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Former Premier League defender Danny Mills believes that Celtic will not get their hands on Rafael Benitez this summer.

Benitez not convinced?

Neil Lennon recently resigned from his position in the hot seat after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Ross County a fortnight ago, which almost certainly ended their hopes of winning 10-in-a-row.

Benitez, formerly in charge of Liverpool and Chelsea and described as a “great” manager by former Real Madrid star Pepe, recently departed from the Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Professional due to concerns about his health and wellbeing of his family during the pandemic (Sky Sports).

Several big-name figures have been linked to take over Lennon’s role permanently, including Steve Clarke, Roberto Martinez and Eddie Howe.

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills doubts that the attraction of Celtic would be strong enough to convince Benitez to make the switch north of the border, saying: “Celtic should wait until the summer.

“They’re not going to overturn Rangers’ lead, Rangers are a couple of games away from winning it. Just take your time now, look around and get your processes in place. Work out what you need. Work out who you need and why. They’ve now got two or three months to do that.

“In all honesty, Rafa Benitez would be great but I think he might be looking at a big job. No disrespect to Celtic, but is that too low for Rafa Benitez?

“It’s a two or three-year project at least. So you need someone with the energy to do that. I’m not sure Rafa Benitez would look at the Celtic job seriously.

“He’s not desperate to get back into football and he certainly doesn’t need the money – we can comfortably say that. Whereas someone like Eddie Howe is very keen to get back into football as soon as possible.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

While Mills raises some good points, his comments almost diminish the true size of Celtic as an institution.

Celtic is a huge football club with an illustrious history behind them. The challenge of managing the Hoops is a big job, as much as Mills wants to argue otherwise.

At the same time, he is correct when he says that the team’s rebuild will likely take time and that fans must be patient with whoever comes through the door. With Benitez possessing an impressive CV, the Hoops could appeal to him. Time will tell.

In other news, Celtic-linked manager responds to Parkhead links; Mourinho once dubbed him ‘incredible.’

Liverpool’s players are struggling with the physical demands expected of them at the moment, according to journalist Ian McGarry.

The Reds are going through a shocking run of form currently, losing their last six Premier League games in Anfield and falling out of the top four race.

It has ended up being a nightmare defence of the Reds’ title, having been top at Christmas and seemingly on their way to yet more silverware.

McGarry claims Liverpool’s players are tired

The Liverpool players look a shadow of themselves at the moment, and speaking on The Transfer Window podcast [via This Is Futbol], McGarry claimed they are flagging physically, following years of relentless work on the pitch and on the training ground:

“So, speaking to people close to the club; physically, some of the players are feeling the effects of this playing on the edge, training on the edge all the time.

“It’s been relentless for them for three seasons, because we shouldn’t discount when they lost out to Manchester City so narrowly in the Premier League title race two seasons ago, but won the Champions League.

“Then, of course, bulldozed the Premier League last year, but they’re now 36 points worse off than they were at this stage of the season in the Premier League last year, which is, by any standard, a very dramatic drop.

“I wonder if it’s not just a case of players feeling a little burned out, but the manager as well feeling a little burned out.”

Transfer Tavern take

This is certainly a worrying suggestion, with Liverpool famed for their lung-busting energy throughout Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club.

There is always a risk that players can burn themselves out eventually, though, and there are indications that that could be the case with the Reds currently, given the flat nature of their performances.

Hopefully, it is no major issue and is one that will eventually go away, but with the squad not getting any younger as a collective, it further heightens the need for reinforcements this summer.

In other news, a number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to Steven Gerrard’s comments about replacing Klopp. Read more here.

Manchester United have been dealt another injury blow in attack, with Edinson Cavani being ruled out for the Red Devils’ trip to face AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League.

Despite having returned to training and initially being included in the Red Devils’ travelling squad, the Uruguayan has been forced to withdraw having suffered a “reaction”.

The striker’s latest problem is a huge blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he attempts to plot a route through to the Europa League quarter-finals.

