All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to football.london reporter Chris Wheatley, Tottenham Hotspur may still be contenders to sign Dusan Vlahovic in 2022 and may even have a deal ‘in the pipeline’.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Vlahovic move…

Over the summer window, sporting director Fabio Paratici had the Serbia international firmly in his sights for Tottenham as he sought a striking alternative to Harry Kane.

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Those links have continued long into Antonio Conte’s managerial reign with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) even lifting the lid on a pre-January meeting in London with Fiorentina chiefs.

News recently has indicated that north London rivals Arsenal are favourites over Spurs to sign Vlahovic, but as per their football.london correspondent Wheatley, a Lilywhites agreement cannot be ruled out.

The Latest: Wheatley makes Vlahovic to Spurs claim…

The Gunners journalist, stating Arsenal director Edu is ‘doing everything’ to seal a move for the La Viola striker in January, also claims Tottenham are still well in contention.

According to his sources, Paratici has a close relationship with the player’s entourage and his ‘sources suggest’ a ‘deal could be in the pipeline’ for Vlahovic to join Tottenham ‘this summer.’

The Verdict: Glimmer of hope?

As Arsenal work behind the scenes for Vlahovic, news that Tottenham could be lurking in the background comes as news that provides a glimmer of hope.

The Lilywhites are in dire need of a forward who can also add real goal threat alongside Kane, with Vlahovic’s brilliant haul of 18 goals and four assists highlighting his real quality (Transfermarkt).

Lauded as an ‘unbelievable player’ by insider John Wenham, and a potentially ‘phenomenal signing’ (Football Insider), it’s clear to see why given his prolific nature.

If Tottenham can beat their fierce rivals to the £60 million star, it’s safe to say Paratici would be performing one brilliant piece of business for years to come.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Many Wolves fans have been slamming the performance of Rayan Ait-Nouri in their 0-0 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday night.

The left wing-back was pretty solid defensively, helping his team to keep a clean sheet at Molineux, but a number of supporters grew frustrated with his end product in the attacking third of the pitch.

Ait-Nouri made no key passes or accurate long balls and also misplaced eight of his crosses, as he was guilty of losing possession of the ball on 30 separate occasions on the night, by far the most out of any player on both teams (SofaScore).

Based on those numbers, he will need to improve the attacking side of his game if Bruno Lage’s team are to pose more of a threat going forward.

Wolves fans slam Ait-Nouri

These Wolves supporters slammed the 20-year-old’s performance on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that he was ‘awful’ against the Clarets:

“Ait-Nouri incredibly poor tonight, very frustrating”

Credit: @JasonA87151323

“Terrible performance, Ait-Nouri and Semedo’s final ball is so bad. Raul didn’t move. No urgency whatsoever.”

Credit: @mitchdavis_1

“Ait-Nouri is so overrated, only knows one trick and can’t cross past the first man”

Credit: @lrandall_luke

“Ait-Nouri is awful need a replacement urgently, mind you Semedo was just as awful with his crosses tonight”

Credit: @jongriffin40

“I’ve seen more creativity in my kids’ plays at school than Ait-Nouri and Semedo offer. Had the whole game to do something and didn’t create a single chance”

Credit: @Jordski86

“Ait-Nouri can’t cross a ball. Imagine Jonny causing his brand of chaos down that flank. Miss him.”

Credit: @thesteduck

In other news, find out whose display against Burnley was also slammed by many Wolves fans

Celtic will battle Hibernian in the race to sign Sligo Rovers forward Johnny Kenny, according to Irish Fan TV founder Paul Nealon.

The Lowdown: Kenny profiled

Kenny, described as a ‘really important’ signing by Rovers boss Liam Buckley earlier this year, is 18 years of age and is an out and out centre-forward.

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He’s under contract with his Irish employers until 2024 and scored 11 times in 33 appearances in 2020/21.

The Hoops were linked with Kenny over the summer, and it seems as if they are back in for the teenager heading into the January window.

The Latest: Nealon’s post

Nealon took to Twitter late on Tuesday evening to provide an update on Kenny’s future.

He claimed that the Hoops and Hibs, who will meet in the League Cup final on Sunday, are set to ‘battle it out’ for Kenny ‘over the next few days’.

The Verdict: Fourth January target?

Celtic aren’t hanging around when it comes to putting plans in place for the winter window, and it seems as if Kenny could be the club’s fourth January target.

