All posts by z3u9t.icu

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.”

Evening Standard journalist Jack Rosser doubts David Moyes will pay £30m to bring Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard back to West Ham.

Lingard helped West Ham to a brilliant sixth-placed finish last season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists during his loan spell.

Understandably, Moyes now wants to bring the 28-year-old back to the London Stadium, with The Athletic claiming his parent club are seeking a £30m fee in a potential permanent deal.

It is a fee Rosser cannot see the West Ham boss being prepared to pay, however, though based on his information, United’s asking price may actually be lower.

“There’s been reports of Man United wanting 30 million, which I think by my understanding is significantly higher than what they’re asking for,” Rosser told TT.

“But if that were to be the case, I don’t think Moyes would pay it. He’s got that sort of attitude that, you know, it’s not his money and he wants to spend it carefully.”

While Moyes is having trouble signing Lingard to bolster his attack, he is at least having some fortune at the back, with Alphonse Areola coming in to challenge Lukasz Fabianski between the sticks.

With an option to buy, the Frenchman could be the 36-year-old’s long-term successor at the London Stadium.

Liverpool are in need of a Gini Wijnaldum replacement and there is one midfielder who arrived with a lot of hype and expectations at Old Trafford. However, Donny van de Beek fell way short last season and despite this, former Liverpool star Paul Stewart can’t see the Red Devils letting one of their players go to Anfield.

Van de Beek was very impressive during Ajax’s famous Champions League run in the 2018/19 season and he was one of a few players who didn’t leave in the immediate aftermath, but despite spending another season in the Eredivisie it doesn’t appear to have helped his career.

The Dutch international was handed just four Premier League starts all season, something which would have been unimaginable when he joined for £35 million last season, and Ajax legend Sjaak Swart has claimed that Van de Beek would be wonderful for Liverpool, who are on the hunt for Wijnaldum’s successor.

Jurgen Klopp will have an extensive list of midfielders he would like to sign this summer and although Van de Beek has undoubted quality, it would be unlikely to see him turn up at Anfield, according to Stewart who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“They may not want to sell him to one of their biggest rivals in Liverpool because if he turned out to be a big success then it would be a kick in the teeth for them.”

Liverpool are not the only side linked with a move for the midfielder as Arsenal have reportedly made contact about the possibility of signing the 24-year old, this comes after their pursuit of Martin Odegaard appeared to stop before it had even begun.

Van de Beek’s frustrating season was summed up and brought to an end when he picked up an injury when with the Netherlands and that ended up ruling him out of the European Championships.

Preston North End feared that Celtic may have made a late swoop for midfielder Ali McCann on deadline day, according to The Sun (05.09.21, pg. 62), as cited by The 72.

The Lowdown: McCann on the move

Celtic were extremely busy in the final hours of the transfer window, bringing in Cameron Carter-Vickers from Tottenham with minutes remaining prior to the deadline along with sealing a late move for Georgios Giakoumakis.

McCann was also on the move, completing a switch from St Johnstone to English Championship side Preston with just five seconds to spare before the transfer deadline. The Hoops were linked with a move for him late in the window, but a £3m asking price appeared to put them off.

The 21-year-old actually cost just £1.2m, and it seems as if the Hoops may have tried their luck with a late swoop.

The Latest: Preston’s fear

According to The Sun (05.09.21, pg. 62), as cited by The 72, Preston were fearing a late hijack from the Hoops in the hunt for McCann.

Celtic had an extra hour until the Scottish window slammed shut, and if the Deepdale club didn’t get a deal over the line, they were worried that the Hoops could have acted after the English deadline.

The Verdict: Missed a trick

Transferred for just £1.2m, Celtic may live to regret not making their move for McCann this summer.

They have enjoyed success in bringing a young Scottish midfielder to Celtic Park from a fellow Scottish side in David Turnbull from Motherwell, so McCann could have been the next one to follow suit.

