All posts by z3u9t.icu

New Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has made some impressive moves in the transfer window as the Hoops desperately try to bounce back from a torrid 2020/21 campaign.

They have strengthened in all three areas of the pitch but one third they’ve neglected is between the sticks.

What’s the word?

Celtic have been linked with a number of goalkeepers in the summer window with Dundee United stopper Benjamin Siegrist on their radar and Leicester ‘keeper Danny Ward tipped to be an option.

Mat Ryan was a target before he joined Real Sociedad but Fraser Forster is now back on the agenda.

The 6 foot 7 goliath has already spent several periods at Celtic but after failing to bring him back last year, they’re making further attempts to re-sign the Englishman.

That’s according to The Scottish Sun, who report that the Bhoys will have to pay £130k-per-week in order to prise him away from the Saints.

Big improvement

Celtic’s goalkeeping options were shaky and unconvincing last term.

Conor Hazard may have been the hero in the penalty shoot out win over Hearts in the Scottish Cup final but in normal time, he was particularly nervy.

Scott Bain made his own individual errors but sadly, Vasilis Barkas was not a pillar of consistency either.

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The Greek goalkeeper looks set to be handed more of an opportunity this term which is deserved considering the way he was treated in the back end of last season.

However, in Forster, Postecoglou would get his hands on an almighty upgrade.

The giant shot-stopper has enjoyed four different spells with the Hoops but it was during his last one in 2019/20 that he became a real hero.

During the League Cup final against Rangers that season, he made an incredible 11 stops – including one from the spot. Speaking after the game, ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon was overjoyed with his performance.

“He’s world-class,” the Northern Irishman began. “I have so much faith in him and he just keeps getting better. In his first spell here he put in some unbelievable performances and he’s done it again today.”

During that same campaign, Forster saved no fewer than four penalties. His record was simply staggering and that’s precisely why Postecoglou needs to bring him back for another bite of the cherry.

He is a giant dominating frame that scares the opposition to death.

AND in other news, Celtic handed ideal chance to sign “dazzling” 25-goal beast, Postecoglou needs him…

Following the appointment of Fabio Paratici as director of football at Tottenham Hotspur, a fresh update has been given on their managerial search.

What’s the word?

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who features for the Guardian and Sky Sports, has claimed that talks are still ongoing over a move for former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca.

The 48-year-old emerged as the clear candidate for the incoming Italian last week but it seems that a deal is yet to be brokered, though it’s believed he will be offered a three-year contract.

Writing on Twitter, Romano said:

“Official. Fabio Paratici joins Tottenham as new director of football until June 2024. ‘The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Paratici as Managing Director, Football, with effect from 1 July 2021’.

#THFC Talks ongoing to appoint Paulo Fonseca as new manager.”

Saga rumbles on

Spurs’ search for their next manager has lasted nearly two months after Jose Mourinho was sacked on the week of their Carabao Cup final clash with Manchester City.

In a strange twist, he was the man appointed to replace Fonseca at AS Roma and now it appears the Portuguese will be arriving in North London to take over from the ‘Special One’ in some sort of weird swap.

What will leave many concerned is the fact that this is far from done and dusted.

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Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has already suffered many a setback during this process, so much so that Fonseca is reportedly his sixth choice for the role.

Bayern-bound Julian Nagelsmann and Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers were two early favourites before both were ruled out of the running.

Then there were talks held with Mauricio Pochettino over a sensational return before ex-Chelsea manager Antonio Conte appeared to be one step away from being hired before doubts crept in from both parties.

The longer the wait goes on over Fonseca’s potential arrival, the more further worries creep in.

There is also the matter of the Spurs faithful being against this appointment, so there aren’t many in North London going to be excited by this latest update.

“This club is hilarious,” claimed one fan. “What a come down,” another added, whilst a further supporter begged the club to not go ahead with the move.

Either way, this fresh claim from Romano will leave many in N17 fuming for more reason than one.

AND in other news, Fonseca can save Levy millions this summer by unleashing £16m-rated Spurs “big talent”…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to David Ornstein’s Wednesday morning Twitter post regarding Eberechi Eze.

Eze suffered a freak injury during training earlier this month and will be sidelined for at least six months as a result.

