All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United appear to be very active this week after a reliable journalist issued an exciting transfer claim…

What’s the word?

Reports emerged suggesting that the Yorkshire outfit had a £15m offer knocked back for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, though the club are said to remain keen on signing him this month.

However, it’s not the only player that they have submitted a bid for.

“Victor Orta is being busy and Leeds have also tabled a bid for a second as of yet unidentified player,” revealed the Daily Mirror’s David Anderson to Twitter on Tuesday night.

It remains to be seen who the second player could be as United have been linked to many names in many different positions throughout the last two to three weeks.

Signings soon?

Whilst we may not know who Orta and co are targeting now, the point that they are now looking to conduct business is hugely exciting and encouraging news for the Elland Road faithful.

This window was quickly heading down the same path – a bleak one with no signings, nothing to help manager Marcelo Bielsa and the problems within his squad.

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Often, his side have been decimated by injuries and that was epitomised by the fact that he could only name one senior professional on the bench during Sunday’s 3-2 win over West Ham United. That being Rodrigo, who has only just returned from injury himself.

Leeds have long been on the lookout for a midfielder, with the last signing in the role being Adam Forshaw nearly four years ago. It has left the head coach awfully short on options.

With Kalvin Phillips on the treatment table, it is only Forshaw and Mateusz Klich available as clear-cut central midfielders. The likes of Stuart Dallas and Jamie Shackleton, who often play anywhere they are asked to, can fill in but they have largely been utilised at full-back.

It certainly seems as if Orta is trying his best to find solutions, having submitted two offers for two different players this week, and that should leave many supporters buzzing heading into the rest of the window.

With less than two weeks to go, the Yorkshire giants must accelerate plans to get at least one deal over the line.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Leeds now eye £10m gem with “enormous ability”, Bielsa badly needs him…

Aston Villa assistant manager Craig Shakespeare has also left the club following Dean Smith’s sacking on Sunday; and as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Villa officially parted ways with Smith on Sunday days after a fifth consecutive defeat in the Premier League. There was no mention of Shakespeare in the club’s statement on Smith, but The Telegraph claim that the 58-year-old, who moved to Villa Park in August 2020, has also departed.

Coach Aaron Danks and set-piece specialist Austin MacPhee are still at the club, with Villa’s search for a new manager underway.

The likes of Steven Gerrard and Ralph Hasenhuttl are thought to be under consideration by the Villa hierarchy, whereas initial contact was made with Paulo Fonseca last week, with an appointment aiming to be finalised before the international break is over.

Shakespeare is no stranger to abrupt departures from Premier League clubs, having also been dismissed by Everton and Watford under the reigns of Sam Allardyce and Nigel Pearson respectively. His time in charge of Leicester in 2017 was brief and unsuccessful, lasting for just eight months as he left them in the top-flight relegation zone.

Villa fans react

The Telegraph’s Matt Law shared the news regarding Shakespeare on Sunday, which led to these Villa supporters giving their thoughts to the news on social media. Many were quite pleased to see him go, believing that he didn’t cover himself in glory during his time working under Smith.

“Oh yes, thank god”

Credit: @doctor_mills

“Every cloud and so on….”

Credit: @SJFranksAllen

“Ruthless. I like it”

Credit: @konsa04

“There’s a bit more good news. Since JT left defence fell apart”

Credit: @AndyJ93519624

“Good news keeps coming”

Credit: @Cornishview

“This makes lots of sense. Let’s see.”

Credit: @buendiaball

In other news: ‘Has to be a wind up’ – Many Villa fans erupt over ‘world-class’ coach NSWE want

With 11 Premier League games played so far this season, Southampton have only managed to find the back of the net on teen occasions, leaving only Norwich City (5) and Tottenham Hotspur (9) having scored fewer than Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

Taking this into account, it doesn’t come as a surprise that they have been linked with a transfer move for a fairly familiar Premier League attacking player.

What’s the news?

It has recently been claimed by journalist Ekrem Konur that Southampton, alongside fellow Premier League clubs West Ham United and Newcastle United are interested in signing Jesse Lingard, who Manchester United are apparently willing to sell for a fee of £12m.

After completing an impressive loan spell at West Ham last season where he managed to score nine goals and provide five assists in 16 appearances, the Englishman has made just eight appearances for the Red Devils across all competitions.

He has started just once but has managed to bag two goals and provide one assist in the process, even though United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said back in July that Lingard is in his plans for this season.

Dream move?

Given his lack of playing minutes this season at Old Trafford, it’s not surprising to see that reports linking the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £19.8m according to Transfermarkt, with an exit.

