All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted in delighted fashion to a claim that the Reds won’t be investigated for possible false negative virus tests.

The Reds have suffered a difficult period in their season, like so many clubs, with numerous players having to isolate after testing positive for the virus.

The likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho have all been ruled out at different times recently and Liverpool’s Premier League title challenge has been affected as a result, with just two points taken from the last nine on offer.

The Reds also saw their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal cancelled last week, with the Emirates Stadium fixture instead moved to 20 January.

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On Monday, a story from The Athletic emerged claiming that the Reds could be investigated for reported false positives, in what was a worrying development for the club.

However, according to The Evening Standard [via Anfield Watch], that will not happen, with the EFL not planning to dig deeper into the issue.

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Liverpool fans delighted at investigation claim

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react positively to the news, with one describing it as a “masterclass” from manager Jurgen Klopp, who himself was recently diagnosed with the virus.

“Salty Arsenal fans incoming”

Credit: @Seyjith

“Liverpool is so massive”

Credit: @Tokpenyulfc

“This is really good news for #LFC”

Credit: @9_khac

“Another masterclass from Jurgen”

Credit: @jackmartinez_

“ARSENAL FANS CRYFEST!!!”

Credit: @dkapoor_lfc

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @6_LFC_19

In other news, some Liverpool fans have laughed off one Reds transfer claim. Read more here.

Wolves came within inches of signing Lille midfielder Renato Sanches in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Tim Spiers.

The Lowdown: Sanches constantly linked with move

Bruno Lage was linked with bringing in a host of players during the summer, but few were tipped to move to Molineux more often than Sanches.

The 32-time capped Portugal international ended up staying put at Lille for the time being, but he has only started five Ligue 1 games so far this season.

It appears as though Wolves came closer to snapping up Sanches than some may have realised, however.

The Latest: Spiers makes big claim

During a Q&A for The Athletic on Thursday [via Molineux.news], Spiers claimed that the 24-year-old could easily be a Wanderers player but his injury record held him back, also not ruling out a deal happening in the future:

“(I) was told a couple of weeks ago that with Sanches they were as close as you could be to signing a player without it actually happening.

“And that if they’d known how quickly he would have returned to action (early October) they probably would have gone through with signing him.

“Ultimately it came down to his injury and a fear that he could have been out until late October/early November, plus the games he’d then have taken to get up to speed, meaning you might not have him properly match sharp until, what, now kind of time? And then you’re paying his wages in full, plus a hefty loan fee.

“So it was considered too big a risk. And this is a player who’s never completed more than 60 per cent of a season before. Very injury prone. We’ll see what happens going forward but he’s not going to be short of offers. I hope they can resurrect it because a fit Renato Sanches would bring such a different dynamic to this team.”

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The Verdict: Still a chance?

It is a shame to lose out on a player as gifted as Sanches – he won the prestigious European Golden Boy award in 2016 and has been hailed as ‘incredible’ by Kevin Campbell – but all hope may not be lost.

The midfielder’s lack of playing time for Lille could suggest he may move on in January or next summer, at which point Wolves may choose to swoop.

Granted, Sanches has had an injury-plagued career but he could bring something different in the middle of the park, having averaged two dribbles per game and a 91.6% pass completion rate at Euro 2020 with Portugal.

In comparison, Ruben Neves (0.5) and Joao Moutinho (0.3) have averaged far fewer dribbles in the league this season, suggesting that Sanches could complement their more measured style nicely.

In other news, some Wolves fans have flocked to a Wanderers transfer claim. Read more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now among ‘suitors’ to sign FC Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: On his way?

With Barcelona having a lot of financial difficulties, encapsulated when they had to let Lionel Messi go to PSG in the summer transfer window (The Guardian), it would not be a surprise to see them try to sell some of their players on in January, especially their highest earners.

Dembele is currently earning a whopping £212,000-per-week at the Nou Camp, and given injury problems have kept him out for most of the season so far, next month may be the best time for them to cash in.

The Latest: Newcastle have a chance

As per Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the St. James’ Park faithful are now among a list of ‘suitors’ to take Dembele, and are making it ‘difficult’ for Barca to keep hold of him.

They still have to pay Borussia Dortmund €27m (£22.9m) as the rest of the instalments that both clubs agreed when the transfer was made, and he has not agreed a new deal yet, with his contract up next summer.

To risk not losing Dembele on a free transfer, January could be an ideal time for the Catalan giants to sell and make back some of that money.

