All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle targeting 5 January transfers

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Craig Hope has now revealed five players that Newcastle United are targeting ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Bodies needed

As the St. James’ Park faithful are currently lurking in the relegation zone, it is clear that reinforcements are needed next month in order to give them the best possible chance of surviving.

Survival means everything to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium, as they can then kickstart their long-term project in the summer, and thus be able to attract bigger names to the North East given that they would still be playing in the top flight.

The Latest: Five targets

As per Hope, Lloyd Kelly, a player Eddie Howe signed back in 2019, as well as central defenders Matthias Ginter, Joe Rodon and Sven Botman, are among the Tyneside outfit’s January targets.

The Daily Mail journalist is ‘also told’ that Mohamed Elneny is an option in the middle of the park for the new owners.

The Verdict: Kelly, Elneny plus one centre-back

Kelly is of course a player that Howe knows well – in a 2019/20 season plagued by injuries, he started eight out of the nine games that he was available under the manager (Transfermarkt).

A player that Howe has a lot of admiration for, he would certainly know how to get the best out of Kelly, providing that he can stay free of injury.

Elneny offers a lot of Premier League 30 goals so far in the top flight, the second-most out of any team.

Rodon offers that Premier League Botman have played at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League.

Nonetheless, bringing at least three of those players in would certainly help bolster up the squad, and give them the best possible chance of avoiding the drop.

In other news, find out which former Magpies NUFC are eyeing in a shock transfer here!

Liverpool linked to Cristian Romero

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Atalanta defender Cristian Romero ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (as reported by The Mirror), Jurgen Klopp’s charges are making progress in their pursuit of the 23-year-old as the German manager looks to strengthen his defensive options.

The report claims that the Serie A outfit value Romero at around £43m following an impressive 2020/21 campaign, but they must first turn his loan move from Juventus into a permanent one.

Klopp needs him

Liverpool’s current centre-back options struggled with serious injury issues last season, significantly hindering their progress as youngsters Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams were forced to fill in on many occasions.

Klopp has already moved to address that issue, bringing in Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £34 million, although his suspect injury record means the former Borussia Dortmund boss may want to add further reinforcements – the Frenchman has suffered four significant injuries in the past two seasons alone, missing 45 games.

The Anfield outfit finished a whopping 17 points behind Premier League champions Manchester City in the recently concluded campaign, largely down to their leaky defence.

While the Citizens conceded just 32 goals in 38 games, Liverpool let in 42. Building a solid foundation is key to any success in football, and adding Romero would ensure Klopp can construct exactly that over the coming months.

The Argentina international played a pivotal part as Gian Piero Gasperini’s men finished third in the Italian top-flight, making 31 league appearances, scoring two goals and assisting a further three.

Despite his telling contribution in the attacking third, Romero was also crucial to Atalanta’s defensive solidity, making 2.2 clearances per league game, 3.1 interceptions and two tackles, placing him in the top two amongst his teammates for each metric.

His physical style, love for a tackle and ability in the air would make the South American an ideal centre-back in the Premier League, and the possibility of the 6 ft powerhouse lining up alongside Van Dijk is a daunting prospect for any top-flight striker.

The pair have the potential to form a formidable partnership at the heart of the defence, with Romero also excelling with the ball at his feet and building from the back – he averaged the sixth-most passes of any Atalanta player, and with the fourth-best accuracy of any player to have started more than one game.

With Liverpool aiming to regain their Premier League crown next season, Klopp needs an extra centre-back to avoid a repeat scenario that killed off their title tilt in 2020/21, and bringing Romero would be a significant coup.

And, in other news…Gini 2.0: Liverpool must revisit swoop for 19 y/o prodigy, he’s a “complete player” 

Richards hails ‘incredible’ Bamford remarks

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Micah Richards has described Patrick Bamford as ‘incredible’ following the Leeds United striker’s comments on racism earlier this week.

The Whites are preparing for Sunday’s visit of Manchester United in the Premier League as they look for another impressive result in an excellent season. Marcelo Bielsa’s men drew 1-1 at home to reigning champions Liverpool on Monday night, following on from their amazing 2-1 victory at Manchester City.

