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Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have erupted over a claim by manager Pep Guardiola ahead of their blockbuster Sunday match away to Liverpool.

The Sky Blues travel to Anfield in what is set to be one of their more crucial games of the season, especially considering Jurgen Klopp’s men have started 2021/2022 in fine form.

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City’s last Premier League outing, a 1-0 away win at European champions Chelsea, will certainly provide Guardiola with plenty of encouragement that his side can repeat their Merseyside heroics from last season.

Speaking ahead of the clash, the Spaniard has now made a claim on Raheem Sterling amid his precarious situation at Eastlands.

Guardiola, commenting on his ability to play as a makeshift striker, lavished the England international with praise for his performance in that role against Paris-Saint Germain.

“Raheem Sterling played really good as a striker at PSG, created incredible chances,” the manager explained (via City Xtra).

“One and another one with the movement. We need. Speed, zero to 100, he did it exceptional.”

Flocking to this claim, it’s safe to say City supporters hold mixed reviews on Sterling’s ability in the role – find all of their verdicts down below.

Man City fans flock to Guardiola claim on Sterling…

“This statement is disturbing”

Credit: @9320City

“did he watch the same game”

Credit: @McfcRobbo23

“NOOOO….”

Credit: @Levybluemans

“It’s gonna be a very long season”

Credit: @KawaiKayky

“Pep stop this I’m begging you”

Credit: @AyokunleOgunse1

“Boss, Do you have eyes?!?”

Credit: @PhilMount4719

“here we go again…..”

Credit: @DylanCotton21

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Am I dreaming’, ‘Bring him home’…Man City fans excited by 35-goal striker news, find out more here.

Ciaran Dickson appears to have completed a move to Celtic after turning out for the Hoops’ B team against Morton on Saturday, as per The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Dickson was pictured with a Celtic shirt recently

Dickson, who was described as ‘terrific’ by Steven Gerrard last season, was a surprise release at Ibrox in the summer.

The 19-year-old only signed a new deal with Rangers back in January but was let go at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.

The midfielder was pictured holding up a Celtic shirt last week, leading to rumours of a cross-Glasgow switch materialising.

The Latest: Debut goal for Dickson

Dickson actually turned out for Celtic against Morton in the SPFL Trust Trophy on Saturday, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

Wearing the number 10 jersey, he scored on his debut after 30 minutes to halve a 2-0 deficit for his team.

Celtic went on to lose 3-1, but it seems as if Dominic McKay may have sealed an under-the-radar addition to the club’s youth ranks in Dickson, with a tweet from the club’s B team account labelling the 19-year-old as a new signing.

The Verdict: Shrewd move?

Dickson is a player who clearly caught the eye of Gerrard last season and was of interest to Premier League side Burnley, so a cut-price move to Celtic Park seems to be a smart piece of business from McKay.

The Hoops appears to be building for the future with the signings of youngsters Liel Abada, Liam Shaw, Liam Scales, Osaze Urhoghide and Joey Dawson, and it looks as if Dickson can now be added to that list judging by his B team appearances over the weekend.

In other news: McKay eyes record-breaking ace for Celtic and Ange; could be available for cut-price fee.

In what was an enthralling contest, Leeds United shared the spoils with Newcastle in their Premier League clash on Friday night.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side got off to the best possible start when Raphinha put them ahead before Allan Saint-Maximin levelled things up before the break.

And, despite both sides having several chances to win the game, neither were able to convert, and a point apiece seemed to be a fair reflection of the night.

While Raphinha’s long-range shot come cross was the one real moment of magic from the Whites, it was Rodrigo’s performance that arguably stole the show for Bielsa.

The Spaniard has had a disappointing start to the new Premier League season with some Leeds fans in particular slamming him after his performance against Manchester United on the opening day.

In fact, here on FFC, we even called on Bielsa to drop him from the starting line-up for the game against the Magpies last night – a poll done on that article even saw 58% of a selection of Leeds fans agree that Rodrigo should be dropped too (122 votes to 89).

But in an impressive all-round performance that displayed both energy and creativity, Rodrigo proved why the Leeds boss continues to keep the faith with his club record signing.

As per Sofascore, he had three attempts on goal, completed two out of his three dribbles (the joint-most of any Leeds player), and provided three key passes (again, the most of any his teammates).

