All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton have been one of the most active Premier League clubs in the transfer window so far, and for good reason when you take a look at the poor performances Rafa Benitez’s side have put on this season.

However, they have now been linked with a third signing but it is predicted not to be one that the fans would welcome.

What’s the word?

Journalist, Paul Brown, has given his perspective on the rumour that Everton are interested in bringing Ross Barkley back to Goodison Park during the January transfer window.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT:

“It’s very strange they’ve been linked with Barkley at all because there’s been so much animosity with the fans, I think it would be a disaster if they tried to re-sign him.”

Everton have been speculated to be interested in signing the attacking midfielder this month, as he struggles to gain a starting position at Chelsea with just 12 appearances across all competitions this season.

Fans will be fuming

The 28-year-old left his boyhood club to make a shock move to Chelsea in the January of 2018, after making 179 appearances for the club scoring 27 goals and bagging 28 assists, with the transfer causing uproar in the Everton fanbase, who saw him as one of their own.

Benitez is already in a vulnerable position at the club, with fans planning protests against him, booing, leaving the ground early during matchday and even flying banners criticising the Spaniard but bringing Barkley back to the club could only further his fractured relationship with the fans and Brown’s warning speaks volumes.

The Everton manager and owners will need to do everything they can to regain the trust and support of the fans over the rest of the season by climbing the table into a much better position, and they will need to identify how to do that without causing further damage.

It would be interesting to see how fans react to a return for Barkley this January, but it could also be an opportunity for the midfielder to rebuild a relationship with the fans of the club he supports.

In other news: Myers reveals details in Lucas Digne move

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is facing a ‘lengthy spell out’ injured alongside Kalvin Phillips, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Cooper’s 2021/22

The long-serving Whites captain had been an ever-present figure in Marcelo Bielsa’s side and kept up his record of starting in every Premier League fixture this season against Brentford on Sunday.

However, the 30-year-old, who was labelled ‘crucial’ by podcaster Jack Collins, had to be replaced after just 15 minutes in the 2-2 draw after falling awkwardly at Elland Road.

Phillips also had to make way against the Bees and now faces up to two months out, and it appears as if Cooper may also be spending the festive period on the sidelines.

The Latest: Hay’s tweet

Reliable reporter Hay was asked by a Whites fan on Twitter about the rumours regarding Phillips’ injury.

This is what he had to say in reply, also sharing an update on Cooper: “No timescale from the club yet but he’s looking at a lengthy spell out, as is Cooper.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Verdict: Bad news

Cooper has been a rare ever-present figure in an injury-hit Leeds squad so far this season, but it appears as if he’ll be out of action for some time.

The Scot is Leeds’ third-best performer in the Premier League this season, as per WhoScored, averaging more interceptions than any Whites player to feature in two or more games.

It’s not ideal, with both Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk also missing through injury against Brentford last Sunday. Hopefully, a ‘lengthy spell out’ isn’t as bad as it can sound in the circumstances, but at this moment in time, it doesn’t look good for the Scottish defender, or for Bielsa’s defensive depth.

In other news: Leeds receive boost in quest to sign 13-cap beast who’s been hailed as a “young star”

Aston Villa will consider signing a new midfielder during the January window following the injury to Marvelous Nakamba.

That’s according to reliable reporter Gregg Evans, which as to be expected, had a number of supporters talking on social media.

Nakamba had been a regular under new manager Steven Gerrard, however, the Zimbabwe international suffered a knee injury against Liverpool on the weekend and missed the win over Norwich City on Tuesday.

His 2021/22 season may well be over as a result, and Villa now look set to act with the 27-year-old sidelined by considering a midfield addition in the winter window.

Evans didn’t name-check any possible targets but did appear to rule out a move for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, who was wanted at Villa Park over the summer but ended up signing a new contract at St Mary’s.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Evans’ claim on Tuesday evening. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with a few name-checking Rangers’ Glen Kamara and another sharing their ‘love’ regarding the update.

“Glen Kamara incoming”

Credit: @villaparkpod

“No messing around”

Credit: @tomavfcyates

“Love it”

Credit: @ViIlaI_

“Villa just buying all the midfielders now what’s going on”

Credit: @Thedolphin2

“Kamara or Doucoure cheers”

Credit: @_AVFCOlly

“KAMARAAAAAAAAAA COME TO MEEEEEEEE”

Credit: @DG_Villa1

In other news: ‘Unbelievable’ – Lots of Villa fans flock to John Percy’s exit rumour

After a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Norwich City at the weekend in their latest Premier League outing after the latest international break, Southampton have been dealt a worrying injury issue that could impact their team for the next few weeks.

