All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur have managed to dig themselves a gaping hole just at the moment in which everything appeared to be falling into place, but Daniel Levy could yet hand Mauricio Pochettino a timely boost to catapult the club back onto flat ground. 

When it rains it pours. Tottenham are in the midst of a crisis in their season which is both damning and familiar in its character.

An annual crisis of football existentialism is a theme which habitually perpetuates in north London, with the narrative surrounding Pochettino’s failure to break his silverware duck and it’s correlation with Levy’s apparent reluctance to part with a penny in the transfer market painting a gloomy outlook for the future.

In the midst of a mini injury crisis and following a cataclysmic trio of results which ended Spurs’ realistic hopes of mounting a title bid and seen them crash out of both the Carabao and Fa Cup, there is an endless stream of reasons for supporters to vent at the club’s hierarchy.

Demands for new signings have fallen on deaf ears in the past but there is a growing feeling that Spurs simply cannot afford to draw a blank this month with a Champions League encounter against a slick, fresh and title-chasing Borussia Dortmund side looming on the horizon.

The final hours of the transfer window are sure to be characterised by intrigue and a strong sense of pessimism amongst the supporters, but that negativity could transform into optimism if a recent report from the Daily Mail comes to fruition.

Indeed, the report claims that Tottenham transfer target Ante Rebic has publicly declared his interest in moving to the Premier League.

“The Premier League is attractive and it would suit my style. I’d like to experience it.”

While the arrival of Rebic would not entirely dispel the problems which have plagued the club in the past twelve months, it would go along way to easing the current crisis and solving Tottenham’s long-term second striker conundrum.

The Croatia international played a starring role in his nation’s journey to the World Cup final in the summer, dribbling with infectious tenacity and working relentlessly hard off the ball to recover possession for his side.

His style is tailor made for the Pochettino mould and his versatility would give Spurs another option at centre-forward to utilise in Kane’s absence.

Rebic is not a natural centre-forward, but his preference to operate slightly behind a natural number nine and his goal scoring return this season suggest that he is perhaps better suited to a role at the spearhead of the attack than the likes of Dele Alli, Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min.

Eintracht Farnkfurt’s talisman has continued his excellent form from the World Cup and started the Bundesliga campaign in style, with seven goals and three goals to show for his efforts from 14 fixtures.

In the modern climate it is difficult to find a player boasting that type of return who is valued at anything other than an extortionate price, so the fact he is reportedly valued at £35 million should be giving Levy plenty to ponder over ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

Rebic is a perfect fit for Spurs – particularly given current circumstances – his potential asking price is not unreasonable and he clearly has personal motivation to make the switch to English football.

Time to act, Levy.

Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Crystal Palace have suffered a significant injury blow ahead of their Premier League encounter against Burnley this afternoon after key midfielder James McArthur was ruled out of action.

What’s the word?

The Eagles will be looking to extend their six-game unbeaten run when they travel to Turf Moor but will have to do so without their 34-year-old maestro in the middle of the park.

“James (McArthur) has a hamstring issue, and he is going to be out for the next couple of weeks,” Patrick Vieira confirmed in Friday’s press conference.

However, it wasn’t all bad news on the fitness front as far as the Eagles were concerned. Joachim Andersen was declared fit after returning early from international duty, while Eberechi Eze is set to be part of the matchday squad for the first time since May.

“They are both doing well,” the Frenchman confirmed. “Joachim trained with the team, and he will be part of the group that travels to Burnley. Eze is doing really well. He played two games, 90 minutes, and has been training. He will be part of the group as well.”

Patrick Vieira will be gutted

Despite the positive updates on those two players, the news that McArthur will be sidelined for a few more weeks will leave Vieira feeling gutted, given the veteran’s importance to the team.

The former Scotland international has started every Premier League game for Palace this season, captaining the side on six occasions, and his underlying numbers are evidence of his influence over proceedings.

As per WhoScored, McArthur has averaged 50.6 passes, 2.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 dribbles and 0.6 blocks per league game in 2021/22, placing him in the top four for each metric when compared to his teammates.

Therefore, his enforced absence against Burnley will be a huge blow for Palace and Vieira, potentially hampering their hopes of recording three consecutive victories.

In other news… Parish could seal dream Palace deal with £31.5m-rated wizard who “makes things happen”

Aston Villa are seemingly planning a clearout ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claimed that Steven Gerrard has identified three players within his first-team squad who he would be happy to offload this winter, namely Bertrand Traore, Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet.

