All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their upcoming Europa League fixture.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, Ange Postecoglou revealed that the injuries picked up by Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston during Celtic’s 1-0 win over Hearts on Thursday evening do not appear to be anything serious, despite both players being substituted in the fixture.

Speaking about the current condition of the duo, the 56-year-old Bhoys boss said: “Stephen Welsh and Anthony Ralston doesn’t look like anything serious.”

Postecoglou will be elated

Considering just how unlucky Postecoglou has been with injuries in his short tenure as Celtic’s manager thus far, the news that both Welsh and Ralston do not look as if they will be required to spend an extended spell on the sidelines is sure to have left the Greek-Australian coach elated.

Indeed, Ralston has been one of the surprises of the season so far, as, over his 13 Premiership appearances, the £270k-rated right-back has helped his side keep five clean sheets, scored three goals, provided five assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.8 key passes, 2.1 tackles and winning 7.1 duels per game.

These returns have seen the 23-year-old average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.72, ranking him as the third-best player in the Scottish top flight.

Meanwhile, over Welsh’s seven league fixtures, the £1.08m-rated centre-back has helped keep two clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.7 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and winning 5.6 duels per fixture – with these metrics seeing the 21-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 7.16.

As such, while there is nothing left to play for in Thursday evening’s Europa League fixture, the news that both Ralston and Welsh look as if they will be available for selection is undoubtedly a huge boost for Celtic – with fans sure to be delighted after finally hearing some positive injury news out of Parkhead.

In other news: Ange can save millions with “Roy of the Rovers” who’s got a “big future at Celtic”

Newcastle United have made an enquiry for Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett.

That’s according to 90min, and their update has had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

Targett has been a regular for Steven Gerrard in recent months, missing just two games under the Villa boss. The 26-year-old signed a new Villa Park contract last year through to 2025 but could now be second choice following Lucas Digne’s arrival.

Targett dropped to the bench against Manchester United last weekend for Digne to make his debut after his move from Everton, and it seems as if Newcastle are keen on the Englishman as a result.

90min revealed on Wednesday that the Magpies have approached Villa over a possible move for Targett, who could now be available to leave the Midlands.

Villa fans react

Both The AVFC Faithful and Total Villa shared the news regarding Targett on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one wanting Allan Saint-Maximin in any deal.

“I’ll drive him up to Scotland myself”

Credit: @BenevolentBarry

“Saint-Max swap deal”

Credit: @charliepowellm1

“No way does Targett get sold. You don’t solve a problem then unsolve it immediately. Summer may be a different matter”

Credit: @TheHolte1874

“Crazy to sell him as we can’t just have Ash. Matt is great backup and would hope he wants to fight for his place rather than go elsewhere!”

Credit: @k1eranw

“No. Targett is ahead of Young on the pecking order for LB by a long shot. It would be silly for him to be sold.”

Credit: @AvfcUncut

“We want a squad now. So he has to stay unless he wants to go.”

Credit: @ch1992_ch

In other news: ‘Give them what they want’ – Many Villa fans flock to transfer update on potential ‘superstar’. 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in CF Montreal’s Djordje Mihailovic.

What’s the talk?

According to 1000Cuorirossoblu, PIF are plotting a swoop for the attacking midfielder at the end of the season, alongside a number of other clubs.

The report claims that Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Leverkusen and Leeds are also keen on the gem, whose contract with the MLS side expires in December 2023.

Huge Almiron upgrade

Newcastle must secure a deal to sign Mihailovic as he would be a huge upgrade on Miguel Almiron heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

In 26 Premier League appearances, Almiron has scored one goal and provided one assist for the Toon. Whilst his strike against Crystal Palace earlier this month was a terrific finish and one for the fans to enjoy at St. James’ Park, he has not been able to produce that level of quality on a consistent basis and his lack of impact in the final third is a cause for concern.

Two goal contributions in 15 league starts is a dismal return from a winger, particularly after he managed five (four goals and one assist) in 28 starts last season (34 appearances). He has not been a reliable player for the Magpies in the final third and that is why the club should be looking to sign Mihailovic to take his place in the team.

The Montreal midfielder has had a sensational start to 2022 as he has racked up four goals and two assists in eight appearances. He has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.61 as he has created 2.5 chances per game, showing that he can consistently deliver at the top end of the pitch.

This comes after he managed four goals and 14 assists in 32 starts in 2021. In the 2020/21 campaign, he created a whopping 18 ‘big chances’ and made 2.3 key passes per game and these statistics suggest that he can be a creative force for the Magpies – with journalist Chris Smith dubbing him a “gorgeous passer”.

He can, therefore, be a big upgrade on the Paraguay international if he is able to translate his form for Montreal over to the Premier League next season.

The American dynamo, who has 40 MLS goals and assists combined in his career, is also five years younger than Almiron and has scope to develop further over the years. Howe can work with him on the training pitch to hone his skills and this means that he can be a player for the short and long-term future of the club.

