All posts by z3u9t.icu

So far this season, Southampton have only managed to pick up a total of four points from their opening seven Premier League games of the campaign from four draws, having failed to secure their first win of the season.

In addition to this, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have also only managed to score five goals in those seven games, which suggests to us that they have not been particularly strong in an attacking sense yet, which has been a problem for the given how they are currently sat in 17th place in the league table just one place above the relegation zone.

However, it seems as though the club have their eye on signing a new attacking talent to add to their squad.

What’s the latest?

It has recently been reported by TEAMtalk that Southampton are eyeing up a move for Fulham attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho in the upcoming January transfer window.

He’s at a contract impasse with his current club which has allowed a variety of Premier League sides to monitor his services.

The talented teenager has lit up the Championship so far this term and it would not be a surprise if he made a move away from Craven Cottage.

Potential solution

Carvalho, who is a product of Fulham’s youth academy, made his senior debut for the west London club back in September 2020 in a Carabao Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday under former Fulham manager Scott Parker.

The boss once described the 19-year-old as a “massive positive” for the club, hailing him as “really bright,” in a glowing review.

Overall, the teenager has made just 11 senior appearances for Fulham, scoring four goals and providing one assist in the process.

His assist and three of his four senior goals for Fulham have come during the five Championship appearances he’s made for the club this season. That’s impressively earned himself an overall performance rating of 7.59/10, making him Fulham’s second-highest rated player according to WhoScored, which shows why he has apparently caught Southampton’s eye.

In addition to this, the fact that only Adam Armstrong (3) out of everyone in the Southampton squad has made more shots at goal per game so far this season than Carvalho (2.4) at Fulham shows that he could well be a good attacking option for Hasenhuttl should they sign him in January.

The Saints have struggled for goals this season, netting only five times in seven outings. Consequently, a player of the youngster’s stature and qualities could help Hasenhuttl correct that issue.

The Austrian already has a variety of talented young players coming through his ranks and Carvalho would be somebody to get excited about, particularly if he scores on a regular basis.

In terms of a potential move to Southampton in January, we feel that the Saints should definitely explore deal. He could definitely help freshen up Southampton’s rather stale attacking force, which hasn’t really helped the team so far this season.

In other news: Southampton struck with potential injury blow ahead of LUFC, Ralph won’t be happy – opinion

Leeds United are actively pursuing transfer targets ahead of deadline day next week but they also are mindful of Marcelo Bielsa’s future heading into next season…

What’s the word?

The Argentine is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has only ever extended his deal by a year, meaning there is always a question mark over whether he will stay or go as we head towards the summer.

Phil Hay of The Athletic has previously claimed that he has a “hunch” that this will be the 66-year-old’s final season in charge of the Yorkshire giants, regardless of how things pan out.

And now, ever-reliable Daily Mirror journalist David Anderson has dropped an intriguing claim to GIVEMESPORT this week.

“They’ll be looking for somebody. This is going on as we speak, they’re looking to identify possible coaches who will be similar to him in terms of style,” he revealed.

Life after Bielsa?

This is certainly an interesting revelation given the timing.

Victor Orta and co are busying trying to bolster the Argentine’s playing squad with RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson thought to be the priority, having had a £15m bid rejected for him already in recent days.

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But the Spanish director of football also appears to be on the lookout for a similar sort of manager to carry the club forward into the future, and you’d have to wonder if that is on the back of his mind when conducting business this window.

If Bielsa is only going to be here for another five or so months, should he really have total control over likely incomings?

One name that has regularly been linked with the role is former Granda boss Diego Martinez, who is still out of work despite offers from LaLiga teams like Cadiz in recent months.

He seems destined for Elland Road and is infatuated with the English game, as revealed during an interview with the Guardian in November.

“When I was a kid, I would go to my cousin’s to watch the Premier League because he had Canal Plus. I saw [David] Beckham from the halfway line at Wimbledon there. You think: ‘This is different, I have to experience it’,” he said.

Whether the fellow Spaniard is Orta’s choice remains to be seen, as is the questionable future of Bielsa in west Yorkshire. Either way, it certainly appears as if the Leeds supremo is planning a major move or two in the near future, both in the transfer market and in the hunt for the Arengtine’s successor.

AND in other news, Leeds could secure Bielsa a bargain Aaronson alternative in £22.5m-rated “phenomenon”…

Celtic have suffered a ‘big hit’ in their attempts to sign Legia Warsaw’s Josip Juranovic, according to Croatian journalist Izak Ante Sucic.

The Lowdown: Juranovic links

The Hoops were first linked with a move for the 5 foot 9 Croatia international, while they were also looking at Royal Antwerp’s Aurelio Buta.

Celtic want to sign a right-back this month, with Ange Postecoglou relying heavily on Anthony Ralston so far this season.

A £3m move for Juranovic, who has featured as a right midfielder in each of his six starts this season, was reportedly close to completion, but it seems as if that transfer may now be in jeopardy.

The Latest: Sucic’s update

According to Sucic, who reports for Germanijak, Celtic’s formal offer was actually lower than their verbal agreement with Legia Warsaw.

He claimed on Friday evening that although a deal was not off, it has proven to be a ‘big hit’ which has changed ‘everything’.

“Update: As per our sources, deal is still not off, but there was a big hit. Verbally Celtic board agreed on one price, but then their formal offer was a lot smaller then expected. Both Juranovic and Legia Warszawa were interested, but this changes everything.”

