All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United may have already uncovered their next homegrown star before the last batch have even had the chance to make a real mark on the club.

Joe Hugill arrived from Sunderland in a £300,000 deal last year and has gone from strength to strength since joining the 20-time English champions.

The 6 foot 2 striker bagged an impressive 16 goals and provided a further three assists in 27 outings for United’s youth sides during his maiden campaign, but one performance in particular really caught the eye.

Despite being just 17-years old, Hugill grabbed the headlines back in February after scoring four goals as United’s U23s thumped bitter rivals Liverpool 6-3 on their own patch.

His quadruple didn’t go unnoticed by Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who lauded the youngster when asked about whether Amad Diallo, who had recently joined in a £37m transfer from Atalanta last month, would get some first-team action soon.

The Norwegian replied: “We’re gonna give him the time to settle in. If we go from that game (vs Liverpool), I’d pick Joe Hugill.

“Four goals by Hugill, he’s a top striker as well, we’re looking forward to seeing his development. Amad gets a good start, and why Joe didn’t take the penalty himself to get five goals, I’m going to ask him.”

Hugill has the chance to follow in the footstep of previous academy graduates such as Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, but it’s another United fans favourite who the teenager resembles more closely.

His devastating finishing, wand of a left foot, tall, lean frame and technical ability all closely resemble that of Robin van Persie, and he’ll be hoping to have a similar impact upon the Old Trafford outfit as the legendary Dutch striker did.

Although he’s not blessed with pace, Hugill has no problem finding the back of the net having done so on four occasions already this season.

Only time will tell if the youngster can succeed the aforementioned stars, but if he continues to progress at his current rate, then it’s surely a matter of when and not if he makes it into Solskjaer’s first-team squad.

And, in other news…Ole could solve big MUFC problem by signing “sensational” 19 y/o who fans would love 

Manchester City have been dealt a blow to their hopes of beating Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, with reports suggesting that Harry Kane could feature for the hosts, which could certainly make things difficult for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The England captain has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad throughout the transfer window and made it clear that he was keen to leave Spurs earlier in the summer, with the North London side set for a second successive season out of the Champions League.

Guardiola’s side have already reportedly seen a £100m bid for the striker rejected, with Daniel Levy insistent that he will remain a Spurs player, despite Kane reportedly feeling that he had a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the chairman to leave.

After an impressive summer at the European Championships with England, the 28-year-old was always likely to miss the majority of pre-season at Spurs, but reportedly failed to show up for training when he was expected back at Hotspur Way, which only increased rumours that he was set to depart.

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However, reports are now claiming that it will be increasingly likely that he will stay with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this summer, with some claiming that he could even feature against the Citizens on Sunday in the opening game of their Premier League season.

If he were to start, then it would certainly give the hosts a huge boost, as regardless of whether he is fully focused on winning the game for Spurs, he is still a world-class striker who is more than likely to cause City problems.

Last season saw Kane finish as both the top goalscorer and top assister in the Premier League, despite Spurs’ less than impressive form, which emphasises just how dangerous he can be.

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Given that City have lost all three of their trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, failing to score a single goal despite dominating the games, you worry that the return of Kane could easily help to extend their away day hoodoo in North London.

And, in other news… Guardiola dealt huge injury blow ahead of Spurs, Man City fans will be fuming

Newcastle United are reportedly among seven clubs in the Premier League now eyeing up a transfer move for Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Back of the queue…

It seems like every man and his dog wants to sign the 21-year-old, and the St James’ Park outfit are no exception.

Corriere Fiorentino reported earlier this week (via Sport Witness) that they joined the race to sign the Serbia international, although it will not be easy for them to meet Fiorentina’s demands.

Nonetheless, more clubs seem to be entering the hunt for his signature as the January transfer window draws closer.

The Latest: Premier League interest

As per 90min, Newcastle are one of seven English top-flight clubs now eyeing Vlahovic, with the others being Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Everton, while Juventus are also credited with an interest.

The player’s agents were in England earlier this month to engage in talks with Premier League sides, as their client is likely to be available for around £70m.

A well-placed source told the news outlet that some scouts think he could be a ‘better option’ than Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland, as he is ‘that good’ and ‘really at the top of his game’.

Vlahovic is under contract until 2023 but has rejected an offer to extend it, so Fiorentina now want to cash in and duly maximise the transfer fee they would receive by selling him.

The Verdict: Impossible?

With the sheer amount of competition for his services, coupled with the fact that the Magpies currently find themselves in a relegation scrap, it seems almost impossible that they would be able to attract Vlahovic, even with their new mega-rich owners.