The Uruguayan has had quite the impact at Old Trafford this season having scored seven goals and notched two assists in all competitions. As a matter of fact, only three players in the entire United squad, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have contributed more for the Red Devils throughout the campaign.

His manager has certainly been impressed with the former Paris Saint Germain man, praising how “meticulous” Cavani is.

However, with him now ruled out for the away leg in Milan, the Red Devils will, of course, be missing his nous, his guile and his experience of playing against Milan, with the 34-year-old having scored against the Rossoneri four times in his career.

Another damaging aspect of his injury will be the impact on the frontline. With Anthony Martial also out, this would suggest that Mason Greenwood and Daniel James will once again take their places in the Red Devils’ attack.

This is not all too inspiring considering that the young duo have only managed to get on the scoresheet once between them in the UEFA Europa League so far this season.

Considering United need to score at least one goal to have any hope of progressing to the quarter-finals, that is not a record that will breed much confidence in the club’s fans.

Cavani, rated at £10.8m, will, of course, be a huge miss for United then in more ways than one and Solskjaer will be gutted not to have the experienced ace available tonight.

AND in more news, read why the Manchester United captain could be key in the Red Devils’ clash with AC Milan…

Lots of Everton fans have been left to fume at the news from the Liverpool Echo that the government have asked for more time to consider their stadium plan.

As per the news outlet, neither the City Council nor the Goodison Park faithful have been surprised by the request, given the scale and complexity of the project that would see a new stadium being built for the Merseyside club at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Neither party is concerned by the instruction either, but central government are reportedly mindful of the Toffees’ ambitions to have the stadium ready in time for the start of the 2024/25 term.

Nonetheless, the latest news has gotten under the skin of several Blues supporters as they become increasingly worried over whether the new ground will eventually be built.

Everton fan reaction to Bramley-Moore Dock news

These EFC fans fumed upon learning of the news on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to call it a ‘joke’:

“I will be appalled if it’s knocked back, even if it’s called in the city should be raging”

Credit: @KUEFC

“Tis doomed I say..”

Credit: @unmint1001

“Most teams just build a stadium… of course we need signatures from the Queen, the Pope, and 12 disciples before it can go through”

Credit: @ncstate4jpc

“Hmm we all know how this ends don’t we?”

Credit: @royalblue78

“Government in delay shocker……given how departments are archaic in their processes and procedures….why are we not surprised?”

Credit: @nickgartland

“Getting a joke this any other team and they get it”

Credit: @dwanecox78

In other news, find out who Everton are in competition to sign here!

Celtic are hopeful of receiving a seven-figure sum this summer due to former striker Moussa Dembele in what could be a ‘very positive’ development for the Hoops, per Sport Witness.

The French forward is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid, who have the option of making his temporary stay from Lyon permanent in a deal worth €32m (£27.6m).

Celtic’s 10% Dembele clause

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, cited by Sport Witness, Celtic are ‘keen’ to ‘exploit’ the La Liga giants in what would be ‘very positive’ news for the Hoops.

That’s because Celtic are owed 10% of any permanent deal involving the 24-year-old, meaning they could receive £2.76m, should the €32m clause be activated – just over the £2.75m fee which was required to sign David Turnbull last year.

Mundo Deportivo claim that Atletico are ‘not considering’ paying the stated fee just yet, but that could change – Luis Suarez is 34 and Diego Costa left the club this season, so they are in need of a long-term striker solution.

Transfer Tavern take

Dembele’s market value has plummeted from £45m to £22.5m over the last 12 months, so we can see why the Hoops are keen for a £27.6m move to materialise over the coming months.

Unfortunately, Dembele’s form in Spain hasn’t been one of a £27.6m-rated striker. He’s yet to score or even start a game for Madrid under Diego Simeone.

A huge turnaround appears to be needed for Celtic to receive £2.76m this summer, but it seems as of the Hoops are still hopeful, and it would indeed by ‘very positive’ for the club as the report claims, given that it would basically cover the fee for Turnbull.

