All posts by z3u9t.icu

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Tottenham player Paul Stewart believes Manchester City will offer Gabriel Jesus in their bid to sign Harry Kane this summer.

Kane continues to be linked with a move to the Etihad, with Sky Sports claiming last month that Manchester City have already launched a £100m bid for the Tottenham striker.

The same report also states that the Premier League champions would be willing to include players in any potential deal, and Stewart thinks Jesus could be one name that is put on the table.

On the Brazil international, the ex-Spurs star said:

“I think he could be offered in the deal. This is all dependant on the manager that comes in and whether he would want him.

“Jesus had a great end to the season. We looked at him as a replacement for [Sergio] Aguero and he didn’t quite cut the mustard there.”

If the worst-case scenario does happen and Tottenham are forced to sell Kane to Manchester City, then having Jesus included in the deal is a smart move.

The £54m-rated forward is Premier League proven and has a good goalscoring record in England overall.

Given that they are not in the Champions League, the north London club could find it difficult to attract another No.9 of Kane’s calibre, so someone like Jesus could be their next best option.

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

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.

Many Southampton fans have slammed the performance of Jan Bednarek in their 1-0 win away to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men picked up a vital three points thanks to a lovely finish from Che Adams on the 20-minute mark, but a lot of Saints supporters were still unimpressed with the Poland defender’s performance.

The 25-year-old lost out on three of his duels and failed to block any shots, while he also lost possession of the ball on 12 different occasions in the match (SofaScore). In the closing minutes, he was turned all too easily by Ashley Fletcher, whose shot was brilliantly clawed away by Alex McCarthy to preserve victory for Southampton (Sky Sports).

It has led to some fans calling for summer signing Lyanco to come into the starting line-up instead of Bednarek, as they want to see more of their new recruit.

Southampton fans on Bednarek’s display

These Saints fans on Twitter were left slamming the Pole’s performance, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that the defender was a ‘liability’ at Vicarage Road:

“Lyanco surely has to start from now on. Bednarek is becoming a liability at the back, if it wasn’t for the likes of Salisu and Tino mopping up for him.”

Credit: @EthanEvansSJ

“Bednarek is all over the place. No positioning awareness, just ball chasing”

Credit: @LH_SFC

“Bednarek’s form since that 9-0 to Manchester United has been absolutely awful.”

Credit: @andrew2021k

“Such a poor header from Bednarek”

Credit: @great_state

“Good half, Bednarek showing why Lyanco should be playing though. Switching off at vital moments! Top hit from Chele but should be 3 up!”

Credit: @Too_Jazzee

“Maya Yoshida wouldn’t have gotten away with half the errors that Jan Bednarek makes on a weekly basis.”

Credit: @_ScottWinter_

In other news, find out what Ralph Hasenhuttl comments have left these Saints unhappy

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!

Crystal Palace’s summer overhaul appears to have been a considerable success in the opening weeks of the new campaign, with Patrick Vieira’s charges impressing so far.

With Odsonne Edouard scoring a brace on his debut, Conor Gallagher already becoming a fan’s favourite, and the centre-back pairing of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen growing stronger by the game, it’s hard to criticise the south London outfit’s business in the transfer window.

However, while the arrivals at Selhurst Park have settled quickly, proving themselves to be sensible purchases, it’s one of their former stars who was allowed to depart that has raised several eyebrows.

Winger Andros Townsend was amongst several experienced campaigners to be released by the capital club in the previous window, although he revealed back in June that negotiations over a new deal were taking place with Palace’s hierarchy.

“We’re still having brief discussions,” Townsend told talkSPORT (as reported by Football.London). “The club have told all of us that there’s no decisions being made until a manager has been appointed.

“Since then, Christian Benteke has signed a new deal, so… (laughs). So I don’t know. I want to be somewhere on July 1st.

“My agent is in the background now getting as much interest put into an offer, and then I’ll sit down with my agent, and around July 1st (we’ll) see which one is the best for me at this time in my career.”

However, just a month later, the Evening Standard reported that a change in circumstances meant that the former England international would not be returning to Palace, leaving the door open for Everton to swoop.

And now chairman Steve Parish must be regretting his decision to allow the £58,000-per-week gem to depart after watching Townsend flourish at Goodison Park.

In just nine appearances for the Toffees, Townsend has bagged five goals and laid on a further three assists for his teammates, highlighting his ability to still produce at the highest level despite turning 30 in July. He even scored at Old Trafford against Manchester United, mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebration in the process.

The flying winger joined Palace in a £13m deal back in 2016, and the club’s chief will surely be gutted that such a talented star walked away for free over the summer, condemning them to their first transfer nightmare of Vieira’s new era.

And, in other news…Crystal Palace could be set for surprise injury boost, Vieira will be delighted 

Aston Villa get their Premier League season underway on Saturday afternoon when they make the trip to face newly-promoted Watford at Vicarage Road.

