All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool supporters are fuming that Curtis Jones may play for England’s under-21s tonight despite having a potential injury problem.

The Reds make the trip to Watford on Saturday lunchtime, but midfield options could be sparse for Jurgen Klopp at Vicarage Road.

Thiago remains a doubt while long-term injury victim Harvey Elliott is definitely out of the action, while Fabinho also looks set to be unavailable due to quarantining after international duty with Brazil.

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It means that Jones is an even more important figure than usual, but the 20-year-old has been suffering with an injury issue of his own.

According to Sky Sports Premier League on Twitter, his groin will be assessed before England under-21s’ clash with Andorra on Monday night, suggesting that he could play a part in proceedings.

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Liverpool fans unhappy at Jones latest

These Liverpool fans have reacted angrily to the news on Twitter, saying the midfielder simply shouldn’t be risked for tonight’s England under-21 clash.

“How about not risking a player with a tight groin? Would really appreciate midfielders not becoming the new defenders in terms of injuries for Liverpool this season”

Credit: @_lfcleanne

“It begins”

Credit: @azruldotmy

“Why is he even being considered? He’s injured, the lad has played loads recently for Liverpool and needs some time off. England did this last year with Gomez and he was out for a year and Henderson out for 3 months, the medical department at England is one of the worst in sport”

Credit: @nathLFC123

“Just leave him alone to be ready for Liverpool please”

Credit: @gerald_ynwa

“Why is the England fitness staff the worst in the world? They always seem to play players that aren’t fully fit”

Credit: @KrissDZN

“Against Andorra of all teams as well, not exactly super important that he plays that game”

Credit: @AlanFox_

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacted to a Reds-related transfer rumour. Read more here.

Celtic are continuing to work on a deal to make Jota the biggest signing of the Ange Postecoglou era, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, talking to Give Me Sport.

The Lowdown: January rumours

The Hoops have been busy this month, bringing in five players so far with days remaining of the January window.

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However, they are yet to make Jota or Cameron Carter-Vickers’ moves permanent, despite opening talks with Benfica and Tottenham at the beginning of the month.

Celtic have an option to sign Jota permanently in the region of £6.5m, with the 22-year-old recently returning to action following a hamstring injury.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke was talking to Give Me Sport regarding a permanent swoop for Jota. He believes the Hoops hierarchy are working on a deal and may not be announced until the end of the season.

“I think this one’s something that Celtic are continuing to work on and will work on it during the end of the season and hopefully get it done ahead of next season in the summer transfer window.”

The Verdict: End the month on a high?

It’s clear that Celtic want to activate their option in the season-long loan agreement early, and if they can, £6.5m would be the most expensive signing of the Postecoglou era, surpassing a £4.86m move for Kyogo Furuhashi.

Finalising a move before the summer will also give Michael Nicholson one less thing to worry about heading into the next campaign.

A permanent January transfer could also help Jota in regards to the winger having clarity on his long-term future, and who knows, Postecoglou could reap the rewards of that on the pitch before the end of the season.

In other news: ‘Watch this space’ – Exit for Celtic player could go ‘right down to the wire’ – Sky Sports man. 

Tottenham Hotspur could launch a bid for Nahitan Nandez in the coming days…

What’s the word?

That’s according to renowned Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims that Spurs have “approached” Cagliari over a potential move for the 25-year-old midfielder.

“Tottenham have approached Cagliari for Nahitan Nández, as revealed yesterday. He’s in Spurs list as potential new signing but there’s no official bid yet,” he revealed on Twitter.

“Tottenham will decide soon whether sign Nandez or not. He’s on the market, price tag around €25/30m” (£26m).

It’s not the first time that Nandez has been mooted with interest from the Premier League, with the likes of Leeds and West Ham mentioned throughout the summer window.

Imagine him & Hojbjerg

On Sunday, we got a glimpse of what life is going to look like under Nuno Santo.

The Portuguese head coach got off to the perfect start as his side defeated defending champions Manchester City 1-0 in north London. He deployed a 4-3-3 formation which saw Dele Alli spearhead a three-man midfield, with youth product Oliver Skipp at the base.

Whilst the latter has undoubted talent, especially as he’s been touted to become the future captain of the club, it’s a lot to ask of him to play every single week. It was only his fourth start in the big time. His day will come.