In other news: Celtic midfielder keen on summer exit; it’s not Scott Brown, find out more here. 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Newcastle midfielder Rob Lee has praised Dean Smith’s transfer business this season, describing it as “smart”.

Having survived on the final day of last season by drawing at West Ham, Villa invested heavily in their squad last summer, with sporting director Johan Lange spearheading a spend of more than £70million in a bid to improve the squad.

Perhaps their biggest success story has been Emiliano Martinez, whose kept 14 clean sheets in 28 games in the Premier League this term following his move from Arsenal, leaving him in with a chance of winning the Golden Glove for the first time ever.

Meanwhile, former Brentford man Ollie Watkins has reached double figures in terms of league goals, whilst Matty Cash, Bertrand Traore and on-loan Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley have all had positive impacts at Villa Park this season to leave Smith’s team in touch with the European places.

Villa’s form has dipped in recent weeks following the injury to Jack Grealish, but Lee believes their fine campaign has been down to their transfer window.

He told Football FanCast: “They were smart signings. They bought players that I think had a good chance of doing well in the Premier League. Matty Cash, did well in the Championship for a long time.

“I think they spent wisely. They paid over the odds for a few players, but are reaping the rewards.

“Ollie Watkins, 30-odd million, but you know he’s strong, quick and will score goals, so let’s take a chance on him. They are players that are very good Championship players that want to prove they can be in the Premier League, or players that have been in the Premier League and we know they’re not going to fail in the Premier League.”

Whilst Villa’s campaign is somewhat petering out, the fact that a midtable finish might now be viewed as a disappointment is the biggest compliment you could pay Smith after last season.

According to a report by Italian media outlet Corriere Granata, Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing a move for Torino star Andrea Belotti alongside a plethora of Premier League clubs.

Indeed, as per this report, Daniel Levy and co are monitoring Belotti’s situation with interest amid the striker’s contract dispute – with the Serie A side desperate to keep their captain.

Tottenham enter Belotti race

His current deal expires in 2022 but Torino would like to extend it till 2024, with no agreement reached yet as the Lilywhites carefully monitor this situation.

As well as Spurs, Chelsea, Everton and West Ham are said to be seen on the 27-year-old – coming after Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio lifted the lid on an offer from Tottenham last summer.

According to the reporter, Tottenham approached with a season-long loan proposal and option to buy for around €50 million (£42.5 million) – but Torino refused.

Tottenham now appear to be considering another attempt depending on developments, and members of the media have previously described him as the ‘perfect’ Jose Mourinho player and ‘prototype’ forward for the Portuguese boss (football.london).

Valued at just £36 million by Transfermarkt, Torino will demand much higher, with this report shedding light on the forward’s sky high €100m release clause (£85m).

Levy is arguably very unlikely to oblige with lofty valuations given the current financial climate, so it remains to be seen whether Tottenham do lodge a serious pursuit this summer.

Transfer Tavern take

The Italian international has been a prolific goal scorer in Serie A over the last few season, bagging 27 strikes and eight assists over the last two years alone (WhoScored).

Former Torino boss Moreno Longo is certainly a fan, dubbing him an ‘extraordinary striker’ in 2020 (via Football Italia).

Whether or not Spurs opt to sign another striker or make Carlos Vinicius’ loan deal permanent remains to be seen, but it could be an interesting development to keep an eye on.

In other news: BT Sport pundit left stunned by alleged Dele Alli development at Spurs, find out more here.

Many Leicester City fans have been criticising the performance of Marc Albrighton in their 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The east Midlands club were brushed aside at the King Power Stadium thanks to goals from Benjamin Mendy and Gabriel Jesus, and Albrighton could have certainly done much better with the first, being twisted and turned by the French left-back.

