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Ondrej Kudela was planning not to travel to England this week because of ‘health problems’, with UEFA now officially opening proceedings over the incident involving Rangers’ Glen Kamara.

The 34-year-old was accused of racism by Kamara in the recent Europa League clash between the Gers and Slavia Prague, in what appears to be a completely unacceptable incident.

The Czech side progressed to the quarter-finals at the expense of Steven Gerrard’s men and they take on Arsenal in the first leg on Thursday night, but Kudela will not be involved.

Kudela won’t travel to England for questioning

Reporter Andrew Maclean confirmed on Twitter that Kudela was to play no part in the game at the Emirates, citing health issues as the reason for not travelling – the centre-back was set to be questioned by police over what happened with Kamara during their 2-0 win over Gers last month.

Since that report, Ewan Murray has revealed that UEFA have actually suspended Kudela for one match while they investigate the matter, but that hasn’t stopped Gers fans from understandably ripping into the original excuse that was going to keep him from travelling, per Maclean.

Here is how Rangers fans reacted

“UEFA have been very quiet on this matter about time they spoke out about this player punish him and make sure it won’t be tolerated in the game again but just silence from them ! If he had nothing to hide why won’t he travel then. We all know why.”

Credit: @Raberto54085252

“@EuropaLeague, how you can allow that game to even go ahead is disgraceful….you have sat on this for 3 weeks now and done nothing!”

Credit: @petera1872

“Came down with sudden case of cowardice. If he had nothing to hide he’d talk to the police”

Credit: @onestafc

“Health problems…….. sick in the head more like”

Credit: @unbawmcgaw

“Coward”

Credit: @geeb1872

“Is being scared of the truth a health issue?”

Credit: @RANGERSviews82

In other news, Rangers are keen on signing an exciting young British talent – find out who it is here.

Everton have a decision to make regarding Jonjoe Kenny’s future at Goodison Park as the defender nears the final year of his contract.

The Toffees had sought to sell their academy product in January but failed to find a suitor willing to spend £10m, with Burnley claimed to have baulked at paying out big on a player who was not a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans.

Kenny eventually sealed a last-ditch loan to Celtic where he has proven to be a pillar of the Hoops backline, but his efforts have failed to see a rise in the 24-year-old’s TransferMarkt valuation which has plummeted by 41% over the past 16 months.

Riding high on a wave of form with Bundesliga outfit FC Schalke 04 during a loan spell at the Veltins Arena last season, the reputable transfer market analysis website graded Kenny at a value of £10.8m in December 2019.

It was the highest that Kenny had ever been valued at throughout his career with a previous best while on Merseyside of £4.5m, and remains a personal high having hit a rapid decline in the year that followed.

By the end of his time in Germany, Kenny’s value had already fallen to £8.5m and continued to drop to its current fee of £6.3m in the subsequent months in line with Ancelotti looking elsewhere in his squad for his first-choice right-back.

Even when Seamus Coleman was unavailable, Ancelotti often turned to Mason Holgate – a natural centre-back – to slot in and even awarded minutes to midfielders Tom Davies and Alex Iwobi in the role.

It meant that Kenny joined Celtic having only played 313 minutes over eight appearances in all competitions this season, while starting just four of his outings – one of which in the Premier League coming between ankle and knee injuries.

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Game time has not been an issue for Kenny to secure at Parkhead with 11 outings to his name already, having not missed a single fixture, and he is keen to now use that platform as a chance to settle down at one club.

“Personally, I haven’t heard anything about my future. There are a lot of games to go and things to sort out. I just want to take it week-by-week,” he said, via quotes by the Glasgow Times.

“I’ve got to stay focus on what I’ve got to do, which is performing to the maximum of my ability every week. I think I’ve done okay on my loan spells. I’ve been to some great places and enjoyed it and had some good seasons.

“But as a player you want to have a home for the long-term, wherever that may be. I want to get the head down and really push on. The discussions will go on, but I need to go out and perform.”

It is unlikely that Kenny will find his long-term future at Everton and his desires of finding that home could now put suitors on alert, giving the Toffees’ Director of Football Marcel Brands room to work with and avoid losing the right-back on a Bosman deal next year.

