All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wayne Rooney’s Derby County are among the clubs hoping to take Manchester United’s Amad Diallo on loan, according to The Telegraph’s James Ducker. 

The Red Devils are set to send the 19-year-old out on loan, and the club’s record goalscorer is hopeful that his connections at Old Trafford will prove to be a decisive advantage, as the Rams are facing competition from fellow second tier sides Barnsley and Birmingham City.

Ducker said that Diallo was ‘supposed’ to join Eredivisie outfit Feyenoord in the summer, only for the move to be called off after an injury.

Why are United loaning Diallo out?

The Ivorian winger, who joined the Old Trafford club 12 months ago in a £19m move from Atalanta, has only played 68 minutes of senior football this season. That came in United’s final Champions League group stage fixture against Young Boys, while he has only once made the matchday squad for a Premier League fixture, the 3-2 win over Arsenal in early December.

Fan feed Utd Report relayed Ducker’s update, and here’s how supporters reacted, with many Red Devils fans believing that a loan move to play under Rooney at Derby would be perfect for the “starboy”.

Many MUFC fans erupt over Amad news

“GIVE HIM TO WAYNE!! PAY ALL HIS SALARY. GIVE ROONEY WHATEVER HE NEEDS”

Credit: @utd_chi

“Amad managed by Rooney and unshackled from the chains of benchball should be illegal”

Credit: @initiaxion

“Yesssssssss, my starboy will get game time”

Credit: @theutdcode

“Need this to happen. For both parties”

Credit: @MedullaryRed

“Perfect move”

Credit: @ishraqutd

“Please make it happen”

Credit: @KenAzrain

In other news, lots of United fans flocked to this big news about Cavani

Celtic have been linked with a winter window move for Stade Brestois striker Jeremy Le Douaron, Homme du Match report.

The Lowdown: Le Douaron profiled

Le Douaron is 23 years of age and is primarily a centre-forward who can also play as a left or right midfielder.

The 6ft 2’ French forward has been with his current employers since July 2020 and has scored seven times in 46 appearances, three of which have come in his last three Ligue 1 appearances.

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He appears to be at the peak of his powers with his career-high £1.08m Transfermarkt valuation, and it seems as if he could be on Ange Postecoglou’s 2022 radar.

The Latest: Hoops links

Homme du Match shared a story on Wednesday, suggesting Celtic are ‘desperate’ to add to their attacking ranks in the January market.

Celtic have ‘ticked’ Le Douaron’s name when it comes to attacking targets, with the forward valued at €2m (£1.7m).

The Verdict: Avoid?

Even though Le Douaron could cost less than Josip Juranovic’s £2.7m move in the summer, it could make sense for the Hoops to look elsewhere.

He hasn’t exactly been prolific in France, with Giorgos Giakoumakis 26 Eredivisie goals last season.

A player like Daizen Maeda, who Celtic are thought to be confident of signing, could be a smarter option in January as he is a player who Postecoglou will know from his time in Japan.

Maeda has netted 22 times in 2021, considerably more than Le Douaron, so perhaps Michael Nicholson should avoid moving for the Stade Brestois man.

In other news: Possession lost 43x, 70% of duels lost, only 3 tackles: Celtic’s worst 3 players in Hearts win. 

An update has emerged on Inter centre-forward Edin Dzeko, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the print edition of The Sun (19/12/21), via SempreInter, PIF are eyeing up a swoop for the Bosnian international.

The report claims that Eddie Howe wants to strengthen his attacking options and the former Manchester City man has been identified as a target.

World-class

Ex-Inter chief Walter Sabatini branded Dzeko as “world-class” last month and that is exactly what he could be for Howe at St. James’ Park if PIF are able to secure a deal for him in January or next summer.

He is a proven goalscorer who has been able to find the back of the net wherever he has played and his arrival could provide a major lift to the Newcastle squad. His experience and quality could aid the Magpies in the fight against relegation, with the forward still firing in the goals at the age of 35.

