Neil Lennon makes 'strange' claim about Rangers captain James Tavernier's PFA POTY nomination

By: Muhammad Saeed on May 04, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Neil Lennon admits he is a little bit puzzled as to why Rangers skipper James Tavernier has been nominated for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.

And his reasoning is based around Aberdeen star and top scorer for the season Bojan Miovski, who has been a shining light amid a dark campaign for the Dons.

The Pittodrie side will have to settle for a place in the bottom six of the Scottish Premiership having sacked Barry Robson while also seeing his successor Neil Warnock leave the club too.

But Miovski has fired in 24 goals for the club this season [Transfermarkt] and Aberdeen could have been in a much more precarious position without him.

However, he was not nominated by his peers for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award for 2024.

Instead, Rangers pair Tavernier and Jack Butland as well as Celtic maestro Matt O’Riley and Hearts goal machine Lawrence Shankland are vying for the coveted prize.

And that has left Neil Lennon, speaking on PLZ Soccer, rather perplexed. He feels James Tavernier should not be in contention for the gong, despite the Rangers captain scoring an incredible 24 goals from right-back this season.

• EXCLUSIVE: Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq want to sign Rangers defender

Tavernier ahead of Bojan Miovski ‘strange’

Asked initially if Miovski would be in his nomination line-up before discussing Tavernier’s ‘strange’ inclusion, Lennon replied: “Yeah he would be for me, yeah.

“I think he’s been outstanding and sort of carried the fight for Aberdeen all season really. Big goals in big games and even though it’s been a pretty disappointing season for Aberdeen, he’s been a standout player.

“My own personal preference would be for him to be in the top four (nominations) for sure.

“Probably Lawrence (Shankland to win the award). I think (Matt) O’Riley’s had an incredible season and I think Butland’s done really well.

“Tavernier has been okay. O’Riley, for me, has been Celtic’s standout player, Lawrence (for Hearts), Butland’s been great.

“It’s just the one for me, James over Miovski is a bit strange, I don’t think he’s been…I think he’s had better seasons, put it that way.”

• READ MORE: Celtic’s £7.5m ‘warrior’ target may have just played final game for his club

Miovski vs Tavernier tough one to call

Both Bojan Miovski and James Tavernier have performed tremendously this season for Aberdeen and Rangers respectively – there’s no doubting that.

Of course, Rangers fans will point to Lennon’s Celtic allegiances in regards to his comments above and that may well be true.

But to say Tavernier’s had an “okay” season given the number of goal contributions the Englishman has racked up for Rangers is strange in itself.

That doesn’t mean to say Miovski does not deserve to be a nominee, as Lennon alludes to. The Celtic-linked striker can certainly feel hard done by.

But as mentioned, this award is voted for by the players and not by a committee. With that, it’s clear that Tavernier has been more highly regarded this season than Miovski.

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'There's only one team': 47-year-old manager admits he dreams of taking Arsenal job

By: Muhammad Saeed on May 03, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Dreaming is free, as they say. And who are we to rain on the ambitions of a man who would relish the chance to patrol the dugout of Premier League giants Arsenal at some point in the future?

Mikel Arteta‘s job is safe for now, obviously. That almost goes without saying, the former Manchester City assistant having taken over a club at their lowest ebb in 2019 and putting them within 270 minutes of the top-flight title.

And even if Arsenal were looking to move on from the man who has constructed a palace from the rubble and the destruction of the Unai Emery era, it’s highly unlikely that The Gunners would even consider for a second a 47-year-old who’s CV reads less like a ‘who’s who’ of Turkish football but more of a ‘who’s that?’.

A Turkey-based manager would love the Arsenal job

Ilhan Palut took over at Caykur Rizespor in 2023, having previously made his home at Hatayspor, Goztepe and Konyaspor.

Currently seventh, Palut has Rizespor in line for their first top-half finish since 2005/06, however, potentially putting himself in the shop window of clubs a few rungs further up the ladder, if not those quite as high as Arsenal.

“Of course (I want to coach a European giant),” Palut tells A Spor. “This job gets harder as the level increases. It gets harder as the pressure increases. I am ready for whatever is the most difficult job.

“I have no worries, I have full confidence in this regard, but I am not in a rush. Here in Rize, I can produce today.

“There is a team (I would like to manage in the future). I like it very much. I follow their development, I see how young players reach an elite level and play head-on in the most difficult league.

“There is only one team in this regard; Arsenal.”

Given his admiration for The Gunners, you would be forgiven for assuming that Palut plays the kind of free-flowing, possession-heavy football popularised by Arsene Wenger and maintained by Arteta.

