All posts by z3u9t.icu

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. 

Aston Villa have been dealt a potential blow in their bid to bring Todd Cantwell to Villa Park.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by Birmingham Live, who claim that Dean Smith’s appointment as Norwich City’s new manager could prove to be a stumbling block in Aston Villa’s potential move for the 23-year-old, who was heavily linked with a £40m move to Villa Park in the summer.

However, the latest report suggests that, following Smith’s arrival at Carrow Road, the winger could go on to become a central part of the 50-year-old’s plans with the Canaries, something that would appear to all but rule out a January move for the England U21 international.

Huge blow

While it is true that Cantwell has not exactly been in the best of form for Norwich so far this season, having not been included in any of the club’s last six Premier League matchday squads, the 23-year-old has nevertheless proven in previous campaigns that he would make an excellent addition to Steven Gerrard’s first-team squad.

Indeed, over his 33 Championship appearances last term, the £19.8m-rated man scored six goals, registered six assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, returns which saw the youngster earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.17.

Furthermore, the £25k-per-week winger also bagged six goals and registered two assists over his 37 Premier League appearances for City back in 2019/20, demonstrating that the youngster undoubtedly has the ability to perform at the highest level that English football has to offer.

And, the potential signing of Cantwell is also something that would appear to go down very well with Villa fans, as, in a poll ran on Football FanCast, the majority of supporters stated their belief that NSWE should do all they can to get a deal over the line for the 23-year-old.

As such, should Smith indeed be unwilling to part with Cantwell in January, it would not only come as a huge blow to Steven Gerrard, it would also look to leave fans of the club rather gutted.

In other news: Lange could land Gerrard’s next Kent at AVFC with “absolutely phenomenal” £80k-p/w gem

West Ham United are set to reignite their interest in Sparta Prague gem Adam Hlozek this January…

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth, who delivered a fresh update on the situation to social media this week.

“#WHUFC want to sign Adam Hlozek in January and also a centre-back to cover the injured Ogbonna,” he tweeted.

“Hlozek could be an initial loan with conditions to make an obligatory purchase, similar to Soucek’s 2020 deal. Kretinsky could be key.”

In an accompanying article, it’s claimed that the Irons are preparing a loan-to-buy agreement to sign the 19-year-old forward in the winter transfer window, which will be a similar type of deal used to sign Tomas Soucek in 2020.

The Hammers now have Sparta Prague co-owner Daniel Kretinsky on their board following his investment this month, so that is expected to stand them in good stead when negotiating a deal both clubs will be happy with.

Imagine him and Antonio

The Czech Republic international can play upfront – a position that manager David Moyes really does need to bolster – but he has predominantly been deployed on the flanks until this season.

Hlozek has provided four goals and eight assists in 20 appearances this season, all coming in a central role. It builds on last season’s tally of 15 goals and nine assists, where he averaged a direct contribution every 75.9 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

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Michail Antonio has had his fair share of injury woes over the years and at 31, you can’t expect that to improve in the future. Moyes has been left with just one senior option in the centre-forward position for nearly two years now, so a new frontman is certainly a priority in 2022.

The 6 foot 2 dynamo, valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt, is a hugely encouraging long-term prospect and one that should leave many around the London Stadium buzzing with delight.

Pavel Paska, who is the agent of both Hlozek and Tomas Soucek, believes his client is an “extraordinary talent” who “has everything an attacker needs,” whilst scout Jacek Kulig has described Hlozek as “an incredible talent” and Czech’s best talent since the emergence of Tomas Rosicky.

Just imagine him alongside Antonio or him providing the perfect foil for the 31-year-old talisman as the season goes on.

On this evidence, he’d be a signing that would leave the fanbase absolutely buzzing, especially given the success stories of Soucek and Vladimir Coufal and the recent involvement of Kretinksy, who should help them tenfold in any likely deal.

AND in other news, West Ham receive Declan Rice fitness boost ahead of Wolves clash…

Many Sunderland fans were left slamming the display of Lynden Gooch in their 1-1 draw at home to Oxford United in League One on Saturday afternoon.

The winger made an error that led to Matty Taylor levelling the score later on in the first half, after Leon Dajaku had given the hosts an early lead.

Overall, it was a frustrating afternoon for Gooch, who failed to record a single shot on target, and was inaccurate with five of his crosses and nine of his long balls throughout the game (SofaScore).

He also gave the ball away on no fewer than on 28 separate occasions in the match, the second-most times out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore), and so it is no surprise that the Stadium of Light faithful turned on him.

Sunderland fans on Gooch display

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he is a ‘liability’:

“Lynden Gooch liability, that’s pathetic”

Credit: @1996SAR_

“We play Gooch regularly and we don’t get promoted.”

Credit: @Fieldo100

“I seem to think like this every week. How is Gooch a professional footballer?”

Credit: @RyanC2408

“A new low for Lynden Gooch. Awful footballer.”

Credit: @stustuy

“Gooch has been our worst player, weak for their goal, goes down too easy. Canny goal from Dajaku.”

Credit: @markmarshall17

“Embarrassing Gooch”

Credit: @Sunlunfan

In other news, find out whose display against Oldham Athletic was slammed here!

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.

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to a tweet from Dom Howson in which he discusses midfielder Sam Hutchinson.

The journalist tweeted: “Why I think Sam Hutchinson could solve Darren Moore’s key defensive problem”, with an accompanying link to a Yorkshire Live article explaining his stance, and this caused many to start debating the Hillsborough ace.

The Englishman left the Owls in September and moved to Cypriot side Pafos FC (The Star). However, he was soon released and this has opened the door to him coming back to Hillsborough. The 31-year-old had a successful career at Wednesday as he made 165 appearances over seven seasons for the Yorkshire outfit.

