All posts by h716a5.icu

Some Liverpool fans have been providing their thoughts on former target Kalidou Koulibaly, following an update on his price tag.

The 29-year-old has arguably been one of the standout centre-backs in Europe in recent years, proving to be a formidable performer for Napoli.

The Senegalese star has been linked (Sport Witness) with a big-money move to Liverpool this season, but he has stayed put with the Serie A giants.

It is now claimed that Koulibaly could be available for a cut-price fee this summer, with Il Roma [vi Tutto Napoli] saying he could be available for £43million at the end of the season.

The defender’s current Napoli deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2023, but it appears as though his age could be playing a part in him now being cheaper.

Koulibaly turns 30 this summer, like Virgil van Dijk, so it may be hard to envisage Jurgen Klopp seeing him as a long-term addition to his squad.

Liverpool fans react to Koulibaly udpate

A number of Liverpool supporters have taken to Twitter to react to the news, with the general consensus that Koulibaly is no longer a strong option to come in.

“Finished”

Credit: @TheTrentEra

“That’s because he’s been awful for the past 2 seasons now”

Credit: @LiamBezzina

“Do they throw the Zimmer Frame in for free!!”

Credit: @miccon53

“Too old”

Credit: @Richie30247154

“Old man for 43m”

Credit: @dennisayuba

“Is he that good anyway? If the option was available, I would pick Botman”

Credit: @polhoff

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a surprise transfer rumour regarding a Serie A player. Find out who it is here.

David Moyes can convince Jesse Lingard to stay at West Ham beyond his loan deal after the key factor behind a potential return to Manchester United was revealed.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, Lingard will only return to Old Trafford at the end of the season if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can guarantee the England international a regular role in his plans.

Lingard was given just three appearances by the Red Devils boss this season before sealing a temporary switch to the London Stadium in January, where Gareth Southgate believes he has been “excellent”.

The 28-year-old has scored five goals and been credited with three assists in seven Premier League games in claret and blue, and has only failed to influence the scoring in one of his outings under Moyes to date.

West Ham are keen to work on negotiating a permanent transfer for the 27-cap dynamo, who was recalled to the England set-up last month after a two-year hiatus, but are expected to face a wealth of competition.

The Red Devils will have a decision to make on Lingard’s future come the end of the season with the midfielder due to enter the final year of his contract in June, so will either have to present the academy product with new terms or listen to offers.

It is not considered likely that the £13.5m-rated Lingard will gain his desired minutes at Old Trafford in the No. 10 role he has thrived in for West Ham, with Bruno Fernandes the favoured option under Solskjaer.

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Manchester United denied the Irons a £15m option to purchase Lingard in their loan agreement for the £100,000-per-week playmaker, believing that a strong run of form could see his value exceed £20m.

A boost for Moyes and West Ham

Lingard’s alleged stance on his Manchester United future will come as a huge boost for West Ham in the east London outfit’s efforts to retain the England international, as Moyes can use his position to the Hammers’ advantage.

Lingard would face a real challenge to displace Fernandes at Manchester United were he to return to Old Trafford, with the Portuguese proving to be one of the best playmakers currently in the Premier League.

Only Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane (13) and Manchester City maestro Kevin de Bruyne (11) have provided more assists in the top-flight this term than Fernandes (10), who additionally ranks first for total number of key passes (82), per SofaScore.

Fernandes has created six more goal-scoring opportunities than any other player in the division to date, while his vision has led to a league-high 17 big chances for the Red Devils to score.

Moyes would be able to use that to show Lingard why he would have to accept a back-up role at Old Trafford next season if he were to head back, despite the 28-year-old proving his credentials while at West Ham.

Only Aaron Cresswell (1.52) and Vladimir Coufal (1.28) have averaged a higher number of key passes per game for West Ham in the top-flight this term than Lingard (1.14), who has also provided the third-most big chances created (0.29) per game.

With claims that Lingard is West Ham’s outright top-target for the summer market, ESPN’s report may give Moyes all the ammunition he needs to convince the playmaker to stick around at the London Stadium long-term.

