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Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily), journalist Kaveh Solhekol has dropped an enticing Tottenham Hotspur financial claim after the big development of former boss Jose Mourinho taking the job at AS Roma.

The Lowdown: Mourinho job could be great news for Spurs

Just over two weeks after chairman Daniel Levy and the Tottenham board opted to sack Mourinho after a year and a half in north London, the Portuguese has already secured a new position for the 2021/2022 campaign.

As confirmed by the Europa League semi-finalists, Roma have now appointed the 58-year-old as a replacement for current boss Paulo Fonseca – who will leave at the end of the season.

Originally, after dismissing Mourinho, Tottenham looked set for a financial hinderance – having to place their ex-boss on gardening leave while he continues to receive his reported £13 million-per-year contract (Sky Sports).

This could have lasted for up to 18 months according to Alasdair Gold, but Mourinho finding a new job so soon could now come as a big financial boost.

The Latest: Solhekol backs financial boost for Spurs

Backing previous claims made by other members of the media (Dan Kilpatrick), Sky Sports reporter Solhekol has dropped his own update on the financial aftermath for Spurs.

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Speaking to the broadcaster (via Football Daily), the reporter dropped a rather enticing claim – going on to say that Tottenham could save ‘millions and millions’.

“Now, our understanding of the situation as far as Mourinho and Spurs is concerned,” he explained to Sky.

“Because Jose [Mourinho] has taken this job, it will save Spurs millions and millions of pounds.

“If he hadn’t taken the job, they would have had to carry on paying him until the end of next season.

“His salary is reported to be around £13m-per-year, that is the kind of money you’re talking about Spurs saving.”

The Verdict: Some great news for a change

Amid the financial difficulties for Tottenham caused by coronavirus, with the club announcing they had lost an ‘irrecoverable’ amount of £63.9 million at the end of last year (Evening Standard), Levy and co have now received a very welcome bit of financial news.

Sky Sports backing previous reports of how this benefits Spurs only cements just how much it could help the club off the pitch and behind the scenes.

Levy will be a very relieved man given he also had to place fellow former boss Mauricio Pochettino on gardening leave for six months last year (The Telegraph), and a long time out for Mourinho could have eaten even further into the Lilywhites’ finances.

Now, it appears Spurs will soon have no outstanding managerial payments as soon as Mourinho begins at the Stadio Olimpico next season.

In other news: Tottenham make inquiry to sign ‘outstanding’ powerhouse, find out more here.

Liverpool face a key clash in their race to qualify for the UEFA Champions League as they take on old rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

As it stands, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds sit six points off of the top four with just five matches left to play so the clash against the Red Devils really is pivotal in their season with a Champions League place being the only thing that they have left to play for.

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One man in the Liverpool squad who certainly understands these type of games – where the stakes are so high – is veteran midfielder James Milner. He simply must start at Old Trafford.

Whilst the 61-cap former England international is firmly in the twilight of his career at the age of 35, he brings with him plenty of experience in huge games due to his spells with Manchester City and, of course, the Reds.

That understanding and ability to remain calm in key moments could certainly come in useful against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men. Klopp is certainly aware of his key role in the Liverpool squad, labelling the midfielder as “massively important”.

Whilst some will argue that Milner does not possess the ability to silence the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba during the game, his defensive statistics suggest otherwise.

When compared to fellow midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who has rarely dropped out of the starting line-up in the Premier League this season, Milner overcomes the Dutchman on tackles and clearances per game, according to WhoScored.

Again, as the Reds attempt to shut out a United side that have won five out of their last six Premier League games, those aspects could well be key.

So, whilst Milner will certainly appear as an unlikely candidate to start at Old Trafford, Klopp really must restore him to the side as he could certainly be crucial in Liverpool earning a positive result in what is a crucial game.

AND in more news, find out which major summer transfer target the Reds have missed out on…

Many Everton fans have been giving their thoughts as Phil Kirkbride has claimed that Mason Holgate may be dropped against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.

However, the Liverpool Echo journalist suggested that the defender needs time to regain his form, which caused quite a stir among some members of the Goodison Park faithful.

