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Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to Christian Purslow’s European Super League comments on social media.

The Villa chief executive had plenty to say about the proposal on Monday, which has rocked the world of football in recent days.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham were among 12 clubs who agreed to join a new ESL.

However, following plenty of backlash from supporters all across the country, those six clubs have now all withdrawn from the proposed competition.

Talking to the media prior to the Premier League clubs pulling out of the tournament, Purslow had plenty to say.

As reported by Express & Star, Purslow described the ESL as ‘grotesque concept’.

“These proposals (European Super League) do away with sporting merit. It would enable a small number of clubs to be in this competition come what may &, for millions in football, that goes against everything the sport means & stands for.

“The idea is that the uncertainty that comes with sport, that makes it so compelling, that we all love, is actually damaging to the business models of these huge clubs. So the scheme is designed to take away that uncertainty.

“To give predictability to their businesses so that, if they’re badly managed or have a poor year, they’re still in the premier tournament. Does that sound like sport or football to you? To me it sounds a grotesque concept.”

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Purslow’s comments on Twitter on Monday lunchtime, which, as to be expected, received plenty of interaction from a number of Villa supporters.

These fans were full of praise for Purslow, with one labelling his thoughts as ‘brilliant’.

“My CEO what a guy”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“The words of someone who respects the integrity of the game, the clubs and most importantly the fans. Proud to be a villan but today we all should be one club.”

Credit: @LionsMinnesota

“Couldn’t ask for a better CEO, this is what you call a football club”

Credit: @BevanRachael

“Brilliant so proud of my club @AVFCOfficial”

Credit: @helz83

“Purslow speaking facts”

Credit: @BenKavanagh_7

“Love Purslow”

Credit: @villa_sol21

In other news: Plenty of fans full of praise as brilliant gesture from Aston Villa ace emerges, find out more here. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Wolves legend Steve Bull has backed Joao Moutinho to stay at the club as an ambassador once his legs won’t let him play anymore.

Moutinho has been with Wolves since he arrived from AS Monaco in 2018 for what now appears to be a bargain of just £5 million as he brought experience and a winner’s mentality.

In two-and-a-half seasons in the Midlands, Moutinho has made 131 appearances and played 38 games in the Premier League during the last two seasons as Wolves achieved back-to-back seventh-placed finishes.

Speaking on why Moutinho is a good player to keep at the club despite his age and how Wolves need both youth and experience in their squad, Bull told FFC:

“Yeah, I think Moutinho is a good one to keep at the club even if he isn’t playing because he’s probably good in the changing room and a good ambassador to have.

“Moutinho will be good for the younger players to help nurture and grow them.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/exclusive-andreas-sondergaard-wolves-premier-league” title=”Exclusive! Andreas Sondergaard talks all things Wolves”]

“Whoever Nuno decides to keep, whether it’s the old legs or the young legs, you still need a bit of both in the squad and we do need somebody to go box-to-box.”

This is the first season that Joao Moutinho has missed some games as he has appeared 27 times out of the 29 games Wolves have played in the league.

Wolves have a 50% win ratio when the £100,000 per week midfielder hasn’t featured in the league, losing 1-0 to Leicester City, before beating Chelsea 2-1, thanks to a 90th-minute winner from Pedro Neto.

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to Harry Redknapp’s comments on Frank Lampard possibly replacing Roy Hodgson at Selhurst Park.

Lampard, who was sacked by Chelsea back in January, will reportedly wait until the summer before getting back into management.

He has been linked with Palace in recent months, as well as Scottish giants Celtic and Championship side Bournemouth.

Lampard to Palace?

Hodgson’s deal with the Eagles expires at the end of the current campaign, with the 73-year-old ‘undecided’ over his Palace future. The Englishman has taken charge of 153 games as Palace boss, averaging 1.25 points per game.

By comparison, Lampard earned 1.75 points per match during his 84-game stint in charge at Stamford Bridge between July 2019 and January 2021.

Redknapp, who is the 42-year-old’s uncle, spoke to talkSPORT (19 March, 9.50am), cited by HITC, praising Hodgson before labelling Lampard as ‘the red-hot favourite’ to possibly take over in London.

“Roy’s done a great job at Palace. If he doesn’t stay, I think Frank could be the Palace manager.”

“I would think Frank would be the red-hot favourite.”

Palace fans react

These comments were shared on Twitter by @CPFCtransfersHQ on Friday evening.

As to be expected, the post received plenty of interaction, with these Eagles supporters giving positive thoughts on Lampard.

“I beg”

Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_

“Oh my word this is a dream”

Credit: @babyboyjimoh

“get him in the club cmon now”

Credit: @aburgos1812

“Please”

Credit: @jeffreyschIupp

“I swear Redknapp is Lampard’s uncle? Maybe he knows something we don’t”

Credit: @Callum_CPFC_

“Mason Mount on loaaaannn”

Credit: @CPFC_GH

In other news: Palace keen on Championship ace who has £8m release clause, find out more here. 

Ivan Toney endured something of a shocker on Monday evening as Brentford slipped up in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final against Bournemouth.

