All posts by z3u9t.icu

Lots of Everton fans have been left talking about the early team news which has emerged ahead of their game at home to West Ham United on Sunday.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the Hammers at Goodison Park, Rafa Benitez has now revealed that Lucas Digne, Seamus Coleman and Alex Iwobi have all returned to full training, but it is too soon to say whether they will be available.

Nonetheless, the news is certainly a boost if both full-backs especially are fit enough to play the Irons, while Iwobi gives Benitez another handy option in the squad.

However, the Spaniard did not mention how both Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are after their respective injuries, which has worried some supporters of the Merseyside club.

Everton fans on Team News

These Toffees fans flocked to Twitter to give their thoughts on the early Team News, with some happy that three players are back in training, while others were questioning the fitness of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison:

“Panic over”

Credit: @CalumDMoore

“Great news!”

Credit: @Amycfernandez

“Brilliant news”

Credit: @CBobblers1878

“No DCL or Richy yet another week of the donkey upfront then”

Credit: @richythepigeon

“DCL??? Richy??? Tell meeeeeee”

Credit: @KRay1878

“DCL and Richarlison??”

Credit: @Vicaz22

In other news, find out what Benitez comments Blues have flocked to here!

A club from the Premier League are reportedly now in talks to sign Rory Wilson from Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Contract rejected

It has been reported that Wilson has rejected a lucrative contract offer at Ibrox, despite meeting with Ross Wilson and Giovanni van Bronckhorst for talks about his future in the first-team at Ibrox.

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He has been linked with a move to Aston Villa to play under former Teddy Bears manager Steven Gerrard, but now another English top-flight team has emerged into the frame for his signature.

The Latest: Brighton talks

As per Football Insider, Brighton and Hove Albion are now ‘in talks’ over signing Wilson, and have made their move ahead of other sides in the Premier League.

The striker has made it clear that he would like to leave the Light Blues, and a source from the Seagulls has revealed that they are ‘pushing hard’ for his signature.

Wilson is out of contract in the summer, and a deal to take him to the Amex Stadium would only cost in the region of £300,000 in development costs.

The news outlet describes the prospect of losing him as a ‘major blow’, given that he is set to suffer the follow a similar path to now fully fledged Scotland international Billy Gilmour.

The Verdict: Shame

It would certainly be a shame if the Gers were to lose Wilson, but it looks like his fate is already sealed.

Unfortunately the call from the English top flight is one that is very hard to turn down, and the 16-year-old now looks destined to sign for Brighton.

Nonetheless, RFC will now be looking to hold on to some of their other promising youngsters, and not let lightning strike twice.

In other news, find out who Rangers are now fighting Manchester City to sign here!

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen to bring PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke back to north London this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are one of three Premier League clubs interested in securing the highly-rated 19-year-old’s services, with Leicester City and Wolves also credited with an interest.

The report states that PSV are set to demand between £30m and £34m for their prized asset, a valuation which could prove too costly for the English trio with less than two weeks remaining of the current transfer window.

Tottenham fans will be buzzing

Madueke, who was born in Barnet, came up through the youth ranks with Tottenham until he was released at the age of 16 and then moved to Netherlands back in 2018 when PSV came calling.

Since then, the England under-21 international has gone from strength to strength. After making his debut for the Eredivisie giants in 2019/20, Madueke enjoyed his breakout season last term.

In 32 appearances for Roger Schmidt’s side in all competitions, the skillful winger bagged nine goals and provided a further eight assists for his teammates, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.

Sky Sports claimed that his impressive performances caught the eye of some of the continent’s top clubs, stating: “Last season, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester City were among the top clubs tracking his development, as he scored seven goals and created six more in the Eredivisie.

“And a string of scouts from Europe’s elite clubs – including Juventus – were said to have been watching him against Benfica on Wednesday night.”

The youngster has started the new campaign in scintillating form as well, contributing to six goals in just seven outings as PSV attempt to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League.

However, prising him away from the Philips Stadion may be a tricky task for Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, after Schmidt claimed that the talented teenager would be staying put this summer in a recent interview.

Speaking to ESPN (via Football.London), he said: “I’m not afraid [of Madueke leaving], why should I be? He will one day leave PSV if he continues to develop like he is now.