The Verdict: Avoid

With 18 goals scored in the Premier League so far this season, attack is not really the Magpies’ main problem – that is more than Wolves and Tottenham for example, who both sit comfortably in the top eight.

Of course, Dembele is a quality player on his day, a World Cup winner who Barcelona president Joan Laporta claims is even ‘better than Mbappe’, however, he is very injury-prone and on big wages.

Thus, the money available to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium would be better off improving a leaky defence instead, at least as the immediate priority in January.

In other news, find out what huge transfer offer NUFC have made to sign this ‘force of nature’ here!

Newcastle United are reportedly now in pole position to sign Aaron Ramsey in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders wanted

Given that the St. James’ Park faithful have been linked recently with moves for the likes of Axel Witsel, Seko Fofana and Philippe Coutinho, it is clear that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are looking to bring in midfield players for Eddie Howe.

The squad needs a boost in quality to give them the best chance of surviving come the end of the season, and the new riches should at least be able to attract some decent players to the North East to help them in their current predicament.

The Latest: Ramsey eyed

As per Juve Live, the Tyneside outfit are now in pole position to sign Ramsey in January, as Juventus ‘insist’ that he returns to the Premier League.

The Old Lady wants to sign Denis Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach, and so if they are able to snap him up, they would then allow Ramsey to leave.

The Verdict: Howe masterclass?

Howe has already revealed how he wants his team to play, a progressive style with a philosophy of having good technicians who can play long and short passes (The Athletic), and Ramsey would fit his style perfectly.

Welsh footballing legend Ian Rush claimed that Howe ‘would love’ Ramsey in his side, and that he would ‘fit his style down to a tee’ (The Chronicle).

A true maestro capable of goals and assists from the middle of the park, he has already shown what he can do in the Premier League, notching up 40 strikes and 51 assists in 262 games across 11 consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

Wales teammate Joe Allen claims that Ramsey can still be ‘world-class’ on his day, and if he is up for a move to the Magpies, he can shine the top flight alight once more.

In other news, find out who NUFC are ‘on the prowl’ to sign here!

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Paul Brown has made a potential Tottenham Hotspur exit claim involving midfielder Dele Alli.

The Lowdown: Alli on downward trajectory…

Life at Tottenham since the beginning of 2019 has seen the England international go on a downward trajectory with his market value absolutely plummeting as a result (Transfermarkt).

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Former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho famously shunned Alli out of his Lilywhites side with the 25-year-old barely getting a look in over last season under the Portuguese.

He was handed a lifeline by another former manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, at the beginning of this season but has failed to impress so far over 2020/2021 – leading to a claim by reporter Brown on his future.

The Latest: Brown makes claim…

Speaking to GMS, the journalist has claimed that Tottenham could now sell him on if the ‘right offer’ arrives.

He explained:

“”I think the club as a whole, if they get the right offer for Dele Alli, they probably would take it.”

The Verdict: Dele downfall…

Praised by former manager Mauricio Pochettino as ‘one of the best in Europe’ in his position, it remains to be seen whether Alli can be given yet another chance ton rediscover his best form.

Antonio Conte’s arrival signifies an opportunity for the attacking midfielder but he will have to act quickly, with Tottenham’s new boss even confirming that he is making squad ‘evaluations’ ahead of January.

It could be crunch time for the player and this claim that Spurs may be willing to entertain offers for their once prized asset could be a wake up call to Alli.

The likes of Newcastle United have been linked with a move in January but we believe letting him initially leave on loan to possibly elevate his market value, in the hope he is a success, could be the best course of action.

In other news: ‘The one Spurs like most’ – Journalist says Conte is now eyeing ‘world-beater’ for ‘main role’, find out more here.

West Ham United have received a massive boost in their pursuit of mooted transfer target Andrea Belotti this week…

What’s the word?

The Irons were linked with a move for the Torino talisman throughout the summer as David Moyes searched for new frontline additions, and they could be able to sign him for nothing come to the end of the season.

Belotti’s contract is up at the Serie A outfit and it has since been revealed that the 27-year-old centre-forward will not be signing an extension in Turin, according to quotes relayed by Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

“Italian striker Andrea Belotti is prepared to leave Torino as [a] free agent in June. Torino manager Ivan Juric confirms: ‘Belotti won’t sign the contract extension,'” he tweeted.

“‘Andrea is not gonna leave in January. He’ll decide his future in June’, Juric added.”

