All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool are preparing a massive bid for a “brilliant” holding midfielder who is loved by Pep Guardiola and has been compared to Manchester United star and Real Madrid legend Casemiro, according to a new report.

Liverpool expecting big summer

Despite enjoying a superb first season under Dutch head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool and FSG are not planning to rest on their laurels and are expected to be very busy in the upcoming summer transfer window – especially with a number of players set to leave Anfield.

The most high-profile of the imminent departures is, of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looks likely to join Real Madrid as a free agent at the conclusion of the campaign.

His reported move to the Santiago Bernabeu has split opinion among fans – some feeling the Englishman is deserting his boyhood club, others wishing him luck as he embarks on a new chapter after playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s return to Europe’s elite.

Elsewhere, midfielder Wataru Endo could move on, while Portuguese forward Diogo Jota could also leave, having struggled with persistent injuries and been unable to put together a consistent run of games.

On the incoming front, several names are already being floated.

Liverpool want world's "best player" in £77m deal who'd be Slot’s own Mane

Liverpool are planning to strengthen Arne Slot’s frontline in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 25, 2025

They include Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, West Ham United’s Mohamed Kudus, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak – who is believed to be Liverpool’s top target after a stellar season in which he scored over 25 goals, helped the Magpies lift the EFL Cup, and pushed them to the brink of Champions League qualification.

Liverpool preparing £50m+ Adam Wharton bid

Another player reportedly on Liverpool’s radar is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.

The Englishman, who has already drawn comparisons to Manchester United star and Real Madrid legend Casemiro, has been superb since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024. His all-action performances in the middle of the park have caught the attention of clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, and recently earned him a place in the England squad.

According to a new report from The Sun, Liverpool are preparing a £50 million-plus bid for Wharton this summer in an effort to beat out the competition and lure him to Merseyside from Selhurst Park.

The newspaper claims that while Palace have enjoyed an excellent season, reaching the FA Cup final, the lure of Champions League football could prove too strong for Wharton to resist, and that “he may take the chance” to move to Anfield.

Wharton’s performances have earned widespread praise, including from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Speaking ahead of City’s 5-2 win over Palace last month, Pep described the 20-year-old as “an excellent holding midfielder.”

“The impact has been really good, coming from the Championship to the Premier League. Brilliant left foot, a really good player,” Guardiola said.

Tottenham Hotspur appear set for a crucial call following the conclusion of this regrettable campaign, namely who they’ll decide on to replace under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou likely to leave Spurs regardless of Europa League

On Tuesday, journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph reported via his sources that Postecoglou is increasingly likely to leave Spurs at the end of the season – regardless of what happens in the Europa League.

Tottenham: Thierry Henry-like striker facing exit with Spurs ready to bid

The Lilywhites want to take full advantage.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

The Lilywhites have suffered 18 top flight defeats this season, and they’re just one game away from equalling their record number of Premier League losses in a single season.

It’s been a dismal 2024/25 on the English front, with Spurs also out of every domestic cup. Postecoglou could yet save Tottenham’s season by clinching the Europa League and winning the club’s first piece of major silverware since the League Cup in 2008, which would also gift the north Londoners a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

European glory still may not be enough to save Postecoglou, though, with Law claiming chairman Daniel Levy and the 59-year-old could still part ways, even if success does come in the Europa.

This follows on from a similar report courtesy of John Cross in The Mirror, so Postecoglou’s potential N17 exit is gaining more traction amid rumours of Spurs eyeing the likes of Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva.

Both tacticians have impressed at their respective clubs this term, with Fulham and Bournemouth still outside contenders to qualify for Europe despite operating on shoe-string budgets compared to their more elite rivals.

Bournemouth are attempting to agree a new deal with Iraola, though, while Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan has admitted the club would love to keep Silva at Craven Cottage.

That being said, Iraola and Silva’s contracts both contain release clauses, with the latter’s coming in at around £8 million.

Previous reports have suggested that Silva has emerged as a frontrunner for the Tottenham job (talkSPORT), with Iraola more inclined to remain at Bournemouth, so the Portuguese’s potential appointment could be one to watch.