The report added that the 41-year-old would be happy to lose two of the aforementioned trio, either on loan deals or a permanent basis, as the former Liverpool captain believes that his squad is currently unbalanced.

Finally, it is said that Gerrard would like to strengthen Aston Villa’s spine in January, with the manager targeting a centre-back and central midfielder in the winter window.

Lange must act

With Gerrard currently having a whopping seven options who could realistically start on either wing for Villa, it will perhaps come as no surprise to the club’s fans that the 41-year-old is more than willing to ship at least two of those out in January.

Considering that Traore (£63k-per-week), El Ghazi (£38k-per-week) and Trezeguet (£47k-per-week) are costing the club an eye-watering £148k-per-week in wages, all while the trio have made a grand total of just 12 Premier League appearances so far this season, it is not difficult to understand why Gerrard is eager to move them on this winter.

Furthermore, the sale of any one of those players could also raise a substantial amount of money for the 41-year-old to reinvest in his first-team squad, with Traore currently worth £18m, El Ghazi £11.7m and Trezeguet £9m – totalling £38.7m.

As such, it would indeed appear advisable for Johan Lange to do all he can to offload two, if not all, of this trio in January. Not only are they wasting a considerable chunk of the club’s weekly wage budget in comparison to their overall game-time, their potential sales could also provide Gerrard with the funds to land a number of his own targets this winter – an outcome which would undoubtedly delight the former Rangers boss.

In other news: Bye-bye Mings: NSWE can seal Gerrard’s dream AVFC deal with “exceptional” £75k-p/w gem

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left lauding some early team news ahead of their game at home to Livingston in the Scottish Premiership tonight.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Giovanni van Bronckhorst has revealed that Ryan Jack is now available for selection in the squad, as is Scott Arfield.

While having another player in Arfield back is a boost in itself, members of the Ibrox faithful were particularly pleased with the news regarding Jack, who has been victim to too many injury problems during his time at Ibrox.

He has no doubt been a key part of the team over the years, scoring nine goals and supplying a further nine assists in the Scottish Premiership for the Light Blues, while he made 19 appearances in their title-winning season.

Nonetheless, it will be great just to see him out on the pitch again, having missed 64 matches through injury since the beginning of last season.

Rangers fans on team news

These Gers lauded the early team news as it was shared on Twitter, with one RFC supporter claiming that it was ‘great’:

“A fit Ryan Jack would see us canter to 56.”

Credit: @drummybear

“Great news”

Credit: @walterwalk

“Ryan Jack!!!!!”

Credit: @cameron56689617

“Jack is back”

Credit: @gregmcarthur55

“DE DE NA NA NAAAAAA”

Credit: @1872_KK

“A fit Ryan Jack for the rest of the season is just what we’re needing.”

Credit: @smudginthefunk

In other news, find out what injury update has been bemoaned by Gers here!

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were left fuming as some news emerged before their game at home to St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership on Boxing Day.

As per the official website of the Teddy Bears, there will now be a reduced capacity at Ibrox following an announcement from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The game will still go ahead despite concerns over rising Covid-19 cases, which has already seen two matches in the English Premier League in Liverpool versus Leeds United and Wolves versus Watford already being called off.

Nonetheless, there will now be a reduced amount of tickets available for the fixture against St. Mirren, much to the dismay of the Light Blues faithful, in what has put a damper on an otherwise celebrated football tradition.

Rangers fans on Ibrox restrictions

These Gers were left fuming as the news was shared on the club’s official Twitter page, with one RFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘disgraceful’:

“The bemusement surely must be sarcasm, the restrictions being imposed on everyone here has NO place in SCIENCE. Sturgeon has gone too far.”

Credit: @1rskl

“Is that it? Where is Stewart Robertson? As an @spfl board member he needs to explain to fans why the decision to move the winter break didn’t follow the 11/1 vote when curtailing the season 2 seasons ago did. From the outside it looks like corruption to benefit 1 club.”

Credit: @Northernger

“Limiting capacity to less than 1%, with absolutely NO DATA to support this action, DISGRACEFUL! And what happens if ALL of those with a ST or match ticket turn up??? The police will be forced to let the fans IN to avoid a public disturbance outside …. Just saying…”

Credit: @KenM_inCzechRep

“Not a word of anger about bringing the shutdown forward. Just new dates with times. This is detrimental and disadvantageous to Rangers going forward successfully this season.”