Rizespor, however, are a more counter-attacking side by nature, ranking near the bottom of the Super Lig standings for possession and passes-per-game. They have also scored the most goals in 2023/24 from counter-attacking situations (WhoScored).

Mikel Arteta’s side three games away from glory

By Palut’s own admission, he remains a long, long way away from being able to throw his hat into the ring for the continent’s top jobs. That could change, however, if he can take Rizespor into European football – still a very real possibility – before bloodying the noses of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce later down the line.

“Why not? I hope (I can work at Arsenal),” Palut adds. “It is difficult, but I follow them with envy, because they have recruited young players in that great league. They are pushing for the title in the toughest league this year, too.

“I am very upset about the match against Aston Villa (that 2-0 home defeat in April). It was an accident that shouldn’t have happened. I am a keen follower of Arsenal and I want them to be champions this year.”

Arsenal face Andoni Iraola‘s high-flying Bournemouth on Saturday, Arteta knowing that they will likely have to win or at least go unbeaten in their final four games to snatch the crown off his old mentor Pep Guardiola’s head.

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Exclusive: Liverpool tell Mo Salah what he must do to leave as Saudi interest remains

By: Muhammad Saeed on May 03, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

The Saudi Pro League remain determined to lure Mo Salah away from Premier league giants Liverpool this summer with the Egypt international now their leading target following Paul Pogba’s four-year ban.

HITC understands that the winger, who was the subject of a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad last summer, is likely to have offers from the Middle East once again when the current campaign comes to an end.

Speculation over Mohamed Salah‘s future went into overdrive last weekend, the long-serving Liverpool talisman rowing with Jurgen Klopp on the touchline after starting on the bench for Saturday’s must-win clash with West Ham United.

“There’s gonna be a fire today if I speak,” was his rather intriguing response when asked by reporters to sum up just what had happened between him and his manager, albeit a situation which HITC understands has been played down within the club.

Mo Salah’s Liverpool future uncertain

Salah’s form – usually so consistent – has been a source of much concern for Liverpool fans since his return from the African Cup of Nations. Despite scoring 24 goals and setting up another 13 in all competitions, the former Chelsea, Roma and Fiorentina man is not quite the same irrepressible force of old.

He has now started two of the last three league games outside of Klopp’s XI, and was taken off around the hour mark against Atalanta and Sheffield United when Liverpool still needed a goal.

HITC have been informed that the events at the London Stadium have underlined to Salah’s camp that his future may be best served away from Liverpool, even if Klopp’s imminent departure opens up the possibility of a fresh start under a new boss. Feyenoord chief Arne Slot is expected to get the gig.

The ambitious, big-spending Saudi Pro League remain determined to lure players they consider to be ‘world-class’, and Salah certainly ticks that box even with his 32nd birthday approaching. We understand that the league’s chiefs are prioritising the world’s greatest Muslim footballers, with Salah and Paul Pogba identified to follow in the footsteps of Karim Benzema and Sadio Mane.

Saudi Arabian interest remains in Anfield icon

Pogba appears to be a no-go now, however. Juventus’ former Manchester United midfielder was hit with a four-year doping ban recently (BBC Sport).

As such, Salah is the priority. It remains to be seen if Liverpool will receive an offer as staggering as the one put forward by Al-Ittihad last summer, but cashing in on Salah could certainly free up funds for a rebuild like when their midfield overhaul was partly financed by the sales of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Al-Ettifaq and Al-Ittihad respectively.

HITC have been told that, despite claims made this week that Liverpool are looking to retain their ‘Egyptian King’, the club have put the situation firmly in the hands of Salah himself. If he wants to make that move to the Middle East, he will have to make it push the issue himself with his current employers.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of potential replacements, including Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, PSV Eindhoven speedster Johan Bakayoko, and Nico Williams of Athletic Club.

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Legend fears former Tottenham coach could leave for West Ham, he's 'a genius'

By: Muhammad Saeed on May 02, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

If West Ham United do decide to bring an end to David Moyes’ second spell in the London Stadium dugout, identifying a high-quality replacement is unlikely to prove all that difficult.

HITC understands that West Ham are ‘inundated’ with potential options. Those options include Marco Silva and Gary O’Neil – both of whom have done sterling jobs at Fulham and Wolves – and the out-of-work Julen Lopetegui.

David Sullivan, West Ham’s co-owner, held initial talks with the former Real Madrid and Spain boss recently and was impressed with what he heard. And while Ruben Amorim appears to have removed his hat from the ring, Paulo Fonseca‘s remains very much in play, the Lille coach’s camp confirming to us that there is indeed interest from the Hammers.

Furthermore, if the Conference League holders opt to look a little closer to home, one of the sharpest young tactical minds in the game is weaving his magic only 70 miles or so to the east.

