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Gabby Agbonlahor has name-dropped Kai Havertz when criticising their poor form for Chelsea on TalkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Chelsea showing no signs of improving

Chelsea are experiencing one of their worst seasons in recent years under the stewardship of both Todd Boehly and Graham Potter having won just one league game this calendar year.

This all despite spending well over £200 million in January to help Potter achieve better results and see if they could make a second-half-of-the-season charge for the top four, which now looks incredibly unrealistic.

The Blues are clearly struggling in front of goal as they’ve scored just three goals in their last 10 games across all competitions and that is likely down to the fact Kai Havertz is having to lead the line in most games despite not being a recognised centre forward.

The Latest: Harsh criticism may well be deserved

The criticism from Agbonlahor on Havertz may well be deserved given his record of six goals in 32 games this season.

He said: (0:50) “For me, these players just look a bit lacking in confidence, a lack of chemistry between them. Look at Havertz, he’s seen two managers off, he’s not doing anything.

“He’s not a number nine, he’s not a number 10, he’s not holding the ball and he’s not scoring goals.”

The Verdict: Potter must get more from this group of players.

While it will indeed be difficult for Potter to decide which players to start in each game given the sheer number of players he’s got to pick from and how they will all have egos that need to be managed, it doesn’t excuse this shocking run of form.

It’s been reported that while results have been shocking under Potter he does still retain the confidence of the Chelsea board and at least one of the clubs’ owners which should give him hope about keeping his job.

Not signing a recognised striker in January is rather inexcusable given that Pierre Emerick Aubameyang clearly wasn’t fancied, Armando Broja is out for the season and Havertz simply isn’t a natural striker and that decision is now certainly coming back to haunt them.

Liverpool have often had success with developing and nurturing their youth talents to become players who can make an impact in the senior team, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being a prime example, and the club have unearthed another gem this season.

Stefan Bajcetic has been thriving in the first-team and has become a regular in midfield over Liverpool’s troubling campaign so far, helping to give Jurgen Klopp some much-needed depth in the middle of the park.

However, it isn’t just the academy graduates currently with the Merseyside giants who have been flourishing with the opportunity to play first-team football this season, as there are many young Liverpool prospects making a name for themselves out on loan.

Tyler Morton, James Balagizi, Marcelo Pitaluga, Adam Lewis, Leighton Clarkson and Conor Bradley are just some of the 17 players loaned out to prove themselves, with the latter quickly becoming a standout performer in his position whilst on loan with Bolton Wanderers.

How is Conor Bradley getting on at Bolton?

The teenage sensation joined the League One club last summer and has since been confidently polishing his skills in his position on the right flank with the Trotters.

Across 29 league appearances, Bradley – who has been dubbed “superb” by compatriot Jonny Evans – has scored four goals, registered four assists and created a whopping seven big chances. He has averaged 63.6 touches, 1.3 shots on goal, 1.2 key passes, 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and five successful duels per game, proving to be a huge presence in the right-back role.

Last night the Northern Irish starlet helped Bolton progress to the Papa Johns Football League Trophy final at Wembley after a 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley.

The 19-year-old won an impressive nine duels, completed four successful dribbles, 75 touches and 38 accurate passes, won one tackle and drew four fouls over his 86 minutes on the pitch, earning a 7.2 Sofascore rating.

Bradley has already captured Klopp’s attention, with the Liverpool boss branding the teenager a “top boy” and a “fighter” in an assessment of his development so far.

The German gushed: “Conor, top boy. All good. From the things I know and what I saw, [he is] a wonderful, talented boy with a big heart. A real fighter, and it’s a joy to have him around – that’s what I can say.”

Indeed, the Reds acquired the services of another young right-back in Calvin Ramsay last summer, but the Scotsman has struggled with injury issues since his arrival on Merseyside. Bradley’s impressive progress on loan could further threaten the former Aberdeen gem’s chances to break into the Liverpool first team if Klopp calls upon the Bolton loanee next season.

The future is looking bright for Bradley and if he continues to thrive with the Trotters over the rest of the season, there seems little doubt that he could become Liverpool’s next Alexander-Arnold in the future.

Southampton are ‘trying not to panic’ in their search for a new manager, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Manager search underway

There have been multiple candidates linked to the vacant manager’s job at St Mary’s, with Flamengo boss Vitor Pereira recently emerging as a potential option, while the likes of Ivan Juric and Jesse Marsch have also been linked.

