All posts by z3u9t.icu

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell has made a claim on some ‘great news’ to come out of West Ham United recently.

The Lowdown: Big boost for Moyes…

As per reliable reporter Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, manager David Moyes has just been handed a major West Ham boost.

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Indeed, according to his information, defender and fan favourite Vladimir Coufal has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at the London Stadium.

The 29-year-old, who had been in new deal talks for a good portion of the year according to Sky Sports, has apparently committed his future to West Ham as GSB tie down one of last season’s star players.

Speaking to FI, Campbell has now made a claim on this news out of Rush Green.

The Latest: Campbell makes claim…

The Sky pundit, commenting on this major development, believes there was ‘talk’ of Coufal leaving West Ham if the club couldn’t agree terms on a new deal – meaning this update comes as a ‘great news’.

“Coufal has been a revelation,” he explained.

“There was talk about him maybe leaving so it’s great news for the club to get him tied down. Any team worth their salt gets their best players on long-term contracts.

“I am pleased that West Ham have got him tied up.

“He is a very good right-back and a solid defender. There are not many better than him in the Premier League.”

The Verdict: Big…

Coufal finished 2020/2021 as West Ham’s joint-highest tackler per 90 in the Premier League and, arguably, one of the division’s supreme full-backs.

Both him and compatriot Tomas Soucek have flourished since signing for West Ham in the summer of 2020 and Irons supporters will certainly be overjoyed that the defender has now put pen to paper.

In other news: Newman gifted big boost in race to sign ‘outstanding’ star who is ‘very keen’ to join West Ham, find out more here.

This latest January transfer window has highlighted just how capable Aston Villa are in the transfer market at being able to bring new players to the club.

Having brought in the likes of Robin Olsen, Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho, the Midlands club have been able to strengthen their squad to give manager Steven Gerrard the best chance of ending his first season at Villa Park on a high note.

However, it seems as though the Villans have not stopped their attempts to add more players to their ranks before the window closes.

What’s the latest?

Speaking on Sky Sports News’ Transfer Show (24/01/22 – 5pm), journalist Kaveh Solhekol had this to say on what the current situation is regarding Villa’s reported interest in signing Rodrigo Bentancur from Italian club Juventus.

He said: “Negotiations are ongoing for Juventus midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. A sell-on clause included in the club from Boca Juniors is complicating a deal.”

This update was also shared earlier in the day by Sky Sports where their interest in the Uruguayan was also claimed.

The midfielder left Boca back in the 2017 summer transfer window for a move to Juve where he has since gone on to make a total of 181 appearances for the Serie A giants across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing 18 assists along the way.

Fans will be elated

With Gerrard reportedly wanting to add a midfielder to his squad this month, which will only have been made even more important due to the fact that Marvelous Nakamba picked up a serious knee injury in December, Bentancur could be exactly what the Villa boss is looking for.

After all, this is a player who is proven at the top level, winning 45 caps for his country and amassing some eye-catching statistics in Serie A.

For example, he has won an impressive 1.7 tackles per game in the Italian top-flight and then a whopping 2.8 per match in the Champions League. Only John McGinn at Villa Park has won more than that.

With that in mind, it should elate fans that they’re interested in a player of this calibre, especially when you consider that Bentancur has plenty of experience playing in Serie A and in Europe’s top competition. However, they will undoubtedly have some concerns regarding the apparent sell-on clause from Boca that could complicate things.

Moving forward, with only a few days left until the window closes, Villa will have to work quickly to negotiate a suitable deal for the Uruguayan that will satisfy all parties so that they can integrate him with the rest of the squad as soon as possible.

In other news: Forget Coutinho: Gerrard can raise roof as Villa plot bid for “exceptional” £33m gem – opinion

Celtic’s lucrative sales of Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer have been hailed as ‘incredibly good business’ by Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson. 

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Both Edouard and Ajer had entered the final year of their deals at Celtic Park, meaning that, when January rolled around, they would have been in a position to arrange a free transfer for the summer of 2022.

Celtic agreed to sell Ajer to new Premier League arrivals Brentford back in July, banking an initial £13.5million, a fee which could rise depending on how he performs (via Sky Sports).

Edouard had to wait until the end of the transfer window to seal his move to Crystal Palace, this time for a base figure of £14million. Again, that could eventually climb to £18.5million (also via Sky Sports), albeit with some of that profit going to PSG.

According to Transfermarkt, Edouard’s sale is the third-biggest in Celtic’s history, with Ajer slotting into fourth on the all-time list.

The latest

Robinson says Celtic have pulled off a ‘very difficult’ feat, overcoming what looked like a weak negotiating position, but the focus must now turn to how CEO Dominic McKay will use those funds.

