All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are ready to hijack Leicester’s loan deal for Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans. 

The 21-year-old was poised to be joining The Foxes this January, but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has given the green light for his club to intercept this deal. However, the article does not state whether this is a loan or permanent deal.

The French club are willing to loan the Belgian, or sell him for £20m as well. However, it is imperative that Tottenham sign him permanently.

The Lilywhites have a long and rather embarrassing history of signing substandard players; there are currently some in the squad now, and there have been many in the past. Particularly though, the club have signed a raft of slow starters. There is absolutely no guarantee that Tielemans will acclimatise quickly, in which time, this would be a waste of a loan deal from Spurs.

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On the other hand, a permanent deal means the 21-year-old has time to settle into Tottenham and truly become the successor to Mousa Dembélé. Stylistically, Tielemans has many similarities to his compatriot, while also showing a greater attacking instinct. His powerful shot and ability to chip in with a goal could even make him a greater asset to Tottenham, particularly as central midfielders like Eric Dier, Harry Winks and Victor Wanyama are not famed for their goal-scoring prowess.

Now that Tottenham are out of the FA Cup and League Cup, they do not need quick fixes, particularly in the heart of midfield, they need long-term figures and Tielemans is that man.

As per Calciomercato, Tottenham may now have been handed a boost in the race to sign Juventus attacker Dejan Kulusevksi.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter contention…

As per recent updates, Spurs have joined the fight to bag Kulusevski amid his unrest in Turin, with a report from TUTTOmercatoWEB claiming new boss Antonio Conte sees him as a ‘gem’ with great potential.

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Fabio Paratici apparently shares this ‘esteem’ for the 21-year-old according to TMW, so much so that journalist Daniele Longo followed up their report with another enticing claim.

He says that Spurs have made contact to sign the Sweden international and Calciomercato may have now shared news in another boost for Spurs.

The Latest: Conte handed Kulusevski boost?

According to the Italian outlet’s information, as Spurs and Conte chase his signature, Juve may now allow Kulusevski to go out on loan in January.

Coming as potentially good news for Spurs, it seems they could bypass a transfer fee entirely and boost Conte’s options going forward over the second half of 2021/2022 at least.

In another boost, Calciomercato believe he ‘wants a change of scenery’ and the Premier League is his most likely destination.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Signing him on loan to see how he would fare under Conte in England could be a move worth pursuing, especially taking into account just how highly he is rated by the Italian according to reports.

Given his status as an ‘advanced playmaker’ as well as being able to play out wide according to Football Talent Scout, could Spurs finally sign a player to replicate the long-missed influence of Christian Eriksen?

According to WhoScored, over his most impressive Serie A campaign for Parma in 2019/2020, Kulusevski managed a noteworthy 2.2 key passes and 2.1 completed dribbles per 90 in the final third.

These numbers replicate Eriksen’s during his time at Tottenham and the club have long been crying out for his eventual heir.

Lauded as ‘explosive’ by former Sweden striker Marcus Allback, Kulusevski could be the unexpected answer to Spurs’ prayers.

In other news: ‘World class’, ‘Perfect’, ‘Winning already’…Sky pundit in awe of transfer news out of Spurs, find out more here.

After rescuing a point in their previous Premier League outing and the first match in Eddie Howe’s reign at the club with a 3-3 draw against Brentford, Newcastle United are back in action this afternoon with an early kick-off against Arsenal.

In terms of injury news, as well as still having Paul Dummett out with a calf issue, Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle picked up a hamstring injury in training earlier in the week and will apparently be assessed before the match at the Emirates Stadium.

With Magpies manager Eddie Howe set to make his debut in the dugout for the club after being absent from the Brentford game due to a positive virus test, from which he has now recovered, it will be interesting to see which players he selects for his starting line-up today.

On the chalkboard

One Newcastle player who did not feature in the draw against Brentford but should be in the starting XI to take on Arsenal is Isaac Hayden.

In his 10 league games so far this season, he  has proven to be a useful defence-minded midfield option by averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.7 clearances and one interception per game.

Additionally, his overall performances have earned the 26-year-old, who is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, a season rating of 6.53/10, making him Newcastle’s sixth-highest rated player at this point in the campaign according to WhoScored.

