All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to a recent report from The Daily Mirror, the future of Gary Cahill remains uncertain heading into the final few days of the January transfer window. The 33-year-old defender currently plays his football at Premier League giants Chelsea and has done so since 2012, although struggles for regular game time under new Blues boss Maurizio Sarri this season has plunged his future at the 2017 league champions into doubt.

And a recent report from The Daily Mirror suggests that Arsenal are seeking to lure the centre back across London in the last knockings of the window, while Cahill’s availability should also be of interest to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp given his defensive concerns – as such, the Reds must try their hand at an audacious move for the linked-away ace.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, the centre back ranks at Anfield have taken something of a hit in recent times given Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, and Dejan Lovren have all been struck down by either injury or illness in the last few weeks – in fact, the former doesn’t look like returning to full fitness anytime soon.

And with messrs Lovren and van Dijk doubts for their clash with Leicester City in the Premier League on Wednesday, and plenty of other big matches to come in February in the form of the Champions League and league clashes against West Ham and Manchester United, Klopp must be aware that his side’s season could be defined on results in the coming weeks.

Add in a suspension to the commanding van Dijk for the first leg of their last-16 clash against Bayern Munich in Europe’s elite competition, and Klopp looks set to be very thin on the ground – playing messrs Lovren and Matip against Bayern could be asking for trouble.

And that is why a move for Chelsea’s Cahill would make some sense this month, as although at 33 he may be entering the twilight of his career, he retains the quality and indeed the know-how to help the Reds navigate what looks set to be a testing period of the season.

The centre back has enjoyed much success at Chelsea after joining from Bolton Wanderers back in 2012, with the Englishman since then helping the Blues win two Premier League titles, as well as triumphs in the Champions League, the Europa League, and the domestic cup competitions – he’s certainly a well-decorated defender.

Yet it was only the 2016/17 season a few years back in which the 33-year-old shone in Antonio Conte’s defence to help inspire Chelsea to the Premier League title – not only would he give Liverpool some much-needed trophy-winning experience off the field, but he could certainly do a job on it as well.

And while it would be something of an audacious move, what with Chelsea perhaps unlikely to help out a Premier League rival, it’s a move the Reds should make nonetheless, as doing so could help Klopp’s side negotiate what looks set to be a season-defining few weeks.

Liverpool fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Despite reports earlier suggesting Erik ten Hag’s advantageous position in the race to become the next Manchester United manager, it is still as open as ever with Mauricio Pochettino still being considered.

What’s the word?

The 87.9% of the United fanbase who are hoping for the appointment of Ten Hag will be left fuming by the latest report.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano shared a fresh update on the Argentine’s status in relation to the United managerial gig:

“Mauricio Pochettino is still absolutely in the race. He had a conversation with Man United. They’re approaching people next to him since November.”

Supporters won’t like it

What we can take from the latest report from Romano is that the race is not over and a set decision has not yet been made.

Despite being the manager of PSG, Pochettino’s potential appointment has rattled the majority of the United faithful, given the fact that he did not win a single trophy at Spurs.

His two accolades with PSG, the French Cup and French Super Cup are also held on scrutiny due to the calibre of the competition in Ligue 1.

Although he is on track to win his first league title, things have not exactly gone to plan for the Argentine, with rifts between superstars Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi leaving fans feeling as though he can not manage big-name players.

The comparison between Zidane and Pochettino made by journalist Jonny Bentley sums up their managerial strengths whilst subtly addressing their weaknesses;

“Poch enjoys coaching and developing young players.

“Zidane is an expert in managing big egos and winning big trophies.”

Although Pochettino is seen as the underdog in the race to become United boss, you cannot fault his ability to rebuild a squad on a shoestring budget as he demonstrated at Spurs.

As for his lack of trophies, he so very nearly led Spurs to continental success, reaching the final of the most prestigious club competition in world football.

He also missed out on lifting the Premier League, after Leicester City stretched ahead of his Spurs side and Arsenal to complete what was a miraculous underdog story back in the 2015/2016 season.

Seen as the lesser entity in this race against Erik ten Hag, Poch will be hoping to take a leaf out of the Foxes’ book and complete his miraculous underdog story by becoming United’s next boss.

However, if that does happen, it may not go down well with the Old Trafford faithful.

In other news – Sold at £38m, then scored 184 PL goals: MUFC had a shocker over “unique” 33 y/o icon…

Journalist Joshua Mbu hit out at three West Ham players in the defeat to Brentford on Sunday afternoon. 

The Lowdown:

David Moyes made three changes to the side that drew with Lyon on Thursday evening, with Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Manuel Lanzini coming in for Alphonse Areola, Ryan Fredericks and Said Benrahma.

