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Chelsea earned themselves a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, which should give Thomas Tuchel’s side a great chance of progressing to the Champions League final when the two sides meet again at Stamford Bridge next week.

Christian Pulisic gave the Blues an early lead at the Alfredo Di Stéfano Stadium as he latched on to Antonio Rudiger’s long ball before keeping his composure to round former Chelsea man Thibaut Courtois and fire into the net.

However, it wouldn’t take the hosts too long to level, as Karim Benzema showed the goalscoring instinct that Timo Werner lacked earlier in the game to fire home an emphatic volley after it broke to him in the box.

Unfortunately for the German international, it was another disappointing performance on Tuesday night as he struggled to get involved at all, whilst he also missed a great early chance as he inexplicably volleyed straight at Courtois when found by Pulisic inside the six-yard box.

As per SofaScore, the former RB Leipzig man would earn a disappointing 6.6/10 rating for his performance, which was the joint-worst rating, along with Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva, of any outfield Chelsea player who started the game.

During his 66 minutes on the pitch, the 25-year-old striker had just 21 touches of the ball, which was the least of any player who started the game, including Chelsea shot-stopper Edouard Mendy, who had 24.

Werner also managed to complete just seven passes during the game, which is significantly worse than the 20.3 passes he has averaged per game in the Champions League this season, which emphasises just how little he was involved on Tuesday evening.

The summer signing, who was dubbed “frustrating” by Rio Ferdinand earlier in the season, also failed to contribute a single dribble or key pass during his time on the pitch, which again suggests that he needs to do more in Chelsea’s build-up play.

Considering the Blues’ impressive start to the game which could have seen them establish a more comfortable lead, you could definitely argue that Werner let Tuchel down because of his inability to finish and his general ineffectiveness in Madrid. If he had performed better, Chelsea would be taking more than one away goal back to the Bridge.

Sunderland had one task that stood tall above the others during the winter transfer market; find a left-back.

It was Kristjaan Speakman’s biggest priority as he embarked on his first window in charge of their recruitment.

Unfortunately, it didn’t really pay off. The Mackems were linked with a number of left-backs, including Wimbledon defender Paul Osew.

They ultimately ended up with Jake Vokins, landing the young full-back on a loan deal from Southampton.

On paper this looked like a wise move. Vokins had played against Arsenal in the Premier League just a matter of days before penning terms in the north-east.

Things haven’t worked out for the Saints defender since signing though, enduring a horrendous debut that was described as one of the worst in the club’s history. His game time has since been halted by the ongoing pandemic and a worrying heart problem.

Though, on the field of play, it’s Callum McFadzean who has been left to take the majority of criticism.

He has been the mainstay at left-back while Denver Hume recovers from injury and it’s safe to say he’s been well below par.

The 27-year-old has been caught out on a number of occasions this term and has been left stranded by a whole host of wingers and flying full-backs.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-sunderland-transfer-rumours-and-news-grigg-denayer-louis-dreyfus-sanderson-melamed” title=”Latest Sunderland transfer news and views!”]

McFadzean was given the run around by Otis Khan in the EFL Trophy final as the Tranmere defender completed four dribbles.

The Mackems full-back was led a “merry dance” by Olamide Shodipo against Oxford United and was again terrorised by Mallik Wilks in the draw with Hull City this week.

Wilks beat him on countless occasions, providing two assists for the Tigers’ goals. With that in mind, a left-back should be near the top of Sunderland’s agenda again this summer.

Back in January, the Black Cats were touted with a switch for young Hibernian talent Josh Doig.

The defender is just 18 but has caught the eye of not only the lower leagues but also the likes of Leeds and Manchester City.

Luring him to the Stadium of Light, therefore, would be quite the accomplishment but it’s something they have to do.

Doig is very adept going forward and has contributed to four goals in the Scottish Premiership this season. Crucial, though, are his defensive attributes.

The teenager is very strong in the tackle and has won 1.7 challenges per match. That tally significantly betters McFadzean who has made just one successful tackle a game in League One.

It might not mean much to Sunderland supporters but Doig comes with a glowing recommendation from a certain Jack Ross too: “He has been brilliant this season for a young man who has just turned 18,” the Hibs boss said.

With a high ceiling and plenty of potential, the Scottish defender definitely seems like a better option than McFadzean. The Black Cats must try their best to prise him away.

AND in other news, Forget Jones: SAFC gem with 36 key passes now stealing the show, he’s very “dangerous”…

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that “top” Premier League clubs have been watching Brentford striker Ivan Toney this season.