Given that Arsenal have only lost one of their nine previous league games, scoring 13 goals in the process, it could be the smart option if Howe were to restore Hayden today to add some defensive stability to the team and see if they can secure a positive result.

The 26-year-old also managed to show his predatory instincts in the opposition box by scoring in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month.

Also, with former Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock failing to impress against Brentford, this could make it an easy decision for Howe to get Hayden back in the team at the other ex-Gunner’s expense.

Taking all this into account, Hayden definitely has what it takes to bully Arsenal’s players today, and he could well be the difference in Newcastle picking up a positive result or not.

In other news, PIF submit NUFC proposal to beast tipped to be “one of the best”, fans will be buzzing…

Aston Villa may make a move for Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu in January, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans.

And a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Villa are looking at bolstering their centre-back and central midfield ranks over the next two windows, according to Evans. He revealed in his transfer mailbag last week that Johan Lange will present a number of midfield options to Steven Gerrard, with a move for Romeu possibly being looked at after Villa tracked him in the summer.

The defensive midfielder has been with The Saints since 2015 and is under contract for a further 18 months. He’s made 17 Premier League appearances this season, however, Villa midfielders John McGinn and Douglas Luiz have outperformed Romeu, as per WhoScored.

Romeu, who has racked up 59 Premier League yellow cards throughout his career, also turned 30 in September, and it seems as if a number of Villa fans don’t want to see the Southampton man make the move to the Midlands.

Villa fans react

Total Villa shared Evans’ claim regarding Romeu on Twitter on Wednesday lunchtime. This is what these supporters had to say in reply, with many not exactly thrilled at the links and one describing the Spaniard as a ‘liability’.

“Too old, there’s younger alternatives. We picked up a 29 year old in the summer from there on 100k per week. The epitome of stupidity is to repeat the same mistake twice.”

Credit: @WanyeAVFC

“We can do so much better”

Credit: @KishinJay

“He’s a liability. Gets too many cards and gives away too many fouls.”

Credit: @LoseLbsMakePar

“Not for me”

Credit: @NathanCotterill

“Doesn’t fit what the club want, doesn’t fit the age profile and isn’t an improvement on what we have. Nonsense rumour”

Credit: @AVFCLancelot

“Overrated”

Credit: @vizzy9

In other news: ‘Even worse’ – Many AVFC fans flock to Preece’s January transfer update.

A number of West Ham supporters are excited after a new report claimed the Hammers are the front-runners to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

David Moyes is sure to be eyeing up new signings in the January transfer window, as he looks to take his squad to another level and deal with the injury issues running through the spine of his team.

West Ham look well-placed to mount a genuine top-four challenge in the Premier League this season, as well as hopefully going far in the Europa League, but they have lost both first-choice centre-backs in Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna.

One player who the Hammers are thought to be keen on signing is Kamara, with the 22-year-old impressing for Marseille this season, making 17 Ligue 1 appearances and enjoying an 89.4% pass completion rate.

According to Corriere dello Sport [via West Ham News & Views on Twitter], Moyes’ side are in pole position to sign the Frenchman on a free transfer this summer, when his current contract will expire.

West Ham fans love Kamara latest

Kamara can play as a defensive midfielder or in the heart of defence, and these West Ham fans reacted positively to the news on Twitter.

“Let’s hope this is genuinely true! Would be a superb signing and if we can agree a pre-contract before the window closes could then push for a marked down move this window. Marseille have two options: accept whatever we offer or get nothing”

Credit: @mhare641

“Very very decent”

Credit: @_ghzst

“Great signing if we pull it off”

Credit: @Kelly77722

“Please!!!!”

Credit: @stevensheppar12

“He’s class, would be a great signing especially for free”

Credit: @YarmoSZN

“Good but we need signings this month”

Credit: @Mxttftbl

In other news, a reporter has made a key claim regarding a possible West Ham transfer. Read more here.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle United have now ‘started’ contacts over a potential move for Jesse Lingard in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Developing story…

The Times claimed last week that the St James’ Park club have offered a record deal to the 28-year-old would make him the highest earner in their history and have duly made the Manchester United midfielder their priority signing next month.