“I’m not afraid it will happen now. We can’t sell key players anymore. We’ve already done that with Donyell Malen, Denzel Dumfries and Pablo Rosario, so we can’t lose any more.

“And PSV is also a fantastic club for Noni to develop. He is very young, he can play a lot here, score goals and cheer with the team. I think he feels very good here.”

Potentially bringing Madueke back to north London could go down as some of the best business Levy has managed to pull off in years, and given the teenager’s obvious talents, it’s a coup which could have Spurs fans buzzing if the club chief gets it over the line.

In other news…Pundit cannot see £40.5m-rated ace leaving his club for Spurs 

Celtic icon Frank McAvennie is keen to see more of new signing Cameron Carter-Vickers, following an impressive debut against Ross County last weekend [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Carter-Vickers enjoys stellar debut

Linking up with Scottish giants Celtic on the last day of the summer transfer window, the 23-year-old will be looking to secure regular football after being on the fringes at Tottenham Hotspur.

Of course, the Unites States international has made a brilliant start to life at Parkhead. In his first start, Carter-Vickers managed to score, keep a clean sheet and also pick up the official Celtic man of the match award [BBC].

Former Bhoys man McAvennie was pleased with what he saw from the central defender, whilst he would like to see how he will get on against tougher opposition.

The Latest: McAvennie eager to see more of the United States international

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, the 61-year-old said: “I was in contact with a few Celtic people at the game and I heard from them. They were saying Carter-Vickers was massive at the back, a big rock.

“He brought a shape to the defence, a solidity. Keeping a clean sheet is always a good thing and apparently he was a big part of that.

“The goal was pretty lucky but if you don’t shoot you don’t score so fair play to the boy. It sounds like a brilliant debut by all accounts.

“We need a player like him, he could be huge for us.

“It was a pretty easy test though, I’m interested to see what happens when he comes up against better sides”.

The Verdict: Carter-Vickers has the platform to become a key player at Celtic

Correctly, popular ex-pro turned pundit McAvennie is quick to point out that sustaining his good form over an extended period of time is paramount for Carter-Vickers.

However, he enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Bournemouth in 2020/21. Solid at the back, the Tottenham youth product managed to make an average of 3.6 clearances per fixture across last term [WhoScored], helping the Cherries to the play-offs.

If the American can continue his form across the campaign, he could well be a major part in the Hoops’ chase for Scottish Premiership title glory.

In other news, Celtic have sent a player to an injury specialist. Find out more here.

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano shared updates on Manchester United trio Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba on Sunday afternoon.

As to be expected, his social media post received plenty of interaction from a number of United fans.

According to Romano, Fernandes has been United’s ‘priority’ since last July when it comes to offering contract extensions to members of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad.

His current deal, which is worth £180,000 per week, runs until 2025, but United are in talks with the 27-year-old’s representatives over an improved salary and possible length of a new contract.

Romano added that Shaw is also on the club’s renewals list, while the Red Devils are also waiting on a response from Pogba over a fresh Old Trafford contract.

The Englishman’s contract has just under two years to run, whereas Pogba could leave for nothing at the end of the season should his situation remain the same.

United fans react

Here is what these Manchester United fans had to say on Twitter in response to Romano’s post, with one labelling it as ‘important news’ as all three are regulars in Solskjaer’s first XI.

“SIUUUUU”

Credit: @Deafeatist

“The brilliant journalism we all needed now”

Credit: @AliInqiad

“Yesss”

Credit: @lmRashford

“Important news”

Credit: @stretford_end

“VIVAAAAA BRUNO”

Credit: @cultrahull

“Couldn’t care less about Pogba. Get Bruno’s and Luke’s sorted @ManUtd”

Credit: @C_Keshav

In other news: ‘Yeeeessss’ – Lots of MUFC fans buzzing over Romano’s update on Amad Diallo

As Newcastle United get their Premier League season underway on Sunday afternoon, Steve Bruce will have some big calls to make over his starting line-up.

The Magpies have only signed one new player in Joe Willock, and many of the manager’s options remain the squad which endured a disappointing campaign in the top-flight last term.

However, one man who will be hoping to finally get his Newcastle career going is Joelinton.