It was no surprise then that while on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher was quick to praise the former Valencia man, saying he was “outstanding” after providing a superb cross-field ball to Raphinha, and saying he had “been the best player for Leeds” after setting up Patrick Bamford in the second-half.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for Leeds Live, Beren Cross gave him a seven, saying: “Much better from the Spain international who, as we have seen in the past, does fare better against lesser opposition.

“Shots were not always accurate enough or powerful enough to test Darlow, but popped up in good areas and played his part when Leeds were dangerous.”

Rodrigo’s performance sent a message that he can still play a big part for Leeds, even in potentially in that more attacking role just behind Bamford.

It was a display that silenced some of the doubters, but it’s one that he needs to build on more consistently over the coming weeks and months.

Bielsa will no doubt be thrilled with how the Spaniard performed last night.

Meanwhile, Leeds are plotting another swoop for this star…

A number of Rangers supporters have criticised James Tavernier’s performance in the first half of their Europa League clash with Alashkert.

The Gers have made a disappointing start to the 2021/22 season, struggling to convince both domestically and in Europe.

Steven Gerrard’s side lost to Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership – their first league defeat in 41 attempts – before being dumped out of the Champions League by Malmo.

That loss means Rangers are now looking to get into this season’s Europa League, with the first leg of their qualifying clash with Alashkert taking place at Ibrox on Thursday evening.

One player who struggled in the opening 45 minutes was Tavernier, whose final ball left a lot to be desired, as well as his all-round impact.

Rangers fans react to Tavernier’s first-half display

These Rangers fans took to Twitter to discuss the opening 45 minutes, and despite John Lundstram’s red card it was the skipper who took plenty of stick…

“Tav should spend less time 180 quick-scoping and more time practicing beating the first man. Am I right lads”

Credit: @bear_simply

“Tav off the free kicks”

Credit: @cameronjbh

“I love tav to bits, will always back him, but he shouldn’t be undroppable. Patterson deserves to start atm”

Credit: @tombaldrick

“Will be a big day for Rangers when Tav can finally beat the first man with a cross. Schoolboy stuff”

Credit: @paulmorton76

“Tav canny buy a decent delivery atm man”

Credit: @Mciver904

“Tav was great last year. Battling this year”

Credit: @dave_daveframe

“Does Tavernier know what colour shirt we’re wearing tonight? 15-minute mark and he’s passed 4 balls to Alashkert defenders already”

Credit: @ibroxlad

In other news, some Rangers fans are fuming at a club-related error that has occurred at Ibrox. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could make a move for Lautaro Martinez in this summer’s transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic, Spurs have an interest in the Inter Milan striker if Harry Kane were to depart North London before this month’s deadline.

The Lilywhites will have stiff competition from their arch-rivals Arsenal, who are exploring the opportunity to sign Martinez, with the Serie A outfit looking to sort out their financial problems.

Inter need to sell players this summer and the 23-year-old is someone who could garner plenty of funds, although it remains to be seen how much would tempt them into a sale.

Transfermarkt currently value him at a whopping £72m, whilst his wages are thought to be around €2.5m-per-year – around €52k-per-week (£45k-per-week).

Life after Kane?

If Spurs are trying to plan for life without the England talisman, then Martinez is a pretty outstanding contingency plan and one man who they should absolutely push to sign.

Kane’s future is in doubt right now, with fresh reports from the Telegraph suggesting that the 28-year-old will insist on joining Jack Grealish in a move to Manchester City.

The long-serving youth product has made no secret of his desire to add silverware to his glistening goalscoring record, and with Spurs’ barren run without a trophy stretching back to 2008, it’s no wonder he wants to leave now.

New sporting director Fabio Paratici will know first-hand the credentials of Martinez, who has excelled for Juventus’ rivals in recent seasons.

On Inter’s way to their first league title in 11 years, the 28-cap Argentina international provided 19 goals and 11 assists, averaging a direct contribution every 108 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

This is similar to the sort of importance that Kane carries in North London, having provided 54.4% of all their league goals scored last term, whilst he averages a goal or assist every 98 minutes throughout his whole Spurs career.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi is a big fan of his fellow countryman as he once described him as “an impressive forward” to Mundo Deportivo, before adding: “He’s spectacular. He has impressive qualities. You could tell he was going to be a great player, and he is showing that. He’s very strong, really good one on one, scores a lot of goals, and in the area he fights with anyone, holds it up, he can turn, scrap to win it all on his own. He has a lot of quality. He’s very complete.”

