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!

Taking to Twitter, Goal Brasil journalist Thiago Fernandes – collaborating with fellow reporter Marcelo Hazan – has lifted the lid on a West Ham ‘meeting’ to sign FC Basel striker Arthur Cabral.

The Lowdown: West Ham weigh up January striker move…

Nearly a year since David Moyes began his search for a backup centre-forward to Michail Antonio, coming after club-record signing Sebastian Haller left for Ajax, the Irons are still very much on the look out.

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There have been links to many forwards over these last few months alone, with the Evening Standard recently reporting that the striker position is still top of Moyes’ to-do list ahead of January.

Amid the increased number of games which comes with fighting on more fronts, it is arguably even more imperative that West Ham strengthen in the winter market.

As such, news has now emerged from South America that the club are seemingly eyeing a new centre-forward target.

The Latest: West Ham hold Cabral ‘meeting’…

Taking to social media in sharing his piece with Hazan for Goal, Fernandes has lifted the lid on a ‘meeting’ from representatives of the Hammers to sign Basel striker Cabral.

According to his information, West Ham ‘authorised intermediaries’ to negotiate his signing in January. He explained:

“West Ham looks for Arthur Cabral’s exhaustion and enters into dispute with Barcelona. Club authorized intermediaries to negotiate the hiring of the Basel striker in the ball market. There was a meeting this Friday.”

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

The 23-year-old has been in red-hot form for his club this season, racking up an incredible 24 goals and eight assists over 25 games in all competitions for the Swiss giants (Transfermarkt).

These prolific performances even earned him his first call-up to the Brazil squad in October after he turned former Middlesbrough star Juninho’s head with his displays (TEAMtalk).

In a further boost for West Ham, it is believed that Basel have set as asking price of around €15m (£12.7m) for interested parties to sign him in the winter window, which seems a more than affordable fee.

Given his age, proficiency and current form, this looks like an absolute bargain, especially as the player himself is also reportedly willing to leave St Jakob-Park in January.

Taking this into account, West Ham and their new head of recruitment Rob Newman may have just approached an ideal new target as backup to Antonio.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Tears’, ‘Siuuuu’ – Many West Ham fans erupt as ‘massive news’ comes to light, find out more here.

Leeds United are among the teams lining up a move for Jason Knight…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football League World, who claim that Championship outfit Derby County are at risk of losing several of their young talents in the near future as their struggles to find a new owner continue.

It’s thought that the club’s administrators have failed to rule out the prospect of selling players in January and the 20-year-old midfielder is a prime candidate to depart Pride Park.

However, the Yorkshiremen face fierce competition from their top-flight rivals Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City and Crystal Palace, among others.

It remains to be seen how much Knight would command, though Transfermarkt currently value him at just £5.4m, having been capped at international level eight times.

Gelhardt repeat

This is a move which could see the Whites replicate their Joe Gelhardt masterclass after they nabbed the hugely promising striker from the grasp of Wigan Athletic, whilst they were dealing with financial issues back in 2020.

A fee of just £1m helped the Latics pay the wages and their loss is certainly United’s gain as he is a massive prospect at Elland Road. His manager Marcelo Bielsa recently waxed lyrical about the teenager to Sky Sports.

“He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him, he’s really exciting,” the Argentine claimed. “He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage.”

Just like Gelhardt, the Rams sensation has already racked up plenty of appearances at senior level, even more than the Leeds youngster at this stage, having featured 93 times.

This season, he has certainly taken his opportunity, starting ten of his 13 league appearances under Wayne Rooney, and he’s amongst Derby’s four top performers, as per WhoScored ratings.

Earlier this year, the Manchester United legend dubbed the Derby academy graduate a “manager’s dream” who “gives everything”, and Knight already has plenty of leadership qualities at such a young age, which will definitely appeal to Bielsa.

Bielsa, Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta and owner Andrea Radrizzani could well seal another bargain raid on the lower echelons of the English pyramid with a swoop for the 5 foot 6 dynamo, who continues to pull up trees in the Championship.

AND in other news, “It’s not true…”: Phil Hay drops behind-the-scenes Leeds claim that’ll delight fans…

Many Everton fans have been bemoaning some early team news ahead of their Premier Leaguematch at home to Brighton and Hove Albion today.

As per journalist Alan Myers, new signing Vitaliy Mykolenko is ‘not eligible’ to play at Goodison Park this afternoon.

The Merseyside club had announced the Ukrainian’s signature on their official website on Saturday morning, but they will not be able to see a first glimpse of him when they take on the Seagulls today.

Of course, there is still speculation surrounding the future of the recently-overlooked Lucas Digne as well, so Rafael Benitez’s team may go into the game without a recognised left-back, which in turn could affect their chances of getting all three points against Graham Potter’s side.

Everton fans on team news

These Everton fans bemoaned the team news as it was shared on Twitter, with one supporter claiming that they were ‘gutted’, while another even went as far as to call it a ‘blow’:

“Boooooo”

Credit: @RhysDavies1878

“Why always us?”

