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Former Newcastle United and England midfielder Rob Lee has told Football FanCast that Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez is a liability in possession.

The £42m Colombia international has struggled at times this season alongside various centre-back partners.

Jose Mourinho has played Sanchez alongside Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, and Joe Rodon throughout the season, and he has looked uncomfortable throughout, particularly on the ball.

Sanchez has been so erratic that Curtis Woodhouse, the former Sheffield United and Birmingham City midfielder, claimed that he has “zero composure in anything he does” on Twitter.

Lee has agreed with him, and he believes that opposition teams will actually let Sanchez have the ball, because they’re so convinced he will give it back to them.

He told FFC: “I know what he means. He’s what I would call an old-fashioned defender. So I know what Curtis is saying.

“If I was playing against him, I’d let him have the ball, that’s what I would say. There’s certain players where you let them have it, because he’ll give it to us. There’s certain players, we had Philippe Albert, don’t let Albert have the ball, the teams playing against us, let Darren Peacock have the ball because he was our defender. I think that’s what people say about Sanchez, ‘let him have it because he’ll panic and give it us’.”

Lee does admit that the expectations for defenders and goalkeepers have changed in recent years, with players now expected to play out from the back.

But he does not think Spurs should have Sanchez in possession too often, as he will make a mistake.

He added: “I think, nowadays, defenders have to be able to play, goalies have to be able to play. It’s lunacy what goalies can do now, how they ping it, so it depends how Spurs play.

“One thing you can’t let him do is have too much of the ball.”

Sanchez has played in all of the club’s last eight Premier League games, with Spurs keeping four clean sheets and conceding eight goals.

Southampton are being linked with Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo ahead of the summer transfer window and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side should he make the move to St Mary’s.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, Southampton have asked about Firpo’s situation at Barcelona as they see him as a potential successor for Ryan Bertrand at St Mary’s, although they will have to see off interest from several Serie A clubs if they are going to sign him this summer.

Barcelona are preparing for a summer rebuild and since the 24-year-old has been unable to oust Jordi Alba at the Nou Camp during his time at the club, he is a likely candidate to be sold.

Would he be a good signing?

Firpo was regarded as one of the best young defenders in La Liga during his time with Real Betis, with his excellent performances in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons convincing Barcelona to pay €18m (£16.3m) to sign him in the summer of 2019.

Unfortunately for the Spanish defender, his time with the Catalan club has not really worked out, as he has made just 41 appearances in the two years since, contributing two goals and three assists.

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This season saw the Dominican Republic born defender make just three starts in La Liga and one in the Champions League, so it is no surprise that Ronald Koeman is keen to cash in on him this summer, and Southampton could be the ones to take advantage.

Barcelona legend Eric Abidal was full of praise for Firpo back in 2020, saying:

“He’s a player with a lot of potential. He could be one of the best left-backs in the world. I always tell him that he must work hard and be aware of the (style of) play. He’s going to get better, for sure.”

This is high praise from one of the best left-backs from the past 20 years, so if Firpo can live up to his potential at St Mary’s, he would surely prove to be a very good signing indeed.

Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely look to sign him for Southampton this summer, as Hasenhuttl desperately needs a left-back to replace Bertrand this summer, and Firpo could be the ideal man for the job.

And, in other news… Semmens can repeat Armstrong masterclass with bargain swoop for “top player”

Forgotten Leeds United man Rafa Mujica could seal a permanent move to Las Palmas this summer, with the Spanish club keen on completing a deal.

The Lowdown: No Leeds future for Mujica

Mujica has had a nomadic career in recent years, having loan spells at the likes of Extremadura, Oviedo and Las Palmas. It is quite clear that Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t see a long-term future for the 22-year-old at Leeds, with the Argentine surely showing trust in him by now if that wasn’t the case – the Spaniard hasn’t even made a matchday squad for a competitive Whites fixture.

That is despite him impressing some of the Elland Road faithful during a pre-season fixture in 2019, only for it to prove a false dawn.

Mujica is currently at Las Palmas, where he has only managed four Segunda Division appearances this season and not made a single start.

The Latest: Las Palmas keen on permanent signing

Despite that, AS reported [via Sport Witness] that the Spanish club ‘show interest’ in signing the forward on a permanent basis this summer.

Las Palmas have an option to buy and it appears as though they are willing to take Leeds up on the offer.

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The Verdict: Time to move on

In makes perfect sense for Mujica to leave Leeds at the end of the season in order to settle at a club and begin the next chapter of his career. Bouncing from club to club is not benefiting anyone, in truth, and with his Leeds deal expiring in the summer, a new contract is highly unlikely to come his way.

