All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills is unconvinced about the Whites potentially signing Michael Olise, instead wanting players who will improve the first team.

Marcelo Bielsa will be keeping an eye out for possible summer reinforcements in the coming months as he looks to freshen up his squad ahead of next season.

The Argentine has built a strong group of players at Elland Road – one which is sitting healthily in mid-table in the Premier League – but it is important that Leeds don’t rest on their laurels.

Olise is a player who has been linked with a move to the Whites following an exceptional season in the Championship with Reading. The 19-year-old has five goals and 10 assists in the league to date, with only Emiliano Buendia (12) picking up more of the latter in the division 2020/21.

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Mills not convinced over Olise move

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills admitted he wants to see players like Raphinha come in, though – individuals who are guaranteed to make the team stronger. He said:

“Does he add more quality to what Leeds have already? That would be my only question. You’ve got Rodrigo, you’ve got Kalvin Phillips, you’ve got Raphinha.

“Maybe it adds a little bit of strength in depth. But when you’re looking at the second season in the Premier League you’ve got to look to improve the first XI.

“You’re better off being a bit more patient and spending more money by improving the first XI. If you can do that at the right price it’s worth doing.

“But just bringing in squad players is not always the right route.”

Transfer Tavern take

Mills certainly has a point regarding bringing in top-class established talent in the summer, but it is possible to do that and also sign young players with lots of potential.

Olise falls into the second of those categories, but he has shown this season that he looks capable of becoming a formidable footballer in the coming years, so Leeds certainly shouldn’t disregard him.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has been discussing one Leeds player’s recent setback – read about it here.

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have waxed lyrical over young midfielder Aaron Ramsey on social media following his display in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday evening.

The 18-year-old signed his first professional contract at Villa Park just last week and netted twice against Brighton & Hove Albion in a 3-0 win.

Ramsey, younger brother of first-team midfielder Jacob, was captaining the side and netted a brace after half time to ensure Villa booked their place in the fifth round.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden had opened the scoring with just under 20 minutes remaining, with Ramsey scoring twice in the space of six minutes to seal the win at Villa Park.

Villa fans react

Aston Villa provided live updates of the clash with the Seagulls on their official Twitter page on Wednesday evening.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say following Ramsey’s second of the game, with one describing the midfielder as ‘unbelievable’.

“What is happening”

Credit: @OcBen

“our future is so good omg”

Credit: @tiwari0216

“WOW!”

Credit: @Billiam40

“He’s unbelievable”

Credit: @AVFCsean_

“Get him in first team right now”

Credit: @camavfc__

“He’s motm by far tonight. Been class.”

Credit: @luckysalt

“He’s actually lit good lord”

Credit: @matty__jeff

In other news: Villa ready to listen to offers to 24y/o star, find out more here. 

Crystal Palace continue to be linked with Olympique Marseille’s Florian Thauvin.

According to The Sun, the Eagles are interested in swooping for the Frenchman on a free transfer this summer with his contract continuing to run down with his current employers.

A World Cup winner with France in 2018, Thauvin’s arrival could signal the end of Andros Townsend’s career at Selhurst Park with the former Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United winger also seeing his current deal tick down.

When comparing the two players, it’s clear that Thauvin continues to come out on top.

The 28-year-old Thauvin is currently in the midst of another extremely productive campaign having netted eight goals and provided seven assists, whilst Townsend only has one goal and four assists to his name throughout 2020/21.

This is a trend that has continued throughout the two wingers’ respective careers.

Having ironically joined their current employers on a permanent deal at the same time – the summer of 2016 – Thauvin has had a bigger impact than the former England international.

In the time, he has racked up 67 goals and 47 assists in all competitions for Marseille. That is form that saw current Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani suggest that the former Magpie has “something different”.

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Whatever that “something” is, Townsend appears to be missing it having only scored 16 times and provided a further 27 assists in the same time period.

That alone then would suggest that should Thauvin become a Palace player, he would not only usurp the £7.2m-rated Palace man in the pecking order at Selhurst Park but he could also potentially nudge him out of the exit door.

It would surely be unfeasible to offer a new deal to the former England man when there is already better options at the club.