AND in other news, West Ham are in a three-way Premier League battle for a 6 ft 6 titan with “all the attributes”…

Rob Lee has exclusively told Football FanCast that Newcastle having a prolific goalscorer like Callum Wilson in their squad gives them the edge in their fight for survival.

Newcastle have failed to win any of the seven Premier League games Wilson has missed following a hamstring injury he suffered in early-February, although the England frontman could return for their trip to Burnley this coming weekend.

Wilson, who reportedly earns £46,000-a-week, has scored 10 goals in 21 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, with five of their seven league wins coming when the ex-Bournemouth striker has been on the scoresheet.

Steve Bruce’s team did collect a valuable point late on against Tottenham on Sunday to move three points clear of the relegation-zone, but with Fulham hosting Wolves on Friday, the Magpies could find themselves below the dotted-line by the time they arrive at Turf Moor.

But Lee believes that Wilson’s imminent return will give Newcastle a major boost in their battle to avoid the drop.

Lee told Football FanCast:

“But as I said before, Wilson’s back. I hope he lives up to all the praise I am giving him. He makes a difference, it’s genuinely that simple. Out of all the clubs down the bottom, no one has got a goalscorer.”

West Ham United will hope to claim their second win of the week when David Moyes’ side host Leicester City on Sunday with a chance to move to within a point of Brendan Rodgers’ men.

The Irons entered the weekend four points down on the Foxes and fourth in the Premier League table, but can lay a sizable marker in the race for Champions League qualification by beating the King Power Stadium natives.

West Ham won 3-2 at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday after storming to their second successive three-goal lead inside 40 minutes, but lost leading striker Michail Antonio to a hamstring injury which could end his season.

Jarrod Bowen replaced Antonio before scoring the Hammers’ third goal at Molineux and will expect to start on Sunday if the forward is deemed unfit. However, he may not be the only change – with that in mind, here’s a potential line-up Moyes could name, with three alterations from the team which started against Wolves…

Moyes refused to give too much away when speaking to the media on Friday over the fitness of his squad, but admitted that it is likely that Antonio will join Declan Rice in the treatment room.

“We’ve obviously had a couple of injuries and I don’t think Mick is going to make this game, but I think, apart from that, we’re not too bad,” the Irons manager said. “I won’t give you any more information on Declan Rice, to be honest.

“I will just say he has got an injury as everybody is aware and we’ll try and get him back as quick as we can. We don’t want to put any timescale on it. Obviously, he’s an important player, but we move on and we have other players who we hope can come in and help us.”

Mark Noble started in place of Rice at Wolves and is likely to again partner Tomas Soucek in the engine room against Leicester, but may line up behind a changed attacking quartet.

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Bowen – who Alex McLeish has described as “different class” – is now West Ham’s joint second-best scorer in the Premier League this season with seven goals in 30 games after scoring at Molineux. Only Soucek (nine) has more, while Antonio has struck seven and Jesse Lingard six.

Bowen is now to likely stand in for the injured Antonio, while Said Benrahma could start next to Lingard and Pablo Fornals to earn only his third start in West Ham’s last eight top-flight games in place of Arthur Masuaku.

Moyes will be reluctant to overwork Masuaku following his return from a knee injury against Wolves, having missed the London Stadium natives’ previous 20 games in all competitions following surgery in December.

West Ham have been without Angelo Ogbonna for their last seven games after sustaining a high ankle sprain against Manchester United in the FA Cup, but could welcome the Italian centre-half back into the fold against Leicester.

Ogbonna starting would be expected to see Issa Diop make way, with a return to the four-man defence which kept three clean sheets in seven Premier League games between January 1 and February 6.

The Hammers have kept two clean sheets in the seven top-flight fixtures Ogbonna has missed, while conceding eight goals to the seven allowed in his last seven outings.

AND in other news, West Ham have eyes on a “tactically intelligent” gem once backed to become “world-class”…

This season has been a torrid affair for everyone at Celtic, no less than Neil Lennon.

