All posts by z3u9t.icu

Man Utd have had a slow January transfer window, with the Red Devils yet to sign anyone. Of course, that was always expected, given that they’re currently in somewhat of a transitionary period under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The board aren’t likely to be willing to invest big money under a boss that may not be there in six months.

However, that doesn’t mean that the Man Utd board aren’t working hard. Indeed, attention has already shifted to the summer window, at least if the latest exclusive report from the Metro is to be believed. According to the Metro, Man Utd are tracking Borussia Dortmund sensation Jadon Sancho, with the club potentially looking to make a move in the summer. 

Dortmund are said to value him at £90 million, which is a huge fee for the teenager, but Man Utd have shown a willingness to invest that sort of money in top talents – and Sancho certainly falls under that banner.

He’s enjoyed a fantastic season so far this year, with a brilliant return of 6 goals and 9 assists from just 12 league games. He offers incredible ability and drive down the flanks for Dortmund, and he’s regularly kept big-name Chelsea-bound attacker Christian Pulisic out of the team.

Significantly, Man Utd look to be building for the future, with Anthony Martial handed a new deal by the Red Devils. In Sancho, the Red Devils could have the ideal long-term partner for the Frenchman, especially with Alexis Sanchez struggling.

Make no mistake, Sancho is one of Europe’s best young players, and they’re always going to come at a premium.  He could help usher in a new era at Old Trafford.

Thoughts? 

An update has emerged on Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha regarding a potential move to Newcastle United in 2022.

What’s the talk?

According to Il Messaggero, via Sport Witness, the Magpies will ‘probably’ sign the shot-stopper on a free transfer next summer.

The report claims that he is set to leave the Italian club upon the expiry of his contract, with St James’ Park named as his most likely destination.

Fans would be fuming

New Magpies manager Eddie Howe could be heading for his first Newcastle disaster if he is seriously lining up a deal to sign Strakosha from Lazio, as this report suggests. The fans would surely be fuming as, on paper at least, he appears unlikely to be a good signing for the Tyneside club.

He has played just nine Serie A games since the start of last season and has not featured in a single league match in the current campaign. The shot-stopper has not been able to nail down a place in the starting XI in the league, with Pepe Reina preferred ahead of him, so why would he be an exciting addition for Newcastle?

Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, via Daily Cannon, previously stated that he is ‘often criticised’ by the media for his displays. This suggests that he was axed from their starting XI due to the nature of his performances, indicating that he was struggling on the pitch and deservedly dropped.

Therefore, why would the Magpies want to sign a player who is desperately lacking in match fitness and form when they already have three senior goalkeeping options. Karl Darlow, Martin Dubravka and Freddie Woodman all remain at St James’ and throwing in Strakosha given his form – or lack thereof in the last 18 months – could do little to clear up the situation.

With a plethora of goalkeepers already at the club, Howe should be looking for a clear upgrade to come in and be the number one option if he wants to make a signing in that position, as otherwise they will be overloaded with options and squandering wages on a number of players. Strakosha’s situation at Lazio suggests that he does not have the quality to come in and do that, which is why Magpies fans could be fuming if he signs for the club.

Therefore, Howe could be on the verge of his first Newcastle nightmare if he opts to continue pursuing a deal for the £6.75m-rated Albanian dud.

AND in other news, Howe could solve major Newcastle issue by signing £116k-p/w “monster” who’s “like Bonucci”…

An injury update has emerged on versatile Newcastle United beast Paul Dummett…

What’s the latest?

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has revealed that the defender is back out on the grass and could be available to Eddie Howe in the next few days/weeks heading into December.

A supporter asked him about Dummett’s current situation in a Q&A and the reporter wrote: “It has been a frustrating few months for Paul Dummett, who continues to be ravaged by injury problems.

“However, he did return to the grass last week and the indications I’ve received are that he could be in contention for selection within a matter of weeks, if not potentially even days. He suffered a calf problem during pre-season and then unfortunately had a setback during Bruce’s final few weeks, but he is closing in on a return.

“However, given his lack of action in recent months, and how susceptible he is to injuries, it may take him a little bit of time to get fully up to speed.”

