All posts by z3u9t.icu

If reports are to be believed then Rafa Benitez means business as the new manager of Everton.

Gone are the days of the measly budgets he entertained when he was last in the Premier League as the Toffees aim to spend big once again.

On the chalkboard

One area of concern for Everton this summer could be James Rodriguez.

The Colombian signed on a free transfer 12 months ago but could be heading for the exit door already.

Jorge Mendes has reportedly held conversations over his client with AC Milan so Benitez will need to be on the lookout for a replacement.

One player who was being targeted was Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho, someone who like Benitez, has a strong attachment to Liverpool.

Barca need to significantly reduce their wage bill and shipping on the Brazilian could be one way of doing so.

He has lit up the Premier League on plenty of occasions, contributing to 99 goals for the red side of Merseyside.

Any alternatives?

If a move for Coutinho cannot be concluded, then it would appear as though Benitez is targeting a deal for Real Madrid star Isco.

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That’s according to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness) who suggest that Coutinho has rejected the Toffees with Everton now identifying the Madrid midfielder as a target instead.

The new manager ‘wants to sign him’ but he may have to take a salary reduction with the 29-year-old earning £225k-per-week at the Bernabeu.

Isco has endured a significant drop off in his performances in the last few years, scoring just one goal and providing four assists in the last two campaigns.

However, James was hardly in the form of his life before joining Everton last year. The Colombia international was involved in only two goals throughout his final season with Madrid before contributing to ten Premier League strikes in 2020/21.

Therefore, Benitez and the supporters needn’t worry about Isco’s qualities. All the Spaniard needs is more game time to improve his fitness and rediscover his form.

At his best, he once produced 2.2 key passes and 2.1 dribbles per game for the European heavyweights.

Crucially, he’s also a player that Benitez knows well and rates. The experienced attacking midfielder has played 20 times under the new Everton boss, scoring three goals and assisting a further six strikes.

Speaking about his game back in 2015, the 61-year-old said: “Isco is a great footballer and what he needs to do is to carry on doing what he has been this whole time. Work, work with intensity and dedication and beyond that make the most of the quality he has to score the odd goal more.”

Benitez left just a matter of months later so perhaps at the second time of asking, he could extract more goals from Isco’s play.

If Rodriguez does head for the departure lounge, signing the Madrid gem would be quite the coup.

AND in other news, Everton could discover their new John Stones by signing “exceptional” £55m ace…

As reported by the Athletic, West Ham United are interested in VFL Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst as they continue the hunt for a new striker – prompting these Hammers fans to discuss this interesting development on social media.

Weghorst, who scored an impressive 25 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga side last campaign, has been in phenomenal form over this past year.

The 28-year-old has also scored at least 16 league goals in each campaign since his move to Germany in 2018, cutting a prolific figure under departing Wolfsburg boss Oliver Glasner.

Resultingly, he has entered the radar of West Ham with the Athletic reporting they are now interested and watching his situation.

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Flocking to this development, these Hammers fans shared their wide array of opinions on the links with a fair few of them hoping for they make a move.

Meanwhile, fellow Irons dropped varying takes on Weghorst – find all of their best ones down below (via West Ham Central).

West Ham fans flock to Weghorst news

“YES YES YES!! I’ve been saying this for ages guys!!! He fits us perfectly!!!!!”

Credit: @whulucas_

“get him to the bowl now”

Credit: @whubenbagged

“sign him up!! I’d love to finally see a fellow countryman at west ham”

Credit: @Wafflereck

“Moyes would love him”

Credit: @swoopwing

“I wish”

Credit: @_cxlwhu

“He is a workhorse tho”

Credit: @tim_kolk10

“Risk which could pay off, who knows.”

Credit: @louie7ii

“Looks better than Haller”

Credit: @szn_bowen

In other news: Barry Fry makes claim on potentially ‘great news for West Ham fans’, find out more here.

Sunderland fans have been reacting to the news that they will not be able to attend the club’s pre-season match against Spennymoor after coronavirus restrictions were extended.

The Black Cats’ preparations for the 2021/22 campaign will already be underway. They will be hoping to build on what was an eventually disappointing previous term – at one point, it looked as though they may earn promotion to the Championship automatically, but they could only reach the play-offs. There, they lost to Lincoln City in the semi-finals.

They will be playing Spennymoor in one of their pre-season matches, and the Black Cats supporters had hoped to travel to the match to see their side play. However, due to coronavirus regulations being extended beyond the previous June 21st deadline, that will no longer be possible (safc.com).

