All posts by z3u9t.icu

The return of the Premier League this weekend after the latest international break sees Southampton take on Leeds United at St Mary’s on Saturday, with both teams having had rather disappointing starts to the campaign.

The Saints’ previous league outing before the break saw them fall to a 3-1 defeat against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Djenepo should start for Southampton on Saturday

One player who did not feature in Southampton’s starting XI against Chelsea but who should come in against Leeds is Moussa Djenepo, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £55k-per-week according to Spotrac.

Southampton signed the winger back in the 2019 summer transfer window on a four-year contract from Belgian club Standard Liege in a deal which could rise to £15m.

Since then, the 23-year-old – who is currently valued at £11.7m by Transfermarkt – has made 58 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, in which he has scored four goals and provided two assists along the way.

So far this season, Djenepo – who was described by teammate Nathan Redmond as being a “super-talented” player – has played in all but one of Southampton’s league games, starting four of them, but has yet to score a goal or provide an assist.

Nonetheless, he has managed to rack up 1.2 shots per game so far this season in the Premier League according to WhoScored, showing that he is still very much an attacking threat for the Saints whenever he’s on the pitch, and he could therefore be a potential game-changer against Leeds. Only four players can exceed that tally and there is a strong chance that two of them won’t feature on Saturday through either suspension (James Ward-Prowse) or injury (Che Adams).

After replacing Nathan Tella in the second half of the Chelsea game, Djenepo made two successful dribbles and won five ground duels and two tackles in just 17 minutes, ultimately seeing him earn a match rating of 6.5/10. That was higher than the likes of Tella and Redmond, both of whom started the match according to SofaScore.

Looking ahead to the Leeds clash, we feel that Hasenhuttl should go with Djenepo over Tella on the left wing to see if the Mali international can help the Saints secure their first league win of the season against Marcelo Bielsa’s side – who they would overtake in the table if they manage to do so – based on the decent showing the 23-year-old delivered off the bench against Chelsea.

In other news: Hasenhuttl must unleash “perfect” £9m-rated Southampton gem, he’s a real game-changer

Tottenham Hotspur are keeping an eye on Dusan Vlahovic after an update on his future emerged this week…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who delivered an exciting update to his ‘Here We Go’ podcast.

The Fiorentina striker has turned down a lucrative new contract extension that would have made him La Viola’s highest-paid player in their history and now Spurs, who were linked with the 21-year-old in the summer window, are watching his situation closely.

“Tottenham, they will keep an eye on this boy because Fabio Paratici always works like this. If he likes a player he will follow this player for a long time,” he revealed.

“So Tottenham will keep an eye on Vlahovic’s situation, but a lot of clubs in Europe will keep an eye on this situation. He is officially an opportunity, his contract is up in 2023 so Fiorentina need to sell the player in January or in [the] summer.”

Promising news

This news should leave many supporters around N17 absolutely buzzing as there is a chance that Spurs could land one of the most promising young forwards in Europe right now.

Vlahovic was in prolific form last season, bagging 21 goals in just 37 league appearances, and that has rolled into the 2021/22 campaign already, finding the net six times in eight matches, via Transfermarkt – that’s even despite the interest in his signature throughout the off-season.

“I think that after Haaland and Mbappe, he is one of the strongest in Europe,” is how former Italy international Christian Vieri once described the Fiorentina talisman.

Whilst the 6 foot 3 colossus has earned plenty of comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, too.

“He’s just a complete number nine and I know it’s just off the back of one season, but he’s strong, can link play up, can hold the ball up and most importantly, he’s scoring goals. He’s one of those players that when he looks confident, you almost expect him to score every time he plays,” claimed Serie A expert Conor Clancy to This is Futbol.

Harry Kane has struggled for goals so far this campaign, failing to score in five Premier League starts, whilst their 2-1 win over Aston Villa was the first time that Nuno Santo’s side scored more than once in any top-flight game this term.

As per WhoScored, the north Londoners are also fourth-from-bottom for average number of shots per game (10.4).

It’s clear that there has been a real problem in the final third for Spurs and Vlahovic’s impressive record surely makes him an interesting and potential solution.

Therefore, the fact that Fabio Paratici is keeping an eye on the Serbian talisman is certainly reason to get excited. If Tottenham can complete a deal for him in January, then they absolutely should do it.

AND in other news, “I saw him limp”: Reliable journo drops Spurs injury claim, fans are surely worried…

Nottingham Forest have been handed a major boost in their bid to bring Max Lowe to the City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that, despite having seen an initial offer rejected for the Sheffield United left-back, Dane Murphy is now close to completing a season-long loan deal for the defender.

