All posts by z3u9t.icu

There was no sign of Lucas Digne in the Everton squad for Monday night’s Premier League clash with Arsenal. 

The French defender had started all but one Premier League game prior to the Gunners’ visit to Goodison Park, but even though he wasn’t injured, Rafael Benitez made the ‘significant decision’, in the words of The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe, to leave him out entirely.

What’s going on at Everton?

Everton finally ended an eight-game winless run stretching back to September courtesy of Demarai Gray’s stoppage-time effort, but before the match, a report from The Athletic revealed discontent within the Toffees’ camp.

Some players apparently feel constrained by Benitez’s style of play, and one ‘key figure’ even described it as ‘ugly football’.

Digne had seemed happy

Digne signed a contract extension as recently as February, committing to the club until 2025.

The 28-year-old’s estimated transfer value now stands at £31.5m, according to Transfermarkt.

Could it be form-related?

The Frenchman’s form has tailed off this season, as shown by the drop in his average WhoScored rating from 7.08 to 6.8/10. His expected assists per 90 have also slipped from 0.2 to 0.13 (via Understat).

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed news of Benitez’s call, and here’s what supporters made of it, with some fearing a repeat of how James Rodriguez abruptly left Goodison Park earlier this year after being frozen out by the Spaniard.

These Everton fans express Digne fears

“He’s consolidated power and first chance he gets he takes retribution on a player…this is going to end very badly…”

Credit: @peterabbit68

“Pushing all the good players out, James, Digne, be DCL and Richarlison next.”

Credit: @JoeBazooooka

“Benched yes I’d understand more so but fully dropped from the squad…”

Credit: @tutes24

“If he goes it will be a massive miss and a surprise that a lot of fans won’t miss him till he’s gone.”

Credit: @SheepFlavour

“We are getting the full Benitez experience. Consolidating his power and pushing quality players he doesn’t like out”

Credit: @MarcC856

“James part 2”

Credit: @pombomalvado

In other news, many Everton fans have reacted to the club’s post-Brands plan

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.

David Sullivan should seal a summer swoop for West Ham United to sign rumoured Arsenal and Everton target Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Spain, the Irons are ready to spare no expense in efforts to add Chukwueze to David Moyes’ attacking weaponry if the Scottish coach can secure European football at the London Stadium.

West Ham host fourth-placed Chelsea on Saturday with the chance to move above Thomas Tuchel’s side in the Premier League table, after the Blues edged ahead on goal difference when held to a draw by Brighton & Hove Albion.

Chukwueze is expected to consider walking away from the Estadio de la Ceramica at the end of the season amid interest from the Premier League and La Liga, but is protected by a €80m (£69m) release clause.

Atletico Madrid have long held an interest in the 21-year-old, who Villarreal boss Unai Emery lauds for his “individual brilliance”, yet under no circumstances are they willing to active his exit clause.

Los Colchoneros’ position is seen as a positive for West Ham, Arsenal and Everton who are very interested in a deal for the Nigeria international, previously linked with Manchester United, Liverpool, Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

But the Premier League suitors may have to pay Chukwueze’s full termination clause, with Villarreal gradually raising the fee needed through a slew of new contracts as the Submarino Amarillo are aware of the scale of his talent and the interest in his services.

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Chukwueze, who has scored four goals and offered seven assists in 36 games across all competitions this season, is under contract with Villarreal until the summer of 2023.

Should West Ham sign Villarreal’s Chukwueze?

Clearly, if West Ham want to sign Chukwueze at the end of the season, Sullivan will need to set a new club record to acquire the 18-cap forward and eclipse the £45m paid to Eintracht Frankfurt for Sebastien Haller in 2019.

Spending close to £70m on Chukwueze would be a sizable gamble for the Hammers to take, with the youngster only offering 16 goals and 16 assists in 115 career appearances for the Submarino Amarillo, but that should not stop Sullivan from exploring a deal.

Chukwueze has earned widespread interest over the years through the induvial brilliance that former Arsenal boss Emery has praised him for displaying this season, even if those moments of magic from the wing have not always resulted in an end product.

The £18m-rated Villarreal product’s lack of a prolific end result is the only predominant trait missing from his developing skill, with Emery claiming after Chukwueze – considered to be one of Europe’s most exciting talents – fired a brace in a 5-1 win over Levante last weekend:

“He’s a footballer with great quality. He has a lot of talent, but he needs to improve in front of goal. Today he put in a great performance and managed to score.”

Chukwueze’s questionable scoring record has also seemingly not caused West Ham to doubt his potential, given the claims that the London Stadium side are willing to spare no expense to secure a transfer.

And with Moyes expected to part with Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko this summer, signing a player with a proven X-factor could be a very exciting way for Sullivan to replenish the Hammers’ attacking options.

AND in other news, West Ham have been warned against signing a £10m talent who’s “downed tools” this season…

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”…

According to recent reports, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in the possibility of making a move for Juventus forward, Paulo Dybala, this summer.