So, as Townsend continues to see his contract tick down to its expiry at Palace, he should certainly be worried about the potential arrival of Thauvin if he’s got any desire to stay at Selhurst Park.

AND in more news, find out why the departure of Patrick van Aanholt could be hugely damaging for the Eagles…

According to a report by journalist Jonathan Shrager, Tottenham Hotspur entered talks with representatives over Bundesliga sensation Leon Bailey in January – with Manchester United and AC Milan also credited with approaches. 

Bailey, who has started 20 matches for Bayer Leverkusen this season, scoring six goals and assisting six others in that time, has averaged a threatening 2.2 shots per 90 minutes under head coach Peter Bosz (WhoScored).

Journalist lifts lid on recent Tottenham talks for Bailey

Indeed, the Jamaica international enjoyed a scintillating start to the season also, with Leverkusen’s manager lauding him as an ‘immense’ talent after his brace against Hoffenheim on Matchday 11 (Bundesliga).

He apparently caught the eye of Spurs, according to Shrager, who has lifted the lid on Tottenham’s talks with the player’s representatives during the last January transfer window.

Man United, AC Milan and Spurs all reportedly approached the player’s agents, but Bailey is apparently ‘fully focused’ on his current club and ‘giving his all’ for Leverkusen.

Transfer Tavern take

He has been praised by the media for emerging from the shadows of Kai Havertz following his departure to Chelsea last year, but chairman Daniel Levy may have to spend big to land Bailey if they make another approach in the summer.

The Daily Mail claim Bailey is valued at around £36 million by the Bundesliga club, and a report from the same outlet back in 2018 revealed former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino’s interest in the player.

Time will tell whether Tottenham approach again, but it could certainly be interesting.

In other news: Tottenham expected to offload this ace, find out more here.

When Leeds are in trouble, Marcelo Bielsa is never going to let you get away with it if you’re a player.

Last week, he put his side through the ultimate test – double murderball.

His unrelenting training methods have been a focus of attention throughout his entire stay at Elland Road, but it looked as though their fierce coping methods have paid dividends.

Before their clash with Newcastle, Leeds hadn’t won in 2021. Amazingly, they hadn’t scored either. Therefore, the way in which they beat a demoralised Magpies team on Tuesday evening will settle them down considerably.

Summer signings Rodrigo and Raphinha combined nicely for goal number one and although Miguel Almiron gave United a scare, Jack Harrison’s looping volley in the second half won them the game 2-1.

There were a number of convincing performances and it will have pleased Bielsa that even without Mateusz Klich, they played well. This was just the second time under the Argentine manager that the Poland international didn’t start a league game. It was a big message and one the boss must use now to axe Gjanni Alioski, who reportedly earns £15,000-a-week.

In the build-up to Tuesday’s encounter, FFC discussed the need to drop the North Macedonia defender to the bench. True to form, he disappointed again and was hauled off without having a positive impact on proceedings.

Alioski has always had immense energy going forward but defensively, he has been suspect. The very fact that Bielsa substituted him as soon as he received a yellow card speaks volumes.

The left-back was robbed in a dangerous area towards the start of the second half and thus, was forced to stop a counter-attack. He received a caution for his troubles and then just moments later, was replaced by the aforementioned Klich.

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If anything summed up Alioski, it was that. He suffers lapse moments in possession of the ball and surrendered it to the opposition on no fewer than 12 occasions in just 56 minutes at St James’ Park. It was a torrid evening for the full-back who was run ragged by Jacob Murphy.

The Newcastle winger succeeded with 100% of the dribbles he attempted and was also able to fire in five crosses towards the penalty box. Had Alioski been stronger then perhaps Leeds could have negotiated parts of the game in a more efficient manner.

Previously described as a “liability” by Noel Whelan, this performance will have done himself no favours. Although Stuart Dallas offered plenty in midfield during the win, it would be wise if he was moved to left-back instead.

Alioski is continuing to let Bielsa down even when they win.

AND in other news, 3 new signings, Bielsa favourite axed: How Leeds’ XI could look after deadline day…

Many Aston Villa fans are over the moon after seeing an image of striker Wesley looking like he is back to full training with the squad.

