All posts by n8rngtd.top

Leeds United player Pascal Struijk has had a decent start to life in the Premier League, and this has reportedly not gone unnoticed as he is attracting interest from Europa League sides.

The latest on Struijk

According to De Telegraaf via Sport Witness, the defensive midfielder and central defender is attracting interest from Leicester City and Italian side Napoli.

The report claims that both Brendan Rodgers’ side and the Naples outfit have inquired about Struijk, but most likely with the centre-back’s camp and not the club, about a possible acquisition.

Leeds need to stand firm

Struijk, who is valued at £2.25m, arrived from the the Ajax academy back in 2018 (Transfermarkt) and is starting to become a key player for the club. The 21 year-old has progressed from the academy to the senior side, and has now made 22 appearances under Marcelo Bielsa, including 15 in the Premier League.

Speaking to Football Insider  in the past, Noel Whelan said: “He looked very assured at the back, very competitive in the air and his ball distribution was excellent,” showing skills that serve him well in multiple positions.

Earlier this season the club also gave the defender a contract extension, which clearly highlights that they believe the young prospect is good for both the present and the future. Leeds need to do everything to make sure they keep hold of him.

In other news, Leeds are interested in a hot European prospect!

Celtic are in a disastrous position right now. 21 points behind their fierce rivals and out of Europe, Neil Lennon and the club’s hierarchy are in a perilous place with their jobs on the line.

Despite having watched their team win nine titles in a row, Hoops supporters are ruthless and will only ever settle for top spot.

With the transfer window now in full swing, signing a few players could certainly help with matters. That being said, making up such a large gap is now virtually impossible.

Though, one player who could perhaps lend more assistance heading into next season is Joel Randall.

The Exeter City winger was linked with a move to Parkhead last week and although he probably wouldn’t be what we’d call a marquee addition, there is a sense that he’d showcase plenty of talent in Scotland.

So far this season, the 21-year-old has scored eight goals and registered a further four assists in what has been a breakthrough campaign for the Grecians.

He currently plays in League Two, so there is understandable scepticism about whether he could make the jump to the SPFL but his performance in the FA Cup last weekend showcased the he can shine against a higher level of opposition.

Although Exeter lost to Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, Randall stood out and he certainly didn’t shy out of a challenge, winning 75% of his duels. For context, no Exeter player won more ground duels for his side than Randall last Saturday.

He was also good going forward, however, succeeding with a joint team-high number of two dribbles. Randall did lose possession 20 times but that was just a marker of how regularly he either tried to deliver the ball into the box or how often he tried to beat a man.

The fact he was top of his team’s statistics just go to show the talent he possesses ass he put in a performance that was full of energy. That will come as no surprise to many, though.

Speaking about the youngster previously, his manager Matt Taylor once said: “His running stats are phenomenal but he’s added an extra dimension to his game in terms of the end product.”

Randall got up and down the left-hand channel like a whippet, putting in plenty of hard yards which no doubt would have pleased Celtic scouts. Unfortunately, his endeavour wasn’t enough to earn Exeter the win but Lennon, if he had any doubt about how the Exeter star would cope playing against better opposition, will now surely be convinced.

Six goals in League Two isn’t the most impressive achievement but standing out against Championship opposition is no mean feat. He’d be a solid pick up for the Hoops, especially with Mo Elyounoussi only on loan in Glasgow for the time being. A replacement, therefore, will need to be found from somewhere and Randall could well be that man.

AND in other news, “Huge disappointment” – Exclusive: Pundit reacts to massive Celtic injury blow for Neil Lennon…

Glasgow Rangers fans have been enjoying a video of former X Factor contestant Chico Slimani as they close in on the Premiership title.

Things could hardly be going better for the Ibrox outfit at the moment. As it stands, they lead the table by 20 points from Celtic with just 14 games left to play (BBC). As such, they are well on course to win their first league title in 10 years, and they have a good chance of going through the campaign unbeaten.

