All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester City are reportedly taking an interest in Sporting Lisbon left-back Nuno Mendes ahead of the summer, and if he were to join, it could be the catalyst for Benjamin Mendy leaving the Citizens.

According to Portuguese news outlet Record,  City have made initial contacts over a move for the 18-year-old, who reportedly has a £60 million release clause with the Liga NOS side.

Although it suggests that the teenager could well be loaned back to Sporting as part of the deal, it looks as if City are targeting him as a long-term option at left-back, which suggests that Mendy could well be on his way out after a nightmare few seasons with the Citizens.

The Frenchman has shown glimpses of immense quality during his time working under Guardiola, particularly in the 2018/19 season when he managed five assists in just 10 Premier League appearances, which saw him average an impressive 7.29 rating.

However, he has endured some awful injury problems with City, which have prevented him from ever really enjoying a run of games in the first-team.

This season has seen Guardiola primarily utilise Oleksandr Zinchenko and Joao Cancelo at left-back, with Mendy having made just eight appearances in the top-flight, in which he has averaged a disappointing 6.45 rating.

Therefore, if Mendes were to join City, you feel that the Frenchman would be the one to leave, as he is simply too unreliable because of injury problems, and he is already arguably third-choice left-back, whilst the likes of Nathan Ake and Aymeric Laporte have also shown that they can play there if needed.

Mendes has impressed this season so far, making 19 appearances in the Portuguese top-flight, in which he has contributed one goal and one assist, averaging a superb 7.22 rating, so it is easy to see why he is attracting so much interest.

The young Portuguese defender certainly looks to be a wonderkid, and if sporting director Txiki Begiristain can negotiate a deal to bring him to the Etihad this summer, it would not be a surprise to see Mendy depart as a result.

And, in other news… £99m-rated City star’s place could be under threat after 23 y/o’s super display 

Many Everton fans have been left hailing a triple transfer link to Kalidou Koulibaly, Adrien Rabiot and Lautaro Martinez.

As per Calciomercato, Koulibaly is at the top of the transfer wish list of Carlo Ancelotti, and he also likes Rabiot and Martinez a lot.

The Goodison Park faithful could well be backed financially in the upcoming summer transfer window, meaning that they could potentially afford to bring in all of these players, it may just be a matter of whether they would like to join or not.

Three household names in European football, the Merseyside club would do very well to bring even one of those in, especially without any UEFA Champions League football (as things stand), but the pull of Ancelotti is a big one, having brought in the likes of James Rodriguez and Allan into the Toffees last summer.

Everton fan reaction to Koulibaly, Rabiot and Martinez link

These Blues hailed the link to all three players on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that they would be ‘huge’ signings:

“Any of them would be epic. My bet would be on Rabiot on loan with Kean going Juve on loan.”

Credit: @rlfansSaddened

“Wow. They’re three names I like.”

Credit: @cazzawarrington

“Christ they would be huge huge signings”

Credit: @_benm1878

“Winning the league with those 3!”

Credit: @DeanJHD

“Imagine”

Credit: @craigwooton

“Would be extremely happy with all these + hopefully Aarons”Credit: @efccoleIn other news, find out what subtle Ancelotti dig has been slammed by fans here!

A number of Liverpool supporters were left unimpressed with Jurgen Klopp’s substitutions in the disappointing 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid.

The Reds produced an insipid performance on Tuesday night, losing comfortably to the La Liga giants and seeing their Champions League hopes damaged.

Madrid were comfortably the better team throughout the quarter-final first leg, and while Liverpool improved after the break, they were never at the races on the night.

Klopp didn’t have a good evening, and his decision to start Naby Keita over Thiago backfired badly, with the former hooked before half-time because he was struggling so much. It was what he did after that which has left fans bemused though.

The Liverpool manager brought off Ozan Kabak and Diogo Jota in the second half – arguably two of the better performers – with Xherdan Shaqiri and Roberto Firmino replacing them.

