All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa must finally land Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard amid his recent comments.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Dean Smith’s side were ready to rival fellow West Ham in a move for the 28-year-old.

The Times then delivered an update on Lingard’s situation, name-checking Villa as one of the teams who have registered their interest in luring Lingard away from Old Trafford, and that the attacking midfielder had turned down a contract offer from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

And now, Lingard has admitted that regular first-team football is what he is interested in as he looks to force himself into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next year’s World Cup.

He said: “Obviously, the World Cup is a long way away but… you need regular football. I was so close to going to the Euros and I think obviously it plays a huge part and it’s a big factor. If you’re playing over 20 or 25 games, of course you know you’re knocking on the door so I think it does play a big part in that.

“You want to start games. When I’m a sub I’m always ready to play. I’m always ready to be needed when I’m called up. It’s one of those things I’m going through at the moment but I think on recent performances hopefully we’ll see a change in the next few weeks.”

Goals from midfield

After joining West Ham back in the January transfer window on a short-term loan, Lingard racked up an incredible nine goals and four assists in just his first ten Premier League games for the club – it was no surprise then that he was lauded as being “absolutely phenomenal”.

His ability to score goals from midfield is exactly what Villa could do with going forward, with John McGinn their top scorer last season from a central area with just three.

What marks Lingard out as a real threat is his timing of his runs, and it’s something Michael Carrick has previously raved about.

The United coach said: “He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

His performances with the Hammers showcased the kind of impact the £75k-a-week earning star can have when he’s on song and the confidence is flowing through his veins.

If he isn’t getting enough first-team football at United, then Smith and Villa must absolutely be all over a move for him in the January transfer window.

It would seal a dream midfield for the Villa boss.

Meanwhile, Villa could have another academy breakout in this star…

West Bromwich Albion have received a potentially significant injury boost ahead of their local derby with Championship rivals Birmingham City after defender Matt Clarke was declared fit enough to make a return to action.

What’s the word?

The Brighton and Hove Albion loanee has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the end of August when he limped off before half time in the 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers.

And while the Baggies have carried on their good form in his absence, the return of the 25-year-old centre-back will be a big boost to Valerien Ismael’s charges.

“The rehab went really well, and I felt in myself that I could have been ready to come back before I did, but I was happy to follow the advice of the medical team who told me that the location of the injury meant I had to be patient and not return too soon,” Clarke said (as relayed by the Birmingham Mail).

“You have to give it time to settle and heal, which obviously brings a little bit of frustration, but you have to make sure you’re right.”

With fierce rivals Birmingham arriving at The Hawthorns a week on Friday, Clarke is eyeing a return to the starting XI and feels the current break will give him further opportunity to get back to match fitness.

“I feel like I’m now ready, but it’s the international break, and there are no games to play,” he added. “It does give me a chance to catch up even further in terms of fitness and sharpness, so we will see where we are when the matches return.”

Valerien Ismael will be buzzing

Clarke is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Albion since his arrival on a season-long loan over the summer, but the Midlands outfit have been victorious in all three of the games he’s started, leaving the manager elated that he’s set to return.

After suffering their first defeat of the campaign last time out against Stoke City, West Brom will be hoping Clarke’s comeback marks the return of winning ways and Ismael will be buzzing to have one of his first-choice centre-backs available once again.

The Baggies have been playing a back three involving Conor Townsend – a natural left-back – in recent weeks due to Clarke’s injury, and therefore, the Brighton ace’s reinstatement into the first-team setup will be a significant boost.

This term, the centre-back has won a colossal 5.7 aerial duels per game – the third-highest in the team – and has also produced 2.3 interceptions a match. That tally represents the highest in the entire Albion squad and indicates why his return to fitness is such a positive.

He’s proven himself to be an elite-level Championship defender during a previous spell with Derby County and his comeback will only enhance West Brom’s chances of a sustained promotion push.

And, in other news…Forget Diangana: Ismael must continue to unleash “first-class” £5.4m-rated WBA gem 

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could sign the club’s new Mark Viduka in Sheffield United powerhouse Daniel Jebbison.

What’s the story?

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites are one of a number of Premier League teams who are keen on striking a deal for the 18-year-old before the summer transfer window closes.

Leeds’ new Mark Viduka

While Viduka’s time at Elland Road was certainly controversial and laced with several incidents, there was no questioning the kind of impact he could make on the football pitch when he was right at it.

In a piece for Leeds Live, Jon Howe wrote about the Australian: “He was an ominous physical specimen, an old-fashioned centre forward in many respects, but mixed a formidable presence with a delicate technique that made him the purest example of a ‘good touch for a big fella’ player you are ever likely to see.”

While Jebbison is very much a raw prospect, the 6 foot 3 prodigy has got all the right tools and ingredients to become Leeds’ next Viduka.

The coach who had Jebbison at his academy back in Toronto, Bassam Naim, called him “a force to be reckoned with”, adding: “Athletic, strong. Always creative when he was with us. Lots of energy? He loves to go forward. He loves to take on players.”

