All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sheffield United have been linked with a move for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney recently and he could amend a key issue in the Slavisa Jokanovic’s side ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to Football League World, the 52-year-old, who was appointed Sheffield United boss earlier this week, as set his sights on signing the Scottish midfielder this summer, as he looks to add to his squad ahead of the Blades’ return to the Championship next season.

It is suggested that the Serbian manager is keen to make Cairney his first signing as Sheffield United boss, although Fulham are reluctant to let him go, considering his excellent performances in the Championship in recent seasons.

Would he be a good signing?

Although the £8.1m-rated Cairney would manage just one goal and one assist for Fulham in the Premier League this season, he was limited to just 10 appearances for Scott Parker’s side due to injury, as they also suffered relegation back to the Championship.

However, he was a key member of the Cottagers’ squad last season as they earned promotion to the top-flight through the playoffs, making 42 appearances and contributing eight goals and three assists, averaging an impressive 6.98 rating from WhoScored.

It is no surprise that Jokanovic is being linked with a reunion with the “outstanding” Cairney, as he was one of the star performers in the Serbian’s side during his spell in charge at Craven Cottage, making 116 appearances, in which he contributed an impressive 24 goals and 21 assists.

His 13 goals and 10 assists in the 2016/17 season emphasises the quality that he can produce in the second tier, and if he were to make the move to Bramall Lane this summer, he could definitely amend a key issue in the Blades’ squad that was a defining factor in their awful 2020/21 campaign.

Sheffield United managed just 20 goals in 38 Premier League games, of which just one was scored by a natural midfielder in Sander Berge, with the likes of John Fleck, John Lundstram and Oliver Norwood all failing to find the back of the net.

Therefore, a creative midfielder in the mould of Cairney could certainly help the Blades start to be much more dangerous in the final third, which is something they definitely need to improve on if they want to earn an immediate promotion back to the top-flight.

And, in other news… Clarke-Harris and Cairney start, Brewster axed: How SUFC’s XI could look under Jokanovic

Liverpool have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Benfica star Darwen Núñez ahead of possibly signing the striker this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to sources online (via Sports Illustrated), his agent Jorge Mendes has been turning down offers from other potential suitors as the player wants to join Liverpool with terms already agreed upon verbally.

The Uruguayan is rated at £36m and after a great season has attracted interest from several top clubs. He currently earns £31k-per-week at Benfica which would rise to £60k-per-week if he joins the Reds.

Klopp will be buzzing

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be delighted with the news that Núñez is reportedly one step closer to a move to Anfield. The Reds have much-improved squad depth this season which has been one of the reasons they have reached the latter stages of every competition.

The club are still on for the quadruple, having already lifted the Carabao Cup, and they are now in the final of the FA Cup, the semi-final of the Champions League and the title is going down to the wire.

However, it’s never too early to start planning for the next campaign and Núñez would be the perfect addition. The 22-year old has an outstanding goal scoring record this season with 25 league strikes in 26 appearances

The “special” striker’s form hasn’t been enough to propel Benfica to the league title as they currently sit third in the table with no guarantees of Champions League football next season.

If they don’t qualify for Europe’s premier competition then it makes it even more likely that Núñez will want to depart the club, and with Merseyside seeming like the most likely destination, it shouldn’t be long before we see him in the Premier League.

When you compare him to Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane, the three players who usually play through the middle for Liverpool, he has a much better goal per 90-minute average at 1.25.

The player closest to him is Jota on 0.70. Whilst the Premier League is undoubtedly a much tougher division, we don’t think it would take long for him to adapt, and with the number of chances Liverpool create it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get close to those numbers.

AND inN other news:  Forget Bobby: Liverpool can give Efc nightmares by unleashing their “new Luis Suarez”…

Many Sunderland fans have slammed comments from manager Lee Johnson ahead of their clash against Accrington Stanley this weekend.

The Black Cats are in action on Saturday as they look to consolidate their place in the League One play-offs. They will have been hoping to go up to the Championship automatically, but no wins in their last four matches, including three defeats (Sky Sports), means they will have to do it the hard way.

