All posts by z3u9t.icu

A fresh twist has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s bid to bring Mauricio Pochettino back to the club…

What’s the word?

As first revealed by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Spurs have held discussions with their former manager about a potential return to the north London side, and it is also thought that the Argentine would be open to leaving Paris Saint-Germain for his old club.

However, a new claim has surfaced suggesting that the 49-year-old is also a target for another European heavyweight.

According to Goal, La Liga giants Real Madrid have made Pochettino their top choice to replace Zinedine Zidane after it was confirmed that the Frenchman would walk away from his contract 12 months early.

Massimiliano Allegri was an early contender for the Bernabeu job but, with his return to Juventus on the cards, the club’s hierarchy have quickly shifted their attention to the ex-Spurs favourite.

Worrying blow

This is potentially a crushing blow to many Spurs fans’ hopes and dreams as the chances of a reunion with Pochettino could appear to be slim.

Indeed, Pitt-Brooke has since rated their chances of sealing him at “less than 50%” when speaking to ‘The Totally Football Shaw’ podcast earlier this week.

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Furthermore, it is no secret that Pochettino would love to manage Real Madrid, having made some intriguing claims back in 2018 after being approached by the Spanish outfit.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever coach Madrid, but of course it’s my dream,” he said (via The Mirror). “If it’s not the best it’s one of the best clubs in the world. I’m no different, everyone has it on their dream list.”

He has since reinforced his desire to one day talk the helm at Madrid as, following his appointment at PSG, he said: “It was always my objective to one day be able to play for Real Madrid and when you don’t realize a dream, you say, ‘Well, look, one day I’d like to coach Real Madrid – after Espanyol’.”

Pochettino has even had to deny that there is a Madrid release clause within his contract at the Parc des Princes.

If he has to pick between his dream club, who will be competing in the Champions League next season, and a Tottenham team staring at a place in the Conference League, then there is surely only one winner.

All in all, the chances of the Argentine returning to Spurs appear rather slim, and that won’t please many in north London, with numerous fans desperate to see Pochettino back at the club.

AND in other news, Forget Martinez: Levy can seal dream Spurs boss in “exciting” 51 y/o with 74% win rate…

Another update has emerged regarding Ruben Neves’ future at Wolves, with a summer move to Barcelona once again popping up in the press this week.

The Lowdown: Neves on his way?

The 24-year-old has matured into arguably the Wanderers’ most influential player over the years, providing endless quality in the middle of the park.

Sadly, Neves is being continually linked with a move away from Molineux this summer, with Barcelona looking like the front-runners to snap him up.

The Portuguese may feel the need to move on to pastures new, having possibly outgrown the club after their push for European football faltered.

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The Latest: New rumour emerges

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Neves ‘creates absolute consensus’ at Barca among those high up at the club, being seen as a primary summer target within the Catalan board.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, has been given the job of ‘reformulating everything’, with the La Liga giants ‘willing to study ‘ the move ‘carefully’.

It is also stated that the Portugal international is ‘crazy to join’ Barca, who see him as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.

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The Verdict: Time to plan for life without him

With each passing week, the more it looks like a matter of time until Neves leaves Wolves – the key now is to use the funds wisely and replace him with a top player.

He will leave a gaping void in the middle of the park, having averaged 2.3 tackles per game and registered six goal contributions (four goals and two assists) in the Premier League this season, with rumoured target Joao Palhinha someone who could offer similar, having averaged 3.1 tackles in the Primeira Liga.

It is hard to begrudge Neves a move to Barca, given the magnitude of the club, but it is now vital that Wolves’ positive trajectory continues without him

In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been lauding Ozan Kabak’s footballing ability after he pulled off some impressive skills in training.

The Turkey international made the loan move to Anfield in February as Jurgen Klopp desperately looked for a centre-back to solve his crisis at the back.

With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all missing through long-term injury, Kabak has had to come in and shine immediately, playing alongside the relatively untested Nathaniel Phillips.

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If the 21-year-old made a slightly shaky start to life at Liverpool, he has grown into the role impressively, producing a string of commanding performances at the heart of the defence. The Reds have the option of signing Kabak permanently for £18m at the end of the season, but it remains to be seen whether that will happen.

On Friday, footage emerged [via LFCTS on Twitter] of the youngster producing some exquisite skill during a training exercise, highlighting the ability he possesses by nutmegging Sadio Mane.