Tottenham set for "big decision" with Marco Silva considered

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared his own update on Spurs’ pursuit of the former Everton and Hull City boss.

He reports that Tottenham are indeed looking at hiring Silva, and Levy is set for a “big decision” over the club’s next potential manager.

“Tottenham have got a big decision to make during the summer,” said Jacobs.

“We know they like Andoni Iraola, but Bournemouth want to tie him down to a new deal. Marco Silva, as well, is on the radar at Spurs, but Postecoglou is just alleviating a bit of the pressure and it will be interesting now.”

Silva’s former striker at Hull, Evandro, recently heaped praise on the 47-year-old as a “master” tactician, with his statement making an interesting read for Spurs supporters.

“He is a master,” said the player to Premier League Brasil.

“I like to put Marco Silva on the same level as Sampaoli, because he has a management model that I also look up to. Marco Silva has an excellent way of managing the group and his greatest characteristic is being rational and not emotional.

“I believe that in this role as a coach, if you let emotions take over, things get lost easily, because in football you have to deal with fans and the press.”

Nottingham Forest have now joined the race for a “fantastic” forward, who is also wanted by Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City, according to a report.

Forest set sights on new winger

The calibre of player Forest are able to attract will depend heavily on whether they are able to achieve their dream of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, but they have now started to identify some top-level targets in wide areas.

One such player is Marseille star Luis Henrique, with the Tricky Trees making contact to discuss a move to the City Ground with the Brazilian’s agents, although there could be competition from Newcastle United and Inter Milan.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are also plotting to hijack West Ham United’s move for Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz, with the 24-year-old set to leave the Turkish club at the end of the season, amid widespread interest in his services.

Nottingham Forest join the race to sign Juventus star who could cost £25.7m

He has been described as an “absolute hero”.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 19, 2025

Another winger who is attracting a lot of attention is Feyenoord’s Anis Hadj Moussa, with a report from France revealing the 23-year-old is now in Nottingham Forest’s sights ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop, but they are not alone in the race.

Man United and Man City are also eyeing a move for Moussa, so there could be fierce competition for his signature at the end of the campaign, with Lille also expressing an interest during the January transfer window.

The Tricky Trees are yet to make any formal moves to sign the Feyenoord forward, and it is unlikely they make an approach until they seal Champions League qualification, which will provide Nuno with extra funds for the summer transfer window.

That said, a move is unlikely to break the bank regardless, given that previous reports have revealed that a deal could be possible for a fee of just £10m.

"Fantastic" Moussa impressing in the Netherlands

It has been an impressive debut campaign with Feyenoord for the 23-year-old, having been lauded as “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, given his exploits in front of goal.

The Algeria international, who has been compared to both Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Ododi, as per FBref, has six goals and two assists to his name in the Eredivisie, while he has also bagged three goals in the Champions League, indicating he is the calibre of player Forest will need to bring in this summer ahead of a potential European campaign.

Kulig has also dubbed the Paris-born winger “one of Europe’s most pleasant surprises”, and his performances for Feyenoord this season indicate he could now be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League.

As such, it is exciting news that Forest could be in the race for Moussa’s signature this summer, at which point they will need to strengthen their squad depth, should they secure European qualification.

Despite positive updates arriving regarding Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool’s future, the Reds are now reportedly willing to offer as much as £87m to sign one of the world’s best defenders.

Fabrizio Romano provides Van Dijk update

Whilst there’s no doubting the fact that Liverpool have endured a fantastic first season under Arne Slot, recent weeks have handed the Dutchman his most difficult spell in charge yet. First exiting the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, Liverpool then lost against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at the same time that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s likely departure stole the headlines.

Making matters worse, Slot’s side failed to make it back-to-back victories on their Premier League return, following their win against Everton with a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Fulham. So, although the title is just four wins away, those at Anfield needed the good news that Fabrizio Romano has just provided.

