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Micah Richards has picked out Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira as a ‘potential successor to Pep Guardiola’. 

The lowdown

Vieira only took charge at Palace this summer, replacing Roy Hodgson in the Selhurst Park dugout.

They’ve won only one of their first nine matches, but equally their only defeats have come away to league leaders Chelsea and second-place Liverpool.

Having racked up a Premier League-high six draws, they find themselves 15th in the table.

While the team is still ‘a work in progress’, Vieira has won plaudits for making the Eagles ‘entertaining to watch’ (via London Evening Standard).

Meanwhile, current City boss Guardiola suggested in August that he would leave The Etihad when his contract expires at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Vieira played for the Cityzens shortly before his retirement, helping them win the FA Cup in 2011 (via BBC Sport).

The latest

Writing in his column for The Daily Mail, Richards expressed excitement at the trajectory of his former team-mate’s career.

He thinks the five-time Premier League champions may consider Vieira when Guardiola decides to move on.

“Should his managerial career continue to progress the way I hope it will, I see no reason why his name wouldn’t at least be in the conversation as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola,” he wrote.

The verdict

Clearly, Vieira is winning appreciation for his work at Palace in spite of his team’s mediocre league position. It’s good to see observers looking beyond the results at this early stage of his tenure.

There have been some impressive performances against quality opposition. They put three past Spurs and restricted them to two shots, they edged the ‘expected goals’ in their draw with Leicester City and they were only denied three points at The Emirates by a 95th-minute Arsenal goal.

But could the City job, and the opportunity to compete for titles at his former club, persuade him to abandon his Palace project? Potentially.

In other news, fans reacted to this major development for the club.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Prague International, Czech football pundit Jiri Hosek has dropped an enticing claim involving West Ham-linked billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

The Lowdown: Kretinsky in talks…

As news broke last week of the Czech tycoon’s advanced talks to buy a 27 per cent stake in West Ham, the impending deal has been met with much excitement and promise in what could be a huge financial booster for the club.

The potential agreement will see the Hammers’ value as a club rise to between £600 million and £700 million – around six times more than it was worth when GSB took over.

The Telegraph believe Kretinsky’s talks could also be the ‘precursor’ of an eventual full takeover, which would put an end to GSB’s divisive reign at West Ham.

Kretinsky’s personal fortune is said to be more than £3 billion and so it isn’t infeasible to believe that West Ham could see a cash injection for transfers if talks succeed.

The Latest: Hosek drops enticing claim…

Speaking to Radio Prague, Czech source and football pundit Hosek has made an enticing claim as he backs this big news out of West Ham – going on to say that fans should be ‘relaxed’ about the billionaire’s reputation as an owner.

“There are some very dramatic stories being told behind the curtains about his involvement in choosing the line-up, the coaches and discussing the team’s tactics,” he explained.

“West Ham fans should be very relaxed about the reputation of Daniel Křetinský, if we are talking about this in comparison with the recent acquisition of Newcastle United by the Saudi Royal Fund.

“There is a very transparent record of Mr Křetínský’s fortune, so we can say that he is not one of these dodgy Central and Eastern European tycoons whose sources of money we can’t track.

“This is perhaps an optimistic note for West Ham United fans.”

The Verdict: More good news…

Club investments or part ownership from relatively unknown overseas parties will always arguably strike a degree of uncertainty, so this claim on Kretinsky’s background should indeed come as a positive for Irons supporters.

Even if the 46-year-old doesn’t go on to buy a majority stake in the club and take over from GSB, Kretinsky’s cash injection would be one major benefit as manager David Moyes aims to maintain his side’s fight at the very top level.

The Czech pundit’s claims should come as particularly good news for Irons supporters given the chaos currently unfolding on Tyneside, with Unai Emery raising questions over their new owners’ direction when snubbing the club this week, via The Chronicle.

In other news: ‘Huge’, ‘Don’t gas me’, ‘Announce league title’…West Ham fans flock to ‘exciting’ ExWHUemployee claim, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester City fans have erupted over a fresh update on their pursuit of summer target and Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane.