Could West Ham lure Kieran McKenna away from Ipswich?

Kieran McKenna, his Ipswich Town side one single point away from successive promotions and a return to the big time after over 20 years away, will be very hot property this summer. And Portman Road legend Matt Holland cannot help but wonder if, say West Ham come calling, whether McKenna will seize the chance to strike while his reputation is hot.

“Getting to the Premier League, you’d like to think he would stay,” Holland, who captained Ipswich throughout much of his six year spell in East Anglia, tells talkSPORT.

“But if someone like a Brighton or a West Ham come in for him, then he has a big decision to make.”

McKenna, formerly part of the backroom staff at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, is still only 37 but already possesses a managerial CV many would sacrifice a limb for. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s old assistant took over an Ipswich side treading water in League One and has awakened the sleeping giants from their slumber, a win at home to pretty-much relegated Huddersfield Town on Saturday enough to guarantee their place alongside West Ham in the Premier League next term.

‘He’s a genius’

“His mind is just incredible. He’s a genius,” says Ipswich’s one-time Arsenal youngster Harry Clarke.

“I know he’s young but the things I’ve learned from him, obviously I played for a big club in Arsenal but playing under this manager, I feel I can hit very, very big potential.”

West Ham held talks with another 30-something tactician in Amorim last week, he and his agent flying in to London for discussions. The man who ended Sporting Lisbon’s long Primeira Liga drought appears to no longer be in contention, however, apologising to the Portuguese giants a few days ago.

“So, let’s get the elephant out of the room and I’ll talk about it once,” Amorim said in a rather obvious attempt to clear the air. “The first thing is to say that the club was aware of my trip (to London). It’s important and changes the context.

“Obviously my trip was a mistake. The timing was completely wrong. It was wrong, especially when I’m so demanding with my players and always the first to say that each one’s actions can overpower the team. I have already removed players from the squad for much less.

Ruben Amorim apologises after Hammers talks

“It was my mistake, I have to accept it and live with it.

“It didn’t seem so bad at the time, but thinking about it later it’s very clear,” adds Amorim, who became the third-most expensive coach in history when Sporting triggered the £9 million clause in his contract following only 13 matches in charge of Braga.

“I gave explanations to the players and the staff. Now it’s time to move on. Obviously, I also use the public part here to apologise to the Sporting fans, the staff and, mainly publicly to my players for the mistake I made.

“It was a mistake because the fact that we are close to winning the championship, nothing has been done yet, and the team leader causes this noise, is a mistake. Whether or not he is authorised. And I’m the biggest defender of that. That’s why I said it is an error.”

One name to keep an eye on may be that of Will Still. The West Ham-supporting 31-year-old confirmed on Thursday that he is leaving Ligue 1 outfit Stade de Reims.

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Sky pundit says Tottenham 28-year-old ‘isn’t mobile’ enough to start for Ange Postecoglou

By: Muhammad Saeed on May 01, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Tottenham fans will still be seething from their north London derby defeat to Arsenal.

There was a two-week gap between the defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park and the game against their bitter rivals on home soil.

When comparing the two performances, especially the first-half displays, it was beyond abject from Ange Postecoglou’s men.

From Tottenham’s inability to defend corners, to their ultra-attacking style exposing their backline and their issues in the middle of the park.

A lot of things are starting to go wrong for Spurs and now they have a mountain to climb to finish fourth.

Aston Villa, who have a better goal difference than Spurs, hold a seven-point lead, but they have played two games more.

The problem for Postecoglou is that those two matches are against Chelsea – starting on Thursday night. And against Manchester City – their final home game of the season.

Against Chelsea, it’s going to be interesting to see what type of changes are made because over the weekend, all three starting midfielders – Rodrigo Bentencur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and James Madison, were all subbed off.

Stephen Warnock admitted that he was ’surprised’ by Postecoglou’s team selection for the NLD, as he told The Football Show on Sky Sports.

The former left-back pointed towards Hojbjerg and claimed that the 28-year-old simply ‘isn’t mobile’ enough to start in the middle of the park for Spurs.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg starting for Tottenham 

“I was a little surprised by his team selection if I am being completely honest,” said Warnock.

“I thought it was a surprise he went for Hojbjerg in midfield. I like him, but I just don’t think he is as mobile as Sarr or Bissouma. Whether they picked something up or they weren’t fully fit in some way.

“I just felt, if you are going to play against Declan Rice and Partey in that midfield, then you are going to need some energy levels and Odegaard as well. You have to be at your very, very best. I am just not sure Hojbjerg is that mobile enough to do that sat in a two.”

Tottenham’s trip to Chelsea

This is huge for Spurs and some much-needed morale needs to be transferred back into the dressing room.

