All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton supporters have become accustomed to rumours linking Idrissa Gueye with a move away from the club, but PSG’s decision to sign Leandro Paredes should have eased their fears somewhat with less than 48 hours to go until the deadline passes. 

Rumours concerning Gueye’s future have persisted despite PSG’s deal to sign Paredes, but the Senegal international’s paramount importance to the club should force the hierarchy to resist any forthcoming offers in the final hours.

Indeed, it is incredibly difficult to find a defensive midfielder who can protect the defence and contribute to the possession-based game as well as Gueye, and his value to this Everton side is comparable to that of Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Indeed, while speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast, Sheth suggested that the Toffees were absolutely spot on to reject a recent £21.5 million offer from PSG for Gueye, using Zaha’s comparative importance at Palace to illuminate his point.

“Comparing it to Zaha at Crystal Palace: Some people might say right £50 million wow, that’s amazing, but to Palace he might be worth more than £50 million because of the role he plays for that club, you could say the same for Gueye as well.

“£21.5 million for a 29-year-old on the face of it yes, but what will he take out of Everton? How important is he to Everton?”

Sheth is absolutely spot on in his verdict. While it must be considered that Gueye will never command the same extortionate value as Zaha due to the position he plays and his lack of goal scoring prowess, his importance to the way Everton operate is similar to that of the electric Ivorian.

Losing Gueye mid-season would be a bitter blow for the club and leave them short of a focal point in midfield. Everton have been struggling with Gueye in the side, so removing him from the equation would certainly leave Marco Silva in a precarious situation with pressure already beginning to mount on his shoulders.

It’s unlikely that Everton will be able to resist the advances of Europe’s biggest clubs if they come calling in the summer window, but Gueye’s importance to the club has put the hierarchy in a position to command far more than £21.5 million for his signature.

Zaha, meanwhile, will continue to attract a markedly higher transfer fee due to his talent in the final-third, but that is not to say that the difference in price equates to a difference in importance to Gueye.

Both players are indispensable in their own right and Everton and Palace would be foolish to allow their star players to leave for anything other than a premium price.

Everton fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Newcastle United’s January transfer window proved to be an enormous lift for Eddie Howe’s side, and it was no surprise to see the club finally pick up the kind of form needed to escape from the Premier League’s relegation clutches.

The likes of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood added some much-needed battle-hardened top-flight experience, while Bruno Guimaraes came in from Lyon having garnered a real reputation as a bona-fide star in French football.

But while a number of the Magpies’ January signings have played their part in leading the Tyneside club out of trouble, they may look back a little ruefully at one name they didn’t manage to sign: Luis Diaz.

According to A Bola (via Sport Witness), the Magpies were one of the clubs interested in signing the Colombia international in the January window before it was later claimed that the Howe’s side had actually sent scouts to watch Porto’s 1-0 win over SC Braga to see the 24-year-old in action – the winger would end up scoring the winner.

Despite seeing him shine in person and having had interest in him for a number of months, perhaps even longer, Newcastle opted not to act on it, and instead watched Spurs, then Liverpool make big-money bids for him towards the closing stages of January.

In the end, it was Jurgen Klopp’s side who came out victorious in the race to sign him, snapping him up for a reported fee of £37.5m – just slightly more than the initial amount they paid to sign Guimaraes.

And when you look at how Diaz has performed this season, both for Porto and now for Liverpool, not getting him in January seems like a real missed opportunity.

The 31-cap Colombia international was in scintillating form for his former side Porto this season, registering a very impressive 16 goals and six assists in only 29 appearances for the Liga NOS giants.

Following the switch to Anfield, Diaz has netted a further three goals and provided one assist, including nodding across for Sadio Mane in the recent Champions League victory over Benfica in the quarter-finals.

Now valued at £60m by CIES, the 5 foot 10 star has been dubbed a “livewire” and as being “phenomenal” by Portuguese football expert Alex Goncalves

Missing out on Diaz is made all the more difficult given how reports have recently emerged saying Newcastle would be willing to let one of their star men and fellow wide-man Allan Saint-Maximin leave in the summer transfer window.

If that is to be the case, then bringing in Diaz would have off-set that potential departure considerably.

The man with 64 career goals to his name would have been an outstanding signing for the Magpies had they pushed for him before Liverpool came in.

AND in other news, Wood upgrade: PIF will be having NUFC nightmares after missing out on £20m “cult hero”…

Newcastle United may not be able to call upon right-back Kieran Trippier as soon as they’d hoped, The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson reports. 

The lowdown

Newcastle paid £13.5million to sign Trippier from Atletico Madrid early in the January transfer window.