The news was shared on Sunderland’s official Twitter account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the SAFC fans had to say about the news below

“have it at the sol then then both sets of fans came watch”

Credit: @steveca77341768

“Get the ladders up lads”

Credit: @swainyFTM

“York away better go ahead with away fans”

Credit: @EthanOsafc

“Maybe if Boris, Hancock and Cummings did there job from day one then we would be in this mess but in typical tory fashion Boris, Hancock and Cummings pratted around while Australia and New Zealand succeeded and did a far better job than us, Embarrassing.”

Credit: @aveyard04

“typical”

Credit: @safcianpeterlee

“I’d just organised a luxury weekend away for the missus in Ferryhill to coincide. I’m gutted! (when ARE the friendlies that we can attend then???)”

Credit: @GARP1967

In other news, Sunderland fans were delighted by this latest contract news.

Former Crystal Palace and Brighton frontman Glenn Murray has announced his retirement from football, as reported by Sky Sports.

An outstanding servant to the English game, the Cumbrian has decided to call time on a career which has spanned over 19 years featuring for 12 different clubs [Transfermarkt].

Most recently at Sky Bet Championship club Nottingham Forest [BBC], he will undoubtedly be sorely missed by every club he played for.

In recent years especially, not many footballing issues have harmoniously bound together the fans of Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion. Fierce rivals on the pitch, they also have their fair share of tensions off it.

Nevertheless, Steve Parish’s tweet on Murray was quick to unite Seagulls and Eagles fans – a fitting tribute to a man who is still loved by both sets of the divide to this day.

Parish encapsulates his feelings in an honest manner, saying: “A fantastic player, wrote his name in our history for ever – but perhaps his greatest achievement is to be loved by the fans of two fierce rivals.”

Albion fans responded with hordes of positive messages, testament to how well their former hero is still received both on the south coast and in south London to this day.

Fans praise Parish post

 “couldn’t agree more. And as a Brighton fan that’s hard to admit. The word Legend is used a lot. But

@GM_83 fits that word and then some #bhafc”

Credit: @AlexxODonnell

“Absolutely Steve Massive mistake by Poyet to sell Muzza & as much as we hated it at the time, he was only doing what was right by his family signing for you lot and getting the best deal he could So much respect for Glenn, even if he did score too many goals against us”

Credit: @Brighton_Peer

“Didnt ever want to agree with parish but totally agree. Ultimate professional.”

Credit:@Brighton11Sarah

“Absolutely Steve, I may be a Brighton fan, but very well said sir.”Credit: @MissyMo38043964″You only have to look at how he reacted at both clubs when he scored against them. Completely respectful and clearly a gent.”Credit:@robin35311″About the only thing both sets of fans will ever agree on”Credit:@Azzer1989221

Crystal Palace must swoop for former Everton and Bournemouth striker Josh King this summer.

What’s the story?

It has been confirmed that the 29-year-old will leave the Toffees on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June following a disappointing six-month spell on Merseyside.

King failed to score in any of his 11 appearances after joining the Goodison Park outfit and is now able to talk to other clubs ahead of a possible move, having been linked with the Eagles last October only for a move to not materialise.

Imagine him and Zaha

With several players expected to depart Palace over the coming months, who chairman Steve Parish brings in to replace them could be key to the club’s fortunes next season. Key players such as Andros Townsend, Gary Cahill and Patrick van Aanholt are all heading for the exit door at this moment in time, so the Eagles’ recruitment will be vital to their future success.

Budgets are expected to be tight at all clubs this summer as the financial impact of the ongoing pandemic continues to cause problems, adding greater significance to bargain deals and thrifty purchases.

Picking up an experienced Premier League player on a free transfer would certainly come into that category, and acquiring King’s signature would represent a good piece of business for Palace as Parish oversees a significant squad rebuild.

The Norway international has an impressive record in the Premier League, bagging 48 goals and providing 15 assists in 172 top-flight appearances throughout his career, highlighting the quality he would bring to the capital club. Eddie Howe, his former manager at Bournemouth, hailed him as “the complete package” after a two-goal display against Newcastle in March 2019.

Although Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha has made his familiar statement outlining his desire to leave his boyhood club, the reality is that the Ivory Coast international is likely to remain in south London for at least another 12 months.

It could provide the hugely talented star enough time to build up a deadly rapport with King should the latter arrive this summer and fire Selhurst Park outfit to greater heights as they transition into the post-Roy Hodgson era.