The England international was heavily coveted by City and sporting director Txiki Begiristain over the last transfer window in the Sky Blues’ search for a world-class centre-forward.

Manager Pep Guardiola even confirmed his club’s interest in Kane but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refused to budge in terms of parting with his prized asset. City lodged bids and there was even talk of multiple swap deals, but the transfer saga ended in vain as the 28-year-old remained in north London.

As per ESPN, it now appears that Begiristain hasn’t quite given up all hope of bringing Kane to the Etihad Stadium, with City now prepared to launch another bid in the January window. According to their sources, new Spurs manager Antonio Conte could even be set for first major battle with Guardiola’s men set to revive their interest.

This development has prompted mixed reviews from Citizens on social media, though, with some supporters ecstatic over the news whilst others questioned the club’s transfer policy.

Kane won the Premier League Golden Boot last season with a haul of 23 goals and 14 assists, marking himself out as one of the best strikers in Europe. His quality is undeniable. having hit double figures for goals scored in each of the last seven top-flight campaigns.

However, with the striker already aged 28, not to mention Erling Haaland’s availability on a €75m (£64m) release clause from June 2022, you can understand why some supporters are questioning City, with one even calling this update ‘crazy’.

Check out some of their reactions from Twitter below.

Man City fans erupt over Kane update…

“I’m in. Get it done”

Credit: @Thinkaz1

“WHATTTT”

Credit: @Kelvinclasher

“I’m done”

Credit: @Jevii_stainless

“siuuuuu”

Credit: @4Jamerson7

“Yesssss”

Credit: @vedantmancity

“Here we go again”

Credit: @MattOMaraaa

“The fact that we’re spinning the block on buddy is CRAZY.”

Credit: @JayPolk44

“Oh my days bro…”

Credit: @King__kb

“No way man. Levy, do not let that man go”

Credit: @_Yett_

In other news: ‘Most embarrassing club in the world’….these Man City fans fume over ‘disgusting’ exit claim, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could look to raid one of their London arch-rivals in the near future…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Spurs hold a big interest in signing Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea, having attempted to lure him in the past.

“They’re really serious about Rudiger,” the journalist told GIVEMESPORT this week.

Indeed, the Lilywhites spoke to the 49-cap Germany international during Jose Mourinho’s time in charge.

“I was close [to leaving],” the defender said when questioned about his future in March, as relayed by The Express. “There was [a] call also with Mourinho, but this is something at the end of the day that didn’t happen.”

Rudiger has been linked with several of Europe’s elite clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich as he will soon enter the final six months of his current £100k-per-week deal at Stamford Bridge.

It’s believed that the 28-year-old wants to double his wages, and whilst the Blues want to retain his services, there is no willingness to increase his salary beyond an extra £50k-per-week.

Imagine Rudiger and Romero

Rudiger looked hugely out-of-favour at Chelsea before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in west London but now he has arguably emerged as one of the best central defenders in the Premier League, so it would be quite a coup if Spurs could snatch his signature from their rivals’ grasp.

He’s still valued at €20m (£18m) by CIES Football Observatory, so it would represent stunning value should they land him for nothing next summer.

The 6 foot 3 colossus has also worked under Antonio Conte before, having registered 45 appearances during the 52-year-old’s reign at Stamford Bridge, so he will know the Italian’s system and methods better than most. He even dubbed his former boss a “very, very good coach” back in 2018.

Rudiger has started 14 of their 15 appearances across the Premier League and Champions League this campaign, whilst he started in the final where they defeated English rivals Man City, emphasising just how crucial he is to Tuchel.

His form under his fellow countryman earned a glowing endorsement from Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand back in August, as he told his podcast (via Metro):

“Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League. Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”

Regularly, the former Stuttgart and Roma centre-back has been a real thorn in Spurs’ side as he often dominates the north Londoners – he boasts a 70% win rate when facing Tottenham.