He made four appearances in the Premier League, scoring two direct free-kicks, and quickly becoming the team’s highest performing player, per Whoscored.

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He was then forced off 48 minutes into the 1-0 win over Aston Villa with a foot injury, and he’s watched the Magpies’ last seven matches from the sidelines.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reported last month that Trippier was targeting the clash with Crystal Palace on 20 April for his return, but this update may cast that timeline into doubt.

The latest

Wilson tweeted on Monday morning that the news on Trippier is ‘not sounding too good’ ahead of the clash with Wolves on Friday.

The Englishman underwent a fresh scan at the end of last week but it ‘wasn’t quite as positive as had been hoped’.

The verdict

Newcastle will be keenly awaiting the return of Trippier, who was showered with praise in the early weeks of his Newcastle career.

Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher said the former Spanish champion is a ‘winner’ who had made a ‘huge impact’, colleague Paul Merson declared that he is willing to ‘run through a brick wall’ for the team, and the BBC’s Alan Shearer has dubbed him ‘superb’.

Clearly, he’s regarded as a key figure not just because of his footballing ability, but also because of his intangible attributes.

Howe is also without Trippier’s compatriot Callum Wilson, the club’s top scorer this season with six goals. He’s certainly done well to guide the team away from trouble without two of his biggest players.

In other news, this Newcastle star had ‘a shocker’ against Spurs.

Manchester United are currently in the middle of trying to appoint their new manager to take over at Old Trafford this summer, however, it hasn’t stopped the transfer interest from continuing with another player potentially set to join the club this summer.

What’s the word?

Journalist and transfer insider, Dean Jones, claims that Pau Torres is on the list of players Manchester United would like to sign this summer.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Pau Torres has always remained on the list, he just hasn’t been as talked about as some others in recent times, but they’ve always wanted him to be considered.”

Maguire upgrade

It has been no secret that Harry Maguire has come under a lot of criticism since he joined Man United, and with a new manager coming into the club this summer, it might be the perfect opportunity to move on the defender and bring in a younger centre-back.

According to Squawka, when you compare Torres to the Red Devils’ captain, the Villareal player has made more ball recoveries, completed more passes, won more ground duels and kept a higher number clean sheets this season. That’s all on top of the Spaniard scoring three more goals.

The £45m-rated monster who was hailed “brutal” by Santi Cazorla, is also the second most successful dribbler and is seventh for pass completion in La Liga this season, which is incredibly impressive when you consider he is amongst the likes of Toni Kroos and Vinicius Junior in La Liga.

When you consider his statistics compared to Maguire, signing the player would clearly be an upgrade for the Man United backline and could have a great impact on the improvement needed in the squad to get the club back to competing for and winning trophies.

Torres is currently excelling in Europe too this season, with Villareal progressing to the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, beating the German giants 1-0 in the first leg with a huge chance of reaching their first semi-final in the competition since 2006.

United are not currently looking likely to qualify for the Champions League following their defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, with Tottenham Hotspur moving six points clear of the Red Devils, which could have an impact on the players they can attract this summer, including Torres.

In other news: Man United suffer big setback in ten Hag chase, supporters will be fuming

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged Antonio Conte to make a big call over Villarreal loanee and Lilywhites outcast Giovani Lo Celso.

The lowdown: Wanted man

The 26-year-old midfielder joined La Liga side, Villarreal, in January on loan until the end of the season and has since played a part in helping Unai Emery’s men reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

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Lo Celso featured in all 180 minutes of the quarter-final triumph over Bayern Munich and has reportedly already done enough to earn a permanent switch to El Madrigal.

However, despite the murmurings of a potential swap deal involving Pau Torres, one ex-Spurs favourite still believes that the Argentinian has a career as a Lilywhite…

The latest: ‘More to give’

Robinson, who regularly features as a pundit for Sky Sports, has urged Conte to bring Lo Celso back to N17.

Speaking to Football Insider, he stated: “It is difficult when a manager doesn’t fancy you and then lets you go two or three weeks into his time there.

“Lo Celso is a player that I like. He has shown that he has defensive as well as attacking qualities. He isn’t afraid to stick a foot in and can play as a holding midfielder.

“I’m a big fan of his. You have to give Conte full control over his squad. He has been brought in to do a job. If he wants to move on Lo Celso you cannot question him.

“But I think he is a top player who has a lot more to give. For that reason, I’d like to see him get given another chance at Spurs.”

The verdict: Time up?

Signed for £27.2million from Real Betis (BBC), Lo Celso has flattered to deceive since joining Tottenham, scoring eight times and registering six assists in 84 appearances for the club whilst never truly nailing down a starting spot under Nuno Espirito Santo or Conte.

