All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic are thought to be closing in on Manchester City man Fergal Harkin as their new director of football, according to the Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ longstanding interest

Celtic have been after the Irishman for some time. The Hoops opened talks with Harkin way back in March, just weeks after Neil Lennon resigned as manager.

A deal for Harkin, who is a ‘massive’ Hoops fan, was thought to be close last month, however, as we know, a deal is yet to be announced for the newly-created role.

It seems as if Harkin has his heart set on a move to Parkhead, though, after a recent development regarding the 44-year-old.

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The Latest: Harkin turns down Belgium move

According to the Daily Record, Harkin has turned down a director of football role with SK Lommel.

Harkin, who is currently Manchester City’s football partnerships manager, has rejected the chance to become more hands-on abroad.

Irish sources believe that his decision regarding snubbing a switch to Belgium is down to his move to Glasgow edging closer.

The Verdict: One step forwards two steps back?

It seems as if Celtic’s rebuild was really starting to take shape. Eddie Howe was reportedly set to be announced as the club’s new manager, so Howe and Harkin could have ended up working closely together.

However, in a huge development, Howe’s talks with Celtic are thought to have collapsed, so Harkin, who looks to be the new DoF, may now have a huge say on Lennon’s successor, as was expected back in March.

Celtic have been linked with Harkin for a number of months, and it now appears as if they’ll be landing his services, so you’d expect him to be extremely busy from the get-go, should he put pen to paper.

In other news: Hoops make approach for Barcelona youngster, find out more here. 

Newcastle United all but ensured safety in the Premier League for another season with a 1-0 win at home to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

A fine goal from Miguel Almiron in the first half sealed the points at St. James’ Park, but it was not always plain-sailing for Eddie Howe’s team, who gave up the majority of the possession to the visitors, and also faced ten shots at their goal (SofaScore) as the hosts retreated in the second half.

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The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to now analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the hosts on the night, perhaps now looking over their shoulders regarding their long-term futures in Howe’s first choice XI…

Jonjo Shelvey

Given a 6.7 overall rating, Shelvey ranked as the North East club’s third-worst player.

The central midfielder lost out on two of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble, clearance, interception or key pass, making one foul and giving the ball away nine times in total.

Joelinton

Admittedly tied with Chris Wood in terms of rating (6.5), Joelinton ranks in second here having helped keep the clean sheet as a midfielder.

However, the Brazilian lost a total of six individual duels, and was off target with all three of his shots, while he also never managed a tackle, committed two fouls and lost possession on nine separate occasions.

Chris Wood

With a 6.5 rating, Wood ranked as the Tyneside outfit’s worst performer.

The striker was unsuccessful in seven duels, and never managed a shot, successful dribble or key pass, amassing just 34 touches of the ball in total and giving it away with 15 of those.

He also missed a huge chance in the first-half only to be spared by the offside flag.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ target NUFC are now set to ‘miss out’ on here!

David Sullivan risks an unforgivable mistake if he persists with plans for West Ham United to sign Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard, despite Paddy Kenny expressing significant concerns.

Reports by Football Insider have claimed that the Hammers co-owner and Chairman has urged agents to broker a blockbuster summer switch for Edouard to head to the London Stadium.

Sullivan is eager to see the Irons win the emerging race for the 23-year-old’s signature, and is using outside representatives to negotiate the terms of a deal amid suggestions the Hoops may have to accept a cut-price offer.

Edouard will enter the final year of his contract at Parkhead in June and has so far snubbed all efforts made by the Premiership giants to sign new terms, which could force Celtic to accept offers worth just £8-10m.

Celtic valued Edouard as high as £40m last summer before slashing their asking price to £25m in January, after he switched agents to ICM Stellar Sports who recently sealed London moves for Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell and Tottenham’s Joe Rodon.

Kenny feels West Ham could be making a mistake by adding Edouard to that list, as the former France U21 international is prone to throwing the towel in when things are not going his way.

“You don’t want someone who’s downed tools,” Kenny told Football Insider. “What’s to say he won’t do the same at West Ham as well? You need to be on it from the first minute to last in this league.

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“If his work rate isn’t 100 per cent then he’s going to struggle in the Premier League anyway. You’ve got to think about that when you’re looking at him.”

Arsenal and Leicester City are also said to be among the potential suitors assessing moves to sign Edouard in the next transfer window after registering their interest with Celtic, while Brendan Rodgers is claimed to consider the striker a long-term successor for Jamie Vardy.