Buzzing

This update could provide Eddie Howe with a much-needed lift heading into a crucial chunk of the Premier League season. The Magpies are heading into the busiest schedule of the campaign throughout December and Dummett’s return could really bolster the squad.

His return could be a big boost as he has proven that he can be a reliable defender in the top-flight in multiple positions.

Since the start of the 2015/16 campaign, he has never averaged a SofaScore rating lower than 6.74 in the league, showing that he has been a consistent performer for the Magpies. Last term, Dummett averaged a score of 6.76 in 15 appearances. He won 56% of his duels over the course of the year and made zero errors leading to goals or shots.

In terms of his versatility, he has shown that he can play at centre-back or left-back during his career. This means that he can feature in either of those positions in a back four, or as a left-sided centre-back or a wing-back in a back five too – giving Howe plenty of options in how he can use him in the coming months.

Therefore, Dummett could provide a massive lift for the ex-Cherries coach, leaving him buzzing in the process at his upcoming availability. He is a versatile, reliable, player who could potentially improve the defence with his presence – given his aforementioned form over the years – and plug gaps when needed due to his ability to feature in a multitude of roles.

AND in other news,  Howe must unleash £10.8m-rated NUFC “dark horse” vs Norwich, it’s his time to shine…

Tottenham Hotspur right-back Matt Doherty is expected to leave north London in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, with the journalist revealing on a recent episode of the Here We Go podcast that Spurs boss Antonio Conte is looking to move a number of first-team players on in the upcoming winter market, and that the 29-year-old defender is one of them.

Speaking about the potential exit of the Republic of Ireland international next month, Romano said: “Doherty has a serious chance to leave in January. Tottenham are also thinking about the outgoings. Doherty is going to leave.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering how poor Doherty has generally been for Tottenham since his £15m move to North London back in the summer of 2020, the news that Spurs are looking to move the right-back on this winter is sure to have left many of the club’s fanbase buzzing.

Indeed, over his 17 Premier League appearances last season – only 13 of which came as starts – the £10.8m-rated defender helped his side keep a mere three clean sheets, as well as being beaten by an opponent an average of 1.2 times and losing possession of the ball a whopping 13.3 times per game.

These returns saw the £74k-per-week man earn an extremely disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of just 6.76, ranking him as Spurs’ 11th-worst performer in the top flight of English football last time out.

Things have not improved for the right-back over his four league outings this season, with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.72 – ranking him as Antonio Conte’s eighth-worst player in the division so far.

As such, it will perhaps come as no surprise to many Tottenham fans that, in a recent poll ran on Football FanCast, the overwhelming majority of Spurs supporters voted in favour of their club moving the 29-year-old onto pastures new this winter.

As a result, Romano’s latest update will undoubtedly come as music to the ears of many involved with the club, and we would have to agree that Doherty’s rather hefty weekly wage could easily be put to much better use by Fabio Paratici and Conte in the January transfer window.

In other news: Conte may have found his new Skriniar as THFC make contact for £76m-rated “oil tanker”

A number of Liverpool supporters have slammed Jordan Henderson’s performance against Arsenal, despite the Reds reaching the League Cup final.

Jurgen Klopp’s men produced an impressive display away to the Gunners on Thursday evening, winning 2-0 at the Emirates.

Liverpool dominated the game barring a slow start, with Diogo Jota twice finding the net to fire his side to Wembley and a final against Chelsea next month.

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There were standout performers for the Reds in north London, from Jota to Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Henderson was again a long way short of his best.

The Liverpool captain played no key passes on the night and lost possession five times, according to Sofascore, lacking his usual energy in the middle of the park.

He was dribbled past once and only registered 39 touches, which was a whopping 20 less than his own goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher.

It is not the first time the skipper has struggled this term, ranking as Liverpool’s 14th-best player for the season on Whoscored.

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Liverpool fans criticise Henderson display

Henderson’s performance wasn’t ignored by some Reds fans on Twitter, who took to the social media platform to lambast his display.

