All posts by z3u9t.icu

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but the current situation at Tottenham Hotspur was hardly unpredictable.

Daniel Levy wanted an attack-minded head coach post-Jose Mourinho and what they settled on was a beta version of the sacked Portuguese boss in Nuno Santo.

After three straight heavy defeats in the Premier League, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss is under increasing pressure to turn things around in north London, despite kickstarting the season with a trio of impressive 1-0 victories, in which they defeated defending champions Manchester City.

The Lilywhites are arguably one of the weakest attacks in the English top-flight, even with Harry Kane back involved.

Spurs are currently averaging the fewest shots per game (9.3), which is fewer than all three teams in the relegation zone, whilst they rank second-last for expected goals (5.47 xG), a feat that only winless Norwich City are worse at.

It could have been a completely different story at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though.

Levy and co were linked to plenty of coaches that deploy an attractive system, including the likes of Julian Naglesmann and Brendan Rodgers – even former manager Mauricio Pochettino held talks with the north London hierarchy.

This week, it emerged that Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter, who currently has the Seagulls well above Spurs in sixth place, rejected the chance to become Mourinho’s successor.

According to the Telegraph, the 46-year-old ‘had no interest in risking his flourishing reputation under Levy.’

Whilst he would’ve been a great candidate to match the philosophy that Spurs were initially looking for, it’s not the biggest loss in the world.

However, as the struggling London outfit prepare for UEFA’s new third-string competition on Thursday, another one of Levy’s summer managerial targets continues to light up the Champions League, the very competition Spurs made the final of over two years ago.

Ajax continued their 100% record in the competition with a routine 2-0 win over Besiktas on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, they look on course to win the Eredivisie for a second successive year.

That’s all down to the impressive coaching exploits of Erik ten Hag, who quickly rose up Tottenham’s shortlist after Nagelsmann opted for Bayern Munich, as per the Telegraph’s Matt Law.

His progressive and attacking style of football would have been one that resonated well with the Lilywhites faithful and he too has a fantastic track record of developing young players into mega profit-earners – think Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt.

Ten Hag has shades of Pep Guardiola, having worked under him at Bayern Munich, and has earned high praise from Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in the past.

“Erik is rightly regarded as one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football at the moment because of the work he does with Ajax.”

Ajax’s latest win means the 51-year-old now has a phenomenal 74% win-rate in charge of the Dutch giants, where he has averaged 2.76 goals per game, via Transfermarkt.

By comparison, Spurs have managed just 1.4 goals per game under Nuno thus far.

If there’s any manager that Levy and co should regret not appointing, then it’s certainly the Dutchman, who has continued his admirable work at Ajax this campaign.

It could well be his biggest mistake yet.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Son: Spurs eyeing “lethal” £34m-rated machine, he once tore Dier apart…

According to Goal, Liverpool genuinely considered swooping for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Liverpool quiet…

Over these last few months, Anfield has been one of the quietest clubs in the English top flight when it comes to incomings.

The majority of their business was conducted through securing their current first team stars and tying them down to new and improved long term deals.

Ibrahima Konate did sign for Liverpool from RB Leipzig very early in the window to the tune of around £36 million, but that was the sum of their first team arrivals on Merseyside.

The Latest: Liverpool weighed Ward-Prowse move…

However, as per this report from Goal, Liverpool did in fact consider swooping for more first team additions and one of them was Southampton star Ward-Prowse.

The 26-year-old, who went on to sign a new deal at St Mary’s, was on the Reds’ radar alongside the likes of Marcel Sabitzer (now Bayern Munich), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Ismaila Sarr (Watford) and Harvey Barnes (Leicester).

While there was interest, Liverpool didn’t follow through akin to the rest of their targets – with supporters now having to wait until January for the prospect of new signings.

The Verdict: Mountainous task…

Ward-Prowse would have been a good signing for Jurgen Klopp’s side, especially considering his praise at Southampton over this last year.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl even lauded the player as ‘unbelievable’ following his very consistent 2020/2021 campaign on the south coast (Hampshire Live).

However, once he signed a new long term deal, which The Athletic say takes his value to around £50 million, it became an impossible task for Liverpool or any other interested party.