The supporters are enjoying themselves, as well, as they enroll the help of several celebrities to poke fun at their fierce rivals. First, former Eastenders actor Shaun Williamson recorded a message for “Neil, Broony and the Bhoys”, and now Chico has put together a similar clip.

As you can imagine, the Gers fans were absolutely delighted with the video, which was shared by Twitter account @JimTheJudge, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Chico below

“This will take some topping”

Credit: @83boabobski

“Genius. Just genius.”

Credit: @drovenpoke

“Outstanding”

Credit: @trickymcfingaz

“That is fantastic”

Credit: @TheMacFarlane

“Tremendous”

Credit: @Ro55B055RFC

“This is phenomenal!!”

Credit: @reverendgv1

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this transfer news.

Wolves’ season hasn’t exactly been one to remember so far.

Sat 13th in the Premier League table, they have fallen some way short of expectation and will face a huge battle to regain European football. As a result, some extra investment in the transfer market could do a great deal of good.

What’s the word?

The priority for Wolves in the January window is a new striker. They have been linked with the likes of Divock Origi and Diego Costa but a new name has now emerged on their radar.

According to the Transfer Exchange Show, they’re eyeing a move for Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah.

They state that the Old Gold are in talks over a move for the youngster with negotiations ongoing. It’s thought that Arsenal are wanting somewhere in the region of £15m-£20m for his services.

Nketiah is currently earning a salary of £45k-a-week at the Emirates so this could be a pricey deal for Fosun and co to complete.

A big mistake

Nketiah is undoubtedly one of the most promising young strikers in the Premier League. He is a talented poacher and more often than not, finds the back of the net when given a goal-scoring opportunity.

Described as “powerful” by Mikel Arteta, he possesses the ability to run in behind and get across his man with intelligent off the ball movement.

He has been lethal in youth football and has surpassed Alan Shearer’s record of goals in an England U21s shirt. Nketiah has 12 strikes in ten matches at that level so it’s no great surprise to see him labelled a “goal machine” by Michael Owen.

If anyone knows anything about beating the goalkeeper, it’s certainly him.

Yet, for all of his success at youth level, he hasn’t achieved a great deal on the senior stage. The striker has scored five times in 21 matches this season which isn’t disastrous given he’s just 21, but at the end of the day, they don’t need another young forward.

Wolves do like to develop for the future but they signed Fabio Silva for £35.6m in the summer. Signing Nketiah, therefore, would be an inexcusable waste of money.

Nuno Santo needs a senior striker to cover for Raul Jimenez this month, not a rising star – he already has that at his disposal.

AND in other news, Forget Podence: Shi must land Wolves upgrade in £16.9m gem with an “unbelievable shot”…

David Moyes must unleash Manuel Lanzini on Brighton & Hove Albion in order to help West Ham United seal their final home win of 2020.

The Seagulls visit the London Stadium on Sunday looking to pull clear of the drop zone after just one win in 12 games has seen the Amex Stadium natives dragged well and truly into the relegation picture, with just a point separating them from the bottom three.

West Ham are on course to see out the weekend comfortably in the middle of the pack but can close to within a point of ninth-placed Southampton with victory over Brighton, after the Saints were held to a goalless draw at Fulham on Boxing Day.

Moyes will be eager to see his West Ham side claim victory over the Seagulls in their final home fixture of the year, but will be fully aware of how toothless his side looked in the defeat to Chelsea on Monday night.

The Irons failed to register a single shot on goal at Stamford Bridge as they lost the London Derby 3-0, while midfielder Tomas Soucek struck his side’s most efforts towards Edouard Mendy’s net with two attempts beside his name, per SofaScore.

Lanzini was omitted from the squad to face Frank Lampard’s Blues after struggling with a small hamstring problem in the lead up to the game, but he is in contention for a swift return.

The 27-year-old had featured for the final 45 minutes in the Hammers’ prior 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and stole the show with his efforts from the bench, while leaving former Premier League striker Darren Bent in complete awe.

“David Moyes is getting something out of him,” Bent told Football Insider. “He does seem like he’s playing at his best or potentially somewhere near his best.