The Bosnian has scored a whopping 303 goals across his club career for the likes of Wolfsburg, Roma, Inter and Manchester City. He has also bagged himself 60 strikes for his country, which means that he is currently on 363 goals overall.

His former Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco once lauded his talents, saying:

“I must say, he’s an extraordinary player, and not just in terms of his finishing – he gets the team playing, brings the ball down and produces good service for his team-mates. He’s a fantastic professional, his pre-match preparations are always spot-on. When he has a bad game he might appear lethargic, but he does well when he’s determined.”

He has bagged 11 times this season for Inter, which shows that he still has the goalscoring touch despite his age, and he has previously proven that he can perform in the Premier League. The veteran netted 50 goals and provided 24 assists in 130 matches for Man City in the English top-flight, beating the goalkeeper on 72 occasions for the Cityzens in all competitions.

This shows why he could be world-class for Howe at Newcastle as he is a proven finisher who has adapted to several leagues, including the Premier League, and is still scoring at an impressive rate to this day with Inter. Therefore, PIF must ensure that they can secure a deal for his services in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Forget Clark: £44k-p/w NUFC liability who was dribbled past 3x was shocking v Man City…

Manchester United’s contact with former Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde may have just hampered their chances of landing Mauricio Pochettino on an immediate basis…

What’s the story?

According to a BBC Sport report by Simon Stone, the Red Devils’ hierarchy have been in touch with the 57-year-old Spanish manager regarding the role of interim manager until the end of the current campaign.

Yet, in a big twist to what had originally been reported, BBC followed that up with the following claim: “They [Man United] feel recruiting Paris St-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino immediately may not be as straightforward as has been suggested.” Man Utd fans will be concerned

The Spanish tactician is a proven winner who boasts an impressive CV, including two La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey during his two-and-a-half-year spell at the Camp Nou, as well as three Greek titles and two Greek Cup victories with Olympiacos.

However, despite Valverde’s credentials, large sections of the United fanbase are likely to be concerned that the Glazers and co. are pressing ahead with their plans for an interim manager instead of chasing hard for a certain Pochettino who looks less likely to exit PSG now.

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By doing that, it may be seen as essentially writing a season off by many associated with the 20-time English champions, and with a squad as stacked with talent as theirs is, that is a bold call to make.

Previous reports indicated that Pochettino would be available after becoming unhappy with life in Paris, providing hope that the former Tottenham Hotspur boss would fill the Old Trafford hot seat at the second time of asking.

But now in a fresh twist, it seems as though United may have to wait until the summer to get their man, with the delay potentially causing their season to fall into disarray. Considering the Argentine’s expertise of getting into the top four with Spurs, not being able to prise him away from Paris is a significant blow to the rest of their chances this term.

It remains to be seen who replaces Solskjaer in both the short and long-term, but United fans will want a quick solution to what could easily become a rather messy and embarrassing situation. Sadly, this doesn’t look like the case.

And, in other news…Forget Sancho: Man United tank who won 100% duels already looks reborn under Carrick

Lots of Everton fans have been left shocked over a claim which emerged from Rafael Benitez.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match at Brentford on Sunday afternoon, the Spaniard stated (via Phil Kirkbride): “We are doing much better with injuries now, compared to the past. Delph is available and training everyday. Gbamin was injured for two years, but is now available and training everyday.”

The claim on doing better with injuries is a little strange, given that the Toffees have as many as six players from the first team squad currently out injured at the moment, with three of those having an unknown return date (evertonfc.com).

Also, both Delph and Gbamin have a long history of injury problems since signing for the Merseyside club, so they could fall down injured again at any moment, despite being back in training.

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Therefore, it is no surprise to see so many Evertonians left confused by the manager’s comments.

Everton fans on Benitez claim

These Toffees supporters were left shocked as the claim from Benitez was shared on Twitter, with one fan going as far as to claim that it was ‘bizarre’:

“Wow…just…wow.”

