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Former Reading midfielder Lawrie Sanchez urged Michael Olise to reject interest from Leeds, and other clubs, to stay in the Championship this week

With Olise possessing an £8m release clause in his Royals contract, Sanchez expects teams to pay it, including Leeds.

“I read somewhere there’s an £8m release clause – I’m sure clubs will offer that this year for him I’ve no doubt.

“For me another year at Reading wouldn’t do him any harm – they almost got into the play-offs this year and it helped him develop and another year’s development isn’t a bad thing,” he said.

Described as a “super-talented” midfielder by Reading boss Veljko Paunovic in 2020, the boss iterated a similar trail of thought to Sanchez, suggesting he still needs to develop and continue to learn as a player. He told Four Four Two:

“Michael is super talented. He had a very good game.

“We acknowledge Michael’s talent but he also has to keep learning. He still needs to grow. He still has things that he can implement in the future and be an even better player.

“This is why I encourage him not to get content with what he is right now but to go on and show what he can be.”

Despite his need to improve as a footballer, Leeds fans would be buzzing if Victor Orta is able to secure a deal for Olise this summer. The midfielder is a superb young talent and could add an extra dimension to Leeds’ attacking options in the final third.

He could give Marcelo Bielsa another left-footed attacker to work with, whilst Olise has the versatility to play anywhere across the frontline. That could allow Bielsa to tinker with his formation in-game to exploit teams. This is why Orta must sanction a swoop for the promising prospect.

Olise has played on both wings, as an attacking midfielder, as a striker and as a central midfielder for Reading in the Championship. This shows that the teenager has the quality to fulfil a multitude of roles within a side, an outstanding quality.

it doesn’t restrict him to being a one-trick pony who can only be used – for example – as a right winger. If Leeds suffer an injury in any position across the attack, Bielsa could trust that Olise has the ability to come in and replace them.

The £8m dynamo has also shown that he has the quality in terms of performances to potentially make the step up to the Premier League.

The gem averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.06 for Reading, as he produced seven goals and 12 assists from midfield. This earned him the Championship Young Player of the Year award, which suggests he has the potential to improve further.

Bielsa could enjoy working with the forward on the training pitch to develop his game, something he’s done with a plethora of Leeds players, the best example being Kalvin Phillips. Therefore, fans would be delighted if Orta can get this deal over the line as Olise could be a great player for the future.

AND in other news, Concerning Leeds transfer update emerges on “magic” £24k-p/w gem, Orta will be gutted…

As quoted by French newspaper L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), a source has explained that Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is ‘ready’ to do one thing as he pursues Paris-Saint Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Return of Poch?

Just over a year and a half after leaving Tottenham, the 49-year-old could now make a sensational return to north London as reports emerge of his interest in coming back to the club.

Indeed, Pochettino could swap the French capital for an N17 return after The Athletic broke news of Tottenham’s contact with their former manager.

He reportedly fancies the idea of becoming Tottenham’s head coach once again, but one huge obstacle appears to be PSG, with the Argentine’s current club not keen on losing him this summer.

The Latest: L’Equipe source makes big Levy claim…

As per the print edition of French newspaper L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), a source close to the situation has detailed just how desperate Levy is to see Pochettino return to Spurs.

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The Tottenham chairman is apparently ‘ready’ to make ‘lots of concessions’ in pursuit of the Lilywhites fan favourite, with Levy also holding a belief this appointment could ease the pressure on his position.

“Daniel Levy knows that, in the face of his unpopularity, he doesn’t have much choice,” the source explained to L’Equipe (via Sport Witness) when asked on the Pochettino situation.

“He is ready to make lots of concessions. Bringing back Pochettino, very popular, could allow him to come out of the crisis from the top.”

The Verdict: Boost for Tottenham?

That Levy is seemingly ready to make concessions to land his man could come as an exciting claim for Spurs supporters, but the Spurs chairman’s apparent reasoning behind a possible return for Pochettino may be worrying and indicate a lack of critical thinking.

Indeed, re-hiring the former Southampton manager would come as a big PR win for Levy and may do wonders to appease a large section of fans who, in recent weeks, have voiced their displeasure with his running of the club.

If he really wants what is best for Tottenham, the 59-year-old may have to think harder over who could be the best appointment logically – and that doesn’t necessarily mean the most popular choice.

