All posts by z3u9t.icu

The winds of change are awry at Celtic. This summer is set to be a colossal one for the Bhoys and if they get things wrong, they can kiss goodbye to a title challenge again.

Parkhead will be a revolving door of exits and new arrivals with the playing squad and hierarchy set to undergo a big upheaval.

Dominic McKay has already taken up his position with Peter Lawwell due to retire from his role as CEO in a few months time.

Scott Brown is heading for Aberdeen and could be joined by Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard to name a few.

As they all exit, this is the time for Celtic to target younger players in a bid to reclaim their dominance. This season has proven that sometimes experience isn’t always the answer.

As Manchester United’s class of 92 showed, it is possible to win things with kids. That said, if Celtic are looking for a light dose of experience in the transfer market, Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri could be an option.

That was the opinion of Kevin Phillips who revealed Celtic should consider signing him on temporary terms after the Switzerland international instructed his agent to find him a new club.

Phillips told Football Insider: “A loan move could work out for Celtic financially.

“Shaqiri has got a lot of quality and I think he would shine up in that league. That would be a great signing for Celtic so long as they did not have to break the bank to get him in.”

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The 29-year-old has so far enjoyed a glittering career, playing for the likes of Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and now Liverpool.

He has only played 13 times in the Premier League this season but it’s hard to ignore Shaqiri’s qualities.

A creative menace, he could be a direct replacement for Moi Elyounoussi once his loan spell at Parkhead comes to a conclusion.

The Norway international has been an inconsistent figure of late, scoring just one goal in his last 11 league outings. Despite that form, he will be a loss to the new manager at Celtic.

That’s because Elyounoussi is their second top goalscorer with 17 strikes to his name. He is also one of the club’s chief creators with eight assists.

Like Shaqiri, the Southampton loanee is capable of playing on the flanks and through the middle. Though, he isn’t as productive in front of goal.

Instead, he could offer a more creative threat to the Hoops. Described as a player with “breathtaking technique” by The Athletic’s James Pearce, the £80k-per-week earner has a habit of carving out chances.

Despite his lack of game time this term, the Swiss attacker has recorded 1.3 key passes per game for Liverpool, adding to the two per match he’s managed in World Cup qualifying.

If we compare his club form to those at Celtic, only David Turnbull, Ryan Christie, Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor have managed more chance creations.

Although Celtic should be thinking of moving away from players reaching the latter stages of their career, it would be hard to say no to Shaqiri.

The experience he’s gained at the very highest level could be game-changing as the Hoops bring through the next generation.

AND in other news, McKay could unearth another Turnbull if Celtic sign “very intelligent” 15-goal maestro…

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over some news involving one of their upcoming fixtures in the Premier League.

As per the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, their trip to Newcastle United in February has now been rescheduled, after being selected for live TV.

It will now be played on Tuesday 8th February at 7:45pm, in what is an ridiculously inconvenient time for supporters hoping to go to the game on Tyneside.

The late kick-off makes it difficult for Toffees to travel back, especially in a midweek when they are likely to have work the next day, and there will be fewer public transport options at that time of night.

Nonetheless, the anger also comes after a poor run of form on the pitch, which has seen the Merseyside club win just one of their last 10 matches in the Premier League.

Everton fans on fixture change

These Blues fumed as the news of the fixture change was shared on Twitter, with one EFC fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘awful’:

“Why?”

Credit: @efc_1878___

“Keep going @premierleague – kick us when we’re already down”

Credit: @SpecterAndGold

“We’re actually never playing a game on a Saturday again”

Credit: @joejohnson1202

“Everton are not allowed to play Newcastle in broad daylight”

Credit: @jamesc_422

“Absolutely awful date change for Newcastle away that”

Credit: @Lammylad88

“Half the fan base just suffered an injury reading this tweet”

Credit: @SchneiderErnie

In other news, find out what injury news has Evertonians fuming here!