After Monday’s game, Bamford spoke honestly about racism in the game, showing his human side, away from all the goals this season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“351040″]

Richards heaps praise on Bamford

Writing for the Daily Mail, former England international Richards lauded the Leeds star for his comments, saying it is vital that white footballers speak out about the issue. He wrote:

“The first place to start at the end of a week like no other is with a thank you to Patrick Bamford. His words on Monday night were incredible – if you aren’t aware of what he said, let me fill you in.

“It’s amazing the things they are talking about. I can’t quite comprehend it,’ he said. ‘It’s amazing the amount of opera that comes into the game when somebody’s pockets are being hurt. It’s a shame it’s not like that when other things are going wrong at the minute, like racism. It’s just how it is.’

“Bamford rightly received a lot of love for his sentiments. A simple view like that from a white person carries so much more weight than if I, for instance, had said it. He didn’t rant, he just said what he wanted and it was all done so effortlessly.”

Transfer Tavern take

Racism remains a negative aspect of football that still isn’t going away, despite strides being made over the years.

Having figures such as Bamford speaking so eloquently on the problem can only be a good thing, though, spreading awareness and highlighting the importance of eradicating the issue.

It says a lot about the 27-year-old as a character that he is capable of being so heartfelt and genuine about such an important topic, only making him even more likeable as a person.

In other news, an unlikely source has dropped a big claim ahead of Leeds’ clash with Manchester United. Read more here.

Lage must unleash Wolves’ Gibbs-White

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Morgan Gibbs-White can become a regular for Bruno Lage next season.

That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke who believes the 22-year-old may well be a key figure for the Old Gold.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I think it’s a big opportunity for Morgan Gibbs-White this summer to go back to Wolves and show that he is capable of becoming a regular in that team.”

With that in mind, he could be the man capable of taking Leander Dendoncker’s place in the squad next season.

Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport (via GetFootballNewsItaly), claim Wolves look as though they are set to lose their Belgian star of four years to Lazio this summer. Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has identified Dendoncker as a replacement for the departing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who will reportedly be sold “in order to ease the club’s financial burden.”

On the chalkboard

With Dendoncker expected to leave the Molineux this summer, Gibbs-White may just get his chance to fulfil his potential in front of the Wolves faithful.

The England U21 international has made the most of his time at Bramall Lane, netting an impressive ten goals and notching up eight assists in 33 appearances throughout a role that has seen him function as an attacking midfielder.

The Staffordshire-born midfielder, who has been described as an “enormous talent” by Laurie Whitwell and hailed for the “filth” at which he plays with by Tim Spiers, has added another string to his bow under Paul Heckingbottom, in a switch that has seen him discover his goalscoring touch.

Though, Lage will have to decide on his position. Gibbs-White has functioned more-or-less as an attacker in the Championship, though his defensive stats suggest he could fill the boots of Dendoncker in the middle of the park, whilst bringing a more fruitful bout of attacking threat.

Despite his attacking excellence, the young Englishman has almost matched Dendoncker’s defensive output this season with both averaging one tackle per game and he has also bettered the Belgian when it comes to passing this season; having made an average of 39 passes per game in comparison to Dendoncker’s average of 26 passes.

Gibbs-White could cover Dendoncker’s defensive duties in the team whilst offering a much higher dose of attacking threat if Lage will give him a chance in a box-to-box role within the Old Gold midfield next season.

In other news: Agent talks: Crazy Neves claim emerges out of Wolves, it’ll leave supporters fuming 

Everton face competition to sign Svanberg

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Everton face competition from some of their rivals in the Premier League to sign Mattias Svanberg, according to Il Resto del Carlino (via Sport Witness).

As per the news outlet, the Goodison Park faithful have joined the race to sign the Bologna talent, whose value stands at around €15m (£12.8m) along with Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion and Burnley.

The Merseyside club have reportedly appeared on the scene in the ‘last few hours’, making their interest firmly known to the Serie A club.

Svanberg’s current deal in Italy expires in June 2023 and Bologna are trying to get the central midfield player to sign a new one, but a new contract has not yet been agreed and thus his agent is looking elsewhere to see if there is any concrete interest in a transfer.

