All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news on Ronald Araujo.

As per The Athletic, the Goodison Park faithful would be ‘very happy’ to offer the central defender better terms next summer than he is currently getting at FC Barcelona.

Given their financial problems, having just sent Philippe Coutinho out on loan to Aston Villa, there could be a deal to be done for Araujo, who has been described as ‘spectacular’ player by manager Xavi, and ‘has everything’ that a centre-back needs according to teammate Gerard Pique, despite being just 22 years of age.

Nonetheless, he would certainly elevate the quality in the Merseyside club’s backline, and so it is no surprise to see so many Toffees excited by the potential move, especially considering many fans are urging one defender to leave in Mason Holgate, perhaps making space for a new addition.

Everton fans on Araujo transfer news

These Blues were left buzzing as the transfer news on Araujo was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it is ‘massive’:

“Would be a great signing, could do with him this month. Is this another Brands pick we want in future….”

Credit: @AidyDews

“A man can dream”

Credit: @YerayMachin

“Now we’re talking”

Credit: @hmcglash

“Omg imagine”

Credit: @BobbyW1878

“Massive if it happens”

Credit: @Georgie_Redman

“Yessss please”

Credit: @timmy__leyin

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

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

Manchester United could not find a way past Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, the clash in Yorkshire ending 0-0.

Chances were certainly at a premium and here is how we rated the Red Devils throughout the game:

Starting XI

Henderson – 6/10: It was not an extraordinarily busy afternoon for the United stopper, only being forced into three saves according to WhoScored. His distribution was impressive though.

Wan-Bissaka – 7/10: Probably the most reliable of United’s defensive options, the former Crystal Palace man provided five tackles and two clearances as he dealt with the threat of the ever-dangerous Jack Harrison relatively well.

Maguire – 6/10: Again, not the busiest afternoon for the Red Devils’ captain, Leeds being restricted to just three shots. He was dominant in the air throughout the game but really should have scored with a free header in the first half and he was also booked.

Lindelof – 6/10: Not tested all too much, the Swede was solid if unspectacular. He produced three clearances as the hosts were kept at arms’ length throughout the majority of the game.

Shaw – 7/10: Like his fellow full-back, Shaw impressed at Elland Road. He was very effective going forwards, racking up one of the highest pass completion rates in the visitors’ side, whilst contributing a fantastic five key passes.

Fred – 7/10: Far better defensively than going forwards, Fred was instrumental in keeping Marcelo Bielsa’s troops quiet. The former Shakhtar man contributed three tackles, three interceptions and three clearances. He was also a reliable presence on the ball.

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McTominay – 6/10: After scoring twice and notching an assist in the reverse fixture this season, the Scot would certainly have been wanting to rack up a similar contribution in Yorkshire. That was simply not possible though, completing just 30 passes throughout the match.

Fernandes – 6/10: Arguably one of Fernandes’ worst performances for the club since joining last January. He had five shots throughout the clash but did not get any of those on target – an aspect that was somewhat synonymous with the majority of United’s attack play.

James – 5/10: Playing at a stadium where he could have potentially have been an employee, the young winger could barely get involved. He did not have a single shot and when presented with a chance to score in the second half, he dallied for too long before he was tackled by Ezgjan Alioski.

Greenwood – 7/10: The United academy graduate was probably the brightest spark for the visitors at Elland Road. On numerous occasions, he looked the biggest threat for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men but was regularly denied by Illan Meslier.

Rashford  – 6/10: Whilst still clearly finding his way back to full fitness, Rashford looked off the pace against Leeds. He struggled to find any room to work in and accumulated the worst pass accuracy rate of the Manchester United starting XI at just 69.2% before eventually being replaced.

Substitutes

Pogba – 6/10: Replaced Daniel James with just under 15 minutes of regular time remaining but did not really affect the game all too much.

Cavani – 6/10: The Uruguayan replaced Rashford towards the end of the tie but like Pogba, did not get involved too much.

Van de Beek – N/A: Introduced for Fred with just one minute remaining, the Dutchman was not on the pitch for long enough to earn a score.

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.

Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to right their midweek wrongs when they return to Premier League action this evening.

Jose Mourinho’s side head to the Midlands to face an Aston Villa side who are just one place behind them in the standings ahead of kickoff.

The north London giants embarrassingly crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday night, so now a desperate push for the top four is required if Spurs are to get back into the Champions League.

But tonight’s encounter is no mean feat, and Mourinho has plenty to ponder…

On the Chalkboard

Individual defensive mistakes were once again the root cause of much of Spurs’ woes, so the Portuguese boss ought to make some changes to his backline, especially as Villa now have a prolific option in Ollie Watkins.

Mourinho was reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old as a back-up to Harry Kane during the summer window, but he was always playing a losing game – firstly, no one wants to be a second choice, and secondly, he cost a whopping £33m with add-ons.

But boy, has that transfer paid off for Dean Smith. Watkins has bagged 12 times in all competitions this season, including a hat-trick against Liverpool and a brace against arch-rivals, Arsenal. Clearly, the “lethal” talisman likes to turn up for the big occasion.