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Nandez, however, could be a very interesting partner to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who appears to have been given a more box-to-box role under Nuno. Perhaps that’s no surprise after the Dane registered three assists (second-most) at Euro 2020 this summer – more than the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and Cristiano Ronaldo.

At 5 foot 7, the Uruguayan is a little terrier in the heart of the pitch – think an N’Golo Kante type.

In 2020/21, the diminutive £19.8m-rated dynamo averaged 1.8 tackles and 6.1 duels won per game in Serie A, via SofaScore, whilst his career average sits at two tackles per game. The only Spurs midfielder to exceed such numbers was Hojbjerg.

Furthermore, Nandez ranked amongst the top 20 Serie A players for distance covered, averaging 10.95km per game, which is the sort of industrious presence that could allow Hojbjerg the freedom to get further forward.

The Cagliari star has been described as a “machine” by Italian football expert Conor Clancy. “He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control,” he told This is Futbol.

By signing Nandez, Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici could form a lethal partnership in the engine room. He must look to seal a transfer before the deadline on August 31st.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops major Spurs transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Rangers have been boosted ahead of their Europa League clash with Lyon, with three of the Ligue 1 side’s players ruled out of the game at Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Rangers face tough European challenge

The Gers open their European group stage account next Thursday, with Lyon making the trip to Ibrox for an intriguing clash.

Steven Gerrard’s men have to get over the disappointment of not getting into the Champions League, instead enjoying a strong run in domestic football’s second-biggest European competition.

The Latest: Gers boosted ahead of game

With perhaps the most enticing encounter of the group looming, Gerrard has been boosted by the news that Lyon trio Lucas Paqueta, Bruno Guimaraes and Tino Kadewere have been refused permission to play, as confirmed by journalist Robin Bairner on Twitter.

The Scottish Government has stepped in and put its foot down, due to the players performing in ‘high-risk countries’ during the international break.

Paqueta, in particular, is described as ‘indispensable’ for Lyon, so he will be a huge miss for the visitors.

The Verdict: Government do Gers a favour

A difficult assignment has undoubtedly been made easier for Rangers, with Paqueta’s absence a real boost for Gerrard and co – he scored nine goals and registered five assists in Ligue 1 last season.

The Brazil international has four goals for club and country already this term too, averaging a dangerous 2.5 shots and 1.5 dribbles per game in the French top flight.

A winning start to the group stage would be ideal for Gerrard’s side, potentially taking the pressure off later on in the round and allowing them to focus on Scottish Premiership commitments instead.

It looks like the government’s decision to stick to their guns and not make exceptions for elite athletes will benefit the Gers next week.

In other news, one Rangers player is set to miss his side’s upcoming games. Find out who it is here.

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as transfer news emerged on Franck Kessie.

As per a report this week by 90min, which has since been shared by Toffee TV on their Twitter page, the Goodison Park club – as well as Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Leicester City – are monitoring his situation at AC Milan, where he has yet to agree to sign a new deal with his contract expiring next summer.

Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint Germain have all enquired about Kessie, but a move to the Premier League is high on the wish list for the Ivory Coast international, who struck 14 goals last season for the Rossoneri despite playing as a defensively-orientated midfielder.

Given the calibre of competition for his signature, and the fact that he is currently playing in the UEFA Champions League, it would be quite the coup for the Merseyside club if they were able to snap him up.

Everton fans on Kessie transfer news

These Toffees fans buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one claiming that they were ‘excited’ and another describing it as ‘awesome’:

“PLEASE”

Credit: @29tooffeeezz

“I heard this the other day before their match last night in which he got sent off. Once Everton has touched you ……. (P.S would be an awesome signing to be fair)”

Credit: @joshhodge81

“Absolute masterstroke if we pull that off”

Credit: @_EvertonTheGear

“JUST INJECT HIM IN TO MY VEINS!! He’s great on the counter which is what this team needs. There are critics to his tackling ability but we have that bulldog Allan to help with that. Please @Everton get this man!!!!!!”

Credit: @GeezyEFC

“I wish mate, imagine Allan, Doucoure and Kessie in midfield”

Credit: @JoeyOconnor22

“Don’t even get me excited like that!!”