The Whites are now at a point where they should be aiming for the the European places next season, in which case they need a higher calibre of player than Mujica.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly battling some heavyweight clubs for the signing of one player. Find out who it is here.

According to ESPN, Glasgow Rangers are interested in adding Djed Spence to Steven Gerrard’s squad this summer.

Gers eye Spence

The Gers are believed to be interested in signing 20-year-old Spence, who currently plays for Middlesbrough.

The Ibrox outfit are one of several sides interested in the right-back. Wolves are said to be leading the race for him, while Everton are also in pursuit. Boro are believed to be looking for bids of at least £5m.

No need

Spence has been solid for the north-east side throughout this campaign, making 37 appearances in the league (Transfermarkt). Last year, Neil Warnock said he is a player with “enormous ability” (via The Northern Echo) while Jose Mourinho was known to be an admirer during his time at Tottenham.

However, despite all his clear qualities, it would make little sense for the Gers to sign Spence. At right-back, Gerrard already has James Tavernier and Nathan Patterson to choose from – two players who themselves are impressive. Unless the Gers are planning on moving one of those two on, it would make no sense for them to part with such a hefty fee for someone who, realistically, may only be third choice. As such, it seems likely Spence will end up elsewhere than Ibrox.

In other news, Rangers want this goalscoring midfielder.

Now into the final three months of his Crystal Palace contract, the future of Roy Hodgson remains up in the air.

The former England boss has been at the helm at Selhurst Park since he replaced Frank de Boer in September 2017 and has kept the Eagles somewhat comfortably away from the relegation dogfight season upon season.

It has been reported that Sean Dyche has been lined up as a potential successor should he not sign a new contract, with the Burnley boss recently conceding that the rumours indicate “respect” for the job he has done at Turf Moor.

The Clarets tactician could indeed be the perfect successor for Hodgson at Crystal Palace.

Since being installed at Burnley, Dyche has done a wonderful job. He has led the club to two promotions, then establishing the Lancashire outfit in the top-flight of English football and even earning a venture into the Europa League.

In the past four seasons, the club have finished 16th, 7th, 15th and 10th. For comparison, the Eagles have finished 14th, 11th, 12th and 14th – the Clarets coming out on top in two out of those, whilst just four points separate the two sides in the current standings.

Whilst Hodgson currently possesses a better Premier League win rate – 33% to 30% – Dyche has managed to do that with a club earning promotion from the Championship, whilst the former had inherited a squad which had already established itself in the top flight since 2013.

The Burnley boss has certainly earned plaudits for that excellent work, with former Clarets’ striker Peter Crouch even labelling him as a “top” Premier League manager.

Should he arrive at Palace, he would have an instant understanding of the job on his hands, with the club having similar aspirations as well as transfer budgets. Indeed, the two clubs have spent near enough the same amount in the market over the past three seasons.

With Dyche on £50k per week at Turf Moor, whilst Hodgson is currently raking in almost £94k on a weekly basis with Crystal Palace, it seems a no-brainer to bring the Clarets boss in as his replacement at Selhurst Park.

AND in more news, Steve Parish must start making some tough calls on the future of a number of Palace players…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who scored 306 goals for Wolves, believes Pedro Neto can push himself to the levels Cristiano Ronaldo has reached during his career.

Neto has been Wolves’ main man since Raul Jimenez fractured his skull, and the Portugal international has registered five goals and five assists in just his second season in the Premier League.

During Ronaldo’s second season with Manchester United, he registered five goals and six assists, meaning Neto requires just one assist this season to equal what began to get Ronaldo the attention he received in England.

Wolves legend Bull believes Neto is already at a big club so doesn’t think he will be leaving any time soon either and can develop into a similarly important player for Wolves, as Ronaldo was for the Red Devils.

Speaking on Neto’s potential and whether he could replicate what Ronaldo has during his career, Bull told FFC exclusively:

“I think he can stretch to those levels, I really do.”

He added: “He’s absolutely class, he just floats across the grass and the way he stretches his legs past players is absolutely unbelievable.

“I know there’s a lot of talk saying he’ll go to a big club, but he is at a big club now with a big manager.

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“I’d say in the next 18 months to two years we will be in the top five or six.”

Neto is currently Wolves’ joint top scorer with five goals alongside Ruben Neves, but the winger is leading the way in assists with Daniel Podence closest in second with two.