And, when you look at the stats behind some of his performances last season – albeit in very limited game-time – you get a real picture and idea of just why Jebbison could develop into another powerful striker at Elland Road much like Viduka was in his pomp.

As per Whoscored, the starlet averaged one shot per game in the Premier League, while he also showed why he can be a real handful for top-flight defenders by also making 1.5 tackles per match and winning 1.3 aerial duels per game too.

The teenager could be the man to fill the massive shoes of Viduka at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star proved why Bielsa must sell him…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been slamming the performance of James Tavernier despite their 2-0 win at home to Sparta Prague on Thursday night.

Two goals from Alfredo Morelos were enough to give Giovanni van Bronckhorst his first win as manager at Ibrox, a result which means that they will definitely finish second in the group and go into the next knockout round due to their superior head-to-head record against the Czech side.

However, while there were some good performances for the hosts, captain Tavernier would not have been hugely pleased with his efforts.

The right-back failed to record a single dribble, blocked shot, key pass or accurate cross in the match, while he was also guilty of losing possession of the ball on 27 separate occasions, the most by far out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore).

Rangers fans slam Tavernier

These Rangers fans slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that Tavernier was ‘hopeless’ against Sparta:

“Tavernier trying to score an own goal?”

Credit: @douglaspark92

“Honestly though, how bad is Tavernier?”

Credit: @scottelderr

“Get Tavernier substituted. He’s playing like he’s never kicked a ball in his life”

Credit: @Smell_TheGlove

“Tavernier distribution been ropey in defence a few times. Barisic been OK, but not hugely involved either.”

Credit: @adamski152

“Sorry but surely Tavernier has been sussed out at this point.”

Credit: @lfin72

“Tavernier out of position so many times it’s unreal”

Credit: @ianmunr89127700

In other news, find out what Academy news has left these Gers fans gushing

Crystal Palace have recently approached Chelsea regarding defender Kurt Zouma, according to journalist Julien Maynard.  

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been reacting to the links on social media.

New Palace boss Patrick Vieira has already brought in two central defenders this summer.

Marc Guehi arrived from Chelsea on a five-year deal earlier this month and Joachim Andersen also penned a five-year contract at Selhurst Park on Wednesday.

The two deals appear to have cost Palace £36.75m in total, but it seems as if they have inquired about Zouma as well.

Zouma, on £46,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge, may be used by Chelsea in their attempts to sign Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

Maynard, reporter for French outlet Telefoot, claims Zouma is yet to speak with either club, adding that Palace inquired about the defender’s situation recently.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared Maynard’s tweet on Wednesday afternoon. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one believing he is ‘miles clear of Andersen’, with another calling Zouma a ‘beast’.

“miles clear of andersen but it’ll never happen”Credit: @sigmond_”Omg imagine”Credit: @ZacCPFC”He’s a beast! I’d snap him up on loan”Credit: @relyeadarren”YES”Credit: @MaxBaileyVinson”Surely got to focus on a different position now!”Credit: @Sonny52056018″Imagine a 3 at the back with guehi zouma and andersen with Mitchell and Clyne as wing backs that’s a good defence tbf”Credit: @luke_CPFC123

In other news: ‘Gutted’, ‘Oh no’ – Many CPFC fans react as ‘funny’ news is confirmed. 

West Bromwich Albion ‘haven’t given up’ on signing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, according to a report from Birmingham Live journalist Joseph Chapman.

The lowdown

Chalobah spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit FC Lorient, starting 24 games and making a further five substitute appearances.

He excels at dribbling, shooting from distance and above all interceptions, ranking in the league’s top 10 last season with 2.4 per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

Chalobah, who can operate as a defensive midfielder as well as a centre-back, is said to be ‘realistic’ about his limited prospects at Stamford Bridge (via The Athletic).

He has two years left on his contract and is valued at £3.15million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

The report says that the Baggies remain hopeful of landing Chalobah during this summer’s transfer window.

The issue is that the player’s availability has apparently ‘alerted a number’ of potential suitors.

As a result, the competition for the 22-year-old’s signature is described as ‘stern’.

West Brom are closing in on another midfielder, though, in the form of free agent Adam Reach.

The verdict

It’s no surprise to see so much interest in a young talent like Chalobah, who shone in a Lorient side that only avoided relegation by two points.

In all likelihood, West Brom’s chances will depend on whether he’s been offered the opportunity to play regular Premier League football.

If not, then they’ll be able to land themselves an excellent replacement for Okay Yokuslu. And if they’re promoted, he should be able to make the step-up with them given his showings in the French top flight.

In other news, there’s fresh interest in this Baggies ace.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, former Wolves striker Steve Bull has hailed Burnley star Josh Brownhill as a “top-class player”.

According to TEAMtalk, Brownhill is someone who Wolves have recently scouted, though they are not alone, with the same report stating that the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa have also been monitoring the midfielder.