What’s the news?

Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong was not in the squad for the game at Carrow Road after picking up a calf injury before the game according to Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

This will surely be a big blow for the team and a big disappointment for the fans after the Scottish international had only recently recovered from a calf issue and managed to get some Premier League minutes under his belt before his first start of the season in their 1-0 win over Aston Villa earlier in the month.

Since joining the south coast club back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Celtic in a deal worth a reported fee of £7m, the 29-year-old has made a total of 109 appearances for Southampton across all competitions in which he has managed to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists in the process.

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Given how Armstrong was just getting back into the swing of things for Southampton and played in both of Scotland’s recent World Cup qualifying matches against Moldova and Denmark, this latest calf issue will surely be a big setback for the player.

His latest appearance for his country against Denmark saw Armstrong come off the substitutes bench and provide an assist for his club teammate Che Adams in their 2-0 win.

Hasenhuttl and everyone else at Southampton will undoubtedly be hoping that the forward will be able to recover from this latest setback as soon as possible and not miss too many games for the Saints. As they approach their winter run of fixtures the manager will want as many options in the squad available to him to help keep his side away from the relegation zone.

If Armstrong does end up spending another significant period of time out injured, Hasenhuttl will have to rely on the likes of Theo Walcott, Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Tella to step up to the plate and provide a suitable attacking threat while Armstrong is out recovering. Given their inconsistent nature, this injury blow will certainly leave their Austrian head coach gutted.

In other news: Possession lost x17: Southampton lightweight with 0 key passes let Ralph down vs NCFC – opinion

Flocking to Twitter, these West Ham United fans have reacted to a major update on manager David Moyes’ transfer plans ahead of January involving Burnley star James Tarkowski.

Since defender Angelo Ogbonna suffered an ACL injury in West Ham’s 3-2 home victory over Liverpool before the last international break, Moyes has been tipped to target a new signing as cover in the winter window (The Evening Standard).

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Of the players linked, which include Hertha Berlin mainstay Niklas Stark and Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips, Clarets favourite Tarkowski is a name repeatedly mentioned.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, with his current deal set to expire in 2022, and it is reliably believed that is he far from likely to sign an extension at Turf Moor (The Athletic).

As such, Burnley may feasibly have to let him go in January or risk losing him for free in the summer – with The Sun now coming out with a claim on what West Ham and Moyes have planned.

According to their sources, ‘West Ham boss David Moyes will make a final bid’ to sign Tarkowski this upcoming window with the club set for a transfer swoop.

It is believed they will lodge an offer of around £6m-£7m with the Hammers boss personally keen on a move.

West Ham fans react…

Reacting to this transfer claim, it’s safe to say these supporters hold mixed feelings.

There are those who believe he would be an ‘absolute steal’ at that price and ‘great addition’, hard to argue given he has averaged even more clearances per 90 (5.2) than any West Ham defender in the Premier League this season according to WhoScored.

Tarkowski has also been hailed as a ‘top player’ by Turf Moor boss Sean Dyche, highlighting his obvious quality.

However, others have mixed opinions on how willing Burnley would be to sell their prized asset amid a relegation battle whilst others question the validity of the claim.

One fan even worries for the West Ham youngsters coming through if Moyes decides to sign another ‘marquee’ defender like Tarkowski.

Find all of their best verdicts down below:

“He didn’t want to up root his family to come to us! What’s changed? Success!!!”

Credit: @Claret_Cook

“Like Burnley will sell one of their most important players in their bid to stay up.”

Credit: @Alex_COYI

“£7 million would be an absolute steal”

Credit: @stephenlott

“He’d be a great addition. But I do worry about opportunities for some of the really promising young CBs like Alese & Baptiste if we sign another marquee defender. Only reason for this can be that Ogbonna isn’t getting a new contract?”

Credit: @jackbuck123

“Tarkowski would be a good buy under Moyes”

Credit: @GkWhu

“Here we go again anything with 2 legs and a heartbeat and we are linked to them…”

Credit: @dazza7370

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Siuuuu’, ‘Tears’…Many West Ham fans erupt as ‘massive’ off-field news emerges, find out more here.