Their capitulation this term led to his departure and there were no shortage of reasons as to why he left Parkhead.

They have lost their dominance on Scottish football and performances, certainly from a defensive point of view, have been lacklustre.

Though, one issue lying slightly beneath the surface is a lack of minutes for their younger players. Cameron Harper has left the club while Karamoko Dembele could follow him through the exit door this summer when his contract expires.

As a result, a host of their talented reserve players have headed out on loan. Luca Connell is spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Queen’s Park while talented Norwegian Leo Hjelde is with Ross County until the climax of the season.

The centre-back has already been compared to both Virgil van Dijk and Kristoffer Ajer but his development for now, is clearly best suited away from the Hoops.

One player who has earned the trust of coaches at Celtic, however, is Dane Murray. Another 17-year-old defender, he is now training with the senior team.

There is no loan spell in the pipeline for Murray but such is his immense potential that he’s already getting used to his surroundings among the first team squad at Lennoxtown.

He has trained under John Kennedy on a number of occasions now, a period he’s described as “brilliant.”

After penning new terms with Celtic, Murray spoke this month about his development and transition to playing alongside more experienced players.

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“Everything about your game comes on more when you train with the first-team,” he began. “The standard and intensity are much higher. Everyone helps you along every step of the way and they’re constantly giving you information. They just want the best for you really.”

The teenager is clearly being guided by the right people and he has been extremely keen to learn from someone like Ajer.

The Norway international came to Scotland as a teenager and has developed into one of Celtic’s key players.

“You also have Kris Ajer who came in at 17 and look at him now. The change he’s made has been brilliant,” Murray explained.

“Then you have the club captain Scott Brown. What he’s done in his career has been brilliant and I can only hope for even half of that,” he added.

It’s not just the age at which Ajer and Murray broke into the set-up that’s similar, however. The latter started out as a midfielder and is still very much capable of playing further forward, as well as in defence.

Ajer has played in a holding role in the past and has also performed admirably at full-back. Versatility like that, particularly at a young age, is a very useful asset to have.

With that in mind, it might make the transition to first team life a little smoother for Murray.

Unlike Hjelde, he has been trusted to stay at the club and develop. That can only be a good thing.

AND in other news, Celtic may be on the verge of repeating Deila’s costly blunder, fans should be fuming…

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to footage of the club’s Under-18 side on social media.

Villa’s youngsters turned out at Villa Park on Wednesday afternoon against Burton Albion in the FA Youth Cup last-16.

Sean Verity’s side put nine past their opponents to advance to the quarter-finals where they will now take on Newcastle United.

Louie Barry scored a hat-trick, Carney Chukwuemeka netted twice and Aaron Ramsey, Brad Young and Seb Revan also got on the scoresheet in an emphatic display.

Villa were actually six goals to the good before half time, bouncing back brilliantly from a 7-0 defeat to Chelsea on the weekend.

Villa fans react

The club shared all nine goals on their official Twitter page on Wednesday evening in highlights which lasted close to eight minutes.

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many full of praise and one describing the clip as ‘special’.

“Wow”

Credit: @tw1708

“I am so excited for the future of AVFC”

Credit: @_JJ_stone

“Something special about this youth team”

Credit: @CarlvHarris

“Fantastic. Well done lads.”

Credit: @SmokeeLou

“How good are these lads man”

Credit: @danlawlor28

“Poetry in motion”

Credit: @AvfcBoxing

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Ross Barkley update, find out more here. 

Leeds United have been handed a major transfer update in their pursuit of Rangers star Ryan Kent.

What’s the story?

Reports last summer revealed that the Gers had rejected a bid from Marcelo Bielsa’s side for the winger, and it now appears that a move won’t happen this time around either.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are set to move on from the £7.2m-rated ace and will pursue other players from their list of transfer targets.

The report adds that a new versatile wide forward is one of their top targets, although “it remains to be seen if Kent is willing to discuss an extension to his Rangers contract.”

Leeds must reconsider

After a failed move to Elland Road last summer, Kent has knuckled down this season to produce a very impressive campaign for the Gers, helping them to wrestle control of the Scottish Premiership away from Celtic.