“He’s got wonderful feet, he’s got great technique, he’s certainly a top player.”

Lanzini is yet to start a Premier League fixture this term while his minutes at home to Crystal Palace almost doubled his tally for the season thus far, having only featured for 61 minutes over five prior substitute outings.

Moyes must alter that record on Sunday should the Scottish coach and his medical team believe the £12.5m-rated gem has overcome his hamstring injury, as West Ham will not display the needed creativity with Mark Noble starting in the central attacking midfield role.

Noble earned only his second start of the top-flight term at Chelsea on Monday night, where the 33-year-old failed to register a single shot, key pass or successful dribble.

AND in other news, an “incredible” Mario Husillos flop is set to be on his way out at West Ham in 2021.

Liverpool produced another superb home display on Sunday night, winning 4-0 at Anfield against Wolves.

Goals from Mohamed Salah, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joel Matip and an own-goal from Nelson Semedo secured a resounding win for Jurgen Klopp’s side to put them back into second place in the Premier League behind Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference.

However, the performance of Curtis Jones may be a cause for concern for the German manager, as he was one of few Reds players who struggled somewhat on the evening, which may lead the former Borussia Dortmund boss to consider reinstating Naby Keita or Diogo Jota in his starting team for Liverpool’s next big game, which sees them face Fulham in the Premier League next weekend with Wednesday’s clash against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League now a dead rubber.

As per SofaScore, the academy graduate won just five out of 12 of his duels during his 90 minutes on the pitch, earning him a disappointing success rate of just 42%.

Jones’ performance earned him an overall 6.8 rating, which was better than just two other Liverpool players who started the game, with both Neco Williams and Roberto Firmino earning a 6.7 rating.

Although the 19-year-old’s passing was fairly solid during the game, with 95% of his attempts finding a Liverpool shirt and him losing possession on just eight occasions, it was his defensive contribution that might have Klopp worried.

The English midfielder was dribbled past on two occasions and had one error leading to a Wolves shot as his poor pass gave Wolves a clear strike at goal, suggesting that the was somewhat fortunate not to be punished by Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Jones grabbed the winner in the midweek 1-0 win against Ajax, which led Klopp to praise him after the game, saying:

“Curtis Jones – what a game for a 19-year-old boy. If I would be sure he couldn’t watch my interview, I would say something else!

“He is a really good kid to be honest and a really good player. I’m really happy to have him around.

“That’s how it is sometimes. When we have problems there is always an opportunity for somebody else. He took it, exceptionally well. I’m really, really happy with him.”

However, he was unable to match this level of performance against the Old Gold, as he never really looked like adding to the six goals he has for Liverpool’s senior side in his career thus far and he wasn’t able to de as defensively strong as Klopp would want in his midfield.

Therefore, it might be best for Klopp to consider resting Jones for their upcoming fixtures, as you worry that if he were to produce a similar display in the Reds’ next home Premier League fixture, which sees them take on top-of-the-table Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield a week on Wednesday, he could well be punished.

And, in other news… Bye Bye Gini: LFC can sign their Wijnaldum replacement in PL midfielder expected to “get better and better”

David Moyes can solve West Ham’s defensive woes by reviving efforts to sign Fiorentina’s “fearless” enforcer Nikola Milenkovic in January.

What’s the word?

According to Irons insider ExWHUemployee, while speaking on the West Ham Way Podcast, the east London outfit could strive to make another approach to sign Milenkovic in the New Year after falling short in efforts this summer.

Moyes scoured the market for defensive upgrades following the conclusion of the extended 2019/20 campaign, ultimately signing Watford’s Craig Dawson on loan in a deal club figures were reluctant to commit to as they see the 30-year-old as a stop-gap solution.

Milenkovic would likely have been a long-term option to fix a backline that allowed 62 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, with reports by the Daily Mail claiming a £20million offer was tabled in September for the towering 6 ft 5 enforcer previously tracked by Manchester United.

The offer fell short of Fiorentina’s rumoured €35m (£31.6m) valuation, as the Serie A side held firm amid rival interest from Juventus, knowing Milenkovic would warrant a lofty fee through his technical ability and versatility to also play at right-back.

