All posts by z3u9t.icu

Andros Townsend is reportedly subject of interest from Turkish champions Besiktas, according to Sport Witness.

The Lowdown

Predictably, the Besiktas interest in the 29-year-old England international is enhanced by his favourable contractual situation. His deal is due to expire at the tail end of this month, meaning the former Tottenham man is now free to talk to other clubs [Transfermarkt].

Signing from Newcastle United in 2016 [Crystal Palace FC], he has gone on to rack up 185 appearances for the Eagles notching 16 goals and 28 assists [Transfermarkt].

   The Latest

Intriguingly, this potential pursuit may hinge on whether Besiktas succeed or fail to secure Rachid Ghezzal from Leicester City. Following a successful loan spell at the club, Besiktas are said to be keen to secure his services permanently [Leicester Mercury].

Should this deal fall through, the European powerhouses could make their move for Townsend.

Open to a move away, Townsend has spoken this year in an interview with talkSPORT breakfast about one particular offer he has received from abroad, admitting he had spoken to a club from ‘around’ Turkey.

Verdict: Losing Townsend would be a blow to Crystal Palace

Losing players is never easy and Townsend is no different in that regard – even if he has not been a consistent feature in the team at times this season, his experience and quality is an asset to behold for any dressing room.

Once labelled a ‘flying winger’ by previous manager Roy Hodgson, he has provided plenty entertaining moments for the Palace supporters – perhaps most notably the stunning strike at Manchester City in 2018.

Despite this, his departure could pave the way for some younger talent to break through the ranks in South-East London. Having recently parted company with Hodgson, it may be time for large-scale replenishment encompassing all departments of the football club.

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

West Ham aren’t likely to see Michail Antonio return to action before the end of the current season.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the reliable ExWHUemployee, who provided a worrying update on the 31-year-old forward to supporters on Twitter this weekend.

In response to one question over the Hammers’ injured quartet, of which both Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell are included, he revealed that most are due back but there are doubts over Antonio.

Hammer blow

The £10.8m-rated attacker picked up a hamstring problem after limping off in the win over Wolves earlier this month. The Guardian quickly revealed that it was worse than first feared and that he could miss the rest of the season.

Now, Ex’s latest update issues further concern over the chances of seeing Antonio back in action and this comes as a devastating blow to David Moyes and the Irons.

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The 5 foot 11 dynamo is his only recognised striker after the club failed to sign a replacement for Sebastien Haller, who departed for Ajax after just 18 months in East London.

Antonio has been a crucial part of the Hammers’ squad and their impressive season this far. And with the side pushing for European qualification, not having their only forward available is damaging to the chances of pulling off something quite sensational.

The former Forest star has scored seven goals and has provided five assists this term, a feat only bettered by Manchester United loanee Jesse Lingard, Tomas Soucek, and Jarrod Bowen, as per WhoScored.

Speaking on BT Sport back in February, former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole waxed lyrical about Antonio, he said: “I praise him [Moyes] and his staff a lot for the coaching of Antonio. He’s an unbelievable player now.” (Saturday 27th February, 12:04pm).

But Moyes cannot rely on him for more than 20 to 25 matches a season. As an explosive sort of player, he relies on his power and that’s been severely impacted by these recurring hamstring problems.

He was sorely missed against Newcastle and Chelsea, and is exactly the type of star they’ll need against Burnley next week.

This latest news will surely have Moyes and the rest of the Irons faithful gutted.

AND in other news, 1 shot, 1 dribble: £27m-rated West Ham star who lost 12 duels let Moyes down massively vs Chelsea…

West Brom are reportedly interested in signing former Sheffield Wednesday winger Adam Reach in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Reach leaves Wednesday

The 28-year-old suffered relegation with the Owls last season, and with his contract at Hillsborough expiring last month, he is currently searching for a new club.

Reach might not be without potential suitors, having scored 31 goals in 306 Championship appearances in his career.

The Latest: West Brom linked with move

According to journalist Alan Nixon on Twitter, Reach is a target for West Brom, as they prepare for life under Valerien Ismael back in the Championship:

“West Brom. Surprise potential squad addition is Adam Reach. Ex Sheff Wed. Also on Blackburn list.”

The Verdict: Good squad player

Reach may not necessarily come in as a guaranteed starter for the Baggies, but he has the quality and experience to more than justify a squad place.

At 28, he is arguably in the peak years of his career and he possesses an eye for the spectacular, having scored some memorable goals for Wednesday down the years.

A powerful player who can thrive both out wide and centrally, Reach could be an intriguing signing by West Brom, as they look to make a swift return to the Premier League.

In other news, one player has been tipped to be a great signing for West Brom. Find out who it is here.

174 league goals in just 217 outings for Celtic tell the quite incredible story of Henrik Larsson’s career in Glasgow.

