All posts by n8rngtd.top

Speaking to the press, as relayed by correspondent James Pearce, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has shared that Diogo Jota has come back to training in a ‘very positive’ way – with Reds reacting to this update and some believing he should be given the nod to face Sheffield United on Sunday. 

The summer signing has been out of action since early December after picking up a knee injury against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League, but he has recently resumed training as Klopp shares another update on his progress for Liverpool.

As relayed by Pearce, the Portugal international has come back to training in a ‘very positive’ way – but Klopp admits a decision needs to be made over when it ‘makes sense’ for him to play again.

Understandably, the Liverpool manager doesn’t want to reintroduce him too soon at the risk of aggravating another injury – with supporters flocking to this update as they share their thoughts.

Some can’t wait for his return and wish to see a cameo against Sheffield United, find all of their best comments down below.

Liverpool fans react to Jota update

“Great news!”

Credit: @koponpodcast

“The time is now. No more firmino”

Credit: @hulaimi

“Please klopp make it make sense for him to play this weekend I beg”

Credit: @emmanuelbobby16

“Immediately”

Credit: @jonlfc12

“Sunday pls!”

Credit: @AidanW_03

“IT MAKES LOADS OF SENSE”

Credit: @sazzam31

“Spot on”

Credit: @LFCfanNewsMU

In other news: Kylian Mbappe has reportedly issued demands, find out what Liverpool fans thought here.

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans have been discussing the club following a tweet about absentees by journalist Dom Howson.

Howson reported that the Owls could be without nine players through injury and suspension in their next Championship game. It doesn’t get any harder for them as they face league leaders Norwich.

The Owls are currently on a torrid run as they have lost their last five games and are now seven points from safety (SofaScore).

The problems are mounting up for new manager Darren Moore, and it really looks like he has joined a sinking ship which seems to be heading for League One sooner rather than later. Perhaps in hindsight the Owls boss might have stayed with Doncaster Rovers, who are battling for promotion in that division.

If Wednesday can get anything from the game against Norwich, it should be a huge morale booster and could turn around their season, but Moore needs things to start changing quickly.

Here’s how some SWFC fans reacted to Howson’s update about the spate of absentees:

Here is how Owls fans reacted to the news:

“On paper we should be doing a lot better than what we are, what do you think the problems are apart form injury’s Dom? Have most players become complacent because they know the won’t be here come season end?”

Credit: @BigDave35942245

“Hiya League 1 – we’ve missed you”

Credit: @newcole78

“Joke club.”

Credit: @PistolPete1867

“No excuse whatsoever, the players should be playing for their future but they just don’t care.”

Credit: @Trigger1410

“I’m not sure anyone would notice tbh, most haven’t turned up for a game all season”

Credit: @lizburgess83

“The ones who aren’t injured Dom won’t bother turning up either. You would think they’d be playing for the futures at the very least. Most not good enough, all not giving 100% which is indefensible!”

Credit: @Wawaw___

In other news, some Owls fans raged over one player in their recent loss to Reading.

Manchester United were denied what could have been a pivotal UEFA Europa League victory against AC Milan at Old Trafford.

Amad Diallo’s first Red Devils strike looked like being enough for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men on Thursday evening but a late Simon Kjaer header ensured that the teams are level heading to the San Siro next week.

It was an evening of mixed performances from the United team, with Mason Greenwood one of those who severely underwhelmed.

Recalled into the starting XI due to the absence of fellow academy graduate Marcus Rashford, the 19-year-old was almost anonymous on the right flank.

According to WhoScored, the Englishman did not have a single shot throughout the game and only managed to contribute one key pass.

Whilst that lack of threat is somewhat not a surprise considering that Greenwood has only scored four goals in all competitions this season, his lack of involvement was poor.

Of the United players who completed the 90 minutes, only goalkeeper Dean Henderson and defender Eric Bailly had fewer touches of the ball than the 19-year-old. Even when he did get involved and receive, he was not able to do much with it. Only Alex Telles relinquished possession more regularly than Greenwood, who lost the ball 15 times. His passing success was not all too inspiring either at 75%, via Sofascore.

Considering that Greenwood was brought into the team in place of Rashford, who could be a doubt for the weekend’s clash with West Ham United, Solskjaer will be concerned about the performance of his £45m-rated forward and also the potential of including the starlet in the starting lineup against the Hammers.

