All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton eye Tottenham ace Alli

Some Everton fans have been left raging over some transfer news that has emerged on Dele Alli.

Speaking on The Athletic’s The View from The Lane Podcast (via Everton Blue Army), journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke has revealed that the Goodison Park faithful could now consider signing the Tottenham Hotspur midfield player on loan towards the end of the January transfer window, but there has not been any progress on that as of yet.

Alli has fallen away from the player he once was at Spurs, where he scored 50 goals and made 36 assists in the Premier League from midfield between the 2015/16 and 2019/20 seasons (regular England international.

However, just one goal and one assist has followed in the top flight over the last two terms (2019.

Nonetheless, it seems strange that the Merseyside club would look to loan him in on this kind of form, and so it is not surprising to see so many Toffees against the idea.

Everton fans on Alli transfer news

These Blues supporters raged as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“If this happens I give up”

Credit: @sammykingston7

“If this has a leg, please NO!”

Credit: @objective_KEL

“This club is finished”

Credit: @samwinch98

“Omg when will this hell end?”

Credit: @joeyslittertray

“When will this stuff ever end….it will end…. in the Championship.”

Credit: @Abelsouthall

“Please no. This would do me in”

Credit: @hado72

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

West Ham join Nunez transfer race

According to a report in the print edition of Record, via Sport Witness, West Ham United have now joined the race to sign Benfica star striker Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez wanted across Europe…

The 22-year-old is a wanted man across the continent amid his eye-catching performances for Benfica in the Primeira Liga and at Champions League level.

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Often linked with the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United from the Premier League, he has also been attracting interest from Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and even Newcastle United (Sport Witness).

There are no shortage of suitors for the Uruguay sensation as he becomes the latest South American in an ever-growing line to now be linked with West Ham as well.

Indeed, the club’s head of recruitment Rob Newman, who is said to have his eyes on two Brazilian strikers in Gabriel Barbosa and Arthur Cabral, is now also in the race to sign Nunez.

The Latest: West Ham join Nunez race…

As per Record (via Sport Witness), West Ham have been dragged into the battle for his signature alongside the plethora of other interested clubs.

Their apparent involvement is considered all the more shocking given that Nunez has a marquee release clause of €150m (£127.5m) if any club wish to sign him in January. As a result, the Irons would have to nearly triple their current transfer record to get a deal done.

The Verdict: Pinch of salt…

Given that other prolific strikers like Andrea Belotti, Barbosa and Cabral could be available for much less, we advise to take this claim with a pinch of salt.

West Ham don’t have the means to invest that heavily in a star forward, as highlighted by new shareholder Daniel Kretinsky, who played down mega spending in the winter transfer window. However, it is reliably believed that Moyes will be backed to bring in a new striker and top centre-back, as well as the possibility of England international Jesse Lingard (The Evening Standard).

Nunez, who has been tipped to become ‘the best in the world’ by Benfica boss Jorge Jesus, is most likely out of West Ham’s reach, unfortunately.

In other news: ‘Abysmal’, ‘Most frustrating player’ – Many West Ham fans slam ‘invisible’ ace who lost the ball 18x vs Brighton, find out more here.

Leeds: Jamie Shackleton to miss Arsenal

Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton will miss Saturday’s meeting with Arsenal with an Achilles injury, Phil Hay reports.

The Lowdown: Absentees mounting up

Leeds were already without a number of first-team players against Manchester City on Tuesday. Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Rodrigo, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk were all missing from the matchday squad, with the Whites falling to a heavy 7-0 defeat.

Junior Firpo picked up a fifth booking of the season against Pep Guardiola’s side so will be unavailable on Saturday. Meanwhile, Shackleton made his 11th Premier League appearance in the week but hobbled off shortly before the interval, and it seems as if he’ll now join Leeds’ lengthy injury list.

The Latest: Shackleton out

Hay covered Marcelo Bielsa’s pre-Arsenal press conference and shared multiple updates on Twitter.

One of the first topics was on injuries, with the Leeds boss confirming Shackleton, who he formerly described as ‘important’, is out with an Achilles issue, while Dan James won’t make it due to an abductor muscle problem.

Defender Koch will be available against Mikel Arteta’s side, though, a rare positive injury update from Thorp Arch.

The Verdict: What now?

Shackleton, primarily a midfielder, has been playing on the right-hand side this season for the Whites, so Bielsa will need to tinker once again as he prepares to host the Gunners.

