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

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.”

It’s safe to say Everton are in a bad run of form at the moment having lost five and drawn two of their seven previous league games, scoring just four goals and conceding 13 in the process.

Injuries have played their part in Everton’s poor run of form in recent weeks with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina all out of action.

With a tough test against Liverpool next up for the Toffees in midweek, it seems as though the Everton fans could do with a bit of good news to get some positive vibes around the club again, and it seems that they may have exactly that.

It has recently been reported in The Telegraph that Everton are interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard as a free agent in the next summer transfer window when his current contract runs out.

Given Everton’s dismal run of form, perhaps it would be better for the Merseyside club if they managed to sign the England international on a loan deal in the upcoming January window with an obligation to sign him permanently in the summer.

As a product of United’s youth system, Lingard has made 220 appearances for the Manchester club across all competitions, scoring 35 goals and providing 21 assists along the way, proving himself as a useful attacking and creative option from midfield.

This backs up why Lingard was previously labelled as being an “intelligent” player by former United teammate Rio Ferdinand.

During his loan period with West Ham last season, the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £19.8m according to Transfermarkt, certainly made the most of his time in east London by scoring nine goals and providing five assists in 16 games, helping them secure their place in the Europa League.

This shows just how much of an attacking impact he can have on a team when he’s given the chance to play regularly, which he hasn’t been at Old Trafford this season with no starts in the Premier League.

With that in mind, Marcel Brands should definitely explore the option of signing Lingard in January to see if he can add a bit of extra attacking power to Rafa Benitez’s side for the second half of the season.

As he did at West Ham, there is a possibility that he could bethe catalyst that sparks a revival at Goodison Park and fixes the issue of their turbulent form. Certainly, with the qualities in his locker, he can do that under Benitez and turn their season around.

In other news: Rafa could solve major EFC issue with “sensational” 18y/o gem whose “future is bright”

Rangers begin their Scottish Premiership title defence on Saturday afternoon as they take on Livingston at Ibrox, with Steven Gerrard’s side fresh off the back of an impressive pre-season.

The Gers picked up positive results against tough opposition in the shape of Brighton, Arsenal and Real Madrid, with new signings John Lundstram and Fashion Sakala both featuring for Gerrard’s side.

After finishing last year’s league season unbeaten, conceding just 13 goals in 38 top-flight games, Gerrard’s side go into the new campaign as favourites to win the title, especially with their Old Firm rivals showing little sign of improvement after they crashed out of the Champions League qualification stages in midweek.

Although Gerrard will be missing the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Jack and new signing Nnamdi Ofoborh for the game against David Martindale’s side on Saturday, the Gers will still be strong favourites to pick up three points to kick off the campaign.

Here’s how we think Gerrard will line his team up for the season opener at Ibrox…

After an impressive season which saw him earn a new one-year deal at Ibrox, Allan McGregor unsurprisingly starts in goal for Gerrard’s side.

There will be plenty of competition at right-back this term after Nathan Patterson’s breakthrough in 2020/21, but captain James Tavernier is likely to start the majority. He is joined by the crux of last season’s impressive defence as Connor Goldson partners Filip Helander at centre-back, with Borna Barisic on the left.

In midfield, new signing John Lundstram starts alongside Glen Kamara and Steven Davis, with Joe Aribo’s absence in recent pre-season games suggesting that he may be forced to settle for a place on the bench in this one.

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Finally, Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi seem likely to start on the wings after their superb performances last season, and they support new signing Fashion Sakala up front, with the Zambian getting his competitive Gers debut ahead of Kemar Roofe after the former Leeds man missed the games against Brighton and Real Madrid.

In other news… The Athletic journalist drops exciting Rangers transfer claim, fans will be buzzing

Leeds United youngster Charlie Cresswell has lauded centre-back Pascal Struijk, admitting he looks up to the ‘amazing’ Whites defender.

