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Understandably, Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is the talk of the town at the moment after scoring 15 goals in 12 appearances across all competitions for the Reds.

However, one winger at the Merseyside club that we feel is and has flown under the radar in recent times is Sadio Mane.

Liverpool signed the attacker back in the 2016 summer transfer window from fellow Premier League side Southampton in a deal worth a reported fee of £34m.

Since then, the 29-year-old, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £100k-per-week according to Spotrac, has made a total of 230 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side in which he has managed to rack up an impressive total of 103 goals and 43 assists in the process.

So far this season, Mane has managed to score six times in 12 appearances across all competitions. In addition to this, the winger has managed to rack up an average of 3.4 shots at goal per game, showing just how much of an attacking threat he is in the team alongside Salah.

All of this has seen his market value rise considerably. In August 2016, shortly after joining the Reds, Transfermarkt had Mane’s value listed at £27m, whereas it now stands at a massive £76.5m, highlighting a massive increase and how much he has progressed and thrived at Liverpool under Klopp.

His rather mesmeric performances saw him star against Barcelona last term which led to him being described as “unbelievable” for his exploits in Merseyside by Liverpool coach Peter Krawietz.

Also, this says to us just how much of a great buy he has been from Liverpool’s owners FSG who have certainly delivered an absolute star to the club.

With the Senegal international’s current contract at Anfield set to expire in 2023, we feel that the club should definitely try and get him signed to a new one to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future to see if he can continue scoring goals and providing assists on a regular basis.

If he does put pen to paper on a new deal, even though he’s reaching the age of 30, we feel that Mane’s overall market value could go up even further if he keeps performing well for the team.

Either way, there’s no denying that he’s been a brilliant signing for the Reds.

In other news: Never mind Salah: “Intense” £90k-p/w LFC gem who made 2 key passes was vital yesterday – opinion

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that he cannot believe Arsenal let Joe Willock leave.

Since breaking into the Arsenal first-team more than three years ago, the midfielder unable to establish himself as a regular under Unai Emery or current manager Mikel Arteta.

The bulk of his 78 appearances came in the Europa League and the domestic cups, with the Gunners academy graduate failing to get a proper opportunity in the Premier League.

However, last January Willock moved out on loan to Newcastle and was given his first genuine chance to prove himself at Premier League level.

And Willock more than exceeded expectations, scoring an incredible eight goals in under 1000 minutes of league football for Steve Bruce’s side – becoming the youngest player to score in seven consecutive Premier League games in the process.

In contrast, none of Arsenal’s central midfielders managed to score more than once in the league last season, but that didn’t stop them from cashing in on Willock when Newcastle came calling once again for a permanent deal this summer.

Windass exclusively told Football FanCast:

“I just don’t get it; he’s done so well for Bruce. There’s not many teams that have midfield players that can get you goals – and Arsenal need as much help as they can get at the minute.”

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Leicester City this week…

What’s the latest?

Spurs have seen their last two fixtures against Rennes and Brighton postponed due to a virus outbreak at the club’s Hotspur Way training base, leaving Thursday’s top-flight match at the King Power Stadium in serious doubt.

The north Londoners were dealt a further blow on Monday when they suffered a new positive case, as well as the epidemic reaching the club’s academy set-up.

Head coach Antonio Conte was able to resume training on Sunday after several days away with a small group of 13 players, including just two goalkeepers, so that latest update raises fresh question marks ahead of the midweek encounter.

However, according to the ever-reliable Alasdair Gold at football.london, the game is “looking good” to go ahead. He told supporters on Twitter:

“Hopefully looking good for Tottenham’s match at Leicester. Antonio Conte’s press conference is set for tomorrow afternoon at 1.30pm and I understand some players have started to return to training following their isolation periods.”

Timely boost?

This is a step in the right direction and certainly suggests that Conte may well have more than the 13 players he had on Sunday available by Thursday night.

How match fit some of the players will be remains to be seen, having had two games last week cancelled, as well as a lack of full-time training for at least two-to-three days ahead of what is supposed to be a hectic festive period.

The Foxes, meanwhile, thrashed a struggling Newcastle United side 4-0 on Sunday, so they will be buoyed by the prospect of facing a weak and out of touch Spurs side.