The teams mentioned in the piece, including Carlo Ancelotti’s side, would all be able to offer him a bigger wage, and so it may be possible for a deal to happen in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Everton should sign Svanberg

The Toffees should look to sign Svanberg in order to boost their current options in midfield for the start of the 2021/22 term.

The Sweden international has been lauded by his country compatriot and footballing legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently, with the big striker reportedly advising AC Milan to buy him instead.

At just 22 years of age, Svanberg still has a lot of potential, and could certainly grow into a top, top player at the Blues.

In other news, find out what injury to one EFC ace before Manchester City has been bemoaned by fans here!

Man City fans flock to big Joao Felix claim

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Flocking to Twitter, Manchester City fans have had plenty to say after a claim emerged on Tuesday involving Atletico Madrid sensation Joao Felix.

The 21-year-old burst on to the scene with former club Benfica before he left for La Liga, bagging 15 goals and seven assists in the Portuguese top flight over a head-turning 2018/2019 season (WhoScored).

Atletico soon snapped him up and Felix has now spent the past two years at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium under manager Diego Simeone.

Now, sharing news on the exciting young attacker, Eurosport journalist Dean Jones has explained that his future in Spain seems ‘uncertain’ amid City’s long-standing interest in the player.

It is also explained that Atletico want Sky Blues star Bernardo Silva who is now being heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium and is apparently keen to leave (Eurosport).

While City are generally not open to swap deals involving Bernardo, one involving Felix could be a different case.

The La Liga side’s interest in City’s star may present the opportunity for an exchange, and flocking in reply to City Xtra on Twitter, many Sky Blues had plenty to say on the matter.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

Man City fans flock to Felix claim

“Might be the only good swap deal we can have if Bernardo really want to leave. Joao under Pep could be mental”

Credit: @mcenturions

“Hmmmm interesting”

Credit: @DiasCEO

“I beg, this is the only way I’ll be happy if Bernie goes”

Credit: @JoeRH7

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @Sbusiso_Nkambul

“Yes please”

Credit: @mcfcvm

“Please make it happen, if Bernardo forces his way out this is the best deal we can get. Joao Felix can play as a striker or Cam, he’s really good with the ball and creative. He can be our next De Bruyne.”

Credit: @Aguero10Sergio

“that’s a swap deal I want to see… joao cancelo bernardo silva out – joao felix saul niguez in”

Credit: @andreaskazakeo1

“Now we are talking……if Bernardo is to leave City then Felix in return from Madrid is not a bad deal in fact on the contrary it’s a good deal…. because we get a false 9 striker(Guardiola style) & then we can buy grealish as a Bernardo replacement.”

Credit: @param44

In other news: Man City overjoyed as club announce ‘big news’…find out more here.

Transfer update emerges on Jerry Yates

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Jerry Yates to The City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Lancashire Telegraph, who claim that Blackpool are yet to receive any contact from Blackburn Rovers regarding a move for the 24-year-old striker, with Rovers having been reported to be one of the many Championship clubs interested in a move for the £90k-rated man this summer.

Nottingham Forest and Bristol City are another two sides reported to be keeping a close eye on the situation of Yates, for whom Blackpool are believed to be demanding a fee of around £5m in order to part with in the coming months.

Hughton will be buzzing

With Forest appearing to be in desperate need of a fresh face up front ahead of their upcoming Championship campaign, the news that Yates remains an available player is sure to be news that will leave Chris Hughton buzzing.

Indeed, over his 47 League One appearances for Neil Critchley’s side last season, the £2.1k-per-week man scored a whopping 21 goals, provided eight assists and created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making one key pass per game.

These returns saw the striker earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Blackpool’s sixth-best performer in the third tier of English football, with the 24-year-old playing a crucial role in his side’s promotion to the Championship.

Yates also scored a further two goals and provided one assist in the club’s run in the FA Cup, returns that took the centre-forward’s haul for the season to 23 goals and nine assists.

And, with Lewis Grabban only managing six goals for Forest in the Championship last season, while Lyle Taylor scored an even less impressive four league goals, it would indeed appear as if Hughton could do with the addition of a forward who can put the ball in the back of the net on a much more regular basis next season.

