All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United have made a late attempt to hijack Aston Villa’s move for Lucas Digne, according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg. 

The lowdown: Digne on the move

It emerged on Sunday evening that Villa are deep in talks with Everton over a deal for the left-back.

Digne’s future looks to lie away from Goodison Park after he fell out with manager Rafael Benitez and The Toffees subsequently paid £17million for another left-back – Vitaliy Mykolenko.

Newcastle meanwhile have already strengthened one of their defensive flanks this month, bringing in Kieran Trippier from reigning La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

The latest

Sky Germany reporter Plettenberg wrote on Twitter on Monday evening that, ‘in the last few hours’, Newcastle had ‘raised their offer’ for Digne.

But it may be too late, with The Frenchman’s Villa medical potentially taking place within 48 hours.

Indeed, Digne’s move to the Midlands outfit was described as ‘close to be[ing] done’.

The verdict

If Newcastle really have made a last-gap attempt, then it suggests they may be looking to build a whole new back four this month, for in addition to Trippier, they’re reportedly looking to bring in two centre-backs.

Their only hope is that their intervention has given Digne cold feet, and that he may yet change his mind at the 11th hour.

If they don’t land him, though, it isn’t a disaster. Howe should perhaps show more faith in £14.85million 2020 signing Jamal Lewis, who’s only started four games this season but was in good form before his injury.

His performance against Burnley at the start of December – still Newcastle’s only Premier League win this season – showed real promise. He won five out of nine ground duels, making four tackles, and came up with four clearances.

Lewis is currently still out with a hamstring issue, but should be able to return later this month (via Newcastle World).

In other news, Newcastle have made an approach over this attacking target.

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Angelo Mangiante has made a West Ham United transfer claim involving Borussia Monchengladbach powerhouse Denis Zakaria.

The Lowdown: West Ham in 2022 free agent tussles?

The Switzerland midfielder isn’t the first potential 2022 free agent to be linked with a move to the London Stadium in recent weeks, with head of recruitment Rob Newman seemingly eyeing a plethora of pre-contract swoops.

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Indeed, Burnley defender James Tarkowski and Napoli winger Lorenzo Insigne are other names on the West Ham agenda, with their deals also set to expire at the end of this season.

Newman was brought in to help David Moyes in the transfer market and is gearing up for his first transfer window in his new role in east London after leaving his post as chief scout at Manchester City (The Athletic).

Making a claim on West Ham’s transfer plans, and by extension Newman’s, Mangiante has some news for Hammers fans.

The Latest: Newman eyeing Zakaria swoop…

As per the Sky journalist, writing on his personal Twitter feed, West Ham and Newman are now eyeing a swoop for Zakaria, with his contract at Monchengladbach running out next year.

It is believed that the Switzerland international is now attracting the Irons’ interest alongside the likes of Liverpool and Everton.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Despite the presence of Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral in the defensive midfield roles, we believe that Zakaria could be a rather shrewd addition from West Ham’s perspective.

Whether it be for a small transfer fee in January or as a free agent next summer, the 40-cap international would come with a plethora of experience on the biggest stages in football already, not to mention sell-on potential given he is still just 25 years old.

He has received no shortage of praise in the past either, with Gladbach legend Gunter Netzer previously calling him ‘enormously valuable’ to the Bundesliga side (Planet Football). Meanwhile, Germany hero Lothar Matthaus once likened Zakaria to Real Madrid star Toni Kroos, highlighting his obvious ability (Planet Football).

Also capable of playing as a centre-half, the 6 foot 3 powerhouse could tick many boxes for West Ham, and it is feasible that they could give him a new lease of life in the Premier League.

In other news: West Ham could already back Moyes with £17.1m bid to sign another 6 foot 3 colossus in January, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told that it would be ‘massive’ to tie down skipper Hugo Lloris to a new contract. 

Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan was discussing the goalkeeper’s future with Football Insider.

The lowdown

Lloris’ Tottenham contract is due to expire at the end of the current season, but the publication have reported that talks are now underway over an extension.

The 34-year-old wants to pen a new multi-year agreement, and Spurs are keen to keep him. The Frenchman’s present deal sees him take home £100,000 per week, making him one of the six highest earners at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

His contract may be the club’s immediate priority, with every other senior star committed until at least 2023 aside from initial loan signings Cristian Romero and Pierluigi Gollini.

The latest

Whelan confessed himself surprised at the news from a Spurs source that talks were underway, having been under the impression that Spurs were looking for a replacement. However, he feels that it’s the right move, given that Lloris is still ‘one of the best goalkeepers in the world’ in his view.

The BBC pundit told Football Insider: “I think it’d be a huge plus, it really would be. For the past year and a half, we’ve been thinking that he’s going to go on a free, is he going to go to another club? Are they looking for successors to take his place?