By sealing new deals for both Salah and Van Dijk, Liverpool would instantly avoid what would be a disastrous start to their summer transfer window. Losing Alexander-Arnold will be a major blow, especially for free, but losing all of the big free at the same time without making any profit would be the ultimate nightmare for those at Anfield.

For now, at least, Van Dijk has remained particularly relaxed over his situation – telling reporters after the Fulham game: “There is progress, yeah. Listen, these are internal discussions and we’ll see.

The next Michael Owen: Liverpool plot move for "phenomenal" £40m striker

Liverpool could be about to land a new version of Michael Owen this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 9, 2025

“I love the club, I love the fans and they were there for us again [at Fulham]. We wanted to reward them, but I ask them to be there again on Sunday and make the stadium an amazing venue like always for us.”

What that recent news will do is allow the Reds to focus on incomings which could yet reportedly include one of the best defenders that European football has to offer.

Liverpool plotting £87m Araujo deal

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now willing to offer a ‘blockbuster’ deal to sign Ronald Araujo worth as much as €100m (£87m) this summer. The Reds reportedly have concrete interest in the Barcelona defender even with Van Dijk set to stay put and could yet form the ultimate partnership between the impressive duo.

Starts

21

31

Progressive Passes

101

152

Tackles Won

22

16

Ball Recoveries

102

97

Although Araujo has missed the majority of the current campaign through a hamstring injury, last season’s numbers suggest that he’d form quite the partnership with Van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

Having been dubbed “excellent” by Hansi Flick on his return from injury earlier this season, Araujo is certainly a key man for Barcelona. Whether they still decide to ease their financial problems by cashing in on their defender will certainly be interesting, however.

When West Bromwich Albion handed Tony Mowbray the reins for his second spell at the Baggies, another promotion, one that the impressive Carlos Corberan failed to deliver, was being dreamt of.

Indeed, Mowbray has been here before when guiding West Brom triumphantly to the Championship title back in 2008, with his task in the here and now to steer the West Midlands outfit to a playoff finish.

Part of that great side were players like Graham Dorrans, James Morrison, Robert Koren and, of course, Jonas Olsson.

Perhaps Mowbray has found his next version of the big Swede in 2025.

Jonas Olsson's time at West Brom

Last time the current manager took West Brom up to the promised land of English football, Mowbray did, unfortunately send his side straight back down.

But, the dismal relegation that did occur at the end of the 2008/09 season – which ultimately cost the manager his job – didn’t mean it was all doom and gloom at the Hawthorns, with Olsson sticking out as a formidable performer even as the Premier League slipped out of his new team’s grasp.

In total, the Swedish powerhouse tallied up 261 appearances donning a Baggies strip, with this unfortunate relegation blot on his resume not deterring him from going on to amass eight goals and six assists in the Premier League from 201 clashes.

Often using his towering 6 foot 5 frame to resiliently battle and grind out important wins, there’s one player in Mowbray’s current camp who bares similarities to the modern West Brom icon by displaying equal amounts of grit.

West Brom's new version of Olsson

The second-tier promotion chasers were very proactive in the busy January market, with the likes of EFL sharpshooter Adam Armstrong joining the ranks on loan, alongside Tammer Bany joining from Scandinavia in a surprise switch.

Amazingly, this isn’t the only pursuit from this neck of the woods that West Brom have signed off on in recent times, as tough defensive battler Torbjørn Heggem joined from Swedish top-flight side IF Brommapojkarna for a modest £500k last summer.

Heggem has managed to instantly fit in – much like Olsson after his move in 2008 – with a header being powered home back in December eerily similar to the many goals the Swede scored in crucial moments.

Moreover, the ex-Brommapojkarna titan has managed to shore up Mowbray’s side like the memorable number 4 before him, seen in Heggem winning a high five duels on average per Championship clash.

Games played

39

Games started

39

Goals scored

1

Assists

2

Touches*

67.8

Accurate passes*

44.5 (88%)

Ball recoveries*

3.3

Clearances*

4.9

Total duels won*

5.0

Clean sheets

12

The “outstanding” summer recruit – as he’s been lauded by pundit Carlton Palmer for his Baggies heroics – has also managed to collect 12 clean sheets from his 39 second-tier appearances, resulting in Heggem cementing himself as a regular by missing zero Championship games this season.

