All posts by z3u9t.icu

This has the potential to be a huge summer for Celtic. A new manager is due to arrive while a mass upheaval of the playing squad could occur at Parkhead.

Odsonne Edouard is consistently linked with a move away to the Premier League while Bhoys defender Kristoffer Ajer is another highly sought after player.

He was the subject of interest from Milan earlier this season but it’s thought that Newcastle and newly promoted Norwich are now hot on his heels.

The Magpies even scouted the Norwegian during Celtic’s heavy defeat to Rangers on Sunday afternoon. Considering they lost 4-1, it’s unlikely they will have been left too impressed.

After all, he ducked out of the way when Alfredo Morelos fired a rasping effort towards goal that rocketed past Scott Bain.

However, if Ajer does indeed depart this summer, Dominic McKay could do worse than looking towards Hadjuk Split defender Mario Vuskovic.

The Croatian defender has been linked with a move to Celtic in the last few weeks in a deal that may set them back around €6m (£5.2m).

At just 19 years of age, the defender would be a player for the future but judging by the way Stephen Welsh and Ajer have both adapted to the squad at such a young age, he’d surely feet seamlessly into the side.

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Standing at a colossal height of 6 foot 2, he is a force to be reckoned with in the air but he also brings the grace and poise in possession of the ball that Ajer does.

Back in 2018, Vuskovic had the honour of being named in The Guardian’s next-generation list of the 60 best youngsters in world football.

Journalist Aleksandar Holiga said at the time: “He’s not just dominant in challenges but also exceptional in build-up play. He often scores goals and can score from free-kicks like a No 10.”

Like Ajer, the young centre-back is strong in the challenge but gets forward well to provide a dose of creativity. He roams forward freely which is one of the most striking traits of Celtic’s imperious Norwegian.

You only need to look at the way he burst forward during the Old Firm derby at one stage in the second half on Sunday. Ajer found himself on the edge of the Rangers box before he danced through two or three players to get a shot off.

If we take a look at the stats, it tells you how impressive Vuskovic is, particularly in the air. The teenager wins 63% of his aerial duels per 90 minutes, nearly ten more than Welsh. He also fractionally wins more defensive duels per 90 than both Shane Duffy and Nir Bitton.

Therefore, Vuskovic would clearly be an upgrade for the Bhoys this summer. At the touted price tag, he’d also represent a bargain.

AND in other news, Forget McGregor: Celtic gem who lost possession 21x was a major let down vs Rangers…

Tottenham Hotspur could advance into the final four of the Carabao Cup with a win over West Ham United as the two Premier League sides go to battle in tonight’s quarter-final clash in north London this evening.

This competition could now represent Antonio Conte’s best chance at securing silverware for the trophy-barren Lilywhites, having been eliminated from the Europa Conference League this week after being forced to forfeit their postponed final group game against Stade Rennes.

At the weekend, Spurs held ten-man Liverpool to a 2-2 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, so they will be buoyed by plenty of confidence heading into kick-off tonight.

The Hammers meanwhile have suffered a dip in form amid a mounting defensive injury crisis and that is something that the Italian head coach must make the most of.

As such, he should look to Lucas Moura, who took a place on the bench on Sunday, with the likes of Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele being preferred.

David Moyes is without two key central defenders in Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma, whilst Vladimir Coufal is suspended, with doubts lingering over full-back duo Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson.

Unleashing a player with the pace and dynamism of Moura could be absolutely devastating to an already weak-looking backline.

Last year, Lilywhites teammate Eric Dier dubbed the £22.5m-rated Brazilian a “nightmare” to train against. “There’s no one worse to train against than Lucas Moura. He’s a nightmare. He’s so fast, so sharp,” Dier told the Premier League’s official YouTube channel.

Despite his omission at the weekend, Moura ranks as Spurs’ second-best performer in the top-flight this term, having managed an average WhoScored rating of 7.12, a feat only bettered by midfield mainstay Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Furthermore, only central defender Davinson Sanchez (2.7 duels) is winning more in the air than the 5 foot 8 dynamo (2.6), though it is his squad-leading 2.8 dribbles per game that could pose a threat to the Irons – Heung-min Son is next best, managing half that figure, which is quite telling.

Moura is also averaging 1.4 shots and 1.2 key passes per league outing, so he could certainly cause plenty of damage later this evening, should Conte bring him back into the starting fold.

Moyes and co must be absolutely fearful of the Brazilian if he is named in the XI at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight.

AND in other news, Talks planned: Spurs source drops major January transfer update, fans will be buzzing…

West Ham didn’t add any new signings to their side in January but David Moyes will surely be hoping to make up for it this summer as the Hammers push on again for a place in European football as news of a potential transfer target emerges.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph, West Ham are plotting a bid for Mainz captain Moussa Niakhate and could snap up the centre-back for just £8m in the summer.

