All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic had a rather significant overhaul last summer in terms of the number of players that joined and moved out of the club.

As things stand, it seems as though this hefty amount of business has paid off, with the Hoops currently six points clear at the top of the SPFL table.

Looking ahead to the next transfer window, it seems as though a clue has been dropped over the future of one particular player currently in Ange Postecoglou’s squad that joined last summer.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones had this to say about Cameron Carter-Vickers and what the upcoming summer transfer window could hold for him.

He said: “In terms of Carter-Vickers, the player has not made a decision yet. It sounds to me like he would rather be in the Premier League if possible, but he needs to see what opportunities genuinely open up.”

Since arriving at the Parkhead club back in the previous summer transfer window on a loan deal from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, the defender has become an integral part of Celtic’s team.

With 28 league appearances under his belt, the 24-year-old has earned himself an overall performance rating of 7.36/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player currently in Postecoglou’s squad and the highest-rated centre-back.

Postecoglou will be livid

To highlight how highly-rated he is by the Hoops boss, only Carl Starfelt and Joe Hart have played more minutes in the league than the on-loan Spurs figure.

In terms of his defensive talents, the American has racked up a total of 19 successful tackles, 36 interceptions and a higher average of clearances per game (4.2) than any other Celtic player.

This shows just how pivotal Carter-Vickers has been for the Bhoys at the back and how much he has contributed to the fact that they have the best defensive record in the league with just 19 goals conceded in 33 games.

Taking into account what Jones had to say about the defender’s apparent preference to play in the Premier League, this would surely be a big blow for Celtic and make Postecoglou rather angry given how important the player has been for the team.

Moving forward, once the summer transfer window opens, the Hoops should do everything they can to convince Carter-Vickers to stay where he is and negotiate a deal with Spurs to make it happen.

But for now, Jones’ update is a big blow to Celtic’s hopes of convincing him to stay at the club on a more permanent basis.

In other news: Signed for 7 figures, left for peanuts: Celtic had a mare on “unplayable” £15k-p/w dud…

Manchester United are potentially eyeing a move for Erik Ten Hag’s current Ajax starlet, Jurrien Timber.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Rudy Galetti, who took to his Twitter page to issue a statement regarding incoming Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag.

Galetti said this in his tweet: “Manchester United’s first signing of the Ten Hag era will most likely be a centre-back.”

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He also suggested two names that United may be looking to bring in: “To date, on the MUFC list the hot names are Timber (Ajax) and Torres (Villareal).”

Of course, those two names are Jurrien Timber, who currently plays under Ten Hag and Pau Torres, with the latter being linked with Manchester United across the last few transfer windows.

Better than Maguire

As a right-footed centre-back who usually operates on the right in a four-man defence, Timber would not pose a threat to Harry Maguire’s starting spot… would he?

In actual fact, he would. Based on the pattern that Ten Hag has created at Ajax, the right-footed centre-back operates on the right, whilst the left-footed centre-back operates on the left.

When Ten Hag comes in, if he does not opt to bring in a left-footed centre-back, he will most likely hone in on Raphael Varane’s experience for Real Madrid as a left centre-back, a position he fulfilled at times. Varane is also listed as just 60% right-footed, according to FBref.

Timber would partner the France international in what would be a cool, calm and collected backline. Both centre-halves love having the ball at their feet and the potential signing of Timber would offer Ten Hag familiarity in this area.

The 20-year-old boasts some serious numbers that place him in the elite category for the majority of his passing stats, with his average of 76 passes completed per 90 far better than Maguire’s average of 48 passes per 90.

Timber, who has been described as a “top talent” as per UEFA Champions League, also outdoes Maguire in almost all defensive metrics, with the £27m-rated defender having a seamless season in the Eredivisie in which he has made zero errors per 90 – the antithesis of the Englishman this season.

The signing of Timber could see Maguire lacking game time under Ten Hag, and based on this year’s stats, the new United boss would be right to drop him and potentially sell him too, as reports have suggested.

In other news: Ronaldo 2.0: Ten Hag can seal instant MUFC masterclass by unleashing “rampant” 17 y/o – opinion

Wolves are reportedly interested in a move for Stade de Reims forward Hugo Ekitke, according to The Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Rising stock

The 19-year-old spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan at Danish side Vejle BK, scoring three times and registering two assists in 11 outings before returning to France.

Since then, the speedy frontman has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1 and has been linked with a move to a host of Premier League clubs, including the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.

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Newcastle United were believed to be close to landing Ekitike in January but the move failed to materialise and now the Wanderers could be about to throw their name into the mix ahead of the summer window…

The latest: The Telegraph makes claim

As per the report from journalist for The Telegraph, John Percy, Wolves are the latest club to ‘show interest’ in the teenage sensation.

