All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur’s arduous, fairly calamitous and often farcical managerial search finally, yes finally, came to an end on Wednesday evening.

The North London outfit announced the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo on a two-year contract, some 72 days after his fellow countryman Jose Mourinho was sacked.

Nuno was the latest name recommended to chairman Daniel Levy by newly-hired sporting director Fabio Paratici, who saw moves for Antonio Conte, Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso fall through.

“Our key points for this season would be to come back to discipline, to work physically hard, to develop our players, our young players and Nuno is very good in this job,” claimed the Italian supremo to the club’s official website, before later adding:

“Also, he adapted a lot of players for his system. Before Wolverhampton, he was in Porto and played another system, 4-4-2, and in Valencia, he played 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, so he has this kind of open mind about different systems and players, which is one of the reasons that we chose him.”

So what could life look like for Spurs under the 47-year-old former goalkeeper? Football FanCast delve into the possibility, with a little backing from the board in the summer transfer market…

Given the opposition to his arrival, that being largely down to his perceived negative three-at-the-back system at Wolves, we expect the Portuguese coach to opt for a 4-3-3 that has drawn praise from Paratici.

There are plenty of mounting issues to resolve in N17 – the future of Harry Kane is perhaps the biggest but according to Fabrizio Romano, Levy is adamant that he’s not going anywhere, which will come as a huge boost to Nuno.

Furthermore, Heung-min Son is close to agreeing to a new long-term extension and these two will perhaps be the first two names on the team sheet.

However, they could be joined by the addition of a new winger, especially with Spurs said to be willing to listen to offers for both Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura.

It wouldn’t be a transfer window without Nuno and Spurs being linked to one of Jorge Mendes’ clients and we could see Nuno raid his former club for Goncalo Guedes.

According to Sphera Sports editor Domingo Ortiz, Spurs are now a potential destination for the Gestifute client following the arrival of the Portuguese manager.

In midfield, Nuno will have plenty of options to choose from but it’s likely that it’ll be Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the anchorman role, giving Tanguy Ndombele some freedom further forward.

Giovani Lo Celso and Dele Alli could compete for that final spot but reported interest in Houssem Aouar is rather intriguing. For just £20m, Nuno could land himself his next creative playmaker, something Spurs have lacked since Christian Eriksen’s departure nearly 18 months ago.

One final summer addition could see Spurs make a double raid on Lyon, with Joachim Andersen widely expected to be the centre-back they sign this window, following a successful loan stint at Fulham.

He may well slot straight in, with midfielder-turned-defender taking up a spot as Nuno’s new Conor Coady, who has followed the same sort of transition into a ball-playing defender under his tenure in the Midlands.

Nuno will also know Matt Doherty well from his time at Molineux, with Sergio Reguilon the perfect option on the other flank.

Club captain Hugo Lloris is also likely to remain in the starting XI heading into 2021/22.

AND in other news, Nuno could kickstart Spurs reign with a bang by signing “sensational” £18m-rated beast…

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”

Tottenham Hotspur have been monitoring Sam Johnstone ahead of a potential swoop in January or the summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who delivered a fresh claim on their pursuit to GIVEMESPORT earlier this week. He said: “If Spurs are looking at Sam Johnstone, I’m sure that’s a sensible option.

“I think Spurs have been watching him. He is homegrown, which is good.”

The England international was subject to interest from several top-flight clubs during the summer transfer window, including West Ham, who saw a £10m bid for him rejected, as per the BBC.

Spurs were also linked with a move for the 6 foot 4 shot-stopper several months ago after The Athletic’s Steve Madeley revealed that the north London outfit had ‘sent out feelers’ to the Baggies following relegation.

Lloris heir?

This latest development should leave much of the Lilywhites faithful absolutely buzzing as it seems as if the club’s hierarchy, notably sporting director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy, are planning for the future.