Speaking prior to the clash against Accrington, Johnson was asked about who will appear at left-back. Callum McFadzean has come under fire on a regular basis from Sunderland supporters throughout the season, but Johnson has backed the defender, saying that he is “as good as it gets really, as a lad” (Chronicle Live).

The comments were shared on Twitter by Sunderland reporter James Hunter, and they attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on what Johnson had to say.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Johnson below

“” I could find you ten or 12 clips where he has been really fantastic in terms of setting a move off, or his defensive position.” Oh here man…”

Credit: @Camer0nJohnson

“What a load of garbage. Does anybody believe a word that LJ is saying here? McFadzean has cost us multiple times, over several matches. He can’t play.”

Credit: @NiskyBaldMan

“LJ has to take all the blame, the buck stops with the manager.”

Credit: @paulbasnett10

“100% mate, I said the same thing, McFad didn’t put a leg in or even attempt to make any sort of block, I find it bemusing that he still persist with him.”

Credit: @GILESY1973

“he’s been tortured every game he’s played and LJ is ill picking him, if he’s in lineup tomorrow there’s something seriously wrong”

Credit: @steve2013

“LJ has been too slow in making necessary substitutions in several games recently, and this is a HUGE concern… Also, regardless of what Fadz is like as ‘a lad’, the stark reality is he’s nowhere near good enough on the pitch, and LJ is DELUDING himself to think otherwise…”

Credit: @RokerPark150705

In other news, Johnson has given an update on this Sunderland ace.

Taking to Twitter, Canadian sports reporter Matthew Scianitti has made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving in-form Lille star Jonathan David.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye striker…

As explained by reliable reporter Alasdair Gold, signing a striker is one of manager Antonio Conte’s four main priorities for Spurs as he seeks to begin the N17 rebuild.

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Many names have been linked with a potential, namely Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic as the most prevalent target, but other, more obscure forwards can’t be ruled out.

In terms of quality, there are few options in greater form than Ligue 1 sensation David, who is already drawing comparisons with superstar Luis Suarez.

Making a Twitter claim, TSN sports journalist Scianitti has shared some news involving the his countryman and Spurs.

The Latest: David ‘open’ to Spurs possibility…

He claims that the Canada star is now on Tottenham’s radar as they join the ever-growing list of clubs eyeing a move.

While it is ‘unlikely’ David will be leaving before January 31, the player hasn’t yet got a particular destination in mind as is ‘open’ to all possibilities – including Spurs.

“Add Chelsea & Tottenham to teams interested in Jonathan David, @TSN_Sports has learned,” he explained.

“Barcelona & Man United still interested too, adding to Arsenal, Liverpool & Real Madrid reports.

“Jan move unlikely. David hasn’t narrowed his list, he’s said to be “open” to every possibility.”

The Verdict: Major coup…

If the 22-year-old were to narrow down his options to Tottenham, there is little arguing he would be a major coup.

Scoring a brilliant 16 goals already this campaign, David’s international record with Canada is equally as impressive – having netted a sublime 18 goals in 24 caps (Transfermarkt).

Valued at around £45 million by Transfermarkt, there is little wonder he could command such a hefty fee, with commentator Maximiliano Bretos branding David ‘phenomenal’ for his exploits on the world stage.

In other news: Spurs edge closer to first January signing as Conte personally eyes ‘massive’ £15m man, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Joe Hart has opened talks over a move to Scottish giants Celtic, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Spurs gear up for 2021/22

Looking towards a new era in North London, newly appointed Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to shift spare parts of his squad in order to cultivate a winning environment in his dressing room.

Thus far, the Portuguese manager has yielded five early casualties in his term at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in the form of Juan Foyth, Danny Rose, Erik Lamela, Toby Alderweireld and Paulo Gazzaniga [Transfermarkt].

Could another departure be set to take place in the wake of recent developments?

The Latest: Romano reveals Hart talks

Transfer guru Romano relayed the following information on Twitter regarding the Hart situation, claiming:

“Celtic have opened talks with Tottenham to sign Joe Hart as new goalkeeper. Negotiations ongoing between the two clubs.”

The Glaswegian outfit are said to be on the lookout for a new stopper due to long-term issues between the sticks [Glasgow Times].