Mainz reportedly do not want to lose the 26-year-old on a free transfer when his contract expires in 2023, so would be interested in accepting a lower fee this summer to cash in on him.

The East London club joins two other Premier League clubs in the pursuit for the Frenchman’s signature, as Newcastle United and Everton are also linked in the report.

Diop replacement

West Ham supporters will surely be delighted that the club is linked with a new player to freshen up the defensive line after an abject season from Issa Diop, and they will be even more thrilled about replacing their current defender with Niakhate when you compare their output this season.

According to Squawka, the 26-year-old defender, who was hailed “ambitious” by Mainz manager Bo Svensson, has also been highly effective in offensive play with three more goals and ten more chances created than the current West Ham centre-back who was labelled “poor” by Ian Wright this season.

It’s also evident that he is well-oiled machine in defence, registering numbers that eclipse far and away what Diop can produce.

With the Europa League trophy and an outside chance of stealing the fourth spot in the Premier League table to qualify for Champions League still in sight, it was thought Moyes might have added some depth to his squad in the winter transfer window, but clearly the club felt that they could progress without new additions.

The recent success for West Ham in finishing higher in the league, and their continued efforts to become a force in the Europa League will surely mean that adding to and upgrading on their current options will be a priority this summer, and Niakhate could be a great place to start for the side.

In other news: WHU may end up signing “electric” £50m gem this summer, he can finally replace Haller

A major update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley central defender James Tarkowski…

What’s the talk?

Telegraph reporter Luke Edwards has claimed that the defender is keen on a switch to the club, but there is still a stumbling block in the club’s path.

He Tweeted: “I wouldn’t get Trippier printed on the back of any #nufc shirts just yet but this looks like a goodbye to me. As for Tarkowski, he’a not exactly playing his best games for Burnley at the moment. I’m told he also wants to come to #nufc but Burnley very reluctant to sell.”

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will surely be buzzing with this claim from Edwards irrespective of the Clarets’ desire to keep him this month.

The news that he is keen to join the Magpies will get the fans excited as it shows that there is an interest from the player and he is out of contract in the summer, which means that he could join on a free if he does not arrive in the next few weeks for a transfer fee.

They will also be delighted as he could be an excellent signing for the side. In the past four full Premier League seasons, he has averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.02 or higher, showing that he has performed to a high standard in the top-flight over a long period of time.

Meanwhile, no Newcastle centre-back has averaged a score higher than 6.42. This suggests that Tarkowski could vastly improve the standard of Eddie Howe’s options in that position.

His teammate Ben Mee previously lauded his professionalism, saying:

“Obviously there was a lot of talk around Tarky. I’ve said to him, ‘I’m glad you’ve stayed.’ He focused really well and he showed that on Saturday.

“He had the attitude of what will be, will be. He never once stepped out of line. You see other players at other clubs, you hear about something and they can go a bit off the rails. He’s stuck to it and trained really well and stuck with the group. He’s fully focused on playing for us.”

This suggests that he is a player who is able to cope with the speculation over his future, which is good news for Newcastle as it means that he could have a seamless transition into playing for the Magpies. He will not allow a big move to get to his head and will be able to come straight in and perform well.

The key question is whether or not he will join now or at the end of the season. Either way, Edwards’ update provides the exciting prospect of him joining the club and fans will be buzzing with it, regardless of when it happens.

AND in other news, Contact made: NUFC can kickstart PIF era with a bang in £20m deal for “phenomenal” gem…

Former Celtic player Kris Commons has accused the club’s board of ‘twiddling their thumbs’ after their city rivals secured the Premiership title on Sunday.

The Hoops’ run of nine consecutive crowns was officially ended as they were held to a goalless draw by Dundee United at Tannadice, their last lingering hopes of a historic 10-in-a-row banished for good.

The club are currently without a full-time manager after Neil Lennon’s departure, with John Kennedy taking over in the interim.

Commons says Celtic rebuild ‘should already be underway’

Commons fears that the Celtic board are dithering, potentially handing their arch-rivals Rangers a lasting advantage.

“It’s nearly a fortnight since Neil Lennon left Celtic. Yet we still don’t know who the next permanent manager might be,” he told the print edition of the Scottish Daily Mail (via 67 Hail Hail).

“The silence from the boardroom is deafening. The rebuild has to start now. In fact, it should already be underway.

“The longer Celtic sit twiddling their thumbs, the more they risk being behind the eight-ball by the time next season comes around – and handing Rangers an advantage right from the start.”

Transfer Tavern Verdict

For Celtic, this season has long had the feel of a write-off. Rangers are a full 20 points clear of the Hoops after 32 matches and have not lost a league game all season.

Unlike their city rivals, the Parkhead side failed to progress to the knockout stages of the Europa League and the gap in the table has grown enormously. The Scottish Cup, which resumes this month, is their only chance of consolatory silverware.