Credit: @HeidiInteriors

“That’s a blow”

Credit: @EvertonAllSorts

“That’s sad”

Credit: @534Nz

“Just let us be happy for 5 minutes please, I beg”

Credit: @maggiejane1985

“Gutted”

Credit: @michmosh85

In other news, find out what transfer news has left these Evertonians fuming

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.

Manchester United managed to perform one of the most unconvincing wins of the Premier League season yesterday against Norwich, and whilst three points will be very much welcomed by the fans, there is clearly so much work to do at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo managed to win a penalty in the 75th minute of the game that allowed the Red Devils to walk away from Carrow Road with three points, but the performance, in general, was flat and Jamie Redknapp scathed the team for their lack of effort after the game.

He told Sky Sports, via The Daily Mail:

“From United’s point of view, this is what I expect from them at the moment there’s a few problems with the system, set-up, it will take time for the manager to bed in what he wants and it’s going to be a case of giving him weeks or months to do that as a lot of United players have bad habits.”

One player who stuck out in the game is Bruno Fernandes, with a performance the Portuguese star will want to forget.

Pundit, Paul Merson, suggested Fernandes has become a bit of a problem, commenting:

“He’s lost confidence. When you lose confidence it doesn’t matter who you are – we all lose confidence – it’s a different game.

“He’s not touching the ball in the game now, he’s not touching it 60, 70 or 80 times.

“Everything went through Fernandes, everything. It’s not that case now, everyone’s looking for Ronaldo now. This needs to change.”

The £180k-per-week midfielder has flopped this season when you compare it to the season he had last year where he was the stand out star at Man United that lead to the side finishing second in the Premier League.

In the 2020/21 season, Fernandes scored record-breaking achievement for the midfielder, who was expected to emulate this season in the current one with his Portuguese teammate, Ronaldo, joining the side in the summer. Instead, he’s only registered three assists all campaign so far in the league.

Ralf Rangnick is currently setting up with a 4-2-2-2 and it may be wise to axe Fernandes in the upcoming game on Tuesday against Brentford by trying Donny Van De Beek and Jadon Sancho in the two behind the strike force. It would give the Portuguese midfielder either a rest or a realisation that he needs to start picking up his performances.

Fernandes is struggling to find consistency in his game, although he does have 26 times against Norwich on Saturday.

In other news: Magpies ‘make contact’ with Manchester United over Jesse Lingard

Leeds United could be eyeing up a successor to one of Marcelo Bielsa’s most-trusted stalwarts…

What’s the word?

According to ESPN journalist Mark Ogden, the Yorkshire giants are one of the teams monitoring the situation of Noussair Mazraoui at Eredivisie champions Ajax.

The 12-cap Morroco right-back is able to negotiate with non-Dutch teams from January as he remains out of contract in the summer, despite being a key part of Erik ten Hag’s side.

Premier League rivals Arsenal are also interested in the 23-year-old, who is currently valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt.

Luke Ayling’s successor?

Mazraoui has started 11 of the Dutch giants’ 12 league games this campaign, missing out just once through illness and across all competitions, he has contributed four goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Only two other players have scored more goals for Ajax this term.

Furthermore, he rates out as ten Hag’s second-best player (7.87), having averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.8 dribbles and 1.7 key passes per league outing, via WhoScored.

These returns suggest that the 6-foot defender is very much a solid option – at both ends of the pitch – as he can get up and down using his pace, physicality and attacking flair.

Earlier this season, the Ajax boss revealed his hope of Mazaroui signing an extension and at the same time, praised his impact. He told reporters (via CCeit):

“Let that be an example for many. He’s a top fit right now and always wants to get the most out of his own. I hope he’ll keep it up. Last year I said he can contribute a lot more offensively. But he has played really good matches for that as well. Yes, of course [I want him to stay here].”

Meanwhile, former PSV and Hannover star Arnold Bruggink lauded him “fantastic” and hailed his versatility.

“He cannot be defended, because he walks everywhere,” he claimed before later adding: “He runs deep as a striker, then he is an extra midfielder, then he is just right back. I think: that variation with which he plays, no opponent can handle that at the moment.”

The 24-year-old also impressed in the Champions League last season, and during one game, he managed to keep Liverpool’s deadly duo of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah quiet – the only goal they scored was an own goal from fellow full-back Nicolas Tagliafico.

As per SofaScore, the Ajax gem recorded five tackles (most in the team), three interceptions and two blocks, whilst he also won six duels and created one key chance up against the Senegalese sensation.

On the above evidence, Mazraoui could be a really exciting fit under Bielsa, even more so with Luke Ayling entering his thirties. The former Arsenal graduate has faced more than enough time on the sideline through injury this campaign, too, which is a worrying sign.

Victor Orta and co should ultimately look to sign the Ajax jewel as a priority heading into 2022.

AND in other news, Orta could find Bielsa’s next Saiz in 6 ft “grafter” who’s the “perfect Leeds signing”…

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…

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.

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…