Even if they do win, they might not still get fourth because it’s in Villa’s hands.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Aston Villa and Tottenham eye £22m ace likened to Bale and ‘close to Foden’

But losing back-to-back London derby games, in the space of a few days, will do more harm than good for Postecoglou.

You also need to remember that Spurs are up against their former manager – Mauricio Pochettino – so, it puts even more pressure on the team to do well.

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‘It would be crazy’: Ally McCoist shocked by who could leave Chelsea alongside Thiago Silva

By: Muhammad Saeed on May 01, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Another transfer window awaits Chelsea and fans are eagerly waiting to see what their owners have in store this time around.

One thing is for certain, Thiago Silva will depart at the end of the campaign after his contract expires in June.

Chelsea and Silva himself announced that he was going to depart this week, with Owen Hargreaves unsure about the club’s call.

A lot has money has been spent by the powers that be at Stamford Bridge. Since the turn of the century, fans have been used to that, but it has resulted in success and trophies galore.

This time around, post-Roman Abramovich, the team has declined in huge ways and could, for the second season running, find themselves without European football.

Given the huge spending by Chelsea under their new owners, they might have to sell players to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP).

One man who has regularly been talked about possibly leaving when the transfer window re-opens, even though he has been a key player under Mauricio Pochettino, is Conor Gallagher.

Ally McCoist made it clear that it would be ‘crazy’ if the London club allowed him to leave, as he told talkSPORT (30/04/24 at 8:10 am).

The former striker added you wouldn’t build your team around Gallagher, but he is someone the fans can relate to.

Conor Gallagher to leave Chelsea?

“That would be, in my opinion, crazy, it would be crazy,” said McCoist about Gallagher being allowed to leave.

“His attitude to play. His willingness to play. His desire to play is something the Chelsea fans can relate to. I think they will be letting a few more go before Conor Gallagher, that’s for sure. I think it would be a mistake.

“I am not at a stage where I am saying ‘build your team around Conor Gallagher’. However, I don’t think there is any way you can let him go.”

Tottenham Hotspur transfer links

As people will see on Thursday night, the rivalry between Chelsea and Tottenham is pretty fierce.

Some even claim that it’s more ferocious than the north London derby.

READ MORE: ‘For Chelsea to spot him…’ Ian Wright hails ‘unbelievable work’ of scouts to sign £43m star

Therefore, if Gallagher decides to join Tottenham, if Chelsea no longer want him, then the reaction from the fans will be interesting.

Sources have told HITC that Tottenham are keen on signing the England midfielder, alongside Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United and West Ham United, who could see their manager David Moyes depart at the end of the campaign.

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Sources: Arsenal make contract call on £12m star's future amid European and Saudi interest

By: Muhammad Saeed on May 01, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Sources have confirmed to HITC that Arsenal have offered a fresh contract to Jorginho.

The 32-year-old moved to the Emirates from London rivals Chelsea during the January transfer window of 2023 for a fee of £12 million.

Arsenal proceeded to capitulate in the Premier League title race months later, but this season, he has become one of Mikel Arteta’s key players. 

HITC understands that Arsenal have offered Jorginho an extension to his contract after the midfielder’s representatives made it clear the player’s first option was to remain in England rather than head back to Italy or elsewhere.

During a glittering career, where he has lifted the Champions League and the European Championships with Italy, Jorginho has also represented Hellas Verona and Napoli.

Interest in Serie A and Saudi Arabia

HITC is told that a number of Serie A sides, including his former club Napoli, newly-crowned champions Inter Milan and Juventus have held talks with the player and, at one point, it appeared he would be returning back home – whilst there was also interest from Saudi Arabia. 

But he has now indicated that he wants to stay in London with Arsenal.

Jorginho’s current deal is due to expire in the summer, although there is an option – but Arsenal sources believe that the contract on offer is for two years.

Jorginho’s importance to Arsenal

It’s been pretty clear how Arteta has used the experienced midfielder this season and it’s constantly for the big games.

Jorginho started six Champions League matches this season, including three during the knockout stages as Bayern Munich ended their hopes. 

READ MORE: GARY NEVILLE CLAIMS ‘MESMERISING’ £30M ARSENAL ACE NOW ‘THE BEST IN HIS POSITION

On the Premier League stage, he started the home wins over Manchester City and Liverpool, as well as starting the goalless draw at the Etihad.

These three sides have directly been involved with Arsenal in the Premier League title race, with the Reds recently dropping out and the fight now being between Arteta and Pep Guardiola.

It’s still in the hands of Man City to become champions again, but they do still have to travel to Fulham as well as an interesting away clash at Tottenham Hotspur.

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