At Bournemouth, King was at his scintillating best when he built relationships with Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser. The prospect of the £45,000-per-week Norwegian developing a similar connection with Zaha is surely enough to get any Palace fan excited.

In other news…Palace could seal their next McArthur in £10.8m-rated gem who has “everything”

Daily Record reporter Keith Jackson has provided a major update in regards to Celtic’s pursuit of Eddie Howe.

The Lowdown: Celtic and Howe

Links between Howe and the Hoops first began in April, with the 43-year-old reportedly meeting Dermot Desmond in London for talks.

Howe verbally agreed on a move to Parkhead, however, a deal is still yet to be announced, with the Englishman thought to be having second thoughts.

It seems as if a move is back on the cards, though, with a recent story suggesting Howe is finalising his Celtic Park backroom staff.

The Latest: Howe’s appointment is when, not if

In an in-depth piece on Celtic detailing the stories of both former manager Neil Lennon and Howe, Jackson appeared to drop a hugely positive claim on the situation.

The Daily Record man said:

“The informed word is, it’s only a matter of when Desmond lands his top target as opposed to if.”

Jackson went on to describe the situation as a ‘calculated gamble’ by the Hoops hierarchy, but it appears as if it may well pay off going off his latest comments.

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The Verdict: McKay and Desmond surely delighted

In our opinion, New Celtic CEO Dominic McKay and Desmond will be delighted, should Jackson’s recent claim be accurate.

Celtic only have two league games remaining and the summer window is edging closer, so the board could do with agreeing on a deal for Lennon’s long-term successor relatively soon ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Going into a crucial transfer window without a Director of Football or a permanent manager in place could be a disaster, so the sooner that ‘when’ comes the better.

It seems as if a move for Howe is under control, though, so, hopefully, as well as working on his backroom staff, he is beginning to work out who he wants to remain at the club, as well as potential areas to strengthen, giving new chief McKay a head start on the summer rebuild.

In other news: Raman Bhardwaj drops late-night Celtic post; could be helpful to McKay, find out more here. 

Tottenham Hotspur are still looking to formally select their next managerial appointment and it’s believed that Erik ten Hag is still in the running…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, who claims the 51-year-old is ‘a leading contender’ for the Spurs job despite signing a new two-year contract at his current club, Ajax.

This ties in with information from Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

He suggested that the Dutchman did not reject an approach from the North London outfit after their attentions turned to him following setbacks over Julian Nagelsmann and Brendan Rodgers.

Dream appointment?

Pitt-Brooke also states that the other names in the running are former RB Leipzig man Ralf Rangnick, current Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez and Graham Potter of Brighton.

Of all these candidates, it is easy to see why ten Hag would be a front-runner. He’s certainly a mouth-watering prospect for what Levy is looking for – he could even be his dream hire.

The Guardian believe the Lilywhites chairman is on the lookout for an ‘attack-minded’ coach that has ‘strong credentials in the development of young players.’

Almost as if they were looking for Mauricio Pochettino, mark two.

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Ten Hag has just clinched his second Eredivisie title in Amsterdam, where he holds a mightily impressive 73.6% win rate since being appointed in December 2017.

His playing style has been described as ‘Total Football 2.0’ and takes inspiration from two huge influences on his coaching career, Pep Guardiola and Johan Cruyff.

That would certainly tick one box for Levy.

The 51-year-old has also seen the progression of many a young player, and eventually raking in huge profits for Ajax, as a result.

Frenkie de Jong (£65m to Barcelona), Matthijs de Ligt (£67.7m to Juventus) and Donny van de Beek (£35.7m to Man Utd) are just three prime examples, so it would be another tick next to ten Hag’s name.

Furthermore, he has received glowing praise from Liverpool’s title-winning boss Jurgen Klopp, who described the Dutchman as “one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football.”

All in all, on the above evidence, it’s no wonder that Spurs see the Ajax chief as their best candidate now.

He matches so many of Levy’s requirements.

So if he can tempt ten Hag to swap the comforts of the Champions League-bound Dutch side for the faltering North Londoners, then he could well be onto a winner.

AND in other news, Forget Reguilon: £26m-rated Spurs lightweight who lost possession 21x betrayed Mason vs Villa…

Aston Villa must avoid a major disaster over Carney Chukwuemeka after his latest masterclass for the youth side.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in signing the 17-year-old, with The Athletic’s Gregg Evans adding that clubs from across Europe are also keeping an eye on things too.

And if Villa needed any fresh reminder that they absolutely have to keep him, then his starring performance in the FA Youth Cup certainly sent a huge message to Dean Smith and the rest of the club’s hierarchy.