Credit: @EFCDayne

In other news, find out what contract news has had these Everton fans buzzing

Southampton fans were shocked after club managing director Toby Steele said owner Gao Jisheng is passionate about the team even though he is silent.

The Saints are preparing for the new campaign, which kicks off this weekend – they will face Everton at Goodison Park in their first clash. They have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in five new faces (Sky Sports), and they will be hoping to improve on their 15th place finish from last term.

Gao is the man in charge at the club and he is not incredibly popular (This Is Futbol)

It is rare that fans will hear from the businessman, who is already looking to sell the club just four years after buying it (The Daily Echo), while he has failed to invest in the side as much as the supporters want (The Financial Times).

However, Steele has still suggested the boss is ‘extremely passionate’ about the south-coast outfit.

The comments were shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and they attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments on Gao below

“Toby, please, listen to that one back and try and keep a straight face.”

Credit: @lucyhighnett

“Still called the owner invisible”

Credit: @neuhausenmatt

“What a joke”

Credit: @MoveRoot

“Next joke”

Credit: @JoshSFC13578

“blink twice if you’re being held hostage”

Credit: @bruhsound1111

“Surely if he loves the club he’d let ralph spend money”

Credit: @Oscar87466990

In other news, Southampton want this ace compared to Arjen Robben.

Barcelona have agreed terms with Manchester City forward Ferran Torres and the Catalan giants are still pushing for a deal to be made following a failed bid, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Torres arrived in Manchester during the summer 2020 transfer window in a deal worth £25.2m. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fine start to life in England; in 43 matches for the club, he has scored 16 goals and produced four assists. That is despite starting just 19 top-flight games in almost a year and a half at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the youngster is currently out injured with a fractured foot, having missed 16 games as a result, and it is still unclear as to when he will be able to return. Despite this setback, Barcelona are very interested in luring the Spain international to the Camp Nou in the January transfer window.

These Man City fans erupt at Romano’s claim

According to reports by Romano, Barcelona are pushing to make a deal with City for the winger and have made a €50m (£42.7m) bid, whilst the Premier League champions hold their price tag at €60m (£51.3m). Despite this, Torres has already agreed personal terms with the La Liga club.

In response to Romano’s tweet, a number of City fans flocked to the comments to usher the process along in the hope that a deal could be done to fund moves for reported targets such as Dusan Vlahovic and Erling Haaland.

Here’s what some fans said:

“take the 50m and run blud, he isn’t worth more than that”

Credit: @EBH15_

“There’s still hope”

Credit: @mcfcmam

“Get it done and bring home Erling”

Credit: @cityzen017

“have fun in the Europa League”

Credit: @slawoid

“Sell Torres 60m, get Vlahovic in for 70”

Credit: @MCFCSaad2

“Let him go.. there are players who are so much better than him in our squad!!”

Credit: @ajacob310

In other news: ‘Ballon d’Or pending, ‘In his own league’ – These Man City fans swoon over ‘unstoppable’ beast

Crystal Palace and Tottenham are both thought to be keen on signing Spanish left-back Alex Moreno this summer.

The Lowdown: Moreno profiled

Moreno has spent his entire domestic career in his native country and currently plies his trade with Real Betis.

The 28-year-old, who can also play further forward when needed, is valued at £10.8m and is under contract until 2025.

He has impressed this season, contributing to ten goals in 36 games. Before 2021/22, Moreno had only contributed to seven goals in 58 appearances for Betis, and it seems as if his red-hot form this term has now caught the eye of Palace officials.

The Latest: Palace interest

Barca Universal relayed an update from Mundo Deportivo regarding Moreno on Thursday.

They claimed that Barcelona, Palace and Spurs are all keen on Moreno, with Betis preparing to lose the full-back over the coming months.

The Verdict: Competition for Mitchell?

Palace youngster Tyrick Mitchell has starred under Patrick Vieira, playing every Premier League game this season.

The 22-year-old is the only senior left-back on the books at Selhurst Park, though, so it could be wise to bring in someone like Moreno over the summer.

Moreno, who has 25 assists to his name during his career, would provide cover and competition to Mitchell and would also be able to play as a winger when required. Palace face some tough competition for his services, but it could be a deal to keep a close eye on.