With that in mind, there isn’t necessarily a need for Celtic to rush when it comes to appointing their new coach. They can afford to take time to comprehensively scrutinise the pool of candidates and pursue the more ambitious targets.

However, what Commons is really calling for is more transparency, and some reason to be optimistic about the future – and that is sorely needed after a wretched season.

In other news, Danny Mills tips Celtic to utilise this player next season.

Perhaps one criticism you could make of Steven Gerrard’s title-winning campaign as Rangers manager was the lack of opportunities for young players, but he can put that right by promoting Chris McKee to his first-team at Ibrox next season.

The 18-year-old, who joined Rangers from Linfield in 2018, has been scoring goals for fun in the academy in recent seasons and was rewarded with a new contract with the club in 2020, one which will see him stay with Gerrard’s side until 2022 at least.

He also earned his first call-up to the Northern Ireland U’21s earlier this season as a result of his performances for the Rangers B team, with whom he had scored eight goals by November, which was double the amount scored by any other player, which certainly suggests that he is one of the stars in the academy.

Earlier this month, McKee was sent on loan to Brechin City in League Two, having scored twice and assisted another in a friendly match between Brechin and Rangers’ B team back in November.

Although games have been postponed for all of this year so far as a result of the pandemic, the season resumes this weekend, so it will be interesting to see how McKee performs for Michael Paton’s side.

If he can impress in lower league football then perhaps he will earn a chance to make his debut for Rangers next season, although opportunities for young players in Gerrard’s side have been hard to come by this season.

Other than first-team regular Ianis Hagi, who is 22, we have seen just Calvin Bassey (21) make seven appearances in the league this season, whilst Nathan Patterson (19), has made four league appearances – which is arguably only due to the injury suffered by the influential James Tavernier.

Earlier in the year, Noel Whelan was full of praise for McKee in an interview with Football Insider, saying:

“Rangers have barely paid anything for McKee. He is a young player who knows where the back of the net is so he is worth his weight in gold, he really is.”

Therefore, whilst it may be tough for McKee to force his way into Gerrard’s plans, this loan move to Brechin City represents a real opportunity for him to find his feet in ‘men’s football’ before returning to Rangers ahead of next season, where he can hopefully make a real impression.

And, in other news… Wilson must not rush transfer decision on Rangers ace who Gerrard dubbed a “real threat”

Leeds United will make Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson a ‘prominent target’, should Jesse Marsch keep the Whites in the Premier League, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Johnson starring at Forest

Johnson, who can play anywhere across the front three, has scored 15 times in 43 Championship games this season.

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The 20-year-old has now netted 29 senior goals during his career and has played a key role in Forest’s push for promotion to the Premier League.

As is stands, the Wales international will be entering the final 12 months of his City Ground deal in the summer, and it looks as if Leeds are still keen after Victor Orta revealed he tried to sign the winger when he was just 16.

The Latest: Leeds links

The Daily Mail shared an update regarding Leeds and Johnson on Tuesday afternoon.

They claimed that the Whites will join Brentford and Newcastle in the race to sign the forward, valued at £20m, in the summer.

However, the report adds that Marsch will need to keep Leeds in the top flight and Forest will have to remain in the Championship for a transfer to have any chance of materialising.

The Verdict: Next few weeks key

It looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers group are willing to reward Marsch, should he guide the Whites to safety, by splashing the cash ahead of his first full season in charge.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done, and you could argue there is a growing possibility Leeds and Forest will be swapping divisions over the coming weeks.

Hopefully, that isn’t the case, and if the Whites want to sign Johnson, they’ll be keeping a close eye on Forest’s automatic and playoff promotion bids in the second tier.

In other news: ‘Big blow…’ – Sky Sports man now reacts to ‘dramatic’ confirmed Leeds news for run-in. 

Sam Allardyce faces an uphill task to keep West Brom in the Premier League this season.

And one of their biggest problems seems to be at the back as they have leaked a whopping 39 goals in 17 matches, six more than any other top-flight team this campaign.

It surely makes defensive reinforcements an absolute priority during the January transfer window and whilst the Baggies have been linked to the likes of James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho, it’s another mooted target they should be plumping for.

Last month, the Daily Star reporter that Albion were keen to take Manchester United outcast, Phil Jones, on loan for the remainder of the season with the Red Devils expected to pay the bulk of his £120k-per-week wages.

That would suit West Brom immensely as Big Sam is working on a very restricted financial budget – according to the Telegraph’s John Percy, ‘moves for players who will cost in excess of £2 million are rated as seriously doubtful.’

The Baggies only have one domestic loan space left, so using it on a vastly-experienced defender like Jones could make the world of sense.

Similarly, Albion have struck gold with United before when taking on Jonny Evans, who was also struggling for game time at the Premier League giants.