34-year-old Hart has been told he can leave his current employers this summer, with Parkhead looking a likely destination after a few years as a peripheral figure at various clubs [Glasgow Times].

The Verdict: Makes sense due to lack of first-team openings

Facing the prospect of playing third fiddle to Hugo Lloris and new Tottenham import Pierluigi Gollini, it may be the best course of action for Hart to move on to play regular football north of the border.

In 2020/21, the Shrewsbury-born man registered five clean sheets across ten appearances in north London [Transfermarkt].

However, the 6 foot 5 giant has suffered something of a fall from grace in recent years, only managing 57 outings across all competitions in the last four seasons [Transfermarkt].

Nevertheless, his experience within the changing room would be missed by his contemporaries at Spurs.

Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by fellow England international Fraser Forster, it may be time for the former Manchester City stopper to move on to pastures new [Daily Echo] and re-find that form elsewhere.

In other news, an ex-Tottenham man has backed the club to pursue a Premier League poacher.

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans waxed lyrical over the club’s Under-18 side following their 7-1 win over West Brom on Saturday morning.

The Eagles, who also thumped the Baggies 7-1 in the reverse fixture back in March, named a strong line-up for the vital clash. Forward David Omilabu and midfielder Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, both of whom have signed professional deals this season, started for Palace and both netted in a rampant victory.

Palace went behind early on but two goals from Omilabu along with strikes from Rak-Sakyi, Victor Akinwale, Maliq Cadogan, John-Kymani Gordon and Ademola Ola-Adebomi, ensured a big win.

The Eagles sit top of the Premier League Under-18 South table after completing all 24 fixtures and now have to wait on Fulham’s clash with Chelsea next week to see if they will end up in first place. The Cottagers need to defeat their west London rivals in their final game of the campaign to win the league.

Palace fans react

The club shared the full-time score on their official Twitter page just hours before Roy Hodgson’s first team defeated Sheffield United 2-0 at Bramall Lane.

Here is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with one describing the win as ‘unreal’.

“On another level this team! Incredible performance.”Credit: @ClintonDavey”All #ChelseaU18 fans next Sat aren’t we?! Buzzing for our young lads, what a performance!”Credit: @Rich789″Unreal”Credit: @FiachraFurlong”Get in lads! Unreal amount of talent there, everyone put in a shift! Future is very bright”Credit: @kade_bladeSE25″Excellent result and performance. Let’s hope a few of this talented team will progress to become regular starters in our 1st team for years to come.”Credit: @Bacoletplayer”So so good”Credit: @PrideOfSouthLDN

In other news: Many Palace fans fume at update on reported managerial target, find out more here.  

Tim Spiers has dropped a worrying Wolves transfer update on both Rayan Ait-Nouri and Vitinha.

The Lowdown: Fans want Ait-Nouri and Vitinha

Ait-Nouri and Vitinha were only on loan at the Midlands club in the 2020/21 season, and so have returned to their respective teams ahead of the new term.

Both quickly became popular among members of the Molineux faithful, who have since called for Ait-Nouri and Vitinha to be signed on permanent deals.

The Latest: Spiers update

Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Spiers has shared that the deadline has passed for the Wanderers to sign Ait-Nouri permanently for £20m, and that they are looking at other options in the left-back position in case Ruben Vinagre moves on.

The football journalist also claimed that WWFC have not taken up the option to sign Vitinha on a permanent transfer as they were not convinced by his displays in the last campaign, and that they are looking across the market to see which other players may be available that can play in his role.

The Verdict: Worrying

Given that both players are seemingly fans favourites, it is certainly worrying that Wolves may not take the option not to sign even one of them, let alone both.

Ait-Nouri made a great impression in his relatively short spell in the Midlands, ranking highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles (1.4), key passes (0.7), dribbles (1.2), pass success (86.1%) and crosses (0.6) a match in the Premier League (Whoscored).

Vitinha also had the highest pass success percentage (90.3%) out of any of his teammates to have played 10 or more matches in the top flight last season, which is impressive considering the way that he plays on the front foot (Whoscored), and so should be a player that the Molineux side should be thinking a lot more about signing permanently.

In other news, find out which transfer update has Wanderers fuming here!

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have gone wild over news involving young star Phil Foden after his mightily impressive 2020/2021 campaign. 