“That is incredibly good business considering they both only had 12 months left on their contract,” he said.

“When players of that quality get down to that stage of their contract it is very difficult to keep them and in a lot of cases they will leave for free a year later.

“You just hope some of that money gets reinvested into the squad in the January window.”

The verdict

The extent to which this really good business also depends on how Celtic’s replacements fare.

Georgios Giakoumakis looks to be some coup, having netted a league-high 26 goals for a relegated VVV-Venlo side in the Eredivisie.

But can the same be said for £4.5million centre-back Carl Starfelt? Yes, it’s early days, but as Alan Hutton notes, he’s had ‘a difficult time’ so far.

While Robinson’s praise for McKay’s ‘incredibly good’ negotiating power is certainly correct, only time will tell how effective this summer’s rebuild has really been.

In other news, Alan Hutton offers his reaction to another outgoing.  

Celtic have agreed on a fee with VVV-Venlo for striker Georgios Giakoumakis, according to transfer expert Duncan Castles.

The Lowdown: Postecoglou call

Reports earlier in the week from Castles linked the Hoops with a move for the Greece international.

He suggested that Ange Postecoglou personally called the 26-year-old over a potential move to Parkhead and is playing a central role in the club’s attempts to sign the striker.

Giakoumakis, who is also wanted by Werder Bremen, was left impressed with Postecoglou’s approach and it now seems as if a transfer is one step closer.

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The Latest: Castles’ post

Castles, known for his role on The Transfer Window Podcast, took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to share an update.

He revealed that the two clubs have agreed on a fee, with Giakoumakis, described as ‘special’ in the Netherlands, set to discuss personal terms with the Hoops.

“Celtic have now agreed a transfer fee with VVV-Venlo for Georgios Giakoumakis. Due to discuss personal terms with the Greece international.”

The Verdict: Edouard now on the way out?

Reports at the beginning of the month suggested that Celtic wanted a ‘keeper, right-back, midfielder and winger before the end of the month.

They have added to two areas with Joe Hart and James McCarthy, however, with the club now moving for an out-and-out centre-forward in Giakoumakis, perhaps Odsonne Edouard will now seal a Hoops exit before the window slams shut.

He’s been working on a move away after his transfer to Leicester City fell through, so Giakoumakis’ arrival could then give Celtic the green light to sell Edouard.

In other news: ‘I’m told’ – Anthony Joseph drops Celtic update on McKay’s fresh pursuit of ‘very special’ ace. 

Leicester City have suffered a big double selection setback ahead of their Europa League tie with Legia Warsaw after Jonny Evans and Kelechi Iheanacho were ruled out of contention.

What’s the word?

The Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the pair haven’t travelled to Poland with the rest of the first-team squad, with Evans not well enough to make the journey.

“He hasn’t travelled. He wasn’t well enough to travel. We’ll see how he is for the weekend,” Rodgers said in Wednesday’s press conference.

“He’s a top defender, and when he plays, we are better. We were hoping he was going to be available, but obviously not. We’ll see how he is for the weekend.”

The Northern Irish tactician also disclosed how an issue with Iheanacho’s paperwork has prevented him from playing any part in their second Group C encounter.

Rodgers said: “We’ve had an issue with Kelechi. His documentation coming into the country wasn’t sufficient, so he wasn’t able to travel. He will be unavailable for the game.

“The paperwork didn’t allow him to enter the country. We’ll have to look at that when we’re back.”

Brendan Rodgers will be gutted

Rodgers will surely be gutted to be without both Iheanacho and Evans for this evening’s trip to Warsaw, with both stars playing key roles in the first-team setup.

Evans has only completed one 90 minute game so far this season due to a recurring foot injury, while Iheanacho has managed to bag two goals and provide two assists in all competitions despite making just one start all campaign.

Leicester will be hoping to have the duo back available when they take on Crystal Palace over the weekend as they attempt to end a three-game winless run in the Premier League.

And, in other news…Romano delivers Leicester transfer update that will surely leave Rodgers gutted 

Many Aston Villa fans have been fuming with Matt Targett’s poor start to their first Premier League game of the season away to newly promoted Watford [BBC].

Facing Ismaila Sarr on the right-hand side of midfield for the Hornets, the  Villa left-back has struggled against his opponent’s pace and power at Vicarage Road in the first half.

Unfortunately for Targett, Sarr was involved in the opening goal in the opening day clash, which was eventually finished off by striker Emmanuel Dennis after two separate bites of the cherry [BBC]. As per Sky Sports, he continually struggled against the Watford attack throughout the opening 45 minutes.