The Swede is a certified Hoops legend, scoring goals on a remarkably frequent basis and leading them to four Premiership crowns and a UEFA Cup final.

Such success can’t be considered with the current Bhoys team, however. They were dumped out of Europe last week and were left chasing shadows domestically last term.

They could also lose their current top scorer, Odsonne Edouard.

The Frenchman has been linked with the exit door on a regular basis but is a proven finisher, someone who’s topped their scoring charts ever since he first walked through the doors of Lennoxtown.

That being said, he won’t be remembered as fondly as Larsson. He’s been criticised of downing tools this year as he aims for a Premier League move.

Who replaces him remains to be seen but they could find a bona fide Larsson replacement in Diego Costa.

The Spain international was touted with an eye-catching swoop to Paradise last week and if Postecoglou was able to bring him to Parkhead, he’d be an excellent signing.

Like Larsson proved throughout his career, he is an elite centre-forward, someone capable of dominating opponents and scaring defenders to death.

He is a Premier League winner and during his stay with Chelsea, he scored an impressive 58 goals in 120 matches.

He has also triumphed in Spanish football, just as Larsson did when at Barcelona. Costa left Atletico Madrid back in January following a second spell at the club, eventually netting 83 times in 216 outings.

The Brazilian-born striker might not have the charisma of the Celtic hero but his presence on the pitch is just as big, if not even greater. In the perfect words of Jose Mourinho, he is an “animal” when he turns out for his respective club.

Described as “outstanding” by Brendan Rodgers, the 32-year-old is someone who houses the ability to get supporters off their feet.

Larsson achieved that multiple times during his time in the famous green and white hoops but they have not found an attacking individual as marvellous as him since. The likes of Edouard and Moussa Dembele have pushed him hard but they are not in the same breath as the great Swede.

Costa, however, is a very different breed. He is their true Larsson heir.

AND in other news, Celtic in talks to sign “incredible” £20k-p/w tank, Ange desperately needs him…

Tottenham Hotspur have Jerome Boateng atop their summer transfer wishlist…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sport Bild, who claim the 32-year-old is attracting interest from Spurs ahead of the expiry of his contract at Bayern Munich next month.

Boateng will be free to join any club he wants in the upcoming window and it is believed he would accept a substantial pay cut to his reported £210k-per-week wages, though he desires a lengthy three-year contract.

Last month, Sky Germany suggested the German international had held ‘concrete talks’ with the North London outfit.

Short-term fix

It seems apparent that reinforcements in defence will be the priority for Spurs, regardless of who is in charge next season.

Alasdair Gold at football.london believes they are particularly looking for a centre-back with leadership qualities and ideally, he would be one of two additions in the role.

Hardly a surprise given defensive mistakes and inconsistencies have been the defining theme of Spurs’ tumultuous season.

A move for Boateng could well be an interesting option to consider as it will cost Levy nothing in terms of a transfer fee, and that will save a ton of money when it comes to finding that other central defensive signing.

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It would also fulfil their desire to find that leader at the back.

The 6 foot 3 colossus is a vastly experienced defender that has won multiple trophies, including a World Cup, nine Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues.

Back in 2015, Boateng was considered one of the very best in the world. “He has stabilised his play and now he is a complete player,” claimed former German international Matthias Sammer. “There’s no question that he is the best defender in the world.”

Despite not being offered an extension at the Allianz Arena, he has regularly featured for the Bundesliga champions, playing 37 times in all competitions and remains one of their best ball-playing options, with an average passing accuracy of 88% in the German top-flight.

He’s also not really regressed, so there shouldn’t be many doubts over his suitability to perform for Spurs. As European football expert Kevin Hatchard told talkSPORT this week:

“He is very much back this season. Hansi Flick is a big supporter of Boateng, he’s played him in the vast majority of the games and he wanted to keep him,” before adding: “I think he would be a good short-term option for Spurs. If he shows the form he’s shown this season then he could do well. And he’s free.”

The 76-cap beast would be a fine short-term fix to Spurs’ defensive issues and if Levy can tie him down to a smaller length contract, then it would certainly be a masterstroke.

AND in other news, Levy spends £60m on 3 new signings: How Spurs’ XI could look if Scott Parker is hired…

Lee Ryder has dropped the latest insight from the Reuben brothers on the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Reubens part of takeover consortium

The Reuben brothers are part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium looking to take over at St. James’ Park from Mike Ashley, along with KSA crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and businesswoman and head of PCP Capital Partners Amanda Staveley.

Ashley has launched two separate claims against the Premier League over the failed deal between him and the group, an arbitration case that is set to take place over the course of the coming months, as well as an anti-competition lawsuit.

The Latest: Reubens insight

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has shared that the Reuben brothers are patiently waiting on developments in Ashley’s legal battle with the English top flight, just like PIF and Staveley.

