All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to The Sunday Mirror (06/06, p77) [via HITC], Tottenham are prepared to give Real Madrid’s Isco a three-year contract, although there has been a slight complication.

The Lowdown: Spurs looking for new signings

Although Spurs remain without a permanent manager after Jose Mourinho was relieved of his duties in April, the club are still planning ahead towards the new campaign.

That is likely to mean new arrivals, and one well-known name has popped up.

The Latest: Spurs eye Isco

It has been reported that Tottenham are ready to offer a three-year deal to Isco which would be worth £14m.

However, the return of Carlo Ancelotti to the Santiago Bernabeu could make a deal more complicated, as per The Sunday Mirror (06/06, p77) [via HITC]

The Verdict: Worth a punt

At times, Isco has been an absolute joy to behold. Throughout his career, he has managed 70 goals and 67 assists (Transfermarkt) and has won the Champions League four times. Previously hailed for his “magic” by Mauricio Pochettino (Marca), he has even been compared to Spain legend Andres Iniesta in the past due to his style of play (Goal.com).

The last few seasons have been difficult for the 29-year-old. Over the last three La Liga campaigns, he has managed just 34 starts, appearing to fall out of favour under Zinedine Zidane. However, his talent and ability is clear for all to see given his achievements at the Bernabeu, and a new start at Tottenham could be the best move for all involved.

In other news, Spurs have been offered the chance to sign this Premier League star.

If ever there was a Newcastle performance that didn’t typify Steve Bruce’s time at St James’ Park, then Friday night’s clash against Manchester City was exactly that.

The Magpies threw caution to the wind and went toe-to-toe with the recently crowned Premier League champions, and can count themselves desperately unlucky not to have come away with at least a point.

The Tyneside club took the lead on two separate occasions, but found Ferran Torres in inspired form, with the Spaniard’s hat-trick eventually turning things around for Pep Guardiola’s men and seeing them win 4-3.

And while the likes of Joelinton and Joe Willock will get their fair share of the credit for their goal-scoring displays, it was Jacob Murphy who was arguably Bruce’s real star man on Friday, even despite being involved in a back-line that conceded four.

Playing once again in that right wing-back role, the 26-year-old showed the kind of dynamism that has been missing from Newcastle all season, getting up and down the flank with real energy and sticking to his defensive task superbly.

As per Sofascore, his totals of ten duels won and six tackles made were both the highest of any player on the pitch for either side, and a real testament to the way he dealt with City’s devastating left-flank of Raheem Sterling and Joao Cancelo on the overlap.

Such was Murphy’s performance and the way he shackled City’s Portuguese star, popular fan account NUFC360 tweeted: “Jacob Murphy just made an absolute mug of Joao Cancelo with his defending and strength. Has improved that area of his game massively this season. #nufc 2-2”.

The dynamo also completed two out of his three dribbles as he also looked to take the game to City too, while only Allan Saint-Maximin provided more key passes than him in a Newcastle shirt.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for The Shields Gazette, Liam Kennedy gave him a seven, saying: “Every time he plays just seems to get better and better defensively. Unlucky for the deflection on the Cancelo goal, but did well against the Portuguese.”

And, in writing for The Chronicle, Lee Ryder praised the wing-back’s attacking instincts, saying: “A real threat going forward and could have got on the scoresheet.”

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Newcastle may not have come away with all three points against City, but Murphy’s outstanding display was the real shining light for Bruce in what was a thrilling game to watch.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce is eyeing this Premier League starlet…

Barcelona are thought to be considering a move for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been sharing their thoughts at the links on social media.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Catalan giants are plotting a Bosman move for the Dutch defender.

Van Aanholt is just one of a number of Palace players who are out of contract at Selhurst Park this summer.

The 30-year-old has been with the Eagles since 2017 and has made over 130 appearances for the club. 22 of those came this season, but van Aanholt finished the season as second-choice behind youngster Tyrick Mitchell.

Barcelona have also been linked with Manchester City’s Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero on Bosman deals, and it seems as van Aanholt could join the pair in moving to the Nou Camp for nothing.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the transfer link on social media. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one describing the defender as ‘terrible’ in his final matches as an Eagles player.

“Sorry?”Credit: @BMCPFC”Good luck to him. I was always a fan but have to admit the last few games he played were terrible”Credit: @3dromLimited”Barca have no money to spend and this proves it.”Credit: @alffy1977″What have they been smoking hahahahaha”Credit: @CiaranCPFC”Messi coming the other way I’ve heard”Credit: @CPFCLouie”Hope so”Credit: @xmeganrichards”Gotta respect this guys agent”Credit: @s_cpfc

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to the latest on Wilfried Zaha, find out more here. 