However, interim boss Ruben Selles cannot be discounted, with The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell recently claiming that Southampton want a quick solution, which would make the Spaniard the perfect candidate.

The Latest: Jones’ update

Speaking to GiveMeSport about the Saints’ manager search, Jones indicated that Sport Republic are happy for Selles to manage the team for the immediate future, which gives them time to assess other options, rather than making any hasty decisions.

The transfer insider said:  “Yeah, well, my information really on it is that they’re trying not to panic here and that decision was quickly made to assure Selles that he would take things for now and they would address the matter with him on a regular basis.”

The Verdict: Correct decision

The Saints’ interim boss has already proven he has what it takes to take charge of first-team affairs, at least for a short while, with his side emerging 1-0 winners in a ‘heroic’ performance away at Chelsea on Saturday.

As such, Sport Republic can now afford to take a more cautious approach in their search for a new manager, with the 39-year-old more than capable of remaining in the dugout for the trip to Leeds United, who are without a manager themselves.

There are still good options out there for the Saints, with the recently-linked Marcelo Gallardo being lauded as ‘top class’ by journalist Adam Blackmore, however it would not be a surprise to see Selles take the reins for the remainder of the season, given his fantastic start.

RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol is at the top of Liverpool’s defensive wishlist ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Gvardiol shines at World Cup

The 21-year-old rose to prominence at the 2022 World Cup, standing out as arguably the best centre-back at the tournament and helping Croatia finish third.

Gvardiol started all seven matches for his country in Qatar, averaging an incredible 5.3 clearances per game, and his stock has risen greatly ever since.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Leipzig youngster recently and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.

The Latest: Liverpool keen on signing

According to Football Transfers, Gvardiol is still wanted by the Reds, who have him at the top of their wishlist for left-sided central defenders this summer.

They are far from alone in showing an interest, however, with Real Madrid and Manchester City also among those eyeing up a move for the Croatian.

The Verdict: Outstanding option for Reds

Gvardiol certainly wouldn’t arrive on the cheap this summer but he is someone Liverpool should consider signing, considering his enormous long-term potential.

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The Leipzig star has already become a vital player for club and country, making 18 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, while Rio Ferdinand has said he has ‘great presence’.

Admittedly, Virgil van Dijk isn’t going anywhere soon and will be difficult to shift, but if Joe Gomez or Joel Matip leave this summer, as has been mooted, a centre-back spot will open up at Anfield.

Gvardiol could be viewed as Ibrahima Konate’s long-term defensive partner at Liverpool, with the pair having the potential to become one of the most formidable pairings in the world, given the Frenchman’s similar ceiling.

Qatari investors are planning to make an incredible move for Manchester United in the coming days, according to The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan.

The Lowdown: Mid-February deadline

News first emerged back in November regarding the possibility of the Glazers selling the club. The American owners valued United at £5bn, with speculation on Sir Jim Ratcliffe potentially taking over at Old Trafford coming out last month.

A deadline of mid-February has been set when it comes to possible buyers making offers, and it looks as if a group of private, high-wealth individuals from Qatar are keen on a deal.

The Latest: In the coming days

Keegan shared a story for The Daily Mail on Tuesday evening regarding Qatari investors and United.

He said that an incredible mega-money offer is expected in the coming days, with Qatari investors confident their bid will blow the competition out of the water. The report says that Erik ten Hag would get a huge transfer kitty, should a takeover go through.

Keegan has since added on Twitter that the Qatari group want ‘things done quickly’ so they can help Ten Hag with funds, with ‘experts working on the bid’.

The Verdict: Exciting

Potential Qatari investors could help take the club back to the top both on and off the pitch by backing Ten Hag in the window and improving facilities.

It looks as if they have the right intentions in mind, with stadium redevelopment and fan engagement also at the heart of their bid.

Therefore, many will see this as an exciting update, and it appears as if this month could be pivotal in regards to the Glazers potentially ending their almost 18-year stay at the club, making it a situation to keep an eye on.

Crystal Palace are in the mix to pip Leeds United to the signing of midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: O’Brien’s impressive campaign

O’Brien, described as ‘sensational’ by teammate Jonathan Hogg, was an ever-present figure for Huddersfield Town last season.

Primarily a central midfielder, the 23-year-old made 50 appearances in all competitions, turning out in seven different positions ranging from a defensive midfielder to a centre-forward.

O’Brien helped The Terriers to the Championship playoff final at Wembley, but Carlos Corberan’s side fell at the final hurdle. Now, it looks as if O’Brien could still make a move to the Premier League regardless.