Door opens

The Hammers did not go and sign Belotti during the summer but the problem still remains. Michail Antonio (31) is Moyes’ only senior option in the striker position and he has been rather injury-prone for many a season now.

It’s a risky game to play considering that his side are unbeaten in the Europa League, where they seem sure to go on and progress into the knockout stages.

An injury or setback to Antonio could seriously curtail their chances of success in that competition, as well as the Premier League, where they are currently in fourth place.

Considering that Belotti is valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, getting him on a free transfer would be an absolute steal from Rob Newman in his new role as West Ham’s head of recruitment.

Similarly, the Euro 2020 winner has a very prolific goalscoring record, having bagged double figures in every season since 2015/16, including a career-best of 28 goals in 2016/17.

Former Irons shot-stopper Joe Hart enjoyed a loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and waxed lyrical about Belotti’s ability, claiming that he was like no other striker in Europe.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not,” he told Gianluca Di Marzio. “It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special. He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

It would be inexcusable for the east Londoners to not try and secure Belotti in 2022. He could well be a very cheap but reliable fix to their attacking depth issues.

AND in other news, Moyes could unearth West Ham’s next Joe Cole in 19 y/o gem “similar to Jack Grealish”…

Rangers travel to face Motherwell in the Premiership this lunchtime as they look to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Their Glasgow rivals’ failure to beat Livingston on Saturday kept the Gers at the Premiership summit and they now have a chance to build on their lead today.

Steven Gerrard’s side come into the match off the back of a 2-2 draw with Aberdeen in midweek, as they came from 2-0 down to salvage a point.

How many changes will Gerrard make to the side for today? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the team from midweek, with Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Fashion Sakala all coming in.

Starting off between the sticks, it could be time for the veteran shot-stopper to come in for Jon McLaughlin, who has conceded three goals in his last two matches. McGregor has only let in four goals in his last five matches for the Gers and he could be called upon against Motherwell today.

In defence, the back four could stay the same. Tavernier picked up a goal and assist at right-back, while centre-back options are few and far between for the Gers. Calvin Bassey appears set to keep his spot at left-back, with Gerrard ruling Borna Barisic out due to injury.

The manager said: “Borna has a small issue at the moment and I think he will be out for the weekend, also. Hopefully we will have him around for the Brondby game.”

We are predicting that Steven Davis will come in to replace John Lundstram in central midfield. The ex-Sheffield United man was caught sleeping for St Mirren’s opener last Sunday and was then dispossessed in his own box for an Aberdeen goal earlier this week. After two key mistakes in as many matches, Gerrard should axe the 27-year-old from the team and start the experienced Northern Ireland international.

Finally, Fashion Sakala could come in for Ianis Hagi. We published an article explaining why the Zambian deserves a chance to start and could potentially form an exciting partnership with Alfredo Morelos in the final third.

Hagi could come out of the team after a frustrating display against Aberdeen. As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old lost 66.6% of his duels and created zero chances as he failed to pick out a team-mate with 12 of his 13 attempted crosses. Therefore, he could be axed from the starting XI today to make way for Sakala.

AND in other news, “Likely be with us”: Gerrard drops huge Rangers injury update which will delight fans…

Leeds United winger Raphinha has been praised for his call to be substituted against West Ham United last weekend by injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Injury setback

Raphinha has started the 2021/22 campaign in sizzling form with three Premier League goals in six games, half of the tally from his debut top-flight season in England already.

The Brazilian winger picked up a hip injury in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United two weeks ago and was a doubt for the defeat to David Moyes’ side last Saturday, but he lasted 70 minutes and opened the scoring with a brilliant left-footed strike.

Following the game, Bielsa claimed that the 24-year-old made it known it was becoming difficult to continue and the Leeds manager duly replaced him with Tyler Roberts.

The Latest: Right call

Speaking to Football Insider, injury expert Dinnery has insisted that Raphinha made the right decision to alert the Leeds backroom staff that he wasn’t right to continue.

He said of the White winger: “It’s the right thing to do, absolutely. If you aren’t feeling 100 per cent, do you push on and risk potentially suffering a more serious setback?

“Or do you do the sensible thing and flag that to the medical team and ask to be removed.

“We know Raphinha had problems going into the Newcastle game. There were question marks about whether he would be involved at all.

“He had missed large parts of training due to what Marcelo Bielsa referred to as a ‘hip issue’.

“if he isn’t getting those sessions in on the training pitch, fatigue could be a factor.”