Having been in a remarkable run of form towards the business end of the season, with Thomas Frank’s side going 12 games unbeaten in the run-up to the play-offs, the side who finished third in the Championship table appeared to be the strong favourites over a Bournemouth team who had finished 10 points behind them in sixth.

The goalscoring form of Toney seemed to be yet another string to the Brentford bow heading into the clash, with the 25-year-old having scored a remarkable 31 Championship goals in addition to registering 10 assists over his 46 appearances in the second tier this season.

However, both Brentford and Toney were completely nullified by Jonathan Woodgate’s side on Monday evening, with the Cherries nabbing a 1-0 win against the Bees thanks to a second half Arnaut Danjuma strike.

Toney’s performance was particularly disappointing, with the £16.2m-rated centre-forward managing no shots on or off target and a mere one shot blocked over the course of the 90 minutes. The former Peterborough United man also saw very little of the ball at the Vitality Stadium, managing just 40 touches, significantly fewer than that of Brentford’s goalkeeper David Raya, who had 54 touches.

Even when the £21k-per-week striker did have the ball at his feet he often proved rather careless, losing possession 14 times as well as completing only 14 of his 24 attempted passes, a success rate of just 58%.

Indeed, Toney’s overall SofaScore match rating of 6.8 is something which will have to be considerably improved upon if Brentford are to have any hope of progressing to the play-off final, as the striker, who has often been the Bees’ saviour this season, badly let Frank down on Monday as their promotion hopes took a huge dent.

Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard has reportedly turned down a move to Liverpool, following a telephone conversation with Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds’ attack has misfired throughout this season, with Mohamed Salah the only individual who can feel happy with his efforts.

Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have both been shadows of their former selves, leading to suggestions that Klopp needs to delive into the transfer market in the summer.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

Edouard turns down move to Liverpool

According to Anfield Central, Liverpool have ‘withdrawn their interest’ in Edouard, presumably now moving on to other striker targets in the next transfer window after concerns emerged about his playing time.

It is claimed that the Frenchman actually spoke with Klopp on the phone, but that he is worried about a lack of playing time at Anfield, potentially playing second fiddle to those around him.

Transfer Tavern take

Edouard has been a superb servant for Celtic, scoring 81 goals in 165 appearances for the Scottish giants, not to mention having an incredible record of 17 in 13 matches for France’s Under-21s.

At 23, he could have been a shrewd addition by Liverpool, providing a goal threat from the bench and potentially maturing into a regular over time.

That ship appears to have sailed, however, but last weekend’s dire show of finishing against Newcastle United last weekend suggests a ruthless striker is needed this summer.

With Edouard seemingly now off the table due to concerns over playing time, the club could have a job on their hands convincing proven goalscorers to sign as depth rather than sure-fire starters.

In other news, some Liverpool fans aren’t happy with a report linking the Reds with a La Liga. Find out who it is here.

Former Everton striker Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that the Toffees won’t be looking to replace Jordan Pickford this summer.

The England goalkeeper remains Everton’s first-choice, but has been on the bench a couple of times in the Premier League this season following strong competition from on-loan Roma shot-stopper Robin Olsen, who’s turned out 10 times in all competitions.

Pickford was sidelined with a muscle problem but returned to training ahead of the draw against Brighton, suggesting he could be ready to take his place between the sticks for the visit of Tottenham on Friday.

However, reports believe that Ancelotti is keen on bringing in Napoli’s Alex Meret, which would see the pair reunite following the Italian’s previous spell at the Stadio San Paolo, although only should Everton cash-in on 27-year-old Pickford.

But Bent told Football FanCast that Pickford is the best man for the job at Goodison Park despite his occasional mistake:

“He’s a young boy. He’s done wonders for the team, he’s England number one.

“He’s made mistakes, but all keepers make mistakes. But he always bounces back because he’s strong, he’s mentally strong.

“I don’t think changing him will change anything. Maybe getting in a number two to help him improve on and off the pitch, but he’s still growing. I think he’ll still do really well next season.”

But does Bent think that Pickford still has Ancelotti’s trust despite his errors?

“I think so, I don’t know so, but I think so,” he added. “Being in football and around football I think he’s a big part of the side. I don’t think we’ve got a goalkeeper in there that can replace him.

“I don’t think there’s anyone better than him. You’d kick yourself if someone came in and made mistakes. His place is secure.”

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, former Rangers defender Michael Ball has heaped praised on Ross Wilson.

Wilson was appointed as sporting director at Rangers back in 2019 after leaving Southampton and has spearheaded the Glasgow club’s recruitment drive alongside manager Steven Gerrard.

Under his direction, the Gers have signed the likes of Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe, who made significant contributions in their side’s Scottish Premiership title triumph this season.

It is a triumph that has seen Gerrard win a lot of plaudits – and rightly so after Celtic’s dominance of Scottish football was finally brought to an end. However, Ball believes Wilson, who is also rated highly by Kris Boyd, deserves credit too.