Hugo Lloris (34) is out of contract in the summer, so a change could well be required between the sticks, and the fact that Johnstone is being monitored suggests that he could be a possible successor – and a very worthy one, too.

Despite West Brom’s relegation, the 28-year-old colossus made Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2020 and he has since picked up three caps, even with Albion in the second tier.

That shows his quality, whilst previous praise from former managers show an insight into his work ethic, attitude and undoubted ability.

“He’s one of the best,” claimed ex-West Brom boss Sam Allardyce back in December, with Johnstone being dubbed a “diamond” to work with by Steve Bruce, his former boss at Villa.

No goalkeeper in the Premier League has faced more shots on target (168) than Johnstone last season, nor did any goalkeeper make as many saves either (116). His four saves per 90 minutes was far above that of Lloris (2.77), as per FBRef.

The veteran glovesman, who captained France to UEFA Nations League glory earlier this month, has often come under criticism for his form in N17, in which he was once slammed for his “lettuce wrists” and dubbed a “weak link” in defence by talkSPORT pundits Jason Cundy and Trevor Sinclair.

Johnstone, who is valued at just £7.2m by Transfermarkt, could be a bargain replacement come next summer, particularly as he’s only on a reported £32.5k-per-week at the Hawthorns.

Spurs fans should be excited by Bridge’s suggestion that the club have been watching him ahead of a potential move. He’d be a very astute addition, even if Lloris remains.

AND in other news, £18m-rated Spurs passenger who lost the ball every 2.7 touches was a disaster against West Ham…

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the subject of interest from Arsenal for ‘years’ and the Gunners will ‘push’ to sign him this summer. 

That’s according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.

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The lowdown

The Athletic revealed in January that Calvert-Lewin is one of Arsenal’s primary targets in the striker position.

The club’s coaching staff are apparently strong admirers and they see his personality ‘as a good fit for Arsenal’s current squad’.

The player himself would reportedly be open to moving to The Emirates as he looks to fulfil his career ambitions, which include featuring for England at the Qatar World Cup.

But Calvert-Lewin isn’t the only Everton attacker Arsenal are monitoring. Transfer insider Dean Jones has heard that they could make a move for Richarlison too.

The latest

Brown is confident that Calvert-Lewin will be a bigger priority than his team-mate given that Arsenal have tracked him for such a lengthy period.

“I know for a fact that Arsenal like and have liked Calvert-Lewin for quite a few years, even before he was scoring regularly in the Premier League,” he said.

“So, if I was to guess, I’m pretty sure they’ll make a bigger push for Calvert-Lewin than they will Richarlison in the summer.”

The verdict

How much could Everton get for the £72,000-per-week forward?

Well, the figure mooted by The Athletic in January was £60million, which would be the second largest sale in Everton’s history (behind Romelu Lukaku’s £76.2million switch to Manchester United in 2017).

Could The Toffees still command that in the summer off the back of a lean season for Calvert-Lewin, who’s scored one non-penalty goal in 13 appearances? Perhaps, given that the 25-year-old is still under contract for another three years and has shown he’s capable of far better.

Indeed, he hit a combined 29 goals across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Premier League seasons.

Everton supporters had ‘got it in for’ the striker against Manchester United last time out after he lost a couple of aerial battles in the first half, but some may still be sad to go in light of his previous goalscoring feats.

Indeed, in the words of former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti, he’s a striker with ‘outstanding’ gifts, while the Royal Blue podcast have labelled him a ‘monster’.

In other news, Kevin Phillips has been disappointed by one Everton star in particular.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim regarding Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips, as per GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: First start since December today?

The 26-year-old made a welcome return from injury last weekend to feature under new Whites boss Jesse Marsch for the first time. He came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Southampton and is now in contention for a first start since December against Watford this afternoon.

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Phillips has been linked with the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham over recent weeks and is currently in the process of changing agents.

Manchester United are also thought to be ‘working on a deal’, but Jones has now made a claim on the midfielder and his thoughts on Marsch.

