All posts by z3u9t.icu

[ad_pod ]According to the deputy news editor at The Guardian, Ed Aarons, on his official Twitter account, West Ham United have agreed terms with Chelsea to sign striker Michy Batshuayi on loan until the end of the season, but they face competition from La Liga outfit Real Betis who also have an agreement in place.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Aarons says that the Hammers have moved a step closer to bringing the Belgium international across the capital to the London Stadium, but that they still have some potential hurdles in their way to get a deal over the line before Thursday’s deadline.

The reliable journalist says that Betis want to keep the 25-year-old in Spain following his unsuccessful spell with Valencia in the first-half of the current campaign, and that barring a late bid from Everton the attacker will soon decide where his future lies.

Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that he Irons were considering making an approach for Batshuayi, who Valencia are looking to offload and cut short his loan spell seeing as he hasn’t played for them since January 8.

Would he be a good signing?

He certainly could be, yes.

While the Belgian has struggled to hold down a regular spot in Chelsea’s starting XI when he hasn’t been away on loan, his record of 19 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, isn’t too shabby given the majority of those outings came from the substitutes’ bench.

Similarly, he also scored nine goals in 14 matches during a loan spell with Borussia Dortmund last term, according to Transfermarkt, to prove how clinical he can be in front of goal.

With the likes of Javier Hernandez, Lucas Perez and Andy Carroll struggling for goals and Marko Arnautovic suffering an injury against Wolves on Tuesday night, although it might not be as bad as first feared according to The Telegraph, the 25-year-old would be a much-welcomed addition to the frontline before the window slams shut.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Antonio Conte may have discovered a new secret weapon at Tottenham Hotspur after Ryan Sessegnon delivered an exciting cameo on his return from injury this weekend.

Spurs moved into seventh place with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Leeds United on Sunday evening and the Italian will surely be buoyed by what he saw from several of his key players, including Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sergio Reguilon, who both scored rare goals.

But perhaps in the 21-year-old dynamo he now has a threat that not many will have seen as he has only made 15 appearances since his £25m move from Fulham in the summer of 2019.

He spent last season on loan to Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, where he proved to be a reliable influence at left wing-back and almost as if it were by chance, it’s a system that the Lilywhites will be building upon under Conte.

Sessegnon provided two goals and three assists, whilst averaging two tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 0.7 key passes per game in the German top-flight, as per WhoScored, which suggests not only is he a threat going forward but he can do some very solid defensive duties, too.

Since October’s international break, the young gem has been stuck on the treatment table but after returning to training last week, Conte selected him in his matchday squad before bringing him on in the place of the knackered Reguilon in the 79th minute.

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In just 11 minutes, he enjoyed ten touches of the ball, made two of his three passes, put in an interception and won 100% of his aerial duels, via SofaScore.

As quickfire cameos go, that was certainly a major source of encouragement, particularly as he played left wing-back and that’s likely going to be his best role under Conte going forward.

Once dubbed a “big, big talent” by former Cottagers teammate Stefan Johansen, it’s time for Sessegnon to finally repay the investment chairman Daniel Levy made in him over two years ago.

The £18m-rated wide man was also lauded by the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick as being “lively and encouraging” in his post-Leeds column, whilst further reports claim Sessegnon has “impressed” Conte on the training pitch.

All the stars are aligning for the rarely-seen 21-year-old to play a big part under the Italian but only time will tell if he can actually kick on this time.

AND in other news, Conte eyes “dominant” £54m-rated “Rolls-Royce”, he could be Spurs’ new Jan Vertonghen…

Everton will be hoping to end a five-game winless run when they take on Brentford in their Premier League clash this afternoon.

The Toffees were hapless in their 3-0 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Manchester City last time out, failing to land a glove on Pep Guardiola’s charges throughout the 90 minutes. In fact, Everton managed just 23% possession, one shot on target and one corner in that game as City strolled to a comfortable three points.

Rafarl Benitez will point to his extensive injury list as a major factor in his team’s drop-off in form and performance levels in recent weeks, and things only got worse at the Etihad Stadium.

Winger Demarai Gray was forced off in the 17th minute after picking up a problem with his abductor muscle, paving the way for Alex Iwobi to make his 10th top-flight appearance of the season.