With Koch back, though, Luke Ayling could return to his natural right-back role, leaving Koch to partner Diego Llorente. Another option would be youngster Cody Drameh, who actually earned a first Leeds start against Saturday’s opponents in the Carabao Cup.

It will be interesting to see what Bielsa decides to go with, but at least he does have multiple options with Koch now back.

In other news: ‘They do like him’ – journalist lifts lid on Leeds move for ‘class’ midfielder after City defeat. 

Lawrence to replace struggling Hugill

West Brom have had a high turnover of players in the last 18 months, and are seemingly now trying to put together a squad with a consistent starting XI.

The Baggies will be keen to add quality to their side as they attempt to earn an automatic promotion spot, either challenging for the Championship title or finishing second to secure Premier League football next season.

One player that has been heavily linked to Ismael’s side is Tom Lawrence.

Lawrence is currently in Wayne Rooney’s side at Derby County, however, the move to a Premier League challenging side could prove more attractive to the 27-year-old gem as the Rams are struggling in the relegation zone after a series of points deductions this season due to financial troubles.

His record at his current club is 30 goals and 23 assists, with his hunger for goals he would be a great addition for the West Bromwich Albion side who will be trying to climb the table.

Tom Lawrence’s former manager Gary Bowyer, once dubbed the player “a fabulous talent” in an interview;

“He’s a wonderful player, a joy to watch. He’s one of these players that when he picks the ball up, half-turns and starts running, you get off the edge of your seat because you know something’s going to happen.

“I think today in the second half, he had a couple of runs and looked like he would make something happen. He’s a fabulous talent.”

Valerien Ismael could capitalise on Derby’s current situation by attracting Lawrence to a side with potential, and use the opportunity to offload Jordan Hugill, who has struggled to find the back of the net for West Brom this season, with just one goal so far and zero assists, offering little impact in the fight for promotion.

West Brom will have work to do to close the gap on Fulham and Bournemouth, as they currently sit in third, nine points adrift from the top of the table, but the Championship is ever-changing and the Baggies will hoping to use their experience in Championship title challenges to climb up the ranks in the second half of the season.

In other news: Callum Robinson must start against Blackpool

Spurs in running to sign Nahitan Nandez

As per Calciomercato, there has been a fresh update on the future of Cagliari star Nahitan Nandez and it involves Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Spurs make Nandez approach…

Over the summer window, the midfielder was earmarked as one of managing director Fabio Paratici’s transfer targets for Tottenham.

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Indeed, reliable sources like Sky Sports backed an approach from Spurs to sign the Uruguay international, with a summit between the club and player later confirmed.

Back in September, Cagliari’s sporting director Stefano Capozucca announced that Nandez had ‘meetings with Tottenham, Inter, Naples and Rome’, but the player couldn’t secure a move away (L’Unione Sarda via Calciomercato).

As the 25-year-old and his agent Pablo Betancur seek to finally seal an exit from the Sardegna Arena in January, there has been an update on Spurs’ pursuit.

The Latest: Spurs in the hunt…

As per Calciomercato, Tottenham are still very much in the race and pose as the most likely suitors outside of Serie A, with Napoli and Inter also remaining interested.

The Italian source also reiterates a message from Nandez’ representative in the form of a ‘discount’ for interested clubs.

As per agent Betancur, Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini has ‘promised’ to do ‘everything possible’ to facilitate Nandez’ mid-season exit, apparently ‘giving his word’ that he will ‘lower the price’ on his €36m (£30m) release clause.

The Verdict: Time to take advantage…

After Tottenham announced pre-tax losses of £80.2m for the latest financial year, with club debt now increasing to £706m (The Guardian), the club must take advantage of any bargain deals available.

Nandez certainly represents value for money if Spurs can secure him for a discounted fee, especially going by his versatility and ability to plug many gaping holes in Antonio Conte’s squad.

The South American can play as a central midfielder, right wing-back and as a traditional winger (Sky Sports), while there has been no shortage of praise for him.

Serie A journalist Mina Rzouki called Nandez ‘unstoppable’ for his performances over the back end of last campaign, whilst fellow Italian top-flight expert Conor Clancy dubbed him a ‘machine’ (This Is Futbol).

The 25-year-old could be a more than ideal signing for Spurs as Conte seeks to usher in a brand new era.

