All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United now have less than two weeks to complete their transfer business and with plenty of large holes still to fill, it seems an uphill task for their new owners, PIF, and the club’s recruitment team.

Unfortunately, life isn’t getting any easier for those behind the scenes with the Magpies dealt regular blows in their quest to land their primary targets.

What’s the word?

This has been a troubling January window for Eddie Howe’s side, even if they have managed to acquire Chris Wood from Burnley and more impressively, Kieran Trippier from La Liga holders Atletico Madrid.

However, they have failed to lure Sven Botman to St James’ Park and now they face rather unwanted competition from a league rival to sign Diego Carlos from Sevilla.

Another player of note in a different position is Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard. It’s thought the club are interested in him and were working on a deal this week, only for it to be rebuffed.

An improved offer could yet see a deal go through but according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, a move would appear to be complicated.

He told readers in a Q&A: “At this stage, it is unclear whether the 29-year-old would actually be willing to join Newcastle, be it on loan or permanently, with reports claiming Lingard is keen to return to London, and with some sources claiming he would expect to receive significantly more than Newcastle’s highest earners.

“Also, just as Newcastle were rebuffed when they made tentative contact about loaning Dean Henderson, the goalkeeper, there is a suspicion that Manchester United may keep hold of Lingard and other fringe players due to a fear that another [virus] outbreak could deplete their resources.”

Howe surely gutted

Although the defence remains a key area for Newcastle to strengthen, it’s incredibly vital they add more creativity and goals to their armoury this winter too.

After all, without the ability to score goals on a regular basis, they will continue to sink further towards the Championship.

The arrival of Wood should undoubtedly help their offensive line look more menacing but the supply line behind him is still missing a touch of spice.

Allan Saint-Maximin is their chief creator with three assists but only two other members of the playing squad can say they’ve supplied more than one goal in the Premier League this term.

As a result, a player as dynamic and magical as Lingard would do the trick, certainly on a loan deal where limited finances would be expended.

The England international proved what a success he can be in the top-flight this time last year when he joined West Ham in a temporary move that was a roaring triumph.

During his stint under David Moyes, the United midfielder scored nine times but also assisted further five strikes for his teammates in just 16 outings.

Keeping that in mind, it will be a great shame if Newcastle fail to land him before the window slams shut and Howe will be particularly frustrated too.

AND in other news, Howe can find NUFC’s new Cabaye in “ruthless” gem once dubbed “world-class”…

With Joe Gelhardt beginning to make an impression on Leeds United’s first-team in recent weeks, Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt be keeping a close eye on some of the club’s brightest young academy prospects.

If he had his sights on the Yorkshire club’s FA Youth Cup contest against Coventry City in midweek, then he would have been left suitably impressed by one teenager in particular – Max Dean.

The 17-year-old netted twice as the Whites ran out 4-1 winners away from home, with both of his finishes distinctly different in nature: one a well-timed effort from a cut-back, and another latching onto a through ball over the top over the Coventry defence.

Aside from his impressive FA Youth Cup display, he has also been shining at under-23 level too, scoring three goals in eight games in Premier League 2 and also netting once in the EFL Trophy away to Salford.

It’s been no surprise that Leeds’ under-23 boss Mark Jackson has waxed lyrical about the forward and his character, saying: “You don’t have to prepare it with Deano. Deano’s a fiery character, I don’t like to quash that in him. He’s got an edge to him and how he plays – and I like that in his personality.

“Yes he gets frustrated at times and we have to curtail it but his hunger to press and work hard and his hunger to score goals is really apparent.”

In late October, despite a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal, Jackson showered Dean with more praise, saying: “I spoke to Max before the game. When he first came to the club, he had a real intensity about his play, really aggressive style in how he pressed and how he competed – we have chats with the players all the time and there’s been stages where we think that’s sort of dipped off a little bit in recent games.

“We’ve had a few chats recently with Max, and particularly before the game, I said ‘listen, you need to try and get back to those moments when you were playing in the 23s last year’. I thought he took that conversation well and he took it on board today and he had a much more positive performance.”

The 17-year-old could well be the next big thing at Elland Road if he continues to improve with the under-23s.

Meanwhile, Adam Pope dropped an early morning setback for Leeds United…

Celtic have initiated talks regarding a deal to bring Cameron Carter-Vickers to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

According to recent reports (via The Celtic Bhoys), Ange Postecoglou’s side have started talks with Tottenham Hotspur about making the centre-back’s season-long loan switch a permanent move ahead of the January transfer window.

A previous report by the Daily Record revealed that Celtic have an option-to-buy clause in the 23-year-old’s temporary contract at Parkhead, with £10m reported as the figure that the Bhoys would need to shell out in order to sign the USA international permanently.

However, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph then claimed in a post on Twitter that the Hoops’ clause to purchase Carter-Vickers is actually £6m.