One example of this was seen earlier this season. Not only did he score past Hugo Lloris with a deft finish inside the area, but he also earned the second-highest rating on the pitch (8.0) for his defensive masterclass against Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

As per SofaScore, he registered two clearances and two blocks, and won 100% of his aerial duels up against the England talisman.

Therefore, just imagine him alongside Spurs’ summer signing Cristian Romero but in a Lilywhites strip, rather than the rival blue in which many have seen him terrorise opponents over the last few years.

Romero and Rudiger would be a colossal duo in Conte’s back three, so Fabio Paratici and co must do all they can to secure the German ahead of Europe’s elite.

At the same time, they could deal Chelsea a crushing blow, too.

AND in other news, Spurs could sign Conte’s next Hazard in “complete” £22.5m-rated wizard who bossed Pochettino’s PSG…

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing hard to sign Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer in the summer, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Eurosport transfer insider Dean Jones delivered a fresh update on Spurs’ pursuit of the Chelsea centre-back during an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT earlier this week.

“Rudiger’s people, the biggest offer they’re hearing about is coming from Tottenham, in terms of wages,” he revealed.

The north Londoners were linked with a move for the German, whose £100k-per-week contract expires at the end of the season, back in the summer, so they have seemingly always maintained an interest in his signature.

However, Spurs will face fierce competition from some of Europe’s elite teams, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, but it is an encouraging sign that they have made the biggest offer thus far.

Conte would love him

It would be a signing that would leave Antonio Conte mouth-watering.

There have been reports in his home county suggesting that the Italian would like a new central defender during the January transfer window and that’s hardly a surprise given he has selected left-back Ben Davies in his back three and in Cristian Romero’s absence tried both Japhet Tanganga and then Davinson Sanchez.

Rudiger is vastly experienced in the Premier League, as many around N17 should know, given his 70% win record against the club since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2017.

Since then, the 6 foot 3 colossus has featured 110 times in the English top-flight and has clinched Europe’s biggest prize, the Champions League, too. This season, Thomas Tuchel has kept the faith in him despite his contractual situation, having started 14 of their 15 games across both competitions.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-news-updates-transfers-antonio-conte-thfc” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Meanwhile, 45 of his 165 Blues appearances came under Conte – currently the most of any Chelsea boss he’s worked under – and the pair worked together during their FA Cup success.

Rudiger even dubbed the 52-year-old a “very good coach” back in 2018.

His form under Tuchel earned a glowing review from Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand back in August this year, as he told his podcast (via Metro):

“Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League. Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”

On the above evidence, Rudiger and Conte could strike up quite the relationship once again, so this latest update should leave the Spurs boss absolutely buzzing.

A back three involving the £31.5m-rated German international and Romero is an exciting prospect and one that is ultimately a dream for a manager like Conte.

AND in other news, Forget Reguilon: £92k-p/w Spurs powerhouse who had 76 touches stole the show for Conte against Leeds…

Celtic journalist Kieran Devlin has expressed uncertainty about the return date of centre-back Christopher Jullien. 

The lowdown

The Frenchman hasn’t played for the Hoops since their 3-0 win over Dundee United at the end of December 2020. He was forced off in that game after injuring his knee when colliding with the post (via BBC Sport).

Former Scotland boss Alex McLeish has said it will be a ‘massive’ boost for Celtic whenever Jullien, a treble winner in 2019/20, eventually makes his comeback.

Ange Postecoglou said in late October that the 28-year-old would be back after the November international break, but there’s no sign of him as yet.

The latest

In The Athletic’s matchday discussion surrounding Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, a supporter asked Devlin if there was ‘any indication when/if’ the defender would be back.

The fan ‘thought by now we would have seen something of Jullien in training’ or in a youth team game.

Devlin replied: “It just keeps being pushed back. Briefed multiple times this season that he’d be back within a few weeks and it just hasn’t happened. Not sure what the new estimated date is.”