The Owls are suffering in the Championship and need a miracle to reduce the seven-point gap to 21st before the end of the season. Since re-signing for the club, Sam Hutchinson has featured 11 times and has contributed much defensively as he has averaged 1.9 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and three clearances per game (WhoScored).

Therefore, it is easy to see why Howson believes he could solve the defensive issues and hopefully he can help turn things around for the club. However, the 31-year-old seems to be a divisive figure, judging by these replies from Wednesday fans on Twitter:

Here is how Wednesday fans reacted to Howson’s tweet:

“Are you on his payroll mate”

Credit: @kanewhelan2

“I was so excited listening to the early interviews with the new Boss. He came across as being positive, dynamic and passionate. Sadly, that hasn’t yet seemed to have transferred over to the players. Sam is a player who usually embodies those things, so you could be right.”

Credit: @NelsPalmerur

“Do you ‘think’ this could do it as it already has? when he was first re-signed he was next to Lee’s and they were solid”

Credit: @chrisma50n

“Got to be better than he is in midfield, not as good as Joey, he’s either not fit, trying not to get hurt /sent off or his legs have gone. He’s been poor.”

Credit: @SteveAuntsVan

“If we’re going to play it out from the back Hutchinson and Dunkley should be our centre-backs”

Credit: @DeLudoScribo

“Agree; hutch is a centre half not a holding midfielder player anymore.”

Credit: @hirsty9

In other news, these SWFC fans discussed one player that got away!

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

With Wilfried Zaha heavily linked with the Selhurst Park exit, Crystal Palace will need to find a replacement for the talisman at some point, and chairman Steve Parish can make amends in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to WalesOnline, Crystal Palace are among a number of Premier League, Championship and European clubs interested in securing a loan move for Rabbi Matondo from Schalke, who are currently rock-bottom of the Bundesliga.

Premier League rivals Brighton and Championship duo Bournemouth and Watford are also keen to land the diminutive 5 ft 7 speedster, whose contract is set to expire in 2023.

Matondo has been one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise dismal season for Schalke despite suffering an injury-disrupted campaign. He’s scored twice in 32 appearances for the Royal Blues, though it’s worth noting at least twelve of those have come off the bench.

Zaha’s heir?

He played 23 games for Manchester City’s U23s, scoring 11 goals and supplying five assists in all competitions, via Transfermarkt, before he left the academy for better opportunities in the Bundesliga.

In his sole appearance in the UEFA Nations League, the Wales international is averaging two shots, one key pass and four dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

It’s fair to say the youngster will have some big shoes to fill if Zaha departs Selhurst Park and Parish can get a deal over the line, that’s for sure.

Just like Zaha, Hodgson could transform the 20-year-old winger into an inside forward who can also play out wide. Don’t forget, he already has experience of playing as a second striker during his time at Cardiff City.

His national team manager Ryan Giggs has heaped praise on his young charge in the past, saying: “Just like Dan James he has electrifying pace. And that always keeps you interested.”

This isn’t just your average spectator from the stands, this is a Manchester United legend who is genuinely in awe of Matondo.

Valued at a mere £7m via Transfermarkt, Parish could land Palace an absolute bargain if he can beat their competition to his signature.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace must reignite their pursuit of Watford winger Ismaila Sarr…

This season is one that Wolverhampton Wanderers will be keen to move on from quickly.

They didn’t spend wisely last summer and have been made to rue a number of injuries to some of their most exciting players.

All of that has culminated in what looks set to be a bottom half finish for Nuno Santo and his team.

On the chalkboard

Another big issue for Nuno has been the club’s defence. They have looked particularly ordinary this season and if anything summed that up, it would be a run of 13 games from November to January where they only kept a solitary clean sheet.

The Old Gold have struggled for shut outs again in recent times, being hammered 4-0 by Burnley at their own ground.

One of the main culprits for a long time has been Romain Saiss. The Moroccan has had a peculiar season where, because of injuries, he’s been asked to play at left-back.

He was particularly poor against Aston Villa back in March when he defied the laws of physics by missing a simple opportunity from a few yards out and disappointed from a defensive point of view.

Saiss registered a pass success rate of just 70% that evening and lost the ball on 15 occasions. He only managed to complete one tackle throughout the contest too.

Unfortunately, he was also a mess against Burnley over a week ago. As they were dispatched at Molineux, the defender was all over the shop. He was dispossessed for the fourth and final goal as he gifted the Clarets a chance to score.

The solution

The answer to their woes from a defensive point of view could be Jack Hendry, somebody linked to Wolves in the last few months.

The 25-year-old is a Celtic player but he’s enjoyed a very fruitful loan spell with Oostende in Belgium.

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He’s been named the best player in the Belgium top flight this season and has thrived in Alexander Blessin’s system. That happens to be in a three-back, making him absolutely perfect for Wolves and Nuno.

The Portuguese’s preferred formation at Molineux has been with three defenders so Hendry would surely fit seamlessly into the set up at the Midlands.

That said, he’d offer a lot more than just tactical knowledge and familiarity.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, the Scottish defender is a giant at the back and is particularly dominant when it comes to winning aerial battles.

For instance, he has won three aerial duels per game this term, more than anyone in the entire Wolves squad.

Crucially he is more confident with the ball at his feet, an area of Saiss’ game that’s been getting him in a tangle this term.

His pass success rate stands at 80.7% while Hendry’s is an impressive 85.1% throughout the current season.

Described as a “useful weapon” by Blessin, he’d be a valuable addition to Wolves this summer. Nuno and Jeff Shi need to make sure they conclude a deal.

AND in other news, Wolves could finally replace Jota by luring £71m “outstanding talent” to Molineux…

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.