“Great move”

Considering just how impressive Carter-Vickers has been since his arrival in Glasgow earlier this year, reports that Celtic have initiated talks to sign the defender on a permanent basis are sure to have left Hoops fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 15 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £1.8m-rated centre-back has helped his side to keep seven clean sheets, scored two goals and provided his teammates with one assist. He has also averaged 1.4 interceptions, 0.7 tackles and 85.2 passes per match – the second-most of any player in the league for the latter – and won 71% of his duels.

These returns have seen the £20k-per-week loanee, who former Spurs team-mate Jan Vertonghen dubbed an “absolute beast”, average a tremendous SofaScore match rating of 7.45, ranking him as the fourth-best performer in the Scottish top flight.

As such, it would very much seem as if Postecoglou’s claim that Celtic’s signing of the defender was a “great move” by the club is bang on the money, while the addition of the 23-year-old on a permanent basis in January would undoubtedly be a very positive one for the future of the Bhoys based on how his loan spell has gone so far.

In other news: Postecoglou drops four-word injury update which will delight Celtic fans

With Ralf Rangnick’s appointment as Manchester United’s new interim manager confirmed, a new era has begun at the Theatre of Dreams, and it’s one that could alter several ingrained perceptions.

Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deserves a huge amount of credit for the good work he oversaw during his two-and-a-half-year reign, but there’s no doubt that a change was needed.

The Norwegian’s tenure had become sour in the final months of his reign as things began to unfold at unprecedented speed.

His preference for allowing individuals the freedom to express themselves and showcase their talent without the constraints of a set system could only take United so far and ultimately became exposed.

And Solskjaer’s style and lack of specific instructions also left certain players vulnerable and susceptible to criticism from frustrated onlookers.

While creative talents such as Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood thrived, less technically gifted stars such as Fred often looked like square pegs in round holes.

At times, it was hard to pinpoint what sort of player the Brazil international actually was.

Not physically imposing enough to be a true box-to-box player, not defensively astute enough to be a sole No.6 and lacking the imagination and ability to be an attack-minded playmaker.

However, the 28-year-old appears to have a certain set of skills that should make him the ideal fit for Rangnick’s famous Gegenpressing system, making his once mocked £52m price tag look like a dream deal for United.

Rangnick’s high-intensity, counter-pressing system revolves around winning the ball back high up the pitch, taking a shot within ten seconds of regaining possession and always attacking vertically.

It requires a set of players capable of carrying out the extensive physical workload placed upon them, but with the footballing IQ to match.

“Our idea is clear, it’s very, very similar to my coaching friend Jurgen Klopp,” Rangnick told the Coaches’ Voice YouTube channel (as relayed by inews). “Our Red Bull football is heavy metal, rock and roll, it’s not a slow waltz. We hate square passes, back passes, just having the ball ourselves doesn’t make sense.”

And when assessing Fred’s underlying numbers, it’s clear that the South American – who was once described as “outstanding” by MUTV pundit Ben Thornley – could turn into Rangnick’s main man during their time together in the red half of Manchester.

As per FBref.com, no player with over 270 minutes of top-flight action has bettered his total of 26.2 successful pressures per 90 this season, while he also ranks second for tackles won (2.23) and fourth for progressive passes (4.36).

With a new set of principles introduced for players to be judged on, Rangnick’s arrival could see Fred’s position in this United side transformed over the coming months, transforming his status as the much-maligned scapegoat into an undroppable pillar for the ‘Godfather of German coaching’ to build around.

And, in other news…MUFC can get rocking again with “absolutely exceptional” £33m gem who Rangnick loves

Leeds United should expect offers from Liverpool and Manchester United for Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Phillips linked with Leeds exit

The 25-year-old has matured into one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders in the last year or so, also becoming a regular starter for England.

Phillips’ form has seen him linked with an exit from Elland Road numerous times in recent weeks and months, as he potentially looks for a fresh challenge in his career.

The £36m-rated Englishman’s current Whites deal expires in the summer of 2024 but there has been no sign of an extension being agreed.

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The Latest: O’Rourke gives Phillips transfer update

Both Liverpool and United are thought to be among Phillips’ potential suitors, and speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke said that Leeds should brace themselves for offers in the near future. He outlined:

“Kalvin Phillips will definitely have offers for him. I think he is probably one of the best midfielders in Europe.

“The likes of Manchester United and Liverpool are both looking to strengthen in that area.”

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The Verdict: Final season at Elland Road?

In an ideal world, Phillips would see out the rest of his career at Elland Road, considering that he has been a stalwart of the Marcelo Bielsa era, making 226 appearances for the club in total. However, the harsh reality is that he may feel he has outgrown Leeds, with Liverpool and Manchester United both more likely to guarantee Champions League football and silverware.

