All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former Celtic transfer target Fernando Henrique looks set to secure a move in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Goal Brazil, who claimed that the defensive midfielder could be set to leave Gremio this month, with Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates appearing to be closing in on a $5m (£3.7m) deal for the 20-year-old.

Previous reports had claimed that Celtic had opened talks with the Brazilian regarding the potential of a move to Parkhead back in October, with The Scotsman stating that Ange Postecoglou was interested in Henrique as none of Ismaila Soro, James McCarthy or Nir Bitton provided the 56-year-old with adequate cover for Callum McGregor.

Postecoglou must finally move for Henrique

While it is true that Celtic have already secured the central midfield signings of both Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi this month, the fact that Postecoglou was interested in a further deal for Riley McGree would appear to suggest that the Hoops manager still believes he requires greater depth in that position.

As such, with Henrique appearing to be available in the current transfer window, it would seem advisable for the 56-year-old to finally make his move for the Gremio starlet, who would undoubtedly make a fantastic addition to Celtic’s current options in the middle of the park.

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Indeed, over his four Brazilian Serie A appearances last season, the £1.35m-rated man – who Almanaque Esportivo claimed is similar to Manchester United midfielder Fred – made a strong impression, averaging a whopping 2.3 interceptions, 2.8 tackles and 0.5 clearances and winning 5.8 duels (with a success rate of 52%) per game.

These returns saw the youngster earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Gremio’s eighth-best performer in the Brazilian top flight in 2021.

As such, considering that Henrique only turned 20 last summer, it would very much seem that he is a talent with a very bright future in the game. We believe that Postecoglou must this month reignite his interest in a move for the youngster who Everything Celtic dubbed a “strong” player, particularly if he is available for as little as £3.7m.

In other news: Postecoglou drops transfer claim on £5.7k-p/w dynamo, Celtic fans will be fuming

According to Calciomercato, there has been yet another contract development out of Rush Green as news emerges on West Ham starlet Ben Johnson.

The Lowdown: West Ham in new deal flurry…

Over these last few months, it appears West Ham officials have made tying down first team stars a major priority going by reports.

Firstly, the club attempted multiple new contract offers for star man Declan Rice, over for them to be rejected over the summer, while Czech Republic duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal have also been heavily linked with signing fresh terms.

Angelo Ogbonna is another name who could be handed a new deal at the London Stadium according to reports, especially considering his current contract runs out at the end of this season.

Sharing news on another West Ham first teamer who’s contract also runs out in 2022, Calciomercato have some big news on Johnson.

The Latest: West Ham table offer…

According to their sources, the Hammers 21-year-old has now been offered a new contract as West Ham put fresh terms on the table.

When it comes to specifics like the length, salary or any clauses, Calciomercato are pretty vague in their claim and simply state that an extension has indeed been put forward to Johnson.

The Verdict: Great move…

The Irons starlet has hugely impressed under Moyes this season, leading the Scotsman to call him a ‘really important player’ in the squad.

In Coufal’s brief injury absence before he returned to the side against Genk in midweek, Johnson filled the right-back’s boots impressively – holding his own in huge games against the likes of Manchester City and bitter London rivals Tottenham.

Statistically, you only have to look at the player’s impressive Premier League numbers when it comes to holding his own defensively.

According to WhoScored, no West Ham teammate has managed more tackles per 90 on average than Johnson so far this season and, if he can keep up this run of form, Moyes may be presented with a huge dilemma at right-back over this season.

The club certainly can’t afford to let his contract run down for a second longer and it is imperative the promising youngster is tied down as soon as possible.

In other news: ‘Woohoo’, ‘Going for the title’…ExWHUemployee’s transfer claim has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

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.

As per Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentino, via Sport Witness, a transfer update has emerged on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Vlahovic on the move?

The Serbia international, who has rejected advances from his current club to make him the highest-paid player in their history, looks to inevitably exit sooner or later.

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His contract expires in 2023, so Fiorentina could risk losing him on a free deal at the end of next season as clubs hover for his signature.

One of those suitors is thought to be Tottenham as the Lilywhites remain heavily linked, following on from sporting director Fabio Paratici’s interest in the 21-year-old over the summer transfer window.

Now, as per a fresh claim from Italy, an update has emerged on the Vlahovic situation involving Spurs.

The Latest: Lilywhites in direct contact?

Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness) lifted the lid on Tottenham’s ‘direct contact’ with La Viola directors Daniele Pradè and Giuseppe Barone, also revealing that the two chiefs held this contact during ‘a trip to London’.

