All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolves might have limited finances to spend this summer but it’s still a particularly exciting time to be a supporter of the Old Gold.

They have a new manager in Bruno Lage and he appears to be a great lure after Trincao agreed to joined the club on loan from Barcelona.

What’s the word?

Lage has been keen to press on with some early transfer business with other deals already in the pipeline.

He is close to bringing Rayan Ait-Nouri back to Molineux following his successful loan spell with the club but he’s not the only left-back they’re targeting.

According to Football Insider, Wolves are plotting a move for Fulham defender Antonee Robinson.

The American caught the eye in the Premier League last season despite the Cottagers’ relegation and he could be set for an instant return to the top-flight.

It’s thought that Marco Silva’s men value the left-back at around £10m.

Time to upgrade

The Midlands outfit may be close to confirming the arrival of Ait-Nouri again but Robinson would actually be an upgrade on the young Frenchman.

The 20-year-old was a breath of fresh air following his temporary move from Angers last term, performing admirably with injuries to both Marcal and Jonny.

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He was a rampant threat towards the final stages of the campaign, stealing the show against Brighton.

The Athletic’s Tim Spiers claimed on Twitter during that game that he was “involved in just about everything” as the teenager registered three dribbles, completed an impressive 94% of his passes and provided four dangerous crosses.

That being said, Robinson actually delivered on a more consistent basis last term.

Fulham may have finished in the bottom three but the American defender was a constant threat from full-back.

The 23-year-old produced 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game last season, numbers that eclipse Ait-Nouri. In comparison, he made 1.4 tackles and just 0.7 interceptions a match.

Robinson’s attacking numbers also happen to be better. The defender managed one key pass and an eye-catching 1.8 successful dribbles an outing compared to Ait-Nouri’s 0.7 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game.

The Fulham left-back is particularly athletic and has been improving on those qualities for a number of years now. During a loan spell with Bolton, Karl Henry said: “I thought he was unbelievable. I was trying to talk to him as a young player but he didn’t need it one little bit. He was like an old pro back there.”

Henry continued: “He’s clearly a Premier League player and I think the manager has done well to get him on board.”

Robinson has since lived up to that billing and deserves to be back at that level next season. Wolves must pounce and seal a move despite their interest in re-signing Ait-Nouri.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Coady: Wolves must swoop for “outstanding” £22.5m-rated beast who bullied Nuno…

According to Sky Sports, a fresh transfer claim has come to light involving Newcastle United and Odion Ighalo.

The Lowdown: Newcastle set for January moves?

Ahead of what looks likely to be a long and arduous relegation battle for Eddie Howe’s side, the Magpies and their new owners PIF have been linked with a plethora of January swoops to boost their chances of Premier League survival.

The likes of Ousmane Dembele and Kieran Trippier have been mentioned in recent weeks, with the Magpies aiming to maintain their top-flight status and kickstart a new era on Tyneside.

It appears that some players are even keen to be a part of Newcastle’s new age as Sky Sports now share news on former Manchester United marksman Ighalo.

The Latest: Sky make Ighalo claim…

According to their information, the 36-cap Nigeria international has now been asked by his current club Al Shabab whether he would agree to join Newcastle and Howe should they make a move for him.

Ighalo’s response was apparently that he would seriously consider a move to St James’ Park should the Magpies and PIF come knocking.

The Verdict: Should they swoop?

Once called ‘superb’ by Geordie legend and all-time Premier League top scorer Alan Shearer (via African Football), the 32-year-old has previously turned it on for his former club Watford. Indeed, Ighalo bagged 16 goals and five assists in 27 Premier League appearances for the Hornets over 2015/16, but that was his last great season at an elite level.

Prolific campaigns have followed in both the Chinese Super League and Saudi Professional League but this arguably isn’t enough to prove that he could come in and seriously bolster Howe’s chances of Premier League survival.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle do make contact, but it’s arguable that Ighalo’s signing wouldn’t pull up any trees.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC are now ‘most likely’ to sign here!

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.

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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

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.

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

Celtic finally got off the mark in their UEFA Europa League group on Tuesday afternoon thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Ferencvaros.

Kyogo Furuhashi, long odds with LV BET for first goalscorer, opened the scoring for the hosts just short of the hour mark, before an own goal late on sealed all three points for Ange Postecoglou’s team at Parkhead. However, not all of the Hoops thrived, as The Transfer Tavern dives into the three worst-rated players by statistical specialists Sofascore…

David Turnbull

Turnbull was the third-worst rated Hoops player (6.9) per Sofascore, as players have to had played a minimum of 45 minutes to be taken into account.

The Scotland international failed to record a single shot on target or dribble in the match, and also lost possession of the ball on nine separate occasions.

With little depth in midfield behind the 22 year-old, his place in the XI will likely remain safe for now.

Tom Rogic

Rogic was another midfield player who may have been a bit disappointed by his overall performance, as Sofascore gave him a measly 6.6 rating.

The 28-year-old lost out on five of his duels in total, and also did not manage a shot, while his 78% pass accuracy was the worst out of his outfield teammates.