Further reports had claimed that both Swansea City and Reading were also interested in the former Derby County man, however, it would now appear as if Forest have won the race for the 24-year-old.

Murphy will be buzzing

Considering just how short Chris Hughton’s side currently is at left-back, as well as having seen an initial offer for Lowe turned down by the Blades, the fact that the Reds now appear to be close to landing the defender is sure to have left Murphy buzzing.

Indeed, while summer signing Jordi Osei-Tutu had been filling in on the left-hand side of defence, his recent injury has once again left Hughton with only Gaetan Bong as a viable option in the position – with the 33-year-old having been informed he was free to leave the club earlier this summer.

As such, it very much appeared a priority for Murphy to bring in a fresh face in the position prior to the closure of the summer transfer window on Tuesday, and, in Max Lowe, it would appear the Forest CEO has landed an extremely capable player.

While it is true that Lowe failed to establish himself in Sheffield United’s starting XI last season, making just eight Premier League appearances over the course of the club’s campaign, the 24-year-old nevertheless proved during his time at Derby that he will be a very useful player for Hughton this season.

Indeed, over his 29 Championship appearances for the Rams in 2019/20, the £2.7m-rated defender helped his side keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 3.7 tackles, 1.6 clearances and winning 6.9 duels per game.

These returns saw the man Danny Law dubbed an “impressive” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.83, ranking the £14k-per-week left-back as the club’s 14th-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, should Forest indeed go on to complete a deal for the former England U20 international in the coming days, it would undoubtedly come as a massive boost for Hughton, who is very much in need of one following the Garibaldi’s diabolical start to the season.

In other news: Murphy heading for grave Forest error over “unbelievable” ace, fans will be fuming

Some Wolves supporters have been hailing a brilliant piece of skill produced by Rayan Ait-Nouri in the weekend victory over West Ham.

Bruno Lage’s side are still on a high after seeing off the Hammers at Molineux on Saturday, with Raul Jimenez’s goal earning them a 1-0 win.

It was a victory which further suggested that Wolves could be eyeing up European football this season, with their sixth-place position achieved after a strong run of form.

Lage has got his team playing attacking football and picking up positive results at the same time, with his players performing well both individually and as a collective.

One player who shone against West Ham was Ait-Nouri, with five tackles and seven duels won on the day. On Tuesday, Wolves’ official Twitter channel posted a video of him producing a superb piece of skill on the touchline, backheeling the ball to take out Tomas Soucek in one slick movement.

Wolves fans laud Ait-Nouri skill

These Wanderers fans took to Twitter to hail the left-back’s moment of quality, with one hailing him as a “baller” and another revelling about how he “had West Ham on strings”.

“Just Hwang and Ait-Nouri running the show down the left”

Credit: @Westywwfc

“Bruno training, motivating, allowing natural skills. This team may falter but will get better”

Credit: @geofftwitt

“Silky baller”

Credit: @WolvesNumber37

“Marcal would’ve broke his ankle attempting such filth”

Credit: @Staffs_chris85

“He had West Ham on strings all game”

Credit: @LoganL151

“Hoping to see this on Soccer AM Saturday.”

Credit: @warren_bland

In other news, Luke Hatfield has tipped one Wolves player to leave the club. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have made a significant breakthrough in their attempts to sign Valerenga starlet Kristoffer Klaesson this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days from Football Insider had initially claimed that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were in advanced talks with Valerenga about bringing the 20-year-old goalkeeper to Elland Road.

They revealed that a Leeds source claimed: “Klaesson is now the top keeper target and discussions are progressing well over a potential deal. The Premier League outfit have offered a contract to the Valerenga number one and a deal is edging closer.”

And now, things have moved swiftly in the right direction.

Football Insider have now revealed that the Whites have had a £2m bid accepted for the shot-stopper, and that he is set to undergo a medical before putting the final touches to his move.

The report adds: “All parties are confident that the deal will be completed this week before the Norwegian youngster links up with his new teammates for the final segment of their pre-season campaign.”

Bielsa will be buzzing

While Klaesson is likely to find himself as Illan Meslier’s deputy next season, he could potentially grow behind the Frenchman as an eventual successor to the former Lorient man, especially if PSG come back in for him – it was recently claimed that Mauricio Pochettino’s side are keen on luring him back to France.

Getting some experience of English football over the coming year would stand Klaesson in good stead if that ever happens, and give Bielsa a bit of comfort knowing he’s got another rising goalkeeping star in his ranks who he can fall back on.

With Kiko Casilla having already completed his season-long loan move to Spanish side Elche, the Leeds boss desperately needed a new goalkeeper to come in ahead of the new Premier League campaign to provide some cover and competition for Meslier.