“Wherever you mention Hugo Lloris’ name, he stands out as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. To tie him down would be a massive signing. Good goalkeepers like that are very hard to come by, they really are.”

Whelan also feels that agreeing a new deal with Lloris would send a message to the club’s other star players. He said: “The fact that he loves the club, has been there such a long time. It would just be a sign to the other players that they’ll do anything to keep the best players at the club.

“There’s no doubt about it. He’s a leader, he’s been the captain for Tottenham Hotspur as well. That to me is crucial.

“If they can manage to do that, that would show massive progress and an indication that they mean business.”

The verdict

Whelan may have seen a report from The Telegraph last month suggesting that Spurs were lining up an heir to Lloris in the form of Everton’s Jordan Pickford.

Could that be considered a downgrade? The Frenchman is comfortably out-performing his English peer in the shot-stopping metrics this season, having ‘prevented’ 0.8 expected goals while Pickford has conceded three more than he ‘should’ have (via FBRef).

What’s more, the Toffees netminder has an averaged one error leading to an opposition goal every 12.6 games in his Premier League career, compared to every 16.5 games for Lloris.

Perhaps Spurs have recognised that, as long as Lloris continues to deliver, it’s wise to stick by him. It’s little wonder that Whelan has talked him up so enthusiastically.

In other news, Kevin Campbell was thrilled by this transfer claim involving Conte

A number of Liverpool supporters were fuming after a report claimed that Jordan Henderson has picked up an injury during the international break.

The Reds are currently on a two-week gap between matches, with Jurgen Klopp’s players off representing their respective countries. Henderson was in excellent form for England on Friday evening, scoring one goal and setting up another as the Three Lions won 5-0 at home to Albania.

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Unfortunately, it appears as though the Liverpool captain has picked up an injury issue since then, with The Times’ Henry Winter confirming on Twitter that the 31-year-old has been sent home “for further assessment.”

It is the latest setback for Klopp, who is already without midfielders Naby Keita, James Milner, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott ahead of the Reds’ home clash with Arsenal in the Premier League next Saturday.

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Liverpool fans fume at Henderson news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to bemoan the news about Henderson’s injury, the latest in a long line of fitness problems for the Reds dating back to last season.

“At this rate, our midfield vs Arsenal will be: Morton – Fabinho – Balagizi”

Credit: @ac111991

“I can’t do this anymore”

Credit: @morganclee

“Every single time we have international games one of our players what’s come back injured. Gomez, then Trent and now Hendo”

Credit: @ReusProp

“I’m so stressed! Why has it always got to be us!!!”

Credit: @lfcleahx

“Seriously? Just how many midfielders are left now????!”

Credit: @SilentKumar96

“Oh god please no”

Credit: @D66STIEL

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has given a key update on one possible Liverpool target. Read more here.

Taking to Twitter, many Southampton fans were less than impressed with Alex McCarthy for his contribution during their clash with Leicester City tonight.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side took on the Foxes as they continue their fight to avoid a drop to the Championship with a competitive fixture calendar looming and the games coming thick and fast.

The Saints have six crunch Premier League clashes from now until the end of December and all eyes will be on whether Hasenhuttl is indeed the right man to retain their English top-flight status.

In what was an entertaining thriller against the Foxes with goals at both ends, one man who attracted fierce criticism on social media for his display was McCarthy.

Saints fans slam McCarthy

The 31-year-old, who finished tonight among Southampton’s lowest-rated players on SofaScore, also contributed to Leicester’s first goal, parrying a save right back into the danger area for Jonny Evans to score (Joe Prince-Wright) and having more losses of possession than successful passes (SofaScore).

Giving away the vast majority of his long balls also, many Saints fans weren’t impressed by his “woeful” showing, with some even insisting that he “needs dropping”.

Check out some of their verdicts below:

“McCarthy needs dropping”

Credit: @marlow1992

“I’ve actually given up with McCarthy, it’s horrible to watch”

Credit: @brandanpoole

“Alex McCarthy. Woeful. He’s always been 6/10 at best. Get rid.”

Credit: @RhysMorgan2015

“Shocking from McCarthy. In absolutely no danger at all. Terrible goalkeeping”

Credit: @SamD_dappy

“can you PLEASE ask Ralph why he continues to pick McCarthy who is making goal-costing mistakes literally every single game?”

Credit: @saint_clark

“McCarthy that was woeful, tried not to get on your back after Norwich but that was so, so bad”

Credit: @sturge198

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Victor Orta’s and Leeds United’s failure to bring in adequate back-up for Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Raphinha could see them relegated.

