All posts by z3u9t.icu

Not only did Aston Villa manage to pick up their first defeat under new manager Steven Gerrard in the 2-1 loss at Villa Park against Manchester City in midweek, but they were also dealt a blow when winger Leon Bailey was forced off the pitch with an injury.

Speaking after the match against Pep Guardiola’s side, Gerrard revealed that the thigh injury suffered by the Jamaican “doesn’t look good” and that it “looks like he will miss at least a couple of games.”

Opportunity knocks

With this in mind, it could be the perfect time for one other Villa attacker to finally get the chance to prove himself to Gerrard while Bailey is out injured is Anwar El Ghazi.

Since Gerrard was appointed at Villa, El Ghazi has only made two substitute appearances, the first of which coming in their 2-0 win over Brighton in Gerrard’s first game where he played just six minutes, followed by a 13-minute cameo in the win against Crystal Palace where he provided an assist.

Even though Gerrard chose to bring on Ashley Young for the injured Bailey in the game against City in midweek, leaving El Ghazi on the bench for the duration, the Englishman failed to have much of an attacking impact to try and claw a positive result from the match.

With this in mind and the fact that El Ghazi, who has been labelled in the past as “unstoppable” by former Villa teammate Alan Hutton, has as many goals as Bailey and Emi Buendia in the league at this point in the season, this could the Dutchman’s best opportunity to show to Gerrard that he should be in the starting XI more often.

Looking ahead to the future, with Villa set to take on Leicester City on Sunday afternoon for their next Premier League clash, Gerrard should definitely consider giving El Ghazi a chance to prove himself from the start rather than from the substitutes bench again to see if he can make a difference to the team.

If Gerrard does pick El Ghazi to start against the Foxes and he manages to deliver a solid performance, he could well find himself at the start of a regular run in the team, which would be great for the winger given how he’s only started four league games so far this season.

In other news: Villa handed double potential injury boost ahead of LCFC that’ll leave fans thrilled – opinion

Arsenal are seemingly targeting a major addition this month if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the north London outfit are seeking a new option to bolster Mikel Arteta’s engine room before the deadline on January 31st and they have as many as three names on their shortlist.

“Arsenal are working to sign a new midfielder. Bruno Guimarães appreciated but currently not discussed as January target – deal too complicated, €45m fee,” he tweeted.

“Arthur Melo on loan has been discussed days ago – but still no talks/contacts with Juve. Three names in the list.”

Exciting news

This will come as exciting news to those around the Emirates Stadium as it is no secret that the Gunners desperately need reinforcements in the heart of midfield.

The north Londoners will be without Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny for the rest of the month as both players are competing at the Africa Cup of Nations, whilst Ainsley Maitland-Niles has completed a loan move to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma, so that leaves Arteta even more light on options.

“We are very, very short at the moment. We are going to move and look for options because we are very short there,” the 39-year-old revealed to reporters this week.

Indeed, he now only has Granit Xhaka and Albert Sambi Lokonga to call upon for that deeper role, with Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe capable of playing further forward.

An injury to any of these names could quickly curtail Arsenal’s progress this campaign as they find themselves firmly in the race for a top-four finish.

There is only a four-point gap to seventh place, so the Gunners cannot afford a slip-up and that’s why the club’s hierarchy must push ahead with plans to land a new midfielder this month.

It is certainly encouraging to see them being proactive – as Romano states, they are working to sign someone – so that should leave supporters absolutely buzzing.

AND in other news, David Ornstein: Arsenal now lead race for “complete” goal machine…

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic, according to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira.

Over a month ago, reports first emerged linking the north London strugglers with a move for the 21-year-old talisman, with the Serie A outfit looking for a fee in the region of €50m (£44m).

As Vlahovic is under contract until 2023, there is no rush to cash in on him, especially given the form he’s in but Spurs can strike gold if they win the race to secure him.

The likes of AC Milan, Dortmund and RB Leipzig, who offered €25m (£22.5m) last summer, are all said to be keen.

Spurs could have plenty of decisions to make in the striking department this summer.

Harry Kane’s future remains dubious for the time being, with both Manchester clubs keeping tabs on his situation, and he will wait until after England’s Euro 2020 tournament to decide his fate.

Whilst it seems unlikely that Spurs will activate the £40m option to sign Benfica loanee Carlos Vinicius permanently, according to the Daily Mail.

