All posts by n8rngtd.top

Fabian Delph may not go down as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats, but he has well and truly established himself as one of the top-flight’s household names.

He has played 185 times in English football’s top division alone, and has done so for three different clubs: Aston Villa, Manchester City and now Everton.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

It is easy to forget that Delph actually came through the academy system at Leeds, and it was at Elland Road where he really made his breakthrough into senior football.

All in all, he played 58 times for the Whites, before earning a high-profile £6m move to Villa in the summer of 2009. Since then, Delph has been around the block to say the least, and Football FanCast have had a look at what the former Leeds starlet has achieved…

Where is Fabian Delph now?

The 30-year-old made a total of 134 appearances at Villa Park, before really gaining some major success at the Etihad with City.

Whilst Delph was perhaps never one of the first names on the team-sheet in Manchester, he certainly proved himself to be a valued member of the squad. His versatility meant that he would often fill in at left-back for the injured Benjamin Mendy, and with City dominating on the domestic front, the veteran picked up numerous trophies.

He won the Premier League twice in 2018 and 2019, and won four domestic cups too (one FA Cup and three League Cups). Injuries have certainly played their part in him not playing as much as he would have surely liked, but now plying his trade with Everton under Carlo Ancelotti, Delph can look back on a relatively successful career on a personal front.

Leeds have had plenty of academy products come through the system, but only a few can match the kind of trophy haul Delph has managed since leaving Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Leeds fans are loving this Luke Ayling footage.

Newcastle United fans have been going crazy this week after Sky Sports revealed that Mauricio Pochettino was high on the prospective owners’ wishlist to replace current Magpies boss Steve Bruce.

The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

However, Daily Mail’s Craig Hope has poured cold water on such claims, suggesting that the idea of Amana Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium even having a shortlist was absurd as their main focus was on actually completing the takeover.

He tweeted:

This news will be disappointing for some at St James’ Park given just how much they want the former Spurs manager in charge.

Hope also plays down the idea of offering a £19m salary to the Champions League runner-up, which is only £1m less than what Manchester City pay Pep Guardiola.

AND in other news,ÂNewcastle fans react to this potential Bruce replacement…

Many Aston Villa fans have debated who they feel has been the ‘biggest traitor to play for the club’, with Fabian Delph and Dwight Yorke as two names on the list.

With the season currently at a standstill due to the recent pandemic, Villa fans are nervously waiting to see if their club can beat off the threat of relegation, sitting 19th in the Premier League table as things stand.

Having gained promotion via the play-off final last season where they beat Derby County at Wembley, the Claret and Blue side will be keen to remain in England’s top flight and bring some memorable times back to the club.

Prior to their relegation to the Championship in 2016, Villa ended a spell in England’s top division dating back to 1986, and with it, some memorable moments where they tested the top six sides, had some of English football’s most successful players and produced a number of England international players.

One of those to feature for the club is Delph, who spent six seasons at Villa Park before he left the club to join Manchester City in the summer of 2015, and his exit left somewhat of a bitter taste in mouths of Villa fans.

Yorke, who famously moved to the Midlands club from homeland Trinidad and Tobago after being spotted by former Villa boss Graham Taylor, had unprecedented goalscoring success at the club before moving to Manchester United where he would find Champions League glory.

Looking back on players who left the club, fans were brutally honest on who they thought had been a ‘traitor to the club’.

Below are just some of the reactions from Facebook group Aston Villa Fan Club where one fan asked the question: “Who is the biggest traitor in football history?”.

Anthony J Brennan: Dwight Yorke

Kyle Davies: Fabien Delph

Kieran Merriman: The Gardner brothers and Benteke

James Howard-White: Anyone calling Delph a snake is deluded!!!

Andy Morris: David Unsworth, Delph, The Gardner brothers, Steve Hodge and Martin Keown

Tommy Joe Prickett: Dwight Yorke

Robbie Ogiegio: Fabian Delph

Jonathan Fellows: Delph by far

Tim Kenneth Hennum: Delph

David Cook: Delph 1000%

Who do you think is the ‘biggest traitor to play for Aston Villa’, let us know in the comments section below…

Loads of Sheffield United fans have been reacting to a post from the club’s official account showing a brand-new picture of Bramall Lane.  