Liverpool fans hail Kabak skill

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to heap praise on Kabak after witnessing his training ground mastery.

“Really hope we sign this lad on a permanent deal”

Credit: @KloppsRedz

“Yesss”

Credit: @Dog__Face

“He needs to be signed”

Credit: @Harry_loates

“That control from Kabak “

Credit: @LFCTransferRoom

“There’s no way he’s not staying”

Credit: @MidiYNWA78

“He’s a talented boy”

Credit: @ThornyBush3

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about a transfer rumour that has emerged. Find out more here.

Leeds United return to Premier League action this afternoon with another trip down to the capital.

Marcelo Bielsa’s depleted squad were frustratingly knocked out of the FA Cup by West Ham United last weekend and will have to face them again later today.

He is faced with plenty of selection decisions as the injury crisis at Thorp Arch begins to ease up, so it will be interesting to see what sort of side he fields at the London Stadium.

Here’s our predicted XI for the Whites’ trip to east London…

There could be as many as four changes to the side that tasted defeat last Sunday.

Between the sticks, Illan Meslier is likely to remain but there’s an alteration to his back four as Diego Llorente is facing suspension. As a result, we could see Robin Koch drop back into defence to partner academy gem Leo Hjelde, who impressed despite the loss.

Bielsa is still without skipper Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk is only just returning from injury, so the 18-year-old could keep his place. Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo also remain.

In midfield, Adam Forshaw returns after being rested, as should Stuart Dallas and the pair may feature alongside Mateusz Klich.

Further up the pitch, Raphinha is a shoo-in to come back into the fold, having also been named on the bench last week. Jack Harrison may be preferred to Daniel James for the spot on the other flank.

The £52k-per-week Welshman is, therefore, axed due to his poor form in the Whites colours.

Meanwhile, in a big boost, we could see Patrick Bamford finally return from injury – as revealed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay this week, he is likely to be available for selection. If fit, you’d imagine he comes straight in given the lack of alternatives.

Predicted Leeds United XI vs West Ham (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Firpo, Hjelde, Koch, Ayling; Forshaw; Harrison, Dallas, Klich, Raphinha; Bamford

AND in other news, Phil Hay reveals triple injury boost for Leeds United…

Tottenham Hotspur should look to turn their attention elsewhere after a frustrating update emerged this week.

According to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, talks to sign Atalanta centre-back Cristian Romero have “slowed” down due to the Serie A outfit’s financial demands. Reports in Italy suggested that the Serie A outfit are demanding around €60m (£51m) for his signature, whilst La Liga giants Barcelona have been credited with an interest in recent weeks.

Spurs have not splashed out that sort of money since signing Tanguy Ndombele in the summer of 2019 for a club-record £55m, whilst their biggest fee spent on a defender was Davinson Sanchez for £42m.

His performances since then prove why it’s a massive gamble to spend so much on just one player, and as a result, the North Londoners may want to approach this Romero situation with caution.

For that money, the North Londoners could seal at least two players in the role, especially amid links to fellow Serie A monster Nikola Milenkovic.

As revealed by The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare, Spurs “hold an interest” in the Fiorentina star, and he claims that it would be an easy deal to do as the player would love to play in the Premier League and has less than a year remaining on his current contract.

The reliable journalist also hints that just €15m (£12.5m) would be enough to secure him. That’s a fraction of Romero’s price and he’s arguably just as good.

At just 23, Milenkovic has been likened to Nemanja Vidic, who is arguably one of the greatest to ever do it in the English top-flight.

“Milenkovic is better than Vidic with the ball at his feet, and he is much calmer on the field,” Mozzart journalist Dejan Stankovic told ESPN FC. “He is the most talented centre-back Serbia have had since Vidic, and they definitely have one thing in common – both are fearless.”

The 28-cap Serbian has also been dubbed a “beast”, and during the 2020/21 season, he averaged 3.6 clearances, three aerial duels won, 1.4 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in a worse team than Atalanta, who finished third overall.

By comparison, Romero – who won the Serie A’s ‘Defender of the Year’ award – was only way clear with his averages for tackles and interceptions, but again he played in the more solid team.

For just £12.5m, Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici could secure a new defender for a bargain fee, especially with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at £22.5m.

The Lilywhites must consider Milenkovic as a bargain alternative to Romero should talks continue to slow down before next month’s deadline.