ExWHUemployee does not believe the Hammers’ interest in Milenkovic has ended, noting that his ongoing contract standoff could open the door for a renewed approach.

“A centre-back who we looked at in the summer window was Nikola Milenkovic at Fiorentina,” he said. “He’s refusing to sign a new contract at the moment. And it could be the case that we could go back in for him in January. This is not confirmed at the moment though.”

Characteristics of a beast

West Ham stepping back into the ring in order to fight for Milenkovic’s services in January would certainly offer Moyes the top-draw defensive talent the London Stadium natives sought this summer, providing they can reach a compromise with Fiorentina.

The Serie A side are not yet under intense pressure to sell the 23-year-old as Milenkovic is under contract until 2022, though the 23-cap Serbia international is not currently considering penning new terms at the Artemio Franchi Stadium as he dreams of a move to one of Italy’s elite sides or of a move abroad, per Calciomercato.it.

Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid are each claimed to have come forward with determination and conviction to sign Milenkovic in the summer, too, which has sparked Fiorentina to consider lowering their asking price to avoid the defender walking away for free.

West Ham stepping in before a rival suitor can emerge in January would see the London Stadium natives snap up someone who former FK Partizan manager Ivan Tomic hailed during his time in charge of the Belgrade outfit, and ensured Milenkovic penned his first professional contract in 2015.

“Milenkovic has [the] physical characteristics of a beast,” Tomic said, via quotes by Mozzart Sport. “He reads the game well, plays the ball and should have a great career ahead of him.”

Mozzart journalist Dejan Stankovic also once told ESPN of how Milenkovic’s nature has seen him compared with Manchester United great Nemanja Vidic, but is in some regards better than the five-time Premier League winner.

“Milenkovic is better than Vidic with the ball at his feet, and he is much calmer on the field,” he said.

It remains to be seen how willing Fiorentina are in lowering Milenkovic’s valuation, and whether or not West Ham return with renewed interest in the towering enforcer who has started all six of his Serie A appearances this term.

AND in other news, David Moyes has been backed to bring the “perfect” £10m bonus to West Ham in January.

The Hoops were unable to make amends for their Old Firm loss on Saturday as AC Milan handed them another defeat at Celtic Park. Neil Lennon opted for a weakened side to face off against the frighteningly in-form Italians, who cruised to their tenth win in a row.

It took 14 minutes for Milan to open up the scoring after Rade Krunic beat a struggling Varsilis Barkas for an early lead. After netting a second just before half-time, substitute Mohamed Elyounoussi’s strike looked to put Celtic back in the game, but another Milan goal sealed the result.

With Odsonne Edouard currently ruled out, it looked likely that Lennon would opt for the same strike force he deployed against Rangers. However, he instead dropped both Elyounoussi and Patryk Klimala to the bench and put faith in elusive striker Leigh Griffiths.

Leigh Griffiths stats vs AC Milan

It was certainly an odd decision to start a player who has featured just twice this season, but it’s arguably one of the biggest places Lennon went wrong last night.

Whilst the defence could have been tighter to stop the Milan forwards, the starting Celtic attack was extremely disappointing.

According to Sofascore, Griffiths made just eight successful passes and attempted no shots towards goal. The 30-year-old also struggled to create chances for his teammates, with no successful crosses, long balls or dribbles registered. Needless to say, he was hauled off at half-time and replaced by Ryan Christie, who had a much stronger game.

The midfielder came on and set Elyounoussi up for Celtic’s only goal of the game. He also made a total of three key passes in the second half and created an additional big chance for the Hoops to score.

Griffiths has recently returned from a calf injury, which saw him sidelined for 11 matches. He may still have some fitness to catch up on and will more than likely be left on the bench in Celtic’s next match against Aberdeen on Sunday.