Holgate has made costly errors in recent games for the Toffees, dwelling on the ball which allowed Ollie Watkins to score for Aston Villa last week, while two lapses of judgement alongside Michael Keane allowed Harry Kane to score twice for Tottenham in April.

It seems as if many Everton supporters have simply had enough of the defender and subsequently do not want him to start in what is a crucial match away to the Hammers as Carlo Ancelotti’s side chase a European finish.

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Everton fans on Holgate claim

These fans made their feelings clear after Kirkbride made the claim on Twitter, as they were particularly critical of Holgate’s recent performances.

“His performances lately have been shocking. He should be dropped. No room for sentiment”

Credit: @JACKDEL15

“Probably get slated for this but he should be sold in the summer. We need players with a winning mentality”

Credit: @offerson76

“Needs a change of attitude & mental aptitude. Too cocky & thinks he’s better than what he is. Only seems to turn it on when we play a bigger team. Frustrating, had his chance, definitely should be dropped for the rest of the season unless injuries hit.”

Credit: @rob_fisher_efc

“Need to cash in this summer, he hasn’t improved, makes too many mistakes & terrible on the ball. Anything over £10m would be a great deal for us.”

Credit: @iamawayrightnow

“Liability, attitude got the better of him”

Credit: @evertonno1

“He can have all the time he needs at another club. Nowhere near good enough and stagnated.”

Credit: @LeaderRound

In other news, find out what early team news has left some Everton fans fuming.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood, who scored 54 goals for West Ham, believes Tomas Soucek has been the signing of the season in the Premier League.

Soucek has become a fan favourite at West Ham since arriving on loan from Slavia Prague last January, before making his move to London a permanent one in the summer for just £15 million.

This season has seen Soucek establish a formidable partnership with Declan Rice in the centre of midfield and the Czech Republic international has been able to add goals to his game this season as well, netting nine in 33 Premier League appearances this term.

Speaking on whether Soucek is the signing of the season and how his stats back up his opinion, Harewood said:

“Yeah, best signing of the season by far and he’s got everything. His stats say everything really when you compare them to anyone else in the league.”

David Moyes has previously admitted that the club will have to listen to offers for both Rice and Soucek in the summer, even if they successfully complete a surprising bid for a top-four finish.

The £67,308 per week midfielder has recently been linked with Bayern Munich after a season of solid performances for the Hammers.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has knocked back the idea of Manchester United selling Paul Pogba.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are dreaming of bringing their former player back to Turin.

Pogba played for the Italian giants between 2012 and 2016 before returning to Manchester United and was an instrumental figure for the club.

The Frenchman made just under 180 appearances during his time there and recorded some very good numbers when it comes to goals and assists, making it no surprise that Juventus are keen on a reunion.

Palmer, though, is adamant that Manchester United will not sell their World Cup-winning midfielder.

Discussing Juventus’ reported interest in Pogba, the ex-Sheffield Wednesday player told FFC:

“United won’t sell him. While [Ole Gunnar] Solskjaer is manager of the football club, they won’t sell him, they won’t sell him. He’s a phenomenal talent and, listen, they fell off challenging for the league when Pogba picked up that thigh injury.

“You know, everybody can say whatever they want to say about Pogba. [Graeme] Souness has been a top, top manager, a top, top midfield player and everybody’s entitled to their opinion. I just think he brings something different to the table.”

Palmer finished off by saying:

“I don’t believe that there’s any way, in any shape or form, that Man United or Ole will sell Paul Pogba.”

As well as Juventus, Real Madrid are another club who have been linked with Pogba, and the 28-year-old has not hidden his desire to play for the current La Liga champions.

Returning to the dugout this evening, Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore will certainly be looking for a strong response to their embarrassing defeat at the weekend.

After an emphatic victory against Cardiff in front of the TV cameras on Easter Monday, the Owls were then thrashed 4-1 by QPR to put their Championship survival hopes hanging by a thread.