Lauded as an ‘incredible’ striker by Serie A expert Conor Clancy back in June, Vlahovic has scored no fewer than 12 goals in just 14 matches in total across all competitions so far this season, also pitching in with three assists (Transfermarkt).

The 6 foot 3 beast will no doubt have bigger suitors than the Magpies over the next coming months, so it is now up to the new owners to show just how much ambition they have for the long-term project at St James’ Park.

In other news, NUFC are also tracking this famous ‘box killer’

Leeds United loanee Ian Poveda has suffered suspected ankle ligament damage on loan at Blackburn Rovers, according to journalist Rich Sharpe.

The Lowdown: Poveda sent out on loan

Marcelo Bielsa deemed the 21-year-old surplus to requirements during the summer, with a lack of first team football not expected to come his way at Elland Road.

For that reason, Poveda was sent out on loan to Championship outfit Blackburn in order to play regularly and continue to mature as a footballer.

It hasn’t panned out that way to date, however, with the attacking midfielder only starting four league games thus far at Ewood Park.

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The Latest: Poveda suffers ankle injury

Poveda started Saturday’s 1-1 draw away to Bristol City but unfortunately he didn’t even make it to half-time, leaving the pitch through injury.

Taking to Twitter after the game, Sharpe confirmed the Leeds man’s injury, giving a worrying six-word verdict that it is “suspected to be ankle ligament damage”.

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The Verdict: Big blow for Poveda

This is a big setback for Poveda, who will have been desperate to prove to Bielsa that he can be a key squad member for the Whites in the future.

Not only that, but if Leeds had been planning to sell him, it was an ideal opportunity for him to be in the shop window and outline his class, having being hailed as ‘incredible’ by Pep Guardiola, under whom he worked at Manchester City.

As it is, Poveda will now likely face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, potentially further damaging his hopes of altering Bielsa’s thought process, having not started a single Premier League game in 2020/21.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for a striker. Find out who it is here.

Ange Postecoglou wants Ryan Christie’s Celtic contract to be extended, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

The Lowdown: Christie’s situation

It emerged back in April that Christie has less time on his Hoops contract than many thought. The 26-year-old penned a Parkhead extension back in 2018, however, that deal expires in January, not next summer.

That means that the attacking midfielder can now talk to clubs outside of Scotland ahead of a potential pre-contract agreement.

As we know, that is yet to materialise and Christie’s situation remains the same, but it seems as if Postecoglou wants to tie the Scot down to a new Celtic Park contract.

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The Latest: Konur’s claim

According to Konur, who was the first to share Celtic’s interest in Aurelio Buta last week, ‘Postecoglou wants Christie’s contract extended’.

Konur adds that talks have been held with Christie’s representatives. The midfielder’s current deal is worth £12,000-a-week.

The Verdict: All down to Christie…

Christie appears to be a man in demand this summer, and ultimately, he’ll decide what he wants to do with his contract running down.

Reports earlier this month suggested that Al-Hilal were poised to offer the midfielder a life-changing deal, whereas rumours before then claimed Sampdoria were keen on his services.

Celtic could do with knowing Christie’s stance on his future as soon as possible, as the Hoops could then look at selling this summer instead of losing him on a free in January.

In other news: Pundit drops verdict on left-back Celtic want to sign.

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the arrival of Andre Dozzell at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the QPR website, Amit Bhatia has completed the signing of the Ipswich Town midfielder on a three-year deal, with the club holding an option to extend the 22-year-old’s contract for a further season.

The East Anglian Daily Times report that Mark Warburton’s side activated a £1m buy-out clause in the £3.5k-per-week man’s contract at Portman Road, a clause that was inserted when the youngster signed a new deal with the League One side last December.

Following the confirmation of the transfer, Warburton went on record to state his delight with the club’s capture of the midfielder, saying: “We are delighted to bring Andre on board. He is a player who really fits the mould of what we are looking for – he is young with lots of potential and he has that adaptability to his game.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how much of an exciting prospect Dozzell appears to be, the fact that QPR have acted so swiftly in signing the £810k-rated defensively-minded midfielder this summer is sure to leave fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 43 League One appearances for Paul Cook’s side last season, the former England U20 international provided one assist and created a whopping 10 big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and winning 3.6 duels per game.

Wth central midfielders Geoff Cameron and Tom Carroll both looking likely to depart the Kiyan Price Foundation Stadium this summer, the middle of the park was certainly an area in which the 58-year-old QPR manager needed to strengthen.

