All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has a gigantic task on his hands to pull the club out of the relegation zone in the Premier League this season.

The Magpies are rock bottom of the table and are yet to win a match in the top-flight, with the transfer window still a month away from opening.

With a number of games to be played before Howe can make any signings, he could look to change things up by offering a chance to some of the talented young players in the academy set-up.

Nolan 2.0

One player who could have the quality to come through and make an impact at senior level is attacking midfielder Elliot Anderson, who could be Kevin Nolan 2.0. He has already caught the eye of the new coaching set-up. Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall has pointed to his potential, saying:

“He’s certainly a bright talent from what we’ve seen on the training ground. He’s got very good potential.”

The 19-year-old has shown promise in the youth set-up on Tyneside for a number of years. He scored seven and assisted five in 22 under-18 games before moving onto the U23 side and finding his best goalscoring form with 16 strikes and three assists in 31 matches. This includes an impressive five goals in six league outings this term.

He has already played twice for the first team, having been handed his debut by Steve Bruce. The Ex-Magpies boss previously claimed that the midfielder has a big future, whilst gushing with praise of his talents. He said:

“A big positive. I thought the kid was very, very good. He’s been with us and knocking on the door for a while now so it was good to see the young lad making his way. He’s got a big future ahead of him hopefully.

“As soon as he comes onto the pitch, he accepts the ball, receives the ball. He’s got that lovely way of never looking like he’s rushed. It’s effortless to him and easy.

“So we hope he’s got a big future. He’ll remember his debut today, he could have scored in the last minute, couldn’t he. What a wonderful debut that would have been but I’m very pleased with his progress and he’s one that we hope can do us a good turn over the season.”

Anderson could be likened to ex-Newcastle midfielder Nolan, who was known for scoring from the middle of the park. The former West Ham man found the back of the net 30 times in 91 matches for the club and the fresh Magpies academy product could be the next goalscoring sensation from midfield if Howe offers him a chance in the first-team this season.

The 19-year-old wizard’s statistics for the club’s youth teams suggest that he has the potential to step up and be a goalscorer at senior level, but it is down to him to live up to his own hype and perform consistently. If he can do that then he could be Nolan 2.0.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Dubravka: NUFC flop who lost 62.5% duels let Howe down badly…

Manchester City fans have been reacting to the news that Barcelona have met with the agents of both Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez.

The past season was a mixed one for the Citizens. Of course, there was plenty of success for them to enjoy as they won both the Premier League and the League Cup, but the trophy they wanted the most, the Champions League, slipped from their grasp as they lost 1-0 in the final to Chelsea in Porto.

This summer, therefore, could well be a busy one at the Etihad Stadium, with both incomings and outgoings expected. Both Eric Garcia (fcbarcelona.com) and Sergio Aguero have made the switch to the Camp Nou, and now it seems the La Liga side are interested in both Gundogan (valued at £36m by Transfermarkt) and Mahrez (£37.8m) (via Jose Alvarez).

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Man City fans had to say about news below

“WHEN WILL IT STOP”

Credit: @FodenEnthusiast

“Are we now an academy of Barca?”

Credit: @KukuMhlanga

“At this point we have to play with eds next season  we are getting relegated”

Credit: @jniinj

“Barca pls stop”

Credit: @AgueroProp

“City has become a shopping center, are we going to have any plays for next season??”

Credit: @MancityMaldives

“What is going on with Barca? Do they want to buy our whole club?”

Credit: @thecityzen06

In other news, Man City fans are livid at this Lukas Nmecha news.

Jacob Murphy has seemingly emerged as a target for Rangers once again ahead of the summer transfer window as it’s been claimed that Steven Gerrard’s side remain keen on bringing the 26-year-old to Ibrox next season.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report from Football Insider.

The Gers were keen on Murphy during the January transfer window but will not be available on a free transfer any longer, as it has emerged that he’s actually under contract at St James’ Park until 2022.