The verdict

Celtic initially expected to be without Jullien for a period of four months, but we’re now approaching a full calendar year of him being sidelined.

Devlin’s latest claim is worrying because it suggests that there may have been a setback, with the 28-year-old not able to meet the club’s revised timeline.

They were knocked out of the Europa League this week after a 3-2 defeat by Bayer Leverkusen, with Chris Sutton acknowledging that ‘defensively, Celtic have come up well short in Europe’.

It’s tempting to wonder whether they would have had enough to progress from their group with a fully fit Jullien, who was included in their squad for the competition – a sure sign that the Hoops had banked on him returning to action by now.

In other news, this defender is open to signing for Celtic

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have slammed the performance of Ryan Kent in their 1-0 win at Hibernian in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team managed to nick all three points at Easter Road in the end thanks to a late penalty from Keemar Roofe, which puts them firmly in pole position at the top of the table.

However, while some players impressed in a Light Blue shirt, Kent did not have his best game, as he lost out on nine of his duels and was unsuccessful with all three of his shots on goal (SofaScore).

The 25-year-old was also guilty of giving the ball away on 17 different occasions in the match, the joint-second most out of his teammates (SofaScore), in what was a frustrating night for him individually.

Rangers fans slam Kent

These Rangers fans slammed Kent’s performance on Twitter, with one Gers supporter going as far as to claim that he was a ‘passenger’ last night:

“Ryan Kent is an absolute passenger so far.”

Credit: @FarvaRangers

“Ryan Kent has been awful for a number of games now – others deserve a chance to prove themselves”

Credit: @RobertsonGreig

“What is the point of Ryan Kent?”

Credit: @mullanmcm

“Ryan Kent having an absolute stinker”

Credit: @BigMoLoyal1872

“Why is Ryan Kent still on this pitch?”

Credit: @StephenMcGarry3

“Ryan Kent still being on the pitch is mind boggling, worst game he’s ever played.”

Credit: @dylanblack23

In other news, find out whose display against Hibs was also slammed by many Gers fans

Ralf Rangnick’s revolution at Manchester United has got off to a promising if unspectacular start and the January transfer window could be another significant step in their development.

A 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the German tactician’s opening game in charge was followed up by securing another three points against Norwich City by the same scoreline a week later.

United’s draw with BSC Young Boys in their Champions League dead rubber was sandwiched between those results, but their 11 changes meant the starting lineup didn’t allow for many significant lessons to be taught.

However, what has already become clear during Rangnick’s short reign is his desired style of play and philosophy that he’s attempted to implement in the red half of Manchester.

Against Palace, in particular, the 63-year-old’s preferred 4-2-2-2 shape and Gegenpressing system was evident for all to see.

United won back possession of the ball 12 times in the final third of the pitch – not only a record number for the Red Devils this season but since Opta began recording such data – while the midfield, inside forwards and two strikers were all extremely compact.

“The amount of times that you saw Manchester United in possession but in that very narrow shape was incredible,” said Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville in his post-match analysis. “That is all to stop the counter-attack.”

But the below-par performance against Norwich brought United back down to earth and highlighted just how much work Rangnick has got to do before he makes them competitive again.

And in order to compete for football’s biggest prizes, the ‘Godfather of German coaching’ may have to dip into the transfer market over the winter window.

One player who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in RB Leipzig’s £60,000-per-week star Amadou Haidara.

According to The Mirror, Rangnick could sanction a deal for the box-to-box dynamo after previously signing him from Red Bull Salzburg for Leipzig back in January 2019.

Haidara’s current contract with the Bundesliga giants is believed to contain a £33m release clause, meaning a move to the red half of Manchester could be relatively straightforward.

After bringing the midfield gem to the Red Bull Arena from sister club Salzburg, Rangnick made no effort to hide his pleasure at the 23-year-old’s arrival, lauding the engine room operator’s quality.

“We’re delighted to have signed Amadou,” he told the club’s official website upon his unveiling (as relayed by Bundesliga.com).