The Hammers struggled throughout against Thomas Frank’s side, with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney after half-time the difference between the two sides.

The defeat leaves the Hammers six points behind Tottenham in the race for fourth, with both Arsenal and Spurs having games in hand.

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The Latest: Mbu’s post

Mbu, a journalist for The Sun, took to Twitter in the first half to hit out at Lanzini, Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen.

He labelled the trio behind Michail Antonio as ‘having an absolute shocker’ – and the stats back that up. As per SofaScore, the trio lost possession on 32 occasions, had no shots on or off goal all afternoon and made just one successful cross combined.

The Verdict: All eyes are on Lyon…

It seemed as if one eye was already on the trip to France for the second leg with Lyon, and it looks as if any chance of finishing in the top four is now over for the Hammers.

Moyes will want to put this result behind him and look towards the showdown with the Ligue 1 side, and he’ll have a number of selection calls to make ahead of the second leg.

Aaron Cresswell is suspended so will certainly miss out, and hopefully, fans will see a much-improved display against the French side, as it now seems to be the most realistic route into Europe’s elite competition next season.

In other news: West Ham make contact to sign ‘one of the top four’ number eights in Europe! Find out more here.

Sunderland dug out an injury-time winner through Nathan Broadhead as they beat Shrewsbury Town 3-2 at home in League One on Saturday afternoon.

The Everton loanee ended up grabbing two goals, with Elliot Embleton scoring the other, as Alex Neil’s team were forced to dig their heels in after losing a two-goal lead.

It is safe to say that some of the players were not at their best at the Stadium of Light, and so The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the hosts on the day – could any of these men be looking over their shoulders regarding their place in the first XI?

Lynden Gooch

Given a 6.5 overall rating, Gooch ranked as the Black Cats’ third-worst player.

The 26-year-old lost out on four of his duels, while he was also off target with both of his shots.

Defensively, Gooch did not manage to block any shots or make any interceptions, while he was also dribbled past and lost the ball a total of 21 times, the most out of any of his teammates.

Bailey Wright

Wright ranks in second here as he was given a 6.3 rating.

The captain lost six of his duels, while he also failed to record a single clearance, interception or tackle, giving the ball away on 14 separate occasions.

Anthony Patterson

As he conceded two goals, it is perhaps unsurprising that Patterson ranked as SAFC’s worst performer with a 6.2 rating.

The goalkeeper only managed to make one save in the entire match, while he was also guilty of losing possession six times from his 28 touches of the ball.

In other news, find out what footage from the game left this journalist stunned here!

Newcastle United have been hit with a crushing transfer update regarding Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen.

What’s the talk?

Journalist Freddie Paxon has revealed that the Nigerian would prefer a move to Arsenal over St James’ Park this summer.

The reporter claims that the Gunners are seriously interested in signing the attacker and have taken steps to sign him, although the Serie A club’s valuation of him could be an issue for the north Londoners.

Paxon tweeted: “I’m told Arsenal have been in contact with the agent of Victor Osimhen. The feeling is that the interest is serious, but Napoli will expect €100m+ this summer. Player wants to play in England and has previously been contacted by Newcastle. He is more interested in Arsenal.”

He added: “Personally I’d imagine that if Napoli hold out for that price it would be a big stumbling block for Arsenal, who have other targets who would be available for less. That said, there are clearly big admirers of Osimhen at the Emirates.”

Eddie Howe will be fuming

This update will surely leave Magpies head coach Eddie Howe fuming, as the £85m Osimhen would be a sensational signing for the club, and this latest claim suggests that Newcastle are not winning the race for his signature.

The player is seemingly angling for a move to the Emirates Stadium and it could be difficult for Newcastle to secure a deal for him now.

Arsenal are speaking with his agent and are in the driving seat to land his services, which will potentially leave the Toon considering other targets as they will not want to waste their time on a player who has his heart set on a transfer to another club.

Osimhen has been in phenomenal form for Napoli in Serie A this season. He has scored 12 goals in 20 league starts for the club and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.12, which shows that the overall standard of his performances has been consistently high.

The Nigerian also scored four goals in three Europa League starts earlier in the season to prove himself domestically and in Europe.

At the age of 23, he also has scope to develop his game further and improve as a striker. This means that he would be a fantastic short-term signing given his scoring returns this season, and he would be a player with whom Howe could work over a number of years.

This is why the Newcastle head coach will be fuming with the player’s decision to pursue a transfer to Arsenal instead of wanting to join the Magpies.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: PIF must finally launch NUFC move for “outrageous” £50m dynamo…

As per reliable reporter Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard, an encouraging update has come to light as Tottenham Hotspur eye a move for Middlesborough defender Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Spurs join race…

Sky Sports first broke the news that Spurs had joined the race to sign Boro’s in-demand youngster who is currently shining on loan at fellow Championship side Nottingham Forest.

