All posts by z3u9t.icu

It’s been a difficult few weeks for Tottenham. Not only have they had some very tough games to contend with, but the Lilywhites have also been the sufferers of a few major injury issues. 

Indeed, ahead of their game with Crystal Palace on Sunday, Spurs have confirmed a big set of concerns, with Ben Davies and Mousa Sissoko joining Dele Alli and Harry Kane on the injury table.

Fortunately, there is some good news for the club – and it couldn’t be coming at a better time. Unfortunately for South Korea and Son Heung-min, they were knocked out of the Asian Cup on Friday, but that means that the attacker will shortly be returning to London and the Tottenham squad.

This is vital for the club, as they’ve really missed him. He’s been one of Spurs’ best attackers so far this season, and he always seems to pop up with big moments and big goals. From offering exciting pace and energy to regularly scoring for the club, it’s no surprise that he’s such a popular player in north London.

Significantly, too, with Dele Alli and Harry Kane out, there’s a lack of attacking flair, and that was evident against Chelsea on Thursday. Despite his goal, Fernando Llorente looked lost at points for the Lilywhites, and a few of the chances that he had would have been easily put away by Son.

So, for Spurs, this is huge news. Losing players is never nice, but the prospect of Son returning gives them fresh hope that they can get through the mini injury crisis that is currently ongoing.

Thoughts?

Wolves have a track record when it comes to signing players from Portuguese clubs over recent years.

Players such as Fabio Silva, Raul Jimenez, Chiquinho and Toti Gomes have all made their way from Portugal to Molineux in recent memory.

The Old Gold also have a significant number of Portuguese players in their squad brought in from other clubs across Europe and beyond.

With the upcoming summer transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though the Midlands club could have their sights set on signing another young talent making a name for himself in Portugal.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Sun, Wolves have identified Benfica youth talent, Martim Neto, as a potential long-term replacement for Ruben Neves should he move away from Molineux this summer.

With 71 youth appearances for the Portuguese club under his belt, the 19-year-old midfielder has scored six goals and provided four assists along the way.

This shows how capable he is of being an attacking threat from the middle of the pitch.

Their next Neves?

Taking into account how Neves has delivered 36 goal contributions in 207 appearances for the Old Gold, this could be why Neto is on the club’s radar for a potential summer swoop.

To demonstrate what sort of talent the youngster possesses, his stunning 30-yard strike versus Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League was lauded as a “missile” by journalist Luís Cristovao.Neves has a penchant for scoring goals from outside the box so this is one particular trait the Old Gold and Fosun may be looking at when assessing whether the Benfica prodigy is a suitable long-term replacement.Having had a potential price tag of £100m put on him by Bruno Lage, Neves would be a big miss for the Molineux outfit should they see him wave goodbye to the club in the summer given the number of appearances he’s made since his arrival in 2017.While it could give the Wolves boss a chance to unearth the club’s next version of their midfield maestro, perhaps signing a young player such as Neto that has no senior experience under his belt at this moment in time could be a gamble from the Old Gold.An ideal situation could be for them to keep hold of Neves and still sign Neto as a future first-team star for them once he gets enough experience in him.In other news: Sky Sports: Wolves may now lose “sensational” £36m-rated “maestro”, Lage surely fuming

According to a report from Calciomercato, Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte was watching Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku in UEFA Champions League action this week. 

The lowdown: Lukaku’s struggles

Signed from Inter Milan for £97.5million (Sky Sports), Lukaku has struggled to recapture the form shown in Italy since arriving back in the Premier League.

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The 28-year-old ended the 2020/21 Serie A title-winning season as the second top goalscorer under Spurs’ boss Conte with 24 strikes to his name.

However, following just five league goals on a return to Stamford Bridge, a quick exit could already be on the cards and Tottenham could be in the mix…

The latest: Friends reunited?

As per the report from Italian outlet Calciomercato, Conte was in attendance as Chelsea went down 3-1 to Real Madrid on Wednesday night (April 6).

It’s claimed that as the summer transfer window approaches a return to the Nerazzurri is a possibility for the Belgian star, as is ‘finding his former coach’ in Conte at Tottenham.

Whilst the reasons for the Italian’s visit could be unrelated, the report states that the presence of the Lilywhites boss didn’t go ‘unnoticed’ as Lukaku squandered two big chances in a disappointing 26-minute cameo (Sofascore).

The verdict: An unlikely move

Despite the perceived woes of this season, the 101-cap ace has still managed 12 goals and two assists from 36 appearances across all competitions – earning the tag of ‘world class’ from Thomas Tuchel following a match-winner against Zenit St. Petersburg.