Writing for Chronicle Live, reliable Newcastle United reporter Mark Douglas has shared news on another new managerial candidate in Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

The Lowdown: Far from over…

Despite former AS Roma boss Paulo Fonseca becoming an overwhelming favourite for the role at St James’ Park, with some reports suggesting it could even be made official soon, other reliable sources suggest that it is far from a foregone conclusion.

Craig Hope of The Daily Mail believes that other major contenders like Roberto Martinez, Lucien Favre and Unai Emery could emerge over this next week as PIF continue to deliberate who should take the club forward (Twitter).

Writing for The Chronicle, Douglas has now lifted the lid on yet another name to potentially succeed Steve Bruce in the Magpies dugout.

The Latest: Douglas makes Van Bronckhorst claim…

Indeed, as per the journalist, Van Bronckhorst is now eyeing the vacant Newcastle managerial role as he throws his hat into the ring.

This comes as a plethora of managers, beyond those mentioned in the bookies and press, make PIF aware of their availability as they contend for what is surely one of the most sought-after positions in football at the moment.

Van Bronckhorst in particular is an interesting fresh candidate, having worked closely with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for a brief spell.

The Verdict: Good option?

The Dutch footballing icon, known more for his star-studded career as a player, certainly comes as a surprising name to emerge given his lack of experience compared to other contenders.

An Eredivisie title winner with Feyenoord in 2016/17, his most recent post in the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou City lasted just 23 matches before he ultimately left (Transfermarkt).

Only taking charge of two senior teams so far during his managerial career, the Newcastle job could be one major step-up too soon for Van Bronckhorst at this moment in time.

In other news: ‘In the coming week’…PIF could now turn to ‘world class’ boss over Fonseca, he wants Newcastle! Find out more here.

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey has been called up to Jamaica’s squad for games against El Salvador and the USA later this month.

And a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news, shared by reliable reporter Ashley Preece.

Bailey, who cost Villa £28.8m this summer, is yet to turn out for his country as a Villa player due to injury issues in the September and October international breaks.

However, he is now fully fit and will fly back home following Friday’s meeting with Southampton. Jamaica still have eight World Cup qualifiers to fulfil between now and the end of March, so it could be a busy five months for Bailey.

Preece stated that the 24-year-old will clock up over 10,000 miles in the air during the international break and will return to the Midlands prior to the clash with Brighton on November 20.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Preece’s post on Bailey, with one labelling it as ‘terrible news’, due to the fractured nature of his start in the Midlands…

“The reason why we are going down! Martinez the same”

Credit: @utvavfcutv

“Welp that’s him coming back hurt.”

Credit: @LionsVilla

“Terrible news.”

Credit: @Spratzer

“Internationals are becoming a joke”

Credit: @Pagan__13

“What an absolute joke”

Credit: @av1874_hc

“he’s gonna get injured isn’t he”

Credit: @catrinavfc

In other news: ‘From worse to terrible’ – Many AVFC fans fume at ‘more injury worries’. 

Rangers suffered their second successive defeat of the Europa League group stage as they went down 1-0 to Sparta Prague on Thursday night.

Steven Gerrard’s side went behind to David Hancko’s first half header and Glen Kamara was harshly sent off for a second bookable offence after the break.

While the Finland international’s dismissal certainly didn’t help the Gers in their quest to find a potential equaliser, James Tavernier’s performance at the back was nowhere near the standard that Gerrard needed in a tough European game away from home.

The club captain was his usual adventurous self going forward, but that lack of discipline in knowing when to stay and when to advance saw the Gers full-back get caught out time and time again on his flank.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession 36 times over the course of the game, which was by far the highest of any player on the pitch, while his crossing radar was woefully off the mark too – none of his seven attempts found their intended target.

Tavernier was also dribbled past three times, the most out of any of his Rangers teammates, while he made only one tackle as his lack of defensive responsibility came back to haunt him.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for the Glasgow Times, Ewan Patton gave him a six, saying: “Looked good going forward as per, but, particularly in the second half, was caught out of position defensively. This allowed Sparta’s attackers in behind on too many occasions. But for good goalkeeping and poor finishing – including a sitter from Pesek, Sparta could’ve won by more.”

Those sentiments were echoed by the Daily Record’s Andrew Newport, who also gave him a six, adding: “Got forward plenty in the early stages but found himself pinned down in the second half as his centre-backs wobbled.”