Heggem would love to round off his stunning debut season in England with a promotion in hand, as the 26-year-old no-nonsense defender potentially becomes more and more like West Brom’s next Olsson if he passes any upcoming hurdles in front of him with flying colours.

Best signing since Pereira: West Brom have struck gold on "special" star

West Bromwich Albion struck gold when snapping up this lethal attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 31, 2025

Minus Zian Flemming’s late penalty for Burnley at St James’ Park, Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over the relegation-threatened Clarets on Saturday was rather straightforward.

Scott Parker’s men never gave in, but after Anthony Gordon stroked home his fourth penalty of the season, there was a sense of inevitability that the Magpies were going to secure a sixth Premier League victory of the campaign, especially as the away side had to play all of the second half with just ten men.

It was far from vintage, but Newcastle will be pleased that they now enter into the upcoming Tyne-Wear Derby with a confidence-boosting win under their belt.

Then, it’s a tough encounter with Chelsea in league action, before more and more clashes come their way across the bumper Christmas period.

Before you know it, Eddie Howe’s men will be concerning themselves with matters in the January transfer window, as plenty of new signings are tipped to move to Tyneside.

Newcastle's transfer latest

Away from any new arrivals, though, Yoane Wissa lining up for Howe and Co against Burnley would have felt like a fresh signing in itself, as the injury-plagued striker finally pulled on Toon black and white, after exiting Brentford in the summer.

Still, even with Wissa’s return, Newcastle have been credited as being interested in the services of Bees goal machine Igor Thiago, as Keith Andrews fears another Magpies swoop could be forthcoming.

Of course, there is also constant talk bubbling away that Elliot Anderson might well seal a Tyneside return from Nottingham Forest.

Yet, with a ludicrous £100m price tag above the England international’s head, Newcastle might well be better placed to seek out cheaper alternatives, as Hungarian sensation Alex Tóth is allegedly catching the Premier League side’s eye.

Already garnering a lot of hype in his native country for Robbie Keane’s Ferencváros TC, Football Insider has now revealed that a £13m bid could be accepted down the line for the 20-year-old’s services, with Newcastle and Bundesliga clubs eyeing up the emerging talent.

Newcastle could be tempted to land such a promising midfield gem if he is available at such a cut-price fee, with the lingering disappointment of letting Anderson go prematurely, softened somewhat by the Budapest-born star’s arrival.

How Toth could be Anderson 2.0

Newcastle must still have restless nights about the decision to sell Anderson to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2024, after the homegrown Toon prodigy had made 55 promising appearances in the first team ranks.

He was only just getting started at St James’ Park, though, with hindsight on side, as the 23-year-old is now a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s England set-up, and for good reason.

He’s made a mind-blowing 8.4 ball recoveries per game this season in Premier League action, and won 7.8 duels per match, gifting him the label of being an “elite” performer at the very top by analyst and social media personality Statman Dave.

Likewise, journalist Bence Bocsak has tipped the Ferencváros number 64 to go to “the top” too, with a new Anderson-style project potentially on Newcastle’s hands if they land Tóth this January.

Games played

17

12

Goals scored

2

1

Assists

7

1

Touches*

65.9

54.5

Accurate passes*

37.6 (84%)

32.8 (87%)

Big chances created

8

4

Ball recoveries*

4.2

2.0

Total duels won*

4.8

4.0

Winning four duels per fixture his season in Fizz Liga action, Tóth isn’t a million miles off the high-octane approach Anderson is known for. He even regularly lines up for Hungary, alongside Liverpool faces Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai, off the back of these well-drilled showings, with three ground duels successfully won against the Republic of Ireland, just last month.