It was the club who posted the image of the striker on Twitter, supported with the caption ‘Wesley has got that #FridayFeeling!’

Villa have been hopeful that he will return early in 2021 as there is currently a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Ollie Watkins. Fellow striker Keinan Davis has not scored a goal in the top flight and Watkins, at times, has been the only recognised striker currently available for selection.

It has been sad to see the sheer length of time the Brazilian has been out. He has been injured for over a year now and this has meant the player has already missed no less than 49 games (Transfermarkt). Hopefully this image means that the player will be close to a return, and he will add some great depth to the Villa squad and could be a vital asset in making sure the club finish in the top ten this season.

Here is how Villa fans reacted to the news:

“Finally, Wesley back! so good to see again!”

Credit: @HonVictorLeo1

“Can’t wait to see him back on the pitch. Beast! He was starting to look like the real deal when he got injured.”

Credit: @drumonline

“Go on Wes!”

Credit: @DL1992_

“WESSSS”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“Great to see him back.”

Credit: @chrisincov2

“Wow”

Credit: @JoeAVFC

In other news, Villa fans reacted to the latest injury update provided by Gregg Evans!

Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips believes Ezgjan Alioski will leave Leeds United this summer, which could allow Marcelo Bielsa to make new signings.

The 29-year-old played all 90 minutes of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at home to Chelsea in what was an impressive result for the Whites.

Alioski has featured in 26 of Leeds’ 28 league games this season, but his future at Elland Road is in serious doubt, having not yet agreed to sign a new deal at the club.

The North Macedonian’s current contract expires at the end of this campaign and there have been rumours of a potential move to Galatasaray.

Phillips tips Alioski to leave Leeds

Someone who thinks Alioski moving on would be for the better is ex-Premier League Golden Boot winner Phillips, who told Football Insider that it makes sense for the left-back to depart Elland Road before the start of next season:

“They’ve had their time together, Leeds and Alioski. It’s time for club and player to move on. He’s been a good servant. He’s played at left-back at times this season and that’s not his position so he’ll probably go somewhere where he can play in that natural role.

“It’s the right time for Leeds to free up a wage as well and that will help them to bring someone else in during the summer.

“You shake his hand to say well done and thank you for your efforts and both parties will move on.”

Transfer Tavern take

Alioski has been a good servant for Leeds over the past four seasons, making 161 appearances and helping the Whites return to the Premier League, but perhaps it is time for him to leave, as Phillips has suggested.

At 29, he isn’t getting any younger as a player and there are more youthful alternatives who could offer more in the long run, such as 21-year-old Leif Davis, who only has two substitute appearances to his name in the league this term.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly looking to sign a Premier League stalwart this summer. Find out who it is here.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s reported transfer targets has just dropped a masterclass display amid speculation over his future.

A month ago, the north London outfit were linked with a move for AC Milan powerhouse Frank Kessie, as per Calciomercato.it.

They claimed that Jose Mourinho was mulling over a move for the 24-year-old midfielder, though the Serie A leaders wouldn’t let him depart on the cheap with a fee in the region of €50m (£45m) mentioned.

Kessie was in action on Wednesday night as Spurs waited to see who they would face in the Carabao Cup, and despite being defeated, the box-to-box beast put in an impressive performance.

The Rossoneri were defeated 3-1 by defending champions Juventus at the San Siro, though the Ivorian centre-mid was arguably their best player.

He played the full 90 minutes, making 43 of his 46 passes (93% accuracy), including a 100% hit-rate with his long-balls and only lost possession five times from 59 touches, via SofaScore.

That’s quite a feat considering he was up against the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot and Paulo Dybala.

Kessie also put in three tackles, two interceptions and two clearances as he continued his fine start to the 2020/21 campaign.

Indeed, the 44-cap international has enjoyed a phenomenal season thus far, contributing to seven goals in 14 starts domestically whilst averaging 1.3 shots, 1.3 dribbles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and an impressive 90.3% passing accuracy per game, via WhoScored.

He certainly seems like an ideal candidate for that box-to-box midfielder Mourinho is thought to be lusting for, as per Duncan Castles.