While the big talking point after the game might be Kamara’s controversial sending-off, Tavernier let his manager down with a really poor display.

Meanwhile, Rangers could find another Kamara in this star…

Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu came in for high praise from numerous Saints fans on Twitter for his performance in the 1-0 win over Leeds on Saturday afternoon.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team finally notched their first league victory of the campaign at the eighth time of asking, with Armando Broja’s second half goal proving the difference on the south coast.

Signed in the summer of 2020, injuries prevented Salisu from making his Southampton debut until this year, but he has made up for lost time since, starting all but one of their league games so far this term. On Saturday’s evidence, it’s easy to see why he has been consistently selected.

Aside from one lapse in concentration when he allowed Dan James to nip in ahead of him for a chance on goal, the 22-year-old gave a stellar performance against Leeds. As per SofaScore, he won eight of his 12 duels on the day, with three tackles and two clearances also underlining his defensive finery, while nobody could match his 71 touches of the ball at St Mary’s.

Hampshire Live’s Tom Leach was effusive with his praise of the defender afterwards, awarding him a nine in his player ratings with this glowing verdict: “Salisu was a monster, putting in perhaps his strongest performance of the season so far. He fresh confidence when pushing forward with the ball and limited Leeds to old shots from outside the area during the first half.”

Southampton fans praise Salisu

Plenty of Saints fans on Twitter were also raving about Salisu on Saturday, with one of them also using the word “monster” to describe how impressively the defender played.

“So many worthy performances today, but to mention just three: 1. Salisu. Becoming an absolute beast. A one-man rearguard. 2. Diallo. Looked the player we thought we’d signed. Constantly nicking the ball back. 3. Broja. Feeds off nothing. And looks dangerous doing it. #SaintsFC”

Credit: @antonydjames

“Get in! Huge result which should, hopefully, kick start our season.…. I give him stick but Redmond was good, Salisu immense, Diallo & Romeu worked hard. Is MOTD still on these days! Great day”

Credit: @sturge198

“Salisu is a monster. One mistake in 95 mins but imperious otherwise”

Credit: @L1minus10

“Thoroughly deserved first win of the season. Passing was impeccable, Redmond rejuvenated, Salisu an utter beast and Diallo really is coming along, fully took advantage of the opportunity with JWP out. Onwards and upwards!”

Credit: @danjarvis91

“So calm, composed and game managed to make Leeds look poor. Salisu was monstrous. Moi, Redmond (as predicted), Diallo and Tino. When you see Oriol marauding into the box, you know we are attacking well. Utterly committed for the manager. #Saintsfc fans were superb as well. UTS”

Credit: @saintbannerman

“Salisu is actually our best player”

Credit: @mcrconz

“Just back from the game. Salisu put in one of the best CB performances I’ve seen in a home shirt @ St Mary’s in years. He was outstanding. Redmond and Moi also excellent. In fact everyone that started played well, with perhaps the sole exception of Djenepo. Very dominant win.”

Credit: @tomholland28

“Actually believe we would have finished in the top 10 last year if Salisu wasn’t benched for Vestergaard every week”

Credit: @SaintLiam02

In other news: ‘Yes’, ‘Some positive news’ – These Southampton fans rave as ‘great’ development is confirmed’

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast that Aston Villa’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea is not the game to analyse Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings’ strike partnership.

Watkins and Ings started together up front for the first time since the latter’s £25m arrival this summer.

Both players have shown their goalscoring proficiency over the last couple of seasons, with Watkins finding the back of the net on 14 occasions in the Premier League last term and Ings managing 22 the campaign prior.

However, the English duo were ineffective together against Chelsea as Villa drew a blank, but given the strength of the opposition, Palmer is not reading too much into it.

“Listen, the two of them are two good players,” the ex-Leeds United and Southampton star said. “Watkins has got legs; he can run in behind. Ings can get in behind.

“You’d like to play two up front whenever you can, but it’s always difficult. You have to analyse the opposition.

“Against Chelsea, it’s going to be very hard. Chelsea are a very, very good side now. I think whoever finishes above Chelsea will win the league, so it’s difficult to analyse Villa’s performance.”

It is early days. As the season goes on, with their quality, you would expect Watkins and Ings to click and from a Villa perspective, hopefully fire the club into or closer to the European football spots.