But, as per analyst page Football Wonderkids, it’s also his well-rounded ability to chip in with goals and assists and tidily play the ball about the pitch that makes him a “special talent” worthy of a Premier League switch, with a standout 11 goal contributions tallied up across his last two league seasons. Like Anderson, therefore, he’s got a goal involvement from the middle of the park in him too.

This has further led to the aforementioned Bocsak hailing the £13m asset as a “modern day midfielder” who is capable of everything, much like Anderson, who has three goals and seven assists for the Tricky Trees in total, yet is also known as a “warrior” for his defensive grit by Como scout Ben Mattinson.

Of course, if Tóth were to make the move to England, he wouldn’t become an Anderson-like talent overnight in his new, intimidating surroundings.

But, for just £13m, it’s surely worth the gamble that he could morph into Newcastle’s second coming of their departed midfielder in time.

He once cost £38.5m: Newcastle plot concrete move to sign "brilliant" PL star

He desperately needs a move.

ByTom Cunningham 5 days ago

Manchester United are now in pole position to complete the signing of Ajax youngster Jorthy Mokio, as they look to find a long-term replacement for the ageing Casemiro and exiled Kobbie Mainoo.

The futures of both Casemiro and Mainoo are key talking points at Old Trafford currently, with the Brazilian’s current contract expiring at the end of this season, at which point he will be 34 years of age.

In fairness, the Real Madrid legend has shown improved form this season, but Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a new deal is unlikely, especially on his current £350,000 wages, which make him United’s highest-paid player.

“Casemiro is working hard and is becoming once again in his career a crucial player for the manager. So, in this moment, he is really important for Ruben Amorim, but there will be a conversation about his contract because at the moment, the numbers of his contract, salary is way too high for Manchester United to extend that.

“Or they find a solution on the contract, and this is Casemiro and for Harry Maguire, or the player could leave on a free.

It looks increasingly likely that a replacement for Casemiro will need to be found next summer, especially with Ruben Amorim seemingly not fancying Mainoo in the role.

Man Utd "leading the chase" for Mokio

According to Caught Offside‘s Mark Brus, Manchester United are the front-runners to sign Mokio from Ajax, with the 17-year-old considered a prodigious talent at the heart of midfield.

“Manchester United are leading the chase for Jorthy Mokio. They are already working on a project that could offer Mokio guaranteed minutes and a clear development path.”

Mokio is a huge talent with so much to offer in the coming years, proving to be the latest great youngster to emerge from Ajax’s famous academy recently, and he should be the type of profile United are looking for in a player.

The defensive midfielder has already made 29 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, highlighting his maturity at such a young age, while scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “special” player.

Mokio has also now been capped once at senior level by Belgium, and will hope to see his star rise further at next summer’s World Cup, but United should be looking to seal a deal for him before them, before the competition increases further for his signature.

Antoine Semenyo chooses between Man Utd and Liverpool

What a signing this could be…

1 ByHenry Jackson Nov 22, 2025 Wildcard Casemiro replacement: Man Utd star can "become a world class DM"

Not every transfer has panned out the way they planned, but Chelsea have built themselves a brilliant squad over the last few years.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández, Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro wouldn’t look out of place in any other Premier League side.

Moreover, while it’s still early days, it looks like Enzo Maresca and Co have a genuine world-class superstar in the making with Estêvão.

The Brazilian has been incredible so far this season, so Chelsea fans should be delighted about reports linking them to someone who could end up being another Estêvão.

Chelsea target their next Estêvão

There has long been a lot of hype around Estêvão, so much so, in fact, that respected analyst Ben Mattinson labelled him a “future Ballon d’Or winner” a few months before Chelsea even signed him.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Now, there is still a long way to go until the teenager reaches that level, but he has already been sensational for the Blues this season.

For example, in 17 appearances, totalling 740 minutes, he has provided one assist and scored five goals, including a stunner against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise that the club are now interested in another young star, Assan Ouédraogo, who could potentially emulate the Brazilian.

Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany, Chelsea are one of a few clubs keen on signing the RB Leipzig gem.

Alongside the West Londoners, Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old, whose contract runs until 2029.