The 22-year-old, who has been capped eight times by England at Under-21 level, made his mark at Selhurst Park in his first season, scoring four times and registering six assists.

It seems as if his displays under Roy Hodgson also caught the eye of Gareth Southgate ahead of this summer’s European Championships.

According to Ornstein, Eze turned on his phone following the training session in which his injury occurred to find a message from the FA saying he was under consideration for England’s Euro 2020 squad.

Southgate named a provisional 33-man squad on Tuesday afternoon, and it seems as if Eze would have had a chance of making that if it wasn’t for his injury.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply to Ornstein’s post, with one describing it as ‘heartbreaking’.

“Please make this stop”Credit: @jwgribbin_”Oh my god I’m in tears”Credit: @emmabethwright”this is just so unbelievably harsh. like he was never gonna be in the final 26 man squad but just to tell him you might and then to get injured must be heartbreaking”Credit: @owenw_14″I want to cry”Credit: @Mclack119″Crying rn”Credit: @PalaceMattt”Oh man, that can’t have been easy to take for Eze”Credit: @Pets93

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to the latest on Wilfried Zaha, find out more here. 

Celtic are facing a further delay in their bid to bring Ange Postecoglou to the club.

The Lowdown: UEFA exemption

Reports earlier in the week revealed that the Hoops had applied for an exemption with UEFA for the 55-year-old to manage in Europe.

Postecoglou does not hold the required UEFA Pro Licence to manage in Europe, however, Celtic are confident that Postecoglou’s CV will earn him an exemption.

The process could reportedly take several weeks, but it appears as if the Scottish giants now have a new obstacle to overcome.

The Latest: Time zone issues

According to the Daily Mail, cited by the Daily Record, time zone issues are stalling final negotiations.

The report suggests that any potential unveiling now faces another delay, with the eight-hour difference posing a problem.

The Verdict: 100 days and counting…

It’s not as if Japan has moved eight hours ahead overnight. Celtic would have been dealing with this all the way throughout talks with Postecoglou after their discussions with Eddie Howe collapsed last week, so one would have to hope this rather bizarre setback doesn’t pose a huge problem.

With Postecoglou also facing a 10-day quarantine should he arrive in Scotland, a move may well need to be wrapped up over the next three days.

Celtic are thought to be returning for pre-season on June 17, so that gives the Hoops until Monday to get Postecoglou over to Glasgow to ensure he’ll be out of quarantine and present at Parkhead for the first day back.

It’s been over 100 days since Neil Lennon resigned, but hopefully, the Hoops are closing in on a new boss.

In other news: Inter Milan re-enter chase for Odsonne Edouard, find out more here. 

Aston Villa are ‘on pole’ to sign Aaron Ramsey this summer, according to Outlet Sportmediaset, via tuttomercatoweb and Birmingham Live.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa supporters have been sharing their thoughts on the links on social media.

Villa have already signed Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young this summer, with NSWE sensing a real opportunity to catch and leapfrog the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Tottenham with their off-field business.

Ramsey, who wants to leave Italy this summer, is one of the latest players to be linked with a move to Villa Park and isn’t in Juventus’ plans.

The Wales international, currently at Euro 2020, is thought to be on £187,000-a-week in Turin and has two years remaining on his deal.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the links to Ramsey on Twitter during Thursday, with their posts receiving plenty of interaction from Villa fans.

This is what some had to say on the rumours, with one questioning whether he could be next season’s Ross Barkley.

“This would be a fantastic signing – I really believe Ramsey would be the key to trophy success for Villa – really hope they can convince him to come.”Credit: @rlancaster1″Super player, would be a great addition.”Credit: @DavidKe24236510″Is Ramsey next season’s Barkley?”Credit: @rlancaster1″In a heartbeat”Credit: @ged_egan”Only one Aaron Ramsey in my book who already plays for us”Credit: @johnchurchley”In Deano we trust”Credit: @MartinSkel_

In other news: Vila have big-money bid turned down for English midfielder, find out more here. 

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts has hit out at Steve Hitchen’s record at the club in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.

Hitchen was previously the chief scout at Spurs and is now the club’s Head of Recruitment, meaning that he heads up the search for new signings in north London.

