All posts by z3u9t.icu

After convincingly seeing off their struggling Merseyside rivals in the recent 4-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park in midweek, Liverpool’s next Premier League challenge sees them travel to Molineux to take on Wolves on Saturday afternoon.

Ahead of the match against Bruno Lage’s side, it seems as though the Reds have been handed a welcome double injury boost which will surely have Jurgen Klopp buzzing.

What’s the news?

Liverpool duo Joe Gomez and Naby Keita were both spotted in Liverpool’s recent training session on Thursday in preparation for their clash at Wolves after being out for the past few weeks through injury.

Keita, who has three goals and one assist under his belt from 10 appearances this season, has been out of action since October after picking up a hamstring injury during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Brighton in the Premier League.

Gomez has also been out for a similar amount of time with a calf injury.

While the duo may not necessarily be fit enough to play a significant role in the Wolves match, Klopp and everyone else at the Merseyside club will be thrilled to have them back and hopefully available for the duration of their busy winter schedule and the rest of the season.

Keita has averaged 1.1 shots and 2.3 tackles per game in the league so far this season and racked up an overall performance rating of 7.19/10, making him Liverpool’s sixth-highest rated player of the campaign according to WhoScored, so his return to training will surely be a big positive for the Reds.

Although Gomez has found Premier League minutes hard to come by this term with just 13 under his belt from two substitute appearances, it’s good to see him back in training and overcoming his latest injury so that he can add some depth and cover at the back in case any of the Reds’ other centre-backs pick up an injury during this busy upcoming period.

Looking ahead to the Wolves match, while it may well be too early for Gomez and Keita to get back into action, the starting XI which ran riot at Goodison in midweek showed that they are more than capable of potentially dispatching the Old Gold, who have only won two of their six previous league games, scoring just four goals in the process.

In other news: Klopp could unearth Liverpool’s next star in this academy gem

Leeds United are interested in signing exciting Dutch youngster Noa Lang in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Lang move

The 21-year-old caught the eye for Club Brugge last season, moving there on loan from Ajax and scoring 17 goals, in all competitions.

Leeds have been linked before with snapping up the talented Dutchman, with Victor Orta and co clearly seeing him as someone who could bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s attacking options in 2021/22.

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The Latest: Romano provides update

Romano has now given a fresh update on the Whites’ pursuit of Lang, taking to Twitter to confirm that ‘Leeds are interested’ and ‘want to open talks’ with him over a move.

Brugge are keen on offering the forward a new deal – they have the option of signing him permanently – but it remains to be seen if he decides to stay put or not.

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting addition

Lang looks a player of great potential, having already become such a key man at the age of just 21, and he could be an extremely exciting signing for Leeds.

He has been described as a ‘phenomenon’ by Belgian sports journalist Peter Vandenbempt, which speaks volumes about his level of talent.

Lang’s productivity in the final third is sure to appeal to Orta and Bielsa – he enjoyed a total of 23 goal involvements in the Jupiler Pro League alone last season – and this combination of proven quality and youth would represent both a current and a long-term acquisition.

In other news, there has been an update on Leeds’ interest in a potential new left-back this summer. Find out who it is here.

According to a report by Eurosport, Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy still hope they might be able to sign Southampton star Danny Ings – but the situation has gone quiet recently as the Lilywhites also monitor other options. 

Levy still hopes to sign Ings

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to the Lilywhites sporadically over this last year, but ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones has provided an update.

He claims in his column for Eurosport that Spurs and Levy still hold hope over possibly signing Ings but continue to check out alternatives – with the Englishman previously touted as ideal for Tottenham.

Speaking to talkSPORT last year, former Spurs forward Darren Bent touted Ings a would-be ‘great signing’ – and another ex-Lilywhite, Jamie O’Hara, branded him a ‘perfect fit’ far more recently (talkSPORT).

