All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds winger Raphinha made his debut for Brazil during the international break as he featured in their matches against Venezuela and Colombia.

The Whites forward picked up two assists against Venezuela and racked up four chances created over the course of the two games.

Despite this impressive achievement from the former Rennes man, another Leeds forward may have caught Marcelo Bielsa’s eye with his performances on international duty.

Welsh winger Dan James found his best form for his county over the break, with the summer signing from Manchester United excelling against the Czech Republic and Estonia.

In the first match against the Czech Republic, James was given the highest SofaScore rating in the game as he recorded a score of 8.2. He scored a goal in the 2-2 draw with a crisp finish from the right-handside and, per SofaScore, created an eye-catching four chances for his teammates.

On top of that, he also won 50% of his duels and completed 100% of his attempted dribbles – causing constant problems for the Czech defence.

James followed up on that display by putting in another solid showing against Estonia on Monday night. He completed 50% of his attempted dribbles and won four of his seven duels. Once again, he created another four chances for his teammates. This shows that he was sharp in the final third of the pitch and smart with his pass selection as he created multiple openings for other players to score.

Over the course of the two games, he scored once and created eight chances for Wales over the international break, whilst Raphinha failed to score and registered two assists from four key passes.

Therefore, James showed more than the Brazilian in the final third for his country and stole the show for Robert Pages’ men.

Bielsa will surely be delighted with James’ displays for Wales as it could give him a confidence boost heading into the next batch of Premier League matches. The forward is yet to pick up a goal or assist for the Whites since joining from Manchester United, making five appearances, and his superb form for his country could help him get off the mark against Southampton on Saturday.

The thought of him and Raphinha linking up together is now becoming a mouth-watering one.

AND in other news, £11.5m profit: Leeds pulled off transfer blinder with “first-class” £50k-p/w colossus…

Writing in his column for The Daily Star, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has given Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy a managerial instruction.

The Lowdown: Pressure on Nuno…

Despite a brilliant start to life at N17, even managing to clinch August’s Premier League Manager of the Month award, it has all been downhill for Nuno Espirito Santo since the international break.

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The Portuguese has overseen a trio of humiliating defeats at their hands of London rivals in September and there are now reports of growing unrest behind the scenes at Spurs.

As such, links have re-emerged to former boss Mauricio Pochettino after Levy attempted to re-hire him earlier this year, but Merson has now told the Lilywhites chairman to make a different appointment if Nuno is indeed given his marching orders.

The Latest: Merson makes Potter claim…

Writing in his Daily Star column, Merson has told Levy to hire Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter as Nuno’s possible replacement.

The pundit believes that the Seagulls manager could bring an ‘entertaining’ brand of football to Spurs and a philosophy which supporters especially would love.

He also suggests that Nuno has ‘lost the players’ at Tottenham and, if they lose against Aston Villa today, doesn’t see how the 47-year-old survives the next international break.

The Verdict: Ideal man?

When Spurs were linked with Potter as a possible replacement for Jose Mourinho earlier this year, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold lifted the lid on what Lilywhites players think of him as a coach.

Their reception of the 46-year-old, according to the football.london journalist, is certainly glowing, with Gold revealing that a ‘number of’ Spurs players had a ‘lasting impression’ left on them by his playing style at Brighton (Twitter).

It is also claimed that a number of them would have been ‘happy’ if the former Ostersunds man was pursued by Spurs during their last managerial hunt.

Taking this into account, and the fact that he has been called a ‘world class manager’ by former England international Adam Lallana, Merson could very well have a point.

In other news: Spurs source claims that Levy is eyeing £115,000-per-week ‘genius’ amid Nuno unrest…find out more here.

Nottingham Forest have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Zian Flemming to the City Ground.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Dutch publication De Limburger, who claim that a deal for the Fortuna Sittard midfielder is looking increasingly unlikely for Dane Murphy to be able to get over the line this summer, with Italian sides Empoli and Napoli having entered the race for the 23-year-old.