The Latest: Palace in the mix

According to TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, O’Brien is destined to leave Huddersfield this summer and reportedly has a releasee clause in the region of £12m.

Leeds remain the big admirers of the midfielder, however, Palace have been name-checked as another side in the mix to secure O’Brien’s signature.

The Verdict: Needed?

Palace look fairly short of midfield options heading into Patrick Vieira’s second season in charge, so it shouldn’t come as a shock to see Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman eyeing possible additions in that area. The Eagles currently have five defensive and central midfielders on the books, two of which are out of contract at the end of June.

A replacement for Conor Gallagher may also be needed if the club can’t bring him back to Selhurst Park, so going after a player like O’Brien could be another wise move from a Championship club after deals for Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.

In other news: Palace and Vieira eyeing ambitious move for rapid defender. 

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that the Magpies sent scouts to watch the forward in action against Huddersfield in the Championship play-off final last weekend.

He tweeted: “Diaby has been on Newcastle radar since January & is again on shortlist of wide targets (Brennan Johnson also watched, including at Wembley on Sunday). Schick staying & Hlozek arriving at Leverkusen might see movement on Diaby.”

It has been reported that the 21-year-old is valued at £20m but it remains to be seen whether or not that is still the case following Forest’s promotion to the Premier League.

Ryan Fraser upgrade

Dan Ashworth must now work hard to get a deal done for Johnson, as he would be a big upgrade on Scottish winger Ryan Fraser.

The Welshman’s former boss Michael Appleton once dubbed him “exciting”, and that is what he can be as a replacement for Fraser on the wing at Newcastle.

The former Lincoln manager went on to say about Johnson: “When you’re the opposition manager in League One or the Championship, hopefully soon the Premier League, he’s someone you’d take note of because he’ll always be one of the two or three teams that you’ll be aware of and be wary of.

“His development and the way it’s happened for him over the last couple of years suggests to me that he’s only going to end up going in one direction and that’s the Premier League.”

In the 2021/22 Championship, Johnson produced an astonishing 16 goals and 10 assists as he created a whopping 15 ‘big chances’ and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10. The 21-year-old phenomenon has shown that he can regularly deliver at the top end of the pitch in the second tier, and at his young age, he may have the potential to make the step up to the top flight.

Meanwhile, Fraser managed just two goals and three assists in 27 Premier League outings for the Magpies this term. He failed to contribute in the final third on a consistent basis and this is why Johnson – if he can adapt to the top-flight – could be an exciting upgrade on him in the wide areas if Newcastle sign the Welsh youngster.

Whilst the Scotland international could still be a useful option for Eddie Howe to call upon off the bench, the Nottingham Forest dynamo’s statistics suggest that he has the scope to make a much larger impact on results with his ability to score and create goals.

AND in other news, “I’m told…”: Journalist drops “exciting” NUFC transfer claim that supporters will love…

Newcastle United could still recruit the best behind-the-scenes talent in football without having to worry about breaching Financial Fair Play rules, claims finance expert Dr Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Non-playing staff

On Saturday 28 May, The Times reported that the non-playing staff at Newcastle will be handed a pay rise for the first time in several years.

The current FFP system in the Premier League permits clubs a £105m loss over a rolling three-year period, with salary costs counting towards that total.

However, the Premier League is expected to adopt UEFA’s new profit and sustainability system imminently. This limits clubs to spending 70 per cent of turnover on wages and transfers, but it ultimately means only player and manager wages will be counted towards the quota.

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The Latest: Plumley’s claim

Plumley believes that Newcastle can utilise the new system to pay elite non-playing staff big wages to gain an advantage, without breaching FFP rules.

Speaking with Football Insider, Plumley claimed:

“This is potentially one way to get around FFP.

“If you look at the makeup of the backroom staff, Liverpool are the gold standard. They look at data, sports science, and psychology. The list is endless.

“In a sport where the margins are so fine, it can really pay off if you can get an edge in this area. If you have the best minds and the finest talent in football, you can make gains behind the scenes.

“Of course, everything needs to be streamlined and the culture needs to be right, and the commercial team and the finance team can grow too.”

The Verdict: May have already started

Just last night Newcastle announced the appointment of highly rated Dan Ashworth as the club’s new sporting director.

The 51-year-old joined former club Brighton in 2018 with an impressive reputation after his spell with the FA, where he helped various England age groups triumph at three tournaments in 2017, and then proceeded to establish the south-coast side as a mainstay in the Premier League.