However, Man United’s loss is Southampton’s gain and a move is something that the club’s sporting director Matt Crocker should definitely be looking to explore to add an extra attacking option to Hasenhuttl’s squad.

He is someone who has a total of 154 appearances Premier League appearances under his belt with 29 goals and 17 assists. That sort of offensive ingenuity, therefore, could make the difference during the back end of the campaign.

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Southampton had no hesitancy in splashing out a fee of £15m for Adam Armstrong, a player who had very little prior experience of playing the Premier League, in the previous summer transfer window.

Therefore, potentially securing Lingard, who has been described as a “unique” player in the past by Michael Carrick, for a fee of £12m would be a dream move for the Saints.

Unlike the aforementioned Armstrong a few months back, he possesses experience in the top flight and his attacking talents which would almost certainly make the team much more of an attacking threat as a whole. The Saints simply have to make sure he’s making the trek to the south coast in January.

In other news: Ralph dealt potential injury blow on “excellent” Saints beast, fans will be gutted – opinion

Arsenal are sweating on the availability of Bukayo Saka heading into tonight’s Premier League clash with Manchester United…

What’s the latest?

The 20-year-old limped off after scoring a goal during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon with a suspect thigh problem.

He has since been assessed at their London Colney training base and manager Mikel Arteta provided a worrying update in his pre-game press conference this week.

“We have the doubt with Bukayo and another few knocks that we got against Newcastle,” the Spaniard revealed (via the Evening Standard). “I am hopeful, but we don’t know [if Saka can play]. It is a really short turnaround and the player has to be comfortable playing with a little injury.”

Would be a big miss

Saka is an integral member of Arteta’s starting XI in north London and he has played a crucial role in their recent upturn in fortunes on the pitch.

Only fellow Hale End academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe (six) and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (five) have delivered more direct goal contributions than the England international (four) in the Premier League in 2021/22.

Despite only two assists from 12 starts, Saka leads the way for creativity, having averaged a squad-high 1.6 key passes per game (21 in total), per WhoScored.

Back in February, Arteta waxed lyrical about the young gem’s influence on the pitch and how it was hard to leave him out of the starting XI.

“It is (difficult) at the moment because he’s been a real threat. He’s involved in a lot of goals all the time and his consistent performances make him a starter obviously,” he told the club’s official website.

The 14-time England international, who is valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, would be a huge miss for the Gunners up at Old Trafford, particularly as there is a lot at stake and three points would seriously bolster their claims to qualify for a place in Europe next season.

Arsenal are sat in fifth place, just one point behind West Ham, so a victory would see them move into the top-four for the first time in what seems like a very long time. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are down in tenth position and could go to within just two points of the north London giants.

Arteta must be hugely concerned about the availability of his star man. Yes, his side went on a ten-game unbeaten run but they were exposed against a big side in Liverpool, before getting back on track against the rock-bottom Magpies.

United, despite their poor form, can pose a big threat and have plenty of big-name stars at their disposal, so without the talents of Saka, the Gunners boss may be a little scared heading into kick-off.

AND in other news, Arteta may have another Saka in “sensational” teen who can help save Arsenal millions…

Lots of Arsenal fans have been discussing the club’s links with a move for Inter Milan wing-back Achraf Hakimi.

The Telegraph have reported about Hakimi, claiming that Arsenal have now been alerted to the Moroccan’s situation at Inter, with the club’s owners Suning Holdings Group possibly under pressure to sell a few Nerazzurri players to alleviate some financial burden.

The report added that Hector Bellerin has caught the attention of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, and Arsenal see Hakimi as a chance to replace the Spaniard.

Not just Arsenal, but Chelsea are also looking at Hakimi; and they believe that the former Real Madrid man can thrive in a more advanced role since Reece James is currently their long-term option for right wing-back under Thomas Tuchel.

Hakimi has impressed for Antonio Conte’s men this season, making 33 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals as well as picking up six assists, proving to be a potent and creative presence in the final third.

As per WhoScored, he has been one of Inter’s standout performers all-round in 2020/21, with an average match rating of 7.0 from the website.