It is also reported that Forest and the Eredivisie club have been at something of a stalemate over their respective valuations of the player, with the Reds thought to have already submitted more than one offer for Flemming, all of which have been rejected.

It is claimed that the Championship side feel the youngster is worth around £1.5m, while Fortuna are thought to be demanding a figure much higher than this amount in order to sanction a sale – with Flemming himself stating that his asking price was “a very high transfer fee – too high.”

However, De Limburger claim that, following the interest from Italy, the chances of a move to England and Nottingham, in particular, are fading fast.

Murphy will be gutted

Considering the sheer amount of potential Flemming appears to possess, as well as the fact that, at one point, it looked as if Forest were very much in the driving seat regarding the signing of the midfielder, should the Reds ultimately miss out on a deal for the 23-year-old this summer, it would undoubtedly leave Murphy gutted.

Indeed, over his 33 Eredivisie appearances last season, the £1.08m-rated man bagged 12 goals, provided seven assists and created eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per fixture.

These metrics saw the attacking midfielder earn a highly impressive average SofaScore match rating of 7.04, ranking him as Fortuna Sittard’s third-best player in the top flight of Dutch football.

As such, with Forest already boasting a number of extremely talented youngsters in the likes of Brennan Johnson, Alex Mighten and Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, the addition of Flemming would have further transformed Chris Hughton’s side into one of the most exciting outfits in the second tier.

However, with a move now looking unlikely for the 23-year-old, unless the Forest CEO can pull something special out of the bag to beat both Napoli and Empoli to the midfielder, he will have to turn his attention in what remains of the summer transfer window elsewhere.

In other news: Forest dealt blow over “one of the best” ahead of Bradford tie, Hughton will be gutted

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino would be open to succeeding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Manchester United hot seat following his dismissal over the weekend.

What’s the story?

According to The Telegraph’s James Ducker, the 49-year-old is interested in becoming the Red Devils’ new boss, although would prefer to wait until the summer before switching clubs.

He tweeted: “Pochettino open to taking over as MUFC manager next summer.”

However, a recent update from BBC Sport has claimed that the Argentine tactician would be prepared to depart PSG immediately should he be approached, raising the possibility of his imminent appointment.

Simon Stone’s report states that: “Mauricio Pochettino is open to becoming Manchester United manager, and it is not out of the question they could get the Paris St-Germain boss now.

“The Argentine is held in high regard at Old Trafford, but there was a feeling it might be difficult to prise him away from PSG mid-season.” Man Utd fans will be buzzing

Man United supporters will be delighted with this news as Pochettino is one of the most highly respected coaches in European football after his impressive exploits at Tottenham Hotspur and in the French capital.

He guided Spurs to four consecutive top-four finishes in the Premier League during his five-and-a-half-year reign, reaching the Champions League final in 2019 before being dismissed just a few months later.

Following his move to the Parc des Princes halfway through last season, Pochettino broke his managerial duck, claiming his first piece of silverware via a French Cup success.

Nevertheless, it’s believed that the South American is currently unhappy in Paris, and Stone’s latest revelation reveals how the setup is not completely to Pochettino’s liking.

“It is not thought United have made an approach yet but the 49-year-old is less than completely happy with the setup at PSG, where his role is essentially that of first-team coach, with all broader club and footballing issues handled by sporting director Leonardo,” he wrote.

With United down in seventh-place in the top-flight table and six points behind West Ham in the final Champions League qualification spot, the club’s hierarchy may need to act quickly in order to save their season, and Pochettino could be the ideal candidate judging by his ability to get teams into the top four places. That, understandably so, would leave the United fanbase buzzing.

And, in other news…”I’m told” – Sky Sports journo drops big Man United manager update, fans surely elated

The Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser wouldn’t rule out a move to Tottenham for Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer.

The 29-year-old Saints forward was in inspired form last season scoring 13 goals in all competitions, and has 46 in 100 appearances for the south coast outfit in total, and with only one year remaining on his current contract, Southampton may look to cash in on their prized asset this summer and avoid the risk of losing him on a free next year.