As the Italian manager and recruitment chief, Fabio Paratici, begin preparations for the summer window – it seems unlikely that the 38-cap Argentina ace is part of the long term plans moving forwards at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium having been cast aside in January.

Lo Celso’s mid-season departure made room for the arrival and subsequent impact of Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus as the Uruguayan has already eclipsed the nine Premier League outings managed by his fellow South American predecessor this term.

In other news: Tottenham legend lauds current Spurs regular, find out more here.

Leeds United have moved into pole position in the race to sign Lazio striker Vedat Muriqi, as Hull City have reportedly pulled out of the fight to sign him.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Muriqi move

The Whites are yet to make any additions in the January transfer window, and although money is relatively tight, at least one new face is surely required given the injury crisis running through the squad.

Muriqi is one player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to add more firepower to ease the burden on Patrick Bamford, who himself has missed time with ankle and hamstring issues this season.

The towering 6 foot 4 striker has scored 18 goals in just 37 caps for Kosovo, not to mention being compared to legendary attacker Robert Lewandowski, too.

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The Latest: Positive update emerges

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Hull have dropped out of the race to sign Muriqi, heightening the chances of Leeds acquiring his signature.

It is claimed that the Whites ‘remain standing’ in the battle, with Championship side West Brom also showing an interest.

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The Verdict: Worth a gamble?

In truth, Muriqi has had a tough time of things at Lazio, failing to score or assist in 15 appearances in all competitions this season.

Despite those obvious struggles, the Kosovan’s international record shows what he is capable of, not to mention the aforementioned comparisons with the world-class Lewandowski.

He once produced a stunning display for his nation in a 5-3 defeat to England, scoring once and assisting the other two goals, winning three aerial duels and completing two dribbles, earning a team-high 9.11 match rating (Whoscored).

If Leeds managed to bring him in on loan this month, or potentially sign him permanently on the cheap, it would provide Bielsa with a much-needed extra option, filling the void left by Bamford and taking pressure off the young shoulders of Joe Gelhardt.

In other news, Leeds have also been linked with another signing – find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Sam Johnstone to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that sources have revealed the West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper has informed his inner circle that he has chosen Tottenham as his preferred destination this summer.

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This is sure to come as a huge boost to Spurs, with Antonio Conte’s side having been heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old upon the expiry of his current contract at The Hawthorns at the end of the season.

Further reports had claimed that the likes of Manchester United and West Ham United were also keen on a move for the England international ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, however, it would now appear as if Tottenham are in pole position to land the in-demand shot-stopper.

Paratici coup

Considering the undoubted ability Johnstone possesses between the sticks, the fact that Spurs now look closer to landing the goalkeeper ahead of their top-four rivals represents yet another huge coup by Fabio Paratici.

While it is true that the £7.2m-rated shot-stopper and his Albion teammates have struggled in the Championship so far this season, the 29-year-old more than proved that he is capable of doing a job in the top flight of English football last season.

Indeed, over his 37 Premier League outings last term, the £32.5k-per-week stopper was one of the Baggies’ most important players, keeping six clean sheets and making 4.5 saves per match – the most of any goalkeeper in the league.

These returns saw the player who journalist Kieran Doody dubbed an “unreal” talent average a rather remarkable seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as West Brom’s second-best player in the division – a quite extraordinary feat considering Albion’s 19th place finish.

As such, with Pierluigi Gollini looking set to return to Atalanta following his failed loan spell at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, replacing the Italian with a ‘keeper as talented as the Englishman would undoubtedly be a fantastic piece of business by Paratici – particularly considering the interest in his services and the fact he will not cost Spurs a penny.

AND in other news: “100%” – Fabrizio Romano drops Spurs transfer claim that will leave supporters buzzing

Flocking to Twitter, many Southampton fans have been left excited following a big update on the club’s plans to sign Chelsea striker and loanee Armando Broja permanently.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has seen the Albania international come on leaps and bounds since his temporary move to the south coast.

Over his 10 Premier League starts for Southampton, Broja has netted five goals whilst proving to be a consistent threat in the final third (WhoScored), drawing praise for his performances at St Mary’s.

This fine form has reportedly resulted in interest from Saints transfer chief Martin Semmens and the club to make his stay a permanent one, but they’re not the only side eyeing a move for the 20-year-old as a ‘string’ of prospective top-flight suitors also take note (Sky Sports).

In a big update, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared news on the Saints’ plans as the January transfer window slowly draws to a close.

According to his sources, Southampton – seemingly backed by new owners Sport Republic and Serbian-born businessman Dragan Solak – are ‘expected to launch’ a £25m club-record bid to sign Broja before Monday’s transfer deadline. It is believed that the proposal will be ‘submitted soon’, as plenty of Saints fans flock to this update on Twitter.