As such, the fact that the man whom Critchley dubbed an “outstanding” player is still available this summer is sure to come as delightful news for the Forest manager, although he better act quickly if he wants to ensure that Yates does indeed make a move to The City Ground, rather than anywhere else, this summer.

In other news: Imagine him & Johnson: Hughton must sanction Forest summer swoop for 14 G/A “threat”

Man City confirm Carabao Cup news

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

As confirmed and shared by Manchester City on Twitter, the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley has been approved as an official test event for the return of fans, allowing 8,000 supporters to attend. 

It’s been over a year since Sky Blues were permitted to watch their side in action firsthand, with City fans even missing out on a proper goodbye to club legend David Silva at the end of last season.

After confirming the news, Manchester City have now released a statement that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has given the green light for supporters to return in a test event. This will allow 8,000 fans to attend the final against Spurs later this month and a portion of the tickets will be made available to City.

Following this news, many Sky Blues fans have gone wild on social media, with some potentially getting to watch Pep Guardiola’s side aim to continue their domination of the tournament at Wembley.

It’s little wonder one supporter called it ‘great news’ – find some of the best verdicts down below.

Man City fans go wild for Carabao Cup news

“Great news”

Credit: @joekearney96

“Finally”

Credit: @CityLife433

“Lets goooo”

Credit: @Albelbeisi1

“wwwwww”

Credit: @Thebigkun

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @Rodridiculous

“suiiii”

Credit: @SxrgioSZN

“Oh my god no way”

Credit: @rkmcr6

In other news: Man City fans also weren’t impressed with this star against Leicester, find out more here.

Leeds in talks with City over Harrison

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Talks are underway between Leeds and Manchester City over the permanent signing of winger Jack Harrison.

That’s according to Jeremy Cross, the Daily Star’s Chief Sports Writer.

The lowdown

Harrison has spent the last three seasons on loan at Leeds, who contractually have the first option to buy.

The 24-year-old has made 35 appearances in their first season back in the top flight. With a game still to play, he’s on a commendable tally of eight goals and eight assists.

No English midfielder has been directly involved in more goals in the Premier League this season.

Harrison starred in the 4-0 win at Burnley last weekend, scoring Leeds’ second goal before teeing-up a late brace for substitute Rodrigo.

BT Sport pundit Peter Crouch said Harrison had had a ‘fantastic’ season and had ‘to be in with a shout’ of featuring in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, while Chris Coleman reckons he would be a ‘joy to play with’ if you were a full-back.

The latest

According to Cross, Bielsa is said to be ‘desperate’ to keep Harrison and Leeds are looking to tie him down.

Cross reports that a £15million fee has already been agreed between the two parties with talks now officially underway to secure Harrison’s future in Yorkshire.

The verdict

Rightly, this looks to be Leeds’ first priority: secure Harrison’s future and then focus on the areas that need upgrading.

The Englishman has gone from strength to strength this season and at only 24, could make a huge contribution going forward.

£15million could be regarded as a snip for a player ranked as the club’s sixth-best performer this term.

In other news, a pundit has weighed in on the future of Illan Meslier. 

David Norris urges Leeds to sign Daniel James from rivals

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

David Norris is excited by the prospect of Leeds United completing the signing of Daniel James before the transfer deadline passes.

Leeds have welcomed just two fresh faces to Elland Road during the window – in the form of Junior Firpo for £13million and goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson – while Jack Harrison has joined the club permanently from Manchester City.

But, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Whites look set to complete the signing of the international winger James from rivals Manchester United.

With club legend Cristiano Ronaldo returning to Old Trafford from Italian giants Juventus, James is likely to see his opportunities limited.

Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace are also interested in the 23-year-old as it appears Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given the green light for James to depart.

Leeds chief Marcelo Bielsa has been a long-term admirer of James and he came close to joining from Swansea City in 2019.

Ex-Whites midfielder Norris hopes the deal gets over the line this time around.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “He would absolutely be a good addition. I think he’s done really well over the last few years.

“I like him and think he would be a good fit for Leeds. He works hard, grafts and we saw what he was like for his national team at Euro 2020 as well.

“He would be a great fit and we know Leeds like him so, if there is a chance of getting the deal done, definitely do it.”