Pundit Kevin Phillips has shared when he feels Celtic will officially announce Eddie Howe as their new manager.

The Lowdown: Howe finalising his backroom staff?

The former Bournemouth boss has been heavily linked with a move to Parkhead, however, there have been a few bumps along the way.

Howe reportedly verbally agreed on a move to Glasgow before having second thoughts and then speaking to Crystal Palace.

He’s not the front runner to become Roy Hodgson’s successor, though, with Sean Dyche reportedly leading the way there, and it’s been reported that he is now looking to finalise his backroom staff ahead of a Scotland switch.

The Latest: Phillips drops ‘definite’ claim

The Hoops only have two games remaining in the Scottish Premiership, with John Kennedy taking interim charge following Neil Lennon’s resignation back in February.

Howe’s representative confirmed the earliest the 43-year-old would return to the dugout would be the summer, and Phillips feels an official announcement could be made on the last weekend of the season.

Phillips, 47, talking to Football Insider, said:

“I think Kennedy will see the season out.

“They’ll keep it quiet. There’s no rush to make an announcement now. Just get everything sorted with the plans for his arrival, if it is to be Eddie Howe.

“Maybe they can make the announcement on the last weekend of the season. This has been mooted for a long time and it won’t be a surprise when it is announced.

“But it will definitely be the last weekend of the season.”

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The Verdict: Timing doesn’t work for McKay

We don’t agree with Phillips on this one, as certain dates don’t seem to add up.

Howe reportedly wants to bring members from Bournemouth’s coaching staff with him to Parkhead, however, the likes of Stephen Purches and Stephen Weatherstone are currently busy preparing for the Cherries’ push for promotion to the Premier League through the playoffs.

The Championship semi-final second legs are played on May 22, with the final on May 29, whereas Celtic’s last game of the season is against Hibernian on May 15.

Going off those dates, we’d be very surprised if the Hoops and Howe managed to sort out deals for Purches and Weatherstone in time for the final weekend of Celtic’s campaign.

New Celtic CEO Dominic McKay may have to remain patient, but hopefully, their patience will ultimately pay off in the long run.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops 11-word Celtic admission on Eddie Howe, find out more here. 

Leeds United star Raphinha has lauded Robin Koch on social media following an excellent performance in the Whites’ impressive 3-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Leeds see off Spurs

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were looking to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat at Brighton last weekend and they did so in eye-catching fashion.

Leeds added Spurs to their recent list of big-name teams from whom they have taken points, with Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo all finding in the net.

Koch started in midfield in the absence of Kalvin Phillips, shining in the role and playing his part in another brilliant result for the Whites.

The Latest: Raphinha hails Koch’s performance

Raphinha was absent through injury, but he was clearly impressed by what he saw from Koch, giving a perfect three-word response to the German’s performance on Instagram:

“What a player.”

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The Verdict: Koch stakes a claim for midfield role

There has been plenty of talk surrounding Leeds signing an alternative to Phillips this week, with others in the squad seemingly not deemed good enough to fill in for the England international whenever he’s unavailable.

Koch is certainly showing Bielsa that he can be a force in that position, though, even if centre-back remains his strongest role moving forward.

He enjoyed an 83% pass completion rate against Spurs, also winning seven duels, two tackles and nine recoveries, as he shone both on and off the ball. It’s little wonder that Raphinha was so glowing in his praise of the 24-year-old.

In other news, some Leeds fans have been hailing one specific player after the win over Spurs. Find out who it is here.

Another game, more points dropped and another defensive mistake. That’s very much been the tale of Tottenham Hotspur’s tumultuous season.

On Easter Sunday, Jose Mourinho’s side squandered the chance to move back into the Premier League’s top four after Newcastle United fired home a late equaliser at St James’ Park.

This time, as it often has been, it was Davinson Sanchez who made the critical blunder as he clattered into central defensive teammate Joe Rodon, allowing Joe Willock to ghost in unmarked to score just five minutes before full-time.

It’s now time for Mourinho to give him the ‘Eric Dier’ treatment…

On the Chalkboard

Spurs have now lost 15 points from winning positions over the course of the 2020/21 season. Had they seen out those matches, the north Londoners would be sat behind league leaders Man City in second place and four points ahead of Manchester United in third.

The majority of this boils down to errors in the backline and, according to the ever-reliable Alasdair Gold at football.london, Mourinho is after a defensive leader as a top priority in the summer transfer window.

He also claims that ‘there has been a clear lack of cohesion at times in the backline and leadership’ and, despite being the most vocal of all Spurs’ options, Dier has found himself now out of favour.