It’s claimed that officials from Molineux have been ‘scouting’ the France Under 20 international whose running style has been likened to that of compatriot and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

The report states that Wolves will face ‘serious competition’ for the two-cap youth international in the summer as Bruno Lage attempts to bolster the attacking options at his disposal in the Midlands.

The verdict: An exciting prospect

Described as ‘very special’ by manager Oscar Garcia, Ekitike has scored ten and provided another four assists in 24 appearances across all competitions this season playing as both a centre-forward and a left-winger, with transfer insider Graeme Bailey even reporting that many in France believe he is the ‘next Mbappe’ and would be a ‘huge signing’ in the Premier League.

Per FBref, the young Frenchman is actually a close match to Wolves star Raul Jimenez stylistically and it’s no surprise that Lage would look towards the ace to arrive as an understudy.

Standing at 6 foot 2, Ekitike possesses the necessary physical attributes to handle the rigours of the Premier League, something that until now Fabio Silva has struggled to cope with, and can therefore be considered as a realistic target to add to the ranks this summer.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting player. Find out who it is here.

Celtic have managed to beat their Old Firm rivals on two occasions this season in the Premiership and now look likely to take the league title away from them as well.

Looking back down the years, it’s not just on the pitch that the Hoops have gotten one over on their Glasgow enemies.

In terms of previous transfer deals, one player who was on Rangers’ radar before eventually making the move to Parkhead is Kris Commons.

Before joining the Bhoys from Derby County back in January 2011, the midfielder was being eyed up by the Ibrox outfit.

Speaking about the player and the club’s interest in him at that time, the late Walter Smith said: “He’s someone we would be interested in trying to get. We have made an enquiry and we are in talks with Derby to see what the situation is with him.”

As it turned out, this enquiry from Rangers didn’t equate to much, as the Scotsman eventually ended up in a Celtic shirt after the Bhoys splashed out £300k for his services.

During his time with the Hoops, the midfielder racked up a total of 227 appearances across all competitions. In that time, the 38-year-old delivered 161 goal contributions in total, with 89 goals scored 72 assists provided before leaving in the summer of 2017 and retiring a year later.

To further highlight how much of an attacking threat he was for the Parkhead club, Commons had 206 shots on target over six Premiership seasons. This shows just how much of a danger he was for opposition goalkeepers who would have been glad to see the back of him when he left Celtic.

Back in 2013, former Hoops manager Neil Lennon couldn’t help but share his praise for the midfielder after a particularly hot run of form.

He said: “Kris is wonderful and he is in wonderful form. Commons has been huge for me in the past couple of years.”

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Celtic played a blinder over their Old Firm rivals by securing the former Hoops star’s signature when they did.

In other news: “There is…” – Big transfer development emerges, it’s great news for Celtic supporters

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side face Liverpool in Saturday night’s 19:45 kick-off, with the result potentially having huge implications on both the Premier League title race and the fight to secure Champions League football next season.

Indeed, with Spurs currently sitting two points behind Arsenal – who play relegation-threatened Leeds United on Sunday – in fourth, the Italian will be well aware that nothing but victory at Anfield will do if his side are to keep the pressure well and truly on their north London rivals.

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Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp’s men currently trail league-leaders Manchester City by a single point, with the German undoubtedly hoping to secure all three points – and subsequently top spot – against Spurs ahead of City’s fixture against Newcastle United tomorrow afternoon.

As such, with no room for error for either side, both managers simply must get their team selections spot-on if they are to give their respective clubs the best chance of victory at Anfield, with some big calls needing to be made in each camp.

Will Conte make any changes to the team which lined up in the 3-1 win over Leicester City last weekend? Here’s how we at Football FanCast think the Tottenham XI could look against Liverpool, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Conte revealing in his pre-match press conference that Sergio Reguilon will be unavailable for selection tonight, we predict that the 52-year-old will make two changes to the side which started the victory over the Foxes last week.

The back four remains unchanged, with Hugo Lloris starting between the Tottenham sticks, and Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero making up the Italian’s three-man backline.

There could be a change at left wing-back, with Ryan Sessegnon dropping to the bench and the “really special” Steven Bergwijn – in the words of Nathan Clark – being handed a rare start in a position for which he appears extremely well-suited, while Emerson Royal retains his place on the right.

In the middle of the park, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur once again get the nod, while Son Heung-min is joined by the incoming Dejan Kulusevski in the two behind the centre-forward. The £82k-per-week Lucas Moura -who has been branded “awful” byDamian Spellman –  misses out this time, while Harry Kane starts up top.

AND in other news – “Expect to see”: Eccleshare drops £145m Spurs summer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Everton manager Frank Lampard must cash in on Moise Kean this summer amid interest from Juventus who want to sign him on a permanent deal. The player, who is currently on loan at the Serie A club has never really shone during his time on Merseyside and has been on loan several times.