Credit: @ultrateque

“Is that it? Why are we not kicking up a fuss at the fact the break was brought forward so fans could have chance to see games yet now our fans won’t get that at all on Sunday! Absolute farce! We should be asking for compensation”

Credit: @crawford_hume

“Joke”

Credit: @JoshMcsorley72

In other news, find out what claim from this Rangers player’s father has fans talking here!

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped a worrying injury update concerning Kyogo Furuhashi.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by The Athletic, the 56-year-old Celtic boss revealed that, despite the centre-forward being of the belief that he will be fit to play a part in the League Cup final against Hibernian on Sunday, the Bhoys medical team estimate the Japan international’s hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for between two and three weeks.

Speaking about Kyogo’s setback, Postecoglou said: “If you ask the physio team, they’ll say two to three weeks.”

Fans will be furious

Considering just how impressive Kyogo has been since his £4.6m move to Parkhead this summer, the 26-year-old striker looks as if he will miss the League Cup final because of an injury picked up in a game which was for all intents and purposes a dead rubber will have undoubtedly left Celtic fans furious.

Indeed, over his 13 Premiership appearances this term, the £1.8m-rated man has scored eight goals, registered two assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as making 1.2 key passes and taking 2.2 shots per game. These metrics have seen the £18k-per-week forward average a SofaScore match rating of 7.07.

The 26-year-old has also scored a further six goals and provided three assists over 11 outings in the Europa League group stage and qualifiers and the League Cup, taking his total to 14 goals and five assists in just 24 appearances for the Hoops.

As such, being without the striker’s services in the cup final this weekend will undoubtedly weaken Celtic’s chances of lifting the trophy at Hampden Park on Sunday, an outcome which would certainly leave both Postecoglou and fans of the club devastated.

In other news: Ange could repeat Jota masterclass with Celtic swoop for £1.08m-rated “Iranian Neymar”

Antonio Conte wants Tottenham Hotspur to sign Weston McKennie, who is a very familiar name to sporting director Fabio Paratici…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim the 52-year-old manager ‘appreciates’ the Juventus midfielder ‘a lot’ and envisions him becoming ‘the new [Arturo] Vidal’ under his stewardship.

At one stage, the 27-cap American looked destined to leave the Serie A giants this January but an exit is a little less certain after a breakthrough into the starting XI under Massimiliano Allegri in recent months.

However, the report claims that ‘anything can happen’ if Juventus receive a good offer for his services. It remains to be seen what sort of fee that could be, though Transfermarkt currently value him at £22.5m.

Watch out Skipp

Whilst Conte is said to be a massive fan of young Hotspur Way graduate Oliver Skipp, the arrival of McKennie in north London would certainly put his place amongst the starting XI at risk.

That ‘Vidal role’ is similar to what Mousa Dembele was so expertly deployed in during his time at the club, and the 23-year-old could certainly become a comparable player to the Belgian if he joins the club.

Described as an “outstanding talent” by former Schalke 04 boss David Wagner, McKennie is capable of being an absolute powerhouse across the engine room. “In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga,” he added.

No other central midfielder is averaging a better WhoScored rating (6.73) for Allegri this campaign, whilst he attempts 2.2 tackles, makes 1.2 interceptions and manages 1.3 dribbles per 90 in the Italian top-flight.

This shows that not only is he a dominant ball-winning maestro but one that can drive the ball forward to contribute in the final third, much like Dembele under Mauricio Pochettino all those years ago.

Also dubbed a “leader” by Wagner and a “rock” by ex-Juve boss Andrea Pirlo, McKennie would be. an astute signing for sporting director Fabio Paratici to make but the consequence may fall at Skipp’s feet due to the two players occupying the same position.

It would be hard for Conte to axe Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as he is currently their best-performing player in the Premier League, earning a 7.15 rating, which is even more than top goalscorer Heung-min Son.

Therefore, it’s likely that the 21-year-old gem is most at risk, having garnered a rating of just 6.46, even if that’s a little unfair on his true performances.

Although, later down the line a duo of Skipp and McKennie could grace the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for years to come. It’s just in the short-term that he could be impacted severely, should the American join in January.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold reveals behind-the-scenes Antonio Conte claim that Spurs fans will love…

Leeds United are interested in making a move for exciting Barcelona youngster Ferran Jutgla, according to a fresh report which emerged on Friday afternoon.