Ange Postecoglou is looking to bring in Japanese trio Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi, so Kenny could well be the fourth addition of 2022.

Should Celtic pip Hibs in the race for Kenny, they could have a future star on their hands, with the youngster already finding the back of the net in senior football for fun.

Either way, the fact the club are prepared in advance and acting fast for the January window should have fans breathing a sigh of relief after the recent years of tumultuous transfer business under Peter Lawwell and Dominic McKay.

In other news: Celtic set to lose millions on colossus who wants out of Parkhead in January. 

Taking to Twitter, sharing his news on the major links to Jesse Lingard over this last 24 hours, 90min reporter Toby Cudworth has subtly dropped another Adam Hlozek claim.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Hlozek hunt…

Links to the exciting Czech Republic international have been prevalent since just after the end of summer’s eventful transfer window.

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Indeed, as explained by the West Ham correspondent back in September, the Irons were still very much keeping tabs on Hlozek even after the window’s closure.

Manager David Moyes once again failed to bring in a back-up striker for Michail Antonio and all eyes will be on whether he can finally break the mould in January.

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s now confirmed 27% minority stake in West Ham has only accelerated reports of a swoop for Hlozek with 90min reporting in mid-week that they are currently preparing a bid.

The Latest: Cudworth drops another promising Hlozek claim…

Taking to Twitter amid all of the Lingard hysteria, with the Man United ace even dropping a subtle West Ham transfer hint on Instagram (via talkSPORT), Cudworth has gone slightly against the grain as he also makes a Hlozek claim.

He understands that while West Ham’s interest in Lingard ‘remains’, he isn’t ‘necessarily the priority’, whilst interest in Hlozek is ‘very real’ and could present ‘a better long-term option’ – explaining on Twitter:

“#WHUFC & Jesse Lingard as I understand it:

Certain to leave Man Utd

West Ham interest remains

He’s not necessarily the priority

Hlozek interest v real and a better long-term option

Barca, Atleti & Milan options abroad for Lingz”

The Verdict: Double swoop?

The Evening Standard recently reported that Kretinsky’s new-found investment will see Moyes get backed in the transfer market, so much so that they could bring in a striker, new defender and Lingard.

Bearing this in mind, is it too much to ask for both Hlozek and the England international?

Both men would bolster Moyes’ options to no end, with the former lauded as an ‘extraordinary’ player by agent Pavel Paska whilst he also managed an impressive 15 goals and eight assists in just 19 Fortuna Liga appearances over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt).

Lingard, meanwhile, enjoyed a sensational loan spell at the London Stadium last year and was heralded as the best Premier League player on current form back in April (Adrian Durham to talkSPORT).

In terms of the finances, some sources believe that the playmaker could leave Old Trafford for as little as £10 million in January due to his contract situation as United risk losing him for nothing next summer (The Sun).

Hlozek, meanwhile, is the subject of a potential loan with an obligation to buy bid according to 90min, an arguably more-than affordable move for West Ham depending on the end price tag.

In other news: ‘Yesssss’, ‘Get in’, ‘What a day’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘great news’ has many West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is ready to let Bertrand Traore leave the club in the January transfer window.

That’s according to Football Insider, and the recent exit rumour has had plenty of Villa fans talking on social media.

Traore is yet to get going during the current campaign due to multiple injury issues. He suffered a hamstring problem back in August in a behind-closed-doors friendly and has played just 53 minutes of Premier League football so far this season.

The Burkina Faso international then picked up a thigh issue in October and hasn’t featured for Villa since then, with Gerrard happy for the club to listen to permanent or loan offers for Traore in the New Year.

The Villa boss reportedly feels that he has a squad with too many wingers in and has given the green light to a possible winter window exit.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared Football Insider’s claim regarding Traore on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.

Here is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with many not happy over the rumour, possibly due to the fact that Traore was only brought in last year and had a relatively successful first season at the club, contributing to 14 Premier League goals.

“No way that’s true”

Credit: @chazlittlej

“This can’t be true”

Credit: @_shirleyvillain

“Gerrard out”

Credit: @willjonesavfc1

“Bit harsh if it’s true. He’s only been here a week and not seen a fully fit Bertie”

Credit: @Jelly31807434

“NOOOOOO MY BERTIE COULD BE GOING”

Credit: @HarryBatters

“He’s our best outfielder bar Bailey.”