However, the Nigeria international was unable to influence proceedings once more against the Cityzens, putting in another disappointing display. Following his arrival off the bench, the 25-year-old had just 37 touches of the ball – seven fewer than Jordan Pickford – and failed to produce a single shot or key pass, as per SofaScore.

Since arriving on Merseyside for a whopping £34m back in 2019, Iwobi has found the back of the net on just six occasions in his 76 appearances, a record which has often frustrated numerous Everton supporters.

Therefore, Benitez must make the brave decision to keep faith with 20-year-old Anthony Gordon over the more experienced Iwobi.

Although the Everton academy graduate is yet to provide a single goal or assist this term, his performances have been improving of late, and Benitez has been full of praise for the hard-working winger.

The Spaniard described Gordon as an “important player for Everton in the future” just last week, but in the current circumstances, the £4.5m-rated gem could be crucial for the Toffees in the present day.

In other news… Imagine him and DCL: Everton could seal dream transfer in “complete” £70m “machine” 

Leeds United are stuck in a horrendous rut right now and if they don’t improve in the January transfer window, Marcelo Bielsa could lose his job with the Whites staring down the barrel of a potential relegation from the top-flight.

An added problem for Victor Orta and co is that the winter market is usually a tough one for Leeds to negotiate in with the famed Jean-Kevin Augustin move the nadir of the Spaniard’s work since arriving in Yorkshire.

What’s the word?

One area that Leeds desperately need to improve in heading into the New Year is in the middle of the park.

Kalvin Phillips enters 2022 injured while Mateusz Klich is desperately out of form too.

One player that they could sign is Macedonia international Ejif Elmas. That’s according to Talha Arslan via The Express who claim that Leeds are prepared to bid £15.3m for the Napoli midfielder.

However, that may fall some way short of the Italian club’s estimation of the 22-year-old with CIES valuing him at a mighty £59.2m.

The new Alioski

The comparisons with livewire and former Leeds player, Gjanni Alioski, are all too obvious.

For starters, they both hail from Macedonia, and secondly, they are both goal scoring wide players.

Although Elmas is capable of playing in the middle of the park too, he is a rampant threat when afforded the opportunity to play down the left flank, an area of the pitch that Alioski thrived in for Leeds.

The 29-year-old scored 22 goals and registered 19 assists while in Yorkshire but was never the most consistent of players.

That being said, he was a mainstay under Bielsa for years and developed nicely from an attacking winger into a full-back.

Elmas wouldn’t necessarily make the same transition but his ability to play in a multitude of positions, specifically in the centre of midfield, makes him an appealing proposition this winter.

However, his ability to score goals, like Alioski, is also a major plus point.

The North Macedonia international has bagged six times for Napoli this term while creating three goals for his teammates too.

Speaking about him in April, his agent commented: “I think Napoli have a jewel. A young footballer, a leader of his national team who often scores goals.”

With that sort of attacking threat in mind, he’d be a wise addition from the Leeds hierarchy this term and in the process, Bielsa could just discover his next Alioski; a vibrant and versatile attacking threat from Macedonia.

AND in other news, Orta can finally axe Leeds flop who left Bielsa “furious” by signing 28-goal “rocket”…

Crystal Palace confirmed on Saturday morning that youngster Adler Nascimento has signed professional terms with the club.

As to be expected, a number of Eagles fans have been reacting to the off-field news on social media.

Nascimento arrived at the club’s academy ranks over the summer from Championship side Peterborough United, where he made his professional debut at the age of 16 last May.

The Eagles reportedly forked out an initial £531,000 for his services, with the Portuguese teenager already making nine appearances for Palace’s under-18 side this season.

Nascimento has seemingly done enough to catch the eye in those games, despite starting on only three occasions, and he has penned professional terms at Selhurst Park.

Palace fans react

The Eagles’ official Twitter channel retweeted the club’s academy post regarding Nascimento’s contract on Saturday.

Here is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘class news’ and another calling him an ‘absolute beast’.

“Bout time”

Credit: @James_cpfc06

“We must rate him big time”

Credit: @liamb0117

“This guy on Football Manager is an absolute beast”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“Class news but wouldn’t been worried if he didn’t after signing for £500k ”

Credit: @CPFC_Cal

“Well done”

Credit: @keithwhitfieldk

“That’s class”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

In other news: ‘Outrage’ – Many Crystal Palace fans react to club’s ‘pathetic’ update

Glasgow Rangers have been dealt another injury blow on top of Keemar Roofe as Ryan Jack will now ‘miss out’ against Hearts at Sunday lunchtime.