Whether or not the Reds could have mounted an improved assault before that fresh contract, we’ll never know.

In other news: ‘Salt to the wounds’, ‘Pain’, ‘FSG out’…Liverpool fans fume over ’embarrassment’, find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have erupted over news involving Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek.

The Czech Republic international, who scored a brilliant 15 goals whilst bagging eight assists in just 19 Fortuna Liga appearances last season (Transfermarkt), was linked with a move to east London.

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Indeed, the Irons apparently held lengthy talks over signing him in the summer as he impressed when called upon at Euro 2020, at least according to 90min. 

Hammers boss David Moyes eventually failed to bag a striker or alternative to Michail Antonio up front, arguably West Ham’s only failure of the summer window.

Now, as per journalist Toby Cudworth, news has emerged on Hlozek and West Ham’s hunt for a forward – even after the window deadline.

According to the reporter, West Ham remain ‘very’ interested in signing the teenage sensation as GSB set their sights on yet another Czech star.

Flocking to this news, it’s safe to say many Irons supporters have erupted on social media – find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Hlozek news…

“We are for the Czech Republic what wolves are for Portugal, and I love it!”

Credit: @Zaksta1011

“Music to my ears”

Credit: @_ghzst

“GET HIM IN”

Credit: @camwestham

“Actually think he’s a perfect signing. Good size, powerful, fast, scores goals. Will also get much better. Next year would be a good time to sign. Think a few clubs will be after him, but we will have pulling power to him, I am sure.”

Credit: @Michael78291492

“We have to get him.”

Credit: @Tommb22

“Definitely get him in”

Credit: @westhamworld

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

A report from Italian newspaper Il Messaggero (via Sport Witness) has expressed confidence that Newcastle United will seal a near-€40million (£33.8million) deal for Boubacar Kamara.

The lowdown

21 year-old Kamara plays for Ligue 1 outfit Marseille and can operate as a centre-back, left-back and a defensive midfielder.

He made 35 league appearances last season, averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.9 successful aerial duels and three accurate long balls per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

One of his former team-mates, Rolando, has labelled him a ‘phenomenon’ who will become a long-term fixture of the France national side.

On Monday, Shields Gazette journalist Liam Kennedy predicted that Newcastle would look to sign another central defender before the end of the window.

The latest

The report states that Marseille will be able to use the proceeds of Kamara’s big-money sale to Newcastle to fund a move for Lazio’s Gonzalo Escalante.

The youngster has entered the final year of his contract at the Stade Velodrome and played the full 90 minutes last weekend as his side came from two goals down to beat Montpellier 3-2.

The verdict

There’s no doubt this would be a magnificent signing for Newcastle, but it would also come as a pretty huge surprise.

As football finance expert Kieran Maguire explains, Mike Ashley is looking to ‘sell his house’ and appears to have little interest in ‘doing up the kitchen first’.

Newcastle could be about to invest more than £20million in the signing of Joe Willock. Surely Ashley won’t sanction a £33.8million swoop for Kamara as well?

In other news, Mark Douglas issued this prediction after the Willock fee was agreed.

Manchester United have suffered a potentially fatal blow in their hopes to sign Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier this summer.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 30-year-old throughout the summer as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add some cover and competitions for first-choice right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

However, it’s now looking increasingly unlikely that Trippier will return to English shores in the current window, with Spanish outlet AS claiming the La Liga outfit have informed United that he’s not for sale.

Their report states: “Strength at the back remains at the heart of the team’s identity and an asset which they don’t take for granted. Precisely for that reason, the club has made it clear that they are not prepared to enter negotiations with any club for Kieran Trippier.

“The answer from Atlético to every single inquiry about the English right-back has been a resounding No. Atleti have had to explain several times that Trippier is an important player for the team in their defence of the title and he isn’t for sale.”

It concludes by revealing the only way for any interested party can prize the full-back away from Wanda Metropolitano is by meeting the €60m (£51m) buyout clause in his contract.

Solskjaer will be gutted

Trippier has established himself as a top-class right-back in recent years following a string of impressive performances for both Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid.