Therefore, a new forward is certainly going to be on the agenda, regardless of whether or not Kane goes.

Vlahovic makes an interesting candidate as he’s emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young attackers and at just 21, he’s surely only going to get better.

In just 30 league appearances, the Serbian has found the net 15 times, which is more than Andrea Belotti and Ciro Immobile, and as many as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so he’s certainly in good company.

Inter Milan legend Christian Vieri even believes he’s up there with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe as one of Europe’s top young strikers, he told fans on TwitchTV (via TBR): “I think that, after Haaland and Mbappe, he is one of the strongest in Europe. He has quality, technique. He is Serbian and they are all technically good.”

That sort of talent, combined with an evident knack for regularly finding the net, would certainly prove useful for Jose Mourinho or whoever is in charge next season – whether that be as a replacement for Kane or a viable understudy.

Rated at just £36m by CIES Football Observatory, Levy really ought to make a move now before his value soars rapidly – the comparisons to Haaland and Mbappe will certainly aid his growth, so the Spurs chairman must stump up the cash sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Aurier? Spurs can land upgrade in 22 y/o beast who’s made 74 tackles…

Manchester United appear to be leading the likes of Tottenham in the race to sign Benfica forward Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Man Utd interest in Nunez

Described as an ‘absolute beast’ earlier this month during a podcast discussing his display against Liverpool, the Uruguayan appears to be a man in demand this summer following his starring campaign in Portugal.

The 22-year-old has scored a whopping 33 goals in 39 games, impressing as a centre-forward, second striker and left winger.

The Uruguay international was linked with a big-money move to Manchester last week, and a fresh update has now emerged in their pursuit of a possible club-record deal.

The Latest: United leading the way for Nunez

Sport Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet AS regarding Nunez on Tuesday. They claimed that 22-year-old could link up with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who is set to meet with ‘several English clubs’ regarding the Benfica forward.

United are thought to be ‘in the lead’ following an ‘express request’ from new manager Erik ten Hag.

The Verdict: Huge

Cristiano Ronaldo looks likely to be the only senior centre-forward available to Ten Hag when he arrives, with Edinson Cavani set to depart Old Trafford over the coming months.

Therefore, bringing in an exciting young attacker who has been prolific this season in numerous positions seems to be a smart move going forward.

Benfica want €130m for Nunez, which equates to around £109m and would make him the most expensive United signing of all time ahead of Paul Pogba, but it could prove to be the perfect one for Ten Hag in what the Red Devils are hoping will be a new era for the club.

In other news: Ten Hag now wants Man Utd chiefs to sign ‘superstar’ attacker for free

Many Manchester United fans were left to slam the display of Dan James in their 1-1 home draw to AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

Amad Diallo’s first senior goal for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team was cancelled out very late on by a header from Simon Kjaer at Old Trafford, which Dean Henderson should have done much better with.

Nonetheless, James was guilty of missing a great chance in the second half that he put wide of the goal, and did not have the best of games in general.

The former Swansea City man lost out on five of his duels and also failed to record a single shot on target, key pass or accurate cross in the match (Sofascore).

He also lost possession of the ball no fewer than 15 times, the joint-second most out of any MUFC player, as he earned a very measly 6.3 overall rating on Sofascore, the lowest out of any of his teammates to have started the clash.

Manchester United fan reaction to James display

These Red Devils slammed his performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that the Wales international is ‘useless’:

“Honestly I don’t want to see Dan James and Nemanja Matic play for us next season. It’s time to go! #MUFC”

Credit: @UtdLad_

“A pair of empty boots is better than James and Maguire. #MUNACM #MUFC #GGMU”

Credit: @samerkq

“OGS, Maguire & James are all frauds #MUFC”

Credit: @ImDahRealDude

“Forget pointless James, out of form Rashford, and Antho-Lazy Martial; this Adam Diallo is what #MUFC need upfront!! How much are we paying Cavani for his 3 goals a season?”

Credit: @Spot_the_G

“Daniel James is a very useless player. #MUFC #MUFCACM”

Credit: @_eniolaola_

“McTominay, Matic, Fred & James are not good enough for Man United. Long-term, short-term, just not in the same league. #MUFC #MUNACM #UEL”

Credit: @LazyTrumpeter97

In other news, find out which Premier League star Man Utd have made an approach to sign here!

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the appointment of Paulo Fonseca as their next manager.