The Lowdown: Injury pile-up?

Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed in his pre-game press conference earlier that Roofe is now a ‘doubt’ for Sunday’s clash against Hearts, although both Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala will join up with the squad again.

However, the Dutch manager also gave an update on Jack’s fitness, and it is not looking good considering the injury problems that he has had in the past at Ibrox…

The Latest: Jack out

GvB has confirmed in his press conference that Jack will now definitely ‘miss out’ against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

He revealed that the central midfield player had a ‘problem’ in their final training session before their UEFA Europa League tie away at Lyon on Thursday evening, and although he will join up with the squad ‘soon’, he will not play a part on Sunday.

The Verdict: Worrying

Given his injury record, it is certainly worrying for the Light Blues faithful that Jack has seemingly picked up yet another injury.

There is no doubt that he is an important part of the team when fit, as former SPFL striker Noel Whelan even went as far as to claim that he is ‘irreplaceable’ and the ‘heartbeat’ of the side back in September (Football Insider).

He has not featured much at all this season, as he has tried to regain his fitness from the injury setbacks that he suffered last term, but with 19 appearances in the Teddy Bears’ title-winning campaign, the Scotland international has shown that he is key when fit (Transfermarkt).

However, with Roofe potentially out as well as Jack, the Gers will now find it a lot harder to take all three points away from home on Sunday.

In other news, find out whose display against Lyon was slammed here!

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Aaron Mooy to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by the Daily Mail, who claim that the former Huddersfield Town, Brighton & Hove Albion and current Shanghai SIPG central midfielder is Ange Postecoglou’s number one transfer target ahead of the upcoming winter market.

The report continued to relay comments made by the 31-year-old regarding the management style of the Celtic boss, with the duo having worked together previously with the Australian national side.

In his remarks concerning the 56-year-old, Mooy said: “He’s intimidating, but he’s a very good coach. The way he wants to play football, I want to play like that as well.”

Nicholson must move

Considering just how impressive Mooy has been since joining Shanghai SIPG, in addition to the fact that Postecoglou’s first-team squad is currently lacking a considerable amount of depth in the middle of the park, the argument that the midfielder would be something of a dream signing for Michael Nicholson to get over the line in January is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, over his five CFA Super League appearances so far this season, the £6.75m-rated man has already bagged one goal, registered one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.2 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

The player who David Wagner dubbed a “top-class” talent has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 36.4 passes, one tackle, 0.4 interceptions and winning three duels per fixture.

These returns have seen the £60k-per-week midfielder average a SofaScore match rating of 7.24, ranking him as Shanghai SIPG’s joint fifth-best performer in the Chinese top flight.

Furthermore, aside from his impressive form in China, Mooy’s 96 matches in the Premier League, 46 fixtures in the Championship and 21 games in the Scottish Premiership also mean his signing would bring with it a considerable boost to the experience levels within the Celtic midfield.

As such, it would indeed appear highly advisable for Nicholson to do all he can to secure the signing of the 31-year-old midfielder this winter, as Mooy could well be one of the final pieces of Postecoglou’s puzzle at Parkhead.

In other news: Celtic could be heading for nightmare scenario ahead of January, Ange would be furious

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips…

What’s the talk?

According to i News, the Magpies are considering a deal for the Anfield destroyer as they plot a number of defensive additions to improve their squad.

The report claims that he is high on their list of centre-back targets and the Reds are demanding £15m for his services.

Howey 2.0

Eddie Howe could find his own Steve Howey for Newcastle in a deal to sign Phillips from the Premier League giants this month.

Howey was a homegrown defender who played 160 times for the Magpies during his time at the club and 193 games in the Premier League overall in his career. Phillips could follow a similar career path, albeit without starting at Newcastle, as he is an English centre-back who has the quality to play regularly at the top level for a number of years.

The Liverpool man may even end up coming up short on the international front, just like Howey during his playing days. Despite playing week in, week out for the Toon, the 50-year-old ended his career with just four caps for England’s senior side.

Phillips has played 24 times for Liverpool’s first team but has not been called up to represent England at any age level. This suggests that, like Howey, he may be a player who is overlooked by his country despite his performances at club level.

