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Marcelo Bielsa’s decision to leave out Illan Meslier at the end of the season was ‘really harsh’, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Meslier left out by Bielsa

The Whites goalkeeper was one of his side’s outstanding players in 2020/21, starting 35 Premier League games and playing a key role in them finishing in ninth place.

Meslier was axed for Leeds’ final two matches of 2020/21, however, with Kiko Casilla starting against both Southampton and West Brom.

The Latest: Whelan unhappy with decision

It seemed a slightly baffling decision by Bielsa, considering what a consistent player the Frenchman has been throughout the campaign, and someone who wasn’t impressed was Whelan.

He told Football Insider that it felt needless on the manager’s part:

“Meslier deserved to play, there is absolutely no doubt about that in my mind. It is really harsh on him to not get to play in front of the fans after the season he has had. He’s been brilliant.

“Bielsa will have sat down and spoken to him regarding the decision before the game. He is a level-headed player so I think he will have taken it on the chin and moved on.

“I hope he understood Bielsa’s reasoning for leaving him out, whatever they were.”

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The Verdict: Water under the bridge

There is unlikely to be any great issue between Bielsa and Meslier, so this is more than likely something that has been blown out of proportion.

That being said, it made little sense to take out such a key player at the end of the campaign, especially when European football wasn’t completely out of the question.

Leeds won both games, of course, so Bielsa will feel vindicated in his decision, but the greater worry may be the exit links that have emerged for the young Frenchman in the past few months, which are bound to intensify with the summer window now looming.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to leave the club this summer – find out who it is here.

Everton are reportedly now targeting a move for Adama Traore in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Future uncertain

Traore was sent out on loan to FC Barcelona from Wolves back in January, and so his future at Molineux is uncertain with neither Barca or Wolves seeming particularly keen to keep him long term.

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His contract at the Midlands club expires in 2023, and so it will be up to them whether they look to cash in on him in the summer or risk losing him for free the following year.

The Latest: Targeted

As per Football Insider, a source from Goodison Park has revealed that the Merseyside club are now monitoring Traore as an ‘attacking target’, and Kevin Thelwell is thought to be a ‘big admirer’ of his, having originally signed him for the Wanderers for a club-record fee back in 2018.

The Toffees are ‘keeping tabs’ on his situation, as Barcelona have an option to buy him in the summer, and ‘could make a move’ if they decide not to sign him permanently.

The Verdict: Sign

Currently rated at £25.2m, Traore could be the marquee signing that Frank Lampard’s team need to kick on, should they end up avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

Likened to Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton by Martin Keown, the Spain international possesses blistering speed, a unique trait that the Blues could exploit to their advantage.

Of course, he has the added experience of playing in the top flight in both England and Spain too, and at 26 years of age is just about to enter his prime.

Nonetheless, he is a player that should get the supporters off of their seats and lift the mood around Goodison.

In other news, find out which 5/10 EFC dud Adam Jones slammed against Leicester City here!

Many Glasgow Rangers fans are delighted after a report from The 4th Official claimed that Alfredo Morelos does not want to leave Ibrox this summer.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from the 55-time Scottish champions last summer, with AC Milan (Football Insider via Glasgow Live) and Marseille (Le10 Foot) said to be interested, while the Colombia international even said earlier this year that his dream is to move to the Premier League (Radio Caracol). It seemed that the Gers would struggle to keep him at the club beyond this term, given such illustrious transfer interest.

However, this latest report has suggested that the 24-year-old wants to stay at Rangers. By winning the Premiership already this campaign, the Gers have earned themselves a place in the third qualifying round for the Champions League next season – a run in Europe’s premier club competition may be too enticing for Morelos to turn down.

The news was shared on Twitter by The 4th Official’s Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of delight from Gers supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Morelos news below

“I will drink to that”

Credit: @rs28x11

“Yaaaassss”

Credit: @JeremyFisher100

“Hope so! He’s here for 56!”

Credit: @stuart723

“Excellent news, More than likely Champions League football a big factor, oh and the Mighty”

Credit: @ell1s

“Great news for us. But get him on the slim fast just now so he’s trim and fit for his big introduction.”

Credit: @OfficialRG90

“Good, now get another few years on his contract”

Credit: @Faz_50

In other news, find out why Davie Provan slammed one Rangers man.

According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Glasgow Rangers have made a €4.5m (£3.8m) offer for Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman.

The Lowdown: Gers linked with Veerman, wants to leave

The Gers have been linked with a move for £7.65m-valued Veerman (Transfermarkt) in recent weeks and months, as have Serie A outfit Atalanta.

The midfielder has also already made it clear he is looking to depart the Eredivisie outfit this summer (nu.nl).

The Latest: Gers make offer

According to this latest report, the Gers have made their first move for 22-year-old Veerman.

It says the Ibrox outfit have made a bid of €4.5m (£3.8m), which is €1m (£850,000) less than what Atalanta have put on the table. Steven Gerrard is also said to be a big fan.

The Verdict: Making their move

Ross Wilson and co, it seems, are finally making their move for Veerman. It is a little surprising that this comes after the 55-time Scottish champions have already brought in one new midfielder in John Lundstram (rangers.co.uk), but with nine goals and 11 assists last term in all competitions (Transfermarkt), it is clear the Dutchman could offer plenty going forward.