That might be harsh considering Rashford’s phenomenal output so far throughout the season for the Red Devils but Greenwood certainly needs to improve and avoid more anonymous showings, especially with United continuing to challenge on multiple fronts.

AND in more news, read why Manchester United do not need to make a move for AC Milan stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma…

Lee Ryder has confirmed that Newcastle United are interested in signing Matthew Bondswell on a free transfer.

However, as per a tweet from The Chronicle journalist, the proposed deal has not quite been completed yet, and the St. James’ Park faithful face competition from other teams in the Premier League.

Ryder also confirmed that the North East club have been in talks with both the player and his representatives in order to try and get the deal over the line.

Bondswell one for the future

The signing of Bondswell is certainly one for the future for the Tyneside club. The 18-year-old has played at youth level for German giants RB Leipzig and has played in no fewer than 12 games in total for England for the U16, U17 and U18 sides.

Bondswell has also played in senior men’s football already despite his young age, with six matches played in so far for FC Dordrecht in the 2020/21 term in the Dutch second division, where the left-back has won 3.7 of his duels a game and also averaged one interception per appearance, helping his side keep two clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

He is certainly a talent that Steve Bruce’s team can nurture and grow into a real top player, and on a free transfer, there is very little risk involved in getting the deal done.

In other news, find out what former Bellagraph Nova Group figure has dropped a big claim on the potential Saudi takeover here!

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to a video of Joe Aribo scoring against Progres Niederkorn at the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

The season has been a fantastic one for the Gers. Not only have they already claimed the Premiership title, they are also unbeaten both in the league and in the Europa League (Sky Sports). They have a strong chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the latter competition after drawing 1-1 in the first leg of their round of 16 clash with Slavia Prague last week.

They did rather well in European competition last year, as well, as they managed to reach the round of 16 of the Europa League before losing to Bayer Leverkusen. Their journey kicked off with a 10-0 aggregate victory over St Joseph’s before they beat Progres Niederkorn 2-0 across two legs. In the first match, Aribo scored a lovely goal to put the Gers ahead.

Their victory over the Luxembourg outfit avenged a shock defeat to the same opponents in 2017, when Pedro Caixinha oversaw a humiliating exit in the first qualifying round of the Europa League.

Aribo’s strike from their 2019 clash was shared by Rangers’ official Twitter account as part of their Goal of the Day series, and these fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the goal from Aribo below

“We need a collection of top 5 European goals Mr Rangers since the gaffer came in PLEASE… We’ve scored some crackers. Rapid Wein 3rd goal to start you off Aribo’s dance No2″

Credit: @Bike_Nut69

“And he’s still doing it!”

Credit: @timcc_tw

“Reality check for progrès”

Credit: @IAmSilkyPaws

“No fear! No doubt! Relentless!!!”

Credit: @Valerie33087475

“lovely Goal”

Credit: @OyekanAribo

“That was revenge for Pedro”

Credit: @staunchdaviderc

In other news, some Rangers fans were worried by this open letter.

According to recent reports, Leeds United could land their reported summer transfer target, Lucas Vazquez, on a contract worth just £50,000-per-week.

The report by Spanish publication Sport (via Sport Witness) claims that Vazquez is demanding a salary of €3 million-per-year (£2.6 million-per-year, or £50k-per-week) after tax in his contract negotiations with Real Madrid, and that if Los Blancos do not offer him this amount, the winger has made it clear that he will be leaving upon the end of his current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, which expires this summer.

This is where Leeds come in, with Victor Orta thought to be keeping a very close eye on the negotiations between Vazquez and Madrid, with the Whites director reported to be keen on landing the £13.5 million-rated 29-year-old on a free transfer in the summer transfer window.

Transfer Tavern Take

The fact that Madrid appear to be hesitant in offering Vazquez the wage the winger is demanding comes as slightly surprising news, as the Spain international has been one of Zinedine Zidane’s better players this season.

Over his 22 LaLiga appearances this term, the 29-year-old has scored two goals and provided four assists, as well as averaging a highly impressive WhoScored match rating of 7.17 – ranking him as Madrid’s fourth-best performer in the Spanish top flight.

As such, should Leeds go on to secure a deal for Vazquez this summer, it would appear as if Marcelo Bielsa will be welcoming the addition of a very fine player to his squad, as well as the potential move representing something of a bargain for Orta, who would reportedly have to pay the winger just £50,000-per-week after tax.

