All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Wolves supporters have been enjoying footage of a wonderful pinpoint Jose Sa kick in the weekend victory against West Ham.

Wanderers enjoyed another productive day at the office on Saturday, winning 1-0 against the high-flying Hammers at Molineux. Raul Jimenez’s goal proved to be the difference between the two teams and it left Wolves sixth in the table, only four points adrift of David Moyes’ charges.

Sa enjoyed another good performance as he kept a clean sheet, his third of the season, and continued to show why he was such a strong summer signing from Olympiakos, having conceded just 12 goals in as many games so far.

On Monday, Wolves’ official Twitter account shared footage of the Portuguese spraying an inch-perfect long ball straight to Daniel Podence, starting a counterattack for his team in the process. It was one of five accurate long passes from the ‘keeper on Saturday, the joint-second highest figure among Lage’s team (SofaScore).

Wolves fans laud Sa’s brilliance

These Wanderers fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for Sa’s moment of “unreal” quality.

“His distribution is superb”

Credit: @SteveHermon

“What a keeper this guy is, the best we’ve had in a while”

Credit: @Pembswolf

“Jose Sa has created more chances than most outfield players”

Credit: @Elcapitann_

“Wow”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“I fully hold my hands up. This guy is such an upgrade on Patricio it’s unreal!”

Credit: @robbowwfc

“Absolutely love it”

Credit: @SteC9911

In other news, a Wolves target has hinted at a move to the Premier League. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace have joined Newcastle United in the race to sign Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier, 90min report.

The Lowdown: Trippier’s situation

Trippier, labelled as ‘outstanding’ by Gareth Southgate, made the move to Spain from Tottenham back in 2019 in a deal worth just shy of £20m.

Since then, he’s made 83 appearances under Diego Simeone, helping Atletico win La Liga last season.

He’s out of contract at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in 18 months’ time and wanted a return to the Premier League in the summer, and it seems as if he won’t be short of options in 2022.

The Latest: Palace name-checked

90min shared a story on Wednesday afternoon, suggesting Newcastle are set to offer the 31-year-old a club-record contract.

They then go on to add that Trippier is still keen on a Premier League return, with Palace, Aston Villa, Everton and Manchester United ready to make a move, should Atletico be open to selling the England international.

The Verdict: Freedman would need to smash club-record

90min suggest that Atletico would demand a fee in excess of £39m from Newcastle for Trippier. Should Palace be the ones to make their move, you’d expect there would be no change to that fee, meaning Dougie Freedman would need to smash Palace’s club-record in order to bring Trippier to Selhurst Park.

Patrick Vieira currently has three right-backs to choose from, with Joel Ward a regular and winning the club’s Player of the Month award for October.

On that basis, if Palace are willing to go big in January, then perhaps they should look at bolstering other areas of the pitch, with just one left-back and no right midfielders at the club. [Transfermarkt]

In other news: ‘I will flip’ – Many Palace fans react as ‘class’ transfer news emerges. 

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were left slamming referee Kevin Clancy after their 1-1 draw away at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership on Tuesday night.

It was a frustrating game for the Ibrox faithful as they dropped two points in their race for the SPFL title, as Ianis Hagi’s opener was cancelled out by a penalty from Lewis Ferguson after Alfredo Morelos handled the ball inside his own penalty box.

Clancy decided to give the Colombia international a yellow card for the incident too, which seemed harsh as he could not really get his hand out of the way of the line of the shot.

This was one of five yellow cards in total given to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team, including two to Ryan Kent which resulted in a red, again the second seemingly harsh for a minimal clip on former Celtic midfield player Scott Brown.

Nonetheless, a lot of Teddy Bears were left very unhappy with Clancy’s performance on the night.