The Verdict: Important for Leeds

With Leeds in the relegation zone in the Premier League and one of five teams without a win in the top flight, having Raphinha fit will be vital for their upcoming games against Watford, Southampton and Wolves.

Last season, the winger created 12 big chances and completed 21.1 passes (72%) and 1.9 dribbles per game in his first season in England (Sofascore), highlighting the importance of his contribution and availability to Bielsa.

If Leeds are to exit their current rut, they will need Raphinha to keep hitting the heights that he has done so far at Elland Road. Dinnery is right to praise the 24-year-old for admitting that he had to come off last week, as playing on could have further aggravated the injury and possibly being ruled out for a lengthy spell.

In other news: Dinnery made a less than encouraging claim about one of Raphinha’s Elland Road team-mates

Aston Villa may look to add to their left-back ranks and in midfield in the coming transfer windows, according to reliable reporter Gregg Evans.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Villa brought in five signings over the summer at a cost of £89.84m, one of which was at left-back in 36-year-old Ashley Young. Lange didn’t add to Dean Smith’s central midfield ranks, though, with Juventus’ Weston McKennie a late summer target.

Evans shared a story on The Athletic on Tuesday, looking at sporting director Johan Lange. Within the report, he claimed that several young left-backs are under consideration and the midfield may be addressed in the windows ahead.

Villa fans react

Well-known page @villareport shared Evans’ transfer claim on social media on Wednesday morning.

This is what these had to say in reply, with many upbeat at the possible plans and one labelling it as ‘exciting’.

“This makes a lot of sense to slowly take Targett out of the team and introduce a young left back into the squad to slowly push Matty out as much as I love him”

Credit: @AvfcTalkTime

“Exciting. Massive Targett fan but in a back 5, I think we could do with a different kind of wingback. And the midfielder, I said enough about that in the summer”

Credit: @EddAVFC

“This would be perfect imo”

Credit: @RoryDevine17

“Sign a capable cdm pls”

Credit: @manj_av

“Feel like we need a dedicated 6. Still think Boubacar Kamara would be an amazing signing.”

Credit: @tomkwyatt

“we’re signing a new left back”

Credit: @luke1874_

In other news: Ashley Preece expecting Smith to make bold Villa call by starting ‘fantastic’ ace vs Wolves. 

An update has emerged regarding Southampton’s interest in Calvin Ramsay.

What’s the talk?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Saints are among a number of clubs interested in signing the Aberdeen full-back in January.

The report claims that Everton, Leicester and West Ham are also interested in a deal for the youngster, although no potential fee has been mentioned.

Ralph would love him

Martin Semmens must strike a deal with Aberdeen to sign Ramsay in the January transfer window. It will take a strong effort from the Saints chief amid interest from three other Premier League clubs, but it could be worth it as the youngster is a promising defender who could be a worthwhile investment.

At the age of 18, Ramsay has broken into the Aberdeen first team and has impressed in the Scottish Premiership this season. Ralph Hasenhuttl would surely love him as his energetic performances have seen him impress defensively and offensively for the Dons.

He has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.32, averaging 2.2 clearances and 1.6 tackles and interceptions per game for Aberdeen, winning 54% of his duels and making zero defensive errors overall. This shows that he is a competent defender and is able to go through games with great composure.

Ramsay has been able to double up his defensive nous with attacking flair. In five games, he has created 14 chances and registered one assist from the right-back position. He has also averaged 1.4 dribbles per game, showing that he is able to beat the opposition with the ball before creating chances for his teammates.

Former Aberdeen coach Paul Sheerin hailed Ramsay on his debut for the club and said that he is a confident young player. He said: “He grew into the game. He loves going forward but maybe he needs to tighten up defensively at times – but all young players do as they learn the game.

“He’s a confident lad and loves getting on the ball and putting crosses into the box. I thought he did that really well, first half especially, plenty crosses into the box. For a full debut it was a decent one.”

This is why Hasenhuttl would love Ramsay at St Mary’s, as he is a confident young player who is already showing off his quality at both ends of the pitch despite only being 18. He could come in and compete with the likes of Tino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters to further bolster Southampton’s full-back options, allowing the Austrian to rest and rotate when needed.

Indeed, as seen with 18-year-old Livramento this season, the Saints boss isn’t afraid to throw teenage talents into the first team regularly if he feels they are good enough, so the south coast could also be the right setting for Ramsay.

AND in other news, Semmens must avoid Saints disaster over “very nasty” beast, Ralph would be devastated…