All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a huge blow to their chances of keeping Osaze Urhoghide at Hillsborough this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that it appears increasingly likely that the centre-back will reject the Owls’ offer of a new deal, as interest is growing in the 20-year-old ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Both Xisco Munoz’s Watford and Mick McCarthy’s Cardiff City sides are reported to be extremely keen on a move for the £270k-rated defender this summer, who, unless he signs a new contract with Wednesday, will become a free agent next month.

Moore will be gutted

Having made a handful of appearances for Sheffield Wednesday last season, Urhoghide went on to establish himself as a regular part of the Owls first-team squad in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.

Over his total of 16 Championship appearances this term, the youngster put in a number of solid performances for Darren Moore’s side, helping the Owls to keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game – with these metrics seeing the centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.63.

However, while this is by no means mind-blowing form, it must be said that being thrown into the heart of a defence that is in the midst of a relegation fight is no easy task, let alone as a player with so little first-team football behind them.

Indeed, the 20-year-old is extremely highly thought of at Hillsborough, with Yorkshire Live’s Dom Howson referring to the former AFC Wimbledon man as a promising prospect with a big future at the club, while Darren Moore has claimed Urhoghide is “immense” and “absolutely rock solid” in defence.

As such, the prospect of losing the centre-back this summer will likely come as a gutting blow for the 47-year-old Owls boss, who has claimed that he will be building a side based upon the club’s most talented youngsters for their upcoming campaign in League One.

In other news: SWFC handed major transfer boost over “adaptable” £3.7k-p/w gem, Moore will be buzzing – opinion

Journalist and transfer ‘insider’ Dean Jones has made a behind-the-scenes West Ham United claim on midfield star Declan Rice’s future at the club.

The Lowdown: Rice rumours emerge…

A plethora of rumours surrounding Rice have come to light in the last week with big name transfer source Fabrizio Romano claiming he is ‘open’ to leaving this summer and has turned down a third new deal offer.

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This comes after both Jones and 90min reporter Scott Saunders first said he is more open than ever to a Rush Green exit, yet according to Claret & Hugh, there have been claims to the contrary.

The insider believes that Rice is committed to West Ham for 2022/2023 at the very least, though if there isn’t any sign of competing for silverware, he could consider his future next year.

The Latest: Jones shares update…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that the 23-year-old is set for a ‘big’ conversation with West Ham behind-the-scenes and there is ‘no doubt’ clubs will be knocking on the door.

He explained: “Declan Rice is going to have to have a big conversation with West Ham at the end of the season, no matter what happens.

“There’s no doubt that there’s going to be two or three clubs asking the question of how much would you actually sell this guy for?”

The Verdict: Interesting summer ahead…

There is little danger of manager David Moyes losing his superstar player this window given West Ham’s hard-line sale stance and the fact GSB have an option to extend his contract by a further year.

However, if Rice pushes for a possible move away, West Ham may be pressured somewhat to entertain interested clubs as to not disrupt the harmony of Moyes’ squad.

That being said, any price below £100 million simply shouldn’t be considered given his obvious quality, the fact Rice is homegrown and may only get better.

According to WhoScored, the colossal Three Lions international has averaged a fifth-best passing accuracy per game on average out of every Premier League player in the division (91.6%) – backing his composure and assurance at an impressively young age.

He’s also in high demand, putting West Ham in a position of strength to command a justifiable fee for his services.

Ideally, Moyes will have another season or two with Rice in his squad, but this summer could be a very interesting one nonetheless.

In other news: ExWHUemployee shares major West Ham player update with deal agreed! Find out more here.

A journalist has named two players at Manchester United who went to confront Ed Woodward in a revolt against the proposed European Super League (ESL).

As per a tweet from Leah Smith, who is a reporter for Stretty News and Caught Offside, both Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire ‘confronted Ed Woodward’ and were ‘heavily involved’ in a player revolt behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have since officially withdrawn from the ESL, and Woodward will leave his post at the end of the year, although it is not clear whether the timing of this announcement is because of the ESL backlash.

Shaw and Maguire show leadership

Maguire, being the captain of the club, showed true leadership in deciding to confront Woodward, while Shaw’s big part in the revolt should also not go unnoticed.

They echoed the opinion of their fanbase in wanting to withdraw from the ESL and they all got their wish in the end.

