is because Leipzig are compact in the middle of the pitch, leaving the opposition with a lot of long balls to play instead, and that’s also nullified as all of their central defenders tower above 6-foot, whilst they top the division for successful aerial duels won per 90 (59.4%), via FBRef.

No side has faced fewer shots (56) across this season either, so clearly, Nagelsmann is a bit of a defensive genius too. Wenger’s invincibles had a pretty impressive and resolute defence too.

Spurs’ problems at the back are well documented. Only one other top-seven team leaked more goals last term, while this season, Mourinho has chopped and changed his options with every passing week.

Clearly isn’t able to coach the likes of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez into being better central options, so this is where Nagelsmann could make an immediate impact, as evident above.

“I see [Nagelsmann] as a great coaching talent in all the relevant areas that a coach has to fulfil: leadership, dealing with the players and their tactical development,” said Ralph Rangnick to SPORT1, via Bundesliga.com.

Quite rightly, the Leipzig gem must be atop Levy’s shortlist should Mourinho depart in the near future. They’d be getting their very own Wenger-like leader, one capable of resolving the biggest nightmare.

AND in other news, Three Spurs stars who must buck up their ideas ahead of summer window

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Dean Windass praised former Hull City winger Jarrod Bowen for his performances in the Premier League.

Bowen has been an ever-present when fit for West Ham United and is a crucial cog in David Moyes’ well-oiled machine.

During his final season and a half for Hull, Bowen registered 38 goals and 10 assists in 75 games which was making a lot of Premier League clubs interested.

After a deadline day fight, Moyes got his man and is proving his worth both on and off the ball registering five goals and three assists in the league so far.

The winger has carried the ball the second furthest out of anyone at West ham (40892 yards) only behind Declan Rice with 6549 yards.

Bowen’s willingness to run himself into the ground for the side is extremely valuable to how Moyes has got the Hammers playing this season.

Windass admits he was wrong to question Bowen’s ability after he departed Hull.

He told Football FanCast: “I’ve questioned Jarrod Bowen before. I questioned Jarrod when he left Hull. Was he good enough to play in the Premier League?

“He’s proved me wrong and he’s probably proved himself wrong the kid. He’s a lovely kid.”

Bowen’s form has also forced Moyes into some tough choices into who misses out in the starting line-up which has often been Said Benrahma, which Windass spoke about.

“You bring in Benrahma who’s been in and out. I think if they wouldn’t have gotten Jesse Lingard, Benrahma would have played a lot more games.”

The 24-year old is improving every game and thriving in a team that is full of energy and confidence and looking to breach the top four.

If West Ham are to earn a spot in the Champions League, Bowen’s energy and willingness to sacrifice personal achievements for the team will have to remain at the highest level.

Ex-referee Mark Halsey was not impressed by Celtic striker Albian Ajeti for diving during his side’s 4-0 win against Kilmarnock on Tuesday night.

Halsey not impressed

It was a much-needed win for the Bhoys in what has been a largely forgettable season for the reigning Scottish champions, inspired by Scott Brown returning to the side following his recent suspension.

The skipper got the opening goal before the interval, which was followed by a second-half brace from Odsonne Edouard and Ajeti found the net with four minutes of normal time to play.

However, the 23-year-old has attracted some controversy in the build-up to the second goal as he won the penalty for Celtic. As the challenge came in from Killie goalkeeper Colin Doyle, Ajeti appeared to go down without any contact, putting his feet together to simulate contact from the challenge.

When asked whether he thought it was a dive from Ajeti, Halsey told The Transfer Tavern: “Oh absolutely, absolutely it was.

“When I saw it I didn’t think the goalkeeper touched him. He’s deceived the referee – there’s no qualms about that. It’ll be interesting to see if the Scottish FA take retrospective action.

“I didn’t think it was a penalty, you could tell from the goalkeeper straight away, he probably knew he was never touched and he just went down.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

We have to agree with Halsey here. While it was great for Celtic to react in the right way after their defeat to St Mirren at the end of January, Ajeti’s simulation definitely had an impact on the game.

Both sides had the same amount of shots on goal in the end, and while Celtic were of course much more clinical, Killie would not have been out of the match at 1-0.