Granted, a move to either club likely wouldn’t go down well with Whites supporters, but Phillips may feel that he warrants going wherever he wants, considering the service he has given to the Yorkshire outfit.

Given his level of loyalty, it wouldn’t necessarily be a shock if he signs a new deal at Leeds, but fans should be prepared for the worst next summer.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a January move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Everton will be aiming to end a two-game losing streak when they travel to Molineux in order to face an in-form Wolves side this evening.

The Toffees suffered a humiliating 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Watford last time out, and new manager Rafa Benitez faces another tough selection headache ahead of kick-off.

An injury to key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure saw Tom Davies partner Allan in the engine room against the Hornets, and although the 23-year-old found the back of the net, the duo’s lack of mobility was brutally exposed.

Doucoure’s natural ability to cover a vast amount of ground in a short space of time has allowed Benitez to play just two midfielders in the opening weeks of the campaign, but without him in the side, Everton were left with too many gaps to plug.

The Frenchman’s capability to turn defence into attack with a well-timed tackle before marauding up the pitch and playing an intelligent pass is a unique set of skills that one player simply cannot replace.

As such, Benitez may be better off changing his system to cope with Doucoure’s absence rather than simply the personnel.

Playing a 4-3-3 rather than a 4-4-1-1 would allow Allan extra protection in the centre of the pitch while still having the bodies available to join in the attacks. And the Merseyside outfit may have the ideal candidate to come in and perform that role.

Since arriving at Goodison Park in August 2019, Jean-Philippe Gbamin has had some horrendous luck with injuries.

In two years, the Ivory Coast international has made just four appearances for Everton, but now could be the perfect opportunity for him to showcase his true potential on the Premier League stage.

When recovering from his latest fitness setback, the £65,000-per-week Gbamin enlisted the help of Theo Chapelle, a senior personal trainer, and consultant at the Odysium rehabilitation centre in Paris, who described his former client as a “monster”.

“He really impressed me during his stay here,” he told The Athletic. “The work we did together went really well. He appreciated working with us and that was reciprocated.

“He’s a great guy — kind, funny, respectful, calm, with his head on his shoulders. As an athlete, he’s a monster. I’ve never seen that in football, only athletics. He has exceptional physical qualities and a foolproof mentality.

“I’m certain that he’ll return stronger and whatever the obstacles in his way, will have a great career,” Chapelle concluded.

With Doucoure not expected to return for several weeks, Benitez will be forced to come up with a solution to his enforced absence, yet the answer could be a rather simple one.

Gbamin deserves a change of luck after his awful time on English shores, and that could begin with a start against Wolves, he just needs the faith of his manager behind him.

And, in other news…Everton receive big injury boost ahead of Wolves, Benitez will be delighted 

Leeds United star Raphinha could be sold for three times the amount the Whites paid for him, according to journalist Joe Donnohue.

The Lowdown: Raphinha’s star continues to rise

The Brazilian has been a fantastic signing for the Whites, being hailed as ‘electric’ by Jermaine Beckford and scoring 11 goals in 41 appearances for the club.

It was Raphinha who opened the scoring in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Leicester, with the winger curling a free-kick into the far corner.

The 24-year-old’s form has unsurprisingly seen him linked with a move away from Elland Road, with big clubs circling like vultures.

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The Latest: Joe Donnohue names potential price for Raphinha

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Donnohue claimed that any prospective suitors could need to pay more than £50m for Raphinha’s services, having cost Leeds £17m last year. He said:

“I think you’re looking at at least three times the figure they paid if he were to be sold. It would depend on the timing that he’d be sold.

“I think you’re looking at, at the very minimum, three times that £17million figure.”

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The Verdict: Big money or nothing

If Raphinha is to move on from Leeds, which may well eventually be the case, it is vital that they receive a hefty fee for him, breaking the club’s record departure fee set by Rio Ferdinand when he joined Manchester United.

The Brazil international is a hugely influential figure at Elland Road, posting by far the highest WhoScored rating in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad so far this season, and the Whites will need the money to replace him with a similar talented wide man.

In an ideal world, Raphinha would stay at Leeds for many more years, but it is only natural that he may have Champions League aspirations moving forward.

In other news, Leeds have received a potential injury boost ahead of their upcoming clash with Tottenham. Read more here.

When Jack Grealish departed Aston Villa over the summer, tears will have been streaming down the face of many supporters.

The dynamic playmaker was the poster boy of the Midlands, he was their academy gem, boyhood fan and club captain but he still departed Villa Park.

It was a difficult decision for Grealish to make but ultimately, money talks. As does the opportunity to win silverware, something he’ll have at Manchester City on a yearly basis.

He is already a star in Pep Guardiola’s team, scoring in the Champions League after a mega £100m move.