Dean Smith’s side will play their first competitive game without talisman Jack Grealish, although a number of exciting new signings have certainly given fans a sense of optimism heading into the new campaign.

One man who the Villa boss must certainly start today, is Emi Buendia.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Smith confirmed that the former Norwich star would be available to face the Hornets, saying: “(Buendia) is good to go. He had a slight adductor injury and I didn’t want to risk him in the game on Sunday (vs Salernitana). But he’s trained all week and he’s available for selection.”

The Argentine shone during the time that he was on the pitch in pre-season, especially in a fine performance against Walsall.

On Twitter, The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece was left raving about his performance, saying: “Emi Buendia had Villa fans drooling here at Walsall; the two balls in for Watkins were a delight.”

Writing in his post-match player ratings, he added: “Two assists for Villa’s record signing and what a delight they both were. The Argentinian picks up some clever positions inside and, in doing so, he carved Walsall open on both occasions to feed Watkins who scored twice.

“Buendia can pick a pass all right and the prospect of the little magician linking up with Watkins and Jack Grealish this season is a frightening one. Buendia was brilliant and he’s already left fans wanting to see more.”

The 24-year-old was superb last season for Norwich, playing in between the lines to good effect and showing the kind of eye for a pass which saw him finish as the Championship’s leading assists provider with 16 last term.

The £31.5m-rated playmaker has been dubbed a “revelation” by Chris Sutton, and could well be Villa’s game-changer today against Watford in his first competitive game for the club.

Meanwhile, this Villa star could now leave…

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.

Writing for 90min, reporter Toby Cudworth has shared a promising update on West Ham United and their pursuit of Sparta Prague sensation Adam Hlozek.

The Lowdown: West Ham in Hlozek chase…

The Irons have been linked with a move for the exciting Czech Republic striker since the summer transfer window, with a previous report from 90min detailing that lengthy talks were held.

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That interest carried on past the summer window, with Cudworth taking to Twitter in a September update and claiming West Ham still very much had their eyes on the 19-year-old.

Since Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky completed the purchase of a 27% minority stake in West Ham earlier this month, links to Hlozek have only intensified given the magnate’s ties to Sparta.

In a fresh update, it appears West Ham are now set to follow through with an offer.

The Latest: West Ham prepare offer…

According to 90min journalist Cudworth, the Hammers are ‘preparing a bid’ to sign Hlozek which could see him move to the London Stadium on loan with a mandatory purchase option.

They add that the teenager is ‘ready’ to move on from his current club amid West Ham’s interest alongside other clubs, which include European heavyweights Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Kretinsky’s presence could be key as co-owner of Sparta and given he holds a 40 per cent share in the club, putting West Ham in ‘good stead’ to potentially do a deal.

The Verdict: Exciting times…

After the billionaire’s off-field move to buy a share in West Ham, it appears supporters may now be about to see it pay dividends as this exciting claim emerges.

Hlozek is without a doubt one of the most exciting young forwards in world football, as evident by his goal record from last season and interest from a plethora of big sides.

He bagged 15 goals and eight assists in just 19 Fortuna Liga appearances for Sparta over 2020/2021, highlighting just how clinical he could be in front of goal for David Moyes.

The talented teenager comes with plenty of sell-on value at such a young age and is highly rated by those close to him.

His agent, Pavel Paska, has described Hlozek as ‘world class’ and ‘extraordinary’ in recent interviews and it’s safe to say West Ham could land themselves a real talent if Sparta accept their offer.

In other news: ‘Oh yes’, ‘Steal’, ‘Top of my wish list’…West Ham fans rave as Newman eyes ‘baller’ new target, find out more here.

Lee Ryder has revealed what he describes as a ‘bitter blow’ to Newcastle United officials regarding their anti-competition case against the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Another delay

Back in May, it was reported that the top flight had been granted an extension to respond to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) claim with regards to the stalled takeover deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

However, the case has now been delayed further until September, adding on top of the separate arbitration claim being adjourned until early next year.

The Latest: CAT delay

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, football journalist and takeover follower Ryder has confirmed that the CAT claim has now been delayed until September, it what he describes as a ‘bitter blow’ to officials at St. James’ Park.

He also claimed that the Premier League will continue to try to get the case thrown out, as a hearing date is yet to be confirmed.

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying that the CAT case has been delayed until September, especially given that the arbitration proceedings have also been delayed.

It means that the North East club will not have the embarrassment of riches that they would have had to spend in the summer transfer window, should both cases have gone to plan and a takeover was subsequently completed.

The Toon Army now face yet another season of uncertainty, and it is not a guarantee that Steve Bruce will be able to keep his team in the division this time around without some players coming in through the door, meaning that the takeover could still be put in jeopardy come next year when the arbitration process is set to begin.

In other news, find out which Premier League ace NUFC are in talks to sign here!