The Lowdown: Jutgla impresses at Barca

The 22-year-old has caught the eye of Barca manager Xavi, having impressed for the club’s first team and B team this season, being hailed as ‘spectacular’ by the Spain World Cup-winning legend.

Jutgla has scored twice in his first five appearances for the senior side, adding to eight goal involvements in 15 matches for the reserve team.

With Leeds eyeing up possible attacking signings, an intriguing report has emerged regarding their interest in the winger.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Leeds keen on move

According to El Nacional, Leeds are keen on the idea of snapping up Jutgla in the January transfer window, with the Whites willing to pay £8.3million for his services.

While he is happy to return to the B side once established players such as Memphis Depay come back from injury, he is also believed to like the thought of moving to the Premier League.

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The Verdict: One for the future

Jutgla looks a hugely exciting prospect, so Leeds’ reported interest is certainly eye-catching, as Marcelo Bielsa’s eyes up January reinforcements with a little help fro Victor Orta’s keen eye for Spanish talent.

Granted, the Whites aren’t short on wide options currently but the Barca man could be a long-term prospect on the right-hand side, especially if Raphinha moves on in the future for a massive fee – what a coup it would be to already have an up and coming replacement waiting in the wings.

The fact that Jutlga is already shining for a club of Barca’s stature, despite their current struggles, highlights why he is someone Leeds should look to sign.

In other news, Leeds are believed to be eyeing up a move for a defender. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United are keen on signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn in the summer.

That’s according to The Telegraph, with a number of Red Devils fans giving their thoughts to the news on social media.

United aren’t expected to be busy during the January transfer window, with the club turning their attentions towards a busy summer.

Midfield is thought to be an area where United want to strengthen, with McGinn featuring against Ralf Rangnick’s side in a 1-0 FA Cup defeat last week.

The Telegraph’s James Ducker revealed on Monday that the 27-year-old is admired by Old Trafford technical director Darren Fletcher and could be valued at around £40m. Should his contract situation remain the same in the Midlands, the Scot would have two years left on his deal in the summer, although he is expected to be offered new terms.

United fans react

@utdreport shared the links regarding McGinn on social media. Here is what these United fans had to say in reply, with a mixture of responses available to view below, where one supporter labelled it as ‘ridiculous’.

“Wow”

Credit: @3112Christian

“This is fantastic”

Credit: @Bosun_Betiku

“This is ridiculous when he costs as much. He does why not get someone more suited to the manager like Zakaria whilst saving a lot of your money for a better player and get them now, I don’t really just see the point, just trying to throw us off surely!”

Credit: @detectivechimpR

“These are the types of players we need ‘work horse’ ”

Credit: @Jornwathe4

“Shame on Man United.”

Credit: @manutdtimes

“If we’re even looking at this it’s absolutely ridiculous”

Credit: @henryja04492394

In other news: ‘Conte at it again’ – Lots of Man Utd fans react as Spurs now eye move for £120k-p/w ace

Reliable journalist Phil Hay has outlined three key factors which could ensure that Leeds United sign Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson this summer.

The Lowdown: Aaronson linked with Leeds move

The American has already become a key player for Salzburg at the age of just 21, starting all eight of their Champions League matches this season.

Back in the January transfer window, he was strongly linked with a move to Leeds, and that was before his former manager Jesse Marsch had replaced Marcelo Bielsa in Yorkshire.

It could be that the Whites’ interest in the midfielder returns in the summer, as Marsch looks to further make his mark at Elland Road.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Hay discusses possibility of Aaronson to Leeds

Writing for The Athletic, Hay claimed that a move to Leeds for Aaronson could easily materialise for three key reasons, with the Whites planning to try their luck with him again. The reporter stated:

“The intention is, or certainly was, to bid again for Aaronson. He’s interested in the move, he’s played under Jesse Marsch before and Salzburg are likely to be more open to bids in the summer than they were in January.”

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The Verdict: Ideal midfield addition

On the face of it, Aaronson looks like an ideal player to come in and make Leeds stronger in the middle of the park, bringing more guile to that area of the pitch.

Along with averaging 1.8 tackles per game in the Champions League this season, he has also scored 12 goals and registered 15 assists throughout his time with Salzburg, showing what an effective all-round footballer he can be.

The fact that Marsch is now in charge surely only increases the chances of Aaronson joining him at Elland Road, with the American compatriots knowing each other well from their mutual time at Salzburg.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has revealed a key Leeds transfer update. Read more here.