All posts by z3u9t.icu

As per Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on England international Sam Johnstone, with one mainstay’s future now in ‘major doubt’.

The Lowdown: Lloris’ future up in the air

Hugo Lloris, signed by chairman Daniel Levy in the summer of 2012, has been a long-standing Tottenham servant and fixture in the starting line up, playing every single Premier League match so far this season.

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However, with the 34-year-old Frenchman’s deal due to expire next year, it now remains to be seen whether this season is indeed his last in a Spurs shirt.

As such, the club and its managing director Fabio Paratici are keeping their eyes peeled for worthy replacements, with fresh reports about Johnstone coming to the fore.

The Latest: Spurs eye Lloris replacement…

Despite signing Atalanta shot stopper Pierluigi Gollini on a season-long loan with the option to buy, it appears that Spurs have a contingency plan as they set their sights on Johnstone.

Having recently established himself both at club level and with England, the 28-year-old is firmly on Tottenham’s watchlist. A senior Lilywhites scout is even said to have watched him in action as recently as last week when his West Brom side took on Preston North End.

Spurs are now believed to be compiling a dossier on Johnstone with the view to making a move, according to Football Insider.

The Verdict: Ideal?

Even though Gollini hasn’t really been given his chance to prove whether he is worthy of taking the mantle from Lloris, you could argue that signing Johnstone is a no-brainer going by his homegrown status.

West Brom were also apparently willing to accept around £15m for the goalkeeper last summer, arguably a bargain price given his status as a Three Lions international and his concession rate of just 0.66 goals per game in the Championship so far this term (six in nine games).

He has also been called ‘world class’ by Wolverhampton Wanderers legend Steve Bull (This is Futbol), so could he be the perfect Lloris replacement in N17? They could probably do a lot worse.

In other news: Levy plan to offload big name Spurs player emerges as source leaks damning Hotspur Way behaviour, find out more here.

West Ham are reportedly considering an offer for Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard, according to The Daily Telegraph’s Mike McGrath. 

Vestergaard has been with Southampton since 2018, having previously been on the books with Borussia Mönchengladbach – he has made 79 appearances in total for the Saints.

That includes 32 appearances in the 2020/21 season for Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side, as they finished 15th in the Premier League table last term.

The Saints lost Danny Ings to Aston Villa recently, whilst also being faced with interest from Dean Smith’s side for James Ward-Prowse’s services.

Vestergaard is the latest player to be linked with a move away from St Mary’s Stadium, although it is reported that Nikola Milenković remains West Ham’s main transfer target at this moment in time.

David Moyes’ side will be looking to build on a strong campaign last term, after finishing sixth in the Premier League table, meaning they will now need additional depth to cope with the demands of Europa League football.

Plenty of West Ham supporters took to social media to react to their rumoured interest in signing Vestergaard, and you can find some of the best comments from West Ham Central’s Twitter account below….

Mixed opinions from Hammers fans

“I’d rather play David Moyes at centre back than Vestegaard.”

Credit: @HcWhu

“Dear god no.”

Credit: @Jamessm70043328

“No way please no.”

Credit: @essexhammer80

“Oh no …..”

Credit: @robboandrew

“I’m all for this.”

Credit: @westhamtransfer

“Vestergaard was great for Saints last year. He is really good.”

Credit: @Irons_Stuff

“Would’ve been fuming with this last season but really improved and his passing would be good for our counter. Won’t happen though.”

Credit: @WHUFCallum_

“Always looked a good player to me, pretty sure we have enquired about him before.”

Credit: @WHUbluesman

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”…

Despite enjoying a successful run of form prior to the current international break, remaining unbeaten in their four previous league games, there have been some figures in the Southampton squad that have failed to prove themselves as important players for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

One of which is 23-year-old winger Moussa Djenepo, who has yet to score a goal or provide an assist in nine appearances across all competitions so far this season.

With five starts and two substitute appearances under his belt in the Premier League this season, Djenepo, who is currently valued at £11.7m according to Transfermarkt, has not featured in any of Southampton’s three previous league games, not even making the bench for their 1-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.

Southampton signed Djenepo back in the 2019 summer transfer window from Standard Liege in a deal worth a reported fee of £15m.

Since then, the winger has made a total of 60 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, scoring just four goals and providing two assists in the process, showing that he has not been terribly consistent in front of goal for the club, which seems to have been the case this season as well.

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During his time on the pitch in the Premier League this season, Djenepo has managed to lose possession of the ball 81 times in total and rack up a poor average of 0.1 shots on target per game, showing that he hasn’t tested many goalkeepers that he’s come up against when he’s had the chance to play.

A prime example of this came during Southampton’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle United back in August where Djenepo missed a great chance from the six-yard box, which was then described as “unbelievable” by Hasenhuttl for all the wrong reasons.

The Mali international has not proven himself to be a useful defensive player for the Saints either with an average of just 0.3 interceptions per game, 0.7 clearances per game and 41% of duels won.

All in all, Djenepo’s performances in the league this season have earned him a rather uninspiring overall rating of 6.33/10, making him one of Southampton’s lowest-rated players of the season according to WhoScored. On that basis, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if he was shown the exit door at some point in the next 12 months, something that would sadly be deserved based on his poor showings at St Mary’s.