The Blades shared an aerial shot of the famous stadium with the simple caption “Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane” followed by a heart emoji.

Notably, the South Yorkshire outfit have played all their home games at the ground, ever since United were first formed many years ago in 1889.

Remarkably, Chris Wilder has guided his boyhood club from the very depths of League One right the way through to the heights of the Premier League.

SUFC stars John Fleck and Lys Mousset sit at the top of the goalscoring chart this season, having scored 5 apiece at the time of writing, and fan favourite John Lundstram sits just behind the Blades duo on 4 goals up until now (according to WhoScored).

Understandably, many United fans are desperate to return to the iconic stands, as Wilder’s men were in hot pursuit of European football before football was suspended nationwide in light of the pandemic. A supporter tweeted the photo is “glorious”, while another added the scene is “beautiful.” One fan even suggested the stadium is “heaven on earth.”

Scroll through some of the glowing reactions so far…

United fans, do you miss Bramall Lane? Let us know down below!

Lee Bowyer has spoken out about Lyle Taylor’s refusal to play for Charlton again and admits he ‘understands’ the striker’s decision.

After Championship clubs were given their return date of June 20, the Addicks were delivered a blow as three senior players announced they would not be taking part in any of the upcoming fixtures (via talkSPORT).

Taylor, along with David Davis and Chris Solly, has refused to partake in the rest of the 2019/20 season due to a fear of picking up an injury which could hamper his chances of a big summer transfer. All three players will be leaving the club shortly through contract expiries or the end of a loan deal.

Manager Bowyer told Sky Sports that he ‘understands’ Taylor’s decision in particular to withdraw from the squad.

“I went back to Lyle at the weekend and asked him if I could persuade him but it didn’t happen,” the 43-year-old said. “He said that he just couldn’t take the risk. I do understand. He’s got the chance to go and make life-changing money for him and his family.”

The forward has been linked with several clubs ahead of the upcoming new season, including Rangers and fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest.

When Charlton return to action, they have a battle on their hands as they try to pull their way out of the relegation zone. It will prove even harder now without the influence of 11-goal ace Taylor (via Transfermarkt).

What’s your take on Lyle Taylor’s decision, Addicks fans? Have your say in the comments below…

Tottenham are interested in signing another Lille defender, but this time it is not Gabriel Magalhaes. 

Lille are willing to let Zeki Celik leave for a mere £10.8m this summer, according to Le10 Sport.

Jose Mourinho faces an exodus of defenders at the end of the season, as Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth are seemingly set to leave.

Like any good manager, Mourinho will no doubt be aware sorting out a solid defence is just as important as having a strong attack.

The Portuguese is therefore keen to sign Celik, amid interest from West Ham.

Serge Aurier has angered the club’s hierarchy, as they feel he has embarrassed Spurs with several infractions so far.

Alongside his off-field issues, he has struggled for consistency this season, and Mourinho is on the hunt for a new full-back.

The Turkish international arguably fits the profile of the type of player he is looking for, as he is an attacking threat on the right-flank.

Celik has played 23 games in Ligue 1 this season, supplying two assists, making 2.3 tackles per game, averaging 1.1 interceptions, and completing 1.4 clearances on average (via WhoScored).

Moreover, he made six appearances in the Champions League, which is surely an added bonus.

The Times revealed Mourinho wants to sell Aurier and Kyle Walker-Peters as he will have limited funds to spend, and the Ivorian could be on his way out the door in the summer.

As the 23-year-old will be available for a bargain fee, he may be a gamble worth paying for, as he is still in the early stages of his career. Even in the event a move doesn’t work out as planned, Spurs will have gained a valuable asset for no extra cost.

Tottenham fans, should the board sign Celik this summer? Let us know down below!

According to the Evening Standard, Barcelona have approached Tottenham Hotspur over Tanguy Ndombele and Ryan Sessegnon to enquire about signing the Spurs pair in part-exchange deals.

The La Liga giants are prepared to offer the duo a way out of Tottenham but only if the Premier League club are willing to accept players plus cash, as they are strapped for cash as a result of the pandemic. The duo cost a combined total of £80m last summer but are prepared to reconsider their futures at the club as they fear they will spend another season on the fringes.