Unfortunately, there is no release clause in that deal, so the fee needed to sign the German could end up being rather significant, as much as £50m according to further reports out of Germany in the last few months.

Even so, given Ouédraogo’s ability and potential, this is a transfer Chelsea should pursue, especially as he could be another Estêvão.

Why Ouédraogo could be another Estêvão for Chelsea

So, the first thing to point out is that, yes, the two youngsters primarily play in different positions.

Ouédraogo has spent this season playing as a central and attacking midfielder, while Estêvão has spent most of this year on the right.

However, while the pair do not necessarily operate in the same areas of the pitch, both are highly rated youngsters who seem destined to reach the top of the game.

For example, while Chelsea fans are more than familiar with the Brazilian’s exploits so far this season, they likely don’t know that the German has been even more productive.

In 12 first-team appearances, totalling 561 minutes, the Leipzig gem has scored three goals and provided four assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 80.14 minutes.

Moreover, the Mülheim an der Ruhr-born prospect has already made quite the impression at the international level.

After blitzing his way up through the various youth levels, he was handed his first senior cap for Germany earlier this month, and instead of just coming on and focusing on not making a mistake, he scored.

Finally, on top of already producing goal involvements for fun, the £22k-per-week gem has some unreal underlying numbers to back up exactly why content creator Neal Gardner has described him as a “powerhouse.”

Goals

0.48

Top 1%

Assists

0.48

Top 1%

Goals + Assists

0.97

Top 1%

Yellow Cards

0.00

Top 1%

npxG: Non-Penalty xG

0.31

Top 1%

Shots Total

2.90

Top 1%

Shots on Target

1.45

Top 1%

Goal-Creating Actions

1.13

Top 1%

Touches (Att Pen)

4.83

Top 1%

Successful Take-Ons

1.77

Top 1%

Carries into Penalty Area

0.97

Top 1%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for goals, assists, shots on target, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’s still early in his career, it’s hard to disagree with Mattinson’s assessment that Ouédraogo is a “beast ready to be unleashed” and therefore capable of being another Estêvão for Chelsea.

Chelsea have already signed another exciting star who's "just like Estevao"

Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become another Estevao for Enzo Maresca.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

Southampton are now two wins from two in the Championship without Will Still occupying the Saints’ hot seat.

Amazingly, this is the first time the South Coast titans have won back-to-back league contests since April 2024, with a miserable bottom-of-the-table finish last season not helping this dismal record, which was then being followed up by Still, unfortunately, looking out of his depth at St. Mary’s.

Now only seven points off the Championship playoff spots, it does feel as if the Saints could mount a promotion push if they can get their next managerial appointment spot on.

All signs are pointing to Gary O’Neil being Still’s successor, as the 42-year-old attempts to put his previous Portsmouth ties to one side as a player, to potentially take over Pompey’s fierce rivals…

The latest on Southampton's manager hunt

The ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss is the current frontrunner for the Saints vacancy, with reports in recent days noting that they were trying to conclude a deal having established contact with O’Neil.

However, the unemployed head coach is also being considered by Southampton’s Championship rivals, Norwich City, with the Canaries previously having O’Neil on their books as a midfield star before he retired.

Southampton haven’t just been linked with O’Neil. A return for Russell Martin to the St. Mary’s dugout is also being speculated, after his disastrous time at Rangers was cut short.

Moreover, the current interim manager steering the ship steadily in Tonda Eckert shouldn’t be ruled out, either.

As the German made it two wins from two in a caretaker position, it was reported by Football Insider that he is one of the ‘main’ and ‘key’ contenders under consideration to be given the job.

It would be a risky appointment, with Eckert more used to coaching U21s football than managing in the senior game.

But, to get a disgruntled fanbase back on side, it might well be a better move than going after O’Neil’s services.

Why Eckert could be a better appointment than O'Neil

Of course, in O’Neil’s favour, he has managed at the very top of the English game and succeeded in flashes.