The Latest: Jones’ comments on Phillips

Speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Phillips, Jones said that the midfielder has ‘been really impressed’ by Marsch, believing that he is now ‘becoming more and more convinced’ over staying at Elland Road as a result.

The journalist said of the 26-year-old:

“They’re starting to turn the corner. He’s been really impressed by what Jesse Marsch has done so far. I do think he’s becoming more and more convinced about staying but, of course, money does talk.”

The Verdict: Premier League status will be vital

To have any chance of keeping Phillips beyond the summer, you’d expect that the Whites need to guarantee a third successive season of Premier League football over the coming weeks.

This afternoon’s trip to Vicarage Road appears to be vital when it comes to Leeds looking to pull away from the relegation zone, with a win taking them 11 points clear of their 19th-placed opponents.

Phillips reportedly wants to sign a new deal at Elland Road, so he could play a key role in receiving one by helping the club to do the business on the pitch in the final seven games of this season.

In other news – 5 key passes, 1 goal: Leeds target produces stunning midweek display as Orta eyes move

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire says events such as Anthony Joshua’s fight against Oleksandr Usyk could help Tottenham sell the naming rights to their stadium for the £250,000,000 they are looking for.

The Lowdown: Spurs host huge bout

Recently, Joshua’s heavyweight boxing bout with Usyk took place in front a full capacity crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Joshua lost the fight, but the glamour of the event can only be good news for Tottenham as a brand.

The Latest: Maguire impressed

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire discussed Tottenham’s ability to attract naming rights offers for their stadium. He said:

“I think it helps Spurs from a negotiation perspective.

“It was a spectacular event, with the exception of the result. That can only enhance the club’s ability to broaden the global scope of what they can offer.

“That therefore makes it more attractive to a sponsor. But it seems a lot of money, however, £25m.

“Man City got more than that, but that was on the back of the stadium that people were looking for a name for.

“But they are calling it the Tottenham stadium deliberately. As soon as people start calling it White Hart Lane, it becomes much harder to get a deal.

“That’s because people will not refer to it by its new name. That means the sponsor doesn’t get as much publicity.

“If you can’t persuade people to use the corporate name, that is to the detriment of their negotiating position.”

The Verdict: Financial boost

It was recently revealed Tottenham are looking for £25m per year over 10 years, which would end up seeing Tottenham receive a fee of £250m. As per 90min.com, that would make Spurs’ ground the most lucrative in terms of sponsorship.

Of course, that is a huge amount. However, given the stadium is already luring in massive corporations like the NFL (nfl.com), it is clear it can be used for more than just football matches, which makes it an interesting proposition for plenty of companies. For Daniel Levy and co, therefore, a financial boost could be just around the corner.

In other news, this man has been urged to leave Tottenham.

Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly becoming frustrated with the failure to bring Lewis O’Brien to the club in time for the season opener [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Leeds United prepare for second successive top-flight campaign

Ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign this weekend, the Argentinian will be keen to add quality to his ranks to ensure a second successful top-flight season in the English top-flight.

Adopting an approach of quality over quantity, the Whites hierarchy have sanctioned deals for Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison and Kristoffer Klaesson respectively [Transfermarkt].

However, they may have now run into difficulty regarding making a fourth summer signing.

The Latest: Bielsa growing frustrated in pursuit of O’Brien

As revealed by a recruitment source at Football Insider, Bielsa is said to be growing “exasperated” at his employers’ inability to offer a suitable financial package to the Terriers for O’Brien.

His disappointment stems from the fact he has not been able to bring in O’Brien with plenty time to bed him in during pre-season, whilst simultaneously expecting the club to make a bigger effort to get their man.

Huddersfield asked for a fee in advance of £10 million for the creative midfielder, far above Leeds’ opening offer of £2-3million.

The Verdict: Blow for Leeds

Looking to strengthen for the challenges that lie ahead, this news will come as a bitter disappointment to the Whites support.