It’s thought the Magpies have a £3m asking price, whilst the SPFL giants will have to battle the likes of Southampton and Watford for his signature.

Kickstart title defence

The current campaign may not be done and dusted just yet, especially as the Light Blues still have that unbeaten record to keep intact, but it is a very shrewd decision to start planning ahead for next season.

Bringing in new faces will be crucial towards defending their title and if the Glasgow outfit are to remain dominant at the top, then they cannot rest on their laurels.

It’ll be all change down the road, with a mass exodus due after nine straight years of control, so there isn’t a better time for Rangers to bolster Gerrard’s squad.

And signing a new winger is a pretty good place to start.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/rangers-news-ibrox-steven-gerrard-ross-wilson-gers-rfc” title=”Latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Aside from Ryan Kent, the 40-year-old’s only other out-and-out wide man is January arrival Scott Wright. We’ve seen Joe Aribo fill in there on occasion, and Ianis Hagi, too but both are more suited centrally.

Currently, Jordan Jones is one of two wingers playing his football away from Ibrox and it is he who is in most doubt amid interest in Murphy. If he’s not fancied aged 26, then there’s very little hope of him returning to start games next season.

The forgotten Ibrox ace is also keen to return to the Stadium of Light, according to Football Insider, so it certainly seems like his Gers career is over.

Playing on the right for League One promotion hopefuls Sunderland, he has only managed to deliver one goal and one assist, whereas Murphy has thrived in England’s top-flight.

The £3.15m-rated dynamo has been one of Steve Bruce’s most consistent performers, even despite being asked to play wing-back at times, a decision that culminated in him scoring against Burnley last weekend in a performance where he arguably stole the show.

“He’s played a big part in the season. He’s had, for him, a really good season where he knows now that he belongs in the Premier League,” explained Bruce. ” I’d love to see him at the club. It’s what we want: young, hungry, determined to do well – he ticks all of those boxes.”

Interestingly, his versatility to play in defence is intriguing and with the Gers in Europe again next term, he could provide crucial cover for James Tavernier.

The Times’ chief football writer Henry Winter waxed lyrical about his ability to deliver at right wing-back earlier this month. He said: “Jacob Murphy outstanding for NUFC at right wing-back, ran himself into the ground, defending/attacking, got cramp, eventually subbed. His resilience echoed all over.”

Wilson must sanction a £3m swoop for Murphy this summer, he’d be the perfect signing to kickstart their ambitions to mount a solid title defence.

AND in other news, Wilson must seal bargain swoop for 12-goal gem who had £36m star on toast…

A transfer claim regarding Manchester United’s chances of signing Frenkie de Jong this summer has emerged…

What’s the word?

Super-journalist Fabrizio Romano provided an update on United’s pursuit of the former Ajax starlet, ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

Romano took to his Twitter page to relay the claim which read: “Barca manager Xavi shuts down rumours on Frenkie de Jong leaving & Man Utd links.”

The Italian’s tweet contained quotes from Xavi on the potential departure of de Jong, with the Barcelona manager saying this: “Frenkie’s a very important player for me and for the club. He has to mark an era.

“I’m happy with him. If it were up to me he’ll continue for many years at Barca.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

Ten Hag will be gutted

With Ten Hag’s recent appointment at Manchester United amidst fluctuating game-time for Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, it looked like this reunion was written in the stars for the Old Trafford side.

Since departing Ten Hag’s Ajax back in the summer of 2019, the Netherlands star has continued his development across his total of 136 appearances for the Blaugrana.

With Paul Pogba’s rumoured departure, a move for the 24-year-old looked like a sure-fire switch, with the Dutch coach enjoying unlimited success with de Jong – winning the Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup – in a season that saw Ajax reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2019.

The signing of the midfield maestro would have been the epitome of the next chapter for United, with the £63m-rated midfielder offering something completely different in the Red Devils’ engine room.

De Jong is quite simply a pass master, averaging an insane 90% pass completion total per 90, with an average total of 56 passes per match.