Credit: @teadrinker68

“Not only is he clueless with his tactics, but he’s also clueless to the fact we have like 7 players injured”

Credit: @Stotty101_

“What planet is this man on, we’ve literally got the core of our squad injured”

Credit: @HJJ92_

“Bizarre, we have a massive injury list and those two will soon be back on it”

Credit: @IanNaylor1

“He is losing it, isn’t he…”

Credit: @SG_EFC

“??????????????????????????????”

Credit: @Ctorres2144

In other news, find out what Marcel Brands has done to leave these Everton fans fuming

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Nicolo Barella as they look to add further reinforcements to their engine room.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the recruitment team at Old Trafford are already beginning to plan for the January transfer window and beyond as their troubles on the pitch continue to mount.

They claim that a new central midfielder is high up on the United hierarchy’s wishlist and the Inter Milan midfielder is their priority target after a string of standout displays from the highly-rated 24-year-old for both club and country in recent months.

Fans will be buzzing

With Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford far from secure, a large section of the club’s supporters will be excited to learn that the Red Devils are reportedly in the market for Barella.

The Italy international has established himself as one of Serie A’s most influential stars over the last couple of campaigns, playing a pivotal part in Inter’s first league title victory in 11 years last term.

His impressive performances have earned several plaudits in his homeland, including former Juventus star Claudio Marchisio.

Barella then carried his incredible club form onto the international stage during the European Championships, scoring one goal and laying on a further two assists in six outings as the Azzurri claimed the Euro 2020 trophy over England.

Therefore, Red Devils football director John Murtough must consider a swoop for the £58.5m-rated beast over the coming months as he’ll be providing the 20-time English champions with one of the best young central midfielders in Europe right now.

And, in other news…Reliable journo drops big update on Solskjaer’s future, Man Utd fans will be intrigued 

Many Wolves fans have been left impressed with Jose Sa after Dave Edwards gave his analysis of him so far.

Writing for The Express & Star, Edwards, who played in over 300 games in total for the Midlands club in all competitions over 11 consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt), was full of praise for the goalkeeper, and even went as far as to suggest that he is better than Rui Patricio:

“I don’t think he came with the biggest of reputations and even considering how good Rui Patricio was for a few years, I think Sa has taken it to another level. His distribution and the commandment of his area are really impressive.“They looked good at the back but haven’t really fully flexed from an attacking point-of-view or been as free-flowing as they were early on this term.”Sa has settled into the Premier League very well, having only conceded nine goals in his first nine games, the joint-fourth least out of any team (Premier League).The Portugal international is also averaging three saves per game, and has already created two big chances, even providing one assist (SofaScore), as a result of his excellent distribution.Wolves fans on SaThese members of the Molineux faithful lauded Sa after reading Edwards’ comments on Twitter, with one claiming that they have been ‘impressed’ by him while another WWFC supporter even went as far as to say that he has been ‘superb’:

“Couldn’t agree more tbh I was dubious at beginning of the season but very impressed so far”

Credit: @Carol78487983

“Great keeper commands his area and his distribution is second to none definitely an upgrade on Rui I think what a bargain!”

Credit: @WolfSomerset

“I was concerned and thought Ruddy may have been a option but wow Rui who”

Credit: @agarthehorrible

“Sa already better than Rui ever was”

Credit: @Franck_Neagery

“I love Rui as a keeper but Sa is just much better”

Credit: @AdamWWFC_

“Superb Sa”

Credit: @itsmebrody44

In other news, find out who the Wanderers ‘plan to talk’ to about signing in January here!

Reliable Arsenal reporter Charles Watts shared a post on midfielder Matteo Guendouzi on Tuesday lunchtime.

And a number of Gunners fans have been interacting with the news that the 22-year-old could make his France debut this week.

Guendouzi sealed a move to Marseille during the recent transfer window, joining on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy next summer.

That means the midfielder is still technically a Gunners player until the end of the campaign. Guendouzi has been a regular for Marseille in a number of different positions, captaining the Ligue 1 side prior to the international break.

He’s now away with France ahead of a UEFA Nations League semi-final against Belgium on Thursday evening.