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London World add that Spurs boss Antonio Conte is actually ‘edging closer’ to the 21-year-old’s capture as he eyes new-right back additions in north London.

In another update, Rosser has come out with an equally encouraging claim.

The Latest: Spurs agreement possible this month…

Taking to Twitter, he explains that a deal to sign Spence ‘could happen’ in January as Tottenham and north London rivals Arsenal tussle for his signature.

He does however add that the player won’t actually make the move until the summer.

“Arsenal and Tottenham target Djed Spence valued at up to £12m by Middlesbrough,” he explained.

“Deal could happen in January but Spence won’t move until the summer.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Already attracting plenty of praise for his performances at the City Ground over 2021/2022, we believe £12m would be a snip for the homegrown ace with both pace and delivery on the right-hand side.

Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff called Spence a ‘massive player’ for Forest this season whilst Boro’s manager Chris Wilder heaped praise on the ‘outstanding’ starlet for his temporary spell so far.

With plenty of years ahead in what could be a promising career, signing the defender should be a no-brainer.

In other news: Offer ready: Conte could soon sign ‘game-changer’ for Spurs after recent Levy meeting…find out more here.

Jurgen Klopp has been dealt a huge injury blow regarding Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino.

What’s the latest?

The Brazilian forward missed out on the Reds’ victories against Manchester United and Everton due to an ongoing foot injury.

In Tuesday’s press conference, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gave an update on the No.9’s status coming into the Champions League semi-final clash against Villarreal.

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Asked whether the Brazilian would feature against Unai Emery’s side, Klopp said: “I don’t think [he is ready] yet. He is running outside and that’s good, obviously, but I am not sure. Maybe somebody will surprise me afterwards and tell me, ‘Yes, Bobby is in.’ [I will have] open arms, but I don’t think so.”

The boss also covered the status of his squad overall, adding: “Apart from that [Firmino injury] no [new injuries] that I know yet.”

Klopp will be gutted

The absence of Firmino against a side who are expected to employ a low-block will be a huge blow for Klopp, who would have benefitted from his intricate dribbling and textbook passing against Villarreal tonight.

The 30-year-old has been a fundamental part of their Champions League progression this season. Despite only starting in 20% of the fixtures for Klopp in this year’s tournament, the Brazilian has achieved five goals in just six appearances.

Despite Diogo Jota’s sensational ‘false-9’ style offering a potential stabiliser in the opponent’s final-third and his defensive metrics, in relation to his position, also an outstanding option in comparison to Jota or Mane.

Whilst his average of three shot-creating actions per match equal Jota’s offering, it’s his passing that sets him apart as a centre-forward, with his average of 37 passes per 90 an indication of his contribution to Klopp’s side.

With his midfielder-like approach, Firmino is difficult to mark out of the game as he is not a bolshy, traditional striker. His habit of dropping deep affords space for Liverpool’s wingers.

The Brazilian’s services and experience will be missed tonight in what is a huge blow for both the player and the team.

In other news: Liverpool plot bid to sign gem with 181 goals in 108 youth games, Klopp surely buzzing – opinion

Bruno Lage has enjoyed an encouraging first season as Wolves manager, leading them to 8th in the Premier League, with the club still in a fight for European football next term, an improvement on their terrible campaign last year which saw them end up in 13th.

Just three clubs in the top flight have conceded fewer goals so far this season, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, but the West Midlands side will look at their goals total – with just the bottom four and 13th placed Brighton scoring less.

If Lage doesn’t fix the issues in the final third in pre-season, chairman Jeff Shi might just look in another direction, and a report from France suggests that he might already be shortlisting potential candidates.

What’s the news?

According to RMC Sport, Wolves have shown an interest in Rennes manager Bruno Genesio, after a sensational run-of-form that has led to the French club rising to third in the Ligue 1 standings, having won their last five league games.

Among other clubs looking at the manager are Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, while La Liga sides Valencia and Real Sociedad and Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal are all also keen on the 55-year-old Frenchman after his impressive season.

Massive gamble, potentially massive reward

The report does come as a surprise, as fans have taken to their manager after his adjustment to English football – and some may be worried of another drastic backroom shaking-up in the summer, with completely new staff arriving and their players, who had to adjust to a new regime just last summer, will have to once again adapt to a new style of play.

That said, with the highest goal difference in the division, having scored four more goals than PSG and conceding just one more than the French giants with Rennes looking set for Champions League football next season – he would surely be able to help their goalscoring woes.

Yet, having never ventured into the Premier League, it would be gamble by both parties to make this move happen.