In other news: Leeds United have been urged to sign this “highly sought-after” £31k-p/w star this summer – find out more here!

David Moyes can potentially land West Ham United’s dream Sebastien Haller heir in Dinamo Zagreb forward Mislav Orsic.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the Irons have approached Dinamo Zagreb to open discussions over a potential summer swoop for the Croatia international.

West Ham watched the attacker break Tottenham Hotspur’s hearts in the Europa League recently with a hat-trick to seal an unlikely round of 16 win, having trailed by two goals after the first leg.

Orsic’s efforts at home to the north Londoners have scouts on alert as shortlists begin to be drawn up for the summer transfer market, with Arsenal also said to be keen. The Gunners have likewise registered their interest in him, with Dinamo Zagreb after sounding out the Prva HNL side’s asking price, which remains to be seen.

Mikel Arteta is said to be a fan of the 28-year-old as he strives to bolster the attacking options at the Emirates Stadium, where Willian and Nicolas Pepe have often shown inconsistent form.

Orsic is enjoying a remarkable campaign in front of goal, with his hat-trick over Spurs taking his record to 19 for the season while assisting a further eight goals in all competitions.

Four of his goals and three of his assists have come in his last three Prva HNL appearances, moving to within two goals of a career-best return of 21 for a single season, which he achieved last term.

Should West Ham sign Dinamo Zagreb’s Orsic?

Orsic could represent West Ham’s dream Haller heir, despite being a natural wide option, as his ability to play through the centre would allow Moyes to put the 28-year-old on the same path that Michail Antonio took during the 2017/18 season.

Antonio had proven in his first two-and-a-half-years at the London Stadium that he could represent a versatile option, with Slaven Bilic awarding him minutes across the right channel and on either wing.

It was not until the initial arrival of Moyes in 2017 that Antonio established a regular place for himself at centre-forward, a position he would again occupy following Manuel Pellegrini’s sacking having played a wider role under the Chilean.

Moyes has not looked back on playing Antonio centrally since his return to east London, with the 30-year-old striking eight of his nine goals in the Premier League under the Scot last term from a central position.

All seven of Antonio’s top-flight goals this season have come at striker, while providing five assists – only Tomas Soucek (nine) has scored more often for West Ham, while only Aaron Cresswell (seven) has been credited with creating more goals.

Orsic’s hat-trick against Spurs was not the first time that the £6.75m-rated forward has made a European night his playground either, having netted three times against Atalanta in the Champions League group stage last season before the Serie A side reached the quarter-finals.

After that game 18 months ago, former Dinamo Zagreb head coach Nenad Bjelica claimed, via quotes shared by Birmingham Live amid a potential £8m move to West Bromwich Albion: “He talks with his goals.

“That’s one very honest guy who is sacrificing himself for the team. Mislav is a Zagreb boy who has had a very difficult journey, and by his own merit he has arrived at this level.”

AND in other news, West Ham have set their sights on a “competitive beast” who won’t cost David Sullivan a penny…

Crystal Palace could well be concerned with summer approaching and a large number of current players set to depart the club.

As many as 16 first-team stars could find themselves released at the end of the campaign with their contracts continuing to come to an end.

One player who the Eagles will certainly not care for departing is striker Connor Wickham.

Only 27 years of age, the former Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland striker has endured a woeful time at Selhurst Park since his arrival for a reported fee of £9m in 2015.

There was hope that he could have replicated his Black Cats form, but no such displays have materialised with Wickham having netted just eight Premier League goals for the club in 41 appearances in the competition.

It all means that each goal has cost Steve Parish and the Eagles over £1m.

Even a temporary loan spell at former employers Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship could not reignite his goalscoring touch, netting just twice in 13 appearances.

In fairness to Wickham, he has simply not been unable to find any form at all due to a number of persistent injury problems. Throughout his Palace career, he has missed a shocking 150 matches that he would otherwise have been eligible for due to a long list of problems.

That misfortune has really hampered his Palace career, and he seems highly unlikely to rectify that.

Initially left out of the Eagles’ Premier League squad at the beginning of the campaign, he has only just started making his return to the bench. Now with only a limited handful of games left for him to make an impression, he surely has to turn in some brilliant performances if he is to earn another deal.