Credit: @ewan_av

In other news: ‘Amazing’ – Many Villa fans buzzing as NSWE eye up move for ‘superstar’. 

An update has emerged on Manchester United midfield Donny van de Beek, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Metro, the Magpies are one of three teams tracking his situation at Old Trafford, with Everton and Juventus also keeping tabs on him.

The report claims that the Red Devils are open to letting the £35m midfielder leave in January and are willing to sanction a loan or permanent switch.

Unlock Willock

Newcastle’s owners, PIF, could pull off a masterstroke by signing van de Beek from Manchester United as it could help to unlock the goalscoring talents of Joe Willock.

The club’s only senior addition in the summer was the signing of Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal for a reported fee of £26.46m. This came after he scored a sensational eight goals in 11 Premier League starts for the Magpies on loan in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.

Instead of continuing his fine form, the ex-Gunner has failed to score in eight league matches for Newcastle and nine games in all competitions. He has been unable to reach his previous goalscoring heights and that is why the signing of van de Beek could be crucial.

Last season, United legend Rio Ferdinand claimed that he has the ability to help other players shine. He told BT Sport (via Tribal Football):

“I think he is the one player in this squad who is happy playing one-touch, two-touch, keeping it simple… sacrificing parts of his game to help other people flourish.

“In any great team you need players like that and he’s one player who will make other players tick, and make them play better.”

This suggests that signing the £100k-per-week beast could allow Willock to thrive in midfield alongside him and return to his goalscoring best.

Van de Beek recorded 19 assists in his final two seasons for Ajax and his unselfish play in the midfield could unlock the English youngster and end up forming a formidable partnership for the Magpies in the middle of the park.

Therefore, PIF must ensure that they are able to get a deal over the line for the Dutchman in January.

A loan with an option to sign him permanently in the summer could be an ideal move, with Newcastle able to see if he can help Willock flourish whilst also catching the eye himself in the top-flight before committing to a permanent switch.

AND in other news, Bruce’s legacy: “Immense” NUFC dynamo has seen his value plummet £9.9m in two years…

Having joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in an initial £10m move back in the summer of 2020, Ki-Jana Hoever may not have progressed as quickly as many had initially expected at the time of his signing.

Indeed, under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo last season, the 19-year-old was handed just five starts in the Premier League, making a further seven appearances from the bench.

Although, despite this lack of game time, the £6.3m-rated man nevertheless managed to turn in a number of impressive performances for the club – most notably in the 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion back in May, in which the teenager earned a SofaScore match rating of 7.1, as well as the 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the subsequent fixture, in which Hoever received a match rating of 7.0.

However, upon Bruno Lage’s appointment at Molineux this summer, the £40k-per-week right-back has once again seen his first-team opportunities limited, with the 46-year-old manager handing the teenager just one start in the league, in addition to two more appearances as a substitute.

This continued lack of game time is somewhat surprising, as the defender once again impressed in his solo start, making one key pass, two interceptions, four tackles, completing two dribbles and winning 10 duels in the club’s 1-0 defeat to Leicester City, with these returns seeing the 19-year-old earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.4.

As such, considering the fact that, when handed the opportunity of a starting spot, Hoever has more often than not turned in an impressive performance, it would appear highly advisable for Lage to place his trust in the Netherlands U21, or else the 46-year-old risks slowing the former Liverpool man’s progression in senior football.

And, with the Reds academy director Alex Inglethorpe stating his belief that the youngster is an “outstanding talent” who boasts “serious potential” to become “a top player”, it would very much appear as if Hoever has the ability to make a real impact in the Wolves first-team, all he needs is a chance to do so.

In other news: Wolves set for negotiations over “spectacular” £7.2m-rated gem, Lage would love him

Newcastle United could now replace Steve Bruce with Chris Wilder, according to journalist Lee Ryder.

The Lowdown: Bruce under pressure

Bruce is certainly under pressure to get some results in the board, as the Magpies currently sit 19th in the Premier League, with no wins and a mere three points from their first seven games (Premier League).

That said, Mike Ashley seems to be sticking by his man for now, and the international break could not come at a better time for the Tyneside club.

The Latest: Bruce replacement?

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has revealed that Wilder is among a list of names who could replace Bruce should he leave St James’ Park, with both Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard also being mentioned.