The technically gifted workhorse has also made a name for himself on the international stage, scoring in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat against Croatia and catching the eye of the Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

“His quality on the ball is outstanding,” said Southgate following a pre-World Cup friendly against Nigeria back in 2018.

“There were two set-plays, the one just before the goal – a free-kick bang on the money – then the corner for Gary. It was a great delivery. But we also know his quality on the ball when he’s in the final third.

“Kieran has outstanding quality, and that kind of profile in that position is very important.”

Therefore, Solskjaer is likely to be gutted at this latest revelation. While Wan-Bissaka’s defensive qualities are unquestionable, the former Crystal Palace gem struggles with the attacking aspect of his game.

In the modern era, full-backs are judged on their attacking output as much as the one in and around their own penalty area, meaning Trippier would have been a very useful alternative option for the Norwegian tactician this season.

The Euro 2020 finalist would’ve been an ideal option to offer healthy competition to his fellow countryman at right-back and ultimately, that would have only helped push the club closer to their rivals in the title race this season.

As a result, Solskjaer could rue this development.

And, in other news…Ole must ruthlessly axe £7.2m-rated Man Utd flop this month, he’s been shocking 

Many Wolves fans have been left lauding a transfer update involving Leon Bailey.

As per Bild, the Midlands club have made an offer to sign the Bayer Leverkusen winger in the summer window, along with both Aston Villa and Leicester City.

However, he will not be sold for anything less than €35m (£29.8m), and Villa look to be the favourites at the moment.

Bailey scored a very impressive 15 goals and made a further 11 assists in 40 games in total over all competitions across the 2020/21 season (Transfermarkt), and at just 23 years of age, the Jamaica international surely has the potential to become a truly top player.

Thus, it is not a surprise to see so many members of the Molineux faithful buzzing over his potential signing.

Wolves fans on Bailey transfer update

These WWFC supporters lauded the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that signing Bailey for £29.8m would be a ‘bargain’:

“Not going to happen, but this would be an incredible signing”

Credit: @GreggHill06

“Honestly so keen for this. Come on @wolves”

Credit: @OldManWolves

“Imagine”

Credit: @DanBossman66

“Yess please!!”

Credit: @_meeerick

“BALLER BAILEYY”

Credit: @SlickRiic

“£35m is a bargain, especially if £7m is going to Mendes and his Da”

Credit: @TonyWilde99

In other news, find out what other transfer update has been lauded by Wanderers here!

According to The Guardian journalist Will Unwin, Glasgow Rangers’ Jordan Jones is closing in on a loan move to Wigan Athletic.

The Lowdown: Jones has little immediate Gers future

Jones spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland after controversially receiving a seven-game ban for breaking lockdown rules while still at Rangers (BBC).

As such, it feels as though he has little immediate future at the club, and it appears he could be soon on his way out of the door – at least on a temporary basis.

The Latest: Wigan close in on Jones

According to Unwin, the Latics are closing in on a move for Jones.

The reporter says the move will be a loan deal, though there are no details on who will pay the majority of his wages.

The Verdict: Makes sense

This is a move that makes sense – the Northern Ireland international just does not seem to have a future at Ibrox after last season’s lockdown blip.

He did relatively well during his time with the Black Cats last time out, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 21 matches (Transfermarkt) – he has created 29 goals throughout his career. Kevin Phillips even called one of his goals for the club “unbelievable” (Football FanCast) – high praise indeed.

With Jones having made just 19 appearances in all competitions at Rangers, it is a little surprising that they have not decided to sell him. However, a good campaign with Wigan in the English third tier may put him in the shop window a little more, perhaps boosting the eventual fee they can receive for his services.

In other news, Rangers fans were livid with this journalist’s tweet.

Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are interested in signing West Brom defender Kyle Bartley, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath.

As to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been sharing their thoughts to the news on social media.

According to McGrath, Bartley is an option for both Palace and Newcastle. The 30-year-old has a year left on his contract and could be available for around £3m.

Bartley was a regular under both Slaven Bilic and Sam Allardyce last season, making 31 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies. He has turned out 105 times for his current employers and seems to be of interest to Patrick Vieira, who brought in Michael Olise as his first Selhurst Park signing on Thursday.