That final word is one you’d very much associate with Kane, as the Englishman offers so much more than just goals. He can drop back and find any player with his impressive range of passing, so the pair are in a similar mould.

If the 28-year-old does leave N17 in this window, then Spurs should absolutely launch a swoop for the Inter Milan sensation. He’d be a dream replacement, whatever the costs.

AND in other news, Nuno dealt huge Spurs blow as worrying transfer report emerges, fans will be furious…

When thinking of those to turn out for both Everton and Manchester United, who comes to mind?

The most famous example is undeniably Wayne Rooney. A teenage whizzkid at the time of his transfer, Rooney left Goodison Park behind in a mega deal.

Marouane Fellaini was another Toffees player to make a similar leap but more often than not, it’s Everton signing players from Old Trafford.

Whether it’s Tim Howard, Phil Neville or even Peter Beardsley, Everton have had some fantastic servants who have also played in the famous red jersey.

However, the man we want to focus on is a certain Louis Saha. That’s because Everton could sign his fellow Frenchman, Anthony Martial, this summer.

The Toffees have been put off by Martial’s salary demands but with United looking to shunt him from their wage bill, a move could be on the cards.

Kevin Campbell certainly seems to think so as well, urging the Merseyside outfit to sign him on a potential loan deal.

Acquired for £36m from Monaco, Martial made an instant splash in Manchester but his career has gone downhill in recent years. He’s not been a regular starter but he still found the net on seven occasions last term.

Described as “unstoppable” by Stephen Elliot, the attacker has plenty of attributes that stood out in Saha’s game too. Not only have they played for the same club and hail from the same nation but they’re both incredibly quick.

Talking about the retired striker in a feature on These Football Times, Kieran Stewart wrote: “His fantastic first touch, pace and power were allowing him to adjust well to the Premier League.”

Funnily enough, that’s an area of Martial’s game that Saha has praised in the past: “He’s got that speed, that power, he’s got that youth in him so he’ll surprise a lot of defenders because they don’t know him,” the former Everton star once said.

Saha found the net on 34 occasions in 115 outings for the Toffees while his fellow countryman has scored 78 in 258 matches for the Red Devils.

That means that for their respective clubs, they have both scored a goal every 3.3 matches. The comparisons between the duo are clear to see.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers exciting Everton transfer update, fans surely buzzing…

Many Everton fans have had plenty to say on social media following a transfer update on Joao Virginia.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the goalkeeper has signed for Sporting Clube de Portugal on a loan deal for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

With the Toffees bringing in both Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan in the summer window, and Jordan Pickford already at the Merseyside club, one would question how much game time Virginia would get if he stayed.

However, he did play in a total of ‘unbelievable’ back in January of last year.

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Everton fans on Virginia transfer update

These Toffees supporters gave fairly mixed reactions as the news was confirmed on Twitter, as some did not want to see him go, while others think a loan move will suit him so that he can come back a better player:

“Great keeper, sad to see him go”

Credit: @dannymonnox

“Nooooooo”

Credit: @jayefc_

“Don’t get this, Tyler gets injured so we sign on loan another keeper 4 cover 2 Picks, & then we loan out Virginia. Does anyone at our club know what they’re doing? OK he’s young, so give him his chance. Why did we sign Bego then? Wasted money again @Everton. We’ll never learn”

Credit: @77fenrir

“He’s going to be a top keeper. Hope it doesn’t end up permanent”

Credit: @Tay196

“Good luck Joao, hopefully you’ll get some minutes in Portugal! Come back stronger.”

Credit: @Andy_Forsyth

“Good luck, your time will come mate, top keeper”

Credit: @NeilCla37309856

In other news, find out which ‘quality’ ace EFC are backed to sign here!

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United have Celtic starlet Leo Hjelde on their radar.

What’s the story?

Having recently sealed deals for Amari Miller and Lewis Bate, Marcelo Bielsa’s side look keen on reinforcing their academy side even further this summer.

According to Hay, the Whites have their eye on a pair of Celtic starlets, with centre-back Hjelde, and left-back Matthew Anderson on their radar.