The 21-year-old enjoyed his most stellar season to date under manager Pep Guardiola and was lauded by the Spaniard as a ‘dynamic’ and a player who ‘never hides’ (mancity.com).

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This came after Foden played a pivotal role in helping City get past German giants Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals last year – scoring the winning goal in both the home and away legs.

He also netted nine goals and five assists in the Premier League last season and was subsequently rewarded for his fine form with an England call-up for Euro 2020.

Now, as the 2021 Men’s Ballon d’Or nominees become officially announced, news has now dropped that Foden makes the cut among the best players in world football.

Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling have also been named on the 30-man shortlist (mancity.com).

Flocking to this news, it’s safe to say many Sky Blues are absolutely overjoyed for their star academy product.

Find all of their best reactions down below, as one fan called it ‘huge’ news.

Man City fans go wild for Foden news…

“YUHHHH BEST YOUNGSTER ITW”

Credit: @nxomimcfc

“He deserve winning the whole thing”

Credit: @FodenCTID

“That’s massive”

Credit: @Jake_Nicklin

“Huge”

Credit: @jnr_koena_

“This is genuinely insane, and what’s even more insane is that I think we can all agree we saw this coming”

Credit: @zukmcfc

“Yessssssssss Phil”

Credit: @brianmcfc2

“Actually crazy so deserved though”

Credit: @robbie_4

In other news: ‘Manchester City ready to sign’…Journalist shares exciting transfer development out of Eastlands, find out more here.

Aston Villa are edging closer to making another signing after reports that they have now had a bid accepted by West Brom for Tim Iroegbunam.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, Dean Smith’s side are inching closer to the signing of the 18-year-old, with the club having “agreed to pay a six-figure compensation fee to their rivals for Iroegbunam’s development costs”.

It’s added that: “The young central midfielder, 18, has rejected a new contract from the Baggies in favour of joining Villa. Albion’s academy player of the season is now set to make the short journey from the Hawthorns to Villa Park to complete the move.”

Johan Lange working his magic

Given that they have already tied up summer deals for first-team stars like Emi Buendia and Ashley Young, news of Josh Feeney’s recent arrival, and now Iroegbunam’s likely signing too, shows that Lange is really working his magic in the summer transfer market.

A profile piece done by The Birmingham Mail said of the teenager: “The 18-year-old, described as “combative and all-action” by Albion coaches, will look to link up with former teammate Louie Barry at Villa with the pair remaining close friends off the pitch. BirminghamLive has been told that Iroegbunam has turned down a new and improved contract at The Hawthorns in favour of moving to Villa Park.”

While Iroegbunam may not come in and make an immediate impact on first-team matters in the Premier League next season, it is exciting to see Villa continue to make moves to strengthen their academy sides and protecting their long-term future.

With Louie Barry recently extending his terms in the Midlands as well, the Villans look set for a remarkably bright future.

Lange has certainly enjoyed an impressive start to the summer transfer window thus far.

Meanwhile, Villa are set for an exciting boost…

A number of Liverpool supporters are fuming after it was confirmed that Anthony Taylor will referee the Reds’ Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Jurgen Klopp’s men face an enormous game on Saturday evening, in what is arguably the biggest match of the season so far.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea have won their opening two matches, with neither team conceding a goal and both comfortably winning their respective fixtures.

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It promises to be a nervy occasion at Anfield and a win for the Reds would be further proof that they are strong title contenders.

Taylor has been confirmed as the referee for Saturday’s game [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], with Chris Kavanagh on VAR duties.

His Manchester roots never make him a popular appointment for Liverpool matches and he also took charge of the Reds’ 3-1 defeat at Leicester City last season.

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Liverpool fans react to referee appointment

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to vent their anger.

“Ohhhhhh NO”

Credit: @drewski1980

“It really can’t get any worse, can it?”

Credit: @LFC_Lewis66

“Liverpool loss”

Credit: @tsrbys

“Ohh god. Not this awful Manc”

Credit: @AhijahB

“I don’t like this guy”

Credit: @iburniton96

“Mbappe dream over and now this”

Credit: @TQdeanoo

In other news, some Liverpool fans are livid at a transfer update that has emerged. Read more here.