Toney, who has been the subject of interest from Leeds United, West Ham and Arsenal, is the top scorer in the second-tier having netted 28 times for the Bees following his move Peterborough last summer.

Brentford currently sit fourth in the Championship standings, although their automatic promotion bid has tailed off in recent weeks, but that hasn’t affected Toney, whose netted 12 goals in his last 12 matches.

With a number of clubs keen on him this summer, it appears that the former Posh frontman will be playing his football in the Premier League one way or another next season.

And whilst Fry echoes those thoughts, he revealed that Toney already has a host of Premier League sides that are watching his exploits at Brentford with a keen interest.

He exclusively revealed to Football FanCast:

“He loves it at Brentford, he loves the lads, he’s a leader. I should imagine Brentford will have to sit him down and offer him a lot more of a lucrative that what he’s on now. I still think they will struggle to keep him.

“He could finish up with 30 league goals this year. All the Premier League clubs that I spoke to last year are regretting not signing him.

“There’s only a few that will be able to afford him, but I know for a fact that top clubs in the Premier League are watching him with interest for what he does. I’m sure he will be playing in the Premier League next year for somebody.”

Toney has taken the Championship by storm this season, and is already on course to break the record for the most goals in a single campaign, so whether it’s with Brentford or someone else, he looks destined for the Premier League.

According to a report by Portuguese news outlet Correio da Manhã, via West Ham Fan Zone, the Irons are eyeing FC Porto manager Sergio Conceicao as a possible replacement for David Moyes, prompting bafflement from many supporters. 

Indeed, West Ham are apparently interested in appointing Conceicao despite Moyes’ fine job at the London Stadium this season.

The Hammers could qualify for the 2021/22 Europa League if they clinch a point from today’s encounter with Southampton, coming after West Ham finished a lowly 16th last term.

Correio de Manhã reported that the Liga NOS manager is attracting such interest from West Ham that GSB are promising a ‘millionaire’s investment’ to the 46-year-old this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-rumours-and-gossip-two-electric-boogaloo-copy/” title=”West Ham updates” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It is said that they want a boss who has experience in competing at the highest level in Europe (Conceicao took Porto to the Champions League quarter-finals this year), which contradicts reports that Moyes is apparently close to signing a new deal at the London Stadium (Evening Standard).

As a result, these Irons supporters are baffled by the news about the purported managerial change – check out some of their verdicts below.

West Ham fans baffled by Conceicao claim

“That would be horrible on David Moyes, he’s the only reason we are where we are now”

Credit: @keirankeyse

“This can’t be true”

Credit: @AlexBicknell89

“This is 100 percent a Sullivan idea”

Credit: @AidanWHU

“Replacing Moyes for a fancy name. Didn’t go too well the first time”

Credit: @WHUJack_

“It’d be an absolute disgrace if David Moyes was to be shown the door again especially this time around considering the job he’s done this season and back end of last. Sullivan will forever be attracted to fancy names but with no real plan, just shows he is main problem.”

Credit: @AzamWHUFC

“Don’t believe it”

Credit: @HHickford

In other news: West Ham now leading race to bag potentially ‘perfect signing’, find out more here.

This summer is set to witness an almighty changing of the guard at Celtic.

No longer will Peter Lawwell be at Parkhead after his retirement, while a new manager will grace the Hoops dugout too.

They will also need a new captain with Scott Brown heading for Aberdeen in a player-coach capacity.

On the chalkboard

Callum McGregor has been widely tipped to become the new Celtic skipper but if the Bhoys are looking for someone to replace Brown in a positional sense, Ismaila Soro would be the first pick.

The Ivorian signed in January 2020 but hasn’t actually enjoyed much football since penning terms.

He’s started just 11 times in the Premiership this term but has had a very productive campaign in the middle of the park.

Soro has won an eye-catching 1.9 tackles per game which proves he could fill the hole that’s set to be left behind by Brown.

The Scot has always been a tough-tackling anchor in front of the defence but Soro has similar qualities.

His performances in the Europa League were particularly strong. As Celtic surprisingly beat Lille, the midfielder won ten tackles and two interceptions. On that evidence, it’s no surprise to see him linked with England and Tottenham Hotspur.

The ideal partner

If Soro does stay at Parkhead, discovering who his partner in midfield will be is something the manager will have to think long and hard about.