The Netherlands international is forward-thinking. His passing is productive and allows his side to progress the ball forward, whilst also creating a number of chances for his teammates – with his shot-creating actions total of three per 90 reflecting this.

Though, his style is much more offensive than defensive, with his metrics for the latter looking poor, considering his position.

As such, United may have had a lucky escape, as it is no secret that the lack of defensive solidity across the midfield has been one of the biggest issues for the side this season.

United need to identify a well-rounded and unselfish central midfielder who can cover both aspects of the game, as well as an outright central defensive midfielder who sits back and acts as the metronome.

It would have been nice to see de Jong reunite with Ten Hag, and although he may not be what the Red Devils need, it will be a big blow to the new boss nonetheless.

AND in other news: Ten Hag can instantly get OT rocking as MUFC plot bid for “top-class” £13.5m-rated gem – opinion

If you could have predicted one fixture in the Premier League today to end in a 0-0 draw, it was always going to be West Bromwich Albion’s clash with Newcastle.

Both teams have been poor this season and consequently, this match was a relegation six-pointer. West Brom are currently in the relegation zone and a win today would have restored the gap to themselves and the Magpies.

Yet, in rather torrid fashion, they played out a goalless draw, a result that did neither side any favours on Sunday afternoon.

Sam Allardyce’s men kept their fourth successive clean sheet but were laboured in front of goal as they lacked the cutting edge necessary to see off Newcastle.

The man who typified their poor display this afternoon was Mbaye Diagne. Sporting eye-catching blue hair, that was about the most exciting thing on offer from him.

Diagne arrived in January on a loan deal and after scoring in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United, looked a solid acquisition. Though, as his performances of late are showing, he may not be up to scratch in the Premier League.

A number of players were dismal on Sunday, no less than Ainsley Maitland-Niles. His decision making was left wanting on a number of occasions in the middle of the park, but he was at least keen to drive his team forward, performing five dribbles.

The same cannot be said for Diagne. He didn’t offer much of a presence up top and made just 12 passes in the entire match. Though, most concerning of all was the Senegalese’s finishing ability.

Conor Townsend was rampant down the left-hand side but despite creating numerous chances for Albion’s striker, he didn’t tuck them away. Diagne’s movement was good but when the ball actually landed at his feet, he left Martin Dubravka with no reason to be fearful.

The winter signing fired a total of three attempts off target, costing Allardyce dearly in a game that meant so much to his team.

To make matters worse, he lost possession of the ball on 15 occasions. When you consider that he only touched it 33 times, it makes for pretty glum reading. Diagne was so poor that his tally of touches was actually fewer than goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

If West Brom want to stay in the division, they’ll need to find someone capable of scoring goals regularly sooner rather than later. Diagne doesn’t feel like the answer to their prayers.

AND in other news, “Might come back and haunt them” – Exclusive: Pundit raises doubts over “unfair” West Brom call…

Former England midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that West Ham will lose Declan Rice at some point.

Rice continues to be linked with a move away from the London Stadium, with talk about a return to Chelsea refusing to go away.

According to The Athletic, Manchester City could also throw their hat into the ring as they weigh up a bid for the 22-year-old in a potential twist.

Ultimately, for Palmer, it is only a matter of time before Rice leaves West Ham for an outfit like Chelsea or Manchester City.

“At some point, I think they’re going to lose Declan Rice,” the ex-Leeds United player exclusively told FFC. “I think they will accept at some point he’s going to go and want to play at a top club.

“They’re going to accept that. If he has a good Euros, I think at some point they will accept that they’re going to do that [sell].”

While they will not want to lose a player who made over 30 appearances for them last season, if it comes to it, they will at least get a very good fee for the player.

Rice still has three years left to run on his contract, while Manchester City’s reported interest, on top of Chelsea’s, could easily spark a bidding war for the England international.