Rangers fans slam Clancy

These Light Blues slammed Clancy on Twitter, with one Gers supporter even going as far as to call him ’embarrassing’:

“This referee is ridiculous a complaint should be made”

Credit: @linden1974

“Clancy gets paid for this? Absolute farce. Shouldn’t even be on a yellow, never mind a red”

Credit: @D_Boag

“Never a red ref tonight is shocking”

Credit: @gers_fan55

“Does Clancy have a pair of eyes?”

Credit: @_Ryan56

“Ref has lost the plot”

Credit: @real_god69

“Clancy is embarrassing as is Brown. Standard of refereeing is absolutely abysmal beyond belief how bad they are.”

Credit: @Kirky_8

In other news, find out who RFC are now targeting here!

Crystal Palace have been enjoying a great run of form, picking up points in 13 of their last 20 games, putting them in 11th, just outside of the top half of the table.

With Patrick Vieira steering the club in the right direction he now goes into his second transfer window, and there is already an incoming and an outgoing transfer rumoured.

What’s the word?

Journalist, Robin Bairner, has confirmed that Jean-Philippe Mateta will be leaving Crystal Palace this January in a recall to Mainz and then a loan move to Saint Etienne.

Bairner Tweeted:

“Jean-Philippe Mateta is set have his Crystal Palace loan terminated and will instead join Saint-Etienne.”

“Le Progres reports that Mainz (who own him), Palace and Sainté have come to an agreement over the striker.”

According to the report from Le Progres, the £30k-per-week flop is set to commit to a loan deal with the Ligue 1 side imminently, after falling out of favour at Palace.

Replacement ready to sign for Palace

Mateta has only featured in two starting line-ups in the Premier League this season, and has clearly fallen out of favour at the club, so Vieira would likely be relieved to get the centre forward off the books to make way for a much more reliable goal-scorer in Eddie Nketiah.

The £9m-rated Arsenal star who was hailed “electric” by former Leeds United player Tony Dorigo, has been heavily linked with a move to Palace in January, and he seems like he would be the perfect fit for the club when you compare him to the signings Vieira has already made.

The French manager signed two young attacking players in midfielder Conor Gallagher, and forward Odsonne Edouard in the summer, with both enjoying success in the side, and it would make sense for Nketiah to join the pair at Selhurst Park as he fits the same profile, as a promising offensive player.

Despite not being given too many chances to shine in the top-flight, with just three appearances so far this season, the striker has showcased his talents representing Arsenal in the three EFL Cup games he has played in, where he has scored five goals already, helping the Gunners to secure a spot in the semi-final.

The Eagles will be hoping to continue to pick up points in the second half of the season, and adding a prolific goal-scorer could help the side gain more wins to gain a top half finish at the end of the campaign, which would be an incredible achievement for Vieira in his first term.

In other news: Vieira could make first mistake with Aaron Ramsey signing

Manchester United have seemingly leapfrogged Aston Villa in the race to sign Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.

That’s according to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, and, as to be expected, a number of United fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

Kamara appears to be a player in demand, with the holding midfielder’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is on Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa wishlist, with United, Villa and Leeds all talking to the player’s agent ahead of a possible £10m transfer.

And now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, United have overtaken all competitors when it comes to Kamara and are leading the race to secure his services.

United fans react

@utdreport relayed the update regarding Kamara on Twitter via GIFN (Get Italian Football News). This is what these United supporters had to say in reply, with many hoping to see a move materialise in the final days of the January window.

“We’re alive”

Credit: @BigTeezo

“Never heard of GIFN but let’s go”

Credit: @utd_victor_

“PLEASEEEE”

Credit: @hhhhmmmm_

“I hope this is true”

Credit: @I_am_lakes

“Definitely a better option defensively when compared to Zakaria.”

Credit: @TheUnitedLink

“SIGN HIM PLS IMMEDIATELY PLS”

Credit: @kurtbuckerfield

In other news: ‘Finished’ – Many MUFC fans react as Spurs make move for ‘amazing’ ace. 