Recently, journalist Fabrizio Romano gave an update on his future saying that Juventus “will buy” Kean on a permanent deal from the Premier League club next month. The player is rated at £25.2m and now would be a good chance for Everton to cash in and use the money to rebuild their struggling squad.

The Italy international moved to Goodison Park in 2019 for a base fee of £25.1m in what was an exciting transfer for the club at the time. He subsequently signed a five-year deal and has a year remaining. Juventus might try and grab a bargain, and if they do, the Toffees should try and recoup as much as they can for the 22-year-old.

He’s made 39 appearances in an Everton shirt and been directly involved in just six goals in that time. It’s safe to say that he hasn’t been the revelation that they hoped for, and now is the time for him to leave the club for good.

Speaking to Centro Suono Sport (via Sky Sports) just months after his move to England, Kean’s father described the transfer as a “mistake” and said that it was too soon for Kean as he was still too young.

It’s clear that he’s wanted to move back to Italy for some time and he may finally get his wish this summer.

Everton have struggled for goals this season and as a result, have been stuck in a battle to stay in the league. They might need to improve their options going forward next season, especially if some of their big names depart. However, giving £49k-per-week Kean another opportunity is not the answer and it’s best for both parties if he moves on.

Ultimately this seems a case of too much pressure being put on his shoulders at a young age. He seems more comfortable playing in his home country and that alone will allow him to develop better.

IN other news: Everton plotting move for £12.6m-rated “monster”, he’s a huge upgrade on Keane…

Leeds United winger Raphinha remains on the radar at Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the latest update from Mundo Deportivo. 

The lowdown: Growing interest in Raphinha

Unsurprisingly following what has been a disappointing second season back in the Premier League, there has been heightened speculation over the future of the Whites’ top talents.

That applies to nobody more so than Raphinha, as the likes of Bayern Munich and Liverpool have previously been credited with an admiration of the 25-year-old.

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However, it now appears that there could be a new frontrunner in the pursuit of the flamboyant Brazilian…

The latest: Price drop pending?

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo highlighting the top summer targets in Catalonia, Barcelona manager Xavi has Raphinha in his ‘sights’ as the legendary former midfielder turned manager attempts to strengthen the ranks at Camp Nou.

It is claimed that the deal is ‘conditional on the future’ of Leeds, which suggests that relegation for the Yorkshire club would mean a definite departure for the seven-cap Brazil international.

Furthermore, the report claimed, that despite Raphinha holding a current market value of £40.5m from Transfermarkt, a loss of top-flight status could see a move completed for around €25m (£21m) this summer.

The verdict: Premier League status is crucial

Having played 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Brighton at Elland Road on Sunday, BBC journalist Jonathan Buchan took to Twitter to suggest that the man who was dubbed a ‘magician’ by team-mate Dan James could’ve played his final home game for Leeds.

With 28 direct goal contributions in 66 outings so far for the Whites, Raphinha has been a superb capture for £17m from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes (BBC) in October 2020 and has certainly proven to be at a good enough level to remain amongst the upper echelons of European club football.

Whilst the retention of top-flight football is pivotal for more than just the winger’s continued presence at the club, avoiding a possible cut-price sale of such prized assets – as has been mooted by this report – is almost as important for the club financially.

Selling Raphinha or indeed the much-coveted Kalvin Phillips at a bargain fee due to the loss of Premier League status would be a huge blow to the Whites’ finances and would likely hinder any plans that Jesse Marsch and Andrea Radrizzani may have in place to strengthen the squad at Thorp Arch this summer.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Calvin Bassey to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to ExWHUemployee, with the Irons insider revealing on The Fourth Official (via West Ham Zone) that David Moyes’ side have now opened talks with Glasgow Rangers regarding a move for the versatile left-back at the end of the current campaign.

In the post, Ex said: “I have been told by several reliable sources that several Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, are interested in the services of Calvin Bassey. The defender is under contract until 2024 so it is going to take an obscene amount of money to tempt Rangers.

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“The player caught the eye of the world with his performances but the interest from West Ham United in the left-back turned centre-half was there from before the Europa League final. Apparently, the interest has been amped up since the final, with West Ham starting talks with Rangers for the defender.”

A signing “like Van Dijk”

Considering just how impressive Bassey has been for Rangers this season, and with it being reported that West Ham are targeting the signing of a new centre-back who can also play on the left, it is easy to see why the Irons would be interested in a deal to bring the 22-year-old to east London this summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £10k-per-week defender has been imperious in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s backline at both left-back and in the centre. He has helped his side to keep 13 clean sheets, registered three assists and created one big chance for his team-mates, along with making 52.3 passes, 0.7 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 1.2 clearances and winning 5.2 duels (at a success rate of 63%) per game.