However, Spurs have struggled in recent transfer windows and have failed to bring in a multitude of targets.

The club have been linked with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, and Milan Skriniar, with Hitchen actually pictured in Italy negotiating for the latter.

Fernandes and Dias moved to Manchester United and Manchester City, while Skriniar is still at Inter Milan.

Last summer, for example, there was something of a mixed bag of a transfer window, as Spurs brought Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Matt Doherty, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joe Rodon, Carlos Vinicius, Joe Hart and Gareth Bale to the club.

It is arguable that none of those players have been complete successes, and Roberts believes that Hitchen should be held to account for his work.

He told FFC: “Our recruitment has not been the best.

“It’s not been the best.

“And Steve Hitchen has a lot to answer for really, to be fair.”

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that Jesse Lingard would prefer to sign for West Ham permanently than remain a “bit-part” player at Manchester United.

£75,000-a-week man Lingard hadn’t played a single minute of Premier League football prior to his move to the London Stadium in January, but with nine goals and four assists in 11 appearances, no one has scored more than him since his Hammers debut.

His second-half penalty in the 3-2 defeat to Newcastle earlier this month meant he’d scored in five consecutive Premier League games for the first time in his career.

But Lingard’s impressive performances have led to speculation that United want to offer him a bumper new contract, with his current deal expiring next summer.

However, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer boasting an array of attacking talent at Old Trafford, McAvennie believes that Lingard’s chances would be limited, meaning a permanent West Ham move remains his best option.

He told Football FanCast:

“I can see him staying at West Ham over Man United because he’s enjoying it. He is absolutely loving his football, I never saw that boy smiling in Manchester once.

“They’ve got Greenwood, Cavani, Rashford, who are they going to drop? They’re not going to drop Fernandes. Pogba is coming onto it again now, he’s going to be a bit-part player again.

“Ole is not that good of a manager to keep him happy if he’s not playing.”

Tanguy Ndombele has endured a mixed second season at Tottenham Hotspur to say the least, but he must return to the starting XI when the north Londoners host Sheffield United on Sunday evening.

One of the Frenchman’s best performances of the year came against the Blades back in mid-January and it was capped off by a sublime finish from a tight angle to seal all three points.

He arguably ran the show that day and, in his surprising absence for last Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, Spurs looked completely devoid of any ideas in attack.

Ryan Mason was bolstered by the return of Harry Kane but, even with the England talisman, the Lilywhites fired just one shot on target and that was one of only two attempts at goal all afternoon as Man City clinched the trophy.

Heung-min Son and Lucas Moura were the only Spurs players to provide a key pass on the day – by comparison, Pep Guardiola’s men created 18 key chances between them and had a whopping 21 shots, as per SofaScore.

The midfield three of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks and Giovani Lo Celso just did not work and, as a result, they could do with a real spark against the Premier League’s rock-bottom strugglers to ensure they do not slip up and ruin their season further.

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Ndombele has directly contributed towards ten goals in all competitions this term, four more than in his maiden season at the club, and he ranks amongst their best performers (6.93), as per WhoScored ratings.

The 24-year-old’s ability on the ball is clear, averaging 2.4 dribbles per game, some 0.9 more than any other Spurs player, which only goes to show that they miss his drive in midfield when he isn’t on the park.

Furthermore, Ndombele manages 6.4 progressive runs every 90 minutes, meaning he is the most productive in moving the ball towards the opposition’s goal or into the penalty box – no other Spurs regular is better, not even Son, via FBRef.

Earlier this year, back-up goalkeeper Joe Hart lauded his £45m-rated teammate to BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand in the middle of their FA Cup encounter with Wycombe Wanderers.

“I said to Joe, how good is he? And he said ‘this kid is a world-beater, he can do anything.’ He just turned around during the game and said ‘this kid is unplayable’,” Ferdinand revealed (via football.london).

This echoed the thoughts of former Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas, who said on BT Sport’s coverage (January 28th 2021, 19:35): “You don’t want to play against him because he can do everything. He is quicker than you, he is stronger than you, he is more skilful than you. It can be a nightmare kind of night for you.”