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side head into Wednesday evening’s Scottish Premiership clash on the high of winning the League Cup final on Sunday afternoon, the 56-year-old manager’s first trophy in his tenure as the Bhoys boss.

However, as has so often been the way for Celtic so far this season, the victory did not come without its negatives, with influential attacking midfielder David Turnbull being forced off with a hamstring injury just half an hour into the 2-1 victory over Hibernian.

Another concern for Postecoglou will have undoubtedly been the performance of centre-back Carl Starfelt, with the defender looking extremely shaky in the heart of the Bhoys backline throughout the fixture – losing Paul Hanlon for Hibs’ opener, as well as missing two big chances for his own side.

Indeed, the Daily Record’s Keith Jackson awarded the £2.7m-rated man a four in his player ratings on the night, stating of the 26-year-old’s display: “The big Swede looked like a cat on a hot tin roof throughout. Should have netted two headers but fluffed them both and lost his man at the opener. Never seemed comfortable with the ball at his feet he looked like an accident waiting to happen and could have conceded a penalty right at the death.”

As such, while it is undeniable that the player who Kieran Devlin suggested has been “rattled” since his red card against Ross County has been impressive for Celtic on the whole this season, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.24 over his 15 Premiership appearances, should the defender continue the level of his performance against Hibs in the coming weeks, he could end up costing Celtic dearly.

As such, in a bid for Postecoglou to help snap the £17k-per-week defender back into form as quickly as possible, it would be wise for the 56-year-old manager to axe Starfelt against St. Mirren on Wednesday, to prove that the player who John Hartson once dubbed “Sunday League” is not untouchable in the Bhoys’ backline – something which should help get him out of his funk upon his eventual return to the side.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “inexcusable” Celtic dud with swoop for “Dirk Kuyt-esque” machine

Leeds United are keen on signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Previous interest

The Whites were linked with a move for Gvardiol following promotion back to the Premier League. However, the 20-year-old, who journalist Izak Ante Sucic told BBC Sport is “built like a tank”, snubbed a move to Elland Road to sign for RB Leipzig.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Gvardiol made 18 appearances under Jesse Marsch at Leipzig, and with the American now in charge at Elland Road, it looks as if the Croatia international is wanted once again in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Source reveal

FI shared a story on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Gvardiol after being informed by a Whites source.

They claimed that Leeds are stepping up their interest in the defender and Victor Orta has had scouts watching him at recent matches ahead of a potential summer move.

The Verdict: Club-record deal?

The report adds that Leipzig now value Gvardiol at £27m, so it looks as if Leeds will need to hit their club record to sign the centre-back this summer, matching or eclipsing the £27m they spent on Rodrigo.

A defensive overhaul is in the pipeline over the coming months, with Robin Koch a player who could be set to leave the club ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

Gvardiol may well be the man to arrive as a marquee signing, so a move could once again be one to watch closely.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals big transfer blow for Leeds as key 21 y/o target now set to move elsewhere

As per Jornal de Notícias, via Sport Witness, some midweek transfer news has emerged involving Tottenham Hotspur and Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Man in demand…

The 23-year-old midfield maestro, who has starred for Sporting in the Portuguese top flight this season, has also attracted Premier League attention for his performances.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, alongside Spurs, the likes of Wolves and Everton also want to sign him as the English trio all hold a keen interest.

This comes after Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, speaking after his side’s 5-0 Last 16 win over Sporting in the Champions League earlier this season, lavished Nunes with praise.

The Spaniard labelled him ‘one of the best players in the world today’, extremely lofty praise from one of the world’s most elite managers, and Tottenham’s interest has continued heading into the summer window.

The Latest: Spurs eye move…

According to Jornal de Notícias (via SW), the Lilywhites still want to sign Nunes alongside Everton and Wolves – coming as Sporting seem willing to negotiate a fee lower than his €60 million (£50m) release clause.

Indeed, according to the report, Nunes’ club could actually let him go to Spurs for around €40m (£33m) – £17m less than his clause.