Jose Mourinho has already rejected the interest in Sessegnon, who is being monitored by a number of potential suitors. Spurs have blocked Barca’s approach for Ndombele, even though Mourinho has reservations about the club’s record signing. However, they may leave the club anyway in the not-too-distant future. [via Evening Standard]

Sessegnon’s development has been restricted right from the start as he moved to north London with a hamstring injury that he picked up while away on international duty.

The 20-year-old has grown frustrated by a lack of opportunities, as he was an unused substitute against Manchester United and West Ham before being dropped from the squad altogether for the past two games.

Mourinho sees him as a full-back in the long run, as he considers him a successor to his former pupil Ashley Cole, but he included Dennis Cirkin in his place instead on Monday night. This hasn’t gone down well with Sessegnon, particularly as the Portuguese wanted to sign him from Fulham during his time in charge of Manchester United.

Earlier this week, The Telegraph reported that Spurs may be forced to send him out on loan in the summer, as the club are concerned that he is failing to make any progress under Mourinho.

He needs to be playing regularly so he can develop as a player, which is something the head coach cannot guarantee at the moment. His versatility continues to be a problem, as even Mourinho can’t work out where he best fits, so he may choose to leave in order to work his way into contention for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for EURO 2020.

Meanwhile, Ndombele and Mourinho have a strained relationship, which has come under scrutiny in recent weeks. Despite the manager’s denial of any rift, he has only used the Frenchman once since the Premier League restarted last month.

Ndombele has struggled for form and fitness throughout the season and could be on his way out of the club sooner rather than later. Paris Saint-Germain have been calling for his signature and their wealth may be too tempting for Daniel Levy to ignore.

It is no secret that the chairman likes to count the coffers and he will want to recoup some of the funds that he spent on the French international last year. Ndombele is open to a move and it may be best for all parties involved if he were to move on, as Spurs could then reinvest the income for him on a player who may be more to Mourinho’s liking.

Tottenham fans, do you think Levy should let Ndombele and Sessegnon go? Let us know in the comments below!

The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds “like” Arsenal goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, amid speculation over a move for a goalkeeper this summer.

What’s the word?

Despite confirmation arriving that the Whites had signed Illan Meslier on a three-year deal after a successful loan spell at Elland Road this season, there have still been reports claiming they are interested in signing another shot-stopper.

Is it Haaland Snr or David Hopkins? Your Leeds knowledge will be put to the test with this quiz…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

ESPN had revealed that Leeds, along with Everton, are keeping tabs on Manchester United’s number two Sergio Romero, but now, Hay has claimed on Twitter that Marcelo Bielsa’s side also like the look of Martinez.

The Gunners keeper has taken over the number one spot at the Emirates in the absence of the injured Bernd Leno, and so it remains to be seen whether Mikel Arteta will allow the Argentine to leave this summer.

Bielsa’s perfect signing

Whilst Meslier has done a fantastic job in between the sticks for Leeds, and has arguably been one of their biggest unsung heroes, there can be no question that Martinez would represent an upgrade for the Whites.

The Argentine has been outstanding for Arsenal in both the Premier League and the FA Cup in recent weeks, and it’s been no surprise to hear Arteta waxing lyrical about the 6 foot 4 man.

He said: “Well, in terms of Emi’s character and his goalkeeping ability, I didn’t have any question marks. The way he trains every day, behaves and has been behaving since he’s been at the club is phenomenal.

“He was a question mark over how he was going to do because he didn’t have any Premier League experience and how he can deal with that game after game, and he’s shown that he’s more than ready to do it. He’s earned his place now, he’s doing really well and he’s playing with a lot of confidence. In key moments he’s been really helpful and he needs to continue to do that.”

In fact, according to Squawka Football, Martinez has the best save percentage of any goalkeeper in the top-flight this season, and is the only man to be above 80%. He is equally proficient with the ball at his feet, and if Leeds are planning on playing Bielsa-ball in the Premier League, then having someone like the 27-year-old will be important.

He has a 90% passing accuracy for those made inside his own half, and has committed absolutely no errors that have either led to a goal or even a shot. If Leeds want a pair of safe hands who is the archetypal modern goalkeeper, then Martinez is absolutely that man.

Key Information about Aviva Stadium

Aviva Stadium, also known as Lansdowne Road or Ireland’s Stadium is the multi-purpose home ground of the Republic of Ireland’s national football team and Ireland national rugby union team, as well as Leinster Rugby.