Although, the fact that Conte will have more of his first-team stars involved is certainly a major source of encouragement and it will only bolster their chances of pulling off a result.

Despite an inconsistent season and a managerial change, the Lilywhites sit in seventh place – just three points off West Ham in fourth place – and they now have two games in hand, too.

This latest update should give Conte, the players and the fans a timely boost ahead of kick-off later this week. They will surely be buzzing by the news.

AND in other news, Spurs handed majoe transfer boost amid Fabrizio Romano update…

Following Newcastle United’s first league win of the season last weekend against Burnley, Magpies boss Eddie Howe will be keen to have a fresh bill of health as they travel to face a Leicester City side who may be short on confidence on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle defender Fabian Schär set up Callum Wilson’s winner against the Clarets as well as keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory. However, the 29-year-old required treatment during the game and missed training earlier in the week.

What’s the latest?

When speaking ahead of the trip to the King Power Stadium, Howe stated that there were a “couple of knocks and niggles” in the squad and that Schär “had a rib problem earlier in the week and missed a bit of training” but “hopefully he’ll be ok.”

The Swiss international has started all four of Howe’s games in charge of the Toon Army thus far, having previously not featured since late August, and has already proved to be a key asset for the new manager.

Granted, the defender had a quiet game against Burnley, making three clearances and blocking one shot according to SofaScore. Schär may have had an assist but also posted a passing accuracy of just 42% and lost possession 20 times in what was a mixed performance.

However, having played just six times this season, Schär is still bound to be rusty and could well be a key player for Howe once he reaches his peak form.

United are also set to welcome back Ciaran Clark from suspension after the Irishman was sent off early in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City, further boosting Howe’s defensive arsenal this weekend.

With Jamaal Lascelles also fit after his recent return from suspension, Howe suddenly has the welcome luxury of deciding which centre-back out of the three now available will be dropped, with the formation of a strong defensive partnership key to United’s survival hopes this season.

Either way, the Toon Army will be surely buzzing to hear that Schär could be good to go this weekend, especially given his recent resurgence under the new manager.

In other news – Forget Fraser: Howe must unleash £74k-p/w Newcastle beast whose energy is “infectious”

Crystal Palace have confirmed that American businessman John Textor has purchased a substantial stake in the Premier League outfit.

What’s the story?

The Eagles revealed on their official website that Textor, the founder and chief executive of Facebank, a virtual entertainment company, has joined chairman Steve Parish and fellow American co-owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer as part of the board at the capital club.

Textor was close to purchasing shares in Portuguese giants Benfica last month and is thought to have paid £87.5m for a significant percentage of Palace, believed to be close to Parish’s 18% controlling stake.

Crystal Palace fans will be buzzing

Parish welcomed the fresh investment and a new board member, outlining how his arrival will help to breathe new life into Palace, both on and off the pitch.

“I’m delighted that search led us to John, who has invested significant sums, helping to facilitate the rejuvenation of the squad, bolster the balance sheet and enable the club to finalise the Academy,” he said.

“We all look forward to working with John, who has a strong passion for football and a growing knowledge and affinity to Crystal Palace.”

After joining the south London outfit’s hierarchy, Textor disclosed his delight at getting the deal over the line, highlighting his passion for football and Palace.

“I have looked at many opportunities across European football in which to invest so I could follow my passion for football and have a meaningful stake in a club.

“Over the past six months of discussions, I have also developed a real affinity to Crystal Palace F.C, its history, the staff and, of course, most importantly the supporters who create an incredible atmosphere at every game – one I cannot wait to witness again when supporters return to fill Selhurst Park this season.

“I very much look forward to working with the Chairman and the other partners,” he concluded.

Palace fans will surely be delighted at this newfound wealth, especially as it has arrived while the current transfer window still has plenty of time to run.

The Eagles have already bolstered new manager Patrick Vieira’s ranks, but the French tactician is likely to need extra reinforcement to ensure the club’s safety from relegation, something he is now expected to receive given this investment.

And, in other news…Get it done: Palace must swoop for “dangerous” 21 y/o prodigy, Vieira will love him 

Napoli are set to offer Victor Osimhen a new contract, with a potential release clause in excess of £100m according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), after Tottenham registered their interest in signing the Nigeria international.