Villa must avoid disaster

Dubbed a “star in the making” by Evans, Chukwuemeka bagged himself a stunning hat-trick in Villa’s 6-1 thrashing over Newcastle to reach the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece was understandably fulsome in his praise, giving him a perfect ten and adding: “This was a Carney Chukwuemeka masterclass. It was a clinic in how to play an advanced midfield role with the 17-year-old oozing confidence and swagger. The hype’s real surrounding this kid who, as supporters know, has been around Dean Smith’s first team for a long time now. Villa’s No.10 started almost every attack and looked to hurt Newcastle at every opportunity.

“European clubs are hovering looking to take Chukwuemeka and Villa could do with reassuring him that his future’s at Villa Park. He’s ready for some Premier League minutes. A scary talent who assisted Reddin as well. Unreal. He’s got everything.”

Knowing that the club could stand to lose one of their prized young assets, even after proving his value and potential, would surely infuriate NSWE.

Bringing in new players for big money is all well and good, but having a good academy system that can provide a couple of genuine first-team stars is always key to a club’s future – you only have to look at Jack Grealish to see that.

Losing Chukwuemeka would be a monumental mistake from Smith and co.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a summer swoop for this star…

Xisco Munoz’s Watford have been dealt a huge blow to their hopes of landing Jacob Murphy this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Chronicle Live, who claimed that Newcastle United are set to trigger a one-year extension to the 26-year-old’s current contract, which will see him remain at St James’ Park until at least the summer of 2022.

This is likely to come as frustrating news for Cristiano Giaretta, as the sporting director had been plotting a £6m offer for the £3.15m-rated winger in the upcoming transfer window.

Giaretta will be livid

Murphy has featured 23 times for Steve Bruce’s side in the Premier League this season, with the former England under-21 international scoring two goals, registering two assists and creating five big chances, culminating in an average SofaScore match rating of 6.71 – ranking him as the club’s 17th-best performer in the top flight.

However, despite this rather lowly average match rating, Murphy’s form has dramatically improved for the Magpies in recent weeks, with the former Norwich City ace earning a rating of 8.2 in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, a 7.2 rating in the 2-1 win over Burnley and a 7.4 rating in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

With Watford preparing for their return to the Premier League this summer, Giaretta appeared to be eyeing the 26-year-old in order to provide Xisco with greater depth in his squad in a bid to ensure the Hornets’ top-flight survival next season.

However, with Newcastle now seeming intent on keeping hold of Murphy beyond the summer, it appears as if the sporting director will now have to turn his attention away from the winger, something which is likely to leave the Italian frustrated after targeting the £25,000-per-week earner – whom Rafael Benitez dubbed a “talented” player – for a considerable amount of time.

In other news: Xisco can land Watford’s dream Deeney successor in “exceptional” 25 y/o goal machine – opinion

Rangers return to Premiership action on Sunday afternoon as they take on Hibernian at Ibrox, in the first of five league games between now and the end of the season, with Steven Gerrard’s side still in with a chance of finishing unbeaten.

The Light Blues have already secured the Premiership title this season but will be desperate to match the record achieved by Brendan Rodgers with their Old Firm rivals in 2016/17.

Hibernian currently sit third in the Premiership after an impressive campaign and Jack Ross’ side will be looking to cause an upset at Ibrox, although their indifferent recent form, as well as Rangers’ superb home record, marks out Gerrard’s side as strong favourites.

Here’s how we think the 40-year-old manager will line his side up against Hibs, with six changes from the side that started against Cove Rangers last time out…

Fresh from his recent contract extension, Allan McGregor returns in goal after being rested against Cove Rangers, and he replaces Jon McLaughlin.

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There is just one change in defence, as Borna Barisic is selected at left-back despite Calvin Bassey’s impressive cameo last time out, as the Croatian has undoubtedly been one of Gerrard’s best performers this season.

In midfield, Scott Arfield’s poor recent form sees him drop to the bench, with Joe Aribo returning to the side after he was also rested in the cup win against Cove Rangers.

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Finally, it’s all change in attack, as Ianis Hagi, Alfredo Morelos and the “top class” Ryan Kent come back into the side despite some excellent displays from Scott Wright, Kemar Roofe and Jermaine Defoe last weekend, as Gerrard should go with his strongest front three for this potentially tricky fixture at Ibrox.

And, in other news… Gerrard must axe ace who “epitomises” Rangers’ style of play, he’s been awful