Sullivan beating the Gunners and Foxes to sealing Edouard’s signature would seemingly see the West Ham chief risk an unforgivable mistake, by wasting a golden chance to improve the London Stadium offence amid their search for Sebastien Haller’s replacement.

The Ivory Coast international’s move to AFC Ajax in January has given the Irons a chance to hit the reset button and find a striker who can persistently challenge Michail Antonio, rather than one not accustomed to David Moyes’ style that demands a high work rate.

Lacking that challenger would likely see West Ham struggle to maintain their surprise push for European qualification just a year after staving off the threat of relegation, and potentially crash out of the Champions or Europa League in the early stages if they make it.

West Ham fans would no doubt be left irate to see their side struggle on the continental stage because Sullivan signed a player with a poor attitude, given the east London outfit have not competed in a UEFA competition beyond the qualifying stages since the 2006/07 season.

Given Haller’s sorry spell in claret and blue also saw West Ham accept an offer £25m less than the club-record £45m paid to Eintracht Frankfurt in 2019, Sullivan cannot get another striker signing wrong so soon.

AND in other news, West Ham have been rocked by a double injury blow ahead of hosting Chelsea…

Speaking to talkSPORT, journalist Alex Crook has dropped a ‘surprise’ bit of possible exit news involving Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty.

The Lowdown: Doherty endures mixed first year at Spurs…

Signed in the summer of 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers for ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, Doherty endured a mixed first full season at Tottenham.

The Republic of Ireland international started less Premier League games than fellow right-back Serge Aurier and was vilified by pundits in the press for some of his performances.

However, he hasn’t been linked with an exit from Spurs until now, with the Lilywhites making as many as six players available for transfer in Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez, Moussa Sissoko, Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and Toby Alderweireld (The Athletic).

The Latest: Crook drops ‘surprise’ bit of Doherty news…

Speaking to talkSPORT, Crook has now dropped a ‘surprise’ bit of possible exit news involving Doherty.

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Indeed, the reporter claims that new manager Nuno Espirito Santo could in fact deem him surplus-to-requirements despite their good relationship at Wolves.

“I’ve been told this morning that Eric Dier and Matt Doherty could also be surplus-to-requirements,” Crook explained (via Twitter).

“Maybe that’s a bit of a surprise in the case of Doherty, cause he performed so admirably under Nuno at Wolves.”

The Verdict: Time to go?

Compared to Aurier, who has been made available for sale by Tottenham, the 29-year-old made far less tackles per 90 and less clearances over 2020/2021 whilst also proving less effective going forward (WhoScored).

The Ivorian also averaged more successful dribbles, key passes per 90 and shots on goal when compared to Doherty (WhoScored) – but we believe he could potentially shine again under Nuno, as he never really got a fair crack with Mourinho.

Doherty has been praised by Tottenham’s head coach during their time together at Molineux, with Nuno once lauding him as ‘fantastic’ with a ‘big heart’ (wolves.co.uk).

You can’t rule out Spurs’ new manager getting the very best out of him again and a possible switch to his preferred 3-5-2 formation could utilise the defender effectively, as also believed by former England international Danny Mills.

In other news: ‘News regarding Tottenham’…Sky Sports drop live TV transfer claim, find out more here.

Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Falkenbergs ace Matthew Garbett, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Garbett profiled

Garbett, who can play as an attacking midfielder, right-winger or centre-forward, has just 18 months remaining on his deal with the Swedish side.

The 19-year-old has made 26 appearances for Falkenbergs after joining in January 2020 and is currently at the Olympics with New Zealand.

He is thought to be one of the most sought-after teenagers in Europe, and it seems as if Patrick Vieira’s Palace are interested in the 6ft 1 ace.

The Latest: Palace not the only club keen

According to The Sun, Palace, along with newly-promoted Brentford and Watford, are tracking the forward.

The report adds that scouts of all three interested sides were impressed with Garbett after he helped his country to the quarter-finals of the Olympics.

The Verdict: Building for the future…

Vieira has already made five additions to his squad, three of whom are 21 years of age or younger.

Garbett seems to fit the bill if Palace are looking to build for the future, and he could play in two positions where Vieira reportedly wants to add too.

According to Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre (July 29, 14:33), Palace still want to sign another defender, winger and striker this summer.

It appears as if they may have competition for the London-born forward, though, so they may have to act quick to win the race.

In other news: ‘Parish out’, ‘Relegation’ – Many Palace fans react to Matt Woosnam’s transfer claim. 

Leeds are eyeing a move for Ajax starlet Noa Lang, who is currently on loan at Belgian outfit Club Brugge for the season.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have enjoyed an impressive first year back in the Premier League and attention will already be turning towards how best to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign.