Celtic will welcome Liam Shaw to the club in a few month’s time while Luca Connell has enjoyed a productive spell on loan at Queen’s Park.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-howe-favre-mcgregor-mccann-tierney” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

That said, an external option could well be on the cards.

The Bhoys sent scouts to watch Ali McCann earlier this season and according to reports, they did so again when his St Johnstone side met St Mirren in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup on Sunday.

When Celtic’s talent spotters have been to watch him, it’s likely they will have come back impressed.

He has contributed to four goals in all competitions, while he is dynamic and full of energy.

McCann knows his way to goal but he’s extremely strong in the tackle. With that in mind, he and Soro could form a devastating partnership in the middle of the park.

So far this term, the 21-year-old has won 91 tackles at a rate of 2.7 per match in the Premiership.

For context, no player in the entire division has made more successful challenges in the Scottish top-flight this term. The next best is Hibernian’s Paul McGinn but he is some way behind on 73.

Described as “undroppable” by former teammate Jason Holt, McCann has clearly made a big splash and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before one of the bigger clubs come calling.

Celtic need to make sure they’re at the front of the queue.

AND in other news, Celtic interview “outstanding” 63 y/o for manager role, Hoops fans should be buzzing…

Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side should consider making a move for Billy Gilmour this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to former Canaries star ‘Jon Newsome, who, in an interview with This is Futbol, stated his belief that the Chelsea midfielder would be a “fantastic” signing for newly-promoted City.

The former defender’s remarks come following a report by The Athletic, who revealed that Thomas Tuchel’s side will be looking to loan the 19-year-old out this summer in order for him to gain first-team experience.

Newsome said: “What a fantastic signing he would be, and I think it’s good for Billy Gilmour. He needs to get out and play games; he needs football out on the grass. Is he going to break into the side at the moment? I can’t really see it happening. So, yes, he needs to get out and what better place to go than Norwich City?”

Webber must move

Having made his Chelsea debut under Frank Lampard back in 2019, Gilmour has so far gone on to make 22 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.

However, only five of these came in the Premier League last season, something that is not overly surprising when considering that Tuchel has the likes of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic as options in the middle of the park.

And, with it being confirmed that Norwich have released both Alexander Tettey and Mario Vrancic this summer, in addition to Oliver Skipp returning to Tottenham Hotspur and Kenny McLean being ruled out for 12 weeks due to injury, central midfield certainly appears an area in which Daniel Farke needs to strengthen ahead of City’s Premier League campaign.

As such, Newsome’s suggestion of a move for Gilmour would indeed appear to suit both Chelsea and Norwich, as the Blues would be allowing the youngster to gain valuable Premier League experience, while Norwich would gain the services of a highly promising midfielder who was recently credited with bossing the Manchester City midfield in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side.

Indeed, picking up Gilmour would certainly go a long way in softening Farke’s blow of losing Skipp, meaning that we completely agree with the assessment of Newsome, and believe it would be highly advisable for Stuart Webber to do all he can to convince the £6.3m-rated 19-year-old of a move to Carrow Road this summer.

In other news: Major Norwich City development is revealed that’ll surely have fans buzzing – opinion

Manchester United have made a move for Crystal Palace recruitment specialist Jamahl Jarrett.

The Daily Mail shared the news on Friday, which led to numerous Eagles fans sharing their thoughts on the off-field development on social media.

According to the report, the Red Devils are set to bring in Jarrett, currently assistant head of academy recruitment at Selhurst Park, to be their lead southern scout.

Jarrett has been with Palace for 10 years, six of which have been in a full-time position.

But it now seems as if he will end his association at Selhurst Pak by making a move to the Old Trafford outfit.

The 32-year-old is highly thought of and was the co-founder of South London club Lambeth Tigers in 2010, where he has since helped more than 250 youngsters go on to join high-level youth set-ups around the country.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the Daily Mail’s report on Twitter on Friday. This is what some Palace supporters had to say in reply to the proposed move, with one describing it as ‘hilarious’.

“Bit late for April Fools….”

Credit: @_YTCP_

“I’m not surprised he wants to leave, Roy hasn’t used any of the youngsters regularly (AWB excepted and injuries forced that on him). Our promising lads just move on as soon as they can.”

Credit: @Cpfc1905Dh

“We have a recruitment specialist?!!!! Hilarious.”

Credit: @audreysprayer

“Didn’t even know we had a recruitment specialist”

Credit: @CPFC_GH

“So basically he’s gonna be getting all the best players from South London and taking them to United?”