But Neil Lennon will certainly not be phased by it and will just be relieved to get three point, as the Hoops now move on to face Motherwell on Saturday.

In other news, Pundit slams Celtic following Dominic McKay’s appointment as CEO for key reason.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Manchester United are one of the clubs that have been offered the chance to sign Edin Dzeko from Roma.

What’s the word?

The 34-year-old finds himself surplus to requirements at the Stadio Olimpico after a public spat between the Bosnian international and boss Paulo Fonseca.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is believed to be on the lookout for a striker following the recent departure of Odion Ighalo, despite the fact that his side have scored the second-highest amount of goals in the Premier League this season.

And now, Corriere dello Sport claim United have been offered the chance to bring Dzeko to Old Trafford.

Must avoid at all costs

Whilst the centre-forward position could be a particular area of need in the summer, this is a potential signing the Red Devils should stay away from before the transfer window closes this week.

United will look to strengthen their squad in the next transfer window, and have already signed Amad Diallo from Atalanta, but have Edinson Cavani out of contract this summer, although there is the option to extend his stay at Old Trafford for a further year.

Marcus Rashford, who can also play the role, appears to be in fine form this season, having made 20 top-flight appearances with seven goals and eight assists to show for his 18 starts, with United currently in Premier League title contention just past the halfway point of the season.

While Dzeko is a proven Premier League goalscorer – 50 goals in 130 games is a solid return – he just simply isn’t the right man for the Red Devils.

Would he be any better than another older head in Cavani? Probably not.

They are of a similar age but there isn’t much to choose between them if you take a closer look at the numbers. Both players produce high numbers of shots and key passes per game, with Dzeko slightly ahead at 2.7 and 1.1 in Serie A respectively, but he is also dispossessed more frequently, 1.2 to Cavani’s 0.2.

At 34, it’s fair to say that it just wouldn’t be worth the risk, especially when you consider the fact he earns a whopping £7.5m per year with Roma, per Fabrizio Romano via the Here We Go podcast, which works out at around £127,000-per-week.

AND in other news, Manchester United striker Anthony Martial was shocking in Sheffield United defeat…

Many Aston Villa fans have been talking about a tweet from Gregg Evans that recently emerged on social media.

Evans recently tweeted out an article about the club’s recent form. The tweet stated that the club’s squad will look more complete when the signing of Morgan Sanson is complete. It also talked about why Villa should sign a striker this month, saying that Ollie Watkins is the only striker in the Premier League who has played every minute of every game.

But the Englishman will need to rest at some point in the campaign and because of that, Villa may need to sign another striker in the ongoing January transfer window.

Evans’ article for the Athletic states that owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will continue to back head coach Dean Smith in the market whenever the need arises. Adding another striker could mean that Villa could have the ‘perfect’ January window and it would allow them the chance to finish as high as possible.

It also states that Villa are in a better financial position than other clubs this month but despite that, January is a tough market to do business in. It also talked about the fact that having another striker wouldn’t hurt them.

Evans’ tweet caught the attention of many Villa fans, who gave their opinion about what the article said.

What did Villa fans make of Gregg Evans’ tweet?

“Think it will be a massively missed opportunity if we don’t sign another Striker to help Watkins. A loan would work and less risky.”

Credit: @chris_dolan

“I know he’s young but we should start thinking about integrating Barry into the first team squad a little.”

Credit: @_porsalin

“Does seem silly to only go with 1 recognised striker, if Watkins gets injured then the whole thing potentially falls apart due to his work rate and ability to occupy the whole back 4 on his own. We seen last season what an injury to your only striker can do.”

Credit: @VillaWayne

“I’d be surprised if we sign a striker. Traore would play up top if anything happened to Ollie with EG or Trez on the wing. Who, of real quality, would come to us knowing they would be just the back up? No time to panic. Address this in the summer. Re Barry, trust the coaches.”

Credit: @BrumRadioPete

“A striker addition with a loan to buy option would make sense for us to help Ollie take a breather and rest and rotate a bit, if ever he gets injured our European football adventure may end.”

Credit: @UTViIIa
“Another striker is essential Gregg, Loan out Davis and have Barry around the first team … Watkins over Christmas was shattered.”
Credit: @Naathan_lowe

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has issued an update about an Aston Villa target – read more here.