For £6m, the Midlands outfit got every penny back with three consistent seasons where he played at least 28 matches each campaign before they were relegated to the Championship.

Jones would certainly be shades of that very move and he’s a player that Allardyce knows very well too, which is merely another reason to why a stint at the Hawthorns is beneficial.

The 66-year-old unearthed the Englishman at Blackburn Rovers prior to his £16.5m switch to Old Trafford, even tipping him for international stardom in an interview with the Telegraph in 2011, he said:

“He is already growing into what I consider to be a leader. When he gets more experience he will be able to control his team-mates and eventually he will wear the armband for England. It’s a lot to ask of such a young man but he has the all-round outstanding ability to be a very top player.”

Now valued at just £5.4m by Transfermarkt, Jones needs to find another club as he’s only started 17 matches since the beginning of the 2018/19 season.

Despite only being 28, he has proven to be a reliable influence over 200 appearances in the big time, he’s averaged a whopping 5.3 clearances and 1.9 tackles per game during the past decade, via WhoScored, which ranks him above all of Semi Ajayi, Dara O’Shea and Branislav Ivanovic in this current Baggies squad.

Luke Dowling simply has to sanction a swoop for what could be West Brom’s next Evans.

AND in other news, Baggies’ “total nightmare” in GRAVE DANGER of becoming another Nacer Chadli…

Despite claiming an impressive 2-1 win over Everton last week in the Premier League, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith must consider dropping Bertrand Traore for Sunday afternoon’s clash against Manchester United.

While the Burkina Faso international claimed the assist for Anwar El Ghazi’s goal, the winger hasn’t been consistent enough over these past few weeks to warrant still being in the starting line-up.

Alan Hutton has raised his concerns about Traore and the rest of Villa’s attack recently, saying that it’s looked a “struggle” to score goals.

He said: “Defensively, they’ve been strong but moving forward they just don’t create enough. Simple as that. They have tried different things, whether it be Trezeguet, Traore, Anwar, Ross Barkley coming off the bench. It looks a struggle at times.”

In response to Hutton’s comments, former Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about how Traore, among others, has really failed to step up in Jack Grealish’s absence.

He said: “I think what Hutts is talking about is that with Jack not being in the frame, you need standout players, you need exciting players that are going to step up to the plate and fulfil Jack’s role, because otherwise you’re going to get branded as almost a one-man team.

“So, yes, I’m totally, totally with Hutts on that because when you’ve got someone of his (Traore) ability, that’s where he needs to come on and be that player.”

With no goals in the Premier League since mid-February, Traore just hasn’t shown the kind of cutting edge up front which Smith has desperately needed from him, especially with Grealish out injured – in fact, as per Whoscored, out of the last ten matches he has played for Villa, only once has he gone above a 7.0 match rating.

With high-flying Manchester United to come on Sunday, Smith will need all his players in form and on song, and he can’t afford to be carrying any passengers in his team.

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The £55,000-a-week Traore has been ineffective for a while now, and it’s about time Smith takes him out of the firing line.

Meanwhile, Villa must land this £60m-rated star in the summer…

According to a report by reliable journalist Mike McGrath, writing for the Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur are in ‘pole position to land’ Lyon powerhouse Joachim Andersen.

The Lowdown: Levy’s centre-back hunt continues…

It is no secret that Spurs are looking into signing top class centre-back options for the 2021/2022 season as Daniel Levy looks to shore up a problem position for the Lilywhites ahead of the appointment of a new manager.

Sky Sports have previously touted the likes of Jerome Boateng and Jannik Vestergaard as on the target list, going as far as to say that inquiries have already been made.

Andersen has been mentioned elsewhere, with reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold saying he is indeed on the agenda.

The Latest: Tottenham in ‘pole position’

Now, another reliable source has detailed the situation regarding Andersen, with McGrath now claiming that Levy and Spurs are in ‘pole position’ for the 6 foot 3 powerhouse.

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Having impressed for Fulham on loan this season, he has attracted attention from both Tottenham and north London rivals Arsenal – with Mikel Arteta’s side ready to compete for his signature.

He is apparently expected to move on from Lyon in the summer for around £20 million but Spurs need to trim their squad before making the move.

The Verdict: Exciting update…

Andersen has been one of Scott Parker’s most notable assets in a disappointing season for the Cottagers as the 24-year-old averages the joint-fourth most clearances per 90 in the Premier League over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

He has also won more aerial duels than any Fulham player this season (WhoScored), earning praise from Craven Cottage legend Tony Gale as a result – who called him ‘absolutely sensational’ earlier in the campaign (fulhamfc.com).

Still at a fairly young age and valued at an arguably affordable price in a market likely to be majorly influenced by coronavirus, he could become a tremendous coup for Tottenham depending on next developments.

In other news: Alasdair Gold drops major Spurs managerial update, find out more here.