In other news: ‘Coming from Tottenham’ – Journalist makes exciting transfer claim with big offer on the table, find out more here.

Leeds: Bielsa must unleash Joe Gelhardt

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is facing a key issue that needs solving for the club in the Premier League as Patrick Bamford remains out injured.

The Whites head coach has already confirmed that the forward will be absent for the League Cup clash with Arsenal, with question marks still hovering over his availability for next weekend’s huge clash with Norwich at Carrow Road.

Bamford watched on from the sidelines as Leeds scraped a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves on Saturday, which came after he also sat out of the 1-0 defeat to Southampton the previous week.

With one goal scored in two games, which came from the penalty spot, Bielsa clearly needs to inject some attacking quality into his team to improve their chances of picking up points. A defeat to Norwich next weekend would see Leeds just two points ahead of the Canaries, who are currently bottom on two points after nine games.

One thing he could do to improve the attack is unleashing 19-year-old gem Joe Gelhardt. Starting the promising young attacker could add some much-needed energy, enthusiasm, and quality to their frontline, against both Arsenal and Norwich.

Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross once claimed that Gelhardt is ‘absolutely outrageous’ and hailed the club’s work to bring him to the club from Wigan.

He said: “I think it remains, It’s very opportunistic. I think as we saw with Gelhardt, I think that was very much, unfortunately for Wigan, a case of Wigan were in administration, and they had to take what they could get.

“And as I’m sure we’ll find out in the years ahead, Gelhardt may well be the best bit businesses the club has done in the last 20 years, if not ever, because he just looks absolutely outrageous, very, very good player.”

Gelhardt came off the bench against Wolves at the weekend for his second-ever Premier League appearance, with both of his top-flight displays to date coming as a substitute.

He came ever so close to scoring his first goal in the cameo, with Jose Sa pulling off a sensational fingertip save to deny him. The youngster did make a telling contribution in the end, though, as he won the penalty after a silky piece of play in the box before Rodrigo stuck away the spot-kick to secure a point.

The former Wigan man has scored 17 goals in 23 Premier League 2 matches for Leeds, suggesting that he is too good to be playing development football. That is why Bielsa must unleash him from the start against Arsenal and Norwich, as he could solve the goalscoring issue they are facing with Bamford on the sidelines, judging by his performance against Wolves and his incredible record at youth level.

AND in other news, Leeds sealed dream deal over “very talented” gem whose value has increased 2300%…

Liverpool dealt Naby Keita injury blow

Liverpool’s previous Premier League fixture ended with a disappointing 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield after the Reds were 2-0 up after just 24 minutes.

On top of the result, Liverpool were also given a sucker punch in the first half of the match against Graham Potter’s side after midfielder Naby Keita was forced off the pitch with 19 minutes played after an injury.

What’s the latest?

Speaking after the game, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that Keita had suffered a hamstring injury which led to him being replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the first half on Saturday.

Keita was also forced off the pitch last weekend during Liverpool’s 5-0 win over Manchester United after a hefty challenge from Paul Pogba that saw the Frenchman get sent off. However, the Liverpool man was declared fit enough to start against Brighton, which makes this latest injury issue such a big disappointment for himself, the manager and the fans.

Klopp will undoubtedly be gutted with this news, not only because Keita has suffered many previous injuries during his time with Liverpool but also because the midfield man had managed to score three goals and provide one assist in the ten appearances he’s made for the Reds across all competitions so far this season.

As a result of Keita’s troubled fitness since joining the Merseyside club back in the 2018 summer transfer window from German club RB Leipzig, the 26-year-old, who is currently valued at £28.8m according to Transfermarkt, has made just 86 appearances for the Reds.

Everyone at Anfield will undoubtedly be hoping that the Guinea international will overcome this latest injury issue as soon as possible and be able to get back on the pitch with the rest of his teammates without missing too much action, especially with Liverpool having Atletico Madrid, West Ham United and Arsenal for their next three games.

However, with Thiago Alcantara also returning to training last week after being out for a period of time through injury, his upcoming return could provide Klopp with a suitable replacement.

In other news: Forget Mane: £200k-p/w Liverpool star who made 2 key passes stole the show vs Brighton – opinion

West Ham set sights on Vivian

According to a report by Fichajes, West Ham United are now eyeing another defender for David Moyes as news emerges on Athletic Bilbao ace Dani Vivian.