“Henderson plays against us now. Man just got the ball off from Fabinho there”

Credit: @LuffyLFC

“Henderson had a very poor game. Really struggling for a bit of form at the minute”

Credit: @ciarano44

“Henderson did nothing all game yet again. Nobody has been good. But Henderson was invisible. He never came back from the Euros”

Credit: @AndyLFC17

“I’m better than Jordan Henderson and I’m 17”

Credit: @JacobSize3

“That was a truly anonymous performance from Henderson there”

Credit: @DollyDevereaux

“Henderson now is so poor in midfield and not improving at all. I miss players like Elliot, Thiago, Keita. Only Jones is doing anything in attack”

Credit: @Horlawale3043

In other news, some Liverpool fans are buzzing over a Reds transfer update. Read more here.

Wolves youngster Ryan Giles can become a key figure at Molineux after his loan spell at Cardiff City ends, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Giles out on loan

The 21-year-old joined the Bluebirds on the temporary basis back in the summer, in order to enjoy some invaluable playing time in the Championship.

Giles has registered a hugely impressive nine assists in just 16 league starts this season, having been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by teammate Marlon Pack.

The young midfielder will return to Wolves at the end of the season, at which point Bruno Lage could make him a key part of his plans.

The Latest: Hatfield tips youngster to shine

Someone who expects that to be the case is Hatfield, who told Give Me Sport that he sees a bright future for him at Wanderers:

“I’m sure they’ll have one eye on him. He fits in really well with the formation they play and he is a really exciting young player.”

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The Verdict: One for the future

It is always exciting to see young homegrown players given an opportunity, so the hope is that Giles can force his way into Lage’s plans.

To have registered nine assists in such short time this season speaks volumes about the Englishman’s qualities as a footballer, especially with the Championship such a taxing league for young players to make their mark in.

With Joao Moutinho now 35 years of age, a gap in Wolves’ midfield could open up next season and Giles may be the man to come in and fill the void, having averaged 2.8 key passes per game in the league in 2021/22 to date.

In other news, some Wolves fans have erupted over a piece of transfer news. Read more here.

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz is attracting significant interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claim that Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma side are interested in signing the 23-year-old during the upcoming winter market.

However, the report does go on to suggest that Steven Gerrard’s arrival at Villa Park could well have modified Aston Villa’s stance regarding the player’s future, with previous reports suggesting that Dean Smith was open to parting with the Brazil international this summer.

Finally, it is claimed that, in order for the Premier League side to begin considering the sale of Douglas Luiz, a fee of €35m (£30m) would be required, something that would also prove to be a stumbling block for the Serie A side.

NSWE must avoid disaster

Considering just how impressive Douglas Luiz has been for Aston Villa so far this season, the argument that selling the defensive midfielder would be something of a disaster for NSWE is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, over his eight Premier League appearances this term, the £31.5m-rated man has registered two assists, created one big chance for his teammates and has made an average of 1.6 key passes per game.

The player who Gianni Di Marzio dubbed as “like Miralem Pjanic” has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 0.8 clearances and winning five tackles per fixture.

These returns have seen the £52k-per-week Brazilian average a SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Villa’s second-best performer in the top flight.

As such, considering his obvious ability both in front of the defence as well as going forwards, it would seem highly likely that Douglas Luiz is a player who Steven Gerrard will build his favoured three-man midfield around at Villa Park, meaning the 23-year-old’s sale in January would undoubtedly be something that would leave the 41-year-old fuming.

In other news: Mings 2.0: Gerrard must seal AVFC deal for 6ft6 colossus who’s “excellent on the ball”

Many Wolves fans have been left flocking to some transfer news that has emerged on Willy Boly.

As per The Daily Mail, the Midlands club are now willing to listen to offers for the central defender in the January transfer window, as he has reportedly falling down the pecking order under Bruno Lage.

He has been left on the bench on injuries, and with the likes of Conor Coady and Romain Saiss to call upon, it may be time for him to leave.

However, he has been a great servant at Molineux, being a mainstay in the Championship-winning campaign and then in the Premier League, and so some WWFC supporters are understandably reluctant to let him go.