A positive result in the forthcoming arbitration hearing could persuade them to come back to the table along with the rest of the consortium, while a negative one may well end all interest.

The Verdict: Arbitration key to Newcastle’s future

The results of the arbitration proceedings are certainly key in terms of the direction that the takeover bid is heading, and thus the entire future of the Toon Army.

While the timing of the case is certainty not ideal for the Magpies, given that the summer transfer window has already begun and the new season is set to start in August, a positive result could accelerate the whole takeover process.

If this is the case, then the North East club could be quietly optimistic that a deal could be pushed through soon after the hearing, which would come as a delight to the Toon Army.

Nonetheless, the Reuben Brothers, along with the rest of the KSA group, will be keeping a close eye on the proceedings.

In other news, find out what Michael Beloff insight has been dropped ahead of arbitration 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 

Alex McLeish says Rangers could make ‘a lot of money’ from selling Joe Aribo but wonders if the rumours currently surrounding the player are pure ‘propaganda’.

The former Gers and Scotland boss was speaking to Football Insider about the 25-year-old’s situation at Ibrox in the midst of reported transfer interest.

The lowdown

The publication reported on Friday that Aribo was on the radar of Crystal Palace heading into 2022. The Eagles are apparently monitoring his situation with a view to possibly making an offer.

The Nigerian’s current contract is up at the end of May 2023 and he is valued at £5.85m by Transfermarkt.

He joined the Gers on a free transfer from Charlton Athletic ahead of the 2019/20 season and has since gone on to make 107 appearances for the Ibrox outfit, scoring 19 goals and providing 17 assists.

Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, a team-mate of Aribo at Charlton, has marvelled at the 25-year-old’s ‘unreal’ capabilities.

The latest

Although Aribo recently told Nigerian radio station Brila FM, as quoted by the Glasgow Times, that he is “focused” on Rangers, McLeish was somewhat sceptical over how secure his Ibrox future really is.

The former Gers boss told Football Insider: “These days, they train young players for the media. It’s a bit of propaganda from the player, even when his thoughts could be lying elsewhere.

“He seems like an intelligent guy, seems happy at Rangers – let’s wait and see. It might be a case of a big club coming in, and there could be a lot of money to be made for Rangers.”

The verdict

Aribo has started every league game and both Europa League fixtures so far this season, so he is clearly valued in Glasgow by Steven Gerrard.

Would he trade that for a rotational role at an English Premier League club? That’s the key question, as perhaps he’d back himself to force his way into the first team at Selhurst Park.

If we reach next summer and no resolution has been reached regarding his contract, then Palace might not be the only team to try their luck with an offer for the 25-year-old.

In other news, fans ripped into this man for his performance against Hearts. 

Everton’s summer hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.

They lost Carlo Ancelotti before the window had even opened and then their long hunt for a new manager meant they were left trailing behind in the player market.

On the chalkboard

In terms of the playing staff, the Toffees could be struck with a few mighty blows.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the subject of interest from both Manchester United and Real Madrid while James Rodriguez could depart after just a year on Merseyside.

Marcel Brands concluded a phenomenal deal for the Colombian a year ago when they welcomed the creative maestro to Goodison Park on a free transfer.

His first campaign in English football was injury-hit but he still contributed to ten goals in the Premier League.

AC Milan are believed to be interested in the attacker with Rodriguez’s agent, Mino Raiola, meeting with the Italian club.

If he does walk through the exit door, it will leave Everton with a lack of quality in the final third.

The solution

Everton were linked with a move for Mikkel Damsgaard over the weekend and if he joins the Toffees, he’d be a wonderful replacement for James.

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Like Rodriguez, the Danish sensation is capable of playing in central areas but also on the flanks.

Similarly, he has now shone at a major international tournament. The Everton star gained fame for lighting up the 2014 World Cup with Colombia when he finished the competition as the top scorer.

Damsgaard hasn’t found the net as regularly but as Denmark reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020, he was often the beating heart of everything positive they did in the final third.

The Sampdoria forward scored twice, including a wonderful free-kick against England and registered an assist.

Described as “magical” by TV2’s Martin Mikkelsen, the vibrant baby faced Dane has an enormous future in the game.

Crucial in replacing James are creative and technical attributes. Fortunately, the 15-goal Damsgaard has that in abundance.

He recorded 1.2 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game during this year’s European Championships. In comparison to James’ stats from last term, he managed 1.7 key passes and 1.5 dribbles an outing.

Damsgaard has the ability to run a defence ragged but also pick up tidy pockets of space right on the edge of the area.

With that in mind, he’d be the ideal replacement for Rodriguez this summer. Rafa Benitez must ensure his side are at the front of the queue for the youngster’s signature.

AND in other news, Benitez can axe Everton “liability” by signing 6 ft 4 giant who’s “performed miracles”…