With the proposed league now seemingly done and dusted, at least for MUFC, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team can now focus on the rest of the season, in which they still need to cement themselves in the top four of the Premier League and try to go on and win the UEFA Europa League as well, which would bring the Norwegian boss his first piece of major silverware while managing his former club.

A European trophy, Woodward out and a top four finish sounds like a pretty nice end to the season for the Old Trafford faithful.

In other news, find out what club update left United fans fuming here!

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s attempts to add further signings to their ranks in January…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that the Magpies are unlikely to sign Divock Origi or Dominic Solanke this month as they go in search of a striker to bolster their squad.

He tweeted: “Understand Newcastle haven’t gone in for Burnley’s Chris Wood, as it stands, but he has been put to them (same agents as Trippier). One of several striking options being considered. Azmoun of Zenit among them but Origi/Solanke unlikely, I’m told. Either way, NUFC need to act fast.”

Howe will be gutted

This update will surely leave Newcastle manager Eddie Howe feeling gutted, as both Origi and Solanke are strikers who could come in and make an impact at St James’ Park in the second half of the campaign.

The Belgian is a proven Premier League performer and the Englishman is a player who the 44-year-old knows well from his time at Bournemouth in the top flight.

Upon signing him for the Cherries in 2019, Howe said this about the ex-Liverpool man: “Dominic is technically gifted, very athletic and has the physical profile that will give us something different in our front line.

“He has done very well for England at various age groups, has a huge amount of potential and I’m really excited about working with him.”

This shows that he rates Solanke highly, which is why he will be gutted a deal now appears to be off the cards this month, especially given the striker’s form this season. The 24-year-old has scored 18 goals in 25 Championship matches for Bournemouth, after managing 15 last term, and this suggests that he could be ready for another shot at the top flight.

Meanwhile, Origi has won the Premier League and Champions League for Liverpool, scoring in the final of the latter. He has found the back of the net 40 times in 167 matches for the Merseyside club, showing that he knows how to score at the very top level.

This is another reason why Howe will be gutted with this update from Hope, as the Belgian could have come in and scored vital goals for Newcastle. The ex-Bournemouth boss will now be hoping that quality alternatives are identified and brought in as quickly as possible to bolster his attacking options, especially with injured top scorer Callum Wilson facing several weeks on the sidelines.

AND in other news, “We understand”: Keith Downie drops big NUFC transfer claim which will leave fans gutted…

Speaking live on air (via Football Daily), Sky Sports have dropped a transfer claim involving West Ham United and Tammy Abraham as they share the latest on Chelsea’s striker.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Abraham hunt…

West Ham have been linked with a move for the Englishman for a quite a while, with reliable reports as far back as April detailing the Irons’ interest in a move.

David Moyes has earmarked the signing of a striker as one of his top priorities this summer and Abraham has remained on the list.

Football Insider even claimed recently that the Hammers were in pole position for his signing, but Sky Sports have now brought their own update.

The Latest: Sky Sports drop live TV claim…

Speaking on live TV, Sky have made a claim on Abraham and Chelsea’s stance towards selling him this summer.

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As per the broadcast giant, West Ham are still very much interested in signing the 23-year-old and Thomas Tuchel’s side will now consider offers.

“Chelsea will consider offers for Tammy Abraham the striker,” Sky Sports explained (via FD).

“We know that Arsenal are interested, West Ham also keen on Abraham, Arsenal would prefer an initial loan but it’s thought that Chelsea want a permanent deal for Abraham and it’s thought Chelsea are looking for upwards of £40 million if they’re going to let him go.

“It looks like his future lies elsewhere.”

The Verdict: Too much?

Moyes explained recently that a price tag of £40m could be too steep for West Ham to afford this summer, so this update could potentially come as a mixed bag.

Lauded as a ‘phenomenal player’ by former Premier League manager Alex McLeish, the young forward would arguably be an ideal striker signing for West Ham given his experience in the English top flight and towering physical presence at 6 foot 2.

However, if Chelsea are stubborn in lowering their valuation, Moyes and co may be forced to look elsewhere and time is not on their side – especially with the transfer window deadline looming at the end of next month.

In other news: ‘Beyond a joke’ – West Ham fans respond to official club post, find out more here.

Marcus Bent has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes Eddie Howe wants to stay in the Premier League.

The former Bournemouth manager has been out of work since taking the Cherries down last season but has been strongly touted as Celtic’s number one target to replace Neil Lennon at Parkhead.