Aviva Stadium was built between 2007-10, and officially opened just over ten years ago on May 14, 2010. The Dublin-located ground has an all-seater capacity of 51,700 for association football and rugby union, and a capacity of 65,000 for concerts.

A history of Aviva Stadium

The stadium was designed in a bowl shape with four tiers on three sides of the ground; the upper and lower tiers house general admission fans, with the second, third and fourth levels the location of premium tickets and corporate boxes. The stadium was officially opened on 14 May 2010 by former Irish politician Taoiseach Brian Cowne, and the following year the Aviva Stadium was awarded with a British Construction Industry Award.

During the construction of the new ground, the Republic of Ireland national football team played their home matches at Croke Park. The first-ever football match played at the Aviva Stadium was between Manchester United and a League of Ireland XI side which was managed by Damien Richardson on 4 August 2010. The friendly game was won by the Red Devils – 7-1, with Park Ji-Sung scoring the first-ever football goal at the ground.

The first-ever game played by the Republic of Ireland at Aviva Stadium was a friendly against Argentina on 11 August 2010 which they lost 1-0. The first competitive goal at the Aviva Stadium was scored by Kevin Kilbane during a Euro 2012 qualifier against Andorra in September 2010. In addition to hosting the Republic of Ireland’s games, the famous stadium has also hosted many notable tournaments and matches over the past decade.

The first major final which the Aviva Stadium hosted was the 2011 UEFA Europa League Final between Portuguese sides Porto and Braga, though due to UEFA’s corporate sponsorship rules outside the federation, the stadium was referred to as the Dublin Arena for the final – Porto went on to win the clash 1-0.

In addition to this, the Aviva Stadium hosted the 2011 Nations Cup, the Dublin Super Cup, and is due to host four Euro 2020 finals fixtures in 2021 having been postponed this summer due to the current global pandemic. This includes three group games and a round of 16 match.

Tickets to watch Republic of Ireland at Aviva Stadium

The FAI offer fans a season ticket to watch all of the Republic of Ireland’s home matches at Aviva Stadium. Adult season tickets range from €140-240, under-16s are priced at €50, students at €110, and families (two adults, two children) at €330 for the whole campaign.

Friendly matches typically cost between €30-45, while competitive games are set at €40-60.

Related Links

https://www.fai.ie/ireland – Official Website of the Football Association of Ireland

https://www.fai.ie/ireland/match-tickets – Republic of Ireland Ticket Office

https://www.avivastadium.ie/ – Official Website of Aviva Stadium

It could soon be one in, one out at Tottenham Hotspur if latest reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to the Telegraph’s Matt Law, Spurs are aiming to offload either right-back Serge Aurier or centre-back Juan Foyth in order to fund a move for Lille defender Zeki Celik.

It’s claimed that the 23-year-old is Jose Mourinho’s top target for the right-back role and fulfilling that desire will be his priority following the arrival of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton.

Celik could be available for £18m, so any income made from defensive departures will go towards securing the Lille regular this summer.

New Kyle Walker?

The Turkish international is certainly an interesting choice and would suggest that Mourinho’s doubts over a move for Norwich sensation Max Aarons are somewhat true.

Per WhoScored, Celik averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.7 clearances, 1.3 interceptions and 0.9 key passes per game across Ligue 1 and the Champions League for the French outfit last season.

This pretty much outranks the Canaries youngster, so it’s time to forget him and pursue the player the Spurs boss actually wants.

The Lille man has coincidentally based his game and playing style from former Lilywhites star Kyle Walker, claiming “I’ve been watching him since he played in Tottenham. Sometimes Guardiola also plays himself as a centre-back – something I have done myself.”

You could argue that the Englishman has never truly been replaced in north London and thus, Celik would be the ideal heir to his old throne and a bargain at £18m too.

He’s already been learning the native tongue and has expressed his desire to one day play in the Premier League – all these signs point towards Celik being a rather smart move all round.

Switching out the divisive and inconsistent Aurier for a 14-time international with bags of experience at a team that has a proven track record of producing stars could well become one of the coups of this transfer window.

AND in other news, Spurs can upgrade Sissoko with a move for Ruben Neves-like maestro…