The former Aston Villa man did not have the best of games in general, losing out on four of his duels as well as failing to record a single shot, clearance, tackle, accurate cross or long ball from the right wing-back position (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball on 14 different occasions in total throughout the game, the third-most out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch, earning him a measly 6.5 overall rating on Sofascore.

Leicester fans on Albrighton display

These Foxes fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter going as far as to claim that the 31-year-old midfielder was ‘very poor’:

“Poor from Albrighton that. #lcfc”

Credit: @keller2242

“Albrighton was very very poor and I am only been generous with him @PLAZMA_burn”

Credit: @priyadarshankr3

“Pity Justin, Barnes, Caglar, Maddison & Ricardo all not fit enough to either start or make the bench; Albrighton & Amartey not good enough for this level & Kelechi not at the races today”

Credit: @Tk007Tim

“I can’t lie, that defending from Marc Albrighton was poor, didn’t need to jump into Mendy”

Credit: @LCFC_Ellis

“It was a good goal. Please put on Madders and Ricky P. Albrighton and Perez having a bad game”

Credit: @DaRealEdSheeran

“Albrighton getting done by a simple dummy? Only the 15th time today”

Credit: @GLimbert4

In other news, find out who else was slammed by some Foxes fans in the match!

Noel Whelan has criticised Ezgjan Alioski’s role in Sheffield United’s goal on Saturday, saying he was “nowhere to be seen”.

The Whites picked up another important three points at the weekend, seeing off the all-but-relegated Blades 2-1 at Elland Road.

Marcelo Bielsa’s men were comfortably the better side throughout the afternoon, but they found themselves level at half-time.

Ben Osborn’s strike just before the break allowed Chris Wilder’s team to make it 1-1, but there was some sloppy defending on show from Leeds.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Whelan unhappy with Alioski’s contribution

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was particularly critical of Alioski – Luke Ayling did get a mention, too – with the left-back culpable for the goal:

“There are lots of things you can talk about in terms of the goal we conceded. I think Alioski was out of position.

“Luke Ayling was out of position too but it could have been stopped by Alioski covering. He was nowhere to be seen.

“It’s these little fine margins and defensive details that a natural full-back would know. It’s a very soft goal and it shouldn’t have happened.

“You can’t allow that, for teams to get back into the game when you’ve been controlling it like that.”

Transfer Tavern take

The criticism is fair, with the Premier League such a competitive division – one where the smallest mistakes can be punished, where you have to make the most of being on top.

Fortunately, Leeds still ended up winning on Saturday, but the margin of their victory was far narrower than it should have been, up against a team who will be playing Championship football next season.

Alioski looks like he will be moving on this summer and moments like this won’t endear him to supporters in the final weeks of his time at the club.

In other news, one Leeds star has been linked with two foreign clubs ahead of a potential summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Odsonne Edouard could end up leaving Celtic for as little as £8m this summer.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Football Insider, who have been informed by a recruitment source that the 23-year-old’s camp believes he can seal a Parkhead exit at the end of the campaign in a deal worth between £8m and 10m.

Edouard is entering the final 12 months of his Hoops contract in the summer, and regardless of who comes in to replace Neil Lennon, he wants to leave the club ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The Frenchman has netted 81 times in 162 appearances in green and white, but it seems as if his days at Celtic Park are numbered.

Transfer Tavern take

Should Celtic sell at £8m over the coming months, the Hoops could be in line to make an embarrassing loss on a player they valued at £40m last summer. They paid Paris Saint-Germain £9.27m back in 2018 and owe the French giants a whopping 40% of any sale.

Therefore, should an £8m transfer go through, Celtic would have to hand over £3.2m to PSG, leaving the Hoops with the remaining £4.8m – a £4.47m loss on the £9.27m they forked out three years ago.

There has been talk that AC Milan could offer loanee Diego Laxalt plus cash for Edouard’s services this summer, so that could be a possible avenue for the Hoops to explore over the coming months going off this latest update.

In other news: 25 y/o Celtic ace could leave this summer following eight-word admission, find out more here.