This latest development on Klaesson means Leeds have edged closer to getting that new ‘keeper, and Bielsa will be buzzing about that.

At just 20, Klaesson still has the world at his feet, and is a relative baby in goalkeeping terms. Spending the next few years under the manager of Bielsa should see him develop into a top-class star.

Meanwhile, Radrizzani is now willing to sanction this Leeds swoop…

Writing on Twitter, Sportitalia TV journalist Gianluigi Longari has dropped a big transfer update involving Tottenham Hotspur and long term target Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Romero talks…

Spurs, and managing director Fabio Paratici by extension, have been in crunch talks to sign Romero over this last week with Sky Sports even detailing an original offer of ‘at least’ £34m (€40m).

Negotiations remain ongoing over the player as it stands but Atalanta seem unwilling to grant his move to England too easily.

Tottenham, however, are apparently leading the chase for his signature and it is even said that personal terms have been agreed (Fabrizio Romano).

The Latest: Longari drops big update…

Taking to Twitter, journalist Longari has now shared an update on Tottenham’s pursuit of Romero.

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The Italian reporter explains that Spurs are ‘very confident’ of signing the Argentine this summer and are even ‘ready’ to increase their offer to around €50 million (£42.6m) plus €5 million in bonuses (£4.2m).

“Tottenham ready to increase their offer to around 50M plus bonus (5M),” he explained.

“Spurs very confident to find an agreement with Atalanta. Talks on.

“Barcelona still pushing and studying structure for their new bid (payed loan with obl to buy).”

The Verdict: Encouraging?

Spurs feeling ‘confident’ of signing Romero could come as an encouraging sign for on-looking supporters who are desperate to see Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence strengthened at last.

There is little doubt the 23-year-old would add plenty of steel to Tottenham’s backline, especially going by the fact he averaged far more interceptions per 90 (3.1) than any Lilywhites player over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

He has also been called ‘spectacular’ by Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni (archysport.com), leaving little wonder why talks have been tough to prise him away from Atalanta.

In other news: Talks underway: Nuno green lights yet another Spurs exit as update emerges, find out more here.

Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham is nearing a permanent Parkhead exit after agreeing personal terms with Greek side AEK Athens, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Celtic face losing key players ahead of 2021/22

As the Celts get their ducks in a row ahead of 2021/22, it now seems that the Frenchman will become a fall guy as their summer rebuild continues to take shape.

Celtic have been linked with moves for the likes of Mathew Ryan and Kaoru Matoma in recent times.

Despite this, prospective departures seem to be taking centre-stage amongst the Celtic squad. Odsonne Edouard has been linked with a move to Leicester City [Sky Sports], whilst Kristoffer Ajer is being targeted by Bayer Leverkusen, Newcastle United and Norwich City [Glasgow Times].

However, it looks as though Ntcham could be the first casualty of the Celtic reconstruction after spending four years in Glasgow [BBC].

The Latest: Ntcham agrees personal terms with AEK Athens

As per reports, the 25-year-old is said to have agreed personal terms with the Greek side [Daily Record].

So far, it is unclear whether any such agreement has been reached between the two clubs. Nevertheless, Celtic are said to be considering waiving the final year of the midfielder’s contract which is due to expire in May 2022 [Transfermarkt].

Ntcham endured an unsuccessful loan spell at Marseille in the second half of 2020/21, making just four Ligue 1 outings [Transfermarkt].

The Verdict: Right time for Celtic and Ntcham to part ways

All things considered, it may be the correct decision for Celtic and the former Manchester City youth to part ways this summer.

Signing from the Citizens in 2018 [BBC], the roaming playmaker made 147 appearances for the Hoops; recording 24 goals and 13 assists [Transfermarkt]. Contributing effectively to the Celtic set-up, he has aided the Scottish giants to eight trophies across his Parkhead stay [BeSoccer].

After he fell out of favour under Neil Lennon, the Hoops may be best suited to maximising any potential revenue they can obtain for his signature as it looks like the player had no intention of staying in Glasgow, so a move is the best option for all parties.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with a move for an international goalkeeper.

According to RMC Sport, Marseille chiefs have been left angry with defender Duje Caleta-Car after he refused to join West Ham United or Wolverhampton Wanderers before the deadline.

The Lowdown: West Ham summer completed…

As the Irons have completed their summer business, it’s safe to say most supporters will be fairly happy with the outcome given they had just Alphonse Areola to show for a majority of the window.

In the end, manager David Moyes came out with Aroela, centre-back Kurt Zouma, midfielder Alex Kral and attacker Nikola Vlasic – with only the lack of another striker being a sour point.

The central defensive area was a big topic for much of the window, and before West Ham landed Zouma, they were apparently in the mix to land Caleta-Car from Marseille.