Speaking exclusively to TT about the Rangers sporting director, the retired full-back said:

“I think Steven, Ross Wilson, Steven’s backroom staff have been fantastic since they’ve come to the club.

“Ross Wilson, fantastic record under Les Reed at Southampton. He’ll have all the credentials and all the data on the players that Rangers could be able to afford going forward.”

Gerrard and Wilson have already got to work ahead of next season after signing striker Fashion Sakala from KV Oostende.

And with a title to defend, as well as Champions League football, you would expect a few other new names to follow the Zambia international to Ibrox.

According to TEAMtalk, Glasgow Rangers are now favourites to complete the signing of Middlesbrough striker Britt Assombalonga.

Gers eye Assombalonga

The Gers had previously been linked with a move for the 28-year-old, who is out of contract at the Riverside Stadium at the end of the season (Transfermarkt).

It is now being reported that the 55-time Scottish champions are the favourites to sign the DR Congo international. TEAMtalk added that the forward is willing to take a substantial pay cut to move to Ibrox.

Bargain

Assombalonga has had a generally good career to date. Throughout his time in the game, he has managed 131 goals, and he would arguably have had plenty more had a serious injury not stopped his development. After Middlesbrough spent £15m on him in 2017 (BBC), he has perhaps not lived up to expectations, but 47 goals in 161 games is far from an abysmal record.

At 28, he still has a good few years left ahead of him and, if he could retrieve his best form, he could be a fantastic signing for the Gers. His wages would be a problem – he is believed to be earning £38,000 per week in the northeast of England (salarysport.com) – but his agreement to take a pay cut would surely solve that problem.

As Ross Wilson plans ahead for the coming seasons, it remains to be seen whether he can capture Assombalonga, but the striker has shown enough to suggest that he could be a good coup for the Gers if they lure him to Ibrox.

In other news, James Tavernier discusses the possibility of a British Super League.

Manchester City will be looking to continue their hopes of winning the quadruple this season as they take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.

Pep Guardiola’s side take on the Bundesliga outfit in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday and will be confident of a positive result ahead of the return fixture next week.

Erin Tedzic’s side have slipped to fifth place in the Bundesliga in recent weeks after a poor run of form, and will seemingly be without Jadon Sancho for the game against the Premier League leaders.

The Citizens have won five games in a row following their surprise 2-0 defeat in the Manchester derby last month and look to have a fully fit squad to choose from for this Champions League clash.

Here’s how we think Guardiola will line his team up on Tuesday, with four changes from the side which started in the 2-0 win against Leicester at the weekend…

Ederson retains his place in goal after keeping another clean sheet in the dominant 2-0 win against Leicester last time out.

There are two changes in defence, as John Stones returns in place of Aymeric Laporte to continue his partnership with Ruben Dias in central defence, whilst the “amazing” Joao Cancelo seems likely to start after being rested against Leicester, and he replaces Benjamin Mendy at left-back.

In midfield, Ilkay Gundogan comes back in to partner Rodri, with Fernandinho dropping out despite his impressive performances of late, with the German international also sitting out the win at the King Power Stadium.

Finally, after a worryingly poor display at Leicester, Sergio Aguero is benched by Guardiola, with Gabriel Jesus replacing him up front after featuring on the wing against Brendan Rodgers’ team. That allows Bernardo Silva to come back in on the left-hand side, with Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez completing the attack.

In other news… Man City handed huge boost ahead of tonight’s clash as “perfect” Dortmund star is ruled out

Crystal Palace face a tough assignment this weekend in the form of Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.

The Eagles come into the game fresh off the back of a 1-1 draw with Everton last Monday, a game in which Michy Batshuayi came off the bench to net a late equaliser.

Could Roy Hodgson be tempted to switch up his side for the visit of the  west Londoners to Selhurst Park this evening?

We are expecting just two alterations from Palace this weekend, both for tactical reasons.

Vicente Guaita will continue in goal but their will be a slight switch in the defence in front of him.

Cheikhou Kouyate could be moved back into midfield against the Blues, which leaves an absence at centre-back. Experienced campaigner Scott Dann could be recalled to partner Gary Cahill at the heart of defence, whilst the likes of Patrick van Aanholt and Joel Ward will once again be named on either side.

With Kouyate moved back into the centre of the park, this could see Jairo Riedewald, who has started the Eagles’ last three Premier League matches, dropped to the bench. The Dutchman was ineffective against Everton, having the fewest touches of anyone in Hodgson’s starting XI on Merseyside.

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James McCarthy’s return has certainly given Hodgson something to think about in regards to the midfield but he is also likely to make do with a place amongst the substitutes. Elsewhere, Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze will be selected on the flanks.

Following his goal at Goodison Park, there may have been calls for Batshuayi to start this game, but he is ineligible against his parent club.

Christian Benteke will likely lead the line but his partner Jordan Ayew, who has scored just once in the league this season, might be replaced by £13.5m-rated on-loan Mainz forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.

AND in more news, find out why a former Chelsea boss could be providing a big clue as to who could be the next manager in the Crystal Palace dugout…