They added that Spurs manager Antonio Conte is a personal admirer of the prolific striker and Tottenham were even ‘ready to come forward’ over the summer during Nuno Espirito Santo’s reign.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Vlahovic stands out as Tottenham’s most blockbuster striking target by some distance and his form in Europe has been among the best.

Scoring 14 goals and setting up three others in just 16 appearances throughout all competitions, it is little wonder his exploits in front of goal have drawn comparisons with Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland.

Serie A experts who have watched him consistently, such as Conor Clancy, have raved over the young attacker’s talent and ability, with that writer calling him ‘phenomenal’ and a potentially ‘exciting’ long-term replacement for Harry Kane (The Transfer Tavern).

Averaging even more shots on goal per 90 this season than Tottenham’s star duo Kane and Son Heung-min (WhoScored), who both made the PFA Team of the Year last term, it’s safe to say that the Serbian does indeed come as a head-turning target.

In other news: Eight players now safe from Spurs axe after impressing behind the scenes, find out more here.

Leeds United have been without Gaetano Berardi for several months due to injury and Phil Hay has discussed his return for the under-23s against Crystal Palace on Monday.

What Hay had to say about Berardi

Berardi was selected in the starting line up for the game and played 45 minutes. Phil Hay tweeted: “The player made his return to a football pitch as he played started for the u23’s. Another step forward for Gaetano Berardi today. He’s in the U23s line-up at Crystal Palace.”

Will he feature for Leeds?

It was his first appearance since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in July and therefore the player himself will surely be very happy that he got some minutes under his belt (Transfermarkt). The 32-year-old Swiss international is now close to getting a glimpse of the Premier League for the first time and, for someone who was key for the club before his injury, this is great to see.

Back when he was fully fit, Bielsa praised the defender, saying: “Berardi is a loyal player and he gives everything on the pitch. When you give everything on the pitch, the players can arrive late, but you have to analyse every red card. Maybe the red card today is different to another.”

It will be good to have the right-back available for selection again in the near future as Leeds have had multiple injury issues this campaign, and so it is a boost for another defender to be nearing availability for first team selection.

However, it could be hard for the Swiss ace to get fully fit after such an injury and it is even harder for Berardi as he doesn’t just need to get used to Bielsa’s intense style again, he will also need to adapt to the quality and intensity of the Premier League.

He won’t get straight back into the side, but it would nice to see him make some appearances for the club before the end of the season as his contract expires in the summer.

In other news, Phil Hay discussed one Leeds star and his current contract!

Crystal Palace’s on-loan forward Michy Batshuayi has certainly not had the best of times since joining Chelsea from Marseille.

The Belgian has been farmed out on four separate loan deals away from Stamford Bridge, making a total of just 77 appearances for the Londoners since his arrival nearly five years ago.

Now, he has been encouraged to depart the club permanently by former Belgium hero and compatriot Erwin Vandenbergh.

However, having twice signed the 27-year-old on temporary deals twice in the past, Steve Parish and the Eagles should avoid making a permanent move.

It is fair to say that Batshuayi’s second loan spell at Selhurst Park has not gone as positively as the first. Having scored six goals in 13 appearances during the second-half of 2018/19, he has scored just once in 18 showings this time around.

This run of poor form is not entirely surprising considering that he has not managed to score double figures in a single season since the 2017/18 campaign, the second-half of which he spent with German giants Borussia Dortmund.

Batshuayi’s confidence in front of goal appears to have totally evaporated due to that barren run of form. He is now only averaging 0.7 shots per game in the Premier League this season according to WhoScored, a hugely disappointing record for a striker.

At the age of 27, Batshuayi is certainly not a young forward and he should be in his peak but this new low appears to have plunged his future in the Premier League into doubt.

Rated at £10.8m and out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer, a move for the Belgian may not actually be too costly in the near future.

However, with a recent record as poor as his, Palace’s funds really should not be spent on securing a permanent deal for Batshuayi.

AND in more news, the Eagles should also avoid signing Sheffied United man John Lundstram…

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.

Celtic closed out 2020 in some style on Wednesday evening as they demolished Dundee United 3-0.

It was an emphatic attacking display, but try as they might, the Hoops couldn’t close the gap between themselves and Rangers at the top of the SPFL.

The Hoops may have won every single trophy there was to contest this calendar year, but it’s looking as though 2021 will be the year of their rivals.

Although Celtic have won six in a row in all competitions, the Gers still hold a 16 point lead at the top of the table.

Fortunately, Neil Lennon’s side will take a great deal of confidence into the New Year and they have several players to thank for that.

David Turnbull and Ismaila Soro have rejuvenated this Bhoys side in recent weeks and the former was again the heartbeat of their team on Wednesday. The Ivorian won six duels and also provided two key passes in the middle of the park.

