All posts by z3u9t.icu

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that the club are trying to sign new players in January.The club have not signed a new player since last January, but Pochettino has opened the door to potentially reinforcing the squad this month.What’s the word?Tottenham’s transfer dealings have been a bone of contention for many fans.Chairman Daniel Levy failed to bring in a single new player in the summer and it has appeared for the duration of January that lightning would strike twice.A Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Thursday highlighted the need for reinforcements, however, with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Heung-Min Son all unavailable.CheekySport’s Joel claims Spurs badly need to invest in January after not having “the balls” to beat Arsenal. Check out his uncensored opinion in the video below…And Pochettino has now given fans hope of a new recruit arriving in north London.He said, per Goal: “There are a few options. We will see if we are capable to deliver [on] it.”He added: “I am more than open to improve and to add players to the squad. You can find on the internet or my previous press conferences that I always say the same thing.”If we can find the right player that is going to help us improve, then we will…but we were never close. There is always a chance. We have still seven days [of the transfer window].”Challenge for LevyPochettino has regularly towed the party line at Tottenham.He has a superb track record of improving the players he has and Spurs rarely splurge on players in the transfer window.However, this is crunch time for Tottenham’s project.They are third in the Premier League and remain in both the Champions League and the FA Cup.With their new stadium seemingly close to completion, it is high time that the club starts showing some ambition in the transfer window.Pochettino’s words, then, appear a direct challenge to Levy to do just that; he has confirmed that there are options available to Spurs, but it remains to be seen whether they will be taken over the coming week.

Celtic have had a number of successful academy graduates make their way through to the first team at Parkhead over the years.

Callum McGregor and James Forrest are two great examples of players who have been able to rise through the ranks and establish themselves as key stars for the Hoops at senior level.

However, some talented prospects can slip through the cracks and that is what happened with left-back Aaron Hickey in Glasgow. He was brought to the club from Hearts in 2017 and did not make a single first-team outing as a teenager before Brendan Rodgers sanctioned his exit back to Tynecastle for nothing in the summer of 2018.

Two years later, Italian side Bologna snapped him up from the Scottish side and he is now attracting interest from England.

Fabrizio Romano recently reported that Premier League side Newcastle United are eyeing up a deal worth up to £20m for the youngster, which means his value has risen astronomically in the space of around four years. The Magpies are looking to snap him up this summer after watching him catch the eye in Italy this season.

In the Serie A, he has averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 6.89 across 27 appearances. He has been able to showcase his attacking flair from full-back with four goals and one assist, whilst creating 0.5 chances per game.

Defensively, he has been solid throughout the campaign. Hickey has averaged 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game and has only been dribbled past 0.3 times per match, winning 60% of his overall duels in the Italian top-flight. This shows that he is a strong defender who also offers quality in possession, which makes him a modern-day full-back who can make an impact at both ends of the pitch.

At the age of 19, he also has the potential to improve further. He is in the infancy of his professional career and has plenty of time to develop further and progress as a left-back. If he is able to continue growing and raising his standards on the pitch then that £20m may start to look like a bargain and Celtic could rue their decision even more as time passes.

His former manager Daniel Stendl previously labelled him as an “extraordinary talent” and the youngster’s statistics in the Serie A at such a young age back that up. 

Hickey’s form since leaving Celtic and his immense potential as a player prove that Rodgers made a huge blunder by not offering him a route to the first-team and allowing him to leave fo nothing. He slipped through the now-Leicester boss’ clutches and the Hoops will surely be wondering what could have been, as they look set to watch him seal a potential mega-money move this summer.

AND in other news, £3m wasted: Celtic had a shocker on £7.9k-p/w “loner” who rinsed Desmond for 129 weeks…

Leeds United have failed to sign a new midfielder for fast-approaching on four-and-a-half years, though that is likely to change in the summer amid interest in Brenden Aaronson.

The last time someone was signed in the role was Adam Forshaw, joining from then-Championship rivals Middlesbrough in January 2018 – since then, the 30-year-old has dealt with a string of injuries, Samu Saiz left the club and Pablo Hernandez has also moved on.

You could argue that the Whites have overachieved in recent times, not only gaining promotion to the Premier League but also maintaining that lucrative position for nearly a third season.

But perhaps an answer could lie from within, in the form of academy dynamo Stuart McKinstry, who is just as capable of playing in central midfield as he is out wide.

The 19-year-old Scotsman bagged for the U23 squad on Monday night in their 4-0 rout of Crystal Palace, making it two goals and four assists from his 12 starts in the Premier League 2 Division 1 this season.

Only Sam Greenwood has been more creative, as per FBRef.

McKinstry, who has been likened to Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets by his academy peers, has been dubbed the ‘next big thing’ to come out of Thorp Arch by ever-reliable journalist Phil Hay of The Athletic.