AND in other news, Paratici must sanction Spurs swoop for 6ft 3 “leader”, he’s a HUGE upgrade on Sanchez…

After a nightmare spell at St Mary’s, Southampton appear to have been presented with an opportunity to finally get rid of Wesley Hoedt for good this summer, although he seemingly won’t be joining Lazio on a permanent deal following a less than impressive loan spell with the Serie A club.

The Dutch defender joined Southampton from Lazio in a £15m deal back in 2017 but has managed just 45 appearances for the Saints since then, with the last of those coming in the 2018/19 season.

He subsequently spent time on loan with Celta Vigo and Royal Antwerp before being loaned to Lazio this season, perhaps in the hope that he could rediscover some of the form which encouraged the Saints to shell out £15m for him four years ago.

Unfortunately, his performances in Simone Inzaghi’s side this season have been shocking at times, with his 17 appearances in Serie A earning him a lowly 6.38 average WhoScored rating, so it was no surprise to hear that Lazio won’t be exercising their option to make his deal permanent this summer. He is unlikely to be missed in Rome, with some supporters targeting him after a particularly horrendous display against Atalanta in January.

Therefore, it had seemed as if Hoedt was destined to return to Southampton, where he is unlikely to dislodge the likes of Jannik Vestergaard and Jan Bednarek at centre-back in Hasenhuttl’s line-up. Nor has he helped his cause with disparaging remarks towards the club and manager amid one of his loan spells.

According to The Athletic, however, there is some interest being shown in the 27-year-old defender from Belgian and Dutch clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, which suggests that Southampton may well have been handed a huge lifeline in their hopes of getting rid of him for good.

Although they will undoubtedly be forced to take a significant loss on the £15m they paid, as he is now valued at just £4.5m by Transfermarkt, it will surely be a relief to get him off the books rather than paying his wages for another year and seeing him depart on a free transfer when his Saints contract expires at the end of next season.

Southampton chairman Jisheng Gao will undoubtedly be delighted if Southampton can finally sell Hoedt, as his time with the south coast club has been an expensive disaster.

in other news… Saints suffer devastating transfer setback to “unbelievable” gem, Hasenhuttl must be fuming

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has backed reports of GSB and West Ham United eyeing Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah this summer.

The Lowdown: New striker enters the fray?

As per a previous claim by ExWHUemployee, the original striker shortlist was said to be made up of four names – which included Tammy Abraham, Ivan Toney, Adam Armstrong and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Claret & Hugh believe that signing a new striker is an absolute priority for manager David Moyes this summer alongside the acquisition of a new centre-back and permanent deal for Jesse Lingard.

Recently, another reliable source in Fabrizio Romano lifted the lid on West Ham’s interest in Nketiah, with the Italian reporter claiming that the Hammers are eyeing him alongside Watford, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen (Twitter).

The Latest: Ex backs Nketiah reports…

Backing Romano’s claim involving Nketiah and West Ham, club insider ExWHUemployee has also stated that the Hammers hold an interest in signing the 22-year-old forward.

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The young striker’s contributions for Arsenal over 2020/2021 mostly came in the Europa League, with Nketiah averaging an impressive 2.8 shots on goal per 90 over his six starts in the competition (WhoScored).

Ex, writing on his Patreon, believes West Ham are now interested in the player and Arsenal could be open to selling him this summer for a reasonable price.

The Verdict: The answer for West Ham?

We can safely say this one would surely be a resounding no from Hammers fans.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has praised Nketiah for his contributions, lauding the ‘powerful’ forward last year (The Metro), but his lack of game time over 20/21 means West Ham should look at other options.

Signing him to help bolster the Irons forward line would be a big gamble while proven goal scorers like Armstrong and Toney could be available.

If West Ham are going to maintain a solid European run next year and stay at a high level, GSB cannot cut corners this summer in the transfer market.

In other news: ‘Have started negotiations’…Journalist drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, find out more here.

Many Everton fans have been left raging as some news emerged on the recent takeover of Newcastle United.

As per The Daily Mail, the Merseyside club were one of the most angry and vocal Premier League teams in a call to discuss the takeover on Tyneside, along with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.

There was a belief among others that their anger centred around the prospect of increased competition for spots in the UEFA Champions League, hinting at potential jealousy of what the Magpies could now achieve with the money that they have available.