THE LOWDOWN: SPURS EYEING POTENTIAL HARRY KANE REPLACEMENT

It’s likely to be an interesting summer transfer window ahead for Spurs, with star striker Harry Kane being linked with a summer departure.

If that were to occur, then Tottenham are likely to be in the market for a swift replacement, with Gazzetta dello Sport previously reporting (via Sport Witness) that Osimhen was a potential transfer target for the Premier League side.

The 22-year-old netted ten goals in 30 appearances for the Azzurri in the 2020/21 season, and it appears as though his strong performances in front of goal haven’t gone unnoticed.

THE LATEST: NAPOLI SET TO TAKE ACTION

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Tottenham’s interest in signing Osimhen ‘worries’ Napoli, and that is likely to prompt the Serie A club into swift action.

It is claimed that the Azzurri want to offer the forward a new contract in the near future, which would include a release clause exceeding £100m.

THE VERDICT: THIS COULD PRICE SPURS OUT OF AN AGREEMENT

If this agreement were to be finalised between player and club, then Spurs could potentially be priced out of a move for Osimhen this summer, and it’s no surprise to see Napoli looking to act swiftly in their efforts to tie down the Nigerian to a new deal at the earliest opportunity.

The 1.86m (6 foot 1) striker has impressed in recent seasons, and Spurs could see him as the ideal replacement for Kane if the England international is to depart the club this summer.

Osimhen has shown that he can score goals at a high level in Serie A with Napoli as well as Ligue 1 with Lille, and he could be decent addition to the north London club ahead of the new league campaign if they can lure him to England.

However, if Napoli were to secure a fresh agreement with the forward, you would imagine that Spurs will cool their interest in signing him and look at an alternative option as pre-season ticks ever closer.

In other news, one Tottenham player has been linked with a move to his native country.

Tomas Soucek has arguably been one of the bargains of the century, at least at West Ham.

The Czech Republic enforcer was an unknown quantity when he joined the Premier League side on loan in January 2020 but he soon emerged as a crowd favourite and one of David Moyes’ most influential and important players.

That much was obvious when the club committed to their £15m option-to-buy later that summer and ever since then, he’s come on leaps and bounds – and so has his value, too.

According to Transfermarkt, Soucek is now worth in the region of £36m, an increase of 223% from April 2020 when he was valued at just £10.8m. And an increase of 140% from what they paid.

You could argue that the Irons have truly hit the jackpot with the 26-year-old, who will only improve considering his age and progressive form under the Scottish boss.

As a box-to-box animal, Soucek has already contributed 14 goals and one assist in his 58 appearances for the club, whilst he ended his first full season in east London as their highest-rated (7.36) player.

Former Hammers striker Marlon Harewood dubbed him the “best signing of the season” during an exclusive interview with Football FanCast. “His stats say everything really when you compare them to anyone else in the league.”

He has continued such form into the current campaign, where the Hammers remain unbeaten from their opening four matches and are merely just two points behind league leaders Manchester United, who they will face this weekend.

Soucek is winning a colossal average of three aerial duels (only bettered by centre-back Craig Dawson) and three tackles (second-best to Vladimir Coufal) per game so far in 2021/22, which only goes to show that he is keeping up that level of consistency that not only makes him one of Moyes’ key players but may also be why his value has skyrocketed.

Ex-Everton winger Yannick Bolasie once lauded him as “unplayable” and that only further reinforces his impressive ability, whilst Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher described him as “almost a typical David Moyes player” and that he has a “huge impact” next to Declan Rice.

Having been linked with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in recent windows, it’s fair to suggest that Moyes and the club’s hierarchy struck gold by bringing the 6 foot 4 monster to the London Stadium.

Soucek is thought to only be on £67k-per-week, which is nearly half of what forgotten man Andriy Yarmolenko is earning (£115k-per-week), and when you factor that in with his £15m fee, it’s certainly been a massive coup.

AND in other news, David Moyes must now unleash £26m-rated “world-beater” amid devastating West Ham blow…

As Manchester United hosted Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon, an occasion dominated by the debut of Cristiano Ronaldo, another player in Nemanja Matic attracted attention for the wrong reasons.

After a busy summer, the Red Devils have started this English top flight campaign in solid form, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aiming to win United their first league title in nine years.