The Lowdown: Struijk shines for Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa’s sides enjoyed a superb season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth in the table and proving to be entertaining on the eye.

Struijk was one of many Leeds players who impressed throughout the campaign, appearing in 27 league games and rarely letting the side down.

At 21, he is already playing with great maturity and it appears as though his efforts are appreciated by those around him.

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The Latest: Cresswell lauds centre-back

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds Under-23s’ captain Cresswell heaped praise on Struijk, admitting he is someone the entire academy looks up to:

“Pascal has been brilliant this season, he has done amazing. All of the Academy boys here have just looked up to him and gone ‘wow’.

“If he can be given an opportunity like that in the Premier League then that is something for us to strive for too. He gives us all hope.”

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The Verdict: Top-quality addition

Struijk has been a great signing since arriving in 2019, and while he isn’t necessarily a guaranteed starter, his age means that could become a given over time.

His versatility makes him an even more priceless member of the squad, shining at both centre-back and in midfield, and Leeds will be desperate to keep hold of him for many years.

Struijk averaged 3.1 clearances per game in the league last season, which was more than any other Whites player, highlighting his defensive quality despite not always playing in his primary position.

In other news, a reliable journalist has provided a key update on Leeds’ quest to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Nottingham Forest have made a move in an attempt to bring Josh Maja to the City Ground.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Loic Tanzi, with the RMC Sport journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Dane Murphy has sanctioned a €4.5m (£3.9m) bid for the FC Girondins Bordeaux centre-forward.

In his tweet, Tanzi said: “Nottingham Forest has made an offer of €4.5 million to Bordeaux for Josh Maja. The striker could leave L1 before [Tuesday] evening.”

And, a further report by L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) claimed that the Ligue 1 side have now accepted Forest’s offer, before revealing that Maja will fly out to England today in order to finalise his switch to the Championship club.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how poorly Chris Hughton’s side have started their 2021/22 Championship campaign, as well as how much potential Maja appears to possess, if Murphy can indeed go on to secure the signing of the centre-forward prior to the closure of the summer transfer window on Tuesday evening, his signing would undoubtedly be a major coup for the Reds, one that will undoubtedly have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over Maja’s 15 Premier League appearances – only nine of which came as starts – while on loan at Fulham last season, the £4.5m-rated man scored three goals, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player Jermain Defoe dubbed a “rare” talent earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.75, an impressive feat considering he averaged just 54 minutes on the pitch per fixture.

Furthermore, when taking into account just how much Forest’s current options at centre-forward, Lyle Taylor and Lewis Grabban, have struggled so far this season, with the pair scoring just one league goal between them, it would indeed appear as if forward options are an area of the squad in which Hughton could use reinforcements.

As such, should the Forest CEO be able to secure the services of the £14k-per-week youngster by the end of the day, it would undoubtedly provide the 62-year-old manager will a significant boost, and one which could help the club finally kickstart their Championship campaign.

In other news: Forest handed major boost over “impressive” £2.7m-rated dynamo, Murphy will be buzzing

Many Everton fans have been left gushing as a transfer update emerged on Luis Diaz.

As per Paul Joyce, the Goodison Park faithful are now targeting a move for the FC Porto ace before the summer window ends, in a deal that would see James Rodriguez go the other way on loan.

Diaz already has two goals in three games so far this season, and in the last campaign he managed 11 strikes and six assists in 47 matches in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt), which are impressive numbers for a wide player.

Rodriguez has been linked with a move away and some comments he has made in recent weeks have suggested that he is not overly enthusiastic about staying at the Merseyside club, and so it may be best to move him on, even on loan.

He could be used as a nice makeweight to bring the potential price of Diaz down, and so it looks like an exciting deal to be done.

Everton fans on Diaz transfer update

These Toffees gushed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it is ‘brilliant’:

“Get this done!”