Former Milan boss Vincenzo Montella’s glowing endorsement of Kessie only adds fuel to the fire, he once said:

“He is an extraordinary player, a sublime intelligence. Penalties? I have a lot of good, for this, I had chosen two games that were just Rodriguez and Kessie.”

If Mourinho truly wants another midfielder this transfer window, then he ought to look no further than the Milan monster.

Just think of how powerful a central unit Spurs could have with his arrival – imagine him next to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with Tanguy Ndombele further forward.

That would be a game-changer for their trophy aspirations.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Daniel Levy urged to sign out-of-contract £58.5m-rated star…

In recent years, Everton have been made to pay for an under-par midfield engine room and whilst that has been somewhat fixed this summer, many of the club’s failed signings still linger in Carlo Ancelotti’s ranks.

It’s made worse by the fact that they had the perfect player already at the club until he rejected an insulting offer back in 2015.

Now at Premier League rivals Sheffield United, John Lundstram has become a man in demand and certainly could’ve been a neat man to have around over the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Tom Davies and Andre Gomes.

At the end of the 2014/15 season, then-Toffees boss Roberto Martinez only offered the academy graduate a six-month contract, to which he rejected and said: “It definitely makes a difference being permanent. You just feel much more part of things.”

How is Lundstram getting on?

The 26-year-old is soon entering a similar predicament at the Blades. He is yet to sign an extension and according to Sky Sports, SPFL giants Rangers and top-flight rivals, Crystal Palace and Burnley, are keen to sign him.

Since Bramall Lane witnessed promotion from the Championship, Lundstram has become a key cog under Chris Wilder – last season, he averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.3 clearances and 1.3 shots per game, via WhoScored.

That is on top of scoring five goals and providing three assists. Clearly, he’s an industrious presence at either end of the pitch. And the same can’t be said for any of the aforementioned Toffees trio.

The £7.2m-rated powerhouse has been lauded as a “real menace” by teammate Billy Sharp, who also added: “He’s got all the attributes. He runs so much in a game, he provides assists and goals.”

Lundstram, in his current form, would’ve been a perfect compliment to the likes of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the middle. Even if that’s said in hindsight.

To this day, the Englishman is proving Martinez wrong and surely it leaves Everton rueing from his release.

AND in other news, £54m-rated Everton star delivered a shocking display in Leeds defeat…

West Brom’s shocking run of form continued on Saturday evening as Newcastle United piled more pressure on struggling Albion boss Slaven Bilic.

According to reports in the build-up to this weekend’s crunch match at St James’ Park, the Croatian is facing an unlikely future in the Midlands and that defeat may have not done him many favours at all.

The home side took the lead inside 20 seconds when Miguel Almiron was given acres of space inside the penalty area and Darnell Furlong’s half-volley equaliser five minutes after the break wasn’t enough to stop former Baggies loan star Dwight Gayle late on.

He nipped in past Branislav Ivanovic to head home the winner just five minutes from time, sending West Brom back to the Hawthorns with an eighth defeat in 12.

Some may look to the enigmatic right-back for one positive from the match, but instead, attention should turn his fellow defender, young Dara O’Shea, who performed immensely out of position.

No player in the game was more involved than the Irishman, managing a whopping 90 touches, that’s one per minute, via SofaScore.

The 21-year-old also did his defensive duties, recording three clearances, two tackles, one interception and one block, as well as winning nine duels and making 53 of 69 passing attempts.

It was just his sixth-ever start in the Premier League, which makes it all that more impressive and had Albion come away with a draw in the north-east, then he would have rightly been picked out as a Man of the Match contender.

Aside from bringing the Baggies back to the top-flight, O’Shea is someone that Bilic should be lauded for as he first introduced him into the senior set-up last term – he even went as far as dubbing him “the future” of the club in one interview.

The “exceptional” beast deserves to keep his place amongst the starting XI, even when usual first-choice Kyle Bartley returns. He was the one shining light yesterday afternoon.

AND in other news, West Brom disaster who lost 84% of duels badly let Bilic down in Newcastle defeat…