The Brazilian has been nothing short of a disaster at St James’ Park since his big-money move from Hoffenheim, netting just ten goals in 80 games across all competitions, but pre-season has seen him hit a touch of form at the right time, which bodes well for the West Ham clash today and the rest of the campaign.

According to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh: “Whisper it quietly, but Joelinton may finally start to deliver (to an extent) this season.

“Not to anywhere near the level of the £40 million Newcastle paid for him, but perhaps we need to completely forget about that ludicrous price tag and look at what he can actually offer.

“Well-placed sources believe that, with the Brazilian’s English improving and the No 9 shirt now on Wilson’s back instead of his, he has been a more confident and self-assured presence on the training ground. While he may not be an automatic starter in the strongest XI, Joelinton could yet contribute more than the six goals and four assists he has to show for 69 Premier League appearances so far…”

With Wilson now the main man tasked with leading the line for the Magpies, Joelinton may finally feel like he has a weight off his shoulders and can go about playing his own game without the added pressure of the number nine shirt.

Given that he’s shown some impressive signs in the last few weeks, Bruce would do well to capitalise and unleash the Brazilian against the Hammers later this afternoon.

The £17m-rated ace could kickstart Newcastle’s, and just as importantly, his own season with a bang today.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must avoid another Andy Carroll nightmare with this star…

West Ham United return to Premier League action as they head to Turf Moor to face Burnley this afternoon.

David Moyes’ side do so on the back of an impressive 3-2 victory over then table-toppers Chelsea last weekend and after Saturday’s action, the Irons remain in fourth position and can narrow the gap to the third-placed Blues with three points today.

The Scot, however, is dealing with a number of injury problems, so he faces a tricky dilemma when it comes to team selection. He lost both Kurt Zouma and Ben Johnson during that victory, leaving him light on defensive options.

So what sort of side could we see up in Lancashire? Here’s what Football FanCast are predicting ahead of kick-off…

There could be as many as ten changes from Thursday’s defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the conclusion of their Europa League group stage campaign. And it’ll be two enforced alterations from last weekend, too.

Between the sticks, first-choice shot-stopper Lukasz Fabianski is set to return over designated cup ‘keeper Alphonse Areola and given the sheer volume of injuries in defence, Moyes could tweak his formation here at Turf Moor.

During his pre-game press conference, the Scot hinted that he could utilise Declan Rice in defence and that could well happen with doubts still lingering over Aaron Cresswell.

Therefore, the vice-skipper may join Issa Diop and Craig Dawson in a back-three in what would be a major call, whilst Vladimir Coufal resumes duties on the right, with Arthur Masuaku taking the spot at left wing-back.

The £12m-rated Czech Republic international, dubbed a “machine” by Mark Noble, lost his place to Johnson, so he has a good opportunity to prove his worth to Moyes today.

It means Tomas Soucek needs a new partner in the engine room and that could be Manuel Lanzini. Meanwhile further up the pitch Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen are the preferred options to help support Michail Antonio.

The Spaniard didn’t start against Chelsea but did feature in midweek, though with the Algerian winger out of form, he could start back-to-back games.

AND in other news, Rob Newman could sign Moyes’ next Jarrod Bowen in West Ham swoop for £12m “special talent”…

Since emerging as Leeds United’s number one goalkeeper, Illan Meslier has shown exactly why many at the club believe him to be an integral part of their future.

Speaking on The Inside Elland Road Podcast just over a year ago, The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth said: “He’s been great, hasn’t he? For a 20-year-old, for £5m, I mean Victor Orta – it feels almost illegal what he’s done getting a player of that quality at that age for £5m, remarkable business.”

The towering Frenchman joined from Lorient, and after usurping Kiko Casilla to become the Whites’ first-choice shot-stopper, has become one of the Premier League’s most promising goalkeepers, if not the most.

Still only 22, Meslier has racked up considerable top-flight experience by playing week-in and week-out, and enjoyed a superb debut campaign at the highest level last season.

With a total of 11 clean sheets to his name in the Premier League, Meslier ranked joint-fifth among all goalkeepers in the division, and that despite playing for a side who have come to be known for their more attacking style of play and committing men forward.