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Given the number of issues Spurs have had at the back, it seems like a recipe for disaster if Mourinho were to start both Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier – the pair were dubbed the worst partnership in the league by ex-Spurs midfielder and talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara.

On the latter, he added: “As a centre-half, he just looks lost around the box. In my opinion, he needs to be dropped.”

And we’re inclined to agree. As we outlined after the Europa League game, the long-serving star badly let down the fanbase. Evening Standard reporter Dan Kilpatrick claimed the 27-year-old endured a ‘wretched’ night, claiming: ‘Defensively all over the shop and passing was poor. Gave away silly fouls.’

Watkins averages 2.8 shots per game and is fouled an average of 1.3 times per outing too, via WhoScored. So based on his midweek display, £85k-per-week Dier has no place to be starting as he’ll get torn apart, especially as he has only managed 0.8 tackles per match, too.

Another key ability of Watkins is his pace and acceleration, something that isn’t on Dier’s side either – speaking to Football Insider this week, pundit Alan Hutton claimed the Spurs centre-back “gets exposed at times with a lack of pace.”

Often lambasted as a “liability” amongst the fanbase, the £26m-rated calamity should be axed from Mourinho’s starting XI tonight. If he starts, he could well be haunted by Watkins all night, and then the pressure will only mount on the likes of Harry Kane and Gareth Bale to deliver.

AND in other news, Levy’s genius: Spurs struck dream deal over £45m-rated gem dubbed “phenomenal” by Gold…

Writing on Twitter, Sport Italia TV journalist Rudy Galetti has claimed that a ‘sensational’ name has now emerged in the Tottenham Hotspur managerial hunt, with Brendan Rodgers overtaking contenders.

The Lowdown: Rodgers and Spurs…

Tottenham were linked with a move for Rodgers right at the beginning of their search for an heir to Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, the Northern Irishman was touted as a heavy favourite for the role alongside Julian Nagelsmann, but both men fell out of contention.

Rodgers appeared focused on Leicester and unwilling to leave the King Power Stadium just yet, with the 48-year-old even guiding them to an FA Cup triumph last month.

The Latest: Rodgers overtakes contenders…

In a stunning turn of events, Galetti has now claimed that Rodgers is back on the radar for Spurs and has even ‘overtaken’ other candidates.

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“After the chaos with Fonseca and the #NoToGattuso trend, a sensational name emerges for the Tottenham bench: it’s Brendan Rodgers,” the journalist explained on Twitter.

“The Leicester coach seems to have overtake the other contenders. The Spurs try: decisive hours.”

The Verdict: Big claim…

This comes as a very surprising claim given that Rodgers to Spurs looked all but doomed, and we advise to take this information with a pinch of salt.

Rodgers would be a phenomenal appointment for Tottenham, with chairman Daniel Levy being a known admirer of the Leicester boss for a long while. It is claimed that Levy even assessed him for Spurs way back in 2012 as a successor to Harry Redknapp, but the former Swansea boss instead opted for Liverpool.

However, with pre-season nearing and Leicester already busy in the transfer market, it would be a truly head-turning twist if Tottenham somehow manage to appoint Rodgers after all.

In other news: ‘He has already contacted’…Journalist drops big Spurs claim involving Paratici, find out more here.

With Ange Postecoglou now sitting comfortably in the Celtic hot seat, their preparations for the new season are up and running.The Hoops are getting busy in the transfer window and if you believe reports, they have started their activity.What’s the word?Defence seems to be the order of the day for the Bhoys at the moment with Celtic opening talks with the agent of Brazilian defender Riccieli.However, he’s not the only man on the club’s radar, with flying full-back Valentin Rosier now attracting their attention too.That’s according to journalist Ekrem Konur who has tweeted a variety of updates on the 24-year-old’s future this week.Konur first reported that Marseille were close to finalising a deal to sign the right-back this summer.However, they have a battle on their hands to sign the Sporting Lisbon defender for a fee in the region of €7m (£5.9m).That’s because Celtic have now made an offer for Rosier and are joined in the race by Spartak Moscow, who have also begun talks.A big upgradeAfter losing Jeremie Frimpong last January, Celtic desperately needed to find themselves a new right-back.They thought they’d aided their cause with the temporary addition of Jonjoe Kenny but his loan spell at Paradise was pretty disastrous.[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-transfer-news-posetcoglou-ryan-delap-wyke” title= “Read the latest Celtic transfer news!”]Kenny failed to show the sort of form that saw him nominated for the Rookie of the Year award in the Bundesliga with Schalke, proving to be a defensive liability.The Everton full-back was caught out on a number of occasions, particularly in the Old Firm matches when his lapses in concentration led to Rangers goals.With that in mind, signing a new right-back this summer was of utmost importance for Postecoglou.Although they face competition for Rosier, landing him in the coming months would be an astute piece of business.After all, he has been one of the most promising young players in his position over the last few years.He learnt his trade in France but following a move to Sporting Lisbon, he spent last term on loan at Turkish club Besiktas.Rosier not only caught the eye going forward – registering six assists – but he was also adept defensively. Frimpong was often rampant in the final third but Kenny struggled in that department, registering just one goal involvement after penning terms in Glasgow.Although the Hoops will need a full-back capable of going forward, they will need someone who can clean up their shoddy defence. Fortunately, Rosier could be the man in this department.He made 2.2 tackles per match last term while producing 2.1 interceptions per game. For context, both of those numbers are higher than any other player at Celtic in 2020/21.Add a glistening review from his head coach at Rodez, Laurent Peyrelade and the lure of signing him gets greater:“The first time I saw him was during a trial when I arrived. Every year, we bring four to five young people from the club to test them. He played on the right, I think. He had the athletic qualities of a modern, dynamic footballer, with a great capacity for acceleration,” Peyrelade said.With his athletic attributes in mind and his capability to defend, he’d be perfect for Celtic.They conceded 16 more goals than Rangers last term so need someone who is going to improve their backline. Rosier would certainly do that.AND in other news, Imagine him & Dembele: Celtic may have their new Hooper in rarely-seen 16-goal prodigy…