Should speculation surrounding the future of Harry Kane ramp up once again, Spurs may enter the market for a high-profile frontman in order to replace their talismanic striker.

Conte would undoubtedly welcome the 6 foot 3 powerhouse to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium squad with open arms were that the case, although signing an elite player from London rivals is difficult to envisage despite the off-field issues at Chelsea.

In other news: Italian newspaper makes Tottenham transfer claim…find out more here.

According to club insider ExWHUemployee, West Ham are hopeful that Jarrod Bowen will be available for the upcoming clash against Everton next Sunday.

The Lowdown: Bowen’s injury

During the Irons’ 1-0 loss to Liverpool earlier this month, the 25-year-old was forced into a premature exit after sustaining an injury to his foot, cutting his game short in the 53rd minute. The winger has been sidelined ever since, having missed the Hammers’ last four games as a result.

Whilst the club had previously announced that Bowen had not sustained significant damage from the foot injury, varying reports have since arisen to the contrary.

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The Latest: Ex’s news on Bowen

When interviewed for his website The West Ham Way, ExWHUemployee was questioned by the site’s editor Mark Carlaw about Bowen’s eagerly-awaited return.

Shared on Twitter, he responded with: “Well as of now the club are hopeful that Bowen will be back for the Everton game. There is an element of confusion surrounding the injury, but from what I am told, the match against Everton is seen as his potential return. This also goes the same for Coufal.”

The Verdict: Huge boost

This news will come as a huge boost to David Moyes as his West Ham side set to prepare for a congested period over the next few weeks. It begins with a Premier League fixture against a struggling Everton side before one of the club’s most important clashes of the modern era as they host Lyon in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

As the Hammers’ top scorer, Bowen’s return could prove to be massive for Moyes, as the Irons have struggled for goals without their star winger. To supplement his value in front of goal, the former Hull City man also adds a creative dynamic in the final third, illustrated by ranking in the 89th percentile for assists made among positional peers in Europe’s five top-ranked leagues (via FBRef).

Therefore, if the 25-year-old can make his return in time for the upcoming bouts against Everton and Lyon, it would provide the east Londoners with a tremendous boost ahead of the season’s run-in.

In other news: West Ham target has ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave his current club

Celtic still have the small matter of potentially securing the SPFL title this season before they can be once again let loose in the upcoming summer transfer market.

However, it seems as though an early clue has emerged over one potential deal that could take place at Parkhead that will surely delight a lot of Celtic supporters.

What’s the word?

Speaking in one of his latest YouTube videos, Tottenham Hotspur journalist Alasdair Gold had this to say about the possibility of Cameron Carter-Vickers signing a permanent deal with the Hoops in the summer.

He said: “Perhaps the forgotten man in Tottenham’s defence, he’s gone to Celtic and he’s smashed it, honestly. He’s likely to go there, £6m deal, rising to £10m if all other objectives are met.”

Fans will be delighted

Since arriving at the Parkhead club during the previous summer transfer window on loan from the north London club, the defender has been a key figure for Ange Postecoglou this season.

Described as “immense” by pundit Chris Sutton and “huge” by Greg Taylor, he’d certainly be an exciting acquisition given his displays so far this term.

With 41 appearances across all competitions for the Hoops under his belt, the centre-back has chipped in with four goals and one assist, all of which have come in the league.

As well as his usefulness in front of goal, the 24-year-old has been a rock at the back for the Hoops.

Having played in 28 league games, the American has racked up 19 tackles as well as the joint-highest number of interceptions (37) as well as a higher average of clearances per game (4.2) than any other Celtic player.

In addition to keeping a clean sheet in his latest appearance for the Hoops in their 2-0 win over Ross County at the weekend, Carter-Vickers managed to once again show what a pivotal figure he is for the team.

Throughout the 90 minutes, the defender made five clearances and won six of the seven duels he was involved in, ultimately earning himself a solid match rating of 7.3/10 from SofaScore.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that the on-loan defender has played a big part in Celtic’s season and their impressive defensive record.

With Gold’s claim that a permanent deal is likely to take place in the summer, this will undoubtedly be great news for Postecoglou. To put things simply, this signing would certainly raise the roof at Parkhead; he is that vital to their cause.