Manchester United and Paul Pogba have had a rollercoaster relationship over his career and now with his contract ending in a matter of weeks it seems that there are no chances of the Frenchman extending his stay, especially with new reports emerging about his future away from the club.

What’s the word?

According to Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst, Paul Pogba has been made an offer by Paris Saint-Germain to secure his future back in France.

The report suggests that the terms of the contract are lower than the final offer that Manchester United put on the table for Pogba in their desperate attempts to keep him at Old Trafford.

Despite this offer from PSG, the 29-year-old allegedly would prefer a move to Juventus according to Luckhurst.

One passage of the report reads: “Dressing room sources at United say Pogba is effectively ‘gone’ as he approaches the final two months of his contract and the club has been planning for his expected departure for most of the season. United intend to sign at least one midfielder in the summer.”

Supporters will be buzzing

It’s fair to say that the reception from Man United supporters has been mixed in his second chance at the club over the last six years, with the player and his agent, Mina Raiola, having a very public and at times fractured relationship with the club, and after his latest rejection to extend his stay supporters will surely be buzzing about his departure.

The midfielder has won the EFL Cup twice and Europa League at the club, scoring 39 goals and contributing 51 assists in 230 appearances for the Red Devils, with a goal involvement every 2.5 games played which is an output that will surely be missed at Old Trafford.

Despite a consistent attacking output over the years, it seems that now could be a good time for the World Cup winner to move on so that Manchester United can concentrate on finding their next star to play for the new manager who will be appointed this summer, and the club will ultimately save a staggering £15m a year on Pogba’s current wages.

Not only that, but it will rid the club of one of the club’s sizeable egos, something that can only be a good thing for the club moving forward.

Currently the powers at the club are focused on finding the right manager to come in and change the direction Man United have been heading in for some time and moving forward letting go of long-term players like Pogba could be a real blessing in disguise as they attempt to start a new era, with a new manager and new vision to get back to winning trophies.

In other news: Insider drops big Man Utd manager update from a senior club source, it’s great news

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!

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans have been discussing the club following a tweet about absentees by journalist Dom Howson.

Howson reported that the Owls could be without nine players through injury and suspension in their next Championship game. It doesn’t get any harder for them as they face league leaders Norwich.

The Owls are currently on a torrid run as they have lost their last five games and are now seven points from safety (SofaScore).

The problems are mounting up for new manager Darren Moore, and it really looks like he has joined a sinking ship which seems to be heading for League One sooner rather than later. Perhaps in hindsight the Owls boss might have stayed with Doncaster Rovers, who are battling for promotion in that division.

If Wednesday can get anything from the game against Norwich, it should be a huge morale booster and could turn around their season, but Moore needs things to start changing quickly.

Here’s how some SWFC fans reacted to Howson’s update about the spate of absentees:

Here is how Owls fans reacted to the news:

“On paper we should be doing a lot better than what we are, what do you think the problems are apart form injury’s Dom? Have most players become complacent because they know the won’t be here come season end?”

Credit: @BigDave35942245

“Hiya League 1 – we’ve missed you”

Credit: @newcole78

“Joke club.”

Credit: @PistolPete1867

“No excuse whatsoever, the players should be playing for their future but they just don’t care.”

Credit: @Trigger1410

“I’m not sure anyone would notice tbh, most haven’t turned up for a game all season”

Credit: @lizburgess83

“The ones who aren’t injured Dom won’t bother turning up either. You would think they’d be playing for the futures at the very least. Most not good enough, all not giving 100% which is indefensible!”

Credit: @Wawaw___

In other news, some Owls fans raged over one player in their recent loss to Reading.

Many Southampton reacted in their droves to Danny Ings picking up an injury during his side’s Premier League clash against top flight strugglers Sheffield United.

After just 12 minutes, the 28-year-old went down holding his ankle and was unable to continue at Bramall Lane, making way for Che Adams during the first period.