In other news: ‘Another source just now saying’…Sky reporter drops Pochettino claim on live TV, find out more here.

Jurgen Klinsmann has revealed that he has spoken to Daniel Levy with regards to becoming the new Tottenham manager.

The Lowdown: Managerial search continues

Although it has now been seven weeks since Jose Mourinho was relieved of his duties at Tottenham, Levy is yet to secure a deal for the 58-year-old’s replacement.

Antonio Conte appared to be in pole position to take the reins in north London, but a deal for the Italian fell through (The Guardian).

The Latest: Klinsmann confirms Levy talk

Klinsmann, who played for Tottenham during the 1990s, has now revealed that he had a telephone conversation with Levy with regards to taking over from Mourinho. He told ESPN:

“When Spurs let go Mourinho, I had a quick phone call with Daniel Levy and he said ‘let’s see down the road what happens’, he has to clarify a lot of things. Since then I’ve had no contact anymore with Spurs. Tottenham is Tottenham, you would always listen to that situation, and for me, obviously, Tottenham is a lot more.”

The Verdict: Don’t let sentiment get in the way

Klinsmann played for Tottenham for two years across two spells and did quite well – he managed 29 goals in 56 Premier League appearances for the Lilywhites (premierleague.com). However, his managerial record leaves a lot to be desired since he retired from playing.

The 56-year-old started out as the manager of Germany, and he did lead them to the 2006 World Cup semi-finals. However, he lasted less than a year at Bayern Munich before he was sacked, while short spells at Toronto FC and Hertha Berlin sandwiched his time with the USA national side (Transfermarkt).

While the Americans reached the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup, they failed to even participate at the next edition after a poor qualifying run for which Klinsmann was largely responsible.

Is this really the man Tottenham want to become their next manager?

In other news, Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign this Premier League star.

Everton’s Moise Kean, currently on loan at PSG, has made his ambitions clear in an Instagram post, leading fans to crucify what one Toffee called a ‘shocking’ development.

Kean scored in the 89th minute to round off a 4-0 rout in Reims in the Parisians’ final home game of the season.

The victory moved them within a point of leaders Lille and teed-up a final-day battle for the title.

The Italian signed off his post after the match by telling supporters in the French capital he hopes to see them next season.

Kean edging Neymar at PSG

The 21-year-old has made a success of his time in Pairs, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

That’s the second-highest in the PSG squad, behind only Kylian Mbappe (34), and his minutes per goal record actually betters that of Neymar (via BBC Sport).

Unsurprisingly then, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are working on a permanent deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Everton are said to be ‘keen’ to sell the player, but will still demand a big fee.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed Kean’s post, and here’s what supporters made of it.

Everton fans react as Kean sends message to PSG faithful

“Absolute waste of a wage. Hope never to see him in Blue again.”

Credit: @combertoffee70

“Get him out of the club then”

Credit: @you_owen

“Very professional of him”

Credit: @Jord_Thom00

“Goodbye”

Credit: @efcstatto

“Shocking that”

Credit: @HedderickConnor

“We are such a banter club”

Credit: @carr_ry

In other news, fans were lived at this player’s performance in the defeat against Sheffield United.

A fresh name has emerged in West Brom’s managerial search this week…

What’s the word?

According to The Star, the Baggies are monitoring former Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic, who sporting director Luke Dowling has worked with before at Watford.

The 52-year-old is set to leave Qatari club Al-Gharafa, with his current deal due to expire, though they face stiff competition from fellow relegated side, Sheffield United.

Albion are on the lookout for their next manager after Sam Allardyce resigned from his position a week before the end of the season whilst former Blades boss Chris Wilder is also said to be in the running.

Exciting new name

The tough Serbian seems like a perfect candidate for West Brom to consider, not just because of his previous relationship with the club’s key decision-maker.

Jokanovic has a pretty respectable record in the Championship, having steered both Watford and Fulham to promotion – the latest of which coming in 2018.

He has done so playing attractive football, too, and that should please many at the Hawthorns.

“This season one of the things the manager has done is stay true to his beliefs in the type of football they play,” claimed Danny Murphy to the Premier League’s official website following the Cottagers’ return to the big time. “What they’ve done in recent months has been remarkable.”