Dean Windass thinks that this summer could finally mark the end of Liverpool’s famous front three.

Following Mohamed Salah’s arrival from Roma in 2017, along with that of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, the trio have been the catalyst for the Reds’ recent success both domestically and in Europe.

The trio have scored a total of 273 goals during that period, with 57 of those helping Jurgen Klopp’s team claim their first Premier League title 12 months ago.

Despite almost topping that figure last season, both Firmino and Mane struggled, and were not nailed on starters like in previous campaigns, although Salah still managed 31 goals as the Reds qualified for the Champions League on the final day.

Fortunately for Liverpool, unlike in previous years, they had summer signing Diogo Jota in reserve, and his early-season goals made up for their poor form.

Jota ended up scoring nine times in just 19 Premier League appearances, but with the Reds suffering from a lack of goals during periods last term, Windass believes that Klopp will opt to freshen up his front line this summer.

He told Football FanCast:

“I think one of the front three will leave… Firmino, he’d be the one.”

Whilst the £180,000-a-week Brazilian has done an excellent job leading the line for Liverpool, a more prolific number nine is badly needed if Klopp’s side want to close the gap on Manchester City and challenge for the title once again.

Sheffield Wednesday will make a decision on free-agent trialist Ravel Morrison this week…

What’s the word?

Speaking after the Owls’ impressive 2-1 win over high-flying south Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, Wednesday manager Darren Moore revealed he was taking a look at the 28-year-old midfielder. He said, via The Star:

“What we’ll do is take a good look at Ravel and make a decision in the next two, three, four days so we know what we’re doing with Ravel going forward.”

The former Manchester United graduate has been without a club since leaving Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag and is free to join the Owls as he contract was terminated by mutual consent in January.

Polarising maverick

It’s not been too long since Wednesday last had a player who will cut the fanbase like a knife through butter. Indeed, Fernando Forestieri was that man for a very long time at Hillsborough.

After playing an instrumental role in back-to-back playoff campaigns under Carlos Carvalhal, the Argentina-born Italian soon saw his Owls career dogged by injury problems and disciplinary issues before leaving in the summer after a divisive five years.

Morrison has played for 11 different teams, including arch-rivals Sheffield United, and has struggled for regular game-time and consistency in that time. This is something he acknowledged during an appearance on Rio Ferdinand’s ‘Vibe with Five’ podcast, via The Star:

“I think it’s because a lot of people already have a picture in their head of what I am like, so people don’t want to commit and say: ‘We’ll bring him to the club for two or three years’. They think: ‘We’ll give him six months because he might be a problem.'”Chris Wilder also described him as a “maverick” and has previously lauded the midfielder as an “undoubted talent” with “serious ability”, yet his track record would say otherwise. He would likely be another polarising figure at Wednesday.You couldn’t say Forestieri didn’t lack ability – after all, he produced 40 goals and 18 assists in 134 appearances – it’s the fact that it could’ve been so much better with more application and fewer problems, both on and off the pitch.That very much is the same for Morrison.At Manchester United, he was thought to be “better than” the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard coming through, according to Wayne Rooney. “He struggled with lifestyle and his environment which was sad for him,” explained the Red Devils legend to The Sunday Times.The Owls could do with all the help they can get right now, so taking Morrison on board for the remainder of the season could be a smart ploy, but they will need to be weary for the long run. Things quickly turned south for Forestieri, and that’s not something that needs to be repeated at Hillsborough again.

AND in other news, Lost possession 40x: Owls star the one negative from Moore’s first Owls win… 

Chris Hughton is planning to offload four Nottingham Forest player this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that Harry Arter, Fouad Bachirou, Carl Jenkinson and Gaetan Bong have all been informed that they have no futures at the City Ground.

Marinakis must sell

Nottingham Forest have had something of a campaign to forget in the Championship this season, with the Reds finishing in a lowly 17th place in the second-tier standings.