The 21-year old signed a new deal in November last year to keep him at Molineux for another five years so if he was to leave like Jamie Carragher believes he will do, Wolves will be able to command a large fee.

This has been a very disruptive week for Wolverhampton Wanderers, not just because of the failed European Super League plans but also because of their manager.

Once again, Nuno Espirito Santo is attracting interest from one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Arsenal were keen on the 47-year-old before they appointed Mikel Arteta, but now it’s their north London neighbours Tottenham who are considering him as their replacement for Jose Mourinho.

Nuno issued a defiant response on Friday, hinting that he’d be staying put in the Midlands. Before any talks can happen, though, they will need to negotiate the test of Burnley on Sunday lunchtime.

Wolves have begun to find their rhythm again in recent weeks and have now won their last two games without conceding a goal.

They’ll hope that continues when they face the Clarets this weekend but how will they line up? Here’s what we’re predicting…

We’re tipping Nuno to make only two changes from the side which beat Sheffield United 1-0 last time out.

Willian Jose scored his first goal for the Old Gold that night and hence keeps his place as the leading striker.

There is a place for the £80,000-per-week Fabio Silva, however, who replaces Daniel Podence in the starting XI. The club’s record signing has a goal and an assist in his last three matches, whereas the 25-year-old has struggled since returning from injury. He failed to provide a single key pass in the win over the Blades and was hauled off in the 72nd minute having surrendered possession 19 times.

The other change is in midfield, where Leander Dendoncker drops out in favour of Vitinha. The Belgian is a robust presence but hasn’t offered very much from an offensive point of view.

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Considering that he’s playing next to Joao Moutinho, another more defensive type of player, they could do with some added creativity in the form of Vitinha. He supplied a late chance for Adama Traore in their last game and deserves to finally earn a start.

Ruben Neves is still missing as he sits in isolation, while the likes of Jonny, Pedro Neto and Raul Jimenez remain long-term absentees.

AND in other news, Forget Jonny: Shi must complete Wolves swoop for £17m beast who can “play like Alaba”…

Ben Johnson delivered a promising performance on his return to the starting line-up despite West Ham United succumbing to a 3-2 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.

David Moyes recalled the 21-year-old to his starting squad for the first time in four Premier League games, after hamstring injuries ruled Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku out of action.

The Irons boss had only fielded Johnson from the bench in two of West Ham’s prior three top-flight fixtures, after a chastening display from the academy graduate in defeat to Manchester United last month.

Johnson was widely criticised for his efforts at Old Trafford, with former Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown claiming “I think he is frightened” after the youngster struggled to consistently get forward.

A first half red card for Craig Dawson this afternoon ensured that Johnson could not alleviate those concerns at Newcastle, as West Ham were forced to play much of the game with 10 men and needed a stable foundation in the hope of mounting a second half comeback.

However, Johnson still had chances to get forward and help to create openings for a Hammers side missing Michail Antonio due to a hamstring injury, and he ended the day with a team-high three key passes to his name, per WhoScored.

Only Newcastle’s dynamic dribbler Allan Saint-Maximin, who consistently ran at the Irons’ defence, created more goalscoring opportunities (five) than Johnson, while Vladimir Coufal and Mark Noble (two each) represented the visitor’s next-best options , per WhoScored.

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Jesse Lingard endured a very quiet first half and saw plenty of the ball after the break, but struggled to show his creativity before lashing home a thunderous penalty to restore parity with 10 minutes to play.

He would later limp off the pitch after appearing to develop cramp in his hamstring, having failed to offer a single key pass for the second game running and the fourth since joining the Irons on loan from Manchester United in February.

Johnson – who Franck McAvennie previously claimed is “a joy to watch” – also stood strong defensively to produce a vital goal-line clearance to deny Jacob Murphy in the closing stages, and further offered a joint team-high three successful tackles with Tomas Soucek.

Unlike Soucek, who was dribbled past twice, Johnson was only beaten on the ground once, with the £19k-per-week talent enjoy a vastly more productive afternoon than his Premier League match average of 0.8 tackles this season.

Johnson also won five of his seven ground duels and delivered seven crosses into the Newcastle box, with five finding an Irons teammate, per SofaScore.

Only Vladimir Coufal (seven) won more ground duels for West Ham than the left-back, while Lingard attempted the next-most crosses but failed to find a claret and blue shirt with any of his six deliveries, per SofaScore.

Lingard may have continued his run of either scoring or assisting in Premier League games for West Ham to seven in a row with his penalty, but Johnson was Moyes’ real positive from a disappointing defeat to Steve Bruce’s relegation-threatened Magpies.