The 46-year-old is now left with plenty to consider by way of team selection at Hillsborough tonight, as his side welcome promotion chasers Swansea City, who have the firepower to deal further damage to Wednesday’s plight.

It would be a surprise to see an unchanged lineup, so here’s our predicted XI as well as the latest team and injury news from south Yorkshire…

The nature of their defeat on Saturday will surely signal some alterations and we’re predicting three changes from the QPR defeat.

After a trio of goals in the second half, we could well see Keiren Westwood finally return between the sticks, as his leadership and experience should be crucial in these final six matches. He replaces Joe Wildsmith.

There could be a tweak to the backline, too, as Moore makes the big decision to drop Sam Hutchinson back into defence alongside Tom Lees and Osaze Urhoghide. It means that Julian Borner makes way after a difficult afternoon against the R’s.

Given the lack of wide options, both Adam Reach and Liam Palmer are likely to remain in their wing-back roles, whilst Joey Pelupessy is an obvious candidate to move into midfield to fill the vacancy left by Hutchinson’s redeployment.

The Dutch defensive midfielder could well be needed against a team which is expected to dominate possession. He would free up Barry Bannan and Josh Windass to be the dangermen for the Owls slightly further up the pitch.

Moore could stick with Jordan Rhodes up top as the forward has bagged four times since his arrival from Doncaster, but in a bid to spark a reaction, Andre Green may be handed his second start since joining on a free transfer in January. That’s a move which would see Callum Paterson revert to the bench.

Joost van Aken and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have both returned from injury, but as they featured for the under-23s earlier this week, they shouldn’t be involved at Hillsborough tonight; whilst the likes of Moses Odubajo, Massimo Luongo and Chey Dunkley are all still on the treatment table.

AND in other news, Forget Wildsmith: Sheff Wed lightweight who lost 89% of duels badly let Moore down on Saturday…

After reportedly reigniting their interest in Francisco Trincao, Leicester City have reportedly returned for another La Liga midfielder – Real Betis’ William Carvalho.

According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, the Foxes are the “most moved” in relation to any transfer deal, with Betis keen to sell due to the financial impacts of the pandemic.

It is not the first time that the East-Midlanders have expressed an interest in the Portuguese international, with reports last summer suggesting that they had agreed personal terms with the player only for Betis to scupper the move.

The Foxes and Director of Football Jon Rudkin would be making a mistake should they try for Carvalho once more.

When observing the Foxes’ squad, there does not appear to be space for the 28-year-old. Wilfred Ndidi is one of the most accomplished defensive midfielders in the Premier League, whilst Namplays Mendy and Hamza Choudhury are more than able deputies should the Nigerian not be available.

It is slightly perplexing then that Brendan Rodgers would elect to recruit a very similar player in the form of the £13.5m-rated Betis man, especially if that investment would be better served elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Carvalho’s injury record is not the most inspiring. Over the last two seasons, the former Sporting Clube de Portugal man has missed a total of 25 matches through injury, whilst having only been afforded 23 starts in all competitions during the same period.

Considering the Foxes’ injury problems this season and the fact that they could be faced with another gruelling European campaign next year, Rodgers will surely want players he can rely on within his squad. Carvalho does not seem like he would be able to fulfill that particular assignment.

If Leicester do indeed return for his signature, they might well be convinced of his ability but on face value, Carvalho is a player they should avoid.

AND in more news, read about another midfield transfer that the Foxes played perfectly…

Fans of West Ham United have taken to Twitter in reaction to reports of the Hammers’ interest in a summer move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

According to a report by Anfield Central, David Moyes’ side have approached Liverpool regarding a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the Reds manager, Jurgen Klopp, said to be open to letting the midfielder leave Merseyside this summer, despite the 53-year-old’s preference that the midfielder remains at Anfield.

However, whether the England international will consider a move to the London Stadium is dependant on his desire for regular first-team football, as, at present, Klopp does not view the 27-year-old as a crucial part of the Liverpool starting XI, the report claims.

Although, after several West Ham news accounts relayed the report on Twitter, fans of the Hammers flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing to be firmly against the idea of their club making a move for Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain?