In other news: Source drops big Palace claim as Freedman now closes in on first summer deal. 

Newcastle United are currently enduring a difficult season in the Premier League as they sit rooted to the bottom of the table.

The Magpies are winless in their first 12 matches and are in the bottom three alongside Dean Smith’s Norwich and Sean Dyche’s Burnley.

Despite their rough campaign so far, one player has been able to stand out as a consistent performer in the team – Allan Saint-Maximin. He has averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 7.29, with three goals and three assists in the top-flight.

Dream deal

Newcastle sealed a dream deal when they landed the Frenchman two years ago. The club reportedly paid £16.5m to sign him from OGC Nice in the summer of 2019. He came to Tyneside off the back of managing nine goals and 12 assists in his last two Ligue 1 seasons for Nice, showing off his ability to make things happen in the final third.

The 24-year-old ended his first campaign at St. James’ Park with five goals and seven assists in all competitions, dazzling supporters with his incredible dribbling skills. He averaged a whopping 4.7 completed dribbles per game in the Premier League, with an average rating of 7.29, showing his ability to take players on and get fans off their seats.

Speaking of which, earlier this year, Steve Bruce reserved high praise for the Frenchman, whilst ruling out a sale for him over the summer. He told The Mirror:

“You can never say never but absolutely, 100%, I will say that we are keeping him.

“I said when I walked through the door two years ago, and he did too, that the supporters will enjoy watching him.

“Whether you’re a Newcastle fan or not he’s worth his admission fee alone, isn’t he? In terms of his trickery, pace and power, he’s such a natural footballer, the kid.”

To date, Saint-Maximin has racked up 24 direct goal contributions for Newcastle, with ten strikes and 14 assists in all competitions for the Magpies. This has led to his Transfermarkt value rocketing up to an impressive £27m, an improvement on the £16.5m they reportedly paid for his services.

At the age of 24, he could also have more growth to go through as a player. This means that, if managed correctly, his value could continue to soar if he is able to increase his numbers in the final third by adding more goals and assists to his game.

Therefore, Newcastle sealed a dream deal when they brought him to the club as they landed a quality young player with the potential to progress and be worth far more than they paid for.

AND in other news, Howe may find Janmaat 2.0 in NUFC deal for “underrated” £30m gem, fans would love him…

Rangers got off the mark in their Europa League group on Thursday night as they beat Danish side Brondby 2-0 at Ibrox.

Kemar Roofe and Leon Balogun scored the goals for the Gers as Steven Gerrard led his team to their first three points in the group after losing to both Lyon and Sparta Prague.

They now return to Premiership action as they travel to face St Mirren on Sunday. Rangers are top of the table and could extend their lead if other results go in their favour.

Gerrard could make some changes to his starting line-up to keep the players fresh and offer opportunities throughout the squad to see what the lesser-seen options are capable of doing. One player he must ruthlessly axe from Thursday’s team is midfielder Steven Davis.

The Northern Ireland international was not at his best in the Europa League clash and the veteran’s time should be up ahead of this clash with St Mirren. At the age of 36, he should not be relied upon to play week-in, week-out, as he is heading towards the end of his career and his performance against Brondby suggests that it is the right time for Gerrard to pull him out of the starting XI.

As per SofaScore, Davis lost 66.6% of his duels in the match, winning one in total. He also failed in 100% of his attempted dribbles and managed one tackle in the game, whilst failing to make a single clearance, block or interception. This suggests that he was lacking defensively and unable to impose himself physically on the opposition.

He came on for 12 minutes against Hearts in the last Premiership outing and failed to win a single duel, completing seven passes and doing little else. Davis has not shown enough in recent games to be deserving of a starting berth this weekend.

Dropping him from the team gives a chance to another midfielder to show that they deserve to be a regular in the side moving forward. Scott Arfield and Juninho Bacuna were both on the bench against Brondby and could be motivated to put in a top performance to nail down a place in the starting XI.

Therefore, Gerrard must ruthlessly axe Davis from the team. His display against Brondby was not good enough to secure his spot against St Mirren and should open the door for others to prove that they can perform to a high standard, which will hopefully be the case on Sunday.

AND in other news, Gerrard could unearth McGregor 2.0 in Rangers gem who has shown “excellent progress”…