Transfer Tavern take

While Ings hasn’t managed to replicate his brilliant form from last season, when he scored 22 goals in the league alone, pundit Ian Wright still recently lavished him praise – hinting he would get chances for both Man City and Liverpool (Wrighty’s House Podcast via the Focus).

Tottenham podcaster Lee McQueen, discussing the links to Ings before the end of 2020, hailed the striker as ‘phenomenal’ whilst claiming he would be an ‘unbelievable signing’ (Last Word on Spurs via This Is Futbol).

However, despite all of these plaudits, would he be a sensible purchase in this different market affected by coronavirus?

The Daily Express valued him at more than £30 million in January, but given Tottenham’s arguably more pressing need for a centre half, it will depend on exactly how much Levy is willing to shell out for a back up to Harry Kane.

In other news: Tottenham plotting swoop for this shot stopper, find out more here.

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is in for a busy summer transfer window as he looks to shape his squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

With the Gers currently sitting six points adrift of the Premiership leaders, the Dutch head coach is set to head into next season with the aim of winning the title back from their Glasgow arch-rivals – unless of course there is a very late twist in the current campaign.

This means that the club will have an extra edge in their transfer dealings, as they will be motivated to improve their squad to a point where they will be confident of finishing above the Hoops.

One player who must be brutally axed from the Rangers squad in the summer is Finland international Glen Kamara, as the timing is perfect for him to leave.

Ibrox chief Ross Wilson can seal a masterclass by cashing in on the 26-year-old, whose form has nosedived of late. He has only started one Premiership match since 5th March as John Lundstram and Ryan Jack have been preferred to him in the two deep-lying midfield roles.

In all competitions since that date, he has recorded a SofaScore rating of 6.8 or lower in each of his appearances, while he has struggled in the Europa League all season. He has averaged an underwhelming SofaScore rating of 6.68 in Europe across 11 appearances, showing that he has not been one of the key players in their charge towards glory in that competition.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the club value him at £15m. It would be a stroke of genius from Wilson if he is able to sell Kamara for that amount, as it would generate significant funds for Van Bronckhorst to strengthen the squad in other positions without weakening the club’s best XI.

In his last Premiership start, the Finland midfielder was culpable for Motherwell’s goal and was dubbed an “all-round shambles” by Andrew Dickson for his involvement in that play. The 26-year-old was given the opportunity to show Van Bronckhorst that he can be a reliable, regular starter for him in the middle of the park, but instead he let the manager down with a poor mistake.

Kamara has struggled to get into the team of late and has not been able to catch the eye whenever he has played, so that is why this summer will be the perfect time for him to be sold. Wilson must cash in on the player whilst his value is still reasonably high, whether that is the £15m previously quoted or a similar fee, and then use that money to reinvest in the team.

If he can pull that off, then it will be a transfer masterclass from the former Southampton chief…

AND in other news, Rangers now plot exciting bid for £1.8m-rated sensation, it’ll leave Van Bronckhorst thrilled…

Lee Ryder has confirmed that Newcastle United are interested in signing Matthew Bondswell on a free transfer.

However, as per a tweet from The Chronicle journalist, the proposed deal has not quite been completed yet, and the St. James’ Park faithful face competition from other teams in the Premier League.

Ryder also confirmed that the North East club have been in talks with both the player and his representatives in order to try and get the deal over the line.

Bondswell one for the future

The signing of Bondswell is certainly one for the future for the Tyneside club. The 18-year-old has played at youth level for German giants RB Leipzig and has played in no fewer than 12 games in total for England for the U16, U17 and U18 sides.

Bondswell has also played in senior men’s football already despite his young age, with six matches played in so far for FC Dordrecht in the 2020/21 term in the Dutch second division, where the left-back has won 3.7 of his duels a game and also averaged one interception per appearance, helping his side keep two clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

He is certainly a talent that Steve Bruce’s team can nurture and grow into a real top player, and on a free transfer, there is very little risk involved in getting the deal done.