Aside from his shot-stopping though, the young Frenchman’s ability with his feet has always been one of his standout attributes, with former Whites striker Jermaine Beckford raving: “The kid is incredible. I was watching the game (against Everton) and there were a couple of moments, (Dominic) Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and James (Rodriguez) had chances, but Meslier stood in their way. His distribution is one of the best in the Premier League.”

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Indeed, Meslier’s willingness to come for crosses and take the pressure of his defenders has also been raved about by former England goalkeeper David James, who said earlier this calendar year: “Meslier – I love him. I went on social media, I was watching a game and he went for about 10 crosses (v Burnley), he carried on coming for crosses.

“The commentators were battering him. I was thinking ‘the guy is still coming’, and as soon as the whistle went, the camera was panning but you could see all the defenders going up to him. That is quality.”

His performances in the Premier League have now seen his value shoot up, with CIES now rating him at a mammoth £40m – an increase of eight times his initial fee.

There’s no questioning that Victor Orta struck a dream deal by landing a goalkeeper for both the present and the future, for so cheap.

AND in other news – Sold for under £1m, now a PL winner: Leeds suffered embarrassment with “special” star

Aston Villa fans have spotted Indiana Vassilev in team training at Bodymoor Heath. 

Back in July, Vassilev joined Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami on loan.

But their season came to an end in early November after they finished in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and therefore failed to progress to the play-offs.

Vassilev made 21 appearances for the Florida-based outfit, scoring three goals.

It seems, from footage posted by @AVFCOfficial, that he’s now returned to the Midlands to rejoin his parent club.

What does the future hold for Vassilev?

New manager Steven Gerrard will no doubt run the rule over the American, but Villa could potentially look to secure another loan move for him when the transfer window opens in January.

The 20-year-old has had six outings for Villa’s senior team to date, four of which have come in the Premier League.

He’s a strikingly versatile player, able to operate on either flank, as a centre forward and even as an attacking midfielder.

These Villa fans spot Vassilev in training

“Is that Vassilev?”

Credit: @HarryAVFC_

“Is that Indi Vassilev talking to Konsa at the start of the video?”

Credit: @KevinCorAvfc

“Wait Vassilev?”

Credit: @1874Jacob

“I wonder if he’ll get a chance now he’s back”

Credit: @doc3d

“Since when was Vassilev back?”

Credit: @1874dan

“Anyone else spot Vassilev in this video? Wonder if he’ll be given a chance in the first team”

Credit: @AstonDrilla

In other news, Steven Gerrard wants this left-back.

According to journalist Jorge Nicola (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are among the clubs interested in Palmeiras youngster Luis Guilherme. 

The lowdown: Rapidly rising stock

The 16-year-old was part of the Palmeiras side that won the biggest U-20 tournament in Brazil in January and appears to have a bright future.

Guilherme provided one assist in two appearances during the competition despite his tender years, featuring alongside the highly sought after Endrick, who has also been linked with the Reds previously.

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Not it appears that Liverpool could be casting their eye on South America once again…

The latest: Reds make contact

As per Nicola’s YouTube channel, translated by SW, the Anfield club, along with Manchester City, are said to have been ‘analysing’ the Brazilian youngster since last season.

Whilst there is no mention of bids for the left-winger – who has already been compared to Brazil legend Rivaldo – both Premier League giants are believed to already be in contact with representatives of the youth international.

Meanwhile, a report elsewhere from Defensa Central also cites interest from Liverpool but focuses on Real Madrid, whilst mentioning admiration from Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona, ​​Inter Milan and AC Milan, so it seems he is highly sought-after.

The verdict: Make it happen Julian

Albeit a relatively unknown entity, taking a gamble on unearthing the next superstar from Brazil can only be viewed as an exciting transfer for the club, and it’s good to see newly appointed sporting director Julian Ward hard at work scouring every corner of the globe.

So often down the years, Real Madrid have held the monopoly when it comes to landing the next big thing from South America, but given Liverpool’s current stature and indeed the Brazilian contingent already based on Merseyside, the Anfield club must be a major contender.

Guilherme scored three times as Palmeiras lifted the Under-15 Nike Premier Cup in 2021 and the levels of interest would suggest that this is a move Ward should be seriously considering.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.