In other news: Sold for £2m, now worth £540k: Celtic struck gold on £17k-p/w dud who “had issues”

Crystal Palace failed to break into the top half of the table on Friday night after conceding a late goal at the Amex Stadium against Brighton, and it seems that there’s some frustration off the pitch for the Selhurst Park faithful as well.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed an update on the mounting speculation surrounding a potential move to Palace for Eddie Nketiah this month, outlining one scenario which must materialise before the Arsenal striker moves to the other side of London.

Speaking on the Sky Sports News Transfer Show, Sheth claimed: “Discussions ongoing about a proposed move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace. Any move this month could depend on the future of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who’s on loan from Mainz.”

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a moves elsewhere ever since the transfer window opened, with a move to Saint-Etienne one of the strongest links for the on-loan Mainz striker, but nothing has materialised as of yet.

Vieira will be fuming

Vieira gave a frustrated response when asked in his pre-match press conference about the potential signing of Nketiah, saying: ‘He is an Arsenal player and his manager makes it clear he will stay at Arsenal.”

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta spoke earlier this week about the young forward, insisting that “he’s going to stay here with us” during his press conference prior to Thursday’s Carabao Cup clash at Liverpool, in which Nketiah featured in the starting line-up.

Vieira will be disappointed with the developments, as it was revealed that the £9m-rated striker has been a long-term target for the south London club. The 22-year-old also fits the profile of the type of player that the Eagles manager is looking to add – when you look at the signings the Frenchman has already made at Palace, young players with experience at the top of their game is a common theme.

Conor Gallagher (21) was already proving himself as a promising young player in the England under-21s, earning plenty of Premier League experience on loan at West Brom from Chelsea, where he had become a standout player through their academy.

Odsonne Edouard (23) was the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership for two years in a row whilst playing for title-challenging Celtic and Marc Guehi (21) was snapped up from Champions League holders Chelsea, excelling on loan when he helped Swansea to secure a spot in the Championship play-off final last year.

Nketiah has made 73 appearances for Arsenal, scoring a goal every 163 minutes for the first team during that time. He also has 17 caps for England under-21s, scoring 16 goals so far and becoming captain of the team last year, so it’s little wonder that Vieira was so interested in him.

However, with Mateta’s future seemingly needed to be sorted first before Palace can entertain any hope of landing Nketiah, the Eagles manager may well be raging over the current state of affairs and could have to wait until the summer, when the Arsenal striker is out of contract.

In other news: Vieira could sign this forward as an alternative to Nketiah

According to Football Insider, Celtic full-back Boli Bolingoli will be on the lookout for a new club during the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: Exiled star

Signed for a reported £3million from Rapid Vienna in 2019 (BBC), the Belgium youth international made a promising start to life at Parkhead, making 28 appearances in a breakthrough campaign.

However, following a Covid-19 breach in August 2020 and a subsequent three-game ban, Bolignoli has spent time on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir before a recent stint in Russia at FC Ufa.

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Since that spell was cut short, the 26-year-old has been training alone at Lennoxtown and it appears that the writing is on the wall…

The latest: FI makes claim

As per a Celtic source at FI, Bolignoli is seen as ‘surplus to requirements’ in Glasgow and is ‘expected to leave’ in the summer.

The report claims that the former capped Belgium Under 16 starlet is ‘free to find a new club’ as Ange Postecoglou green lights cutting ties with the out of favour left-back who was once described as a ‘real asset’ by Alan Hutton amidst departure talks.

It’s also stated that the Bhoys ‘do not expect’ him to play for the club again.

The verdict: The right decision

Ultimately, this was the only sensible outcome for all parties having become an outcast at Celtic Park.

Despite impressing in some of his fleeting 31 outings for the Hoops, the 18 months in the wilderness and the emergence of Greg Taylor this season means Bolignoli is rightfully up for sale having not featured since October.

Valued at £1.35million and under contract until 2023 (Transfermarkt), the hierarchy will be hopeful of receiving close to their original £3million expenditure back if possible.

In other news, Frank McAvennie is in awe of one Celtic player’s development. Find out who it is here.

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited after reliable journalist James Pearce claimed the Reds are interested in signing Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho.

Jurgen Klopp hasn’t done a lot of transfer business in recent years, often making do with the squad already at his disposal.

Ibrahima Konate was the only signing to come in last summer and it looks as though Liverpool will not make any reinforcements in the January transfer window.

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According to The Athletic‘s Pearce on Twitter, however, the Reds are keeping a ‘close eye’ on developments regarding Carvalho, whose current Fulham contract expires this summer.