The winger has produced a fine haul of 12 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, including netting in both Europa League knockout games against Royal Antwerp back in February.

The 24-year-old has earned rave reviews for his displays, not least from teammate Conor Goldson, who hailed him as “magnificent” and said: “He has got a lot of ability. (He is) 24-years-old, two-footed. It is not nice when he runs at you, I can tell you that personally from training. He has got everything.”

And, Neil Dewsnip, his former coach at England under-17 level, said: “He seems to relish the atmosphere, so I think he’s in the bracket of players who think ‘the bigger the better’. Ryan is very exciting so, when he’s good he’s devastatingly good. But that’s a trait of a lot of wide players. The challenge is to be consistent and I’m sure that’s what Steven and his staff will be working to achieve.”

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Labelled a “constant threat” by Gers boss Steven Gerrard, Kent seemingly has everything to be a real success at Leeds, and exactly why the likes of Bielsa and the club’s transfer committee should potentially reconsider their transfer stance on him.

With Raphinha already showing the kind of damage one winger can do, having Kent on the opposite flank could give the Whites an incredible tandem to unleash on opposition defences.

Full of pace, trickery and end product, the £20k-a-week earning Kent should surely be a must-sign.

Meanwhile, Leeds are interested in signing this “Rolls-Royce of a player”…

Newcastle could sign a new Fabrizio Coloccini in Metz defender Boubakar Kouyate.

What’s the story?

The Magpies boast one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League this season, with only Southampton, West Brom and Sheffield United having conceded more than their 54 goals.

It’s no surprise then that Steve Bruce’s side have been linked with a move for a new centre-back, and according to French publication L’Equipe, the Tyneside club are interested in making a move for Kouyate.

The report claims that they are set to face transfer competition from the likes of Southampton and Norwich, as well as a couple of Serie A clubs in AS Roma and Atalanta.

Shades of Coloccini

Ranked as the club’s fourth best defender in history by Newcastle Toons, the Argentine Coloccini was hailed as: “A centre-back who had an ability to influence both ends of the pitch, Coloccini was a vocal leader that could guide his team-mates in the right direction.

“One of his most impressive attributes was to make his partner in central defence a better player, as a long list of different individuals were alongside Coloccini during his time with Newcastle. With a knack for scoring goals in critical moments as well, the Córdoba native was at his best when the Magpies needed him the most.”

And in Kouyate, they could find someone remarkably similar.

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse really broke onto the scene at Ligue 2 side Troyes back in 2019, and his five goals saw him become the club’s top-scorer for the season and helped them finish in an impressive fourth – his displays even earned him a place in the Ligue 2 Team of the Year.

And when you look at his defensive numbers from this season, you can see why he has real shades of Coloccini to his game, and why he also appears to be a far better player than Jamaal Lascelles.

As per Whoscored, his 2.4 interceptions per game in Ligue 1 ranks him sixth in the entire division, and it’s that reading of the game that really made Coloccini stand out at the back.

Kouyate is the undisputed leader of Metz’s back four, which his 2.4 tackles per match the highest of any centre-back at the club, while his 5.4 clearances is higher than any player in the league.

The Malian is a no-nonsense, aerial presence who leads the Metz back-line, and it’s incredibly telling that those defensive stats are all far better than what Lascelles has managed in the Premier League.

If Bruce is looking for someone to come in and marshal the Magpies’ defence, then he should look no further than Kouyate.

Meanwhile, Newcastle could sign a new Demba Ba in this striker…

West Ham United are keen on Emi Buendia, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The Sunday Mirror (2nd May 2021, page 72) claim that David Moyes is eyeing up a move for the Norwich City playmaker as a potential alternative to loan sensation Jesse Lingard, in case the Hammers are unable to tie him down on a permanent basis.

It’s thought that the 24-year-old attacking midfielder is on the Irons’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window, though the Canaries will put up a fight to keep him, especially as he was recently crowned not only their own, but also the Championship’s, Player of the Year.