Celtic pundit Colin Watt may have claimed Kenny has been “very impressive” in the Premiership, but Ancelotti clearly did not see enough from the defender during his time at Goodison Park and now has eyes on a host of alternatives.

Reports by the Daily Mail have also suggested that the Liverpudlian is expected to be moved on in the summer in what is surely a must, for a player whose value will only continue to dwindle the longer he remains under contract.

AND in other news, Marcel Brands could deliver Everton’s own Virgil van Dijk with £17.5m summer swoop…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League striker Dean Windass has urged Tottenham to sign Brighton captain Lewis Dunk, who he thinks would start for Jose Mourinho’s team.

The Portuguese currently has four centre-backs at his disposal, but has been unable to find a settled pairing throughout the campaign, with Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld and, more recently, Joe Rodon sharing the burden at the heart of the Spurs defence.

But many of Tottenham’s struggles this season has been down to their defensive issues, with widespread reports hinting that a centre-back is the priority for Mourinho this summer.

On-loan Fulham centre-back Joachim Andersen has already been mentioned as a potential addition to Mourinho’s squad, but Windass thinks that someone in the Dunk category is exactly what the north London outfit need, following a report from Football.London’s Alasdair Gold that he has admirers at Tottenham.

Dier and Rodon started Sunday’s game against Manchester United, although more defensive lapses in concentration saw Tottenham’s Champions League hopes suffer another massive blow, leaving them six points behind fourth.

“People like Lewis Dunk, who’s been at Brighton, are a seven or eight out of 10 every game, Windass told Football FanCast. “They’re born defenders, they’re nothing special, but they know how to defend.

When asked if he’d start for Tottenham, Windass added:

“Without a doubt. He’s captain of Brighton and wants to go and play at the next level. Players like that are easy on the eye because you know what you’re going to get from them.

“But the trouble with Mourinho is he goes down the foreign player route.”

Some Liverpool fans have been talking up the idea of the Reds signing Florian Neuhaus this summer, seeing him as a strong addition to the midfield.

Jurgen Klopp is likely to be eyeing up reinforcements at the end of the season, in order to bring a freshness to his squad.

It has been a difficult season for Liverpool, with injuries and form holding them back hugely, but the hope is that this is just a one-off poor campaign.

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Although the Reds are well-stocked in midfield at the moment, it could be an area of the pitch that suddenly needs addressing.

Gini Wijnaldum continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona and his contract expires this summer, while the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago aren’t getting any younger.

According to Bild journalist Christian Falk [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Liverpool have been eyeing up Borussia Monchengladbach star Nehuhaus for some time, seeing him as a potential addition.

The 24-year-old has five goals and assists apiece in the Bundesliga this season, suggesting he could bring creative quality to Klopp’s midfield.

Liverpool fans want Neuhaus to sign

These Liverpool supporters have provided their thoughts on the rumour on Twitter.

“I beg we get him. He is too good to leave out. He and/or Camavinga needs to be prioritised for the midfield”

Credit: @joethegoatgomez

“Get me this boy and Camavinga…sell Chambo, Shaq, Keita and books balance”

Credit: @Blvqbwoy

“Class”

Credit: @marvelgate

“Please”

Credit: @MalikRoca

“My Gini replacement”

Credit: @pg_Kenny

“He is amazing, plays as a CM, a number 8 , he is a technical player. A top CM who is composed on the ball, great passing , creates space for himself and his teammates and you just can’t press him, he gets away so intelligently. Similar player to Toni Kroos + De Jong”

Credit: @lfcabdu11

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to rumours linking the Reds with an exciting striker. Read more here.

Speaking to Area Napoli, Italian transfer journalist Alfredo Pedulla has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Erik Lamela ‘will leave’ north London this summer in all likelihood – with the Argentine and his wife having the same desire to return to Italy.

The 29-year-old was one of the influx of players brought in after Gareth Bale sealed an £85 million move to Real Madrid in 2013 (BBC), and he has gone on to make 255 appearances for the club in all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Tottenham could lose Lamela

In that time, he has bagged 37 goals and 47 assists, but his time at Spurs has often been mixed overall due to reoccurring injury issues.