His current contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent in just a few months’ time.

As such, January may present the perfect opportunity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium to pounce, as the Red Devils will surely want to cash in at the risk of losing him for nothing.

The Latest: Contacts have ‘started’

As per Italian football journalist and transfer expert Romano, contacts have now ‘started’ with Newcastle over a potential move for Lingard, although ‘nothing’ has been agreed as of yet.

They are ‘seriously interested’ in bringing him to Tyneside, although it is an ‘open race’ for his signature.

The Verdict: Get it done

The fact that Lingard can leave for free in the summer means that the Magpies could get him on the cheap in the winter window, and he could seriously help in their push to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Described in complimentary fashion as a ‘joke’ and a player who ‘has four lungs’ by former United youngster Angel Gomes recently, his energy and work rate would be much appreciated among the Toon Army as they bid to avoid the drop. The 28-year-old has also shown his quality on the ball, with nine goals and a further five assists during a very successful loan spell at West Ham United last season (Transfermarkt).

With Newcastle needing to get out of trouble and Lingard not getting much of a look-in at Old Trafford, failing to start a Premier League game this season, it seems like a move which would suit all parties involved.

In other news, find out which Premier League ‘huge talent’ NUFC are eyeing

An update has emerged regarding Rangers’ interest in Frank Lampard for the managerial vacancy at Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Gers could be set to speak with the former Chelsea coach over the weekend as they weigh up their options to replace Steven Gerrard.

The report claims that the 43-year-old has taken himself out of consideration for the job at Premier League side Norwich, opening the door for him to join Rangers.

Fans will be livid

A report earlier this week claimed that Lampard was tempted by the job but had decided to join the Canaries instead of pursuing a move to Scotland. We published an article explaining why Ross Wilson avoided a nightmare scenario because of that decision from the retired England international.

This fresh twist from The Scottish Sun suggests that the situation has changed and Lampard could now be a genuine option for Rangers, which will surely leave fans livid. Wilson is heading for disaster by holding talks with the 43-year-old and must opt against a swoop for the out-of-work coach and go down a different route in regards to Gerrard’s replacement.

Lampard’s managerial CV does not carry much weight, with two jobs and two full seasons under his belt to date at Chelsea and Derby. He finished sixth in the Championship with the Rams, losing the play-off final, and fourth with the Blues in the Premier League, losing the FA Cup final. The one-time midfielder is yet to win a trophy as a coach and that does not bode well for a Rangers side looking to compete for silverware with Celtic in Scotland.

Whilst he may be an up-and-coming manager looking to make his way in the game, it is not a risk that Rangers should take at this moment in time. They are currently top of the Premiership table and an experienced manager who is accustomed to winning trophies as a coach could be needed to get them over the line and pip Celtic to the title.

Fans will surely be fuming if Wilson decides to go with an inexperienced man who has no track record of winning as a manager. This is why the Gers chief could be heading for disaster by holding talks with Lampard over the weekend.

AND in other news, Wilson could get Ibrox rocking by appointing divisive 43 y/o “phenomenon” at Rangers…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over the assist that Joe Aribo picked up for Nigeria in their 1-0 over Egypt at the African Cup of Nations.

As per footage shared by the official Twitter page of the Ibrox faithful, Aribo cushioned a header into the path of Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who then thumped the ball into the top corner of the net to give the Super Eagles the win in their opening AFCON group game.

The 25-year-old was impressive throughout the match, winning all four of his duels, while he also recorded a successful dribble, clearance, two tackles and two key passes in total (SofaScore).

Journalists hailed his display as ‘absolutely outstanding’ and even called him the ‘best player on the pitch’, while his national side’s fans were busy comparing him to the legendary Edgar Davids.

Aribo has been linked with a move to Aston Villa in the January transfer window, and while performances like these showcase what he can do, some Light Blues supporters may now be worried that a bid could be put in from the English Premier League team, of course managed by former boss Steven Gerrard.

Rangers fans on Aribo assist

These Teddy Bears buzzed as the assist was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to call Aribo a ‘king’:

“Yessssss Joe!!!!”