The Verdict: Lodge an offer?

His numbers for Sporting this season perhaps highlight why Tottenham are taking such a keen interest.

According to WhoScored, no player in their squad has completed more successful take-ons per 90 this season (2.4) with Nunes also attracting the most fouls on average.

He’s consistently proved a tricky player to compete against in midfield and there is little wonder Tottenham are keen on a move.

In other news: ‘I know thanks to a source very close’ – Journalist claims big name is now set to leave Spurs, find out more here.

Wolves have had some outstanding individual performers that have made up for injury issues in the team, with a particular young defender making an impact this season.

What’s the word?

Max Kilman has taken to the Wolves team like a duck in water, with impressive performances throughout his game time in Lage’s side this season.

His most notable performance came during the game against Everton where the defender played in a back three alongside Conor Coady and Romain Saiss, where he looked more than comfortable defending against Demarai Gray and Richarlison.

The 24-year-old not only flourished defensively, winning eight out of ten duels vs the Toffees but managed to find the back of the net scoring his second career goal in the game.

Now, he has reportedly caught the eye of England Manager, Gareth Southgate, and Wolves reporter, Tim Spiers, has weighed in on Twitter regarding the rumour;

“Maximilian Kilman’s performances this season have put him on England’s radar.”

“The defender was called up by Ukraine earlier this year but because he’s played competitive futsal for England he couldn’t switch nations.”

The Englishman was hailed “outstanding” by his club captain and teammate, Conor Coady, after his performance against Fulham last season, highlighting why he should be in the frame for international acclaim heading into 2022.

“I thought he was outstanding, but I would expect nothing else from him. He’s brilliant to have around and is a brilliant professional – he listens to the manager, he learns off the lads who’ve been playing there the last couple of years and I think you could see that today,” the skipper said.

Wolves fans will surely be over the moon to hear that their player is on the radar of the England manager and could be included in further international fixtures, especially after the £14k-per-week defender has secured his future by signing a new contract with the club only a few weeks ago.

There is certainly room for the player to grow and develop in his role at Molineux, and he clearly has become an important part of the Wolves set up more recently playing as the right centre back in the back three.

If he continues to thrive in Lage’s side the sky is the limit for the young defender, who could find himself landing a spot on the plane to Qatar for the World Cup this time next year.

In other news: Lage could be exploring other positions for Adama Traore

Aston Villa fan feed Villa Report has shared an image of new signing Philippe Coutinho seemingly on his way to Birmingham. 

The screenshot, taken from the Instagram story of the 29-year-old’s wife Ainee, shows the player on the flight to England.

Villa announced on Friday that they had agreed a deal with Barcelona to take the Brazil international on loan until the end of the season. In the summer, they will then have an option, rather than an obligation, to buy him for a fee of £33m.

The excitement around Coutinho

This will be Coutinho’s second spell in English football after his earlier stint at Liverpool. The Brazilian scored 54 goals and provided 45 assists in 201 appearances across five years at Anfield.

His last loan move, which took him to Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich in 2019/20, saw him win the Champions League.

Furthermore, Coutinho has previously been named in the PFA Team of the Year, the World Cup Fan Dream Team and the Europa League Squad of the Season, while Barcelona spent a cool £142m to bring him to La Liga four years ago, so that illustrates the stature of player that Villa are getting.

Here’s how some fans reacted to the image of the 29-year-old making his way back to England.

These Villa fans erupt as Coutinho jets in

“Yes boy!!”

Credit: @jim_cushe

“Omg he’s nearly here”

Credit: @mikedrover

“BIG CLUB / INCOMING”

Credit: @thevillan57

“I’m at the airport mate”

Credit: @myles_morris

“cannot comprehend this is really happening”

Credit: @abihttps

“#UTV Such an exciting player, can’t wait to see him wear claret and blue”

Credit: @vitalvilla

In other news, Villa are in advanced talks over this potential deal