“Another sick note, no thanks.”

@ANDAMA73x

“Pls no.”

@LukaSkaric2

“Doubt it. Wouldn’t get in the side.”

@rbm1895

“Absolutely not – along with Ramsey.”

@RichardGSBOUT

“No thanks.”

@geezerWESTHAM75

“Wilshere 2.0.”

@brad_hass4

“We don’t need another sick note.”

@FlitwickIrons

“Nooooooooooo.”

@MK202054150587

“Why? Please be a late April Fool’s joke.”

@RegalRacing

In other news: West Ham are preparing a summer offer for this 16-goal £13k p/w Moyes target – find out more here!

Former Manchester United man Keith Gillespie has criticised Marcus Rashford’s form in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, insisting that he has not been good enough.

The £200,000-a-week England international has somewhat struggled in front of goal this season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have attempted to challenge Manchester City at the top of the league.

Rashford has scored nine goals in 29 Premier League appearances this season but he has netted just twice in his last 14 appearances.

Those goals came in the 9-0 thumping of Southampton and the 3-1 beating of Newcastle United, and Gillespie has been disappointed with the way the 23-year-old has been performing.

Indeed, he believes that United need to prioritise the signing of a striker in the summer transfer window as they look to find a guaranteed source of goals.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, he said: “I think for quite a while Rashford’s been poor, and I think a lot of Man United fans feel this.

“He’s got all the talent in the world but just sometimes his decision-making isn’t good enough.”

Rashford did have a good record in the Champions League this season, scoring six times in six games, but his lack of form has coincided with United losing ground in the title race.

Glasgow Rangers supporters group Club 1872 have demanded the sacking of BBC pundit Michael Stewart after his comments regarding the Glen Kamara racism row.

Club 1872 demand Stewart sacking

The Finland international claimed to have been racially abused by Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela during the Gers’ Europa League clash on Thursday.

Speaking on Sportsound in the aftermath, Stewart suggested that Kamara may have misheard Kudela and asked for caution in judging the situation (Daily Record). This has enraged Club 1872, who believe that Stewart is brushing the allegations under the carpet. They released a statement which read, in part:

“Unfortunately we also find ourselves in the position of having to address the behaviour of Michael Stewart in relation to this latest incident of racism directed at a Rangers player. In February 2020, Mr Stewart did his best to use his platform on BBC Scotland to cast doubt on the racist abuse suffered by Alfredo Morelos at Celtic Park, despite someone being charged over the incident. Fast forward one year and he is again refusing to take the personal experience of a black player who has been racially abused at face value.

“We believe Glen Kamara 100%, his account is clear, his and his teammates’ reaction at the time was authentic and it was immediately apparent to anyone with any common sense that something serious had occurred. For racism to be dealt with in football, our default position should be to believe the accounts of those who experience it and seek the corroboration and evidence to allow the authorities to take strong action. For Michael Stewart to take the opposite approach, twice, is a disgrace.

“We are fully aware of Michael Stewart’s desperate quest for attention and we are loath to give him the attention he craves, but this is too serious a matter to allow to pass without comment. BBC Scotland told us last year, following Mr Stewart’s rant at that time, that he had been reminded of his responsibilities. Clearly, that ‘reminder’ has fallen on deaf ears. BBC Scotland’s continuing tolerance of him is further evidence of the institutional decline of the Scottish outpost of the BBC. This latest outburst should be his last and we will watch with interest to see if BBC Scotland now take the action they should have taken over a year ago.”

Strong stance

Stewart’s comments were particularly out of touch. While caution and due process is needed in such a situation, he basically suggested that Kamara may well have got it wrong – given how the scene unfolded at Ibrox, it is hard to believe the Finland international would be making it up. This is not the first time Stewart has had negative things to say about the Gers, either – it is actually something of a regular occurrence.

This is another sad example of racism rearing its ugly head – the last thing we need is for such claims to be dismissed so quickly. As Rio Ferdinand also suggested in the aftermath, Stewart could do well to educate himself on the subject.

In other news, many Rangers fans love this club statement.