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Indeed, the 27-year-old England international is no longer first choice and has actually been snubbed from the starting XI in their last six league outings. It seems as if the West Ham defeat was the final straw for Mourinho.

However, it’s clear now that Dier was not the problem, or at least isn’t an anomaly.

Against the Magpies, Sanchez was the only player to grade worse than a mediocre 6.5 rating, as per SofaScore figures.

Just last month, ex-Sheffield United midfielder Curtis Woodhouse took to Twitter to launch a scathing attack on the Colombian, claiming that he’s “just not a very good defender” and that he “probably costs you 20 goals a season.”

Similarly, pundit and former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara suggested that Sanchez was part of one of the worst defensive partnerships in the division following their north London derby defeat, soon after slamming him as “disgraceful” and the “worst player” despite scoring in the Everton FA Cup loss.

The latest criticism came after this weekend’s fiasco, as former Republic of Ireland captain Kenny Cunningham dubbed him a “real liability” when he’s at his worst when speaking on the OTB podcast.

It’s unfair that Dier continues to be ostracised when these game-altering mistakes keep cropping up from the Colombian. It’s also farcical that Toby Alderweireld has been overlooked despite the uncertainty over both the Englishman and Sanchez.

The £31.5m-rated South American must now get the same treatment as Dier. He has no business starting for the club heading into the summer, especially if Spurs land a new defensive arrival.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Spurs legend reacts to new Dane Scarlett deal

Liverpool certainly need to sign a striker in the summer if they are to bounce back from their dreadful title defence this season.

As it stands, the Reds are set to score approximately 20 goals fewer in the Premier League than last season, with centre-forward Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino having netted just seven goals between them in all competitions.

Two potential arrivals with whom Jurgen Klopp’s troops have already been linked are strikers at opposite ends of the age spectrum; Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez and Dusan Vlahovic of Fiorentina.

According to Calciomercato, the former Reds predator is eyeing a move back to Anfield, whilst Milan Live has suggested that Klopp could also be interested in a move for the 21-year-old Serbian.

Whilst Suarez is by far the older of the two forwards, he should certainly be the striker the Reds recruit in the summer. Not only has he found the net more often this season – 19 to Vlahovic’s 15 in Serie A – the Uruguayan’s statistics continue to see him outperform the younger marksman.

According to WhoScored, the 34-year-old attempts more shots per game than the current Fiorentina man with 3.2 compared to 2.4. Meanwhile, Suarez is far more of a creative influence on his side, averaging 0.8 key passes per 90 minutes, Vlahovic can only average 0.4.

The former Liverpool forward’s form has often seen him praised by his team-mates. Atletico winger Angel Correa has labelled the Uruguayan a “great forward” with “excellent” characteristics.

Furthermore, Suarez’s return to Anfield would be much more affordable for Liverpool. Rated by Transfermarkt at £13.5m, it is reported that he could leave his current employers on a free transfer. On the other hand, it is suggested that Fiorentina have slapped a €40m (£35m) fee on their Serbian forward.

This would leave the Reds with far more to spend on other areas of the squad, a huge benefit in a window which is surely set to be affected by the financial impacts of the global pandemic.

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Whilst both strikers would be excellent signings for Klopp as he attempts to rectify the club’s lack of goals, Suarez should certainly be the preferred option for the club in the summer transfer window if they can only obtain one.

AND in more news, a blow for Virgil van Dijk could be a huge positive for Liverpool…

According to a report by Calciomercato, GSB and West Ham United are ‘ready to get started’ in their mission to lure Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey back to the Premier League – coming years after manager David Moyes confirmed he was ‘very close’ to signing him for Everton.

Ramsey, who has started just 12 Serie A games for the Old Lady this campaign, still managing two goals and four assists in that time (WhoScored), is currently on Juventus’ candidate list for a summer sale alongside Adrien Rabiot as they look to fund marquee additions.

West Ham ready to swoop for Ramsey

It is explained by the Italian news outlet that Chief Football Officer Fabio Paratici is working to make room for summer signings – with Manuel Locatelli at the ‘top of the wish list’ and a return for Paul Pogba coming as a ‘secret dream’.

However, before they can make these moves happen, Juventus must first offload players to free up the wage bill and reinforce their transfer kitty as Rabiot and Ramsey emerge as the prime candidates to be let go.

This has now alerted West Ham and Crystal Palace, but GSB ‘above all’ are ‘ready to get started’ in potentially bringing him back to the Premier League despite his heavy €7 million-per-year (£6 million) wage demands.

Transfer Tavern take

Irons boss Moyes even confirmed back in 2013 that he was ‘very close’ to signing Ramsey whilst in charge of Everton, candidly explaining that the player was in his house for talks but Arsenal eventually won the race for signature (FourFourTwo).