A major clause in his contract allowed the youngster to depart if that valuation was met and as a consequence, it’s set Villa up nicely from a financial point of view.

Christian Purslow’s plan was to use that money on several new players, identifying performers who each had a little piece of Grealish’s unique qualities.

Emiliano Buendia brought the supreme technical skills and creativity, Danny Ings the finishing ability and Leon Bailey the speed.

However, there is another player currently in their academy vying to become the certified next Grealish.

That happens to be Carney Chukwuemeka, a 17-year-old talent with the world at his feet.

The teenager has only played five times for Dean Smith’s first-team but it’s only a matter of time before he starts to make more waves at senior level.

Chukwuemeka is the definition of a wonderkid, someone who’s not only held in high esteem by coaches but also the club’s hierarchy.

Speaking about the talented midfielder in 2020, Purslow went as far as describing the youngster as the ‘best 16-year-old in the country’.

That’s incredibly high praise but it speaks volumes about the level of talent and potential he’s got in his locker.

Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, the Villa academy starlet has a wonderful chance of making a name for himself in the Midlands.

He’s caught the eye of many pundits, including Paul Merson. His description and praise of Chukwuemeka was incredibly similar to how somebody assesses Grealish’s game.

Merson said: “He will be an absolute star. He glides across the pitch. He is a nice size. He gets on the ball. He looks for it and makes runs without the ball. I think Villa fans going away will definitely be talking about him.”

If there is one element of Grealish’s game that sticks out the most, it’s his ability to pick up the ball and elegantly flow across the pitch that makes him one of the most outstanding players in the English game.

The U23s manager Mark Delaney has also reserved special words for Chukwuemeka, commenting: “He’s a confident lad; will receive the ball anywhere on the pitch, under pressure and not under pressure. That’s what the manager likes; he comes into an environment and settles in quickly.”

With those assessments ringing fresh in your ears, it’s clear to see why he could be their next Grealish.

He is mesmeric with the ball at his feet and he also knows how to score goals, finding the net twice in three Premier League 2 outings this season.

Chukwuemeka is certainly one to watch out for.

AND in other news, Dean Smith could seal dream Villa midfield with “absolutely phenomenal” £75k-p/w beast…

Manchester City fans want to sign Denis Zakaria after they were linked with a move for the central midfielder.

The Citizens have made a strong start to the new campaign as they sit third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Chelsea (Sky Sports). They have cruised through their Champions League group stage games so far and are still in the League Cup (mancity.com).

All of this has been done with only one recognised striker in Gabriel Jesus but, instead of adding a new forward to his squad, it seems Pep Guardiola is interested in strengthening the midfield with Zakaria

Calciomercato say the Citizens are ready to challenge Jose Mourinho’s Roma for the £24.3m-valued Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder (Transfermarkt), who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

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

“He’s literally free and he’s be a back up Rodri he won’t play that many games. This is a steal”

Credit: @trevsenpai

“I would love this move”

Credit: @ManCitizen06

“Good”

Credit: @MosesOnduso5

“Yasss”

Credit: @pipkvn

“Think he would be a good signing tbh . Perfect Rodri backup”

Credit: @TwoPhonesJones3

“Gr8 backup to Rodri and would be free. Makes perfect sense”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

In other news, Man City fans are far from happy with this managerial news.

Queens Park Rangers have been handed a boost regarding the fitness of Luke Amos ahead of their upcoming Carabao Cup clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the QPR website, Mark Warburton revealed that the central midfielder, who has been sidelined for almost a year due to a knee injury, looks set to play a part in the Rs’ Carabao Cup fixture with Everton on Tuesday evening.

Speaking about the 24-year-old’s fitness, Warburton said: “Luke will be involved in some capacity.”

Fans surely buzzing

While central midfield is not exactly an area in which QPR are short of options, with Warburton having signed the likes of Andre Dozzell, Stefan Johansen and Sam Field in the position this summer, as well as already possessing players such as Dominic Ball, Charlie Owens and Ilias Chair in the middle of the pitch, Amos’ long-anticipated return from injury will nevertheless have left the 59-year-old manager buzzing.

Indeed, having joined QPR from Tottenham on loan back in the summer of 2019, Amos went on to play an important role for the club over his 34 Championship appearances that season, scoring two goals, as well as making an average of 0.4 key passes, one interception, 1.5 tackles and winning 3.8 duels per game.

These returns convinced Warburton to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis the following summer, however, after playing just five league games of the 2020/21 season, the £900k-rated man suffered his injury, keeping him out of first-team action ever since.

As such, while it may be cliche, the return of Amos will certainly feel like a new signing for Warburton, whose chances of securing a top-six finish this season will only be increased with the addition of another impressive option in the middle of the pitch.

In other news: Blackstock 2.0: “Brilliant” £3.6m-rated QPR ace is key to Warburton’s promotion push