Those comparisons highlight just how talented he is in multiple ways, to have the flair and dynamism of Messi and the powerful on-ball presence of Busquests. Leeds could have a real star in the making and potentially one fit to replace the legendary Hernandez at Elland Road.

“He’s a very confident ball carrier, he’s physically strong, good upper body strength, excellent feet, good at beating his man and creative. In his head, he probably feels he can play in other positions up front as well,” claimed Hay.

Meanwhile, McKinstry’s former Motherwell academy director Steven Hammell believes that he “will do wonderful things and become a household name in the next three or four years”, as he revealed to the Lanarkshire Live Sport Podcast, where he also dubbed him a “fabulous young player”.

As one of the academy’s biggest creators, first-team boss Jesse Marsch could do little wrong in handing the teenage sensation more minutes on top of his two senior appearances going forward.

Leeds could finally replace Hernandez and, at the same time, save millions of pounds in the transfer market, should the American turn to the young Scot in the near future.

AND in other news, Leeds United in “pole position” for new signing…

West Brom could make centre-back Matt Clarke’s move to the Hawthorns permanent in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh rumour.

The Lowdown: Clarke shines for West Brom

The 25-year-old joined the Baggies on loan last summer, with permanent home Brighton deeming him surplus to requirements.

Clarke has been an important figure and rare silver lining in a frustrating season at the Hawthorns, starting 29 Championship matches and averaging 1.4 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game – he is the third highest-rated player in the squad and leads the way in the latter statistic.

It is unknown whether or not the Englishman will remain at West Brom after his loan spell but a new update suggests that could be the case.

The Latest: Key report emerges

According to The Express & Star, the Baggies are confident that Clarke’s temporary move will become permanent, with Steve Bruce now ‘set to hold talks’ with him.

It is stated that an overhaul will take place at the club and other defenders will leave, but he is seen as an important figure.

The Verdict: No-brainer for Baggies

Clarke has been a rare positive at West Brom this season, as they have fallen way short of the standards expected of them in August when many felt they were among the favourites for automatic promotion.

For that reason, it makes complete sense to sign the man hailed as ‘big, strong and aerially dominant’ by Brighton correspondent Richard Mills on a long-term deal in the summer, with his age meaning he should still have many years left at his peak.

It seems unlikely that Graham Potter sees Clarke as a key player for Brighton moving forward so this would surely be a transfer that suits all parties, exciting fans ahead of what is hopefully a far more successful campaign next term.

In other news, Steve Madeley has made a big West Brom claim. Read more here.

Everton have struggled to score goals throughout their latest Premier League campaign in comparison to other teams in the bottom half of the table.

With 30 league games under their belt, the Toffees have only been able to find the net 33 times.

One figure who hasn’t been particularly helpful in terms of scoring goals for Frank Lampard’s team is Salomon Rondon. Having made 15 appearances in the league, the Venezuelan has scored just once, which came during their 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace back in December.

Looking ahead to the upcoming summer transfer window, it seems as though the Toffees are looking at bringing in another attacking player who could push the 32-year-old out the door.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Merseyside club are eyeing up a summer move for Benfica attacker Everton Soares.

With a total of 272 appearances under his belt for Benfica and his previous club Gremio, the Brazilian has scored 62 goals and provided 35 assists in the process. This shows just how capable the 26-year-old is of scoring and setting up goals, something that Lampard’s side have often lacked this season.

To highlight what a deadly attacking figure he has been for his side in the Portuguese league this term, only three other Benfica players have racked up more shots at goal than Everton (34), who also has the third-highest number of crosses in the squad (58).

The Brazil international has also shown how useful he can be off the ball for his team by making 20 tackles in total throughout the campaign.

Labelled an “exceptional” player by Marcelo Paz, the £37k-per-week talent could be just what the Merseyside club needs in order to become a deadlier attacking team than they have been this season.

Despite predominantly being a wide player, adding the Benfica star to Lampard’s squad could give the likes of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin the chance to play up front together, which could then push Rondon out of the club.

Having been described as being “desperate” to score goals for the Toffees by Noel Whelan, the Venezuelan should not be in Lampard’s plans for next season given his lack of goals during a difficult campaign for him and the club.

In other news: Everton must launch move for “outstanding” 25-year-old “Wolverine” as insider claim emerges

As per Sky Sports (via Football Daily), Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed a possible boost in the race to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger as his contract winds down.

The Lowdown: Spurs work on agreement…

According to reports, the Germany international is very much a top transfer target for Spurs, managing director Fabio Paratici, chairman Daniel Levy and coach Antonio Conte.

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Football Insider claim that Paratici is in fact ‘calling every day’, maintaining constant contact with Rudiger’s entourage as he attempts to reach an agreement and win the race for his signature.