In other news, find out what former Bellagraph Nova Group figure has dropped a big claim on the potential Saudi takeover here!

Sheffield Wednesday are interested in signing Preston North End striker Jayden Stockley in the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moore on the lookout for new signings

The Owls were relegated from the Championship last season, with their points deduction proving to be too difficult to overcome in the end.

With a number of players expected to leave this summer, Darren Moore will be eyeing up reinforcements, looking to mastermind his side’s return to the second tier.

The Latest: Owls linked with Stockley move

According to the Lancashire Post, Wednesday are one of a number of clubs keen on making a move for Stockley, with the 27-year-old potentially leaving Preston.

Portsmouth are another of those clubs mentioned in the report, but the Owls are also in the hunt, and it is ‘up to Stockley where he wants to go.’

The Verdict: A move that makes sense

The striker could be a solid addition for Moore’s side, having scored eight goals and registered two assists on loan at Charlton Athletic last season.

While not necessarily prolific, he could be a good squad player, with his 6ft 3in frame making him a handful for opposition defenders.

Stockley won an incredible 9.8 aerial battles per game for the Addicks, highlighting what a monstrous presence he can be in the air, which could come in very handy in League One.

In other news, Sheff Wed reportedly face competition for the signing of one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Rangers have been linked with Milwall striker Adbul Abulmalik recently and the youngster could prove to be the long-term heir to Jermain Defoe at Ibrox should he join Steven Gerrard’s side this summer.

The Gers have been linked with the 18-year-old recently, with Swansea City having reportedly made an offer to the England U17 international.

Abdulmalik is attracting plenty of interest as he is yet to sign a professional deal at The Den, meaning he would be available for a small compensation fee this summer, should he decide to sign his first contract with Rangers rather than with the Championship side.

The striker, according to Millwall’s website, has featured regularly for the U18 and U23 sides, whilst he hit four goals in four FA Youth Cup games in the 2019/20 season (Transfermarkt) which emphasises his eye for goal at a young age.

The fact that he is yet to make his senior debut with the Lions suggests that if he did move to Scotland, he would join up with Rangers’ academy sides rather than making an immediate impact in the first-team squad, but he could certainly prove himself a worthy signing in the future.

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Arsenal are also said to have watched him ahead of a potential summer move and given their reputation for spotting and developing young English players such as Bukayo Saka, Abdulmalik could certainly be worth the gamble for Ross Wilson and Rangers this summer.

If he were to join and impress with the academy sides, then there seems no reason why he couldn’t step up into the Rangers first-team in the future, and perhaps become their long-term replacement for Defoe.

The 38-year-old veteran recently signed a new contract which will keep him at Ibrox next season as a player/coach but given that he made just 15 league appearances last season, the majority of which came from the bench, his playing days could soon be over.

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Rangers may be in need of a replacement in the near future and if the “fabulous” Adbulmalik can realise his obvious potential, then he could prove to be a big hit at Ibrox and could save the club a lot of money.

And, in other news… “Exceptional” Rangers beast may have already played his last game after setback

Tottenham Hotspur could look into signing Nicolas Gonzalez this summer, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas claims Spurs have been monitoring the 22-year-old forward for quite some time and could look to make a move when Gareth Bale returns to Real Madrid at the end of his season-long loan.

It’s thought that the Bundesliga outfit would want around €30m (£26m) for his signature. Gonzalez still has three years remaining on his current deal, which was only renewed in November.

Dream Mourinho player

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the Argentine forward has been in fine form – when fit – providing six goals and two assists from only 15 appearances, including strikes against Champions League clubs in Dortmund and Gladbach.

That’s a direct goal contribution every 116 minutes.

And the glowing endorsement from his manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, could hint towards why Jose Mourinho would be so keen on securing him this summer.

“He’s got a lot of qualities, but what I like best about him is that he’s a winner. He wants to win at all costs. He always gives 100%, and gets stuck in. He’s very important for us,” the American said to Bundesliga.com.