Dominic McKay brought in James McCarthy over the summer, while Liam Shaw penned pre-contract terms earlier in the year, but Celtic could be short in the middle following the departures of Scott Brown, Olivier Ntcham and Ryan Christie.

Hopefully it isn’t a repeat of the John McGinn saga back in 2018.

In other news: ‘Seriously?’ – Lots of Celtic fans react to Ryan Christie’s social media post

Everton have ‘been offered’ former Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo as a possible replacement for Carlo Ancelotti.

That’s according to the print edition of Spanish publication AS (via Sport Witness).

Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Real Madrid were in talks with Ancelotti, whom they identified as a candidate to replace Zinedine Zidane. Los Blancos were said to be ‘pushing’ to bring the Italian back to the Bernabeu, and the Italian’s departure has since been confirmed.

Ancelotti signed a four-and-a-half-year deal when he took over at Goodison Park in December 2019 but Nuno could now be a decent replacement option.

The 47-year-old parted company with Wolves at the end of the season after they finished 13th in the Premier League. Prior to that, he led them to promotion and back-to-back seventh-place finishes.

Twitter account Everton News Feed relayed the claim from AS, and here’s how supporters reacted. Many were unconvinced by Nuno’s credentials as a possible successor to Ancelotti off the back of a poor season, with one even remarking that they would rather have the much-criticised Marco Silva back at Goodison Park.

Everton fans concerned by Nuno links

“Don’t think he’s good enough for our club, he’s done a great job at Wolves don’t get me wrong but no Ancelotti replacement”

Credit: @KingKierxn

“I’d rather Marco Silva back”

Credit: @jake_everton

“Just no”

Credit: @bobadilla

“This is so typical Everton”

Credit: @JoshuaBartley

“Avoid this at all costs”

Credit: @BigChungusREE

“Yikes”

Credit: @ajpb03

In other news, many Everton fans flocked to this transfer update on one Toffees midfielder.

An exciting Newcastle United claim has emerged regarding their plans for the upcoming transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has hinted that PIF will be looking to spend more than £50m in the market this summer, whilst not going overboard with their dealings.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think their plan is to run it like a business and I think their plan will be to keep costs as low as they can.

“I very much doubt they will manage to keep it to £50million, but I do think what they’ll try and do is bring money in, in terms of player sales as well.”

Supporters will be delighted

Newcastle supporters will surely be delighted with this claim.

Last summer, the only senior addition to the squad was the signing of Joe Willock from Arsenal for a reported £25m. He joined on a permanent basis after spending the second half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan and was the only player brought in by Mike Ashley to bolster Steve Bruce’s squad.

The lack of investment in the team came back to bite the Sports Direct supremo as the Toon became just the fourth team in Premier League history to not win any of their first 14 matches in a top-flight season.

In the last 14 games in the top flight, however, Newcastle have picked up 31 points and are third in the form table behind Manchester City and Liverpool.

The difference between these two stretches of games? The appointment of Eddie Howe and the January transfer window. PIF came in to take over the club from Ashley and invested in the squad by bringing in Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood in the winter market.

Their work in January gave Howe the ammunition he needed to fire Newcastle to safety and that is exactly what he has done, with the Magpies currently sitting 14 points clear of the bottom three. This suggests that the signings earlier this year gave the club a massive lift, and that is set to save them from relegation.

Therefore, supporters will be excited by the prospect of PIF dropping more than £50m on further signings, as it means that Howe will be backed again and given what he needs to take the Toon to the next level. He will not be hung out to dry like Bruce was by Ashley, which is why fans will be delighted with the owners’ plans.

They will also be buzzing with the claim that PIF still want to run the club like a business and are not going to risk the financial future of Newcastle. The consortium are not looking for instant success which could lead to irreversible financial damage further down the line, and this measured, thought-out approach will surely go down well with the fanbase as it shows ambition and clarity over what the owners want to do.

AND in other news, Journalist reveals two names on Newcastle’s transfer “list”, Eddie Howe will be excited…