Eurosport also confirmed earlier this week that Spurs were observing the situation of Ings, with Rosser telling TT: “Ings might be looking a bit higher but if nothing comes from City, United or Chelsea someone like that and Spurs come knocking with a nice little wage offer.

“The chance to live in London and play at the stadium, there’s not too many that would turn it down, so I wouldn’t rule it out.”

After failing to qualify for Champions League football last season finishing seventh in the league table, Spurs hired former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager and he will be looking to bring in his own players this summer.

With that in mind, although Espirito Santo will want to keep hold of his best players, Spurs may have to delve into the transfer market for a new striker, with Harry Kane heavily linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur stadium this summer.

Helder Costa will depart Leeds United during the summer transfer window if the prediction of former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips plays out.

The Lowdown: Peripheral figure for Leeds

The Whites has an exceptional season back in the Premier League, with numerous individuals playing big roles for Marcelo Bielsa, whether it be Illan Meslier, Kalvin Phillips or Patrick Bamford, to name just a few.

Someone who rarely played a starring role was Costa, however, with the Portuguese only making a total of 13 starts in the league.

He invariably found himself kept out of the team by the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison, having to make do with a squad role instead.

The Latest: Costa tipped to leave

Costa has been linked with a summer exit, and speaking to Football Insider, Phillips claimed it was time for the winger to find a new club:

“They have already got a lot of wingers. I would say that it makes it very likely that Costa will move on because he didn’t play a lot last season.

“It’s an area that they have plenty of cover in, those wide areas. So I think maybe his time at Leeds is up. He can go somewhere now and go and play regularly. Whether that means that you’ve got to drop down a league, who knows?”

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The Verdict: Time to move on

It makes perfect sense for Costa to leave, despite him being described as an ‘immense’ footballer by former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

His current deal doesn’t expire until 2024, meaning Leeds could receive a decent amount for him and new signings could push him even further down the pecking order.

Costa is a talented player who has still contributed for the Whites, but it feels as though the team is moving on without him and a sale makes sense for all parties.

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to sign a player from under the noses of a fellow Premier League side. Find out who it is here.

Some Liverpool supporters are unconvinced by a report claiming the Reds believe Takumi Minamino will go up a gear this season.

Jurgen Klopp ended up bringing in just one player in the entire summer transfer window, with Ibrahima Konate arriving from RB Leipzig.

It was a summer that left many fans disappointed, at a time when their rivals have spent big and there appeared to be a need to strengthen.

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It could certainly be argued that another attacking player was needed – someone who was able to provide competition to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.

According to the Liverpool Echo [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], however, Liverpool are confident that Minamino will benefit from a full pre-season and will be a handy squad player this season, despite struggling at Anfield to date.

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Liverpool fans react to Minamino claim

These Reds fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts, remaining unconvinced that the Japanese is ready to make the step up.

“Want to believe this but we’ve heard it all before for them or similar players to hardly get a game”

Credit: @Sean_Cousins95

“Minamino has benefited so much that he’s played a grand total of 0 minutes in 3 games”

Credit: @_Nathanshapland

“Pfffttttt”

Credit: @finallypipoy

“These Insiders will believe anything as long as they will save FSG a few bucks”

Credit: @la1lit

“That’s exactly why Klopp has shown zero faith in him so far in the league”

Credit: @JoshLFC1909

“We literally heard this last season”

Credit: @JamzLFC786

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to rumoured interest in one Premier League player. Read more here.

Eredivisie side Cambuur have been linked with a late swoop for Leeds United right-back Cody Drameh, according to Omrop Fryslan journalist Andor Faber.

The Lowdown: Summerville interest

Drameh isn’t the first Leeds player the Dutch side have shown an interest in this summer.

Crysencio Summerville, who made the switch to Elland Road last September, was linked with a season-long loan move to the newly-promoted side back in July.

As we know, the Dutch winger has stayed in Yorkshire and has been on the bench in all three first-team games this season.

Even though they missed out on Summerville, it seems as if they may try their luck with a move for Drameh, described as ‘fantastic’ by Ben Parker.