However, another man deserved equal praise; Jeremie Frimpong.

The Dutchman hasn’t had the best of seasons and when Hatem Elhamed came into the side against Sparta Prague, it looked as though his days in the immediate future were numbered.

Yet, Frimpong has fought back and is now looking exceptional on the right-hand side. Everything good the Hoops did against Dundee United came through the full-back who was rampant down the flanks.

He picked up the assist for Turnbull’s opener but that was just one of three key passes all night. The youngster was a real thorn in the opposition defence, completing five dribbles on his side of the pitch.

Frimpong set the tone after just 11 minutes when he raced forward and then picked out Leigh Griffiths who unfortunately failed to score. From that moment onwards, the 20-year-old didn’t look back as he put in one of his best performances of the campaign.

In defensive battles, he was near flawless, winning ten different duels on the ground from 11 contested. The defender was also assured with his passing, registering a success rate of 83% across the encounter.

The former Manchester City man has put in some questionable displays in 2020 but hopefully, this will stand him in good stead for a new year.

He is key for Celtic.

AND in other news, Celtic liability who lost 83.4% of his duels massively BETRAYED Lennon…

Wayne Rooney’s Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan is attracting interest from the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are considering a move for the £1.8 million-rated defender ahead of the upcoming transfer market.

While no figure is quoted in the report regarding how much Derby would be demanding for the 20-year-old, the fact his current deal at Pride Park expires next summer may force the Championship strugglers into a sale.

Derby must not repeat Bogle mistake

Despite having made five appearances in the Championship last season, 2020/21 has undoubtedly been Buchanan’s breakthrough campaign at Pride Park.

So far this term, the 20-year-old has made 34 appearances in the second tier, over which he has provided three assists and has made an average of one interception, 1.6 tackles and 0.4 key passes per game, culminating in a respectable average SofaScore match rating of 6.68.

And, considering how well the England U21 international has fared at Championship level so soon after breaking into the Derby first-team, it would appear as if the defender will continue to improve as he gains more experience in the league.

Indeed, Rooney has stated his belief that Buchanan is already a “top player” and that he would “argue he’s one of the best young left-backs in the country.”

As such, Derby must do all they can to avoid a repeat of the £3.47 million sale of Jayden Bogle to Sheffield United last summer, when the Rams sold one of their brightest stars for just over half of his market valuation of £5.67 million – with the right-back now being worth £6.3 million.

So, come the end of the season, whatever league Derby happen to be playing their football in as of next year, Rooney should make the signing of Buchanan to a new deal his absolute priority, in order to retain one of the club’s most promising young players for as long as possible, as well as increasing his value in the event the club wish to cash in on the defender at some point in the future.

In other news: Lost possession 14x: Derby dud who completed just 7 passes massively let Rooney down – opinion

Steven Gerrard has been handed a big injury boost to Ryan Jack ahead of next season, with the Rangers midfielder undergoing successful surgery earlier this week, which should hopefully see him fit to return to the Ibrox pitch in the near future.

The former Aberdeen man has been sidelined since February with a calf injury which ended up ruling him out for the season and Euro 2020 this summer due to a number of complications.

He was sent to London to see a specialist, who recommended that an operation was required in order to fix the 29-year-old’s issue and have him back fit in time for next season.

Fortunately, Jack confirmed on Instagram earlier this week that the operation was a success, saying: “Just letting everyone know I had a successful operation yesterday morning and I’m now on the road to recovery. Can’t wait to be back for the start of next season and getting back doing what I love. Thanks to everyone for the messages it’s much appreciated. All focus now is on 56!

The midfielder was very impressive in Gerrard’s side earlier in the season and was one of the main pillars behind their incredible defensive record – in the 19 Premiership games in which he appeared, the Light Blues conceded just twice.

He averaged a solid 7.03 WhoScored rating for his performances, and whilst Rangers were able to seal the title without him, they have definitely looked more vulnerable defensively in his absence, conceding 11 goals in the 16 league matches he has missed this term.

Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister was full of praise for Jack back in 2019, saying: “For me, he has been unbelievable from day one.

“He has improved no-end, and you are seeing a midfield player gathering loads of information, experience and being given a bit of responsibility he’s maybe not had in the past.”

This has certainly continued to be the case this season, so to have him back in time for next term will be a huge boost for Gerrard and his hopes of securing another Premiership crown in 2022, whilst hopefully also impressing in the domestic and European cup competitions.

In other news… Gerrard handed major boost with 23 y/o dubbed “the best”, Wilson must deliver