Liverpool fans left unhappy with Klopp’s subs

These Liverpool fans were unimpressed with those choices from Klopp, taking to Twitter to criticise him.

“Why does Wijnaldum even get to play 90 minutes? I’m shocked”

Credit: @Xavierhunter196

“Klopp are you serious?!?”

Credit: @KekeBelo

“Is Klopp drunk!”

Credit: @AmrSYousry

“Sorry. Don’t get this one”

Credit: @BookEmDannoooo

“He brings Jota off, the only player who looks like contributing anything”

Credit: @mlees1988

“How has Klopp’s decision making been so bad this season? This will has effectively put our season in huge doubt now”

Credit: @Knuckles_180

“Embarrassing Klopp”

Credit: @TMLFC19

“Astounded Shaq has come on I must say!”

Credit: @wayneellis1974

In other news, one Leicester City star’s head could be turned by interest from Liverpool, according to a former player. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United prospect Nathan Trott risks setting his career back years by sealing a late deal to join Norwegian outfit Tromso Idrettslag on loan.

What’s the word?

According to ExWHUemployee, while speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, Trott is set to sign for Tromso IL once he obtains a work permit.

The Norwegian transfer market remains open until April 1st ahead of the 2021 Eliteserien campaign starting at the beginning of next month.

Trott has long been earmarked as West Ham’s future number one but has only played seven minutes of first-team football with the Irons, after David Moyes awarded the Bermudian his debut as a substitute in January’s FA Cup win over League One side Doncaster Rovers.

The 22-year-old has been named as an unused substitute in five additional fixtures across all competitions this season, following three inclusions in the 2017/18 campaign before a loan spell with AFC Wimbledon.

He kept four clean sheets in 23 third-tier appearances for the Dons, conceding 32 goals, and impressed with his efforts but failed to kick on following his return to east London.

West Ham weighed up approaches from home and abroad to send Trott out on loan for the 2020/21 season last summer, but rejected Coventry City’s approach as the Sky Blues’ initially intended on naming the shot-stopper as their number two, per the Daily Mail.

Interest from Derby County, Doncaster and Shrewsbury Town was also noted, as the Irons sought to secure regular first-team football for the 6 ft 2 ‘keeper signed in 2016 on the recommendation of their Bermudan former striker Clyde Best.

Should West Ham send Trott to Tromso?

Trott certainly needs to secure regular first-team football if he is to kick on and fulfil West Ham’s expectations, but a move to Tromso may not be the best decision he can make.

Tromso were relegated from the Eliteserien during the 2019 season as the 15th ranked side from 16, having lost 16 of their 30 league fixtures.

They bounced back the following campaign to secure an immediate return to Norway’s top-flight, but have not finished inside the top half of the table since 2012, with two 13th placed finishes and another relegation in 2013.

Trott would need to use his time in Norway as a springboard to secure another loan move in the summer, when he can join a League One-level club and be their starting goalkeeper from the off.

He seemingly has the talent to do so, with former Irons shot-stopper Shaka Hislop – now a pundit for ESPN – a huge advocate of Trott’s potential, noting after West Ham’s FA Cup win versus Doncaster how the 22-year-old has “all the attributes” needed.

Whether Trott can show that to Moyes while at Tromso would certainly remain to be seen, much more so when he is currently in the first-team picture at the London Stadium while the Hammers boss seemingly looks to strengthen the goalkeeper position.

West Ham have been linked with moves for Manchester United’s Dean Henderson and Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale, two young options at 23 and 22 years, as they weigh up potential options with Lukasz Fabianski a free agent in the summer after he turns 36.

If Trott really is West Ham’s future, he may be better off staying at the Irons and not joining Tromso, so that he can prove his potential right under Moyes’ nose rather than push that chance a few years further down the road by moving to an obscure league.