That Fulham side were once dubbed ‘The Manchester City of the Championship’ for their expansive playing style whilst former midfielder Kevin McDonald claimed Jokanovic can be “intimidating.”

A combination of the above could be exactly what is needed at West Brom this summer.

The Baggies won the fewest matches (five), conceded the most goals (76) and were amongst the lowest scorers (35) on their way to relegation, so a ruthless figure with a proven track record in improving teams should be their top priority.

Jokanovic could fire a rocket right through the Midlands outfit and that should leave fans massively excited.

Dowling must get this deal done before Sheffield United, who are also being linked with Jokanovic, beat them to the punch.

AND in other news, “I understand”: Journo drops big claim in West Brom manager hunt, fans surely buzzing…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Frank McAvennie has slammed Celtic for their poor defence of the Scottish Premiership title, ahead of their cup meeting with champions Rangers this weekend.

Following their incredible dominance of Scottish football in recent years, the Hoops were bidding for an unprecedented 10 league titles on the bounce.

However, Celtic haven’t topped the table since their opening day victory over Hamilton and and should their poor form continue in their final four matches, they could fail to reach 80 points for the first time in eight seasons.

Celtic’s struggles meant that Rangers were confirmed as champions in early-March with six games still remaining,

“They’ve not kicked a ball this season,” McAvennie told Football FanCast.

“Before anyone jumps on me, I’m not taking anything away from Rangers because the best team wins the league, but I would have liked Celtic to give them a better challenge.

“For me they’ve given it to Rangers, and that’s not taking anything away from Rangers because they’re unbeaten and have been magnificent.”

But whilst it’s been a season to forget for Celtic, coupled in with the departure of club legend Neil Lennon, McAvennie knows that two victories at Ibrox in the next fortnight could salvage some pride.

He added:

“Going to Ibrox on Sunday and beating them at home would be tremendous – knocking them out of the cup.

“It would be great if they could go there and take the invincible away from Rangers, too. The invincible will have been spoken about a lot this year. Knock them out of the cup, but take the invincible away from them.”

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee has revealed that he believes his former club West Ham will come up just short in their pursuit to finish in the top four.

After last season’s relegation battle, nobody had the Hammers down to make a serious push to qualify for the Champions League, but after some smart signings and consistency in team selection, David Moyes has put them in a great position.

The arrival of Jesse Lingard from Manchester United in January has further boosted the Hammers’ efforts, especially during Michail Antonio’s latest injury setback, with the England international netting nine goals and notching four assists in the 11 Premier League games he’s played so far.

Speaking on why he thinks West Ham won’t finish in the top four but how it could change the club if they qualify for the Champions League, Lee said exclusively to FFC:

“Yeah, for West Ham to finish there would be an unbelievable achievement but I think they’ll fall short. I hope I’m wrong because it would be great for them.

“It will give them great pulling power if they finish there to bring in some really talented players, because for the top players that’s the pinnacle of their playing career if they make the Champions League.”

Moyes was brought in last season to keep the Hammers in the Premier League, much like in 2018 when he was not offered an extension despite guiding them to safety.

The Hammers are currently in a battle with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur for fourth place and the last Champions League spot, and trail the 4th-placed Blues by three points with five games remaining.

Plenty of Crystal Palace supporters have been reacting to a report regarding manager Eddie Howe on social media.

The Daily Mail shared a story on Thursday morning, with Howe’s representative distancing any deal to Celtic, labelling the talks of a move to Glasgow as ‘extremely premature’.

The Hoops were thought to be closing in on the Englishman as Neil Lennon’s successor, however, it doesn’t appear as if a move to Glasgow will be announced anytime soon.

Howe on Palace’s radar

Howe is also on Palace’s shortlist as a potential replacement for Roy Hodgson, with the 73-year-old’s deal out of contract at the end of the season.