Taking all of this into account, it’s hard to see Djenepo gaining his place back in the team for a consistent run anytime soon, and even though he’s only 23, the winger hasn’t really proven himself to the manager or to the club that they made the right decision in signing him and thus, he should be axed.

In other news: Southampton handed big triple injury boost that will surely leave fans buzzing – opinion

American journalist Larry Henry Jr has dropped the latest on talks from Newcastle United to sign USA international Cameron Carter-Vickers in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Impressive at Bournemouth

Carter-Vickers had a very impressive 2020/21 season while on loan at AFC Bournemouth from Tottenham Hotspur, as the Cherries just missed out on promotion back up to the Premier League with a play-off semi-final loss at the hands of Brentford, who eventually went up themselves.

The Spurs man played in a total of 21 games in the EFL Championship, winning no fewer than 4.5 of his duels per match, as well as averaging 3.4 clearances, 1.1 interceptions and one tackle per game, helping his team keep five clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

The Latest: Carter-Vickers update

As per journalist Henry Jr, both the St. James’ Park faithful and Celtic ‘remain in talks’ with the Lilywhites over a potential deal to sign Carter-Vickers, ‘per a source close to the player’.

THFC would also receive a sell-on clause in addition to a transfer fee, should the central defender leave North London.

The Verdict: Sign

Steve Bruce could do with bulking up his squad now as the new campaign looms, and Carter-Vickers could prove to be a cheap option to do just that.

Rated at a mere £1.8m by Transfermarkt, the USA international is unlikely to be very pricey at all, and will have gained a lot of confidence from some of his displays while at Bournemouth.

Nonetheless, at just 23 years of age, he still has a lot of potential, and may get the regular games on Tyneside needed to realise that.

In other news, find out what consortium insight Lee Ryder has dropped on the potential takeover here!

Every now and then, a duo comes along that causes your mouth to water. Your palms will begin to sweat and the hairs will stand up on the back of your neck.

In terms of Everton, you can cast your minds back to the days of David Moyes and Tim Cahill or as recently to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Carlo Ancelotti.

Those pairings were scintillating but we could well see the return of Moyes in the near future.

Toffees chairman Bill Kenwright wants him to succeed Ancelotti at Goodison Park but they have other irons in the fire.

One manager who’s been touted with the vacancy is Brighton boss Graham Potter.

The 46-year-old is still an inexperienced coach but has made a name for himself in an eye-catching fashion.

He steered Ostersund from the fourth tier of Swedish football all the way to the top-flight and then into European football.

A move to the Championship followed as he joined Swansea before cutting his cloth in the Premier League with the Seagulls.

Heading to a bigger club would be just deserts for his impressive methods but like Moyes and Cahill all those years ago, he could help to forge another terrifying duo in Merseyside.

That’s because Everton have been linked to one of Potter’s stand out players at the Amex; Yves Bissouma.

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They reportedly made an enquiry to sign the £40m midfielder last month and are one of a number of clubs interested in securing his services.

Bissouma has come on leaps and bounds under the current Brighton manager, featuring for him on 62 occasions.

Potter has been vital in taking the 24-year-old’s game to the next level, quickly establishing himself as one of the most menacing midfielder’s in the Premier League.

Compared to Yaya Toure, only Luke Ayling (108) won more tackles in England’s top-flight than Bissouma (104) this season.

He prevailed in 2.9 challenges per match and produced 1.5 dribbles per game, displaying a frightening set of qualities that have bullied fellow midfielder’s all season long.

Described as “exceptional” by Gary Linekar, Bissouma has all the qualities to thrive in the middle of the park for Everton.

He can carry the ball, read the play and break up attacks on command. Adding him and Potter to the Everton ranks would be nothing short of a masterstroke from Farhad Moshiri and Marcel Brands.

AND in other news, Worse than Nuno: Moshiri risks more mediocrity if Everton hire “stubborn” 47 y/o boss…

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their efforts to secure a new central midfielder this summer with the August 31st deadline fast approaching.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with several big names such as Saul Niguez and Eduardo Camavinga in recent weeks as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to strengthen the spine of his team.

But now, well-known journalist and transfer expert Duncan Castles has provided an update on the Old Trafford outfit’s search, claiming the club’s hierarchy have made contact with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco over Aurelien Tchouameni.

“They have had contact with Aurelien Tchouameni’s representatives at AS Monaco to find out what it would cost to bring him there,” Castles revealed on a recent installment of the Transfer Window podcast (as relayed by The Express).

Solskjaer would love him

After arriving at the Stade Louis II back in January 2020, Tchouameni has established himself as one of Ligue 1’s most promising young talents, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 52 appearances for the principality club.

However, it’s the 21-year-old’s work off the ball that really catches the eye. As per WhoScored, Tchouameni averaged a whopping 3.5 tackles per league game in 2020/21, by far the highest tally amongst his team.

The France Under-21 international also made 1.7 interceptions, the joint-highest total when compared to his teammates, and he not only dominated proceedings on the ground but in the air as well, winning 67% of his aerial duels.