Last month, the Daily Mail suggested that Norwich rate the Argentine at around £40m, whilst Transfermarkt currently value him at just shy of £20m.

Shades of Payet

It would be a gutting blow to lose out on Lingard next season but Buendia is a very worthy option in his own right.

West Ham had long lacked that creative playmaker that could sit in the hole and produce the odd spectacular moment, at least since Dimitri Payet’s exit.

The Frenchman was a genius from set plays and consistently delivered in terms of goal returns – in total, he provided 15 goals and 23 assists in 60 appearances for the club. That’s one goal contribution every one-and-a-half matches.

After his departure to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, the Irons struggled to replace him, with the likes of Felipe Andersen, Manuel Lanzini and Pablo Fornals not even close to his quality.

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Lingard has stepped up, banging in nine goals and delivering three assists in just 11 appearances, via WhoScored, but ultimately, he’s a Manchester United player until otherwise.

In Buendia, the Hammers could get their very own long-term Payet successor. He is very much cut from the same cloth as the Frenchman in terms of providing chances, unlocking defences and often finding the net.

The 5 foot 7 Argentine maestro has enjoyed an extraordinary season on Norwich’s way to the title, having registered a whopping 14 goals and 17 assists in just 38 matches.

Further figures of 3.2 key passes, 2.9 shots and 1.7 dribbles per game, via WhoScored, suggests even more so that Buendia is a similar sort of phenomenon and enigma that has the ability to completely control and transform a game.

Not even Lingard is matching these numbers, barring a 0.1 increase on attempts on goal per match.

Earlier this season, the Canaries suffered a dip in form in Buendia’s absence, proving just how crucial he has been to their fortunes, and speaking to The Athletic, teammate Ben Gibson claimed: “You’ll always miss a player of that quality. He’s a very special talent.”

Max Aarons, who has also been linked with a switch to East London in recent weeks, has also heaped praise on the magician before. He told the Byline podcast (via Pink Un): “He’s tenacious and very strong. He’s got a lot of attributes.”

£40m may be a stretch when you consider that Moyes also needs a new striker but David Sullivan and co shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to sign a player who could well evolve into their next Payet.

AND in other news, West Ham handed significant blow to “phenomenal” £36m-rated top Moyes target…

Manchester City will reportedly consider a move for West Ham talisman Declan Rice this summer, and the England international could be the ideal replacement for Fernandinho should he depart.

According to The Times, City will consider a move for the 22-year-old midfielder if the Brazilian decides to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has put in some inspired performances of late and was superb in City’s 2-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain which sealed their spot in the Champions League final in midweek, which emphasises that he still has the ability to play at the very top.

However, the Brazilian, who reportedly earns £150,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium, is currently set to leave in June and it seems clear that Pep Guardiola will want a ready-made replacement for next season.

Although they already have Rodri available in that position and the Spain international has been the first-choice there for most of the season, he cannot play in every game, especially if City are in a similar position next term in competing for multiple trophies and therefore have two games a week regularly.

Therefore, a move for Rice would make a lot of sense, as he has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League in recent years and could prove to be an ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho.

So far this season, the former Chelsea youngster has made 29 appearances in the top flight, contributing one goal and one assist and averaging a solid 7.02 WhoScored rating for his performances.

Rice has been a driving force in West Ham’s push up the league, which has left David Moyes’ side competing for a Champions League spot with just a few games of the season remaining, which is a remarkable achievement when you consider their struggles last term.

The Englishman also emphasised his class in recent World Cup qualifiers, averaging a 7.72 WhoScored rating across his two appearances against Albania and Poland.

Although he certainly wouldn’t come cheap, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £54m, his performances in recent seasons have suggested that he could definitely establish himself as a world-class midfielder in the future, especially under the tutelage of Guardiola.

Therefore, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely look to sign the “outstanding” Rice this summer if Fernandinho departs, as he could prove to be the ideal replacement for the former Shakhtar Donetsk man.

In other news… Man City signing beast Pep dubbed “world class” would surely be bad news for “fantastic” gem