“We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg, as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there. There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

Signing the defensive-minded Haidara would bring an element of balance and control to the middle of the pitch that United have been desperately lacking for a number of years.

As per FBref.com, The Mali international has averaged 0.96 tackles won per 90 this term, 6.60 successful pressures, 2.23 blocks and 0.85 interceptions this term.

The cover that Haidara would provide Bruno Fernandes – who has scored 45 goals and provided 34 assists in 102 appearances for United – would make for a scary duo in the middle of the pitch.

Therefore, United must carefully consider a move for the robust youngster this January, providing Rangnick with the tools he needs to drag the 20-time English champions back to their previous perch.

And, in other news…“As things stand”: Fabrizio Romano drops MUFC transfer update that’ll have fans gutted 

Celtic have been handed a huge boost concerning the injury sustained by Kyogo Furuhashi last week.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Kieran Devlin, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a recent Q&A that the centre-forward’s hamstring injury picked up in the 3-2 Europa League win over Real Betis is not as bad as first feared.

He then went on to state that the 26-year-old even had tests before Sunday’s 1-0 win over Motherwell to see if he was fit enough to play a part in the fixture.

Speaking about the Japan international’s current fitness levels, Devlin said: “Kyogo’s injury is not as bad as feared.”

Fans will be delighted

Considering just how crucial a part of the Celtic side Kyogo has already become since his £4.6m move to Glasgow this summer, the news that the striker could be set to make a return to first-team action against Ross County on Wednesday evening, or, if not, in the League Cup final against Hibernian this weekend, is sure to have left Bhoys fans delighted.

Indeed, over his 13 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £1.8m-rated centre-forward has already scored eight goals, provided two assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.2 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £18k-per-week man average a SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Celtic’s joint 10th-best performer in the Scottish top flight – of players who remain in Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad.

The Japanese striker has also scored five goals, registered three assists and created two big chances over his five appearances in the Europa League, and bagged a further four goals over six Europa League qualifying and League Cup fixtures – taking his total for the season to 14 strikes and five assists in just 24 games.

As such, the news of Kyogo’s rapid return will undoubtedly provide Celtic’s chances of winning their first trophy of the Postecoglou era on Sunday with a considerable boost, something that will certainly delight everyone involved with the club.

In other news: “No estimated return date”: Devlin drops big Celtic injury update, Ange will be fuming

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has showered young midfielder Jacob Ramsey with praise. 

Speaking ahead of Villa’s Premier League clash with Burnley on Saturday, Gerrard admitted that ‘outstanding talent’ Ramsey has developed further then he had by the age of 20.

He believes that the Englishman can ‘go all the way to the very top’ if he continues to improve.

Ramsey making headlines

Ramsey earned the compliment off the back of his starring performance against Norwich City in midweek.

His solo goal set the Villans on their way to a 2-0 victory, and he also won 70% of his duels and completed 86% of his passes. That was enough to earn him a SofaScore rating of 8.0/10.

Ramsey has started 11 PL matches for Villa this season, including five of Gerrard’s first six.

Is Ramsey’s long-term future at Villa?

The £7.2million-rated ace is under contract with the Midlands outfit until June 2025, having signed an extension in February (via Transfermarkt).

But Spanish outlet Fichajes.net reported in September that he was ‘catching the eye’ of reigning champions Manchester City, who took Jack Grealish from Villa Park in the summer.

Fan feed Villa Report relayed Gerrard’s comments, and here’s what supporters made of them.

Villa fans flock to Ramsey praise

“I’m gonna get my heart broken again aren’t I”

Credit: @MisterGuilbert

“With Villa”

Credit: @AndyServicel1

“Wow high praise indeed”

Credit: @dan54287301

“Hands off city”

Credit: @Gaz57333644

“Sold Jack for a 100mil because villa knew this is the man who’s going to take us to Europe… love it”

Credit: @MattFothers

“Starboy”

Credit: @JamesVilla73

In other news, Gabriel Agbonlahor reacts to a big blow for Villa.