The Latest: Faber post

Faber took to Twitter on Monday evening to share Cambuur’s interest in the 19-year-old.

He revealed that the Dutch side are looking at the full-back, however, a deal could be complicated due to the possibility of playing time under Marcelo Bielsa.

Drameh was included in Bielsa’s matchday squad for just the second time in the 2-2 draw with Everton on the weekend.

The Verdict: Keep

Even though the teenager could head, presumably on loan, to the Netherlands and play regular first-team football, it would make sense to keep Drameh in Yorkshire.

The Whites chose not to add to their right-back ranks this summer, showing faith in both Drameh and Jamie Shackleton.

Drameh continues to be a regular for the Under-23’s and is reportedly knocking on the door over an England Under-21 call-up.

If he can continue to impress at Thorp Arch, he may well become a regular in Bielsa’s matchday squad, and who knows, could take over from Luke Ayling in years to come.

In other news: Orta now looking at late Leeds swoop for ex-Man United trialist; he’s recently changed position. 

Former Wolves striker Steve Bull believes his old side have no reason to sell Adama Traore this summer, and has hinted that it could be an exciting next 12-18 months for the club if they spend the money they have.

Traore has been linked with a move to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the past and, according to Goal, the 25-year-old winger had considered a transfer in the early part of the season when he was not playing regularly.

However, the same outlet are now reporting that he is close to signing a new contract at the club – if he stays he won’t be working under Nuno Santo following confirmation that he will be departing after Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.

And while Bull expects more interest in the player this summer, the legendary Wolves forward feels there is simply no reason to get rid of him, and believes the club are willing to go for it financially in the next year and a half.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Traore, he said:

“I don’t think Wolves need the money, so I don’t think they need to get rid of him.”

“When you get talk of clubs like that coming in, Tottenham, Liverpool, Man U, Chelsea, then they might have a sniff again.

“I don’t know. I think they’ve got rid of all the players they need to get rid of, and I think now they’re saying, ‘Spend the money [we’ve] got and we’ll see what happens in the next 12 to 18 months.’ “

While Traore has not been at this productive best this season, the Spain international continues to be a dangerous threat with his terrifying dribbling, averaging the most dribbles per league game in his squad (via WhoScored).

Furthermore, he is a player that is probably worth keeping around at Molineux.

Sheffield Wednesday have been boosted by the news that key pair George Byers and Liam Palmer should be fit for the crucial clash with Fleetwood Town.

The Lowdown: Huge game for Owls

The Owls were beaten 1-0 away to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday afternoon, in what was a damaging defeat in the League One promotion battle.

The loss leaves Darren Moore’s side in seventh place and outside the playoff places ahead of Tuesday evening’s massive trip to struggling Fleetwood.

Wednesday had to make do without both Byers and Palmer for the Wycombe game – they didn’t come off the substitutes’ bench – with the pair key players this season, having started a combined 54 league matches.

The Latest: Key duo return

Speaking to the media on Saturday [via Football League World], however, Moore confirmed that he expects the duo to return to the fold at Fleetwood, having rested them at Adams Park:

“It has been a big week. The likes of George and Liam Palmer have played twice this week and we decided to rotate. Now we get them back and ready for Tuesday.

“We have suffered a lot of injuries this season from over misuse and fatigue and tiredness from games. I was able to rejuggle the pack and get ready for Tuesday.”

The Verdict: Massive boost for Wednesday

This is a huge boost for anyone of an Owls persuasion, given the enormity of Tuesday’s potentially make-or-break trip to Highbury.

Victory there would leave playoff destiny in Wednesday’s hands, taking them above Plymouth Argyle and Wycombe, and possibly Sunderland, too, if they don’t win at home to Rotherham on Tuesday.

Both Byers and Palmer would surely both be in Moore’s strongest possible XI and them being back in the team enhances the Owls’ hopes of securing a top-six place, ahead of the final game against Portsmouth at Hillsborough next weekend.

Byers has brought quality and poise to Wednesday’s midfield, scoring five league goals, while Palmer is a model of consistency, having now made 342 appearances for the club.