The news has certainly left a bitter taste among several Toffees supporters, who were disappointed with the way that the Blues allegedly acted in the call, and generally feel as if the takeover is none of their business.

Everton fans on Newcastle takeover news

These EFC fans were left raging as the news was shared on Twitter, with one Evertonian even going as far as to claim that it was ’embarrassing’:

“Meh, Moshiri is probably just angry out of jealousy. He had his chance to invest in us properly but let Steve Walsh waste hundreds of millions. So it’s his fault.”

Credit: @Evertxn

“Don’t really see why we should have been so incensed. If it’s because of our dislike of the Saudis, we are on a terribly slippery slope. Who are we to decide whether MBS is better or worse than e.g. President Xi – who approves all of China’s material foreign investments?”

Credit: @mitdevani

“I have to say as an Everton fan I find it a little embarrassing to be fair. Why we complaining? We’re scared of Newcastle doing what we all thought Farhad was going to do for us by spending millions and building a team to challenge at the top.”

Credit: @ianefc73

“Is this to distract from the Sky 6? Blame someone else. No club would’ve turned this type of takeover down. Newcastle are the beneficiaries, there you go.”

Credit: @DCT1962

“It’s none of our business…”

Credit: @MikeNSNO1878

“Vocal because it will be an 8th-place finish at best instead of 7th for us”

Credit: @bluetom77

In other news, find out what news before West Ham United has Toffees fuming here!

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny believes the new pitch being laid at Elland Road will be a ‘massive’ boost for the players next season.

The Lowdown: Leeds shine back in the Premier League

The Whites excelled in their first year back in the Premier League, finishing ninth and proving to be a hugely entertaining team.

Leeds’ ball-playing style made them popular with neutral supporters, with Marcelo Bielsa ensuring his side kept possession impressively, not to mention working unbelievably hard off the ball.

Of course, Bielsa’s fast-flowing and incredibly intense system would benefit from being played on a top quality surface.

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The Latest: Kenny hails new pitch

A new pitch is currently being installed at Elland Road ahead of next season, giving the players a Premier League standard surface to perform on in 2021/22.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny believes it can only be a good thing for the home side, catering to Leeds’ needs:

“They relayed it last year as well. It could be a big boost, massive, for the players. They want a pitch that’s running smooth and true for the players.

“They need it to be like a bowling green and I’m sure that’s why they’re spending money on a new surface that’s gonna be up to standard and suit their style of play.

“If you’re on a bad pitch as well, you’re gonna get more injuries. Players are turning and it’s slippery and it makes it easier to pick up injuries when you’re playing on that sort of surface.”

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The Verdict: He makes a good point

In order for Leeds to be able to master their style, a great pitch is a necessity, making it easier to fizz passes into one another.

For that reason, the new turf is a major positive, hopefully allowing the Whites to make a flying start at home next season and repeat last year’s success, while also making it more difficult for visiting teams who decide to sit deep, as the ball will be moving a lot faster.

That’s not to say that the Elland Road pitch wasn’t impressive before, but completely replacing it should only be a good thing, with the added bonus Kenny alludes to of preventing fluke injuries.

In other news, a former Leeds United favourite is delighted for one player after a key development. Read more here.

JustJoe Football Show host Joe Wainman believes Leeds United have found their Conor Gallagher alternative in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.

Leeds had been interested in signing Gallagher on loan from Chelsea but were beaten to the punch by Crystal Palace.

It leaves manager Marcelo Bielsa needing to look elsewhere if he still wants to bring in a new midfielder before the transfer window closes.

And according to TEAMtalk, that elsewhere could be Burnley and Brownhill, with the outlet recently claiming that Leeds have made an enquiry about the player.

On the Yorkshire club’s reported interest in Brownhill, Wainman told TT:

“I think he’s very much in the mould of someone who can get up and down the pitch, box to box, a bit like Conor Gallagher, a bit like Lewis O’Brien.

“When I initially saw the Brownhill link, I thought maybe it was a bit of a ploy to push through the Lewis O’Brien deal at Huddersfield, but we’re still no further along with that. But it’s clear that Leeds are looking at that type of midfielder.”

Certainly, with links to Gallagher, O’Brien and now Brownhill, it does look like Bielsa is keen to add another midfielder to his squad.

Brownhill, though, is such an important player for Burnley, featuring in just over 35 appearances in all competitions for them last season. Will they be willing to sell him so late in the window?