However, considering the huge outlay for his signature and his poor return, as well as the fact that the club are still paying him approximately £60k per week, Parish will not include Wickham on the list of players he is desperate to keep at Selhurst Park and will instead look forward to the end of the now £900k-rated striker’s contract.

AND in more news, take a look at which Palace star can feel the benefit of Christian Benteke’s departure…

Tottenham Hotspur are making the addition of a central defender their top priority this summer, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Alasdair Gold at football.london claims that Spurs are looking to sign a new defensive leader for their back four ahead of next season, with doubts emerging over the likes of Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld.

Jose Mourinho’s side have dropped 13 points from leading positions this campaign and despite having the third-best defensive record in the Premier League, a lot of their poor results have come from defensive errors.

One player thought to be admired by the north Londoners’ hierarchy is Brighton and Hove veteran Lewis Dunk.

Two birds, one stone

If Daniel Levy can make a move for the 29-year-old work this summer, then it’s one that could pay serious dividends.

In doing so, the Spurs chairman could kill two birds with one stone, as not only would he add the kind of leader that Mourinho is desperately craving but the 6 foot 4 powerhouse would also help aid their homegrown situation substantially.

The one-time England international came through the system at the Seagulls and has been there ever since, racking up 336 appearances, of which 136 have been in the Premier League, via Transfermarkt.

In that time, he’s transitioned from a budding prospect to Graham Potter’s colossal captain.

“He’ll be really important, and he’s getting better and better,” said the Brighton boss after Dunk’s recent omission from the national team. “It’s his second season as captain and he leads more naturally by example; he wears his heart on his sleeve and he takes on the responsibility of performing to the highest level and he’s been the best player since I have been at the club,” via The Argus.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= Read this week’s latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more…”]

One stumbling block would be his cost, and that much remains to be seen, having only signed a five-year £57.5k-per-week extension amid interest from Spurs’ rivals Chelsea last season.

Transfermarkt currently value the Brighton star at £22.5m, though these days you often have to pay a premium for the very best British talent.

Previously lauded as an “absolute monster” by former central defensive partner Shane Duffy, Dunk sits amongst Potter’s top-five performers, earning a 6.85 average WhoScored rating.

He also currently holds the best passing accuracy rate of any player in the squad, making 89% of his attempts, an impressive return considering he fires off just under 67 passes each outing.

That’s better than every single player at Spurs, including Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (88%), Sanchez (85.4%) and Dier (82.5%), as per WhoScored.

Spurs saw his ability first-hand earlier this campaign, when he put in an impressive and resolute display against Heung-min Son and Gareth Bale, playing in Harry Kane’s absence. In fact, the Brighton man bullied the pair, winning 100% of his duels and never committing a foul, via SofaScore.

In Dunk, Spurs could find their next central defensive leader and at the same time, help meet the homegrown quota next season. Whatever the price, Levy must look to strike on this deal this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt double injury blow ahead of Newcastle clash

Crystal Palace are lining up a move for Burnley manager Sean Dyche after making contact with him at the turn of the year.

That’s according to an exclusive report from Football Insider, which has led to numerous Palace supporters giving their reaction on social media.

A Palace source has informed Football Insider that discussions with the 49-year-old, who is keen on a new challenge, took place in January, with further talks between Dyche and the Eagles scheduled for the end of the season.

Should he take over from Roy Hodgson, he would have a sizeable transfer kitty to lead a Palace overhaul ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Burnley cannot offer Dyche that luxury, and he could end up leaving Turf Moor with a year left to run on his contract. Reports elsewhere have suggested that Palace will need to pay a £3.5m compensation fee to secure the 49-year-old.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the news regarding Dyche on Saturday morning. Here is what some had to say in reply, with many split over a possible swoop for the Clarets boss.

“I’d be over the moon with that”

Credit: @Leemunden24

“Would be a sensible and be a great appointment if we can get it over the line”

Credit: @SwannyBoy_17

“Why? I just don’t get it.”

Credit: @NadsShad

“All day long yes please !!!”

Credit: @JimmyT1965

“Would prefer Howe but he’s definitely better than Lampard and Roy”

Credit: @WlLFRIEDZAHA

“God please stop this from happening”

Credit: @SellyMenace

In other news: Many CPFC fans react as Man Utd make move for Eagles man, find out more here.