AND in other news, 71% duels won: £19k-p/w NUFC titan brought his “passion off the pitch” onto it vs NCFC – opinion

Lukasz Fabianski was one of West Ham’s better performers in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday night.

The Polish international made four saves on the night, including two fine stops to deny Mason Greenwood and Bruno Fernandes. There was nothing he could do to prevent the home side’s winning goal, however, as the ball struck Craig Dawson at the near post following a corner and rolled into the net.

SofaScore awarded him a rating of 7.3, bettered only by Declan Rice (7.6) in the Hammers’ ranks. The ‘keeper’s display was a positive on a night where West Ham carried little attacking threat, ending the game without a shot on target.

They remain in fifth place, but they have allowed Chelsea to gain a point over the weekend in the race for the top four. The tricky run of fixtures continues next Sunday when they meet Arsenal.

After the game, Fabianski tweeted ‘United take all three points’, accompanied by an image of a fist-bump with Fernandes.

The mood in the replies was split, with some praising the goalkeeper’s performance and others unimpressed with his relatively upbeat reflection on a defeat for West Ham.

How West Ham fans reacted to Fabianski tweet

“Well played LF, shame the manager let the team down tonight with his negative tactics”

Credit: @ScottVenn

“Great from you today mate. Shame we weren’t allowed to play our football until after they scored”

Credit: @jack_lipscombe

“You were brilliant again. Moyes team selection and tactics were very poor”

Credit: @artblockmusic

“Our MOTM”

Credit: @TiggerWHU

“Well played Fab, but we have to get rid of the small team mentality and giving the so called big teams too much respect they don’t deserve with a negative set up. We are better than last night.”

Credit: @darrell210474

“No, we lost Fabs.”

Credit: @Mozzer2015

“Awful team selection. Players let down by Moyes”

Credit: @Irons85858585

In other news, many Hammers weren’t happy with this journalist’s post-match transfer claim.

Graeme Souness says he ‘wouldn’t be confident about Newcastle winning another game’ this season after the ‘attitude’ they displayed against Brighton at the weekend.

Leandro Trossard, Danny Welbeck and Neal Maupay were on target for the Seagulls as they crushed Steve Bruce’s men in the relegation six-pointer.

Newcastle could only muster three shots (one on target) over the course of the 90 minutes (via BBC Sport). They finished the game with an xG of just 0.09 (via XG Philosophy).

Newcastle’s survival prospects assessed

Fulham’s defeat at home to Leeds on Friday night means that Newcastle stay two points above the bottom three with a game in hand, but they are winless in their last six matches and their run-in includes meetings with Tottenham, West Ham, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester and Manchester City.

Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League [via Football Daily], Souness – who managed Newcastle between 2004 and 2006 –  offered a damning verdict, saying:

“I look at that group of players and I wouldn’t be confident about them winning another game, if that’s their attitude tonight. They were going through the motions.

“They don’t have any easy games left, the way they’re playing and the appetite they’re showing. It’s worrying for them and Steve Bruce knows that.

“You can lose one way and you can lose by not having a go and I think tonight, they went down without a fight, for me.”

Steve Bruce hangs on

Even though he questioned the players’ desire, Souness did not look to shield Steve Bruce from criticism either.

He said that “the buck stops with the manager” and warned that Mike Ashley may be tempted to make a change in the dugout as he sweats over the value of his “asset”.

As it stands, Bruce’s job is said to be safe (via Sky Sports). It was reported earlier in the campaign that Ashley would only pull the trigger if Newcastle were to slip into the relegation zone at any stage (via Chronicle Live).

Transfer Tavern verdict

More often than not, a performance like the one Newcastle produced at the Amex Stadium would be the last straw. It was a far cry from ‘playing for the manager’.

Ashley’s preoccupation with the table as opposed to the team’s trajectory is very worrying for the club’s supporters. In the past, he has brought in Alan Shearer and Rafa Benitez for the final stretch of the season and it has proven too little, too late.

You fear that, with the international break preceding a nine-game run-in, Newcastle may be missing their last chance to make an impactful change.

In other news, Newcastle are said to be in pole position to sign this player.

Leeds United have Celtic defender Leo Hjelde on their summer radar, according to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The Lowdown: Whites’ previous interest

This isn’t the first time Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been credited with an interest in the 17-year-old who Neil Lennon brought to Parkhead in 2019.

Hjelde, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, made 12 appearances for Ross County last season.

Former County boss John Hughes revealed back in April that Leeds were keen on Hjelde prior to his temporary move to Victoria Park, and it seems as if they are back in for the teenager once again.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-5/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Graham Smyth’s claim

Reliable reporter Smyth shared a story on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Hjelde.

He claimed that the Norwegian is just one of a number of youngsters Leeds are monitoring both domestically and abroad.

The Whites will reportedly make first-team additions their priority this summer before turning their attentions to Under-23 additions.