Credit: @joelcpfc_

“why would players move across the country at such a young age for a worse academy?”

Credit: @ElGaeito

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz at club’s summer plans, find out more here. 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has backed Illan Meslier to play for France in the near future.

Following an impressive display against Chelsea, where Meslier was able to keep a clean sheet, former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino lauded the 21-year-old and tipped him to succeed Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris as France’s No.1 – something Palmer can see happening.

And it appears such performances have not gone unnoticed outside of England, with Meslier now being linked with a return to his homeland.

According to The National, Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for the French youngster as they look to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

Discussing the 6 ft 4 stopper’s chances of becoming a France international in an exclusive interview with FFC, Palmer said:

“If you’re playing in the Premier League and you’re playing well, as he’s doing, of course, of course. It’s all about consistency, it’s all about keep performing and if you’re doing well for your club, then there’s every chance you’re going to play, get picked for the national team.

“And if you’re playing well for your club in the Premier League, there’s always going to be people who are looking to bring quality players into their football club. The key is always performing and performing consistently well, and if you do that, at the highest level, then the rest follows, the rest follows, international honours follow, big moves follow.”

Presently, the goalkeepers in Didier Deschamps France squad are Lloris, Marseille’s Steve Mandanda and Mike Maignan of Lille. But with Lloris 34 years of age and Mandanda now 36, there certainly could be room for Meslier in the France set-up very soon.

The Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore could return to the stadium for the Owls’ must-win Championship final day clash.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Moore’s assistant manager, Jamie Smith, who, speaking after the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest, stated his belief that the 47-year-old has been recovering well from illness, and could feel well enough to make a return to the touchline this Saturday.

As cited by Yorkshire Live, Smith said: “He is good. He’s a lot better in himself. He could potentially be back in the stands for Derby.”

Big Boost

While Moore’s absence due to serious illness is in no way his own fault, the lack of the manager’s presence on the touchline will undoubtedly have had a negative impact on the Wednesday players at a crucial stage of the season.

However, with Smith picking up a rather impressive five points over the four games that Moore has missed, the Owls do still stand a chance of pulling off what would be a remarkable escape from the relegation places on the final day of the season.

In order to do so, Wednesday will be hoping that Rotherham United do not pick up any points in their game in hand on Tuesday evening, before the Owls head into what could essentially be a relegation play-off with Wayne Rooney’s Derby County side on Saturday, with the losing team more than likely being the outfit who will be playing their football in the third tier as of next season.

As such, the return of Moore for this seismic clash would be a huge boost for both the players and fans of Sheffield Wednesday alike, all of whom will be praying that the 47-year-old’s return can provide the spark that sees the Owls climb out of the bottom three come the final whistle of the Championship season this weekend.

In other news: Won 60% duels: Wednesday star who made three interceptions gives Moore final day hope – opinion

Manchester United have received a timely fitness boost ahead of their UEFA Europa League clash with Granada with Eric Bailly’s return to Manchester.

The Ivorian defender has recently been back in his home country overseeing a period of self-isolation having tested positive for COVID-19.

He has missed the last three matches in all competitions as a result but journalist Jonathan Shrager has suggested on Twitter that Bailly will return to the UK in time for the Red Devils’ UEFA Europa League quarter-final second-leg with Granada.

His return is, of course, a considerable boost to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who has endured huge problems in defence and initially looked to be hampered for the upcoming game at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire is suspended for the clash having picked up a booking in the first-leg in Spain, whilst Victor Lindelof has been suffering from a persistent back issue throughout the 2020/21 season.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news-old-trafford-macheda-solskjaer-lingard-ousmane-dembele-anthony-martial-injury-rabiot-van-de-beek” title=” The latest Man United transfer rumours and news from Old Trafford…”]

Bailly’s return though allays those worries with the £13.5m-rated centre-back able to partner either the Swede, or indeed Axel Tuanzebe, at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence as the club look to progress to the next round of the competition.

So far, the 27-year-old has not played a great amount with just 15 appearances in all competitions, just eight of those being starts. However, in those games, United have claimed six clean sheets – a figure they will surely be aiming to add to by building on their 2-0 first-leg success in Spain.

It remains to be seen whether Solskjaer will elect to start the former Villarreal man upon his return but his inclusion in the Manchester United squad for the match gives the Norwegian considerable options and is a huge boost for their chances of progressing in the competition.

AND in more news, take a look at why the form of on-loan Manchester United star could benefit the Red Devils in a number of ways…