The start of the season for the Gers is fast approaching, and they will be looking forward to getting started in the Champions League third qualifying round. The addition of Veerman would give Gerrard more confidence that his side would be able to reach the next stage of the competition.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid at this Club 1872 news.

Many Everton fans have been left reacting on social media as a transfer update emerged on Andre Gomes.

As per The Liverpool Echo, Benfica have made an enquiry over the possibility of signing the central midfield player in the summer window.

His future remains uncertain at Goodison Park, but he is believed to have made a good impression during the first two weeks of pre-season training.

Gomes came under a lot of criticism from some members of the Merseyside club faithful for some of his poor displays over the course of the 2020/21 season, and the fact that he has only managed to score one goal and make just five assists in 85 games in total for the Toffees over the last three campaigns (Transfermarkt) suggests that he has not contributed enough during his time there.

Thus, it is not a surprise at all to see so many Blues happy to let him go if the right offer comes in.

Everton fans on Gomes transfer update

These EFC supporters gave their reactions as the exit rumour was shared on Twitter:

“I’ll carry that crab to Portugal myself, see ya”

Credit: @mikkeeyy85

“Can’t defend, doesn’t create and doesn’t get around the pitch at any great pace. £10m and bye bye for me”

Credit: @GaryBri29919563

“I’ll carry him there on my back”

Credit: @efcjipster

“Get rid ASAP”

Credit: @Hemms10

“I’d love to get rid of him. Such a bang average player”

Credit: @trueblue265

“It’s a trap, GET HIM OUT!!!”

Credit: @Frankricardjnr

In other news, find out what recent news has Evertonians fuming here!

Celtic manager John Kennedy implored referees to ‘at least make the right calls’ after his team lost 4-1 in Sunday’s Old Firm derby.

Kemar Roofe scored twice as their rivals completed a first unbeaten season against the Hoops since 1999/20.

The odds were stacked against Celtic just 26 minutes in when Callum McGregor was shown a second yellow card and they were reduced to 10 men.

Kennedy shares biggest disappointment after heavy defeat

Kennedy did not dispute the latter decision, admitting that McGregor ought to have been booked for taking down Glen Kamara in the build-up to Roofe’s opener.

However, he disputed the notion that there was any ‘recklessness’ in the first tackle on Ryan Kent, and he pointed to another instance which underlined a lack of consistency in the officiating.

“There was an incident with Edouard on the far side when he was breaking through into the final third and he got taken down with a slide tackle and it was only a free-kick,” Kennedy told Sky Sports.

“There’s no consistency there. That’s what I’m most disappointed with. Red cards can happen, but at least make the right calls.

“It didn’t quite fall into place today. I’m disappointed with the result, massively. But, as you can see, I’m a bit annoyed with the sending off.”

Kennedy nearing the end of Celtic manager stint?

Kennedy may only take charge of two more games before handing the reins over to Neil Lennon’s long-term replacement at Parkhead.

Celtic host St Johnstone a week on Wednesday before travelling to Hibernian on the final day of the season.

Up to this point, he’s overseen three wins, three draws and two defeats during his time at the helm.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Kennedy may have a point about the foul on Edouard, but the question that has to be asked is why McGregor would make the challenge on Kamara so soon after being booked.

Remember, he is the vice-captain and the likely successor to Scott Brown for the permanent captaincy. A cooler head was needed from such an experienced leader..

In other news, Kennedy had this to say about Oliver Ntcham’s future.  

After suffering a cruel blow to their chances of signing Jesse Lingard permanently, West Ham United have been handed a fresh update on a potential alternative…

What’s the word?

As revealed by the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, the 28-year-old loan sensation could sign a new contract at Manchester United, where he is now expected to fight for his place under Ole Gunner Solskjaer.

The Hammers have been linked to a few different options in the event that they cannot secure a permanent move for Lingard, including West Brom’s Matheus Pereira and Chelsea outcast Ross Barkley, who David Moyes handed a debut to at Everton.

It is the latter who is thought to have been made available for transfer following the latest claims this week.

Goal.com’s Nizaar Kinsella suggests that the Blues are open to selling him this summer after Aston Villa opted against signing him following his loan spell.

It’s thought that they value the 33-time England international at around £30m.

Shocking alternative

If Moyes wants to fill the gap left behind by Lingard successfully, then he’s probably barking up the wrong tree by considering his former midfielder and he must avoid making a move for him amid this latest update.

After starting the season in sparkling form, the 27-year-old tailed off into oblivion by the end of the 2020/21 campaign in what was ultimately a microcosm of his career so far.

Barkley scored in his opening two matches for Villa and then played a crucial role in the thrashing of Arsenal, where he provided an assist but in his following 19 appearances for the Midlands side, he managed just one further goal.

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Indeed, the Chelsea flop failed to feature in Dean Smith’s starting XI in their final three games of the season, so it’s no wonder they have not signed him permanently.

Speaking about his struggles, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans slammed Barkley as a “liability” on their 1874 podcast back in April.