Sucic added:

“At first, everyone expected easy deal for all three parties involved, Juranovic was interested, Legia willing to sell, Celtic in hurry to find new RB. Also, Celtic is looking into some other ‘more cheaper’ options. More to follow.”

The Verdict: ‘Cheaper’ option Couto?

Celtic’s cheaper option may well turn out to be Manchester City’s Yan Couto. The Hoops were holding out hope over a season-long loan deal for the 19-year-old, who attended Parkhead on Thursday for Celtic’s 3-0 win over Jablonec.

He now has his heart set on a move to Celtic Park, and although the Hoops seemingly tried to pull off a cut-price move for Juranovic, it appears as if they may well bolster their right-back ranks after all with the possible arrival of Couto.

In other news: Leeds now looking at Celtic’s ‘real deal’ alongside move for Leo Hjelde, says Phil Hay – report. 

Aston Villa are preparing to make a new move for Juventus star Weston McKennie in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Italian publication Sport Mediaset claimed that the Bianconeri would be willing to let the USA international go this summer, with “strong interest” from both Villa and fellow Premier League side Spurs.

While a move failed to materialise before the deadline, journalist Alan Nixon has now revealed that Dean Smith’s side will look to make a fresh attempt at signing McKennie in the upcoming January transfer window.

He adds that Juventus have told the midfielder that he can find a new home as soon as possible, and Villa could now look to take advantage of the situation.

Fans will be buzzing

Hailed as a “leader” by David Wagner, McKennie’s performances in the Bundesliga for Schalke earned him a high-profile move to Juventus, where former boss Andrea Pirlo was a big fan of his.

Calling him a “rock”, the Italy icon added: “He’s young and can improve a lot. In my opinion, he’s a midfielder who can play as a No 8 in a three in midfield, right or left. He gets in the box and scores goals but he’s also very good at winning the ball back.

“His role is in a three in midfield as one of the two players on either side of the regista. Last year we played in a different system, so he had to adapt.”

Dubbed as an “outstanding talent”, the £22.5m-rated McKennie is as Pirlo says, a real box-to-box threat. While the end product hasn’t always been there – he’s only scored 11 goals in his short career thus far – all the key elements are: the power, the pace, the tackling and the energy to get up and down the pitch.

As per Whoscored, he has an impressive career average of making 1.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, while also managing just a shade under one shot and key pass per match too – a real indication of his all-action style of play.

Johan Lange renewing his interest in the midfielder is sure to have fans buzzing.

Given they failed to bring in a new central midfielder in the summer transfer window – the club were trying to sign Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse – a move for McKennie would go a long way to addressing that iss

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed this major Aston Villa boost…

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…

Graham Roberts reckons that Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could become Tottenham’s right-back.

Tomiyasu, who’s been representing Japan at the Olympic Games, only to be knocked out by Bryan Gil’s Spain at the semi-final stage, had been reported to be on the verge of a move to north London.

Tomiyasu featured twice in Tokyo, both as a central defender, but can play anywhere across the back-four, and started at right-back 14 times in Serie A last season.

Tottenham currently have two right-backs in Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier, but the Ivorian’s future at the club remains in serious doubt following previous comments about wanting to return to PSG.

Aurier is yet to appear in pre-season, whilst Doherty played 64 minutes against MK Dons last week, which should give the Irishman the nod ahead of the start of the season.

If Aurier does depart, Nuno Espirito Santo will need to add another right-back to his squad, and Roberts exclusively told Football FanCast that his departure could open the door for Tomiyasu to competitive to become first-choice:

“I think they might bring in three of four, [defenders] and I think he might be the right-back.”

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

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.

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

An update has emerged on Chippenham Town striker Oluwasegun Lawal, regarding Steven Gerrard’s interest in bringing him to Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

According to AllNigeriaSoccer, the Gers are tracking the youngster, who is the brother of Celtic player Bosun Lawal, ahead of a potential January switch.

The report claims Premier League sides Liverpool, Newcastle United, Leicester City, Crystal Palace and Watford are also looking at him.

Aribo 2.0

Ross Wilson could land Joe Aribo 2.0 by securing a deal to sign Lawal in January. First of all, he is of Nigerian descent and secondly, he’s a versatile midfielder and forward, much like the current Gers gem.

The report claims that he is capable of playing as a number 10, a winger or a striker, whilst Aribo has played as a central midfielder and right winger for Rangers already this season.

This means that the club could bring in another versatility gem who is capable of featuring in a multitude of roles. Gerrard would surely love to have another option in that mould as it allows him to be flexible with his team selections and his choice of players on the bench, as Lawal could provide cover for several roles.

Aribo has started all 12 Scottish Premiership matches this season, with Gerrard placing his trust in him for every single game so far. This shows how much he values the ex-Charlton man’s ability to play in more than one area of the pitch, which is why Lawal could also be a shrewd addition to the squad.

At the age of 19, he has plenty of time ahead of him to develop and the manager could slowly bed him into the first-team set-up. That may mean he spends a season out on loan to play regular football or instead, trains with the Gers squad and soaks up as much information from the current stars as possible.

There is little available in the way of performance data on Lawal, but the report that a number of Premier League teams and Rangers being interested in him suggests that he has caught the eye with his performances for Chippenham and could have the potential to make the step up.

If he is able to make the leap to playing for Rangers and his brother makes the grade at Celtic, it could provide an intriguing new storyline for Old Firm clashes in the future. The clash already has plenty of spice, but a brother vs brother element being thrown into it could be the perfect seasoning!

AND in other news, Sold for £203k, now worth £900k: Rangers had a transfer howler over “dream” battler…