AND in other news, West Ham have been slapped with a £20m asking price to sign an “outstanding” talent this summer…

According to Calciomercato, Aston Villa have started to press for the signing of Sogndal starlet Sivert Mannsverk.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested Dean Smith’s side are interested in signing the 18-year-old and bringing him to the Premier League in this January transfer window.

Now, Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) have claimed that whilst both Villa and Everton have started to make their move for the Norwegian, but that they face a race against time to try and complete a deal.

The report adds that the two Premier League sides are a step behind both Ajax and Groninjen as the two Dutch teams have come forward with official offers for the midfielder.

Smith’s next crown jewel

After the excitement that Villa’s academy players brought following their involvement in the FA Cup third round clash against Liverpool, the club will have seen first-hand the kind of impact young, hungry talent can bring.

And whilst Louie Barry was the undoubted star following his goal against the Reds, Villa could really add to their abundance of young stars with a move for Mannsverk.

The teenager has already been named captain of Sorndal, and has been compared to Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge for his style of play.

Predominantly a central midfielder, Mannsverk can play further forward and a bit deeper too, and showed off his impressive potential with four goals and four assists in 29 competitive appearances last season whilst wearing the armband for his side.

With scouts from clubs all across the globe, finding the next big superstar who’s yet to be properly discovered has become a tall order. And given Mannsverk has already attracted interest from the likes of Everton and Ajax among others, it just goes to show Johan Lange has got a tough job trying to get a deal done.

But if he can, he could get Smith’s next crown jewel to go along with the likes of Barry and Jacob Ramsey.

Meanwhile, Villa are making an unforgivable mistake…

Liverpool will hope to rectify the mistakes made during their shock 1-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week when they welcome Manchester City to Anfield.

Despite having both Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino up front, the Reds struggled to make an impact in the final third in that game.

Ahead of the big game later today, Jurgen Klopp stated that Sadio Mane and Fabinho had returned to “parts of team training”(Liverpool FC). However, the boss won’t want to rush the Senegalese winger back and since signing Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies, he can afford to give Fabinho more time to recover if he wishes.

Alisson, who missed the last match due to illness, is “feeling much better” and looks like he will be back in action to face City this afternoon.

With all of that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast have predicted The Reds to line up at Anfield…

With the Brazilian shot-stopper back in the side, Liverpool will feel more confident that they can keep out City’s blistering attack. Similarly, January loan signing Kabak could make his debut in red and partner Nat Phillips at centre-back. This will give Jordan Henderson the green light to return to his natural position in midfield.

The skipper will likely operate as a No.6 to keep the back-line protected and contribute to the team’s efforts of thwarting in-form Gabriel Jesus.

In midfield, Klopp has several options he could select, with one being the lesser-seen Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Whilst the former Gunner has been hit-and-miss with his fitness lately, he has already shown that he is the man for a big occasion. His wonder-strike against City in the Champions League back in 2018 is a prime example of what the Ox has in his locker.

Pep Guardiola’s defence has been watertight this season. City have conceded just the two goals in their last ten matches and are currently on a 20-game unbeaten streak, according to Sofascore.

Chamberlain’s ability to pull the trigger from outside the box may be the only option Liverpool have if they want to get the better of this City defence. As such, he will likely play alongside Thiago, meaning Gini Wijnaldum will drop to the bench.

Despite scoring against West Ham, the £90,000 per week midfield man struggled against Brighton and was replaced by Chamberlain just after the hour mark. The 26-year-old could be a vital asset to Liverpool’s side this evening as they vie to make amends for their second consecutive Anfield loss.

In other news, How Liverpool could lineup if they managed to sign Kylian Mbappe…

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has lauded an “outrageous” moment from Raphinha in his side’s 2-0 defeat to West Ham, saying it sums him up as a player.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were beaten at the London Stadium on Monday evening, leaving them in 11th place in the table with 11 matches remaining.

It has been a strong first season back in the top flight for Leeds, but four defeats in their last five league outings suggests they may just be running out of steam a little.