Arsenal fans react

Watts quoted a tweet from Guendouzi, claiming he could make his senior debut for his country this week.

This is what these Arsenal supporters had to say in reply, with one believing it is ‘criminal’ the midfielder didn’t remain in north London.

“Wow finally some positive Guendouzi news from Charles”

Credit: @hawt_red

“His what? Hmm”

Credit: @Matteo_Olie

“Cue meltdown in 3…2…1….”

Credit: @therealemjaypea

“Criminal that he isn’t at Arsenal”

Credit: @John3attersby

“Guendouzi is far better than Elneny. And right now he is obviously better than Lokonga. So we gave away a player for almost nothing just because Arteta’s ego can’t stand him. In 2-3 years time Marseille will sell Guendouzi for 50-60mil”

Credit: @luisbunuel3

“Arsenal is cursed I swear as soon as players leave us they’ll get the best for their career”

Credit: @FiliusIllyrico

In other news: ‘What’s wrong with this club?’ – Many Arsenal fans erupt at Ornstein news.

Everton will be hoping that they can continue their impressive start to the new Premier League season when they host high-flying West Ham United this afternoon.

The Toffees are currently sitting fifth in the top-flight table after Rafa Benitez’s charges hit the ground running in the opening weeks of 2021/22.

However, injuries to key players continue to pose problems for the Spaniard. Attacking duo Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are once again sidelined through fitness concerns, giving the manager some big calls to make.

It’s not all bad news on the injury front for the Merseyside outfit, though. Lucas Digne has been declared fit alongside Seamus Coleman and Alex Iwobi, giving Benitez some much-needed strength in depth.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the 61-year-old to line up at Goodison Park, with just the one change from the side which held Manchester United to a draw last time out…

In goal, the virtually ever-present Jordan Pickford will once again start between the sticks for the Blues, and he’ll be hoping to keep his third clean sheet of the season.

Ahead of the England international should be a familiar back four, boosted by the return of club captain Coleman. The £22.5m-rated Ben Godfrey should make way for the right-back following some poor recent performances, allowing Digne, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane to back up the defensive unit.

The engine room in unlikely to witness any changes after their impressive display at Old Trafford prior to the international break, so 20-year-old Anthony Gordon keeps his place on the left wing.

That means Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andros Townsend will form the rest of the midfield behind an attacking duo of Demarai Gray and Salomon Rondon. With Gray and Townsend both netting three league goals so far this term and Calvert-Lewin absent today, the two summer arrivals could be crucial in the final third for Everton.

In other news… “It hasn’t worked”: Journalist makes damning Everton claim, fans must be fuming with Brands 

Newcastle United have received ‘scores of applications’ for the role of Under-23 manager, according to The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope. 

The lowdown

The Newcastle youth compete in the second division of the Under-23 Premier League. They finished bottom of the pile last season with 25 points from their 24 matches.

In August, Chris Hogg left his coaching post to take up an assistant’s role at League One outfit Milton Keynes Dons.

Newcastle academy product Gary Caldwell has taken over on an interim basis while an ‘external recruitment process’ takes place.

The young Magpies have made a solid start to the new season, collecting seven points from their first four matches to sit fourth in the table.

The latest

Hope was asked by a supporter on Twitter whether he had ideas of who the leading applicant is at this stage.

He’s ‘heard’ that there has been plentiful interest in the position.

Newcastle are considering ‘a trial period’ whereby ‘a few candidates’ are given the opportunity to take sessions with the players and demonstrate their coaching talents.

The verdict

Newcastle made some good additions to their Under-23 ranks over the summer, most notably recruiting Santiago Munoz from Mexico, Remi Savage from Liverpool and Charlie Wiggett.

It’s an exciting group who should be finishing higher up the table and catching the eye of Steve Bruce. It’s encouraging to see the club being so thorough, and fans may well be hoping that this isn’t the only coaching change on Tyneside in the coming months.

In other news, one well-placed source has issued a damning verdict of Steve Bruce.