Wolves fans on Boly transfer news

These Wanderers flocked to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be ‘extremely sad’:

“Seen it all now”

Credit: @xReecexx

“NOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @BekiWolves1877

“Don’t”

Credit: @Millennewell

“Made a massive difference for us when he arrived, I’d be sad to see him go”

Credit: @Wolfy1223754986

“Pain”

Credit: @wwfc_adam

“Would be an extremely sad way for an important player for Wolves over the last few years to leave.”

Credit: @David_gill14

In other news, find out what potential swap deal has Wanderers buzzing here!

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United face off against Wolves tonight as they return to Premier League action at St James’ Park.

The Magpies were left humbled last time out in the top flight as Tottenham smashed them 5-1 in north London, after Fabian Schar had given the Toon the lead with a fine free-kick.

Howe’s side have now lost three games in succession and they will be hoping to turn things around against Wolves in front of their own supporters.

How many changes will the 44-year-old make to the team from last Sunday? Here is our predicted starting XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with Jamaal Lascelles, Jacob Murphy and Bruno Guimaraes all coming in.

Wolves typically play in a 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 formation and Howe may look to counter that by moving to a 3-5-2 of his own, particularly after the manner of the defeat last week.

This means that he will need to bring in another central defender to play alongside Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. In that case, Lascelles must come in as the middle centre-back in the three, as he is strong in his individual duels and can win headers in the box.

He has won an outstanding 75% of his aerial battles this season and averaged 4.8 clearances per game. This suggests that he will be perfect for the role, as he has the defensive quality to deal with crosses coming into the box, which is why he must start tonight.

With the change in formation, Murphy could come in to play at right wing-back. Javier Manquillo lost three of his five duels and only made one tackle and interception combined last Sunday, and he could now be dropped to the bench to make way for the former Norwich man because of his poor display in north London.

Finally, Guimaraes may come in to replace Joe Willock. The English gem is struggling with an injury and is a doubt for the game tonight, which means that his place in the middle of the park may be up for grabs.

The £40m man should start next to Jonjo Shelvey and Joelinton if the ex-Arsenal youngster misses out. He impressed upon coming off the bench against Spurs last week and deserves his chance to show what he can do from the start tonight. As per SofaScore, he won seven duels and four tackles and completed 96% of his attempted passes in the 5-1 defeat, showcasing his quality as a substitute.

Guimaraes has been dubbed as “exceptionally talented” by former Celtic manager Neil Lennon and he must line up in the middle of the park for Newcastle tonight.

AND in other news, Signed for free, now worth £9m: Ashley sealed his final NUFC gift in £35k-p/w “dream”…

Celtic centre-back Stephen Welsh was forced off for Scotland’s U21 side with what appeared to be a groin problem, The Daily Record report.

The Lowdown: Welsh under Postecoglou

Welsh began the campaign as a regular under Ange Postecoglou and has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season.

The 21-year-old, who Celtic youth coach Martin Miller hailed as a ‘fan favourite’ and ‘phenomenal’, made his last start in green and white back in February against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa Conference League.

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Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt have established themselves as Postecoglou’s first-choice pairing, with Welsh and Christopher Jullien on standby.

The Latest: Welsh’s injury

Welsh was one of a number of Celtic players who have been away on international duty and captained Scotland’s U21 side against Kazakhstan on Monday.

The Daily Record revealed that the centre-back had to be taken off shortly after half-time with what appeared to be a groin injury days before a crucial Glasgow Derby with Rangers.

The Verdict: Never ending

You’d expect that Welsh wouldn’t have started at Ibrox on Sunday, however, it would have been handy for Postecoglou to be able to call upon the defender from the bench if needed.

He may not get that luxury following this injury update, with Postecoglou already having concerns over Daizen Maeda and Tom Rogic during the current break.

The Celtic boss hasn’t had the best of luck when it comes to injuries during his first season in charge, and unfortunately, they aren’t showing any signs of slowing up.

In other news: ‘As well…’ – Journalist drops claim on more exit news at Celtic Park; it’s a potential ‘bonus’.