In other news, Celtic will be wishing they had Fraser Forster to fend off AC Milan…

Everton are in need of a Deadline Day miracle to offload Theo Walcott before the market slams shut at 11pm, despite interest from Southampton in a potential loan move for the former England international.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton are hopeful of sealing an emotional return to St Mary’s for Walcott 14 years on from the winger joining Arsenal aged 16, but will require help from Everton in getting a temporary transfer across the line.

The Saints are understood to be in open communication with the Toffees, however any activity on the south coast will hinge on Everton subsiding part of Walcott’s £100,000-per-week contract, which the Blues are currently reluctant to accept.

Everton chiefs have considered the winger’s future heavily approaching Deadline Day and expect to see the 31-year-old depart Merseyside, even if a permanent deal would see the Goodison Park natives receive little or no transfer fee, per The Athletic.

Walcott is thought to be desperate to be playing regular football this season, but his sizable wage demands are considered a major hurdle in any transfer negotiations.

Being one of Everton’s top-earners has also made Walcott’s situation a prevalent concern this summer as he does not feature in boss Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, while also now being within the final year of his lucrative contract.

It remains to be seen if Everton warm to covering some of Walcott’s wage or if the three-time FA Cup winner will accept a lower offer to re-join Southampton, who consider the 31-year-old to be an experienced addition that will add depth in the wide areas of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side following a string of injuries.

Everton need a miracle

With Walcott expecting a lucrative contract like the one he signed with Everton upon joining the Toffees in 2018, the Goodison Park outfit will be needing a miracle if they are to offload him on Deadline Day.

Everton could get around any wage concerns by following through on The Athletic’s report and offering him to Southampton for free, but the lack of a transfer fee could see the 31-year-old’s representatives push for a greater salary knowing the circumstances of Walcott’s potential arrival.

But no matter the terms of his departure if one occurs, Walcott’s move to Everton in 2018 will go down as one of a major gamble by former Director of Football Steve Walsh that has not paid off, having spent in excess of £20million to sign him from Arsenal.

Added to his wage, Everton have spent more than £34m on Walcott’s capture but in return only seen 11 goals in 85 games and the winger be pushed aside to the point his 12-minute cameo against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday came as his league season debut.

Ancelotti is right to want Walcott gone this summer, but may be left penniless in return as Everton are embarrassed by the expense of what turned out to be a woeful piece of business made by a former club chief.

AND in other news, Everton will fail to solve the issues a potential Deadline Day arrival is intended to mend as talks are opened.

Aston Villa missed out on a potential upgrade on Douglas Luiz in the shape of USA international Weston McKennie.

What was the story?

The Athletic claimed earlier in the summer transfer window that the midfielder was on the radar for Villa, and that the Premier League side were one of a number of clubs interested in luring him away from Germany.

However, McKennie ended up joining Serie A giants Juventus on a season-long loan instead, with the 22-year-old himself recently explaining why a move to English football didn’t happen.

He said: “In general, I can say that my dream was to go to the Premier League but when Juventus called me, with these players, with this staff, with (Andrea) Pirlo on the bench, they immediately intrigued me. A club that wins is a great challenge. they are the best in the world, it’s perfect for my goals.”

Potential Douglas Luiz upgrade

With Douglas Luiz usually occupying one of the holding midfield spots, whether as part of a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, Dean Smith has tasked the Brazilian with sweeping up opposition attacks and helping to set the tempo of the game whilst in possession too.

And the 22-year-old has done that well, even earning himself another couple of appearances for Brazil’s senior side over the international break.

But when compared to McKennie, there’s a real argument to be made that Villa may have missed out on a potential upgrade on the former Manchester City man.

As per Whoscored, McKennie has proven himself to be a far more destructive anchor man, averaging more tackles and interceptions per game (1.4 and 1.6) than Luiz (1.3 and 1.1) last season. The American also appears to be more progressive in possession too, better his key passes per game numbers as well (0.6 to 0.5).

Hailed as an “outstanding talent” by former Huddersfield boss, David Wagner, Villa may rue the fact they didn’t end up signing the £18m-rated powerhouse.

And in other news, Aston Villa should forget about Josh King and Said Benrahma and sign this EFL star instead.