The report by France Football (via Sport Witness) claims that Juventus could look to offload the £237,000 per week Dybala in the summer transfer window and that both Tottenham and Chelsea are contenders for the signature of the 27-year-old, should he indeed leave Turin.

According to the report, Thomas Tuchel and Jose Mourinho would be willing to part with between €50 million (£43 million) and €55 million (£47 million) for the £63 million-rated Argentina international, who has struggled for game time at Juventus this season due to a number of injury problems.

Transfer Tavern Take

With Tottenham seemingly being linked with a move for Dybala in almost every transfer window over the past few seasons, the fact the story has popped up once again is hardly surprising. Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly (talkSPORT) very close to signing his compatriot, who he described as a ‘special’ and ‘wonderful’ talent who is one of the world’s best.

However, if it is indeed true that Juventus could be actively looking to offload the 27-year-old this summer, the path to the signing of the forward would appear rather more clear than on previous occasions.

And, with Chelsea now also reported to be keen on the signing of the 29 times capped Argentine, perhaps this will force Tottenham’s hand in a move to finally get a deal over the line for one of their long term targets.

In other news: Tottenham have been sent a warning over Harry Kane – find out more here!

James Forrest, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull are all expected to stay at Celtic this summer.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou has a busy few months

New Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou looks set to take Hoops training next week after making progress in regards to quarantine protocols.

John Kennedy, Gavin Strachan and Stephen McManus will take Celtic’s first day of pre-season on Friday, but Postecoglou should have time in charge before the club’s training camp in Wales next month.

He looks set to be a busy man when it comes to recruitment ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, but it seems he’ll have three Celtic stars available to him going forward.

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The Latest: Devlin drops update on Scottish trio

The Athletic’s Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin shared a story on Postecoglou on Wednesday and how his Hoops side could line up.

Devlin suggested that the 55-year-old could look at a 4-3-3 system, with McGregor and Turnbull as two No 8s and Forest as a right-winger.

He claimed that the Scottish trio are ‘among the few first-team quality players expected to stay’.

The Verdict: A worrying time for the Hoops?

Although the news on Forrest, McGregor and Turnbull expecting to stay is a positive one, it appears to be a worrying time for the Hoops.

Devlin suggests the three are ‘among the few first-team quality players expected to stay’, which points at a number of exits to other Hoops stars.

The likes of Kristoffer Ajer and Odsonne Edouard have both confirmed their desire to quit Parkhead recently, and there appears to be no real desire to get additions through the door.

Celtic need to get a move on when it comes to their transfer business, especially at the back and in attack, as they have just over a month until their Champions League qualifier against FC Midtjylland.

They could give themselves the best chance to progress if they can get bodies through the door quickly, but at this moment in time, it doesn’t look likely.

Should no additions arrive and Ajer and Edouard leave, Postecoglou could be left with Stephen Welsh as the only fit senior centre-back due to Christopher Jullien’s injury and Albian Ajeti as the only recognised centre-forward, if Leigh Griffiths fails to earn a new deal.

Very worrying indeed.

In other news: Trophy-laden club captain wanted by Postecoglou; he is a big fan of Celtic coach, find out more here. 

Danny Mills reckons that Aston Villa may be plotting to replace Jack Grealish after their bid for Arsenal winger Emile Smith Rowe was rejected in midweek [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Aston Villa get ready for 2021/22

As Aston Villa gear up for 2021/22, many will be intrigued to see how they go about bettering their impressive 11th-placed finish last term.

Already very active in the transfer market, the Villans have been successful in their bids to acquire Emiliano Buendia and Ashley Young respectively as they build for pre-season.

However, it is a failed pursuit which has caught Mills’ attention as Arsenal turned down a bid of £25m for Smith-Rowe from Aston Villa earlier this week [BBC].

The Latest: Mills issues honest Grealish rebuttal

Asked whether he thought this bid could signify an impeding Villa Park exit for Grealish sooner rather than later, Mills issued an honest reply in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, stating: “Quite possibly, yes.

“You always have to plan for that. At the moment, they’re bringing in players that can enhance their squad and their first XI and there’s no harm in doing that whatsoever.

“But there will be in the back of their minds that if suddenly something happens and there is a huge offer for Jack Grealish and he wants to go then they have enough players to cover those positions.

“Obviously they won’t be as good as Jack, not right now. But with a few tweaks here and there the aim will be you don’t miss.”

The Verdict: Villa’s swift recruitment will stand them in good stead

The former Leeds United defender makes an informed point regarding the difficult predicament in which Aston Villa find themselves.

Grealish has been a stand-out performer for Aston Villa in 2020/21, registering 19 goal contributions from 27 outings, with seven goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt]. Earning adulation left, right and centre, the 25-year-old was deservedly nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award at the beginning of this month [avfc.co.uk].

