All posts by z3u9t.icu

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…

Crystal Palace are reportedly keen to sign Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen this summer, as the Eagles look to push on after a successful first season under Patrick Vieira.

What’s the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the south London side are interested in luring the Dane away from west London this summer, after the attacking midfielder joined the Bees in January on a six-month contract.

There was a risk in signing the 30-year-old who hadn’t played since suffering a cardiac arrest last June whilst in action for Denmark at the EURO 2020.

However, the former Tottenham Hotspur star has settled back into the Premier League excellently and is a target for an array of clubs, including Palace.

Palace must sign Eriksen

Crystal Palace will be hopeful that their midfield will once again include Conor Gallagher next season, with the Englishman highly impressing at Selhurst Park on loan from Chelsea this term, however, the Eagles are yet to make any sort of breakthrough in extending the 22-year-old’s stay in SE25.

Therefore, if Gallagher isn’t to stay with the Eagles, signing Eriksen would ensure Vieira’s midfield doesn’t suffer. Having said that, the attacking threat of both Eriksen and Gallagher in the same midfield would be a mouthwatering concept for Palace supporters.

Despite fears that the 30-year-old wouldn’t be able to play football again, the Denmark international has returned to action with no signs of wear and tear, having been labelled “unbelievable” by his manager and fellow countryman, Thomas Frank.

The midfielder has scored and assisted once in five league appearances for Brentford, having left Inter Milan in the summer, as well as netting twice last month upon his return to the Denmark national team.

Having earned 111 caps for Denmark as well as making 533 senior appearances at club level, the 30-year-old possesses remarkable experience that the Eagles could certainly do with, despite aiming to lower the average age of their squad.

Moreover, the Dane has scored 148 goals in that period, highlighting the quality he could provide.

It would certainly be a statement signing for Palace who have impressed under Vieira in the Frenchman’s first season as a Premier League manager.

The South London outfit are currently 10th in the Premier League whilst also set to face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Securing a top-half finish and potentially winning the FA Cup would be a marvellous success for the Eagles. Moreover, it would certainly attract higher quality talents in the summer, such as Eriksen.

AND in other news: Vieira must finally unleash £37k-p/w Palace “baller”, his “magic” could stun Chelsea

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.”

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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”

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have erupted over the latest transfer update out of their club following on from their alleged agreement to sell Ferran Torres to Barcelona.

The Spaniard, as per very reliable reports, will return to Spain as the Catalans and City shake hands on a £46.7m (€55m) initial fee plus a further £8.5m (€10m) in add-ons (Sky Sports).

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Torres came to Eastlands with bags of potential and impressed on more than one occasion, but a move to Barcelona is seemingly too good to turn down for the player with City now cashing in after just one full season.

As the Sky Blues and sporting director Txiki Begiristain look set for a cash injection, an update has emerged on City’s transfer plans courtesy of reliable reporter James Ducker of The Telegraph.

According to his information, the money raised by Torres’ sale will likely be put towards the signing of a star striker for next year with Pep Guardiola’s side still firmly in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland.

Man City fans erupt…

Flocking to this transfer claim, which one fan called ‘massive’, many City supporters have erupted on Twitter given their club’s failure to sign a world-class forward in the summer.

It is arguably the only gaping hole in Guardiola’s squad after the departure of club legend Sergio Aguero with the City coach yet again improvising with makeshift options this campaign.

Hearing the fee for Torres could be reinvested to back City with a star forward, as a result, has come as music to the ears of supporters – especially with Haaland as a target.

Find all of their best reactions down below after @CityXtra shared The Telegraph’s update:

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @BernardoTouch

“I’m on my knees for this to happen.”

Credit: @Zhubbie2

“It’s time.”

Credit: @MCFC_67

“YESSSSS SSIRRRRRRRRRRR”

Credit: @thaworldzyours

“Please please please”

Credit: @fidels782

“DO NOT GASS MEEEEEE”

Credit: @izmcfc

“Massive W”

Credit: @MNCTed

In other news:  ‘Wow’, ‘Yessss’, ‘Get it done’…Man City fans beg for ‘no brainer’ as ‘great news’ emerges, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Weston McKennie and manager Antonio Conte is said to be a huge fan…

What’s the word?

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the 52-year-old is pushing sporting director Fabio Paratici to sign the American midfielder this month.