If Mason wants to get Spurs back on track this weekend and respond to their recent heartbreak, then Ndombele absolutely has to start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

He’s a game-changer, and he can impact their fortunes tenfold this weekend.

AND in other news, Levy could seal Spurs their next Dembele in bargain swoop for “explosive” 22 y/o beast…

West Ham’s failure to sign one of their mooted transfer targets during the January window has come to light this week…

What’s the word?

The Irons were linked with a move for Spezia striker M’Bala Nzola throughout the winter, with Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) leading the claims as early as November.

It has now been revealed by the 24-year-old’s agent that the East London outfit failed with a bid for him. He told GrandHotelCalciomercato (via Football Italia):

“We received offers from three Premier League and three Serie A clubs and a club from the Bundesliga sounded out M’Bala. We were in advanced talks, we even discussed his possible salary, but then we asked ourselves if that made sense. Nzola needed stability and it was in a very good moment, so we thought it was better to stay at Spezia.”

Shades of Drogba

It’s now time for the Hammers to reignite this interest as their search for a new forward rumbles on.

The Angolan powerhouse has continued to light up the Serie A despite playing for one of the struggling teams and suffering from injuries. He has found the net 11 times in 24 appearances, including strikes against the giants of Napoli and Lazio, as per Transfermarkt.

Nzola has been described as a “very fast central striker who manages to attack space with absolute effectiveness. He is also difficult to deal with because he has enviable physical strength which makes him an extremely uncomfortable customer.”

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In some ways, this draws some nice similarities to Michail Antonio, who is David Moyes’ only current option upfront but it is his comparisons to a Premier League legend that should have fans excited if he were to arrive at the London Stadium.

West Ham insider ExWHUemployee spoke about the club’s links to the 6 foot 1 colossus earlier this year, and claimed: “He’s meant to be a bit like Didier Drogba in his physique and playing style.”

He would only need to be half the player of Drogba to be an instant hit in the English top-flight. The four-time Premier League winner bagged 164 goals in 381 appearances for the Irons’ local rivals Chelsea, primarily displaying a mix of explosive pace and brute strength.

On the above evidence, Nzola is cut from the same cloth and given Antonio’s success under the Scotsman, he would surely fit right into his system.

It remains to be seen how much Spezia would command for their star performer, especially as Fulham were said to have a €12m (£10m) bid rejected for him, too, whilst CIES only value him at €7m (£6m).

Whatever the price, Nzola could well be a massive bargain, so David Sullivan and co must do what they can to secure him this summer.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Rice: GSB could form dream West Ham duo by signing £30m “total animal”…

Some Liverpool supporters have been praising Ozan Kabak, claiming he was one of the few positives in the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

It was a bitterly disappointing evening for Jurgen Klopp and his players, with their performance horribly below par in Spain.

In truth, the final score was arguably kind on Liverpool, with their defending leaving a lot to be desired and too many attacking players off the boil.

The Reds now have a mountain to climb in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie next Wednesday, especially with no fans allowed inside Anfield.

One player who again stood out was Kabak, however, with the Turk producing a solid display, barring one error in the first half.

While a number of more experienced players around him threw in shocking performances, he looked an assured presence at the heart of the defence.

It was further proof that Liverpool should consider the idea of signing Kabak permanently in the summer – at 21, he has lots of potential.

Liverpool supporters praise Kabak

These Reds fans took to Twitter to laud the youngster’s showing.

“Don’t wanna see anyone get on to Kabak. He bailed Phillips out numerous times and if it wasn’t for him we would’ve held 5. Our 2nd best player tonight”

Credit: @RB_07Ftbol

“Ozan Kabak appreciation tweet. Our best player tonight. Very unfairly taken off by Klopp. Hope it doesn’t affect his confidence”Credit: @Klopptinho”Ozan Kabak was our best player imo”Credit: @TaintlessRed”I’d like to thank Kabak and Thiago for showing up today”Credit: @lfcels_”No one can defend this performance. No one stepped up, except for Kabak maybe”Credit: @danliv9″I thought he was instrumental in steadying things in the second half, weren’t as open in defence as the first. No idea why he was subbed, pointless tbh”Credit: @LFCKey_In other news, one Liverpool player has been linked with a move to a fellow Premier League club. Find out who it is here.