With such appointments already taking place, this will be a huge sign of things to come for Newcastle, who will be doing anything they can to make marginal gains in pursuit of European qualification.

In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies target Hugo Ekitike ‘told’ he can leave Reims

Aston Villa are reportedly in the running to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski this summer, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per the Daily Mail, the Midlands side have been named as one of a handful of clubs who are interested in the 29-year-old, with the player set to be available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract in June.

The Clarets had held firm on their asset in January to thwart any potential interest from Premier League rivals, although now appear set to lose the centre-back for nothing, with the Turf Moor outfit’s drop into the second tier likely to only heighten the £19.8m-rated man’s desire to depart.

Alongside interest from Steven Gerrard’s men, however, newly-promoted Fulham and Everton are also in the running for his signature, as per the report.

Instant upgrade

Not only would his arrival prove something of a coup owing to its bargain nature – particularly as he had been valued at roughly £50m just under two years ago – securing the services of the two-cap England international would also prove an instant fix to try and solve the club’s defensive woes.

Villa’s final day defeat at the Etihad saw the visitors ship three goals in the space of just five minutes to squander a 2-0 lead and hand their hosts the title, with those efforts also ensuring that Gerrard’s charges ended the campaign with 54 goals conceded – the tenth worst record in the division.

That is in fact a marginally worse record than that of Burnley, even though the Lancashire side suffered relegation, with it having largely been problems at the other end of the pitch that had culminated in relegation for Mike Jackson’s men.

Amid that difficult campaign, the £70k-per-week Tarkowski still boasted some impressive statistics, averaging 5.2 clearances per game, as well as 1.4 interceptions and 1.8 tackles, while also winning an impressive 68% of his total duels.

Compared to centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues, he also ranks in the top 1% for blocks and aerial duels won, as well as in the top 3% for clearances made, while also proving himself more than just a defensive asset as he ranked in the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the top 17% for progressive passes received.

A real solid presence at the back – having been labelled a “rock” by journalist Alex James – the former Brentford man is a defender first and foremost, with his arrival at Villa Park likely to allow the creative, attacking talent ahead of him to shine with less concern about having a leaky defence.

Current skipper Tyrone Mings has been the notable source of blame this season, with pundit Danny Mills suggesting that there is “a mistake in his game somewhere”, with the 29-year-old notably ranking in just the top 44% for aerial duels won among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in just the top 82% for tackles made.

Those statistics make pretty grim reading, with it clear that an upgrade is needed for Gerrard next season, with Tarkowski seemingly the man to do the job.

AND in other news: “Villa would…”: Gregg Evans drops huge transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Celtic were crowned Premiership champions this month to cap off what has been a successful domestic campaign for the Hoops and Ange Postecoglou.

With 29 wins, six draws and just three defeats in the top flight, the Bhoys ended up scoring 92 goals along the way and only conceded 22 times.

However, one man who didn’t contribute much to their title-winning season is left-back Boli Bolingoli.

Celtic signed the defender from Rapid Vienna in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth a reported £3m.

The Belgian featured in a mere eight matchday squads for the Hoops across all competitions this season and only played in two games.

In 2020, the defender effectively threw his Celtic career under the bus when he broke the government’s guidelines during the pandemic by not quarantining after a trip to Spain, which led to him being charged by the SFA.

Having been called “arrogant” by newspaper columnist Bill Leckie for his actions, the 26-year-old has reportedly been training on his own in Belgium for the past number of weeks, which doesn’t say much for his chances of redemption at Parkhead.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic will be looking to move the full-back out of the club on a permanent basis this summer, which to us feels like the right decision for all parties.

To further highlight Bolingoli’s downfall, his market value was listed at £2.7m by Transfermarkt in February 2020, whereas it now stands at £1.35m, highlighting a drop of 50%.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Celtic’s deal for the Belgian has turned into a disappointing one up to now.

If Postecoglou can finally get the player out the door for good and his £15k-per-week wages off the club’s books, this would pave the way for them to bring in a suitable and hopefully reliable replacement.

With that in mind, reports have already emerged linking the Hoops with a summer swoop for Hammarby left-back Mohanad Jeahze.

Should the club secure his signature, it could well be the final nail in the coffin for Bolingoli’s chances of having any sort of a future in a Celtic shirt.

In other news – “Around that number..”: Big Lennoxtown transfer claim emerges, it’s great for Celtic