Ings has scored eight goals and provided three assists from 21 appearances for Southampton during the 2020/21 campaign (Whoscored) – there is no doubting the Englishman is the club’s most prolific striker.

Despite this, Ings has struggled with injuries over the years which spans back from his days at Liverpool, where he picked up back-to-back serious knee injuries. However, his most common setback has been related to his hamstring since his move to St Mary’s (Transfermarkt).

With this in mind, supporters were incensed by his latest issue, which will now be his fourth of the season, with some suggesting that he may have played his last game for the South Coast outfit.

Fans flock to Twitter after Ings injury

“Ings going off is bad, bad news. Don’t look like anyone else can score apart from Minamino and a JWP free-kick. Gulp.”

Credit: @mattlc180

“Ings injured already………. Please find who has cursed a dark spell upon my club. This is ridiculous”

Credit: @RhysTheSaint

“I swear Ings is made of glass”

Credit: @Jackthebrit

“Danny Ings is done here. This is not good at all.”

Credit: @SouthamptonPage

“Ings off again. Time to sell”

Credit: @thepump74

“Ings injured. Imagine my shock”

Credit: @BristolSaints

In other news, Southampton enquire about services of £120k-per-week Premier League star.

Everton reportedly now risk losing Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Arsenal in the summer.

The Lowdown: Injury misery

Calvert-Lewin has endured an injury-plagued season, playing just 14 times in total over all competitions.

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In turn, the Goodison Park faithful have struggled massively, lurking just outside of the relegation zone.

There is no doubting his ability and how vital is to the team, after all, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed him as ‘one of the best’ in his position ahead of the Merseyside derby on Sunday afternoon.

The Latest: Arsenal lurking

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist and transfer expert David Ornstein has revealed that Calvert-Lewin is now among the options considered by Arsenal to strengthen their attack this summer.

However, the Gunners are also considering signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

The Verdict: Keep

Yes, Calvert-Lewin has struggled with injuries this term, but he has already shown his worth to the Toffees and remains one of their key players.

The striker has 56 goals in total for the club over six consecutive campaigns, while also contributing a handy 17 assists (Transfermarkt).

At 25 years of age, the England international still has his best years ahead of him, and so Frank Lampard’s side will not want to let him go cheaply, especially to another club in the Premier League.

However, if they were to get relegated, they may not have a choice.

In other news, find out which Blues ace has been ‘clubbing too much’ here!

Premier League side Everton have been backed to sign Leicester City’s Demarai Gray in the summer transfer window.

As transcribed by Sport Witness, an unknown Premier League scout has backed Everton to move for Gray, describing him as a very good winger for the current generation.

Everton could move for Gray

The unknown scout was recently talking to French outlet Le Phocéen and he was asked about Gray and his abilities. The scout had praise for the Englishman, saying that Gray has an ‘excellent’ rating in England and that he is a quick winger who knows how to go past people.

The scout was sure that Everton will face competition for Gray and tipped Tottenham and Southampton to look at him as well.

He said (via Sport Witness):

“He is a very good player who keeps an excellent rating in England. He is still one of the very good wingers of his generation, even if his contractual situation at Leicester means that he is being ruled out by Rodgers and the managers.

“He is very quick and skilful at knocking out his opponent in the middle of the race, as well as against goalies with a tendency to open his foot to find the opposing side of the net. There will surely be competition, as I think good English clubs will move, like Everton, Tottenham or Southampton.”

Gray’s current contract at Leicester runs out at the end of the 2020/21 season, but the winger will be able to speak to some clubs to sign a pre-contract agreement this month. Benfica, Marseille and Monaco have also been linked with a move for the 24-year-old (As per the Sun).

Gray could be a good option for Everton

In the current campaign, Gray has made just one Premier League appearance and has played just as many times in the League Cup. In the 2019/20 league campaign, Gray contributed to five goals while playing only 609 minutes of Premier League football for The Fixes.