The 25-year-old also failed to win a duel in the first half and lost possession of the ball on seven occasions during a disappointing display [SofaScore].

In what is no doubt a frustrating turn of events for the Villains, some angry Aston Villa supporters took to Twitter to scorn Targett’s performance so far this afternoon.

Aston Villa fans react

Commenting on current events unfolding surrounding their side on Twitter, here is what some Villa supporters had to say about Targett’s performance so far:

“Feeling a little bit for Matt Targett here. 14 mins in and Sarr is causing him all sorts of problems. Hard to watch. #WatfordFC #AVFC”

Credit: @greggevans40

“The stupid tactics aren’t helping. As ever, we’re not controlling the game and instead, pushing players on and playing ping pong long balls down the wings, while leaving ourselves exposed to counters out wide and in the middle.”

Credit: @shortthought”I don’t think I’ve ever in my life seen a player get undone as badly Matt Targett is here #AVFC”Credit: @FootballJustFoo”Remember when Matt Targett could football? #AVFC”Credit: @dvtavfc”I reckon Matt Targett will be half the player without Grealish #avfc”Credit: @AvfcTribe”Matt Targett has returned to his ineffectual worst. Roasted alive from the first minute of this game. He looks like he is still on honeymoon.”Credit: @Son_LymeIn other news, Aston Villa are rumoured to be close to signing a 19 y/o sensation.

The Saudis’ dream signing for Newcastle United has now been revealed as Sven Botman.

The Lowdown: Interest there

Fabrizio Romano reported just a couple of days ago that the St. James’ Park faithful are ‘seriously interested’ in a deal to sign Botman, in a rumour that seems to be gathering pace.

Given that Eddie Howe’s team shipped four goals away at Leicester City in the Premier League last time out, it is clear that defensive reinforcements are needed, and a new dominating central defender would certainly help their cause in their battle to beat the drop.

The Latest: Dream signing

As per Grand Hotel Calciomercato, ‘it is one of the dreams’ of the new Saudi ownership to sign Botman, however, their current position in the Premier League table does not favour their chances.

Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Atalanta, Roma and Napoli are also all interested in his signature, and he would be allowed to leave Lille in the January transfer window for an offer of between €30-40m (£25.5-34m).

The Verdict: Difficult

Given that Lille are still in the UEFA Champions League, it may be too difficult to attract Botman to the North East, especially in January.

Tipped to be ‘the next van Dijk’ by statistical experts WhoScored, fellow Dutchman Botman has a six-foot-four frame as well, and has averaged a similar number of interceptions and blocks per game in their respective domestic leagues so far this season (WhoScored).

Van Dijk is widely thought of as the best centre-back in the Premier League, and given that Botman is only 21 years of age and drawing such comparisons, his potential is scary.

He was a won the Ligue 1 title ahead of PSG last season, as teammate Jose Fonte dubbed him a ‘machine’ midway through the campaign.

He would be a very difficult player to bring to Tyneside, but what a coup it would be if the Saudis’ dream came to fruition.

In other news, find out which ‘gladiator’ who ‘can produce magic’ NUFC are interested in here!

Vice-captain, loyal servant and arguably a club legend, Leeds United defender Luke Ayling is something of a hero around Elland Road.

But having amassed 217 appearances and secured a Championship winners medal during his time at the west Yorkshire outfit, it could be time to move on.

There’s no denying that this season has been appalling – stopping just short of disastrous – as it appears as if new manager Jesse Marsch has steered the Whites to safety, having been involved in the relegation dogfight for the past few months.

A four-game unbeaten run, which includes wins over basement boys Norwich City and relegation rivals Watford, has seen Leeds move nine points clear of Burnley with six matches left to play.

They may have just done it.

However, the team is still the leakiest defence in the Premier League, having conceded a whopping 68 goals from their 32 outings – an average of 2.1 goals let in per game.

And when you’re having to score three goals every week to stand a chance at winning – without last season’s top goalscorer Patrick Bamford too – then it’s no wonder the Yorkshiremen have found themselves in a precarious position at times.

It’s a backline that has largely been unaltered since promotion from the second flight and there have to be question marks over whether big players like Ayling can consistently cut the mustard at this level.

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Marsch ought to be ruthless this off-season by trying to secure a better option and that’s not through any fault of his own but Ayling has looked out of his depth at times.

During the recent win over the Hornets, commentator and former Wales international David Phillips described the 30-year-old’s defending as “awful”, whilst his seasonal 6.56 average WhoScored rating is bettered by eight other Leeds players right now.