Tchouameni’s domineering displays have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including current Monaco teammate Cesc Fabregas, who praised the youngster.

“He has the potential to be a complete midfield player,” the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea maestro wrote on Twitter.

Therefore, United manager Solskjaer would surely love to bring the £27m-rated gem to the red half of Manchester over the coming days, adding some steal and bite to his midfield options.

The likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek are more attack-minded options than the protective Tchouameni, while Scott McTominay and Fred specialise in more box-to-box roles.

By bringing Tchouameni to Old Trafford, Solskjaer could finally have the balanced engine room that’s been missing throughout his reign, potentially elevating the 20-time English champions to new heights under the Norwegian.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer blow in pursuit of £36m-rated “conductor”, Ole will be gutted 

Anwar El-Ghazi has come under fire from some Aston Villa fans for his performance in the first half of their Premier League meeting with Newcastle United.

Villa were looking to get off the mark for the new season after falling to a 3-2 defeat away to newly-promoted Watford on the opening day.

El-Ghazi started on the left-hand side of the Villa frontline, with summer signing Leon Bailey sidelined after picking up a minor hamstring injury in training.

Two new arrivals completed the attacking trio, Danny Ings lining-up through the middle and Emiliano Buendia starting on the right-hand side.

El-Ghazi’s first-half performance in numbers

He touched the ball only 11 times over the 45 minutes – fewer than the home side’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (13).

The Dutchman completed only five passes, lost possession three times and was also caught offside once.

It was a quiet first half for the hosts generally, with Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman largely a spectator as he watched four attempts fly off target.

Villa fans tear into El-Ghazi

“JJ Ramsey the only one trying here. Buendia and El Ghazi (especially) ghosting this game”

Credit: @Villa4life1990

“Hi @ASRomaEN you still interested in el ghazi?”

Credit: @AVFC_Aston

“El Ghazi is such a championship winger. His production is so average”

Credit: @chrishutton7

“El Ghazi, kills the attack everytime”

Credit: @JordAVFCx

“El ghazi starting has really done my head in”

Credit: @Jasonmoss1995

“Same old El Ghazi, not a brain cell in sight”

Credit: @JaskiMat

In other news, a journalist has predicted this man will leave on loan.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been left frustrated by a report claiming that goalkeeper Adrian has been offered a new deal at Anfield.

The Reds finished their 2020/21 season in style on Sunday, picking up a 2-0 win at home to Crystal Palace and sealing a third-placed finish and Champions League football. It was a magnificent effort from Jurgen Klopp and his players, who won eight and drew two of their last 10 matches in the league.

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Now that the season is done and dusted, attention will turn to transfers, with Klopp no doubt eyeing up potential reinforcements. On the flip side, there are also those who could head the other way, being deemed surplus to requirements and enjoying a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Adrian could be one of those, having proven to be a divisive figure at Anfield – his performance against Atletico Madrid last season didn’t help – although the Daily Mail claimed that the Spaniard has been offered a new deal at Anfield.

It is stated that a return to Spain could appeal more, however, in order to enjoy more regular playing time.

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Liverpool fans react to Adrian update

These Liverpool fans aren’t happy about a potential new contract for the goalkeeper, taking to Twitter to call for Adrian to leave.

“FSG out”

Credit: @yaboi_kryp20

“I’ll pay for his flight”

Credit: @kajju

“Please return home”

Credit: @YSpecz

“Take our 3rd place away immediately”

Credit: @ricciardoszn

“We deserve relegation because of this”

Credit: @AC_LFC19

“Got home from work to this awful news”

Credit: @o_ameenat

In other news, James Pearce has discussed a Liverpool player’s future, providing a key update. Find out who it is here.

Journalist Phil Hay believes that Dan James will lead the line for Leeds United in their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Monday night.

The Lowdown: James’ resurgence under Marsch

Jesse Marsch’s men face another crucial game in their top-flight survival battle as they head south to take on the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

James has been used regularly by the Leeds manager since the American replaced Marcelo Bielsa, admittedly not yet scoring under the 48-year-old but providing lots of endeavour and registering two assists.

The former Manchester United man has often been used centrally by Marsch in the absence of Patrick Bamford, and that could be the case again when Leeds take on Palace.

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The Latest: Hay makes team news claim

Writing in a Q&A for The Athletic leading up to kick-off, Hay has backed James to lead the line for Leeds at Selhurst Park, on what feels like a crucial night in the relegation tussle. The journalist wrote:

“My gut feeling is it will be James up front again this evening – but maybe Marsch will surprise us.”

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The Verdict: Big night for James

In truth, James has had a disappointing first season in a Leeds shirt, having become the club’s second-most expensive signing in history when he joined from their Mancunian rivals.

Four goals and four assists is still a reasonable effort in a struggling team, though, and it makes sense for him to continue in a central role on Monday night in the absence of Bamford.

If James could find the net decisively at Selhurst Park, it would be perhaps his biggest contribution yet in a Whites shirt as he looks to justify the £25m that Leeds paid for him last year.

In other news, Marsch is reportedly trying to bring one player to Leeds. Find out who it is here.