Rogic also lost possession on no fewer than on 15 different occasions, the third-highest out of any Celts player.

Liel Abada

Abada did not have the most productive of afternoons, and was unsurprisingly ranked as the Bhoys’ worst player with a mere 6.4 overall rating.

The winger lost nine of his duels, the joint-most out of any player to have set foot on the pitch, and also did not have a shot on target or successful dribble, while his zero key passes or accurate crosses (Sofascore) pretty much sums up his lack of end product.

Abada also lost the ball 13 times, the fourth-most out of his teammates, in what was a frustrating afternoon for the Israeli.

In other news, find out which player Celtic are having doubts over here!

Manchester United could be set for a significant boost after an update was provided on Paul Pogba’s future at the club.

What’s the story?

The star midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at United and is yet to commit his future to the 20-time English champions, leading to speculation that he could depart over the coming months.

Now though, The Athletic’s Andy Mitten has revealed that the Old Trafford outfit’s hierarchy have tabled a significant offer to Pogba in an attempt to keep him in the red half of Manchester.

Mitten’s report states that: “United have made a Pogba a very good offer to stay at Old Trafford, which will make him one of the world’s best-paid footballers and the second-highest earner at the club on close to £400,000 per week.”

It goes on to claim that the France international is “open to re-signing”, although he’s understandably taking his time over what is a huge decision at a crucial stage in his career.

Fans should be excited

French giants Paris Saint-Germain were heavily linked with the 28-year-old in the previous window before their shock move for Lionel Messi meant Pogba’s arrival was no longer a financial possibility.

It’s believed that the Ligue 1 outfit, Juventus and Real Madrid are still interested in the creative talent’s signature, and he recently addressed a potential move back to Turin during the international break.

“I always speak to my former Juventus teammates, like Paulo (Dybala),” said Pogba, who was then asked about what lies ahead for him. “I’m in Manchester, I’ve still got a contract there for a year, and then we’ll see.”

But United fans will be encouraged and excited by Mitten’s latest revelation regardless of the player’s latest comments. Pogba and his controversial agent have often flirted with the possibility of seeking pastures new in the past only to stay put on English shores and carry on regardless.

And a large section of the fanbase will be hoping this ongoing saga ends in a similar fashion, given the importance of the 6 foot 2 dynamo to Ole Gunnar Solsjaer’s charges.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, Pogba has bagged six goals and an impressive 18 assists in his 51 appearances for the Red Devils, illustrating his truly world-class form of late.

Only time will tell whether the World Cup winner puts pen to paper on fresh terms at United, but the signs are certainly promising at this moment in time.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Pogba: Murtough must seal MUFC move for £27m-rated “complete midfielder” 

Many Sheffield United fans took to Twitter following John Egan’s goal in the Republic of Ireland’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in World Cup qualifying [BBC].

In a game that was supposed to be Cristiano Ronaldo centric, the 28-year-old rose highest for The Boys in Green to head in from a corner delivered by Jamie McGrath in the powder-keg encounter [BBC].

Settled by the narrowest of margins, a late double from the inspired Ronaldo condemned Egan and his teammates to a defeat on international duty.

His attention will now turn to Saturday when Ireland get set to take on Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium at 5pm [Aviva Stadium Official].

In light of Egan’s effort, it was no wonder that plenty of Sheffield United diehards took to Twitter to rejoice at the news.

Sheffield United fans react:

Replying to the official Sheffield United Twitter account, here is what some fans had to say about the footage:

“Yessssss Egs”

Credit: @IngoodNick17

“The Cork Baresi”

Credit: @Josh_SUFC_”Always been my favourite Blade and worth £50 million in my book”Credit: @locksmithlincs”And a great goal as well”Credit: @johndolan_bt”What a player to watch and he’s a Blade through and through. Solid.”Credit: @CotherRichard”Congratulations mate”Credit: @StevenW76910237In other news, an EFL insider has named a star that could improve the Blades’ promotion aspirations in 2021/22. 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

Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield believes Aston Villa kept their cards close to their chest in terms of their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey, after the club confirmed a deal was agreed on Saturday.

German outlet Bild had previously reported that Dean Smith’s side had tabled a bid for Bailey, worth £25.5m, but Leverkusen are keen to receive £29.8m for him.

Both Leicester City and Wolves had also been linked with a move for the forward, who was in impressive form for Leverkusen last season.

Bailey made a total of 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists, and he can play on both flanks as well as up front.

Villa have been aggressive in their recruitment this summer, bringing in Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City and Ashley Young on a free transfer from Inter Milan.

Jack Grealish could well leave, with reports suggesting that Manchester City have opened talks over a huge deal that could cost in excess of £100m, perhaps explaining Villa’s desire to bring in a number of new players.

Asked about Bailey, Hatfield said: “I imagine they have kept their cards close to their chest. No club really likes people knowing who their targets are, particularly months before a transfer window.

“Villa will have done their due diligence, though, they will have looked at Leon Bailey and the performances he’s put in for Leverkusen over the past couple of years, and he’s coming off a really impressive season as well. Villa have probably seen that and have probably drawn up a list of players.”