All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu recently, and his potential signing would be bad news for Aymeric Laporte’s future in Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium.

According to sources in Turkey, Manchester City are best placed to sign the centre-back this summer despite interest from fellow Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea, whilst Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be keen.

The 25-year-old has established himself as one of the best players in his position since joining Leicester City from Freiburg in 2018 and was a regular in Brendan Rodgers’ side last season as they narrowly missed out on a top four spot.

His performances in the Bundesliga were enough to earn him comparisons to Germany international Mats Hummels and he has certainly caught the eye during his time in the Premier League thus far.

Although injury problems limited him to just 23 appearances in the top flight last season, his performances in the 2019/20 season, where he made 34 appearances and averaged a superb 7.04 rating from WhoScored, emphasise his quality as a top Premier League defender.

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Any deal for the £40.5m-rated centre-back would not be cheap, as he is contracted at the King Power Stadium until 2023, which suggests that if he were to make the move to the Etihad this summer, a centre-back would need to be sold.

The most likely candidate to leave seems to be Laporte, who has been linked with a move back to La Liga after losing his starting spot at City last season due to the impressive form of Ruben Dias and John Stones.

As Guardiola has another left-sided centre-back in Nathan Ake who can fill in for either Dias or Stones, a player of Laporte’s quality would surely be less than happy if he were forced to compete with another centre-back should Soyuncu arrive, so an exit could well be on the cards for the Spain international.

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However, Soyuncu’s impressive performances suggest that he could certainly do a job in Guardiola’s side next season, so sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider a move for him this summer.

In other news… Txiki heading for Man City disaster over Guardiola favourite

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.

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!

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…

Manchester City star Jack Grealish has waxed lyrical over Wolves winger Adama Traore, admitting that he is an ‘unbelievable’ player to watch.

The Lowdown: Traore hit-and-miss for Wolves

The Spaniard has had a curious Wanderers career in many ways, standing out with his blistering pace but not always performing consistently.

Traore has failed to register a single goal or assist in 11 Premier League appearances so far this season and has recently lost his place in the team.

However, £100m signing Grealish has huge regard for the 25-year-old, who has been afforded the luxury of playing both with and against him numerous times.

The Latest: Grealish hails Traore

Speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel on Thursday, the City maestro explained what it is that makes Traore such a unique player, saying:

“Adama Traore, he is the fastest person I have honestly ever seen. I remember his first game at Villa, he came on at right-wing and I’ve never seen anything like it. He ran down that right-wing and smashed it across the box and one of their defenders hit it into the goal and it was obviously an own goal, but it all came from him.

“Adama, the way he moves, like I said earlier, it’s unbelievable, I don’t know how he can run that fast.”

The Verdict: Non-stop entertainment value

Traore certainly can’t be accused of being a dull player to watch and he is thrilling when he is in full flow, being described as ‘undefendable’ by Jurgen Klopp and clocking Premier League-leading speeds.

The main issue for the Spain international is his end product, as highlighted by his aforementioned statistics this season, with the wide man scoring just 10 goals in 144 appearances for Wolves overall.

It is this reason which has seemingly led to Bruno Lage dropping him and he could even leave in January, which wouldn’t seem a great surprise given how little involvement the 25-year-old has had of late.

In other news, Tim Spiers has made a big Wolves transfer claim. Read more here.

The Express and Star’s Matt Maher has dropped an update on Aston Villa transfer target Axel Tuanzebe.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that the Manchester United defender could be making a return to Villa Park this summer as Dean Smith looks to strengthen his centre-back options.

Football Insider revealed: “A Villa source has told Football Insider that the club have been given encouragement that United are planning to let Tuanzebe go in the current window.”

Maher has now confirmed that Villa have registered their interest in signing Tuanzebe, although fellow Premier League side Newcastle are also said to be keen on him.

Villa fans will be buzzing

Maher’s update that Villa are in for Tuanzebe will surely have fans buzzing, especially considering that Smith is desperately short of genuine quality cover in terms of his centre-back options.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has already thrown his backing behind a potential Villa move for the Manchester United defender. He said: “At 23, if you’re not getting a sniff at your own club, it’s not a good sign. The under-23 league that’s been brought in gives people a false sense of security that you’re going to be a footballer at 23.

“If you’re 20 or 21 and you’re not training with the first team at that point, you’ve probably missed the boat. He’s got quality. But I think for him, at this stage in his career, he’s not at Man United level. So he probably needs to move elsewhere. Somewhere like Aston Villa would be perfect for himself and for the good of his career.”

With Smith and Villa already aware of Tuanzebe’s quality given his previous loan spell at the club, featuring 28 times in their promotion-winning 2018/19 Championship campaign, the defender should be able to hit the ground running at Villa Park.

Fans will likely be buzzing at the prospect of the 23-year-old once again donning a Villa shirt for next season.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has confirmed some exciting Aston Villa transfer news…