According to The Telegraph, the Whites have been been watching the 21-year-old, although they are set to face intense competition to try and land him in the summer transfer window.

The report added that Lang is being viewed as someone who can provide competition for the likes of Jack Harrison and Raphinha out wide.

Shades of Raphinha

Dubbed a “phenomenon” by Belgian sports journalist Peter Vandenbempt, Lang made history when he became the first player in 60 years to mark his debut with a hat-trick for Ajax, prompting Erik ten Hag to wax lyrical about him.

The Amsterdam club’s manager said: “He showed (his talent) today and I am very happy with that. Noa shows (his ability) it during training and during the reserve matches. And today he has also clearly shown it at the highest level too.”

Able to play anywhere across the frontline, Lang has shown he has a real eye for goal in his loan spell at Brugge this season, scoring 16 goals and providing a further ten assists in just 34 games, including netting in the Champions League.

Just like Raphinha, the £18m-rated Lang is a prolific dribbler, averaging 1.5 dribbles per game in the Belgian top flight, a figure which just ranks him outside the top ten in the entire division.

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With his end product too, the young Dutchman has all the tools in his locker to become even more of a star if he pitches up at Elland Road, and it’s no surprise that Bielsa is eyeing a move for him this summer.

Meanwhile, Bielsa is playing a masterclass over this ace…

Writing on Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has shared news coming out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Norwich City star Max Aarons.

The Lowdown: Aarons back on the radar?

Alongside problem positions like centre-half, Spurs have also been touted to move for a new right-back this summer if defender Serge Aurier leaves north London.

Reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold recently explained that Tottenham ‘will’ target a full-back replacement for the Ivorian if he does indeed depart (football.london), with a few names already linked.

Spurs have been touted with possible moves for Brighton starlet Tariq Lamptey (Sky Sports) and Turkey international defender Zeki Celik recently (Evening Standard).

The Latest: Sky Sports reporter backs Aarons interest…

As per Sky reporter Thomas, writing on social media, Tottenham have also reignited their interest in Aarons after the Lilywhites were heavily linked with a move last year.

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“Tottenham have renewed their interest in Max Aarons this summer,” explained Thomas on Twitter.

“Joining the growing list of clubs chasing the Norwich right-back.”

The 21-year-old is seen as a solid alternative to fellow target Lamptey, with Brighton thought to want as much as £50 million for the latter man’s signature.

By comparison, the Canaries are said to value Aarons in the region of £30m.

The Verdict: Do it Paratici…

Club managing director Fabio Paratici, who has now been charged with developing the club’s sporting operations, simply must target Aarons if Aurier does leave this summer.

He played a key role under Daniel Farke, helping Norwich bounce straight back to the Premier League whilst starting 45 Championship matches and providing a real threat going forward.

The youngster even averaged the same amount of key passes per 90 at Carrow Road last season (1.4) as superstar Harry Kane did in the Premier League (WhoScored).

At £30m compared to Lamptey’s possible £50m tag, it’s clear who the better option would be for Tottenham.

In other news: ‘Tottenham will’…Alasdair Gold makes encouraging N17 transfer claim, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury problems just seem to keep mounting up…

What’s the latest?

Lilywhites defender Ben Davies is the latest name to be stuck on the treatment table after he was a surprise absentee for their UEFA Europa Conference League clash with Slovenian champions NS Mura on Thursday night.

It was a game that he would’ve undoubtedly featured in, having played the full 90 minutes in all of their three previous outings in Europe this campaign.

Nuno Santo has since revealed the reason behind his absence, via the club’s official website.

“Ben has a problem with inflammation on his appendix. He is being taken care of, had scans, but he was in pain. We wish that he recovers soon and can join us,” he said.

A surprise and cruel blow to the player and the squad.

Davies won’t be facing Aston Villa this afternoon, along with wing duo Steven Bergwijn and Ryan Sessegnon, who are also out through injury.

One after the other

The Portuguese head coach has had to contend with an array of issues since he joined the club.

Summer signing Cristian Romero arrived with a problem that he picked up during Copa America duty, Harry Kane wasn’t up to speed with his fitness, Eric Dier, Lucas Moura and Oliver Skipp have picked up knocks over the last few weeks.

It seems never-ending for Nuno right now.

On the face of it, not having Davies available in the Premier League isn’t too much of a big blow but if Sergio Reguilon gets injured – after being forced to play in midweek in the Welshman’s absence – then the Spurs boss is left in a tricky predicament.

Even more so with Sessegnon, the third-choice in the role, also ruled out.