The Lowdown: Leeds struggling

After a strong first campaign back in the top flight last term, when they finished ninth in the table, Leeds are struggling this term.

As it stands, they are 17th, and have won just one of their opening eight matches in the league (Sky Sports), getting quite frankly dominated by a fellow struggler in Southampton last time out.

The Latest: Agbonlahor unhappy with transfers

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor believes Leeds’ poor transfer window could see them relegated to the Championship. He said:

“You can’t go into a Premier League season and have a squad of players that means if only three of them are injured you’re going to struggle.

“What if one of them gets an injury that will rule them out for the whole season? What happens then?

“Leeds are in very, very big danger of going down this season. I’ve said it before and people didn’t believe me, now look.

“Southampton did to them what they have been doing to teams last season. Southampton battered them. You look at the stats of shots on goal, Southampton battered them.

“They’re in big trouble, Leeds. they need to get their star players back.

“You look at Raphinha, he’s been carrying them all season. They’re in big trouble, definitely, definitely in a relegation battle.”

The Verdict: More should have been done

Leeds did bring in two new faces during the summer transfer window in Junior Firpo and Dan James, and you could argue the latter could fill the role of Raphinha when the Brazil international is not available. However, the Whites remain without a viable replacement for Bamford or Phillips.

Bielsa’s influence has been integral to Leeds’ rise, but they cannot continue to impress if they squad does not receive the needed reinforcements. In the Premier League, it is vital to have a strong squad given the physical demands, and Leeds may indeed be lacking in some departments.

In other news, one pundit says this man was always destined to play for Leeds.

One of Steven Gerrard’s best pieces of business at Rangers has been the signing of Ryan Kent from Premier League side Liverpool.

The English winger has produced 27 goals and 32 assists in 137 competitive matches for the club since initially joining on loan in 2018 before signing permanently for £6.48m.

Last season, Kent managed ten goals and 11 assists in the Scottish Premiership as Rangers romped their way to the title in style, highlighting his importance to the side.

Kent 2.0

Instead of forcing Ross Wilson to splash out on another promising winger, Gerrard could unearth Kent 2.0 from the academy set-up at Ibrox by bringing through teenager Arron Lyall.

The Gers boss could find a new wing wizard by handing the 18-year-old a chance to play in the first-team and show what he is capable of at senior level. He has previously been named on the bench for a Europa League match, which suggests that Gerrard had enough faith in him to throw him on if needed, although he failed to make his debut that night.

Former Scotland captain Gary McAllister praised Kent last year because of the way he was playing at the time. He remarked:

“I’d agree that he is very exciting at the moment and playing with a lot of confidence.”

This is a compliment that has also been thrown at Lyall. He played four games on loan at Inverness earlier this year and Neil McCann said this about him:

“We’re delighted to bring Arron into the squad and thank Rangers for their help with getting the loan agreement until the end of the season.

“Arron is an exciting young player and while he may not be seen as a starter, him coming in helps us boost the squad on either of the wings, which is an area we are currently light in due to injuries and an intense run of fixtures.”

This suggests that, much like Kent, he could provide excitement in his play from out wide on either flank. Of course, he would need to make the step up and show that he has the quality to provide the goals and assists needed to be a regular for Rangers, but until he is given the chance to do so it remains to be seen whether he is able to.

He has scored once in four outings for Scotland at U16 level and has scored twice for the B team so far this season. If he can translate his goals over to the senior squad then it could save Wilson needing to dip into the market for a new winger.

AND in other news, Sold for £203k, now worth £900k: Rangers had a transfer howler over “dream” battler…

It’s been an extremely encouraging start to life under new manager Patrick Vieira for Crystal Palace, but a major stumbling block could be just around the corner for the French tactician.

The Eagles are set to lose four first-team stars for up to a month in January due to their involvement in the rescheduled Africa Cup of Nations.

Jeffrey Schlupp and Jordan Ayew ARE expected to feature for their native Ghanawhile Wilfried Zaha and Cheikhou Kouyate are set to represent Ivory Coast and Senegal, respectively.

The 24-team tournament, postponed from last year amid the pandemic, is due to get underway in Cameroon on January 9 and run until February 6.

It means the quartet could miss the Eagles’ derby clash with Brighton at the Amex Stadium on January 15, and the visit of Liverpool on January 22.

They are also likely to miss Palace’s third-round FA Cup tie, which is likely to be played on the weekend of January 8. They could also be absent for the Premier League game away to Norwich, currently scheduled for February 8, if their nations go deep into the competition.

It’s set to leave Vieira extremely threadbare in attack, given the club were unable to replace Andros Townsend over the summer, but the solution could be a rather simple one.