The news linking Arsenal with a move for Hakimi drew the attention of many Gunners fans, who made their opinion clear about potentially signing the 22-year-old:

What did Arsenal fans make of the news about Hakimi? “Arsenal showing interest in Achraf Hakimi. YES PLEASE!”Credit: @unclenabz”Going from Bellerin to Hakimi would be the biggest 180 and system shock you’d ever see. Need him at Arsenal.”Credit: @Naif63062887″Would be a perfect signing imo. We’re managing our defense fairly well with Bellerin even. So with Hakimi in there who has actual ability in the attack we would look like a different breed. That being said, getting his signature seems like a farfetched dream.”Credit: @zinowor”I would take him any day.”Credit: @ezrandez”I’m in the minority of Arsenal fans who would be keen on Bellerin remaining first-choice RB next season, but if we’re showing interest in Hakimi, we would be crazy to not try and sign him, one of the few players that would justify replacing a fan favourite like Bellerin.”Credit: @dylanwalsh_”I’d love him.”Credit: @journalismbondIn other news, Arsenal have been linked with a move for a former PL defender – read more here.

Liverpool host Fulham on Sunday afternoon, desperate to get back to winning ways at home.

The reigning Premier League champions have shockingly lost their last five Premier League games at Anfield and are in desperate need of some inspiration from somewhere.

That could come in the form of returning star Diogo Jota, who should be in line for a start against Fulham.

Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer window, the Portuguese ace had an electric start on Merseyside, netting nine goals in his first 18 games in all competitions.

He scored on his Liverpool debut against Arsenal, whilst also notching winning goals against Sheffield United and West Ham United. As a matter of fact, his goals have already been worth five points to Liverpool in the Premier League, despite him having played just ten matches in the competition.

Now back from a knee injury suffered in December, the 24-year-old should be recalled into the starting line-up in place of Sadio Mane after being introduced from the bench against Chelsea in midweek.

Liverpool’s struggles appear to have coincided with a lean spell in front of goal for the Senegalese star.

The £108m-rated wideman has scored just seven goals in the Premier League this season, the last one of those coming six games ago in the 3-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur. A spell on the sidelines could benefit him and Liverpool.

If Jota can step up and continue the exhilarating form he displayed before getting injured then he could well give the Reds some fresh impetus as they battle for a place in the top four.

It is clear that the 24-year-old is very highly-rated by those at the club, with Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders going as far as labelling Jota as a “pressing monster”.

That attribute could come in extremely useful with the Reds desperately in need of some positivity.

Jota, who is on £90k per week at Anfield, could be the man to reignite Liverpool’s season now he is back – that renaissance potentially kicking off on Sunday as the Reds come up against Fulham.

AND in more news, take a look at Trent Alexander-Arnold’s crucial role in the clash at Anfield on Sunday…

BBC Scotland pundit Marvin Bartley has been full of praise for the performance of Celtic forward Jota over the weekend. 

The lowdown: Celtic one step closer

The Hoops took another significant stride toward the Premiership title with a 2-0 victory over Ross County at Victoria Park on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are now six points clear at the top of the table with four matches remaining after an opening goal from Kyogo Furuhashi and a late strike from Jota sealed the points in Dingwall.

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After the match, there were plenty of plaudits for the Portuguese ace in particular…

The latest: Bartley praises Jota

Speaking to BBC Sportscene (April 24, 19:31), Bartley was full of praise for the display of the 23-year-old on loan from Benfica.

The Livingston defender gushed: “His all-around game is absolutely brilliant. If you’re a Celtic fan you want him signed up as soon as possible. He’s a striker’s dream, isn’t he? If you go in the right areas, he’ll find you. His head is up all the time.

“He can play left, he can play right, he’s pro-active, he’s constantly on the move. He’s got that belief he can go past anyone.”

The verdict: Top-drawer display from Jota

This was a performance right out of the top drawer from Jota as the Portugal under-21 starlet took his tally for the season to 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

Overall, the youngster earned a standout 8.90 rating for his display, which contained four key passes and two further big chances created, along with the goal and assist (Sofascore).

Performances such as this will only further increase the clamour for the club to pay the reported £6m required to make the loan sensation a Celtic player on a permanent basis over the summer.

In other news, an expert has made a key claim regarding the ownership of Celtic. Read more here.

Southampton are continuing to be linked with a loan move for Manchester United defender Brandon Williams this month and if he were to join, it will surely prove to be the final nail in the coffin for Sam McQueen.

According to Sky Sports, Southampton are interested in signing the youngster on loan this month and he is keen to leave to get regular first-team football under his belt.

Back in 2018, Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer was full of praise for the defender’s performance against AZ Alkmaar, saying:

“The performance and debut of Brandon, fantastic. You can’t see any nerves, he’s so brave, the courage to take the ball and go forward. Great defending, very pleased, some big, big pluses today.”