Credit: @speedy430

“GOAT”

Credit: @SpecksRSC2

“He’s the best in the world his name is Ariboooooo”

Credit: @kyleewen14

“Unbelievable player, going be to tough to keep hold of him”

Credit: @pendy_c

“Get the new contract sorted! Give him whatever he wants.”

Credit: @FacelessRanger

“The king”

Credit: @TroyTh3Gardener

In other news, find out which Ger has now been backed to leave this month here!

Sunderland boss Alex Neil picked up another win in the third tier over the weekend as his side beat Gillingham 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Nathan Broadhead’s diving header in the last minute sealed the three points to keep the Black Cats in the race to land a play-off spot.

They are currently two points behind 5th-placed Sheffield Wednesday in the table as they attempt to land a top-six place between now and the end of the regular season.

If the Black Cats end up in the play-offs and Neil is able to guide them to the Championship this term, Kristjaan Speakman will be facing the daunting prospect of sorting out the club’s striking options heading into next season.

Ross Stewart has been linked with a move to Premier League side Norwich and Nathan Broadhead is set to return to Everton this summer. They have scored 28 goals between them in League One and losing both of them ahead of a campaign in the second tier would be a disaster, especially if they fail to bring in a player of the requisite quality to replace them.

One striker they have been credited with an interest in is 18-year-old Guiseley forward Josh Stones. The youngster has caught the eye this season with his goals at youth level and Sunderland are one of the clubs keen on a deal for him.

However, Football Insider recently reported that Wigan have agreed terms with the striker ahead of a summer switch to the DW Stadium. This means that, as it stands, Speakman is set to miss out on a deal for the teen as Wigan have swooped in ahead of them.

Stones has scored nine goals in his last five youth games for Guiseley, whilst he recently scored a hat-trick at youth level for England’s schoolboys team against Scotland. This means that he has found the back of the net 12 times in his last six matches in development football, which highlights his incredible potential as a player.

Therefore, missing out on a deal for him would be a big disaster for Speakman. Not only would it be to a League One rival, but it could also be at the same time they lose both Stewart and Broadhead – leaving Neil’s squad threadbare at the top end of the pitch.

The Stadium of Light supremo must do everything in his power to convince the 18-year-old phenomenon to turn Wigan down and sign a contract with Sunderland. His statistics at youth level suggest that he would be an excellent addition to the club’s ranks and they cannot allow their rivals to snap him up ahead of them.

AND in other news, SAFC made huge £600k blunder over “outstanding” machine who aged like “fine wine”…

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made an exit claim regarding Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas, believing that it would be a ‘bonus’ if the Hoops can receive a fee for his services.

The Lowdown: Barkas ‘demands’ Celtic exit

The Greece international has made just two appearances under Ange Postecoglou this season, with his last matchday involvement coming against Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup in mid-February as an unused substitute.

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The 27-year-old had the chance to leave Parkhead during the January transfer window, but loan moves to Sheffield United and IFK Gothenburg fell through due to salary demands.

He has now ‘demanded’ to leave Celtic in the summer and looks set to join winger Ben Doak in heading out the Parkhead exit door, with the youngster closing in on a move to Liverpool.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments on Barkas

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke said that Barkas is on ‘decent money’ in Glasgow, labelling the possibility of Celtic receiving a fee for the goalkeeper’s services as a ‘bonus’. The journalist stated:

“If Celtic can get him off the wage book, because he’s on decent money there, that’ll help save a bit of money. And if they can get a fee for him as well, that will be a bonus.”

The Verdict: Exit needed for Barkas

Postecoglou has Joe Hart and Scott Bain to call upon between now and the end of the season. Conor Hazard is on loan at HJK Helsinki and Tobi Oluwayemi is coming through at Lennoxtown, so Barkas doesn’t appear to be needed in Glasgow.

The Hoops paid £4.5m for Barkas in 2020, making him the most expensive goalkeeper in the club’s history.

His Transfermarkt valuation has plummeted to £1.35m during his time in Scotland, proving that his stint at the club hasn’t worked out. If Celtic can secure a £1.35m fee, it would be a ‘bonus’, as O’Rourke put it.

In other news: Update emerges for Ange on Celtic ace stretchered off during international duty