“He doesn’t do enough for me now,” he said. “I’ve seen enough of Ross Barkley now to realise that he’s becoming a bit of a liability for Villa. He’s not helping out enough as he should, really.”

Lingard, who played in a similar role in East London, was quite the contract. He found the net nine times and also provided four assists, finishing the season as Moyes’ second-highest rated player (7.22) behind Tomas Soucek (7.36).

He’s going to be a hard man to replace at the London Stadium but what is clear is that Barkley would be a shocking alternative and one major downgrade, which just isn’t what the Irons need as they embark on a historic season.

The £18m-rated dud, who earns an eye-watering £100k-per-week at Stamford Bridge, must not be signed this summer, whatever the circumstance.

Moyes simply risks a transfer disaster with this one.

AND in other news, Moyes must axe £85k-p/w West Ham flop who’s “strolled about”, he’s cost £722k per game…

Many Liverpool fans have flocked to Twitter to react to the news that academy product Isaac Mabaya has signed his first professional contract at Anfield, as confirmed by the club’s official website and Twitter channel.

The 17-year-old has been at the Reds since the age of six and broke into the Reds’ under-18s last season as a wide midfielder before a mid-season switch saw him move to full-back. So far this season, the Preston native has played at right-back for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s team.

Mabaya has played 21 times for Liverpool’s under-18s, scoring four goals and setting up another five, and he has represented England at under-15 and under-16 level.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Neco Williams following the same path from the academy and featuring for Jurgen Klopp’s first team, the teenager will have eyes on emulating the two senior right-backs and has been rewarded for his performances and potential with a new contract from the club.

Fellow teenage right-back Conor Bradley made his Liverpool first team debut last week in the Carabao Cup victory over Norwich City and Mabaya could be next in line to be handed a chance by Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool fans flock to contract news

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react to the news of Mabaya’s first professional contract at the club.

“Future first teamer”

Credit: @F9Txrres

“Congratulations Isaac! Richly deserved for all the hard work and dedication you’ve put in over the years. Upwards & onwards, sky’s the limit for you. Well done mate”

Credit: @SimonHindley

“Amazing news for Isaac and his family – he has quality in his football and also a great personality. Well deserved for all the hard work you put in Isaac. This is the start of a lot more hard work, but you will smash it.”

Credit: @slingerpete1

“Congratulations homeboy”

Credit: @fariemuk

“Serious player”

Credit: @KonateEra

“This fella looks very promising”

Credit: @paulDix11248352

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to James Pearce’s update on this certain player. Find out more here.

Newcastle United are now reportedly targeting a potential move for Lorenzo Insigne.

The Lowdown: Contract breakdown

As per Il Mattino (via Sport Witness), talks have been ‘difficult’ between Insigne and Napoli over a renewal of his contract, which expires next summer.

It means that he will be able to talk to other clubs in the January transfer window, ahead of a potential free transfer.

The Latest: Insigne targeted

According to Il Mattino (via Sport Witness), the St. James’ Park faithful have now ‘targeted’ Insigne ahead of a potential swoop, but there has been no official contact yet.

Teams in the MLS are also being considered in terms of securing his signature, but it feels ‘unlikely’ that he will leave his native Italy at the moment.

The Verdict: Bargain

Given that he is currently rated at £43.2m by Transfermarkt, signing Insigne on a free transfer would be an absolute bargain.

The Napoli captain would offer leadership to the squad off of the pitch, and lead by example on it, with no fewer than 111 goals and a further 88 assists in 406 games in total over all competitions for the Naples side (Transfermarkt).

Rafa Benitez, once of the Magpies and having recently being linked with a return to the North East from Everton, sung the praises of Insigne when he was manager at Napoli back in 2015, and for both of them to arrive on Tyneside could well be a match made in heaven.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ maestro NUFC have contacted here!

Having arrived from Juventus with a lot of hype and expectations it has not been the move Moise Kean would’ve expected with a low point being subbed on then off just 18 minutes later by Duncan Ferguson, and former striker Marcus Bent claims that the club have realised that the Italian is not an Everton type of player.

Recent reports have emerged that Kean only wants to return to PSG this summer and the two clubs are trying to thrash out another season-long loan deal even with Carlo Ancelotti no longer being at the helm.

When Kean arrived in the summer of 2019, he was leaving Juventus after managing to net six goals in just 13 appearances for the Old Lady, but compare that to his two goals in 31 league appearances for Everton, there has been no reason for him to remain at Goodison Park based on his performances in the Premier League.

Kean impressed when handed a chance at PSG under both Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino but that has done little to sway Everton’s opinion on the striker not being up to the standards required, according to Bent who spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“They’ve said they don’t feel like he’s an Everton player but we know that he’s a goalscorer, but I just don’t think he fits the criteria at Everton.”

At the moment, Kean would have to dislodge both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison to get a regular starting spot in the team and under new manager, Rafa Benitez, he may be handed a chance to prove his worth, but it’s difficult to see him starting ahead of those two.

If PSG are able to bring him back on loan as well as adding Georginio Wijnaldum to their side on a free transfer then it would appear to be two smart pieces of business without having to shell out loads of money.