The Verdict: What should Celtic do?

Hjelde clearly impressed Hughes at County last season, who went so far as to describe the defender as the ‘next Virgil van Dijk’.

On that basis, losing the versatile youngster could prove to be a big loss in the long run.

He also has just 12 months remaining on his Parkhead deal, so it’s not as if Celtic can afford to ignore all interest in Hjelde over the next six months.

If they do, he could speak with Leeds in January and agree on a pre-contract in Yorkshire, so Celtic may have to bite the bullet and receive a fee this summer, even if they’re desperate to keep hold of him.

In other news: Kieran Devlin shares James Forrest, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull news, find out more here.

Many Liverpool fans have been left to flock to an update from James Pearce on John Henry.

As per a tweet from The Athletic journalist, the American businessman and investor has apologised to Jurgen Klopp, Billy Hogan, the players and all of the staff involved with the Anfield faithful over his decision for the Reds to enter the proposed European Super League (ESL).

Pearce also shared a video of the full message and apology from Henry to the fans over the outrage that the news caused, as the Merseyside club have since pulled out of the ESL.

While an apology from Henry was welcome and much needed, the damage has already been done according to several LFC supporters, and that relationship may not be able to ever be built up again.

Liverpool fans on Henry apology

These Liverpool fans flocked to Pearce’s update on Twitter to voice their continued dismay at Henry for his willingness to enter their club in the ESL:

“Interesting that he refers to ‘your club’ not our club?!”

Credit: @MrJDeacon

“How many times can they get things so wrong? If someone learns from mistakes and improve as a result you can live with it but with these I’m just left thinking …..What next?”

Credit: @Simmo2411

“Crocodile tears”

Credit: @carllesliesport

“Better late than never”

Credit: @bunt711

“Mistake acknowledged, apologised now let’s move on”

Credit: @ShamiSi81462566

“Lies lies lies.”

Credit: @abz0902

In other news, find out what Klopp comments on his future have got Reds talking here!

According to The Sun, Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing Reading’s Josh Laurent this summer.

The Lowdown: Rangers planning ahead

With this season now wrapped up, the Gers can fully concentrate on 2021/22 and beyond. Ross Wilson has already been busy, bringing in Fashion Sakala on a free transfer from Oostende (rangers.co.uk).

There are likely to be a few more new arrivals over the coming months, though, as the Ibrox outfit prepare for a Champions League campaign in the late summer.

The Latest: Gers eye Laurent

One name who has popped up on the Gers’ radar is Reading midfielder Laurent.

He only signed for the Royals last summer, but the deal was just two years in length, meaning he would be out contract next year. According to this report, Brighton are also in pursuit, with a potential bargain fee of £8m mooted.

The Verdict: Top target

While Laurent may be a relatively unknown name outside the English Championship, he has enjoyed a fantastic season at the Madejski Stadium.

The 26-year-old was almost an ever-present in Reading’s midfield, playing 45 out of a possible 46 games in the Championship (Transfermarkt) as his side narrowly missed out on the play-offs. His performances even earned him the club’s Player of the Season award, while Reading manager Veljko Paunovic described him as “fantastic” (readingfc.co.uk).

A fee of £8m would be a considerable one for the Gers to pay, but a new central midfielder should be high up on the list of priorities. Steven Davis recently signed a new one-year contract (BBC) but, at the age of 36, he is unlikely to be able to play every week, while Ryan Jack remains injury-prone.

Therefore, Laurent – who has 14 career goals to his name – could be an astute signing for the 55-time Scottish champions if they beat Brighton to the chase for him. Indeed, £8m may even seem like something of a bargain if he were to replicate his Reading form at Ibrox.

In other news, many Rangers fans slammed this journalist’s comments.

Liverpool have struggled without their leader at the back Virgil van Dijk this season, and Paul Stewart, who was signed by Liverpool for £2.3 million in 1992, spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern about how much of a difference the Dutchman will make next season.

After appearing to be complete outsiders to qualify for the Champions League Liverpool are now favourites to finish in the top four as they just have to win their final two league games against Burnley and Crystal Palace.

In recent weeks  Van Dijk has confirmed that he will not be going to the European Championships with the Netherlands this summer as he looks to continue his recovery from an ACL injury which saw him ruled out for the season back in October.

When the Dutch international returns next season he could be just like a new signing and an expensive one, that is according to Stewart who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“I’m assuming Van Dijk will be fit for the start of next season, which will be like buying a new £100 million centre back for them.

“He has been missing for so long though and Liverpool have sorely missed him this season.”

Liverpool kept their Champions League hopes alive last weekend when Alisson scored a 94th-minute header to send fans, players and Jurgen Klopp into delirium over what they had just witnessed.

When Van Dijk plays for Liverpool the whole side becomes better as he can bring the ball out of defence into midfield and his ability to cover any of the other three defenders is something that allows Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson to stay further forward.

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.