The 30-year-old has twice been relegated from the Premier League, having also suffered the drop with Swansea in 2018, while he won just 0.9 tackles per game last season, which would put him joint-14th in Crystal Palace’s squad by comparison.

Palace fans react

Football League World shared a story on McGrath’s claims, with @CPFCtransfersHQ posting that on Twitter.

Here is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply to the links, with one labelling them as ‘strange’.

“Back to reality”Credit: @FPLWILSON”No way”Credit: @benhunt21338833″This is true. Quite a strange one. Heard we in discussions with West Brom for Kyle Bartley, around £3 million. He’s a back-up option for us at this stage.”Credit: @Wheddsta”No more older players, we need younger”Credit: @cpfcjj89″No thank you”Credit: @TheGoverner99″Not for me – a great Championship defender but not a Prem one”Credit: @SameOldPalace05

In other news: ‘Is there anything worse?’ – Many Crystal Palace fans react as ‘awful’ news is confirmed, find out more here. 

Leeds United are reportedly still interested in signing Huesca left-back Javi Galan this summer, despite already bringing in Junior Firpo.

The Lowdown: Leeds sign Firpo

The Whites signed Firpo from Barcelona earlier this month, bringing in the Brazilian as a direct replacement for Ezgjan Alioski.

The 24-year-old looks set to come in as Leeds’ first-choice left-back, although a fresh report suggests their business may not be done in that area of the pitch, given that Leif Davis also looks set to depart.

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The Latest: Galan still linked with move

According to AS [via Sport Witness], the Whites retain an interest in signing Galan, having originally been linked with him before the signing of Firpo.

Sevilla have also reportedly ‘knocked on his door’ regarding a move, with Huesca’s relegation from La Liga last season meaning a summer exit looks likely.

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The Verdict: Replacement for Davis?

With Davis reportedly on the verge of joining Bournemouth on a season-long loan deal, another left-back will be needed at Leeds – Firpo only played seven times in La Liga last season and cannot be expected to play every single game.

Galan could provide great depth alongside the former Barcelona ace, with the 26-year-old’s average of 3.3 dribbles per game in La Liga last season only bettered by Lionel Messi (4.5).

He would provide great attacking thrust down the left flank, but an average of 2.4 tackles per match also shows he is adept defensively, perhaps making him the perfect competition for Firpo.

In other news, one Leeds player is set to leave the club this summer – find out who it is here.

Aston Villa could sign a second exciting young talent from a fellow Premier League club in Chelsea starlet Valentino Livramento.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have been dominated by Villa’s pursuit of Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe, with suggestions that they had put in a second bid for the England youth international.

According to Goal, the Midlands club are also eyeing up a move for 18-year-old right-back Livramento this summer, with the likes of RB Leipzig, Southampton, Brighton and Milan all keen on landing the teenager.

Imagine him and Smith Rowe

The fact that Villa returned with a second bid for Smith Rowe speaks volumes of the ambitious intent they are showing under NSWE this summer, having already secured deals for Emi Buendia and Ashley Young.

In the 5 foot 8 Livramento, they would be getting another superb young addition. Dubbed as a “huge talent”, the England youth international has even captained the Young Lions, playing through the under-16s all the way up to the under-19s.

A profile piece on Chelsea’s official website stated: “Tino Livramento is a defender who plays predominantly at right-back or right wing-back, from where he likes to get forward and attack.

“2020/21 saw Livramento become regular for the development squad, and while still available for our youth team, by January he had contributed eight assists and two goals in 14 Academy outings from various positions on his favoured right side of the pitch.”

Chelsea’s Champions League-winning boss Thomas Tuchel hasn’t been shy in voicing his delight at Livramento’s potential, saying: “I love the academy boys. We have Anjorin and Livramento regularly joining training. The academy has outstanding quality. Every club who has young guys constantly coming in making it, it creates a bond in the club and supporters.”

If Villa could snare the 18-year-old away from Stamford Bridge and also somehow get the Gunners to part ways with Smith Rowe this summer, then Dean Smith could have two more bright young English talents to add to the likes of Louie Barry and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped a transfer update on this Premier League player Villa are targeting…