Hay adds that “Leeds are persisting in forming a junior pool who, in a number of positions, might realistically succeed members of Bielsa’s current starting line-up.”

Fans will be excited

The 17-year-old joined fellow Scottish side Ross County on loan, and the club’s boss, John Hughes, has admitted that he could have linked up with Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League instead.

He said: “Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk – trust me on that. The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo.

“Before he came, Leeds United were after him. I think he had to sign an extension to his contract for the loan to go through.”

While he may only be 17, Hjelde is clearly someone with a lot of potential, and Hughes has placed a lot of faith in him by using him in multiple positions, including at left-back and further forward in left-midfield.

And, after seeing him score his first professional goal against Kilmarnock earlier last season, the manager was quick to shower him with praise.

He said: “He found himself out of the team a little bit, then came on there and got his goal. He’s destined for big, big, big things. He won’t be far away from the Celtic first-team when he goes back, but this is what he needs to be doing.”

Given Leeds’ recent signings of Bate and Miller, and that follows on from the business last summer that saw the likes of Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood arrive, fans will no doubt be excited about the future of their club.

Whether Bielsa is still the manager when these players eventually make a name for themselves in the first-team in the years to come remains to be seen, but these long-term based signings ensure that the club is in good hands.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay claims there’s a “decent chance” of Leeds making this signing…

Graham Roberts wants Nuno Espirito Santo to make Milan Skriniar his first signing as Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach.

Nuno was appointed as Spurs’ new chief on Wednesday, finally bringing chairman Daniel Levy’s frustrating search for Jose Mourinho’s successor to an end.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach will be looking to return the north London club to the Champions League after a disappointing campaign which saw them finish seventh in the Premier League, which was only enough to secure a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Among Nuno’s priorities will be improving Spurs’ defensive record, having conceded more goals than arch-rivals Arsenal.

Skriniar, who played in all three of Slovakia’s group stage fixtures at Euro 2020, made 39 appearances last season and proved integral as Inter won the Serie A title for the first time since 2010.

The central defender has been attracting interest for a number of years and Spurs’ new director of football, Fabio Paratici, is reportedly keen to broker a deal.

Roberts, who won the UEFA Cup and FA Cup during his career at White Hart Lane, feels 26-year-old Skriniar would be a statement first signing from Nuno.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Roberts said: “I would take Skriniar as Nuno’s first signing. That would be lovely.”

Southampton confirmed the signing of Romain Perraud recently and the attacking French left-back could change the way Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side set up next season.

Ligue 1 expert Adam White’s thoughts on the Perraud signing:

French football expert Adam White recently sat down with Football FanCast to give his exclusive thoughts on the Saints’ addition of Perraud, saying:

“He’s a very attacking player but also has the defensive acumen to back it up. One-on-one, he is very good defensively, his positioning is very good and he is also very good technically.

“In theory, Southampton’s style of play will suit him. I think he is a really exciting player.

“I really like him as a player and he has a pretty unique skill-set. It’s a big step up but I’d back him to make it.”

Will Southampton change the way they play?

Last season saw Southampton predominantly set up in a 4-2-2-2 system with Ryan Bertrand and Kyle Walker-Peters at left-back and right-back.

Usually, we would see the former Spurs man bombing forward down the right in order to support the attack, whilst Bertrand would often be a lot more conservative and form a three-man defence when Saints were in possession.

After the 31-year-old opted to leave Southampton this summer when his contract expired, a replacement was always going to be necessary, but Perraud seems like a very different player to his predecessor.

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As White suggests, he is extremely attacking, as he registered three goals and seven assists in Ligue 1 last season, whereas Bertrand managed no goals and one assist in the Premier League.

If Perraud is better going forward than Walker-Peters, perhaps we will see a switch with the Englishman playing a more conservative role, as you feel that if Southampton send them both forward, then they could find themselves even more vulnerable to counterattacks.

After conceding the second-most goals in the Premier League last season, Hasenhuttl will want his side to be a lot more defensively sound next season, so given Perraud’s ability in attack, it seems clear that a tactical change will be necessary.

Hopefully, if Southampton’s full-backs can get forward a lot more and contribute with more goals and assists, it could really take them to the next level for the 2021/22 campaign.

And, in other news… Southampton handed huge boost with “fantastic: £27m-rated beast, Hasenhuttl will be relieved