The 48-year-old will be the man tasked with replacing Jose Mourinho in the dugout whilst the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ takes his fellow countryman’s place at AS Roma.

He’ll have a mighty task on his hands, not at least because he was thought to be the club’s sixth choice for the role.

Fonseca will arrive in North London knowing that his star striker Harry Kane wants to leave, the futures of several players are up in the air, the defence needs a major overhaul and much of the deadwood needs to be moved on.

However, he does meet the key criteria set out by chairman Daniel Levy, who very early on in the process – some six to seven weeks ago – was said to desire an ‘attack-minded’ head coach who could commit to the development of the club’s young stars.

In the former Shaktar Donetsk boss, they get just that.

Fonseca’s Roma side may have struggled to pick up results on the pitch but their style of play has drawn plenty of plaudits, ranging from The Athletic’s James Horncastle describing them as the league’s “entertainers” alongside Atalanta and Sassuolo, to Portuguese journalist Alex Goncalves once dubbing it as “stylish football.”

Ryan Sessegnon would have been one player Levy had in mind for next season and, following a successful loan spell at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, he’s surely in line to play more regularly for Spurs’ senior side.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-manager-gossip-transfer-rumours-team-and-injury-updates-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, team and injury updates and more!”]

Indeed, if Fonseca unleashes the versatile wide man next season, he could save himself, Levy, and the club several millions in the transfer market.

What makes the 21-year-old gem so appealing is his ability to play anywhere down that left flank, and given the Portuguese has often gone to a three-at-the-back wing-back system, the youngster could provide backup to Sergio Reguilon.

The futures of Erik Lamela, Lucas Moura and Gareth Bale are all up in the air, meaning that Spurs could have a shortage of out-and-out wingers going into next season. Again, Sessegnon solves this problem.

Now valued at just over £16m by Transfermarkt, the England under-21 international must step up if given an opportunity. It’s time for him to deliver on the huge potential with which he has always been touted throughout his short career to date.

“He is a big, big talent. The sky is the limit for him. He may become one of the world’s best in his position,” claimed Sessegnon’s former Fulham teammate Stefan Johansen. “He is an incredibly down to earth person who works hard every day. His future seems very bright.”

Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen has described him as a “highly talented and fast wide player, with a strong left foot.”

If he gets the Spurs job, Fonseca must look to develop the young dynamo next season. In the process he could save the club millions – or at the very least invest those funds in another area, such as the defence.

AND in other news, Paratici could land Spurs a perfect Kane replacement in £26m-rated beast who’s “so crazy”…

Tottenham Hotspur were made aware ‘weeks ago’ that Gareth Bale was not planning to extend his loan spell for a second season, a report from The Athletic has revealed.

The lowdown

The Welshman temporarily returned to north London for the 2020/21 season, seven years on from his then-world record £85m move to Real Madrid.

Bale scored 11 goals and added another two assists in just 10 Premier League starts (via WhoScored). He netted a further five times in the cup competitions, finishing as Tottenham’s third highest-scorer behind Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

There have been changes in management at both clubs involved in the loan deal, however. Spurs sacked Jose Mourinho in April, while Real Madrid have brought back Carlo Ancelotti after the departure of Zinedine Zidane.

The latest

Bale was left frustrated by the lack of starting opportunities afforded to him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Sources close to the player feel he was ‘badly mismanaged’, in particular during Mourinho’s tenure. [The Athletic]

He doesn’t intend to come back to Spurs for the 2021/22 season and is said to have ruled out another loan move away from Madrid. MLS clubs are apparently ‘investigating their prospects’ of a blockbuster transfer. [The Athletic]

The verdict

The £16.2m-rated Bale scored or assisted every 87 minutes for Spurs last season, which does suggest that he was under-utilised by Mourinho.

He once again underlined his class at the Euros, with a pair of assists in Wales’ vital 2-0 win over Turkey which effectively put them into the last 16.

The 31-year-old certainly seems to still have plenty to offer in European football and he may harbour hopes of resurrecting his Real Madrid career, but remaining at Spurs could have been an attractive and mutually beneficial option had he been given the game-time he felt he deserved.

In other news, a new name has emerged in Spurs’ manager hunt.

Many Sunderland fans were delighted with comments from Aiden O’Brien following their 1-0 victory over Bristol Rovers in League One on Saturday.

The three points against the Pirates were important for the Black Cats in the fight for promotion. As it stands, they are now third in the table after going on an unbeaten run of 10 games in the league (Sky Sports), and they are just three points behind leaders Hull City with two games in hand (BBC).