In 2020/21, the 22-year-old ace registered six goal contributions in 42 games for his current employers; three goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

He has continued this form into 2021/22, putting in a man of the match performance in Huddersfield’s penalty victory after a 0-0 draw vs Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup first round [BBC].

Once labelled as ‘incredible’ by Yorkshire Live writer Steven Chicken, Leeds United should look to close out a deal as soon as possible for his signature [Lancashire Live].

In other news, a Leeds United ace has been tipped to recapture his best form in 2021/22.

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”

Celtic will be without striker Giorgos Giakoumakis for their League Cup semi-final with St Johnstone, Alison Conroy reports.

The Lowdown: Giakoumakis under Postecoglou

Giakoumakis made the move to Celtic Park on deadline day in a deal worth £2.5m from VVV-Venlo.

However, since then, he has had his fair share of issues after initially struggling to get up to fitness before injuring his calf in the warm-up against Raith Rovers in September.

The 26-year-old, labelled as a ‘phenomenon’ by a Dutch reporter, has started twice under Ange Postecoglou, with his only goal coming against Saturday’s opponents in the Scottish Premiership.

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The Latest: Conroy’s update

Sky Sports reporter Conroy shared an injury update on Twitter following comments from Postecoglou.

Giakoumakis will be out for at least another week due to a knee issue, whereas Carl Starfelt and Tom Rogic are unlikely to be ready in time following hamstring problems.

“Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou says Giorgos Giakoumakis will be out for at least another week with a knee injury. League Cup semi likely to be too soon for Carl Starfelt & Tom Rogic.”

The Verdict: Not ideal…

Postecoglou will have his first taste of Hampden Park this weekend, and being without three first-team members on top of long-term absentees Christopher Jullien and Greg Taylor isn’t exactly ideal.

Giakoumakis, Starfelt and Rogic all started in the 2-0 win over St Johnstone last month, so Postecoglou will now have to find a way to win without the trio.

In terms of Giakoumakis’ latest injury, you’d expect Kyogo Furuhashi will almost certainly occupy a central role, with all but one of his 13 Hoops goals coming as a centre-forward as opposed to out wide.

In other news: Ange now wants to sign another forward for Celtic in January; came through same academy as Rogic. 

West Bromwich Albion will not be returning for 2020/21 loanee Okay Yokuslu of Celta Vigo, as reported by Birmingham Mail.

The Lowdown: West Brom set for life under Valerien Ismael

Gliding ever closer to the 2021/22 campaign, Valerien Ismael will be keen to put his stamp on a squad who will be desperate to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Getting busy in the transfer market, the 45-year-old has sanctioned deals for Matt Clarke and Alex Mowatt [Transfermarkt].

However, one man he will not bring back to the Hawthorns this window is 27-year-old Yokuslu.

The Latest: Yokuslu will not return to West Brom this summer

In spite of numerous suggestions otherwise, the Turkey international is not someone who will pitch up in the Midlands once again for the forthcoming campaign [Birmingham Mail].

Despite giving a good account of himself with the Baggies last year, West Brom currently do not have the money necessary to bring the 6 foot 3 midfield maestro aboard.

Furthermore, newly appointed Ismael is said to want to shape the side in his own way, a vision that does not include Yokuslu.

The Verdict: Clean break

For both parties, a clean break may be the best scenario here. Though a very talented midfielder who performed admirably last term, Yokuslu joining up with West Brom would take a significant chunk out of their respective transfer and wage budgets.

In 2020/21, he impressed with his desire to win possession, successfully winning an average of 2.4 tackles per game in the Premier League across the year [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘excellent’ by West Brom journalist Adrian Goldberg [This is Futbol], he is a talented player no doubt, but one talented player does not earn promotion.

If Ismael is allowed to redirect whatever funds were plotted for Yokuslu’s return elsewhere instead, this could turn out to be a very wise decision indeed.

In other news, West Brom have been linked with a free agent.