However, suitors from overseas like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich possess an advantage given they can formally agree pre-contracts this month – a card Spurs do not hold.

Tottenham do remain in the hunt as things stand with another source, Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, recently backing the Lilywhites’ interest.

Now, in an update on Rudiger’s situation at Stamford Bridge, Sky have shared some ‘interesting news’ in what could be a boost for Spurs.

The Latest: Sky share possible Rudiger boost…

Dropping an update on live TV (via Football Daily), the broadcast giant relays that Chelsea’s star defender is in ‘no rush’ to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.

This is because he is ‘very aware’ there could be ‘interest from the Premier League’ if he were to become a free agent at the end of this season.

As well as this, despite the fact he could still sign an extension with Chelsea, they would have to make the 28-year-old the ‘highest paid defender’ in England’s top flight to stop him from leaving.

“Some interesting news reaching us regarding Antonio Rudiger,” Sky explained.

“He says he’s in no rush to sign a pre-contract agreement, now earlier this week we reported that Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG and Bayern Munich had all opened talks with his representatives.

“Barcelona, they’re also keeping an eye on his situation, but he’s very aware there could be interest from the Premier League if, of course, he were to become a free agent in the summer.

“Signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge hasn’t been ruled out for Rudiger, but we’re told Chelsea would have to make him the highest paid defender in the Premier League to keep him there.”

The Verdict: Boost for Spurs…

This update on Rudiger’s situation and transfer stance does come as a boost with Paratici as Tottenham remaining very much in contention.

Foreign sides being able to formally secure the centre-back to a pre-contract in January certainly put Spurs at a big disadvantage in the race so his willingness to bide time and entertain offers closer to home bolsters Paratici and Conte’s chances.

Rudiger’s demands to be made the highest paid defender in England if he is to agree a Chelsea extension could also boost Spurs.

Indeed, Lilywhites chairman Levy apparently has no problem tabling lucrative wages and is willing to make a ‘huge’ salary offer to tempt the player across London (Football Insider).

Taking all this into account, you can’t rule Spurs out just yet.

In other news: Tottenham ‘working strongly’ for ‘phenomenal signing’ as reporter shares news on Twitter, find out more here.

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side will make the short trip from north to west London this afternoon as they take on Brentford at the Brentford Community Stadium, looking to boost their top-four hopes with a victory.

The Italian’s outfit are currently fourth in the Premier League but have very close competition from arch-rivals Arsenal, who are behind on goal difference alone.

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Spurs had been on a good run of four consecutive victories in the league before last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at home to Brighton.

Now, they’ll be looking to make amends for that loss by getting back to winning ways against the Bees.

However, after last weekend’s slip-up, Conte could be tempted to make changes to his side and axe some of those who let him down against the Seagulls, with left-wing-back Sergio Reguilon certainly a culprit.

On the chalkboard

Prior to Ryan Sessegnon’s hamstring injury, the Spaniard had lost his place in the side to the 21-year-old with the Englishman offering plenty of attacking flair in the final third.

The 25-year-old was left out of the starting lineup by Conte for six out of seven league matches between late January and early March, only coming back into the side when Sessegnon was withdrawn in the 5-0 victory over Everton.

Ironically, Reguilon did score in that match and has missed just one game since with a knock.

However, Sessegnon has since recovered from his injury and has been on the bench for Spurs’ last two matches. Whether Conte has kept the £68k-per-week Spaniard in the starting lineup for tactical reasons or concerns over the 21-year-old’s fitness is unknown.

What is known though, is that Reguilon is walking on a tightrope in terms of keeping his place in the side after coming back into the starting lineup last weekend for the injured Matt Doherty, who is now out for the season.

The Spaniard, who has made 25 Premier League appearances so far this term, averages just 24.3 accurate passes a match – at an accuracy of 79% – whilst winning just over half of his duels at 52% with 4.6 a game.

However, against Brighton last weekend, the wing-back was well below par for his standards.

The 25-year-old completed just 17 passes with an accuracy of 63% and couldn’t manage to complete a dribble, attempting just one.

Moreover, it was a timid performance defensively, offering 0 clearances, blocks or interceptions whilst making just one tackle. The only positive was a 70% duel win rate.

Speaking to Football Insider, Spurs insider John Wenham recently labelled the wing-back as “average” whilst also stating that “he’s the worst of the bunch.”

With Reguilon’s popularity amongst the Tottenham faithful at a low, now is the time for Conte to axe the Spaniard with the Italian unable to make mistakes if his side are to secure Champions League football for next season.

AND in other news: Conte must finally unleash “absolutely fantastic” Spurs sensation, he’s a “big talent”

Aston Villa are determined to sign Joe Gomez from Liverpool before the end of the January transfer window, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown

The 24-year-old finds himself fourth in the Reds’ centre-back pecking order following the arrival of Ibrahima Konate last summer. He has played just 12 minutes of Premier League football so far this season and only started four games in all competitions.