It’s thought that Juventus would be open to selling him but will only listen to ‘suitable’ offers. He is currently valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt.

Although the 23-year-old has emerged as a regular since the Old Lady changed manager and reappointed Massimiliano Allegri, so that makes any move a little harder.

Give Conte what he wants

With the futures of Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli in doubt, it’s no wonder Conte wants a new central midfielder and he could stumble upon his dream profile in McKennie.

The 28-cap USMNT international is capable of playing in a variety of roles in the engine room, as revealed by former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner, who managed him at Schalke 04.

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“He’s an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga,” he said via the league’s official website.

Indeed, the box-to-box beast is among Allegri’s top-four best-performing players in the Serie A this season – on top of providing three goals in 16 appearances, he has averaged a squad-high 1.4 interceptions, 1.3 shots and 1.1 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

This suggests that Wagner’s words do ring true – not only can he thwart an attack but he is more than capable of driving the ball forward into the final third and his goal record further proves this, too.

It also shows his impressive work rate, another factor that will surely be behind Conte’s admiration for him. McKennie has also been likened to Arturo Vidal in terms of playing style and the Chilean beast played a big role in Inter Milan’s title triumph under the Spurs boss last season.

As such, it’s on Paratici and co to land the impressive 6-foot powerhouse as his first signing this month. He’d be a fantastic and necessary addition to the Italian’s central midfield armoury.

AND in other news, Paratici can seal biggest Spurs signing since Son in £45m-rated “extraordinary talent”…

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It is funny how quickly things can change.

When Fernando Llorente missed an incredible chance to register against Watford on Wednesday night, the Tottenham Hotspur fans may have thought it was going to be another one of those nights for the Spaniard.

The 33-year-old is currently being tasked with leading the line in the absence of Harry Kane, which is not exactly the easiest thing in the world.

Overall, Llorente had a difficult night against Watford, but there proved to be a fairytale ending for the former Athletic Bilbao man as he netted an 87th-minute winner in Spurs’ 2-1 victory.

As expected, there were wild celebrations when Llorente registered and it could well be a turning point for the Spaniard, who was linked with an exit this month by The Daily Mail in December.

The Tottenham fans did a flip when Llorente – earning £75,000 a week according to Spotrac – scored the winner, with a large number taking to social media to lavish praise on the centre-forward.

A selection of the reaction from the club’s supporters can be seen below:

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas which Arsenal players would get into the Tottenham team ahead of the North London Derby – Check out the video below…

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.

Leeds United’s Crysencio Summerville is the subject of a transfer battle between Rangers and Hamburg, according to Frankfurter Rundschau (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

Right-winger Summerville joined Leeds from Feyenoord’s academy in September 2020. He’s gone on to make eight appearances for the Whites’ senior side, including five in the Premier League this season.

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But the 20-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of next season, hasn’t featured in the top-flight since the 4-1 defeat against Arsenal on 18 December.

Hamburg’s directors apparently tried to sign the Dutchman in January but Leeds refused to let him move.

New Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has spoken to the player about the importance of his ‘professional behaviour, work ethic and his mentality’.

The latest

Rangers hold an interest in Summerville and ‘have more money’ to spend on the deal than fellow suitors Hamburg, per SW.

The Bundesliga 2 side were left feeling ‘bitter’ after their January move failed, but they are willing to ‘make another attempt for him’ in the summer.

The verdict

If Leeds do let Summerville go, it ought to be on loan. He’s shown his promise at Under-23 level for The Whites, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists in 27 appearances.

Journalist Beren Cross says the ‘runaway train’ has been ‘catching the eye’, while U23 boss Andrew Taylor has even dubbed him ‘sensational’.

They could come to regret letting him go permanently after handing him only limited opportunities.

A loan move would offer him the opportunity to gain valuable experience of playing regular men’s football and, if Leeds do later decide to sell, it could well increase his value.

They may be a little hesitant to send him to Rangers, however, on the back of fellow youngster Amad Diallo’s unsuccessful loan switch from Manchester United.

The Gers reportedly intend to send Diallo back to Manchester at the earliest opportunity after things turned ‘sour’.

In other news, Leeds are ‘very likely’ to make this signing.

Taking to Twitter, Sportitalia TV reporter Gianluigi Longari has broken some Tottenham Hotspur transfer news in the race to sign Fiorentina star striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Vlahovic move…

As per numerous reports, the Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have been eyeing a move for the Serbia international over these last few months as manager Antonio Conte seeks an attacking alternative to Harry Kane.