Whelan hails Raphinha

Raphinha has arguably been Leeds’ standout player so far this season, chipping in with five goals and assists apiece, wreaking havoc from out wide with his pace and trickery.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan lauded the 24-year-old, highlighting one acrobatic attempt against the Hammers as proof of his unique brilliance as a player, as well as praising his mentality:

“Raphinha was very quiet in the first 20 or 30 minutes of the game. Second half, when you need to show a bit of fight, we know he’s got that. It’s one of the thing things that I love so much about him. He gets upset by defeats. You can see that they hurt him.

“He was trying everything. The overhead kick that took a deflection, I don’t think any other player would have tried that in the Leeds United side.

“It goes to show the confidence and the belief in his own abilities that he has to try something as outrageous as that. It nearly came off.

“He’s one of these players that rise to the occasion and stands up to the fight. When you’re 2-0 down, his head doesn’t go down to the ground, his body language isn’t bad.

“He’s one of these players that wants to really fight and get something out of the game. We need these players at Leeds.

“But he gets that opportunity and he knows himself that he should have scored. Anywhere to the right or the left, it’s a goal. We’ve seen him bend them in two or three times this season.”

Transfer Tavern take

There is no doubt that Bielsa will be desperate to keep hold of Raphinha beyond this season, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United rumoured to be interested in signing him.

The Brazilian brings so much quality to this Leeds side and losing him would undoubtedly hamper their chances of building on this promising season and kicking on further in 2021/22 and beyond.

In other news: Phil Hay highlights major defensive issue at Leeds.

Talk about a new signing hitting the ground running. Since joining from Championship side Brentford in the summer, Ollie Watkins has been nothing short of a revelation for Aston Villa this season.

The fact he arrived for big-money, and especially for a player whose only experience of football was outside of the English top-flight, the microscope was a lot more focused on him and his performances.

And boy has he blown people away. In just 16 games this season, he’s bagged eight goals, and whilst he may not have gotten on to the score-sheet himself against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, he once again proved why he’s been an absolute masterclass.

He had a hand in all three of Villa’s goals in a 3-0 win against the Eagles, and his performance was arguably more impressive given the fact his side were down to ten-men for an entire half of action following Tyrone Mings’ red card for a second bookable offence.

As per Sofascore, he had a mammoth ten shots on goal, hitting the woodwork twice, whilst he also provided three key passes too. And he did his fair share of the defensive work too, leading the line superbly, winning nine total duels and earning two precious free-kicks.

That led The Birmingham Mail’s Villa correspondent Ashley Preece to declare that Watkins was “stupendous” for his work-rate and shift up front.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Villa may be in the market for a new striker, with the club’s boss confirming that Wesley’s potential return from injury could play a deciding factor – The Athletic have even gone so far as to say that Bournemouth’s Josh King is likely to be considered again after some summer interest.

But perhaps that shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all.

Smith no doubt played a big hand in convincing the Villa hierarchy that Watkins was the striker they needed to prioritise. And now, the centre-forward himself is delivering a major message to those above him that he is absolutely deserving of being the club’s number nine week-in and week-out for the years to come.

It’s why Johan Lange should seriously consider performing a January U-turn and sticking with what the club have got.

West Ham United icon Frank McAvennie has claimed David Moyes gave Aaron Cresswell a “kick up the backside” by fielding Arthur Masuaku in the starting line-up.

What’s he said?

While speaking with Football Insider, McAvennie has stated how the arrival of Said Benrahma on loan from Brentford will offer Pablo Fornals competition for a place on the left-hand side of Moyes’ forward line.

The Irons legend feels the Algerian can bring from the Spaniard what Masuaku has brought out of Cresswell, having seen the former Ipswich Town defender thrive in a central defensive position after losing the left-back role to the DR Congo international.