Carlo Ancelotti must stick with Joao Virginia in goal against Crystal Palace on Monday night amid doubts over the long-term Everton future of AS Roma loanee Robin Olsen.

Virginia was awarded his Premier League debut against Burnley before the international break due to abdominal injuries for Olsen and regular first-choice Jordan Pickford.

Ancelotti confirmed on Friday that Olsen will be in contention for a recall when action resumes at Goodison Park against the Eagles, although Pickford remains in the treatment room.

Pickford missed Everton’s FA Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester City last month after aggravating a prior abdominal issue in the 2-1 defeat to Sean Dyche’s Clarets, which had sidelined the 27-year-old for four games across all competitions.

However, Ancelotti is confident that Pickford will be able to return from his latest issue soon, despite reports that the England number one is ‘terrified’ that any further setbacks could impact his chances of featuring at Euro 2020.

“Jordan Pickford is not available, but Robin Olsen will be okay. I’m not sure how long it will be before Jordan is ready to play again,” Ancelotti said on Friday.

“He’s improving day-by-day, but he still hasn’t worked on the pitch. Maybe he will start next week to train on the pitch with the goalkeeper coach.

“We are well covered in goal with three good keepers.

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“Joao Virginia did really well [against Burnley and Manchester City] and, of course, we hope Jordan is going to recover soon because we need him until the end of the season.”

With Ancelotti again voicing his delight at Virginia’s performances against Burnley and Manchester City, which were just his second and third senior Everton appearances, the Italian should be comfortable with backing the Portugal under-21 international at home to Crystal Palace despite Olsen’s return from injury.

The Blues manager stated following the FA Cup defeat to Pep Guardiola’s side that Virginia “deserves the compliments” that were flowing his way, having produced a number of excellent saves which kept the Merseysiders in the game.

“Joao did really well. He showed his quality,” Ancelotti said, via quotes shared by the Liverpool Echo. “He has not the experience but the quality and personality he has shown in training. And so, I think he deserves the compliments because he did really well.”

Virginia pulled off a magnificent effort to deny Raheem Sterling by tipping the winger’s shot wide of the post and later denied Aymeric Laporte, but he was unable to prevent Ilkay Gundogan from firing home the rebound.

The Everton academy graduate will no doubt have taken a great sense of pride in his performance and will be itching for further first team minutes to continue his development and establish his place firmly among Ancelotti’s squad.

That chance should be on offer against Crystal Palace despite Olsen’s return from injury, with the Roma loanee’s Goodison Park future up in the air following reports that he wants to leave after a break-in at his home last month.

Ancelotti had expected to hold talks with Roma over a permanent deal for the Swede at the end of the season, but it remains to be seen if the discussions will still take place.

Virginia potentially has a spot to secure and Palace represents his latest chance to grab it with both hands, given Pickford’s uncertain schedule.

AND in other news, Everton face a £17m price tag to land a 26-y/o leader once considered to be “one of the strongest”…

Jacob Murphy has revived his Newcastle United career since being deployed as a wing-back and Keith Gillespie, who joined the Magpies as part of the deal that saw Andy Cole join Manchester United, has spoken exclusively to Football FanCast about the winger’s future at the club.

After having to go out on two separate loan spells since joining Newcastle in 2017, Murphy has become a mainstay in Steve Bruce’s side during the Magpies’ recent upturn in form having started the last eight league games.

Murphy, who grew up supporting Newcastle, has scored two crucial goals this season against Wolves and Burnley, and Bruce has admitted that he wants the club to offer the winger a new deal.

Speaking on why Murphy has to remain at the club given his consistent performances and how he has the ability to change a game single handily, Gillespie exclusively told FFC:

“I’d keep him because he can change a game in an instance. So, he is definitely one of the players I’d be looking to keep at the club.

‘Ultimately, it’s up to the manager who will decide if he’s going to be a regular because players themselves want to be playing regular football.”

Having signed from Norwich City ahead of the Magpies’ first season back in the Championship, the £25,000 per week winger struggled as he was farmed out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday in 2019, where Bruce was manager at the time.

Bruce and the Newcastle board will have some tough decisions to make this summer as they have several first-team players who are set to become free agents.

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.”