This suggests that Gray can contribute to goals for his team if given a chance to shine. Everton’s Bernard has been linked with a move to Roma and he is a left-winger by trade. Gray can also play on the left-wing and also on the right, so if Bernard goes, Gray could be a potential replacement for the Brazilian. In this scenario, a move for the 24-year-old would make sense.

In other news, Everton are leading the race to sign a Championship star – read more about it here.

The 2020/21 Championship regular season came to an end on Saturday afternoon and a current Leicester City player rounded off his campaign in a promising way.

Starting in midfield for temporary employers Luton Town, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall equalised against Queens Park Rangers despite the Hatters going on to lose 3-1 at Loftus Road.

Following the match, Luton boss Nathan Jones suggested that he would be doing his utmost to bring the “magnificent” midfielder back to the club next season.

However, considering his performances throughout the campaign, Brendan Rodgers should certainly be looking to keep Dewsbury-Hall at the King Power Stadium and hand him first-team opportunities.

In 40 appearances for Luton in all competitions, the 22-year-old has scored three goals and notched six assists.

That form built on another highly impressive loan spell at Blackpool where the midfielder scored four goals in just ten league appearances.

Considering those two campaigns have been his only seasons within senior league football, his adaptation and progression has been highly impressive.

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His eye for goal and offensive nature could certainly come in handy in the East-Midlands next season.

The likes of James Maddison, Dennis Praet and Ayoze Perez have all struggled with injuries throughout the current campaign, leaving Rodgers’ midfield attacking midfield options looking depleted at times.

Bringing Dewsbury-Hall into the fold would certainly strengthen the depth within the club’s current squad.

Whilst it might be harsh to expect the midfielder to cope with the demands of Premier League football immediately, he has already displayed his promise with the Foxes.

He has already been afforded a couple of first-team opportunities at the King Power Stadium; an FA Cup appearance against Brentford and an EFL Cup outing versus Arsenal back in September.

Following his excellent season at Kenilworth Road, he will surely be keen though to build upon those promising signs.

Rodgers must keep him around next season though and not let him leave once again if Dewsbury-Hall is to achieve that.

Even if he’s kept around to play in a backup role, he could be unleashed in domestic cup games, or perhaps from the bench in league games. That could be better for his development than spending another year out on loan.

AND in more news, the Foxes have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Boubakary Soumare…

Newcastle must land Chelsea starlet Marc Guehi in the transfer window amid reports linking the Magpies with a summer move.

What’s the story?

Steve Bruce’s side have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League this season, with their total of 58 goals conceded only better than three other sides.

It’s no surprise then that The Athletic claim that the Magpies have got their sights set on reinforcing the centre of their defence this summer, with the Tyneside club having watched Guehi this campaign.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Championship side Swansea, and has been a regular starter for them all season, with The Athletic adding that Newcastle are set to face significant competition to sign him.

Bye-bye Fabian Schar

Reports in recent days have suggested that Newcastle’s defence could face some upheaval, with the likes of Fabian Schar as one of the players whose contract is coming to an end this summer.

And if the Magpies do wave goodbye to the Switzerland international and opt not to renew his deal, then Guehi should absolutely be someone who they look to target.

The 6 foot centre-back has been a revelation at Swansea this season in the Championship, with his tally of 1.7 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the league ranking him in the top four among all his teammates – a sign of someone who’s comfortable being a front-foot defender and being aggressive, and who can drop off and pick off passes.

It’s no surprise then that his teammate at England U21 level, Josef Bursik, has waxed lyrical about the kind of dominant presence that he is.

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When asked who the strongest player in the squad was, he said: “Easy, Marc Guehi. He’s an absolute tank. It’s like having a brick wall in front of you, he’s massive.”

At just 20, Guehi has got all the time in the world to kick on from the season he’s had at Swansea, and if the Magpies do want to move on from Schar and look to the future, then the Chelsea starlet should be near the top of their summer shopping list.

Meanwhile, this man was Bruce’s unsung hero in the win over Leicester…