The Londoner’s trophy haul at Anfield includes the 2019/20 Premier League title and the previous year’s UEFA Champions League.

Gomez’s £75,000-per-week contract runs until June 2024 and he is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt. Notably, he is represented by the same agency as Villa captain Tyrone Mings.

The latest

Football Insider claimed that Villa have ‘not given up hope’ of landing Gomez before next Monday’s transfer deadline.

The Midlands club enquired about the English defender earlier this month, with Gerrard intent upon strengthening his backline, and a Villa source has now told the publication that they plan to make ‘another move’ for the player this week.

Gerrard is described as a ‘huge admirer’ of the 24-year-old and remains optimistic that a deal can be done in the next seven days.

The verdict

A previous report from The Athletic suggested that Gomez ‘would not be leaving Anfield this month’, but significantly Football Insider claimed here that Liverpool are ‘likely to offload one senior centre-back’ in the next week.

The expectation has been that Nat Phillips will leave, but the Reds are struggling to find a suitor who will meet their asking price of him. That only adds to the ‘uncertainty’ around Gomez’s future.

Perhaps there’s a scenario here where Liverpool allow the ex-Charlton defender to join Villa on loan for the remainder of the season, as Jurgen Klopp might recognise the benefits of the defender consistently starting Premier League matches.

It could help him to regain maximum sharpness after he missed most of the 2020/21 season with a serious knee injury, while also giving Villa a much-needed boost to their centre-back options for the remainder of this campaign.

In other news, many Villa fans reacted to links with this Ligue 1 beast

A number of Liverpool supporters have urged the Reds to sign Canadian striker Jonathan David, following an update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

After a quiet time of things in the transfer department of late, the hope is that Liverpool bring in a number of new faces in the summer window.

With Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane turning 30 this year, and Roberto Firmino already reaching that milestone, the need for fresh attacking talent is clear to see.

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The Reds have been linked with a move for Lille striker David in the recent past, with the 22-year-old scoring 12 goals in just 16 Ligue 1 starts this season.

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Romano confirmed that the attacker will leave Lille in the summer, instead of during the January transfer window.

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Liverpool fans desperate for David signing

These Liverpool fans on Twitter pleaded with the Reds to get David to Anfield ahead of next season.

“I would love him at Liverpool”

Credit: @Kaartik_FPL

“We should be all over this”

Credit: @TheImmortalKop

“Let’s not miss out on this guy”

Credit: @its__lew

“Please @LFC please”

Credit: @Kidmonger

“Get it done”

Credit: @Ikerinssy

“I want another Canadian at LFC and Jonathan David is one of the best Canadian men’s players around right now.”

Credit: @DannySherms

In other news, James Pearce has talked up a possible Liverpool signing. Find out who it is here.

So far in the January transfer window, Wolves have made just one new addition, bringing in Japanese midfielder Hayao Kawabe from Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Club Zurich.

However, with Wolves’ official website stating that the player is expected to return to Switzerland on loan to complete the season with Grasshoppers after spending January in England, it could be worth signing another player who will actually spend the remainder of the current campaign in Bruno Lage’s squad.

With that in mind, one player that Wolves could sign who would not only be unlikely to be loaned back out upon arrival at Molineux but also have a great chance of playing regularly in the team is Renato Sanches.

Having been linked with a move for the Lille midfielder during last summer’s transfer window, this month could give Wolves a great chance of finally securing the 24-year-old.

Since joining Lille back in 2019 from Bayern Munich, the Portuguese maestro has made 76 appearances for the French club across all competitions, scoring six goals and providing six assists in the process.

Imagine him and Neves

Described as a player who has “got a lot of character” by BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas, Sanches has shown what a quality midfield player he can be, averaging 1.4 key passes per game in Ligue 1 this season. That is higher than any other Lille player and also exceeds every Wolves player in 2021/22 except Raul Jimenez, who is tied with him on 1.4 but with a much lower passing completion rate according to WhoScored.

This shows that the £27m-rated Portugal gem could provide a big boost for Wolves, particularly in an attacking regard, with only rock-bottom Norwich City having scored fewer goals than Lage’s side in the Premier League this season. Imagine him alongside compatriot Ruben Neves, who is the only Wolves player other than Jimenez to have both scored a goal and provided an assist in the league this season, and how that could greatly bolster the Old Gold’s attacking threat.

Moving forward, Wolves should definitely make another approach to Lille before the end of the month to see if they would be willing to negotiate a deal for Sanches this month or even in next summer’s transfer window.

In other news: Shi could secure the next Jimenez at Wolves with swoop for “quality” £49k-p/w beast – opinion