Now, according to Pedulla, the player ‘will leave’ Tottenham at the end of the season ‘in all likelihood’ – with Lamela and his partner already having a destination in mind.

“The Argentine and his wife have the same desire: to return to Italy,” expalained Pedulla to Area Napoli.

“Lamela, in all likelihood, at the end of the current football season, will leave Tottenham at the end of trying a new experience.

“Of course the player would be oriented towards joining an important club.”

Transfer Tavern take

This news of the attacker’s likely exit could spark mixed feelings with Lilywhites supporters considering Lamela is often capable of the extraordinary.

His rabona during the last north London derby is a particular highlight of his ingenuity at times, but his hapless sending off later in that game sums up one of his less desirable aspects (BBC).

Lucas Moura, speaking to football.london recently, labelled Lamela an ‘amazing player’ and his glimpses of talent certainly back that up. That said, Pedulla believes he won’t be in north London for much longer and perhaps it’s for the best given his injury record and shows of petulance on the pitch.

In other news: Tottenham make signing enquiry, find out more here.

Former Leeds United star Jon Newsome has told Football FanCast that the club can only focus on remaining in the Premier League next season, or risk following in Sheffield United’s footsteps.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have enjoyed an excellent season this term, and are currently ninth in the Premier League table.

They are unlikely to qualify for Europe, as they are six points behind seventh-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Newsome is wary of the club setting their sights too high next season, especially after the experience of the Blades.

Chris Wilder’s side finished ninth last season after a poor end to the season saw them lose three consecutive games, to Arsenal, Wolves, and Brighton & Hove Albion.

This season, they are rock-bottom, with 17 points from 33 games, having won just five of their 33 games.

And Newsome believes Leeds should simply focus on staying up next season, and reassess their goals if and when their safety is confirmed.

He told FFC: “But for me it’s got to be survival in the Premier League. Because, as we’ve seen, it’s a tough, tough gig. We’ll touch on Sheffield United down the road, they had an amazing season last season.

“Things didn’t work out this season. It’s been an awful season for them. So Leeds United supporters, Leeds United players, staff, they’ll all have that in the back of their mind as well, you know, everybody will know that they don’t want to do a Sheffield United next season.

“So yeah, the pressure is on so I think it’s achievable, realistic targets for me.”

According to a report by Football Insider, as shared by The Spurs Web on Twitter, Tottenham are lining up a big money offer for Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers and are even willing to treble his current wages – prompting many supporters to flock to respond to the major money claim.

Rodgers has been touted as a managerial candidate recently despite the northern Irishman recently dismissing links in a press conference.

Football Insider say that Spurs are still hopeful of appointing Rodgers despite his public admission that he is focused on the Foxes.

Indeed, the outlet also claims that Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy are lining up a substantial salary increase offer to try and tempt him away from the King Power Stadium this summer.

While this signals intent to get a new boss, many Lilywhites have flocked in mixed response – dropping a wide array of verdicts on social media.

One supporter urged the club to make a move, but most believe this development is ‘ridiculous’ given his he publicly ruled himself out of the running, while others dismiss the claim entirely.

Find their best verdicts from Twitter down below.

Tottenham fans flock to Rodgers managerial claim

“This is getting ridiculous. The guy wants to stay, leave him alone”

Credit: @THCOYS

“Do it”

Credit: @Jimbo1604

“The guy is gonna get a restraining order against us”

Credit: @eludeomarzion

“Levy is getting desperate now”

Credit: @DanielJewelFilm

“That is peak spurs. We have all the money to attract the coach but not the money to make the manager happy.”

Credit: @Totnumszn

“Is this really where we are now?! Begging Leicester?!”

Credit: @kathrynholmes

“Big mistake. – this must be a made up story”

Credit: @JamieMarch68

“What happened the last time levy spent big for a manager he wanted for a decade? Can someone remind me, I’ve already forgotten”

Credit: @harrykanine

In other news: This boss is now allegedly eyeing the role, find out more here.