The Latest: Marseille chiefs angry with Caleta-Car…

As per RMC Sport, chiefs at the Ligue 1 giants are angry with Caleta-Car after he refused to join West Ham a few weeks ago, or Wolves before the deadline.

Marseille apparently needed to ‘lift some of the constraints’ weighing on the club in this transfer market and were desperate to find a solution to sell the player.

Valencia came forward in the last minute but to no avail, with the 24-year-old now set to stay at the Stade Vélodrome in January.

The Verdict: Blessing in disguise?

Despite Caleta-Car having perks of his own, standing at a colossal 6 foot 4 and possessing the physicality for Premier League football, Zouma stands out as the better option.

The latter man has a wealth of experience both in Europe and the English top-flight – all while being a calm and composed option at the back for West Ham.

He averaged an impressive 90.9% pass accuracy out from the back over 22 league starts for Chelsea last season and even pitched in with five goals going forward (WhoScored).

Missing out on the £22.5 million-valued Caleta-Car could actually come as a blessing in disguise.

In other news: ‘Yayyyy’, ‘Ooooo’, ‘Actually mental’…West Ham fans rave over ‘fantastic news’, find out more here.

Newcastle United must avoid making a major howler this summer and offering Andy Carroll a new contract, amid Steve Howey’s intriguing claim.

What’s the story?

The Magpies striker played just 381 minutes of football in the entire Premier League season, and in fact, had played less than ten minutes since the beginning of March.

Despite the lack of game-time, Howey has insisted he would keep Carroll at St James’ Park, and instead laid the blame at Steve Bruce’s door for the lack of first-team action.

He said: “I’m surprised that Carroll will be out of contract because me personally, I would keep him for another year, I really would. He’s been fit this season but just hasn’t been given the opportunity to play so that’s not his fault.

“It’s not his fault that he’s not played, that’s the manager’s fault because all Carroll can do is be fit. I still think he’s a threat and that centre backs still won’t like playing against him.”

Would be a disaster

While Carroll may be the kind of different dimension of striker that teams might like, he simply hasn’t shown he’s really cut out for this level for a long time now – injuries of course have played their part, but the fact he’s scored just five goals in the past four seasons is a real telling sign of his decline.

Earning a basic £20k-a-week, that rises to a monumental £75k-a-week if he actually starts, and to £35k-a-week if he comes off the bench, Carroll is simply making up the numbers at St James’ Park, at a time when the Magpies desperately need to be getting rid of the deadwood and freeing up the finances.

It’s already been indicated that money will be tight on Tyneside this summer, and having Carroll still pick up a pay-cheque for doing virtually nothing week-in and week-out would be a ridiculous waste of wages.

If Bruce simply doesn’t trust him enough, or doesn’t fancy him, then it’s best for the club to just let him go and loosen up the wage bill a little. The Magpies need to save every penny they can to make a go of signing players like Joe Willock to really take the next step up.

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Keeping Carroll in the hope that he can get back to his best from years ago seems like a foolish mistake to make, and it’s one that won’t have the fans happy at all.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are risking another Andy Carroll disaster with this signing…

Rangers have been hit or miss in the transfer market over the previous few years, with the Premiership side often reluctant to splash out on transfer fees and in turn, this results in free transfers and loan signings at Ibrox.

This campaign has been no different, under both the ex-manager and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Some players such as John Lundstram and Fashion Sakala have turned out quite well after a slow start, whereas Juninho Bacuna was back down in the English Championship after only five months in Glasgow.

With the club six points clear at the top of the league in January, the onus was on the new manager to strengthen, which he didn’t.

Bringing in Amad Diallo who is young and raw hasn’t paid off and the club should have moved for a player former Rangers legend Brian Laudrup called a “crowd-pleaser”, the Denmark international Andreas Skov Olsen.

The Ibrox side were perennially linked with Olsen during the summer and January transfer windows to no avail, as Club Brugge’s Champions League riches won the battle as they signed him for £6.3m from Bologna.

The right-winger’s stats have been fantastic since moving to Belgium, scoring five times and laying on seven assists for his teammates in only 12 matches since January.

Compare this to Diallo’s stats since his arrival; eight matches, one goal, and no assists and you can see which player Rangers really should have pushed the boat out for.

Hopefully, this is a lesson for Ross Wilson, although the Ibrox side are now traditionally a selling club, signing players who will immediately improve the first team will more often than not pay the club back with performances and excellent stats.

Club Brugge prevailed where Rangers didn’t take their opportunity and it was a poor choice from Wilson.

AND in other news, Gough 2.0: Van Bronckhorst could save Rangers millions with “superb” rarely-seen 18yo