Brownhill had a solid season for Burnley, making 2.1 interceptions per game in the Premier League last term, more than any other Burnley player (via WhoScored).

The 25-year-old also proved to be a versatile asset for Sean Dyche, playing both in midfield and out wide.

On Brownhill, Bull told TT:

“He’s a top-class player. I think Burnley, if they want to be just below us, not in a bad way, stop where you are and you can be a big fish in a little pond.

“But if you want to come to Wolves and make yourself a big fish in [a bigger pond], he can come here all day long.”

It remains to be seen whether Wolves’ interest in Brownhill materialises into a bid this summer, but a midfield shake up at Molineux looks certain regardless.

Ruben Neves continues to be heavily linked with a move to Arsenal, with The Athletic reporting that contact has been made between the two clubs over a transfer.

Last season was a torrid one for everyone associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves weren’t relegated but they seemed to be hit by a plethora of injury blows on a regular basis.

Two ACL issues in eight months for Jonny got the ball rolling before Raul Jimenez sustained a horrific fractured skull after a clash of heads with David Luiz. Marcal missed large periods and Daniel Podence was also absent at various parts of the season.

Pedro Neto even broke his kneecap in the final stages of the campaign, ruling him out until at least October.

However, just as Jimenez returns to the fray, he could be banned by FIFA.

It’s currently the international break but a host of players who would be travelling to red list countries to link up with their national teams have been stopped from doing so by the FA.

However, because of this, FIFA could impose a five-day ban on those players at the end of the international break, according to The Athletic. That means that Jimenez could miss Wolves’ next game with Watford on September 11.

This would be a colossal blow for the Old Gold, not just because he’s only just returned from a lengthy lay-off, but because he’s been their top scorer for so many years.

The Mexican has found the net on 48 occasions since arriving in the summer of 2018 and it was evident how much of a huge miss he was last season. Their top scorer was Neto but he only ended up finding the net on five occasions as Wolves slumped to a 13th-placed finish.

His absence will also be felt hard against Watford. The Molineux outfit have played some exciting offensive football under Bruno Lage but they are yet to pick up a single point or score a goal. That’s despite having no fewer than 56 shots in their opening three matches of the Premier League campaign.

Jimenez might have struggled himself, but considering his goal record for the club, losing him for a match will hardly help their cause in the penalty area.

After struggling so much when he was absent in 2020/21, fans should be gutted that he could receive a short ban.

They have just signed Hwang-hee Chan on loan but it would be a surprise if he’s up to speed with Lage’s style of play by the time that match rolls around.

AND in other news, Wolves may have their own Renato Sanches in rarely-seen 18 y/o who “catches the eye”…

Saturday’s play-off final was the biggest of Steve Cooper’s managerial career, but the defeat for Swansea City could prove to be defining for his future, according to Lawrie Sanchez.

Having fallen at the semi-final stage 12 months ago, the former England youth manager, who famously led the U17s to World Cup glory back 2017, will be hoping to go two better this time and guide the Swans back into the Premier League.

Cooper, who according to fresh reports from Football Insider has held two rounds of talks with the south London outfit, has impressed during his two years at the Liberty Stadium, securing consecutive top-six finishes. His fine work has caught the eye of the Palace hierarchy, confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano earlier this month.

But whilst Cooper is preparing for the most expensive game in club football, worth more than £130m at present, manging in the Premier League could be on the cards whatever the result against Brentford.

But he has just two years of club management on his CV, which is stark contrast from Palace’s previous boss Roy Hodgson, who’s taken charge of more than 350 Premier League matches.

When asked whether Cooper would be a suitable replacement, Sanchez exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Steve Cooper is up and coming. Had a good season with Swansea, came from nowhere, and was in the play-off final.

“His career will be determined by that.”

Keith Gillespie insists he is not surprised that Ed Woodward has resigned from his role at Manchester United after a number of failed pursuits of players in recent years.

Woodward resigned from his role as executive vice-chairman following the fiasco surrounding the European Super League, though he will remain in his post until the end of 2021.

His departure came amid a wave of anger towards the club’s ownership, leading to a protest from fans that saw the angry supporters invade Old Trafford and force the postponement of a clash with Liverpool.

Since then, United have reached the Europa League final, though they lost on penalties to Villarreal, and are now heading into the transfer window attempting to strengthen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.

It remains to be seen if those plans come to fruition but Gillespie has pointed to the fact that various players have been linked with United over the years, only to fail to materialise in the end.

Woodward has previously led pursuits of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, Cesc Fabregas when he was with Barcelona, Mats Hummels when he played for Dortmund, Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid and Antoine Griezmann at Atletico Madrid, all per Planet Football.

As a result, Gillespie has not been shocked by the supremo’s decision to step down.

He told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview: “There was a lot of players touted as coming to United that didn’t materialise.

“It’s no surprise whatsoever to me. In terms of what the United fans want, they didn’t want him in, they don’t want the Glazers there.

“Whether they’ll follow suit, I don’t know.”