O’Brien scored the only goal of the game this weekend, and he spoke to Sunderland’s media team after the match. After his strike, he celebrated by imitating a shark, and he revealed that the celebration was inspired by Lee Johnson’s pre-game team talk.

A clip of the 27-year-old’s comments were shared on Twitter by the Wearside club’s official account, and it attracted plenty of attention from Sunderland supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts – one made a comparison with Johnson’s predecessor Phil Parkinson, who was regarded in some quarters as a “dour” figure.

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

“Everything about this is class, so refreshing to hear this attitude after the last couple of years. And what a turnaround for O’Brien, completely different player compared to the Parky days, mainly in that he exists”

Credit: @Scrivener30

“Class”

Credit: @lewygsafc

“Good attitude that lad”

Credit: @Tom01Crangle

“Love that little grin at the word “battle””

Credit: @AdamHegarty19

“The difference is mad… you’d never have that banter with Parkinson or last few managers to be fair”

Credit: @seaneagle12

“Love to see that their having banter as well as winning games. Never saw that under Parkinson. Ha’Way The Lads”

Credit: @LukeNor15892157

In other news, many Sunderland fans enjoyed this injury update.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore is set to meet with Dejphon Chansiri for transfer talks in the coming weeks.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Yorkshire Live, who claim that the 47-year-old manager will hold talks with the Owls owner in the coming week in order to establish his summer transfer budget.

At present, the report states that Moore is in the dark as to how much he will be allowed to spend in the upcoming transfer window, while also touching upon the fact that Wednesday are still currently under a transfer embargo – although explain that this is expected to be lifted prior to the transfer market opening next month.

Fans will be hoping for good news

Following a miserable 2020/21 Championship campaign for Wednesday, which saw the Owls finish in 24th place in the second tier standings, as well as having points deducted for breaching financial regulations, fans will undoubtedly be hoping for a fresh start in League One.

Something that should help the club feel as if it is rejuvenated ahead of next season is the sheer amount of players who will be leaving upon the expiry of their current deals, with no less than 17 first-team players due to depart Hillsborough next month.

In theory, this should be good news for Moore, as, with a number of players on extremely inflated wages – such as the £35k-per-week Jordan Rhodes, the £26k-per-week Izzy Brown and the £22k-per-week Tom Lees to name but a few – expected to leave the club, one would imagine that a large chunk of wage budget will be freed up for the 47-year-old this summer.

However, with Chansiri likely to want to avoid a repeat of being unable to pay the playing staff, as was the case on a number of occasions this season, it is questionable just how much of the money saved in wages will be given back to Moore to spend.

Regardless, fans of Wednesday will undoubtedly be begging for some positive news to come from Moore and Chansiri’s talks – in order for them to be able to begin looking forward to their club’s future once again.

In other news: Dom Howson drops huge Sheffield Wednesday transfer claim which will surely have fans buzzing – opinion

Celtic could actually pocket up to £20m in the deal that took Odsonne Edouard to Crystal Palace on deadline day, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Sky Sports claim

Edouard finally sealed a Parkhead exit he has been working on since April with hours remaining of the window, signing a four-year deal at Selhurst Park.

The Hoops brought in a striker of their own in Georgios Giakoumakis from VVV-Venlo.

Sky Sports claimed that a transfer for Edouard cost Patrick Vieira’s side an initial £14m that could rise to £18.5m. However, it seems as if it could be more than that, which is good news for Dominic McKay and Ange Postecoglou.

The Latest: Source shares Wednesday update

Football Insider shared a story on Wednesday after being informed by a Celtic source.

They suggested that a move for Edouard has actually cost Palace £15m which could end up totalling £20m with various add-ons.

The report adds that Celtic will now have to hand Paris Saint-Germain 30% of profits made on Edouard.

The Verdict: A good window

Celtic have brought in 12 summer signings and have come out with a profit, as per Transfermarkt.

The site suggests that the Hoops have forked out just over £20m on incomings and have received £31.59m in departures over recent months.

It seems as if that figure could well rise in the future with add-ons for Edouard, so overall, it appears to have been a productive window for McKay and co, rebuilding a squad in desperate need of a freshen-up with money to spare.

In other news: Deadline day activity away from Celtic means two of McKay’s signings cost effectively nothing.