As such, with the signing of the Dozzell now in the bag, in addition to the confirmed arrivals of Sam Field, Jordy de Wijs and Charlie Austin, the Rs very much seem to have got off to a flyer with their summer transfer business, something that bodes incredibly well for the club’s upcoming Championship campaign.

In other news: QPR handed transfer boost over “fantastic” £7k-p/w flop that’ll have Warburton buzzing

Celtic are tracking Drogheda United midfielder Killian Phillips, according to The Irish Independent’s Daniel McDonnell.

The Lowdown: Phillips profiled

Phillips is 19 years of age and joined his current employers earlier this year.

Described as a versatile midfielder, the teenager is out of contract with Drogheda at the end of 2021, as per Transfermarkt.

He’s made 20 appearances for the Irish side, scoring once and registering one assist, and it seems as if he is catching Celtic’s eye.

The Latest: Celtic interest

McDonnell shared a story on Wednesday lunchtime regarding Celtic’s interest in Sligo Rovers forward Johnny Kenny.

Within his report, McDonnell claimed the Hoops will watch Kenny in action on Friday against Drogheda before sharing Celtic’s interest in Phillips.

Phillips is attracting attention from overseas, seemingly Celtic, with his long-term future on the pitch reportedly viewed as a centre-back rather than a midfielder.

The Verdict: Another Scales?

Liam Scales made the move from Ireland to Scotland this summer, and it appears as if Phillips could well follow suit down the line.

Celtic saw Scales’ versatility as crucial when bringing him to Parkhead, so Phillips’ ability to play in both midfield and in defence could work in his favour.

He may well have the chance to impress Celtic officials live on Friday during their scouting trip to watch Kenny, and who knows, should he do just that, a cut-price move in the New Year could well be on the cards.

In other news: Celtic source shares transfer news different to Sky Sports claim; good news for McKay and Ange.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told Football FanCast he believes Patrick Vieira will turn his attention to signing Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard today.

The Frenchman has been desperately trying to add a striker to his squad all summer, with little success.

Tammy Abraham was on the Eagles’ radar, but he ended up signing for Roma, with the £34m fee likely to have been too much for the south Londoners.

However, with time running out, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said on Monday evening that a deal to bring Edouard to Selhurst Park was very much on the cards before the 11pm deadline.

There’s been a question mark over Edouard’s future for some time, but the 23-year-old has scored an impressive 88 goals across his four years with the Hoops – winning eight major trophies in the process.

Three of those have come this season, but Edouard has been in and out the team with his Hoops career in serious doubt, and Bridge is confident Palace will get him over the line.

He told FFC:

“He’s available at the right price. I don’t think he would cost a fortune. I was told today that PSG have a 40 percent sell on clause, so it could turn out Celtic don’t get a lot of money for him.

“I wonder if there might be a fee issue tomorrow. Let’s wait and see, but I think Palace will end up with a striker and I think Edouard will be the one Vieira will look to get.”

A number of Liverpool supporters are keen on the idea of the Reds re-signing Philippe Coutinho following a report discussing the Brazilian’s future.

Jurgen Klopp is recharging his batteries after a tough campaign, both professionally and personally, but it won’t be long until he is back to work again. The German will be eyeing up summer reinforcements alongside sporting director Michael Edwards, looking to freshen up his squad and launch a title challenge next season.

Liverpool could arguably do with another attacking player providing more competition for places, and Coutinho has been linked with a shock return to Anfield.

The Brazil international became a superstar with the Reds, with 54 goals and 45 assists in 201 appearances, before leaving for Barcelona in January 2018 and struggling to kick on ever since, having been sent out on loan for a spell by the Catalan giants.

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Liverpool fans want Coutinho back at Anfield

In truth, it is unlikely to see Coutinho back at Liverpool – he turns 29 later this month – but it is a story which has sparked excitement among some Reds fans. Here are some of the best reactions to the news on Twitter.

“It would be great if LFC gets him back “

Credit: @Tobi_Joe_

“Just bring him back imo. We are crying out for a creative midfielder”

Credit: @txnnya

“I can’t cope with another summer of Phil rumours just for him to stay on the Barca bench. I’m begging you Michael Edwards”

Credit: @Soilsum_FUT

“Please”

Credit: @Ngcebo_YNWA

“I’d love to have him back”

Credit: @LonwaboSlangwe

“Please bring him home”

Credit: @RyanKeyo

In other news, one Liverpool player has been linked with a move abroad this summer. Find out who it is here.

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.