He managed to galvanise the Old Gold during the 2023/24 season, even as the likes of Ruben Neves and Nathan Collins jumped ship, with 13 league wins helping Wolves to a comfortable 14th spot in the unforgiving division. Could he be that same stabilising force on the South Coast that pushes Southampton out of their current mess?

However, when the going got tough at Molineux after a bright 23/24 campaign, everything unravelled at a worryingly quick pace, with just two wins from 16 games in charge the following season – which saw Wolves leak 40 goals – seeing him be unsurprisingly put out of his misery.

Chairman Jeff Shi even stated that he cut ties “too late”, with the mood around St. Mary’s no doubt souring if Southampton’s form was to fall off a cliff under his guidance, owing, again, to his strong Fratton Park loyalties.

Southampton could look to continuity instead, in bumping Eckert up to first-team managerial duties, with the 32-year-old much in the same mould as Still before him in being a new and exciting breed of head coach.

Games managed

12

Wins

7

Draws

4

Losses

1

Goals scored

26

Goals conceded

18

Said to favour a 3-4-2-1 formation, Eckert has also largely been a success at the Saints to date, away from picking up two wins from two as the interim fill-in, with five wins and four draws also collected, working closely with the rising stars coming through at Southampton in the U21 ranks.

He has also been a transformative figure for the senior players to latch on to as well, with Adam Armstrong already picking up an assist against Queens Park Rangers and a goal against the Owls under his short reign to date, with statement summer signing Finn Azaz also on the scoresheet under Eckert last match to pick up his first strike in Southampton red and white since late August.

Azaz would even publicly praise the 32-year-old after that 3-1 victory for being a “very detailed” boss, with the feel-good times hopefully continuing if he can collect more wins.

Surely, if more wins are secured, Eckert will be handed the permanent gig.

After all, the promotion-winning Martin was just a year older than Eckert when he was given his first main job at Milton Keynes Dons, with a move for O’Neil just feeling a lot more stale.

Southampton now 'looking to finalise' deal with "underrated" manager after contact

The Saints are chasing a replacement for Will Still.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 8, 2025

After getting back to winning ways against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic and Martin O’Neill have now been handed some positive injury news on Kieran Tierney.

The Bhoys were in ruthless form as they dispatched Falkirk in comfortable fashion, welcoming veteran manager O’Neill back to the dugout in style. Given that shock league leaders Hearts also dropped points in a 2-2 draw, there’s no denying that it was the perfect evening at Celtic Park.

Things haven’t quite taken a turn for the better off the pitch, however, and Celtic have already been dealt their first blow on the hunt for their next manager. According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, the Hoops’ pursuit of Ange Postecoglou is now unlikely to progress.

The Australian, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest after just 39 days in charge, had been linked with a return to Celtic before reports shut those rumours down.

With their former manager off the table for now, Parkhead chiefs have been left to choose from the remaining names on their shortlist, which reportedly includes Craig Bellamy and Kieran McKenna.

McKenna would be a particularly interesting choice despite how his Ipswich Town side have struggled as of late. He famously took the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, before suffering instant relegation last season. Now, a big move could finally be calling.

In the meantime, it remains O’Neill’s job to steady the ship and potentially take Celtic into the Scottish League Cup final with Tierney’s injury return only helping that cause.

Kieran Tierney set to return for Celtic vs Rangers

As revealed by O’Neill, Tierney is in line to return for Celtic vs Rangers this weekend after missing out on his side’s 4-0 thrashing of Falkirk. The left-back is no stranger to injury problems, but does not face a period on the sidelines this time around ahead of a crucial cup clash.

The return of the former Arsenal defender should provide O’Neill with an instant boost. His experience, alone, proves crucial in moments like these and in the Old Firm derby, of course.

Despite how Celtic have struggled this season, Tierney has enjoyed some much-needed consistency. The Scot has started seven of 10 Scottish Premiership games to begin putting his injury history behind him.

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Dubbed “unique” by Rodgers in his very first Celtic spell, Tierney now has the chance to make his mark the second time around as an experienced member of O’Neill’s squad. And that could start against Rangers in the Scottish League Cup this weekend.

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