Howe reportedly made a verbal agreement to become the next Hoops manager earlier this month, but talks appear to have stalled, with the 43-year-old yet to decide regarding the job.

But since making that agreement with the Glasgow giants, Howe has been heavily linked with the vacancy at Crystal Palace, with growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Roy Hodgson, whose contract expires in the summer.

Howe has held talks with the Eagles, and Bent thinks that remaining in England would be his preference, especially following his outstanding work in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

Bent told Football FanCast:

“With Celtic you’re moving away from the Premier League, there’s four teams in that league you can compete with. I think he probably wants to stay in the Premier League.

“Palace, the players and the team are doing ok. He could go in there and bring in one or two players and his backroom staff.

“I’m sure that would be a good move for him, still managing in the Premier League, so I think that would be a good move for him rather than Celtic.”

According to Hampshire Live, Southampton are hoping to announce the sale of Angus Gunn to Norwich City on Monday.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper exit needed

As it stands, Ralph Hasenhuttl has three goalkeepers at his disposal in Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster and Gunn.

With the former two sharing shot-stopping duties throughout last term, it always felt as though Gunn would be the man to depart. Now, it appears a decision has been made.

The Latest: Gunn to move to Norwich

Gunn spent last season on loan at Stoke City, and it now appears he will be departing the club on a permanent basis.

As per this latest report, the Saints hope to announce his exit on Monday. The Canaries have agreed a fee of £5.5m with the south-coast outfit.

The Verdict: Makes sense

After the 25-year-old signed for the Saints from Manchester City in 2018, many will have hoped he could become the long-term number one of the St. Mary’s outfit. However, he has managed just 32 appearances during that time, conceding 52 goals, with his last Saints appearance coming during the 2019/20 season (Transfermarkt).

At Stoke, he managed just 15 Championship appearances. He has yet to live up to his potential, but it seems Southampton will still be able to make a considerable six-figure fee from his sale.

This represents good business for a player who just hasn’t looked up to it. As the first multi-million deal of the summer for the Saints, they will be hoping to build on this good start by cashing in on a few more unwanted players, hopefully in other multi-million-pound deals, and then using those funds to secure moves for their own targets.

In other news, Southampton make an approach for this in-demand left-back.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, the Tyneside club have identified the Senegal defender as their top transfer target for the January transfer window.

The report claimed that the Magpies want to sign the 30-year-old to bolster their squad following PIF’s takeover of the club earlier this week.

Fans would love him

PIF could raise the roof at St James’ Park with a deal to sign Koulibaly in January. The 30-year-old is vastly experienced at the top level and one of the best-performing players in Serie A during his time with Napoli in Italy.

He was named in the divisional team of the season in four consecutive years, proving himself to be one of the best centre-backs in the country. The defender has played 292 competitive matches for Napoli since moving from Genk in 2014.

In Serie A this season, Koulibaly has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.46 in seven starts. He has scored two goals from centre-back whilst winning 59% of his duels and helping Napoli to keep four clean sheets in those matches.

To reaffirm the point on his quality, Serie A expert Conor Clancy hailed the Napoli man as a contender for the second-best centre-back in world football earlier this year, behind Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said of Koulibaly: “He improves any team he goes to. He’s phenomenal. I’d say, to be honest, after Virgil van Dijk, he is in the conversation for being the second-best defender in the world.”

This comment from Clancy, along with Koulibaly’s aforementioned pedigree, shows why Newcastle fans would adore him. The Magpies faithful would surely love to see the Senegalese colossus lining up in the Premier League for their club, as he has proven himself to be a top defender in European football.

Imagine the noise which would erupt from the stands at St James’ Park when “Making his debut today… Kalidou Koulibaly” is proclaimed by the announcer reading out the starting XI on his debut for the club. It could raise the roof off the stadium and create an incredible atmosphere full of excited supporters ready to enjoy the start of a new chapter on Tyneside.

Therefore, PIF must ensure that they do all they can to get a deal over the line for the centre-back in January. His arrival could be heralded by fans and make sure that the Saudi-based consortium get off to the best possible start in the transfer market.

AND in other news, NUFC in talks over £42m deal for 29y/o with “magical powers”, fans would be ecstatic…

Major League Soccer is at a pivotal point in its history with plans to expand the format from 28 teams to 30 by 2023. Austin FC were the latest team to enter the fold in the 2021 season, with Charlotte FC scheduled to join in 2022 and St Louis City SC confirmed for 2023.