The Lowdown: West Ham in summer defence chase…

West Ham were linked with a plethora of centre-backs over the latest summer before they eventually managed to capture France international Kurt Zouma.

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Indeed, the likes of Nayef Aguerd and Duje Caleta-Car were also being eyed by GSB and the Irons but it appears that, despite signing Zouma, the club could still add another defender to Moyes’ ranks.

This comes amid question marks surrounding the future of Angelo Ogbonna with the Italian still yet to put pen to paper on an extension at the London Stadium.

The Latest: West Ham now eyeing Vivian…

As per Fichajes, the Irons are now eyeing promising Bilbao defender Vivian – with some work being done behind the scenes.

It is claimed that West Ham are ‘compiling statistical reports’ on the player and have been following him very recently alongside the likes of Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The report claims that Vivian is ‘on the agenda’ of West Ham and they also lift the lid on his €40 million (£34m) release clause.

The Verdict: Bigger priorities?

While Fichajes make it clear that the 22-year-old is a top talent with ‘tremendous physical power’ and £34m could be a bargain considering his potential, West Ham arguably have bigger priorities for the moment.

New head of recruitment Rob Newman needs to prioritise the signing of a new back up striker for Michail Antonio after the club’s failure to bring one in over 2021.

The Jamaica international has been in sublime form under Moyes but his injury history always proves to be a concern.

Indeed, an alternative goal scorer is arguably imperative over the signing of Vivian.

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Beautiful’, ‘This is massive’…Many West Ham fans erupt as ‘actually brilliant news’ confirmed, find out more here.

Liverpool fans bemoan Firmino rumour

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted negatively to a transfer rumour linking Roberto Firmino with a move to Bayern Munich and AC Milan.

The Reds enjoyed a hugely impressive 5-0 win away to Watford on Saturday afternoon, going top of the Premier League for a few hours until Chelsea regained pole position.

Jurgen Klopp’s men produced a wonderful attacking display at Vicarage Road, and while Mohamed Salah once again made the headlines, it was a great day for Firmino, too.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The Brazilian bagged a hat-trick at Watfod, meaning he has now scored four Premier League goals in just two starts this season, suggesting that he is somewhere close to his best again.

Despite this resurgence in form, Calciomercato have claimed [via Anfield Edition on Twitter] that Bayern and Milan are both eyeing up a move for Firmino, with his current Liverpool deal expiring in 2023.

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Liverpool fans react to Firmino exit links

These Reds fans took to Twitter to show their unhappiness at the rumours linking Firmino with a possible exit from Anfield after his fine start to the season.

“I would cry if he left”

Credit: @InstinctMino

“Nope”

Credit: @owaisakt

“Will be a very sad day when he leaves”

Credit: @tempatea

“Why sell him? Why not renew his contract? Give him the ball he will score, Bobby Firmino!”

Credit: @NyokKolang

“Bobby is a Scouser and will retire at home”

Credit: @ManeNtali

“Not mentally prepared for the day he leaves tbh”

Credit: @JacobBElkins

In other news, James Pearce has provided an important update regarding one Reds hero. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa: Fans react to Axel Tuanzebe update

Axel Tuanzebe has signified that he wants to make his loan move to Aston Villa a permanent one [The Sun].

Joining the Villans on loan from Manchester United this summer, the former England Under-21 cap has enjoyed a solid start to life at Villa Park in the new campaign, accumulating four appearances [Transfermarkt].

Now, it looks as if he could be set to write a longer chapter at Aston Villa following recent reports.

Tuanzebe is said to be enjoying his football in the Midlands right now, and would be keen to make his stay a permanent one should the opportunity arise [The Sun].

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Aston Villa diehards flooded to social media to rejoice at what could turn out to be the acquisition of a promising young defender.

Aston Villa FC fans react:

Replying to multiple different outlets on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the Tuanzebe reports:

“He’ll be good for us for the future. Him and Konsa would be fire”

Credit: @AvfcEnthusiast”Get him in”Credit: @benr0b1ns0n2002″He’ll need to improve on Saturday’s performance. Definitely got the potential.”Credit: @B6Utfv

“Manchester United’s former England Under-21 defender Axel Tuanzebe, 23, wants to make his loan spell at Aston Villa a permanent move. Bring it on.”

Credit: @WorrallLes”yes…he will get better and better”Credit: @AVFCfan83″and so do we”Credit: @Josh1874_In other news, Aston Villa fans react to a crazy statistic. Find out more here.

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