The 43-year-old, previously in charge of Bournemouth, has been out of work since August and will wait until the summer before a potential return to the dugout.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the Daily Mail’s report on Howe on Twitter on Thursday morning. This is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply…

“I do not want Eddie Howe anywhere near my club”

Credit: @wakefieldviking

“I really don’t want him but this is my only hope”

Credit: @Kevbartleyy

“I’d rather have Dyche but Howe is a far better choice than Lampard so I’d be happy with him”

Credit: @liamb0117

“40 losses in his last 67 games btw”

Credit: @sam_paIace

“Could this mean he is holding out for the palace job”

Credit: @CharlesBannis20

“Typical Daily Mail with only 5% fact/relevance in that whole article”

Credit: @TheBos80

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz at club post on 18 y/o starlet, find out more here. 

Leicester City managed to book a place at their fifth FA Cup final as they overcame Southampton 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

The performance was not exactly sparkling from Brendan Rodgers’ men, with Kelechi Iheanacho’s solitary goal proving enough for the Foxes to get beyond the Saints.

Whilst the Nigerian proved to be the match-winner for Leicester, it was a man at the other end of the pitch, Wesley Fofana, who was arguably more pivotal.

At just 20 years of age, the young French defender might well have been overawed by the occasion but there was simply no sign of that.

According to WhoScored, the former Saint Etienne man contributed two tackles and two clearances as he continued to keep Saints frontman Danny Ings quiet.

However, it was in Fofana’s anticipation of danger where he came in most key. Throughout the 90 minutes, he produced a game-high six interceptions – only Jan Bednarek on each side replicating that number.

For comparison, the rest of the Leicester team could only produce six interceptions in total between them – highlighting just how alert Fofana was at Wembley.

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Even when the Saints attempted to bypass the Leicester man, he proved a formidable wall.

Of the 19 duels that Fofana attempted, he won 12 of those, only being beaten in the air on three occasions throughout the entire match according to SofaScore.

His performance did not just end with his defensive work though. The centre-back, who has been hailed as “incredible” by Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers, also completed 57 passes in the match – a figure only beaten by Jonny Evans and Caglar Soyuncu in the Leicester side.

Meanwhile, he also had 80 touches of the ball – no player in the Foxes’ squad matching that figure.

So, whilst Iheanacho will claim the plaudits having guided Leicester through to the fifth FA Cup final in their history, Fofana certainly played his part too.

AND in more news, read our player ratings from Leicester’s FA Cup semi-final success against Southampton…

Sunderland’s season has been quite the adventure so far.

From sacking Phil Parkinson and hiring Lee Johnson, to finding new owners and winning the Papa John’s Trophy, drama has never been far away from the Stadium of Light.

On the chalkboard

Sunderland’s chances of securing promotion to the Championship look as good as they have done at any point in the last few years.

Johnson has engineered seven wins from their last nine in League One and after Peterborough lost to Blackpool in midweek, the Mackems will have an opportunity to go second on Saturday.

Sunderland will have to hope that Posh drops points again and that they consequently beat 21st placed Bristol Rovers.

In order to elevate their chances of doing so, they must begin to move on from Grant Leadbitter. The midfield has been a loyal servant to the Mackems, but since returning from a dislocated shoulder, he has been holding them back.

Leadbitter’s display at Wembley in the Papa John’s Trophy final was far from disastrous but with Tranmere enjoying the better spells in the first half, he was made to look rather slow by their constant counter-attacks.

Unfortunately, the 35-year-old looked off the pace in the 1-1 draw with Lincoln as well. He was hooked off with around 20 minutes remaining having lost 67% of his duels and being dribbled past on two occasions.

That has been a familiar tale for Leadbitter in the last few weeks.

The solution

Carl Winchester and Josh Scowen showed the value of being more athletic in Sunderland’s 2-0 win over Portsmouth a few weeks ago.

With Leadbitter missing, the midfield duo stepped up the plate admirably. During that clash, the pairing won a combined 12 defensive duels but it was Winchester who really stood out, completing 100% of his take-ons and proving successful with 82% of his passes.

On top of that, no one won more than his four ground duels throughout the entire match.

With that in mind, Johnson could do far worse than pairing the two together once again against Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

Failing that, he could finally bring Luke O’Nien into the middle of the park. He has been featuring at centre-back over the last few months but looked strangely out of sorts in that position against Lincoln. He made a mistake in the first half and then could have done better for the equaliser.

With Leadbitter faltering, perhaps he could finally move forward? Only time will tell.

AND in other news, Rarely-seen “local lad” could rival Diamond for a place at SAFC, Dickman loves him…