Teenage winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was brought into the first-team fold at the backend of last season under former Palace manager Roy Hodgson, earning a place on the bench on three occasions as 2020/21 drew to a close.

“He dealt with it very well,” said Hodgson (as relayed by The Athletic), who chose to take Rak-Sakyi to Everton as a non-playing squad member for a draw at Goodison Park.

“For such a young man, he’s shown a remarkable maturity, and a remarkable sangfroid as well, coming into a group of senior players who he’s probably only watched from the terraces before. You wouldn’t notice that with his performances in the training sessions where he’s really taken on the responsibility.

“Everyone’s taken to him and been appreciative of him and what he can do. I’m very pleased with him and very pleased for him. We believe at Crystal Palace that he has a big future and he will get better and better,” the ex-England boss concluded.

And Rak-Sakyi showcased just how much of a threat he can be last season, bagging eight goals and providing a further eight assists in just 16 appearances for Palace’s U18s, before being promoted into the U23s.

The 19-year-old was rewarded for his standout displays last term after Vieira handed him his Premier League debut off the bench against Chelsea in the club’s curtain-raiser at Stamford Bridge. That could be the first of many top-flight outings for the youngster this term.

A tally of five goals and two assists in just six outings for the youth side this season suggests Rak-Sakyi will be ready to make the step up when needed in January, meaning Vieira will be able to continue to progress in south London despite the absence of several key players.

And, in other news…Report provides exciting Crystal Palace transfer update, fans will surely be delighted 

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been absolutely loving the fact that Robbie Ure scored for the B team on Wednesday evening.

The striker came off of the bench to open the scoring in their UEFA Youth League second leg away at Hammarby, after the B side won their home fixture 3-0.

At just 17 years of age, Ure is one of the hottest prospects in the academy at the moment, and goals like these in big matches will no doubt catch the eye of Steven Gerrard, who will be looking for players to break into the first team.

Nonetheless, the Scotsman will be pushing for more starts in the B team for now, before hopefully getting a breakthrough with the seniors at a later date.

Rangers fans on Ure goal

These members of the Ibrox faithful showed their love for Ure as his goal was shared on Twitter, with one Light Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘class’ player already:

“Give the lad a chance in the first team, he’s a goalscorer, if you’re good enough you’re old enough”

Credit: @gorbalstony

“Absolutely class this lad has a massive future ahead of him.”

Credit: @blue_queens11

“That’s why he should start”

Credit: @RangersRobbie83

“Scores when he wants.”

Credit: @Andrews22571

“Yesss!! Come on Rangers”

Credit: @Valerie33087475

“What a talent.”

Credit: @OliButler8

In other news, find out what ‘major issue’ before Brondby has emerged here!

An update has emerged on Rangers dynamo Ianis Hagi as he continues to recover from a viral infection.

What’s the latest?

His father Gheorghe Hagi has revealed that the 22-year-old is feeling better after recovering from Covid and is now seeing out his isolation period in Bucharest.

The Rangers winger contracted the virus whilst on international duty and is now undergoing 14-day isolation in his home country, which is a boost for the Gers as it would have been 20 days in North Macedonia, where he picked up the infection.

Hagi senior told Glasgow Live: “Ianis is fine, he is at home, he is feeling better and better.

“He is undergoing treatment and we hope to get out of isolation as soon as possible. He is at home, in Bucharest.”

Gerrard will love it

Steven Gerrard, who previously dubbed Ianis Hagi an “outstanding talent”, will love this update from the player’s father for two reasons. Firstly, his presence in Romania means that his isolation is for a shorter period than it would have been had he been forced to stay in North Macedonia, which means that Rangers will have the 22-year-old back in his squad sooner than perhaps expected. 

Secondly, the update indicates that the player is feeling better and offers hope that he is not struggling severely with any serious symptoms, which is also a boost to the Gers as it means that he might not be out for a prolonged period of time due to struggles with the virus. Had he been suffering from extreme symptoms, he could have been out of action for a number of weeks, given the impact that it can have on the respiratory system.

Gerrard will be buzzing with this update as Hagi has the ability to be a crucial player for Rangers. In the 2020/21 Premiership campaign, he produced seven goals and 11 assists from 23 starts for the club. The 22-year-old has 13 goals and 18 assists in 64 appearances for the Gers in all competitions since arriving in Scotland in January 2020.

This highlights the level of quality he is able to provide when fit. He has shown that he can score and create goals in the Premiership for Rangers, which means that having the Romanian back will be a boost to Gerrard’s side as he will have another excellent option at his disposal. Therefore, the 41-year-old must be delighted by Hagi senior’s quotes, as they provide a positive update on his son’s recovery.

AND in other news, Rangers flop has seen value soar by 203% since leaving Ibrox, he deserved more time…