The 19-year-old has scored seven goals in 13 Championship starts this season, helping them top of the table and look likely to secure a return to the Premier League.

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Liverpool fans love Carvalho rumour

These Liverpool fans reacted to the claim on Twitter, providing some positive thoughts on the ‘promising’ target.

“Let’s friggin go!”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

“Get it done asap, looks like a promising player”

Credit: @60thoughts

“All over this”

Credit: @Aaronwij

“Not FSG’s biggest fan but stockpiling talented homegrown players under 23 is clever”

Credit: @camlfc

“No way he sees this and signs a new contract with Fulham. I’m convinced we’re getting him this summer”

Credit: @lfcalexx

“This feels like it’s done”

Credit: @deanregan__

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted after a Reds injury update emerged. Read more here.

Noel Whelan has been left fuming at what he has now heard from an Everton source involving Richarlison in the build-up to the clash with Leicester City.

The Lowdown: Agent talk

Speaking to Football Insider, a source from the Goodison Park faithful has revealed that Richarlison has now told his agent to find him a new club in the summer as another crucial fixture looms this evening, when the Toffees welcome Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes to Goodison Park.

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The Brazil international still has over two years left of his contract remaining on Merseyside, but given how the season has gone, it looks as if he wants to bail out now.

The Latest: Whelan fumes

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who regularly used to feature as a pundit for the BBC, fumed when he heard the news, claiming that ‘it’s not right’ that Richarlison is ‘plotting’ a way out of the Toffees when they are struggling near the bottom of the Premier League:

“That doesn’t surprise me at all.

“I’ve said all along that I wouldn’t want to be in the trenches with him, and that just proves my point.

“You just knew all along, once Everton got into this struggle, he would be sitting at home and plotting his way out.

“That’s not commitment to me. That’s not fighting for the cause. It’s not right.

“Will he get the move? Of course he will. He’s Brazil’s number nine, and he had Barcelona at his door only a couple of years ago.

“I’m sure he’ll get the move he wants, but it won’t be cheap. Everton will hold on for what they think he’s worth – provided they’re still in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Sell

Richarlison has often been criticised for having problems with his attitude, and this seems no different as he reportedly looks to force his way out of the club.

He has not exactly been on top form either this season so far, with just six goals to his name in the top flight, and at 24 years of age, Frank Lampard’s team could demand a sizeable fee for him this summer.

Nonetheless, the Blues could then use that money to strengthen in other key areas of the pitch, so letting a player go who is seemingly unhappy would not be the worst thing.

In other news, find out which ‘fantastic specimen’ EFC are now eyeing here!

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard wants to sign another centre-back, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans. 

The lowdown

Villa’s problems are mounting in that position after Ezri Konsa sustained a hip injury in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Saturday, with the club still waiting to discover how seriously the 24-year-old was hurt.

It comes after Axel Tuanzebe’s loan in the Midlands was cut short and Manchester United sent him to Serie A outfit Napoli. That leaves Tyrone Mings and Kortney Hause as the only fit senior centre-backs currently available to Gerrard.

The latest

Evans reported for The Athletic that centre-back is now ‘a priority position’ with two weeks remaining in the January transfer window, as Gerrard believes he needs four senior players at his disposal in that area.

Villa want to bring in a defender with experience but have yet to decide whether they’ll pursue a short-term deal to tide them over until the summer. Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is one option that they ‘like’, but they have been made aware that he is not available this month.

Sharing a link to his article via Twitter, Evans stated: “Villa are also looking for an experienced defender to add to the squad this month. Gerrard wants four senior CBs.”

The verdict

If it’s not to be Gomez at this stage, could Villa perhaps look to one of his Liverpool team-mates for a possible centre-back addition?

Alex Crook of talkSPORT told GiveMeSport that the Reds are ‘willing to sell’ Nathaniel Phillips, who would ‘tick a few boxes’ for Villa.

Gerrard, who ranks third in the Merseyside club’s all-time appearances list, may well make use of his ‘connections’ to lure players from Anfield, just as he did at Rangers when bringing the likes of Ryan Kent, Jon Flanagan and Sheyi Ojo to Ibrox.

The £7.2m-rated Phillips, who was nominated for the club’s Player of the Match award following a 2-1 win over AC Milan last month, could compete for a starting place at Villa Park rather than merely providing cover, having already proven himself at Premier League and Champions League level.

If Gomez is unattainable, his Anfield team-mate could well be worth trying for Villa to solve their central defensive need.

In other news, lots of Villa fans have reacted to confirmation of this signing