AND in other news, a £4.5m-rated West Ham enforcer is being lined up for a summer move out of east London…

Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for their next manager following the surprise sacking of Jose Mourinho over three weeks ago.

Daniel Levy has put former midfielder Ryan Mason in caretaker charge until the end of the current campaign, so we should not expect an announcement anytime soon.

And it is another ex-player that could take the place in the Spurs dugout next season if reports are to be believed.

Football Insider claim that Scott Parker is a contender for the vacant role and that the Lilywhites chairman is said to “think the world of” him, even despite Fulham’s poor fortunes this season.

On Monday night, their relegation to the Championship was confirmed, so perhaps the door has opened for Spurs to strike – but what would they look like under his stewardship?

Football FanCast delves into the matter…

The 40-year-old has used a variety of systems at Craven Cottage but if one thing is certain, he would fit the bill as the ‘attack-minded’ coach that Levy is specifically targeting.

Fulham are a possession-based side that likes to play a high-line and aggressively play out from the back. One of their most tried-and-tested formations is a 4-2-3-1, which is similar to what we’ve seen under both Mauricio Pochettino and Mourinho at Spurs in recent years.

This does make Parker an interesting fit and at least he’d be more like the former, rather than the latter.

Goalkeeper: Johnstone

A decision will need to be made between the sticks and with the arrival of the Fulham boss, we could see him look to move Hugo Lloris on, with Spurs thought to be keen on West Brom shot-stopper Sam Johnstone, who Parker knows all about from battles in the Championship and Premier League against the Baggies.

The Frenchman may be the club captain but he could be sold as he enters the final year of his contract, and if Levy is to push forward a rebuild, then players will have to go before he can bolster the playing squad.

At just £10m, it could be a steal.

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Defence: Reguilon, Sanchez, Andersen, Aarons

We’re likely to see vast changes to the backline, especially as Spurs are said to want two central defensive additions this summer and whilst that will be a hard task given the finances, Parker could bring impressive Lyon colossus Joachim Andersen with him to North London.

It’s thought that Spurs are interested in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s international teammate and that he would be available for around £20m.

Parker has trusted young ball-playing defenders during his time at the Cottagers, and that means we could see Davinson Sanchez in line for a comeback. His 84.4% passing accuracy is better than any other defender to start ten or more league games, as per WhoScored.

Sergio Reguilon could take up the Antonee Robinson role to good effect but something has to change at right-back, with neither Serge Aurier nor Matt Doherty cementing down a regular spot on the right.

Continuing the theme with young players with big potential, we could see Levy deliver Parker a new option with Spurs thought to be interested in Norwich City gem Max Aarons, who is valued at around £30m, via The Athletic.

Midfield: Hojbjerg, Ndombele, Alli

Parker has some solid options in central midfield back at Fulham and he could easily replicate this with Spurs’ current squad.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Mario Lemina are both powerful presences at the heart of the engine room, with the former offering more of a box-to-box threat, and this is what the Lilywhites already have in Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele.

Whilst Dele Alli could be compared to Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the advanced role, as both are rangy creative-types to play in behind the striker.

Attack: Son, Kane, Moura

Spurs’ attack could well speak for itself, depending on the future of Gareth Bale.

Levy is set to hand the next manager the chance to keep him for another season but financially, it may not be viable with the trio of signings above, so Lucas Moura. takes his place alongside Heung-min Son and Harry Kane.

AND in other news, Levy must axe Spurs’ £120k-p/w “absolute liability”, he would “put you off management”…

Celtic have reached a verbal agreement with Eddie Howe to become the club’s new first-team manager.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, who have been informed by a Hoops source that ‘Howe has indicated he will take on the role and is ready to put pen to paper.’

This comes after Howe met Dermot Desmond in London for face to face talks, via The Daily Mail.

Howe announcement in a matter of days?

The report adds that the 43-year-old is now set to be appointed in the coming days.

Howe has been out of work since August after leaving Bournemouth, but it seems as if Celtic will be the third club of his managerial career.

Transfer Tavern take

It now seems as if almost every piece is completed in the Howe jigsaw, but as we know with Ben Davies’ dramatic collapsed Parkhead switch in January, anything could still happen.

Crystal Palace and Newcastle have both been loosely linked with Howe, but it appears as if he is about to make the move to Glasgow.

He revealed back in November that his next job would have to be one that ‘really motivated’ him, and it seems as if Desmond has managed to sell a move to Celtic Park.

In other news: Hoops continue to be linked with international defender, find out more here.