Crysencio Summerville is ‘pushing for a place in the matchday squad’ for Leeds’ Saturday lunchtime Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, BBC Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope reported this morning.

The lowdown

Leeds signed teenage right-winger Summerville from Eredivisie giants Feyenoord last summer on a three-year contract.

And he’s contributed six goals and six assists in 12 appearances for the Leeds Under-23 side that took the Premier League 2 Division 2 title – he’s averaged a goal or assist every 71 minutes at that level.

Summerville was called-up to the senior squad for the visit of Manchester United at the end of April.

He watched on from the bench as the sides played out a 0-0 draw.

The latest

Pope reports just hours before the match (via BBC, 08:32) that Summerville is in contention once again given his strong form at under-23 level and the injuries to those further up the pecking order.

Senior right-winger Raphinha is ‘still a doubt’ and the same can be said for midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Raphinha has missed the last two matches after hobbling off late on against Manchester City, while Phillips was sidelined for the trip to Brighton with a knee complaint.

The verdict

The final few games seem to give Bielsa an ideal opportunity to hand first-team minutes to the likes of Summerville and striker Joe Gelhardt, also 19, given that Leeds are sat so comfortably in mid-table.

He’s erred on the side of caution with youngsters so far this season, with Gelhardt also waiting for his first minutes and 21-year-old Ian Poveda still always featuring as a substitute.

Leeds finish the season against Southampton, Burnley and West Brom – all teams in the bottom five. Perhaps those games are more realistic targets for Summerville and co. than Saturday’s demanding clash with European chasers Spurs.

In other news, read this incredible stat about Luke Ayling.

Football.london writer Alasdair Gold has revealed Tottenham are not looking at Marcelo Gallardo to become their new boss despite him being similar to Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Spurs still in manager hunt

Although Ryan Mason is currently in charge at Spurs, it feels unlikely he will be given the job on a full-time basis due to his inexperience. As such, the search for a new boss goes on.

A number of names have previously been mentioned, such as Julian Nagelsmann (The Daily Mail) and Hansi Flick (Sport 1), but Daniel Levy appears to be no closer to getting a deal confirmed.

The Latest: Gold discusses Gallardo

During a Q&A with football.london, Gold was asked whether Gallardo or Julen Lopetegui had been considered for the role. He said:

“Gallardo is certainly growing his reputation and some people believe he’s similar to Pochettino in style and Lopetegui has plenty of experience now but as far as I’m aware they’re not in the mix.”

The Verdict: Plenty of experience

Gallardo may not be a household name as a manager in Europe – many European football fans will know him from his time with Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco as a player – but he is one of South America’s best coaches.

He has won the Copa Libertadores on two occasions with River Plate, adding to the one he won as a player, and has picked up 13 trophies throughout his managerial career despite only being 45.

As Gold went on to mention with his answer, a move from River to Tottenham would be a big culture shock, so it is unlikely he would be considered for the role at this point. In the future, though, he may be one to keep an eye on if he proves himself elsewhere in Europe.

In other news, Alasdair Gold drops this Mauricio Pochettino claim.

Carlton Palmer has exclusively told Football FanCast that it would be unfair to pin West Brom’s relegation on Callum Robinson.

Robinson joined permanently last summer following a successful loan spell in the Baggies’ promotion winning campaign 12 months ago.

The striker scored three times in 16 Championship appearances to help West Brom make an instant return, but has struggled to cope with the step up in quality this time around.

Robinson has netted in just three games this season, although that does include two braces against Chelsea.

Only Matheus Pereira (11) has scored more than the Republic of Ireland international, but his five goals in 27 Premier League outings weren’t enough to save Sam Allardyce from suffering a first ever relegation as a manager, which was confirmed following their defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.

But whilst Robinson was signed for a seven-figure fee believed to be around £4.95m, Palmer doesn’t think he should take more of the blame than his teammates.

Asked whether he had potentially let West Brom down, he told Football FanCast:

“When you get relegated, there’s a reason why you get relegated.

“There’s a reason why it’s called a team – it’s not one person’s fault. To blame it on one player is unfair.

“Some players when the team is not going well, struggle to find their best. I think that’s a bit unfair criticism.”