No one is dribbled past more than Ayling either, letting his man run by 1.6 times per game and when you’re coming up against some of the best left-wingers in the division – ranging from Heung-min Son to Sadio Mane and Raheem Sterling – it’s going to cause plenty of trouble for his defensive counterparts.

Former manager Marcelo Bielsa was a big admirer of the full-back, especially as he could often slot in at centre-half for him. He even once waxed lyrical about his talents in this regard. He told reporters:

“He was quick, he was agile, he defended well, he headed well, he used the ball well, he transmitted serenity to the rest of the team.”

Just because he has been at the club for the best part of six years, doesn’t mean Marsch owes him anything. If a better option can be secured, then he must look to axe the Leeds favourite for the benefit of him becoming a successful manager at Elland Road.

The £35k-per-week ace just isn’t good enough for the big time, at least in a team that shouldn’t be fighting to keep their place in the division. A ruthless decision, but the right one.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops Robin Koch update amid Leeds exit rumours…

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of Burnley defender James Tarkowski…

What’s the talk?

According to The Northern Echo, Magpies officials are confident of sealing the January signing of the Clarets centre-back.

The report claims that Burnley have conceded that he will not extend his current contract, which expires at the end of the season, and that could duly see the club cash in on him in the next transfer window.

Fans would be delighted

Newcastle fans will surely be ecstatic with this update as it appears to suggest there is a strong chance that the £70k-per-week colossus ends up at St James’ Park in January.

Officials are confident of a move being wrapped up in the winter window and his contract situation at Burnley is promising for the Magpies.

The Clarets run the risk of losing him for nothing at the end of the season if they do not sell him in January and that could play right into Newcastle’s hands. It could also mean that the Tynesiders are able to land a cut-price deal for the defender, as Burnley do not have the backing of a long-term contract to reasonably demand a huge figure in return for his services.

Newcastle fans will also be delighted with this news as the English defender is an experienced, proven player at Premier League level and could be a great addition to Eddie Howe’s squad.

Tony Philliskirk, former Head of Academy at Oldham, previously hailed Tarkowski in an interview with The Athletic as he said: “He became the main man on defensive and attacking set pieces, that as a player makes you think you are an integral part of the team.

“He became that because of his level of performance. He was humble and never got ahead of himself. His confidence increased and he became a leader which we discussed with him, organising those in front of him.”

The 29-year-old has played 171 Premier League games for Burnley and averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 7.02 last season. Since the start of the 2017/18 campaign, he has never averaged a score lower than 7.00 in the top flight, showing how remarkably consistent he has been for the Clarets over the past few years.

Also, it’s worth considering that no Newcastle centre-back has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.49 for the current campaign, whereas Tarkowski is currently clocking 7.17.

Therefore, he seems to have the ability to come in and be a solid defender for Newcastle, as he has proven his quality over the course of a number of years at Burnley. He has been able to consistently perform to a high level in the Premier League, and the Toon Army could love to see a player with his experience and pedigree come through the door in January.

AND in other news, Shearer 2.0: Howe could get St James’ rocking with NUFC deal for “incredible” beast… 

Southampton fans are far from happy with the cameo performance of Theo Walcott during the Saints’ League Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea.

The Saints travelled to Stamford Bridge for their round of 16 tie against the Blues and put in a positive display. Kai Havertz gave the home side the lead before Che Adams equalised early on in the second half and, eventually, it was only a penalty shoot-out that stopped the Saints from progressing to the quarter-finals.

Walcott was one of the men who stepped up to take a spot-kick, and he was unable to find the back of the net. That came following a 23-minute performance that was far from impressive – the former Arsenal failed to have any real impact on the game.

The fans were generally pleased with what they saw from their side, but Walcott was one of the exceptions. The supporters took to social media to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the display of Walcott below

“Walcott needs to go in January waste of wages”

Credit: @sfcJoshhh

“Walcott is done man”

Credit: @SfcGdog

“Know a lot of people disagree but I think Elyounoussi has been alright recently. He certainly deserves more of a chance than Redmond/Djenepo who have had multiple seasons, and Walcott who is finished.”

Credit: @sfcJoe_

“How does Walcott get anywhere near the team, always been overrated”

Credit: @kevinro290560

“I really fail to see exactly what RH sees in Walcott he is now stealing a living from SFC he did the same at Everton who were lucky enough to unload him on to us… he is now holding up younger better players development it’s time to get rid of and to save the £75k a week !”

Credit: @Peter67305335

“Forster and Lyanco surely start at the weekend. Tonight’s performance proves Walcott shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting line up. Long is also a better option to bring on”

Credit: @sfc_zone

In other news, Southampton fans were reacting to this Yan Valery news.