Villa will be doing everything in their power to keep the talented winger at Villa Park. Conversely, if Grealish decides to move on to pastures new within the transfer window, quality recruitment will be key in order to replace the offensive quality the Villa captain possesses.

Judging by the Clarets early summer transfer surge, they may be well stocked to handle any prospective departure.

In other news, many Aston Villa fans react with horror to this transfer report.

Newcastle medics fear that the after-effects of Covid-19 have hampered Federico Fernandez’s recovery from injury.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh, who offered an update on the Argentine on Tuesday afternoon.

Fernandez was a regular for Newcastle during the first half of the season, his only absence down to a positive coronavirus test back in December.

He then strained his thigh muscle, keeping him out from the middle of January until the beginning of March.

Fernandez setback gives Bruce headache

The 32-year-old returned to the bench for the goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion and remained among the substitutes for the Aston Villa and Brighton matches.

But there was no sign of him in the matchday squad last Sunday as Newcastle faced Spurs. He’s clearly struggling to build-up to full match fitness.

His return can’t come soon enough for the Magpies. Steve Bruce was forced to select Emil Krafth and Paul Dummett, two full-backs by trade, either side of Jamaal Lascelles in a back three at the weekend.

Krafth in particular found it a real struggle – Lee Ryder rated his performance a mere four out of ten, with Waugh commenting on The Athletic that Fernandez has been “huge miss”.

Transfer Tavern verdict

If Newcastle feel they can’t rely on Fernandez, it raises real doubts about his future. His contract is up in the summer, and at 32 a renewal seems unlikely if these problems persist.

It’s clear that we don’t yet fully understand the toll the pandemic is taking on certain players, and fans will be hoping the former Swansea man is back at full fitness as soon as possible.

In other news, Noel Whelan made this claim about a possible Steve Bruce replacement.

Rangers ensured that they would finish the league season unbeaten and achieve over 100 points for the first time in their history as they won 4-0 at Ibrox on the final day, with Steven Gerrard’s side providing a superb end to a monumental season.

One man who may have played his final game for the Gers during the drubbing of Aberdeen on Saturday was Jermain Defoe, as the veteran striker’s contract is currently set to expire at the end of May.

If the former Tottenham Hotspur man is to leave Ibrox this summer, then he will be glad to have finished his time there in typical fashion, as he came off the bench to score Rangers’ fourth goal of the game with a consummate finish.

The 38-year-old was found by fellow substitute Greg Stewart – another who is likely to leave this summer – and after some calm touches, he calmly slotted the ball past Joe Lewis, emphasising the immense quality that he still possesses.

As per SofaScore, Defoe would earn an impressive 7.4/10 rating for his performance, with only Allan McGregor (8/10) and Kemar Roofe (8.3/10) rated higher of the Rangers players who featured in the game, despite the veteran forward only being on the pitch for just 28 minutes.

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The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell, who covers Rangers and Scottish football, was full of praise for Defoe on Twitter, saying:

“Jermain Defoe with another exquisite finish. Similar to last week, that feint to change the angle and get the defender to lean is just a killer move. Unreal how sharp he still is in those situations.”

Defoe also completed two dribbles, one key pass and won two duels during his brief time on the pitch, which highlights that doesn’t just contribute inside the box and can be a creative threat as well as a goalscoring one.

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Although recent reports suggest that a new Rangers contract could be on the cards, as things stand, he will leave Ibrox at the end of this month, but at least if he does leave, he was able to sign off with another goal and another excellent cameo performance.

And, in other news… Gerrard handed huge boost with “frightening” £1.8m-rated beast, Wilson must deliver

Crystal Palace fans will have to be patient with deadline day recruit Odsonne Edouard, according to The Celtic Way reporter Anthony Haggerty.

Patrick Vieira, who was appointed as Roy Hodgson’s successor in July, solved his search for a new striker by signing Edouard from Celtic in a deal worth £14million.

Palace followed up their interest in Edouard after being unwilling to meet Arsenal’s £20million valuation for Eddie Nketiah.

Edouard has made the move to Selhurst Park having enjoyed a trophy-laden stint with Scottish giants Celtic, where he scored 86 goals in 179 appearances.

The 23-year-old, who is the France under-21s’ all-time top goalscorer, has also enjoyed an impressive start to the new season by finding the back of the net three times.

But he was ready for a fresh challenge and even changed his agent at the start of the year as he looked to seal a move away from Celtic.

Haggerty is certain Edouard will be prolific for Palace but feels he still needs to work on his game if he is to be a roaring success in the Premier League.

He told Football FanCast: “I think he is a highly talented and skilful footballer. In front of goal, he will score if you put him through one-on-one or put the ball across the box. He takes a mean free-kick as well.

“He will frustrate the life out of you though. He will take an extra touch and try to beat guys.

“To cut it in the Premier League, you need to be the complete package, run into the channels, play guys in, hold it up and compete. That’s maybe where he lacks.”