As such, Hughton has a big summer ahead of him if he is to steer the Garibaldi back towards the play-off positions next term, and shifting a number of the club’s deadwood is the perfect place to start.

Arter joined Forest in a £4.95 million deal from AFC Bournemouth last summer, with the 31-year-old being handed a three-year deal on a reported £20,000-per-week.

However, the £2.7 million-rated Republic of Ireland international made just 13 Championship appearances for the Reds this season, over which he averaged a rather disappointing Sofascore match rating of 6.79.

Bong also made the move to the City Ground in 2020, however, the left-back was a £450,000 signing in the January transfer window, with the 33-year-old being given a two-and-a-half-year deal on a reported £18,000-per-week.

The £450,000-rated defender went on to make just 10 league appearances for Hughton’s side this term, over which he too averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.79.

Fouad Bachirou was also a recent recruit, making a £603,000 move from Malmo FF last summer when he was handed a two-year deal on a reported £18,000-per-week, with the £540,000-rated 30-year-old going on to make just one Championship appearance for the Garibaldi this season.

Finally, Jenkinson was a £1.98 million signing from Arsenal back in the summer of 2019, when the right-back was given a three-year deal on a reported £27,000-per-week, however, the £810,000-rated 29-year-old featured in just three league games for Nottingham Forest this term.

As such, considering how sparingly all four of these players were used by Hughton this season, in addition to the whopping £83,000 a week that Forest reportedly spend on the foursome, Evangelos Marinakis is right to be doing all he can to move these players on this summer, as getting them off the payroll will allow his 62-year-old manager a more significant wage budget to work with, as well as whatever money is received from their transfers, to help rebuild his squad ahead of next season.

In other news: Forest handed devastating blow over £3.6m-rated gem dubbed “one of the most talented” – opinion

Liverpool have enjoyed a perfect start to their Premier League campaign with six points out of a possible six from their opening two matches.

The Reds beat newly-promoted Norwich 3-0 in their first match, at Carrow Road, before hosting Burnley at Anfield in a 2-0 win a week later.

They now face Champions League holders Chelsea, who have also won their games 3-0 and 2-0, on home soil on Saturday in their first big test of the 2021/22 campaign.

On the Chalkboard

One change Klopp could make to his team from the win over Burnley is in the midfield area of the pitch. He should unleash Spanish international Thiago Alcantara after he played the final 10 minutes against the Clarets last week, as he could terrify Thomas Tuchel’s side.

At the start of the 2020/21 campaign, Thiago made his debut for the Reds in the second half of a 2-0 win against the Blues and enjoyed a sensational 45 minutes of football. Despite his limited time on the pitch, he completed a whopping 74 passes and created one chance – dictating the play from midfield.

Jorginho and N’Golo Kante both started the match and were unable to get to grips with Thiago’s movement off the ball and excellent selection of passing to beat the press, which is why Chelsea could be worried if the midfielder is selected this weekend.

The £27m-rated dynamo was once hailed as extraordinary by Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi. He said: “I think he is an extraordinary player.”

“Thiago is not just a player for the future, but he is someone who can make an impact right now as well.”

Harvey Elliott started in the midfield three for Liverpool against Burnley and showed some promising signs, but with Thiago now back fit and available – with a track record of performing against Chelsea – he should now be dropped for the Spaniard. Elliott was given a SofaScore rating of 6.9 against the Clarets, with three key passes, but lost possession 17 times as his inexperience at the top level showed.

Thiago, meanwhile, averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.16 in the Premier League last season, averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions whilst also creating 1.3 chances per game. This shows that he is able to put in consistent performances and can be relied upon by Klopp, which is another reason why he should be thrown in against Chelsea ahead of the inexperienced Elliott.

If the 30-year-old can produce a display similar to the one he managed at Stamford Bridge last year, then Liverpool could have a great chance of coming away with the three points – just as they did on that day.

AND in other news, Gini 2.0: Edwards must sanction £40m Liverpool swoop for “exceptional” powerhouse…