That said, if you combine him with the potential to have a significantly higher transfer budget than he might receive where he is – as well as already having players like Ruben Neves, Pedro Neto, Raul Jimenez and Conor Coady at the club, the Wolves project may just prove exciting enough to lure him to Molineux.

Having solidified his defence, and turned his attack into one of the most prolific in Europe, Genesio has already one-upped Lage in solving the final third dilemma while maintaining an organised backline, and he would be the sensible choice of successor if Shi decided the club’s future is best served going in a different direction from the Portuguese manager.

In other news: Huge mistake: Fosun had a Wolves shocker on “Drogba-esque” £40.5m-rated “threat”

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Marseille forward Bamba Dieng…

What’s the talk?

According to the Express, PIF are interested in a deal to sign the attacker for the Magpies and could land him on loan with an obligation to make it permanent in the summer.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 outfit are prepared to sell him for a fee in the region of £10-15m, with Newcastle, Brighton and West Ham are considering a swoop.

Howe’s own Drogba

Eddie Howe could find his own Didier Drogba by securing a deal to bring Dieng to St. James’ Park before the end of the month.

El-Hadji Diouf previously compared the forward to the Premier League and Chelsea icon whilst hailing his potential, saying:

“I knew him from the Senegal national youth teams. He’s a forward, a Didier Drogba [kind of player]. All he knows how to do is score goals. I watched him when he was with Diambars [Dieng’s former club in Senegal] and he wasn’t far off being one of the best strikers in the Senegalese league [Dieng was top scorer in the 2019/20 season, his first as a professional].

“He’s a young player who has a future. The Senegal national team has perhaps also found its own great striker. All I can say to him is that he should keep his head on his shoulders, and carry on working hard. Out of three chances, he’ll score two. He’s a striker who finishes when he’s in the box.”

Drogba scored 104 goals and provided 55 assists in 254 matches for Chelsea in the Premier League throughout his career, which shows how highly Diouf rates the young Marseille man. He is not performing to those levels yet but he could have the potential to get there and this is why he could be an excellent signing for Newcastle.

Dieng may not be the player they need to come in and save them from relegation this season, but he could be someone Howe is able to work with over time to develop him into being the next iconic centre-forward of the Premier League era if he is able to fulfil his potential.

At the age of 21, he has the world at his feet and the Magpies could bed him in slowly, allowing him to learn from the likes of Callum Wilson and Chris Wood whilst picking up Premier League experience along the way.

Jorge Sampaoli previously lauded him as an “explosive” talent and he has burst onto the scene in Ligue 1 this season, with four goals in 14 games (seven starts). He has also scored one goal in two games for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations, showing that he is starting to find his form at senior level for club and country.

This suggests that he could have the potential to score goals on a regular basis at the top level, but he is yet to show that he can do it over the course of an entire season let alone four or five. Therefore, he could be a great signing for the future and Howe could mould him into his own version of Drogba in the coming years.

AND in other news, “Hearing that NUFC have..”: Pete Graves drops big transfer twist, it’ll infuriate Howe…

Matt Doherty endured another disastrous Tottenham Hotspur outing as the north Londoners crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

Antonio Conte was beaten by his former side 3-1 across two legs in the semi-final, leaving him with only the Premier League – where a place in the top four is the target – and the FA Cup left to play for.

And he will surely be reeling by another abject outing from his wing-back.

In the absence of Sergio Reguilon, the £10.8m-rated Irishman was trusted to start once again, even over the more natural left wing-back Ryan Sessegnon.

That plan lasted only 65 minutes after he was hooked by the Spurs head coach.

It was 20 minutes longer than he lasted in the first leg but it’s evident that Doherty is just not delivering whenever given an opportunity.

Back-up goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini was at fault for the Blues’ only goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but it’s not as if the rest of the squad looked like ever testing the Champions of Europe, so he can’t front the blame.

Players like Doherty badly failed Conte, not for the first time in this case, either.

Wing-backs are crucial to the Italian’s system, so to actually manage fewer touches of the ball (21) than the goalkeeper (24) is appalling. And with what time he did have in possession, he was either lacklustre or weak.

As per SofaScore, the 29-year-old made only 13 passes, failed to deliver a single cross and won none of his ground duels. He also did not register a single tackle or interception.

This train of thought was echoed by The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, who slammed the defender in his post-match ratings column.

‘Offered no threat down the left flank, frequently cutting inside on his right foot and slowing down attacks. Having struggled at Stamford Bridge, his selection again was strange,’ he wrote.

He was a disaster in the first leg, he was a disaster in the second leg. It’s time for Conte to stop trusting the struggling £74k-per-week calamity.

AND in other news, Contact made: Spurs have “sounded” out “phenomenal” 35-goal star, fans will be fuming…