Credit: @labone_of

“Please”

Credit: @Tom_A72

“Me likey”

Credit: @aqqqqqqil

“Ooh go on then”

Credit: @efc18789

“Get him in Brands”

Credit: @_benm1878

“Brilliant this”

Credit: @Vicaz22

In other news, find out what transfer update Evertonians are lauding here!

If the Wolves players were still embarking on their daily trips to Compton instead of being on holiday, then it would be a strange environment for them in which to train.

For the first time since 2017, there would be no Nuno Espirito Santo to welcome them in for their fitness and ball skills. It’s a strange place for Wolves, with the Old Gold stuck at their first real crossroads in the last four years.

They face losing a number of their key players, including Ruben Neves and Adama Traore, while there is the prospect for a summer of decreased spending.

No pressure then, Bruno Lage. The Portuguese is waiting on a work permit to determine whether he can become the new manager at Molineux but, according to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, some big names have thrown their hat in the ring.

The reporter was unable to disclose who those coaches could be but Steve Bull was enthralled by the idea of seeing Zinedine Zidane arrive in the Midlands.

The Frenchman has just left Real Madrid for the second time as manager and is available without the added complication of a compensation fee. A move to Molineux would be far-fetched but it’s certainly one which would set the cat amongst the pigeons.

Speaking to Football Transfer Tavern, Bull said: “Zinedine Zidane, he could do a job all day long. He was my favourite player when I was growing up, he’s absolutely top drawer and he’s showed it as a manager at Real Madrid. I think there’s going to be names bandied about left, right and centre now.”

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Zidane’s name is one of the biggest in world football and his record with the Spanish giants dictates that he would be a marvellous appointment for Wolves.

As a manager, he has won the Champions League on three occasions, triumphs which fell in successive years. He has won the Club World Cup twice and he is a league champion with Madrid in 2016/17 and 2019/20. [Transfermarkt]

Real fell short of expectations this season as they lost to Chelsea in the semi-finals of Europe’s elite competition and were beaten to the La Liga title by their city rivals Atletico.

However, Zidane has an aura, one which not only would instantly command the respect of the players in the dressing room but could also attract some eye-catching new signings to the Midlands.

A bullish character, the 48-year-old could be game-changing for the younger players in the squad, too.

They may have grown up idolising players like Zidane, so to have him in on the training pitch passing on guidance and experience could be invaluable. A proven winner both as a player and a manager, to have a head like that in charge is a rarity.

The very least Wolves could do is make an enquiry.

AND in other news, Never mind Lage: Wolves should consider hiring 54 y/o who called Nuno a “great coach”…

The Liverpool Echo journalist Tony Scott has now dropped a big Everton team news claim before they play Liverpool away from home in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Team news

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the Merseyside derby, Frank Lampard confirmed that both Donny van de Beek and Andre Gomes have ‘small injuries’, and so will not play.

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He was also asked if Yerry Mina will be risked having just come back from injury in the 1-1 draw at home to Leicester City last time out, to which he said that they will make a decision ‘closer to the game’:

“It’s a decision I have to make closer to the game. We have to understand we’ve got six more games after this.”

The Latest: Scott reacts

Taking to Twitter, Scott has now given his reaction to Lampard’s comments, claiming that he does not think that Mina will be risked for the derby:

“From Lampard’s quotes today it looks increasingly likely that Yerry Mina won’t be risked for the derby. The defender has completed 2 matches for Everton since October so it’s crucial he’s match fit for the more ‘winnable’ games.”

The Verdict: Big Blow

It would certainly be a big blow if Mina is not able to play a part against their bitter rivals.

At a colossal six-foot-five, his presence is so key for the backline, as the Colombia international has ranked highly among his teammates in terms of average aerial duels won, clearances and blocks made per game in the Premier League so far this season (WhoScored).

It is likely that the Toffees will have to do a lot of defending at Anfield, and their defence is certainly stronger with Mina in it.

In other news, find out which Blues ace has been ‘clubbing too much’ here!