McAvennie is unsure to what extent Benrahma can replicate his Brentford performances at the London Stadium, where Grady Diangana was sold for £18million this summer much to the anger of club captain Mark Noble.

Benrahma has since arrived on a season-long loan featuring a £20m obligation to buy, but has only recorded one assist and is yet to start in claret and blue. McAvennie was pleased with what he saw from the 25-year-old during his 18-minute cameo at home to Fulham, though.

“Benrahma played well when he came on,” McAvennie said. “I did not see the logic in selling Diangana and buying Benrahma but that does not mean that I do not rate Benrahma.

“He is proving what a fantastic player he is, and he is showing glimpses of what he can do. It looks like he will come in [and] provide competition for Fornals on the left-hand side.

“The best thing he brings is competition for places. I know Cresswell has been playing as a centre-half but Masuaku coming in has given him a kick up the backside. It keeps the team ticking.”

Moyes: A tactical genius?

Moyes certainly appeared to hit gold by giving Cresswell the chance to impress at centre-half, having decided early on that Masuaku would be his preferred left-back following a move to a three-man core in defence.

Cresswell was far from at his best at left-back versus Newcastle United on the opening day of the Premier League season, having only registered two tackles, one clearance, two accurate crosses from six attempts, made no successful dribbles and lost possession 18 times, per SofaScore.

He immediately bettered that record when played at centre-half against Arsenal, with Cresswell recording six clearances, one tackle and winning each of his duels. Similarly, against Wolves, the £50,000-per-week ace registered five clearances, blocked two shots, completed 88% of his passes and played four key balls.

Cresswell’s performances have maintained that high-level, too, with a Man of the Match-worthy 8.6 rating against Leicester City thanks to six clearances, two interceptions and four key balls. He again earned the MOTM award against Fulham, as well, with 101 touches, 69 accurate passes, two clearances and one tackle as Lukasz Fabianski kept his third clean sheet of the season.

If Benrahma’s arrival can see a similar lift in Fornals’ performances as Masuaku was able to draw from Cresswell, Moyes will be in delirium at his tactical genius.

AND in other news, West Ham have been given the ideal chance to sign a “phenomenal” £20m David Moyes target.

Fulham return to Premier League action on Sunday as they face reigning champions, Liverpool, at Craven Cottage, as they hope to bounce back from the 2-0 defeat against Manchester City last weekend.

Scott Parker can give his side a much better chance of picking up a result against the Reds if he can limit Mohamed Salah’s influence on the game, which he could do by doubling up on the Egyptian winger.

Therefore, he must consider starting Joe Bryan, who can play as both a left-back and a left-winger, to help out first-choice left-back Antonee Robinson, who is undoubtedly in for a tough game against the 29-year-old Liverpool ace.

Salah has enjoyed a superb start to the 2020/21 Premier League campaign, having contributed nine goals and two assists in 10 top-flight appearances, averaging an incredible 7.64 rating (per WhoScored).

Klopp was full of praise for the former Chelsea man after he reached 20 goals in the 2019/20 campaign, saying:

“Incredibly important goal, a super performance – a really, really good game of Mo.

“He is an outstanding striker, a world-class striker. It’s really nice, I’m really happy for him that he reached that mark.”

Therefore, it would definitely be fair to mark him out as Liverpool’s danger man on Sunday, although they are, of course, not exactly short of attacking talent in their side, with the likes of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota also likely to cause problems at Craven Cottage.

However, playing Bryan, who earns £30k per week at Fulham, as a left-midfielder could be one way in which the Cottagers can shackle Salah for the game on Sunday if he and Robinson were able to mark him out of the game.

The former Bristol City man has featured just seven times in all competitions this season, so it would perhaps be a surprise to see him get the start, but he is definitely more defensively aware than the likes of Ivan Cavaleiro or Ademola Lookman, so it may be a change Parker has to make if he wants to stop Salah controlling the game.

And, in other news… Khan heading for awful error with £86k-p/w troublemaker not fit for Parker…