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Vlahovic has been in scintillating form for his club over 2021/2022, catching Spurs’ attention as they reportedly hold pre-January transfer meetings with La Viola chiefs over a transfer (La Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness).

Sources closer to home also back Tottenham’s interest in the 21-year-old, with The Telegraph claiming that he has been a Paratici target since the summer window.

Breaking some news on social media, Longari now has the latest on Spurs’ links to Vlahovic.

The Latest: Longari breaks Vlahovic news…

Taking to Twitter, the Italian reporter has claimed that Tottenham are now ‘working strongly’ to sign the striker for summer but are ‘also trying’ a difficult move for January.

“They are working strongly for Vlahovic for the summer and are also trying a difficult attempt for January,” he explained.

“Fiorentina want to keep him until summer.”

The Verdict: Pull out all the stops?

Amid Conte’s goal to secure Tottenham qualification the Europa League or Champions League at the end of this season, news that they are unlikely to sign him this month could come as a slight blow.

However, as they attempt to sway Fiorentina into a winter agreement, you could make the argument that every club has their price and we believe Paratici should be pulling out all the stops for Vlahovic as a priority target.

Scoring 18 goals and assisting four others in 21 appearances across all competitions (Transfermarkt), Vlahovic has been lavished with praise given he is one of the most in-form forwards in Europe right now.

Spurs insider John Wenham recently called him ‘unbelievable’ and a would-be ‘phenomenal signing’ for Conte and the club, with Vlahovic’s numbers certainly backing those claims.

Paratici would have to break Tottenham’s transfer record to sign Fiorentina’s man according to some reports as Gazzetta (via AS) claim the club have set an eye-watering €100million (£85m) price tag.

However, given Vlahovic’s age, sell-on potential, incredible form and obvious ability – he genuinely could be worth such a fee.

In other news: Tottenham prepare £16.7m offer for ‘sensational’ player, club have no choice but to accept…find out more here.

West Ham remain interested in Jesse Lingard and a reunion in January is becoming increasingly likely…

What’s the word?

The 28-year-old maestro returned to parent club Manchester United in the summer to try and fight for his place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following a successful loan stint in east London.

However, despite the club’s struggles on the pitch, Lingard has still not been utilised to good effect and with his contract up at the end of the season, his future may lie elsewhere.

That could be back at the London Stadium after Irons insider ExWHUemployee delivered an exciting claim to his ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast this week.

He said:

“Talking of players in January, Lingard is still very much on the radar and his brother is making it very, very clear about his frustrations at Manchester United and then reacting positively to West Ham’s results so if you read between the lines, there is a strong case to say that Lingard could be coming back in January.”

Second time’s a charm

The Hammers’ attempts to try and keep hold of the English loan sensation was certainly no secret with both manager David Moyes and his assistant Stuart Pearce making their interest abundantly clear in the press.

“We would like him to come and join us. That has been an open secret. He was wonderful last year,” the latter told talkSPORT.

Evidently, they failed in their attempts to sign him permanently but it seems like another opportunity could arise this winter and that is a huge boost for the club.

Lingard delivered nine goals and five assists in just 16 appearances to help fire West Ham into the Europa League. Only Tomas Soucek (7.36) recorded a better average WhoScored rating than the United star (7.22) last season. That’s how crucial he was to the side.

Of course, with the Irons sat in third position, you could argue that he has not been missed whatsoever but his presence could cement their foothold inside the top four, especially as his supposed replacement Nikola Vlasic is yet to get up to speed since arriving in the summer.

Not only can he play anywhere in attacking midfield – on both flanks and in the hole – but he can also provide back-up to Michail Antonio as a false nine, as we witnessed at times last season. Such versatility is an attractive prospect with a hectic fixture list ahead.

Some reports suggest Man Utd would be open to selling Lingard in January for just £15m, which is a little under half of what they were quoted in the summer, so it could present quite a bit of value to West Ham.

Much of the Hammers faithful were just as desperate as Moyes and Pearce to see him return to the London Stadium in the summer, so they will surely be ecstatic by this latest development from Ex.

It remains to be seen if a deal can be struck but it’s certainly more encouraging now than several months ago.

AND in other news, West Ham have struck gold with “important” 21 y/o gem who’s “got everything”…