Last season, the 24-year-old averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 7.29 in the Premier League, his match average of 5.6 successful aerial duels the joint-fifth highest in the entire division. This led to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp showering the centre-back with praise for his performances.

The German told Goal.com: “Nat Phillips is just an exceptional career so far, with all the things he did in the past and what he thought about and where he was and all these things. Now playing for Liverpool in the Champions League, Premier League, winning games, winning challenges.

“[He will have] probably the best heading statistics in the history of the Premier League I could imagine at least, it is unbelievable what the boy is doing there, and on top of that playing good football.”

This suggests that Phillips is capable of putting in top-class displays at the highest level, and that is why he could be Howe’s own Steve Howey, as the 24-year-old English destroyer could come in and be Newcastle’s go-to centre-back for the next decade if he remains consistent.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Newcastle United transfer update, fans will be buzzing…

Former Premier League Golden Boot winner Kevin Phillips has delivered a damning verdict on the transfer of Dele Alli to Everton. 

The verdict: In the wilderness

Signed from Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis in a deal which could rise to £40million if all clauses are met (Sky Sports), the 25-year-old has struggled so far on Merseyside.

Left on the bench for each of the Toffees’ last four Premier League matches, the one-time England regular has failed to recapture his best form so far since arriving at Goodison Park.

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In fact, Alli has only played 169 minutes under Frank Lampard, starting just once and failing to complete a full match.

The latest: Summer exit pending?

Following a recent report from The Telegraph suggesting that the Englishman could leave the club as soon as the summer, 48 year-old Phillips told Football Insider that the attacking midfielder may indeed need to move on again but called the news he’s heard a ‘surprise’.

“There have been suggestions that his time at Everton is going to come to an end. That’s a real surprise, for me. I thought a fresh challenge would get him back to the level we saw from him before.

“It’s a really difficult period for Dele Alli and his career. He’s got to find somewhere where he can thrive, and it’s not looking like that’s going to be Everton.

“It’s disappointing for player and club, but the reality is that he has been so far from his best.”

The verdict: What happens next…

Under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), it’s difficult to envisage that the club would cut ties with the 37-cap England man as early as the upcoming summer window.

Still just 25 and with undoubted quality, Lampard may well give Alli time in pre-season to prove that he can be part of plans moving forwards.

However, should the 43-year-old succeed in retaining Everton’s top-flight status then the manager will be on the lookout for players to take the side to the next level, something Alli has so far proven to be well below in his fleeting outings.

So far, the man once hailed as ‘amazing’ by Jose Mourinho at Spurs has lost possession on 43 occasions during six league outings for the Blues (Sofascore) and is seemingly in dire need of a career reset.

In other news, three players struggle despite victory. Find out who here!

Financial expert Kieran Maguire believes that Tottenham will be ‘in the box seat’ under new spending controls brought in by UEFA, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: The numbers

The New York Times reported last week that clubs will not be able to spend more than 70 per cent of turnover on signings, wages and agents fees.

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Football Insider stated that Spurs recorded a £361.9m revenue in their latest set of accounts, which means they could spend just over £250m under the new restrictions.

Antonio Conte has spent just over £26m as Spurs manager so far, with £17.1m going on midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur and a £9m loan fee for Dejan Kulusevski during the January window.

The Latest: Maguire’s claim

Maguire, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider about Spurs’ situation, claiming that Daniel Levy and co will be ‘in the box seat’ after managing a ‘very tight ship’ in recent years. He outlined:

“In my view, I suspect UEFA will allow player sales into the equation too.

“Spurs are in the box seat when it comes to any changes to cost control measures because they have historically managed a very tight ship.

“They have started to pay more money out in terms of transfers, although there was a period of time when they weren’t.

“But if we take a look at wages, for example, Spurs’ wage bill is closer to Norwich’s than it is to Chelsea.”

The Verdict: Summer spend?

It seems as if Spurs are in a healthy position off the pitch, so it seems as if they don’t have an excuse when it comes to backing Conte ahead of his first full season in charge in north London.

A new centre-forward to challenge Harry Kane appears to be needed over the coming months, with the Spurs captain the only out-and-out senior centre-forward available to Conte.

Spurs also have just four central midfielders and four centre-backs on the books, so it could be an exciting summer when it comes to spending, and you’d expect that Fabio Paratici is already working on potential deals throughout the current international break.

In other news: Journalist now makes Paulo Dybala to Spurs claim