The former Leicester City starlet, who Jamie O’Hara claimed is “like Van Dijk”, also impressed over his 14 Europa League outings this term, helping the Gers to keep two clean sheets en route to the final. He provided one assist and created two big chances, in addition to making 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.6 clearances and winning 4.1 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per match.

Furthermore, according to FBRef data, the Nigeria international ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues and continental tournaments for blocks per 90, in addition to the top 6% for pressures, the top 9% for tackles, the top 1% for dribbles completed, the top 5% for assists and the top 17% for xA over the last 365 days.

Considering his age, positional versatility and undoubted ability – not to mention his very reasonable £9m asking price – it would very much appear as if the signing of Bassey could be akin to West Ham landing their own Virgil van Dijk this summer. That leads us to believe that Moyes must do everything he can to convince the 22-year-old of a move to the London Stadium at the end of the current campaign.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano claims West Ham are set to seal 1st summer signing, Moyes will be buzzing

Everton are renowned for their poor transfer decisions and reckless spending but will need to make changes to their squad and repair that damage during this summer’s transfer window.

To that effect, an intriguing update has now emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to the Daily Mail, Everton striker Salomon Rondon is a target for Spanish club Real Mallorca this summer.

Mallorca coach Javier Aguirre knows the Toffees forward well from his previous spells in Spain with Las Palmas and Malaga, and the report claimed that the manager and club will keep an eye on developments with the Venezuelan and potentially make a move when the transfer window opens.

Rondon is one of seven players who are reportedly set to be offered out to clubs this summer, as Frank Lampard plans an overhaul of his squad following a disappointing season.

Lampard must axe Rondon

There are indeed serious changes needed at Goodison Park this summer if Everton do not want to be in the position of a relegation fight yet again next season, so the Toffees manager should consider axing Rondon and accepting any offer which does come in for him.

The £28k-p/w flop has battled with injury problems and has been unable to deliver when Everton needed him most this season, with his most recent performance surely the final nail in the coffin of his career on Merseyside.

Rondon was brought onto the pitch in the 84th minute against Brentford a couple of weeks ago, with his team already down to ten men and trailing 3-2, duly in need of a goal to put them a step closer to safety from Premier League relegation.

Instead of supporting his weakened team in finding the equaliser they needed, the Venezuelan striker made a lunging two-footed tackle on Rico Henry which saw him receive a red card and three-match ban just four minutes after coming on to the pitch. It was little surprise, then, that former Everton defender Andy Hinchliffe bemoaned the “reckless” act from the 32-year-old.

Alongside this notable poor performance, Rondon only scored one goal in 20 Premier League appearances in the recently-concluded campaign, with no big chances created. He averaged just 15.2 touches per game and lost possession every 2.6 touches of the ball, further proving that he simply needs to go this summer.

AND in other news: Everton plotting summer swoop for £17.5m “fabulous finisher”, Lampard will love him

Liverpool forward Divock Origi is closing in on an Anfield exit and could be set to fly to Milan as early as next week to finalise his move to Serie A, according to an Italian source.

The Lowdown: Origi’s Anfield goodbye

The Belgian bid his final goodbye to the Reds last weekend after it was confirmed that he would be leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract. He was given a standing ovation and a guard of honour on the pitch post-match following the Merseysiders’ 3-1 victory over Wolves at Anfield on the last day of the Premier League season.

The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Liverpool for some time now, with it long being known that AC Milan are leading the race for his signature. Following a fresh update, it looks as though Stefano Pioli’s side have almost got the deal over the line.

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The Latest: Medical on the cards

In an article published by Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Origi will be the ‘first purchase’ that Milan make this summer; and although a move is ‘yet to be wrapped up’, the Serie A champions remain ‘at the front of the queue’ to secure his services.

The report claimed that the 32-cap Belgium international has admitted that he wants to ‘close his relationship’ with Liverpool and wait until after the Champions League final on Saturday before completing the necessary tasks to confirm his move abroad.

It is said that he could ‘land in Milan’ after that time to undergo his medical in the hope of signing a new four-year deal worth €3.5m (£2.9m) per season.

The Verdict: Farewell to a Liverpool icon

Origi’s departure from Liverpool will definitely be a sad one considering the outstanding contribution that he has made at the club since arriving from Lille back in 2014.

The striker, who was once dubbed a “monster” by Jurgen Klopp, has made 175 appearances during his time with the Reds, scoring 41 goals and providing 18 assists, as per Transfermarkt.

He will forever be remembered among Kopites for netting that memorable clincher in the 4-0 Champions League victory against Barcelona all those years ago, while also scoring an unforgettable last-gasp winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton in 2018.

A true Anfield icon, now is the right time for Origi to have a shot at revitalising his career after being a bit-part player at Liverpool this term, and Milan could prove to be the perfect destination to do just that.

In other news… a journalist has made this huge admission about one of Liverpool’s young talents