If he were to sign, it could be bad news for McQueen. The Saints man unfortunately injured his cruciate ligament in 2018 and hasn’t made a senior appearance since, after one of the screws in his knee became infected.

The left-back looked to be destined for a bright future with the South Coast club, having made 29 first-team appearances during his time there and he also enjoyed loan spells with Southend United and Middlesbrough.

However, the injury looks to have all but ended his hopes of making it at Southampton and with his contract set to expire at the end of the current season, it seems very unlikely that he will be offered a new contract with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

The Saints are perhaps low on left-back options, with just Ryan Bertrand and 20-year-old Jake Vokins currently the only options available to the Austrian manager, so McQueen may still be holding out hope that he could make a return, with a report from The Athletic suggesting a few months ago that January could be a target for when he can have a ball at his feet again.

It seems unfortunate for the left-back therefore, that Southampton are showing heavy interest in Manchester United’s Williams this month, as if he were to join, it would surely prove to be the final nail in the coffin for McQueen, especially if Hasenhuttl saw enough from the 20-year-old to make his deal permanent in the summer.

Whilst the Southampton academy graduate may be something of a forgotten man amongst Saints supporters, he was included in their 25-man Premier League squad earlier this season, which suggests that the South Coast club are not desperate to see him cut adrift, despite his injury concerns.

Hopefully, if the signing of Williams does lead to McQueen leaving Southampton this summer, he can go on to have a successful career elsewhere.

And, in other news, Hasenhuttl handed devastating injury blow to 21 y/o with great potential ahead of FA Cup tie…

A number of Aston Villa supporters have hit out at Ross Barkley on social media for his first half display against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.

Dean Smith named the same side which beat Everton 2-1 last time out, with Jack Grealish unavailable for the 12th game in succession.

However, it was Barkley’s performance which had a number of Villa fans talking online, and not for the right reasons.

The 27-year-old was making his 17th Premier League start of the season and 26th appearance in all competitions during the current campaign. His display in the opening stages didn’t exactly impress some fans, though, with many venting their frustrations on Twitter.

The attacking midfielder was lining up in front of Douglas Luiz and John McGinn at Villa Park but failed to really get involved, leaving many Villa fans frustrated as he wasted a 14th-minute cross, a moment indicative of his display.

Villa fans react to Barkley’s performance

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say about the England international, with one describing his display as ‘poor’.

“Traore and Barkley really doing us no favours”

Credit: @_C45EY_

“Barkley is a waste of a man on the pitch”

Credit: @MJDodge84

“Dross Barkley strikes again”

Credit: @b0ngs12

“Traore and Barkley are so so poor”

Credit: @UTV_LC

“Can we send Barkley back now?”

Credit: @kandemanUK 

“If Barkley had just some footballing IQ”

Credit: @josh_priv3

In other news: Villa make contact for in-demand defender; report shares brilliant reason for weekend absence, find out more here. 

According to Evening Standard journalist Dan Kilpatrick, Tottenham could be without Ben Davies for tonight’s Premier League encounter with Liverpool in another injury worry after he was taken off against Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup – coming as fellow left-back Sergio Reguilon looks set to miss the match.

Davies was hauled off after picking up a knock during Tottenham’s 4-1 victory away to the Championship side, and at the moment, it is unclear whether he will feature in north London on Thursday as Jose Mourinho gears up for a crunch clash (Evening Standard).

Spurs could miss Davies for Liverpool clash

Indeed, the 27-year-old is a doubt for the match this evening, but there is a glimmer of optimism in Kilpatrick’s update as Davies hopes to pass a late fitness test.

Whether he will be deemed able enough to take part remains to be seen, but for now, he is considered a doubt for Liverpool as Tottenham’s left-back options seem alarmingly thin.

Both Reguilon and Davies potentially being absent leaves little room for manoeuvre as far as Mourinho is concerned, with Japhet Tanganga emerging as an option if the Welshman indeed cannot feature.

Transfer Tavern take

The Lilywhites youngster has been deployed as a left-back before, but not this season as per Kilpatrick.

Spurs fans will be hoping Davies is passed fit, but right now he remains a doubt – coming as both Reguilon and attacker Dele Alli (football.london) look set to miss Liverpool.

Mourinho is certainly a fan of the player, who he described as ‘very intelligent’ back in October for his contributions as part of a back four (football.london), meanwhile pundit Darren Bent hailed him as one of the ‘standout’ performers of 2020/2021 after Spurs’ League Cup win against Stoke (Sky Sports via TBR).

In other news: Tottenham eyeing this ‘superb’ starlet, find out more here.