Wilder would reportedly ‘love’ to get the Magpies job and would be a contender if the position did become vacant, according to this report.

The Verdict: Wilder in

Given Newcastle’s poor start to the season, and with a lot of fans calling for Bruce to go, the international break seems to present itself with a perfect time to change manager and get prepared for when the squad returns.

In this case, they should look no further than Wilder. Although Sheffield United were relegated in his second top-flight season at Bramall Lane, the 54-year-old guided the Blades to a very impressive ninth-placed finish the previous term, having just been promoted up from the Championship.

Joe Cole has noted the ‘fantastic’ brand of football that Wilder’s teams often play, and given that his preferred formation is to play with three central defenders like Bruce does, the players should not find it too difficult to adapt to his system and tactics.

He is currently out of the job at the moment, so Newcastle should look to get him in before another club beats them to the chase.

In other news, find out what ‘massive boost’ Newcastle have received

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been criticising the performance of James Tavernier in their 1-1 draw at home to Hearts on Saturday afternoon.

Steven Gerrard’s team fell to a disappointing draw in the end after a very late goal from Craig Halkett, following the opener in the first half from John Lundstram.

Tavernier did not put in the kind of captain’s performance that he would have liked, as he lost out on three of his duels and also failed to make a single dribble or interception in the game. The right-back also lost possession of the ball on 20 different occasions at Ibrox, the most out of any player to have set foot on the pitch (Sofascore).

Rangers fans on Tavernier’s performance

These Rangers fans on Twitter slammed the 29-year-old’s performance, with one Light Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that the Gers captain was a ‘spectator’ against Hearts:

“Where’s the captain? Worst performance I’ve seen from him in years and he lets our best player go out and take the heat? Joke of a leader Tavernier regardless of his goals and assists”

Credit: @benmac72

“Morelos, Goldson and Tavernier are dreadful this season.”

Credit: @jamesst50264523

“Although Lundstram had a good game you’ve got to question why him, Tavernier and Goldson were shattered after 70 mins. None of these players were away for international duty yet struggled after that. Tavernier has been poor, we need to take our chances. Not scoring enough so far.”

Credit: @welsh309

“Tavernier a spectator”

Credit: @sergiobamos

“Tavernier is so frustrating”

Credit: @douglaspark92

“Nathan Patterson is better than Tavernier. Goodnight.”

Credit: @PhiIip1872

In other news, find out whose display against Hearts was also slammed by some Gers fans

Liverpool are reportedly one of the many clubs interested in signing Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland next summer.

What’s the story?

According to 90min’s Graeme Bailey, the Reds have joined Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City in the pursuit of the highly-rated 21-year-old.

However, it’s believed that Haaland has made no decision over where his future lies at this moment in time as he continues to excel for both club and country on a regular basis.

Bailey’s report states that: “Erling Haaland does not intend on making a quick decision over his future, given the huge amount of interest in his signature.

“The Norwegian superstar is set to leave Borussia Dortmund in 2022, as a release clause in his contract kicks in at the turn of the year.”

Liverpool fans will be absolutely buzzing

Interest in Haaland was rife over the summer, with European champions Chelsea offering to pay up to £150m for his services, while it is understood that other potential suitors would have been willing to match such a fee if BVB had shown any willingness to offload their prized asset.

Nevertheless, the club’s hierarchy decided that after sanctioning the sale of Jadon Sancho to Manchester United, they did not need to part ways with another star in 2021.

A departure from the Signal Iduna Park next summer seems inevitable for Haaland, though. Super agent Mino Raiola negotiated a release clause into his client’s contract, meaning he can leave for just under £70m in 2022.

The relatively low price tag is bound to attract a host of admirers, but it also makes the Scandinavian beast a realistic target for Liverpool, a club that often cannot compete with the sport’s elite in terms of mega transfer fees.

After bagging an incredible 65 goals in 65 games for Dortmund, Haaland could well be on his way to becoming football’s next flag bearer alongside Kylian Mbappe as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo begin to fade away.

It remains to be seen where he ends up next, but everyone associated with Liverpool will surely be hoping to see Haaland grace the Anfield pitch every other week from next season.

If FSG can deliver Haaland to Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool supports will be absolutely buzzing.

And, in other news…Liverpool linked with swap move involving “unbelievable” gem, fans may be concerned