Coming as an interesting development, Calciomercato also reveal that West Ham could become attractive candidates for the £18 million-rated ace (Transfermarkt) if they manage to qualify for Europe.

Time will tell whether they manage to land him, but this report claims they are at least ready to pounce if the chance arises.

In other news: Fans slammed this West Ham star after his international display, find out more here.

Brendan Rodgers has compared Scott Brown’s Celtic exit to Steven Gerrard’s departure from Liverpool.

Rodgers oversaw Gerrard’s final games at Anfield in 2015 before his move to LA Galaxy. The midfielder had made more than 700 appearances for the Reds and won eight major trophies on Merseyside.

It was announced last week that Brown would join Aberdeen in the summer after 14 years at Parkhead, having clocked up 612 appearances for the Hoops as he leaves with (at least) 23 winners’ medals to his name.

“He has been a pivotal figure in delivering such a sustained period of dominance for the club,” Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said in reaction to the news about the 35-year-old.

Rodgers says Brown is one of the last of his type

Rodgers acknowledges the void Brown will leave, but reckons his successor may grow in stature as captain.

Jordan Henderson, who followed Gerrard, has led Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League crowns.

“It was always going to be difficult to replace Scott as Celtic captain,” Rodgers told the Sunday Mail. “It’s just hard to replace Scott, like for like. Because he’s one of the last of those types of that generation.

“But someone else can come in and do it. I remember when Steven left Liverpool, it was always going to be a tough task replacing him.

“But the year before, I’d appointed Jordan and he’s gone on to be a great club captain for Liverpool.”

Callum McGregor ‘knows what it takes’

Callum McGregor, currently the vice-captain at Celtic, is poised to don the armband going forward, and Rodgers has tipped him to take to the role.

“I think Callum is the natural successor to Scott,” the 48-year-old said. “He has different qualities and strengths.

“But he loves the club and knows what it takes to play for and be successful for Celtic. He’s the guy to naturally take over.”

Transfer Tavern verdict

What’s interesting is that Celtic fans don’t seem entirely convinced by McGregor. 67 Hail Hail’s Euan Davidson says that Christopher Jullien ought to be considered, while a number of supporters have called for Kristoffer Ajer to succeed Brown.

It therefore remains up in the air as to whether the Hoops will take Rodgers’ advice on the identity of Brown’s successor for the armband.

In other news, another long-serving Celtic man has been linked with Aberdeen. 

According to Duncan Castles of the Transfer Window Podcast, Kylian Mbappe remains interested in a move to Manchester United but his first choice would be to swap the French capital for Anfield this summer, if he doesn’t stay in Paris.

What’s the word?

Castles revealed that the PSG superstar prefers a move to the Premier League if he does decide to leave Ligue 1, despite interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

He explained that although Mbappe likes Manchester United as a club, the lure of Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool is stronger and as such, that would be his preference.

Any deal to bring the 2018 World Cup winner to England would be tough though, with the financial pulling power of Real Madrid set to be a key obstacle for both clubs, and given that he’s rated as a £162m player, he won’t come cheap.

The solution to United’s attacking problems?

Kylian Mbappe’s reputation speaks for itself and at the age of 22, many have tipped the Frenchman and Norwegian superstar Erik Haaland, to take over the long-term battle of best in the world status from Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

He has been in scintillating form this season and scored 23 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions this campaign, with his hat-trick in a 4-1 win away at Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 first leg tie attracting even more attention from his numerous admirers.

There is no doubt that United should seize the opportunity to sign a player of Mbappe’s calibre if the opportunity arose, and Ed Woodward must do everything to fight off the old enemy should a bidding war come into play.

Speaking on TalkSPORT during Mbappe’s incredible performance over Barcelona, former Republic of Ireland international David Connolly was full of praise for the Frenchman, saying: “His finishing ability was brilliant. He had the lot tonight and he was almost unplayable.” and that’s not the first, and likely won’t be the last, time that the forward has shone on a big stage.

The PSG superstar would seamlessly slot into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s counter-attacking style of play, and his ability to play on either flank, as either a second striker or main centre forward could add a frightening new dimension to United’s attack.

He could also be the long-term successor to Edinson Cavani and become the focal point for United’s forward play for many years to come.

Although in the meantime, with the Frenchman predominantly used as a left forward, he could be an incredible alternative to the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

With Manchester City running away with the Premier League title this season and a possible resurgence on the cards for Liverpool next season, Mbappe is the next marquee signing that Woodward must make to get his side in a position to consistently challenge for top prizes again.

And in other news, Man United are reportedly eyeing a summer move for a star winger.