We know from Spurs’ mooted interest in RB Leipzig captain Marcel Sabitzer that the Spurs boss loves a competitor – transfer guru Fabrizio Romano told the Que Golazo CBS podcast: “He has quality but he’s a fighter, so he would be perfect for Jose Mourinho.”

The same would surely have to be said for Gonzalez, going by Matarazzo’s praise.

“He reminds me of Mario Kempes,” claimed the 22-year-old’s former coach, Alfredo Berti.

Those comparisons to the Argentina legend reinforce such a view, the 1978 World Cup and Golden Boot winner was a perfect mix of pace and power, often breaking through the defensively lines with brute force and acceleration.

Kempes, aged 30, once had a trial at Spurs in 1984, featuring in a 7-0 pre-season win over Enfield but was never signed permanently.

Gonzalez sits top for shots at Stuttgart, managing 4.43 attempts per 90 minutes, over one more effort than any other player and similarly, he ranks fourth for goal-creating actions (0.67 per 90), as per FBRef.

Likewise, he’s clear for touches in the opposition’s penalty box too, managing 7.21 per 90, and the combination of the above certainly suggests he’s able to break free to create chances – not just for himself, but for others too.

Mourinho would certainly love this sort of presence in attack, which is why Daniel Levy must open the chequebook this summer. Gonzalez and the ‘Special One’ could be a match made in heaven.

AND in other news, Spurs star dealt “significant” blow on international duty…

Aston Villa have suffered a major blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, with Dean Smith confirming that the game has come too soon for Jack Grealish.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against the Red Devils, the Villa manager said: “It will be 12 games that he misses. He’s out on the grass loading the injury, so he’s on his way back, but this game will be too soon for him.

“He starts training with the actual group tomorrow. As I’ve said many times, we want him back as soon as possible, but we’ve got to do it right as well. We obviously had a spike in his loading last time and we had a reaction, so we have to make sure that we’re very conservative with our approach this time with it.”

The news comes as a major blow for Villa as the Premier League enters the closing stages of the season, with the Midlanders having understandably struggled in the absence of their talisman. In the 11 league games that Grealish has missed, Villa have won just three and scored only 12 goals in the process, putting a major dent in their hopes of securing a surprise European spot for next season.

With Manchester United flying high both domestically and in Europe – they clinched their place in the Europa League final on Thursday – Smith will have been hoping for some good news on Grealish to try and give his side a much-needed boost before the match.

It is a sign of his importance to their attack that his tally of 19 goal contributions (seven goals, 12 assists) is the joint-highest in the Villa squad alongside top scorer Ollie Watkins, per Transfermarkt.

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Instead, Villa will have to try and stop Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side without the 25-year-old, and that’s a tall order given how poorly they’ve performed without him.

Last week’s win over Everton at Goodison Park will give them hope, but Smith will no doubt be disappointed at missing his key player once again.

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

Former Everton star Michael Ball insists that Moise Kean is attempting to get himself out of the club this summer.

The £31.5m-rated Italian striker has struggled during his spell at Goodison Park since his arrival from Juventus.

Kean has been with the Toffees since 2019 but has scored just four goals in 37 games for the club, and was sent on loan to PSG last season.

During his time in the French capital, the forward surprised many with his performances, as he netted 17 goals in 41 outings under Mauricio Pochettino.

His hopes of a permanent move to Paris appear to have been scotched, though, by the club’s amazing signing of living legend Lionel Messi from Barcelona.

Kean has since been linked with a potential move to Inter Milan in this transfer window after the Italian club sold Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea.

And Ball believes that the 21-year-old is doing his very best to force his way out of the club in this transfer window.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Ball said: “It obviously seems he’s pushing his agent to get out of the club and he’s not happy with his game time, which is understandable.

“If you’re a footballer and you’re not playing, you want to go somewhere to develop and play football and do what you love. But Everton need to be strong, he’s a young kid, he could be a very, very exciting prospect in the future.”