To do so, they will have to oust current champions and arch-rivals Manchester City, but you could argue that they are certainly equipped to mount a challenge with the signings of Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and England international Jadon Sancho.

However, while the United line-up is now flooded with superstars, there are some players who manage to attract criticism from supporters for their displays on a consistent basis.

Coming in for one of those in Fred, Solskjaer handed a start to Matic against the Magpies this afternoon, but some fans weren’t particularly impressed with his outing. The Serbia midfielder had little involvement bar a couple of shots which failed to trouble Freddie Woodman, while he also lost possession numerous times throughout the game on a rare start for the 33-year-old.

Check out some of the supporters’ verdicts from Twitter below, with one describing the veteran as “awful” and another saying that he “needs to go”.

Man United fans slam Matic…

“Matic is the last remaining relic that needs to go”

Credit: LivingArt83

“Sell Matic”

Credit: @Joorgerv

“Matic is awful”

Credit: @HusuJr

“This Matic is just a composed Fred. Need him out”

Credit: @NwoyePedro

“Matic grates me more than Fred”

Credit: @QuartCase

“Matic stinks, get him off”

Credit: @ShxwAD

“Matic is done”

Credit: @hEctor_MUFC

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Everton defender Michael Ball has hit out at Carlo Ancelotti, suggesting that he failed during his short spell at Goodison Park.

The Italian recently departed Everton to make a shock return to Real Madrid following Zinedine Zidane’s decision to walk away from the Spanish giants.

Given his profile and what he has accomplished in the game, big expectations came with Ancelotti’s Everton appointment at the end of 2019.

He also brought in a couple big-name players in James Rodriguez and Allan, only adding to those expectations. However, in the end, Ancelotti was only able to guide the Toffees to a 10th-placed finish in his only full season with the club.

“I think he’s bottled the whole project,” Ball told FFC. “I feel it was a great opportunity for him to show what a top manager he is. He’s won trophies everywhere, but he’s always had the wealth and he’s always had the players.

“Could he bring Everton from a mid-table team to the European spots? That was his ambition; that was his target. He failed to do that.”

Quite frankly, Ancelotti’s exit was disappointing, especially given that he has been so vocal with his criticism of the failed European Super League, something his new employers were at the heart of.

That being said, understandably, players and managers will always find it hard to say no to a club of Real Madrid’s size.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Ridvan Yilmaz to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Turkish media outlet Turkiye Gazetesi (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici has submitted an €8m (£6.75m) offer for the Besiktas left-back, with the player himself thought to be extremely keen on a move to the Premier League side.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-levy-conte-paratici-thfc” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

The report goes on to state that the 20-year-old has asked his current team not to stand in the way of his proposed switch to Spurs, however, it is believed that the Super Lig outfit are hoping to receive an offer closer to €10m (£8.5m) before sanctioning the Turkey international’s sale this summer.

There’s no one “identical to him”

Considering how impressive Yilmaz has been since breaking into the Besiktas first team as a 17-year-old back in 2019, coupled with the fact that left wing-back has been something of a problem position for Antonio Conte this season, it is easy to see why Spurs would be interested in a move for the defender this summer.

Indeed, over his 25 Super Lig appearances this season, the £4.95m-rated full-back has been a constant threat for Valerien Ismael’s side, scoring three goals, registering four assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The £3k-per-week dynamo has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Besiktas keep four clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 3.9 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player about whom was it was claimed in comments made to Breaking The Lines that “there isn’t really a well-known full-back that’s identical to him” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.89, ranking him as his club’s ninth-best player in the top flight of Turkish football.

And, with recent reports suggesting that Sergio Reguilon could be on his way out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, as well as Ryan Sessegnon continuing to struggle with injuries, the signing of a new left-back could very much be one of Paratici’s priorities ahead of 2022/23.

As such, considering his tender age, undoubted ability and huge potential – not to mention his extremely reasonable asking price – it would indeed appear as if landing Yilmaz this summer would be a fantastic piece of business for the Tottenham sporting director to get over the line – as the 20-year-old’s unique abilities would certainly be put to extremely good use in Conte’s left wing-back role next season.

AND in other news: “From what I understand…”: Gold drops transfer claim that Spurs supporters will love