Southampton fans buzzing…

Signalling a real statement of intent, it’s little wonder so many Southampton fans are buzzing that the club are willing to smash their transfer record in an effort to secure Broja.

The towering Albania international has been a revelation under Hasenhuttl, and tying him down indefinitely would come as a major boost.

Here’s how some Saints supporters reacted to the development:

“absolute scenes if this is true”

Credit: @RichardDyba

“CMOOOON”

Credit: @saintsjwp

“The most comforting thing about this is knowing we actually can spend that much on a player now”

Credit: @AniefiokEkp

“YOOOOOOO”

Credit: @_sfcjay

“If we pull this off, it would make my year and we are less than a month into it!”

Credit: @MattRayB

“25m on one player? We are coming for Europe”

Credit: @fletchsfc

“yes yes yes”

Credit: @summa_symonds

“The best thing about all this is that due to the recent takeover, we can actually spend this. My feeling is it’ll be £25-30m with a buyback of £50-70m dependent on performance. Go and get it done, lads!”

Credit: @Jim_Mack7

In other news: Southampton in pole position to sign ‘very exciting’ attacker as journalist shares news, find out more here.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has dropped a teasing transfer hint regarding the future of on-loan winger Jota.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by Football Scotland, the 56-year-old suggested that, following reports which claimed that Celtic are locked in ongoing negotiations regarding a permanent £6.5m deal for the 22-year-old, a move for the Benfica winger will take care of itself in due course.

Speaking about the future of the Portugal under-21 international, the Hoops coach said: “In terms of [Jota remaining at Parkhead] beyond this season, that will take care of itself at the appropriate time.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive Jota has been since his arrival in Glasgow last summer, Postecoglou’s suggestion that the permanent signing of the winger is just a matter of time will have undoubtedly left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 11 Premiership appearances so far this season, the £4.95m-rated winger has been in remarkable form for the Hoops. He has already bagged five goals, registered four assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking three shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

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These returns have seen the player who Postecoglou dubbed an “unbelievable” talent average an excellent SofaScore match rating of 7.38, ranking him as the sixth-best player in the entire league.

Furthermore, the £7.1k-per-week forward has also scored two goals and provided two assists over his five Europa League outings, in addition to netting one goal in his two League Cup appearances – returns which take his total haul to eight goals and six assists in just 18 games for Celtic.

As such, it is clear to see that the signing of the Benfica starlet on a permanent basis, particularly for a fee of just £6.5m, would certainly be a major coup for the Bhoys, so Postecoglou’s latest update on the winger will come as music to the ears of Celtic fans.

In other news: Postecoglou must finally sanction Celtic swoop for “strong” £3.7m beast, he’s the next Fred

Everton have been offered Inter Milan forward Alexis Sanchez on a free transfer, with the Italian giants looking to offload the former Arsenal and Manchester United man.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, Inter have offered the Chilean to the Toffees for free amid fears that Rafael Benitez will lose star forwards Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

Having been a fan favourite at Arsenal, the 33-year-old’s career has taken a major downturn since leaving north London four years ago. Spells at Manchester United and Inter Milan haven’t worked out as planned and the forward is now subject to a potential return to the Premier League.

The report also claimed that, should the Merseyside club fail in their pursuit of Sanchez, they will move for 23-year-old New York City striker Valentin Castellanos.

Everton should sign Sanchez

Signing a player reportedly being paid £175k per-week who has struggled for form over recent seasons would undoubtedly be a risk for Benitez’s side. However, having seen the player the Chilean can be, and considering the lack of options the Toffees may soon have in the attacking department, it would be worth the gamble.

At Arsenal, Sanchez was one of the Premier League’s top performers, with Barcelona legend and current manager Xavi stating that the forward “never stops running”.

In 166 appearances for the Gunners, the Chilean scored 80 goals and contributed a further 45 assists; a goal contribution every 1.33 games. By contrast, in a combined 131 outings for Manchester United and Inter Milan, he has managed 19 goals and 30 assists, which amounts to a goal contribution every 2.67 games.

Moreover, if there is genuine concern that the Toffees could be without both Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in the near future, Benitez will need alternative options in attack. This is particularly prevalent given the Merseyside club’s current position in the Premier League.

The Toffees have won just one of their last 12 league games and are sat in 15th place, eight points clear of the relegation zone.

If the 33-year-old were to come to the club and be able to replicate similar form to that from his time in north London, it would certainly be worth the gamble from Everton.

In other news, Everton have been linked with this promising midfielder…