It means that someone would have to play out of position to cover, should the Spaniard pick up any problems.

Davies can also be utilised at centre-back and after being capped 67 times by Wales, he is one of the more experienced members of this squad, so his presence on and off the pitch may well be very important at times.

Given their recent poor form in the top-flight, having lost three successive heavy defeats including the north London derby, Nuno will be fuming that these injuries problems are continuing to escalate in north London.

It’s reported that the Portuguese is under intense pressure to turn things around and further injury woes will not help his cause whatsoever.

AND in other news, Nuno could save Levy millions by unleashing Spurs’ “bright” 20 y/o prodigy this season…

While the predicted absence of Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Francisco Trincao will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Bruno Lage ahead of Wolves’ Premier League fixture this weekend, there could be something of a silver lining to the unavailability of the 21-year-old sensation.

Indeed, with Lage more than likely being unable to call upon the services of the Barcelona loanee in the West Midlands derby against Aston Villa on Saturday, his absence will create space for an attacking player in the Portuguese manager’s matchday squad – one which could be filled by a player extremely stylistically similar to Trincao, the up-and-coming talent of Chem Campbell.

Trincao 2.0

While the 18-year-old has only made one first-team appearance for Wolves so far in his career – an appearance which just so happened to make him the second-youngest player to ever feature for the club – the winger has been making something of a name for himself in the club’s youth setup.

Indeed, over his 21 appearances for the U18 side, the self-titled “creative” player scored an impressive seven goals, while, over his 34 appearances so far for Wolves’ U23 outfit, the 18-year-old has bagged four goals and registered one assist.

However, aside from his haul of goals and assists, the former Wales U17 international also looks to be an extraordinarily gifted technical player. The Express & Star journalist Liam Keen once wrote that Campbell makes “intelligent runs in behind” the defence, has extremely “quick feet” and “enjoys receiving the ball early to run at defenders” – in addition to labelling the teenager a “prodigy” at Molineux.

It is undeniable that Trincao has been hugely impressive since joining the club with 3.2 dribbles per game an eye-catching statistic.

However, if their 45-year-old manager did indeed replace the Portugal international with Campbell this weekend, and the youngster goes on to impress, the question may be raised in Lage’s head as to whether he should pay the reported £25m fee, as well as his £140k-per-week wages, to sign the 21-year-old permanently next summer.

After all, he could simply place his trust in one of the club’s most promising home-grown talents, something that could end up saving Wolves millions.

In other news: Fosun must seal Wolves swoop for £34m-rated “leader”, he’d solve Lage’s biggest issue

An update has emerged on Cenk Tosun, regarding Everton’s plans for him this summer…

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, Everton are prepared to listen to offers for Turkish international striker Cenk Tosun this summer as Rafa Benitez attempts to thin out his squad.

The report claims that Moise Kean could be given a chance to compete for a place in the side following his loan spell with PSG, sending Tosun further down the pecking order ahead of next season.

Time’s up

The time is up for Tosun at Everton. Marcel Brands must now ruthlessly axe the flop and cash in on him as quickly as possible. Everton need to move him on swiftly and not worry too much about how much they get for him, in order to get his wages off the bill.

Even if that means sending him out on loan again with the club taking him paying the majority – if not all – of his salary as he has been rinsing Farhad Moshiri dry.

Tosun has been on £60k-per-week throughout his time on Merseyside and has done little to repay the club, scoring just 11 goals in 58 matches. He has earned roughly £10.9m in wages in his three-and-a-half seasons at the club to date and that figure will jump up to £14m by the end of the 2021/22 campaign unless they can find a new home for him in the transfer window.

He reportedly cost £27m upon his arrival from Besiktas in 2018 and it seems incredibly unlikely that they will be able to recoup much of that figure, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £4.5m. Former Premier League striker Darren Bent recently said that Tosun has not worked out at Goodison Park and believes that the club will need to take a loss on him this summer.

He told Football Insider:

“Cenk Tosun just hasn’t worked out for Everton, he’s shown flashes and moments where he can score goals and to be fair to him, he’s never really been given a real run of games.

“I know when he first arrived he played a little bit but as far as a real good run, I don’t think he’s got that so, unfortunately, it hasn’t worked out and they probably are going to have to take a loss.”

Therefore, Everton must take the hit on Tosun and move him on to any club willing to take him. He has been bleeding Moshiri dry with his huge wages without contributing much to the team, with nine Premier League goals to his name for the club in almost four years.

This is why he must be ruthlessly axed by Brands.

AND in other news, Benitez can axe Everton “liability” by signing 6 ft 4 giant who’s “performed miracles”…