This comes at a time when the league has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity and is attracting attention outside of the USA. This is due to an increase in the quality on the pitch and some key names getting involved behind the scenes including former player David Beckham, who is a part-owner of Inter Miami FC; and actor Matthew McConaughey, who is an investor at Austin FC. The continued arrival of well-known players from Europe such as Gonzalo Higuain has also helped to maintain global attention on the league.

Transfers & Coaching Speculation

With new expansion teams comes new players and coaches. Charlotte FC have already recruited former Racing Santander midfielder Sergio Ruiz, who became the club’s first-ever signing;Âand Premier League-winning full-back Christian Fuchs, who has left Leicester City. There has been no news on who will coach the team, but rumours should start circulating in the second half of 2021 when the recruitment process begins.

Best Mobile Apps to Bet on the MLS

With so many US states now offering legal sports betting, punters will be looking for the best places to wager on US soccer in their region. The best way to bet is via mobile applications and there are plenty to choose from.

For a great choice of betting options delivered on a reliable platform, US bettors might want to consider establish European brands such as Unibet. They are a highly-rated company that operates in many countries worldwide and offer great bonuses to new customers. Features such as a generous welcome bonus and an easy-to-use website and app according to WSN.com make them a popular option.

Another well-known name with over 100 years of history is William Hill. This famous UK bookmaker is already a big name in US betting and brings a weight of experience to sports wagering. Despite their heritage, they are a modern and forward-thinking company with a smart app that offers smooth navigation between sports markets.

US Punters who prefer to wager with household names from closer to home might be impressed by the DraftKings SportsbookÂapp. The fantasy sports specialists have made a big impression with their slick serviceÂsince moving into sports betting. Other familiar names include BetMGM, BetRivers and Borgata Sportsbook who all offer a wealth of mobile sport betting opportunities.

A Bright Future for US Soccer

The fanfare surrounding the inclusion of Austin FC, combined with the opening of three new stadiums shows that the appetite for US soccer has reached new heights, and sports betting is set to boost popularity and revenues even further. The MLS has been established for a quarter of a century and organisers are already looking ahead to the next 25 years.

To maintain growth, an improved media rights package will have to be agreed upon in 2022, as well as investment in youth academies and infrastructure. The expansion of sports betting will play a key role as wagering companies form closer links with the league and its teams.

An update has emerged on Leicester target Dan James, regarding Leeds’ interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are closing in on the signing of Leicester target James from Manchester United on a permanent deal. The Lillywhites are now discussing personal terms with the forward ahead of an official announcement.

talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook had claimed Leicester were a possible destination for the United winger, adding that the Welsh international was set to leave Old Trafford on loan following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, with Leeds, Brighton and Southampton all interested in landing him.

However, the former now look set to snap him up on a permanent deal, ending the chances of the Foxes bringing him to the King Power.

Fans will be gutted

Leicester fans will be gutted with this update as it surely rules them out of the race to land James.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side could potentially be challenging the Foxes for a top ten finish in the Premier League, which is one reason why fans could be frustrated by this update from Romano.

Interestingly, he started for Manchester United in their 1-0 win against Wolves in the Premier League on Sunday and has been a useful squad player for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to call upon since arriving at Old Trafford from Swansea. Last season, he produced five goals and two assists in 16 starts across the Premier League, Champions League and Europa League for the Red Devils.

The £16.2m-rated winger was labelled as “explosive and so fast” by his former teammate Andreas Pereira in an interview with Manchester United’s official website last season.

This shows that he has the potential to go on and be a decent player at this level, as he has produced end product – albeit not at the levels deemed to be good enough to compete for a title – whilst also being praised for his exceptional pace by his teammates.

He has the speed to take the ball past players and seven goal contributions in 16 starts suggests that he also has the raw materials required to be an effective attacking outlet on the flank. He could have been a player Brendan Rodgers was able to coach into fulfilling his potential, alongside the likes of Harvey Barnes, James Maddison, Wilfred Ndidi and Youri Tielemans.

Instead, Foxes fans may now have to watch him flourish under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road. If he goes there and hits form in the top-flight then it could leave supporters feeling particularly frustrated that the club missed out on thi deal.

AND in other news, Director provides update on £24.3m-rated Leicester target that will leave fans excited…