All posts by z3u9t.icu

It’s no secret that Liverpool have a significant number of senior players out injured at the moment despite managing to put in a solid performance in their emphatic 4-0 win over Arsenal at the weekend after losing to West Ham United before the recent international break.

With the Reds now back in Champions League action in midweek with a clash against Porto, it seems as though they could potentially be without another player that Klopp would undoubtedly want to have at his disposal on this occasion.

What’s the news?

After being substituted off with a dead leg during Belgium’s match against Wales during the recent international break, Liverpool attacker Divock Origi was not included in their squad for the win over Arsenal at the weekend through illness according to the Liverpool Echo, who claim that Jurgen Klopp “will hope” that the Belgian will be available to play in the match against Porto in midweek.

Given how Liverpool have Roberto Firmino out with a hamstring injury and with Diogo Jota receiving a knock to his knee in the Arsenal game, it would certainly be a big blow for the Reds if Origi ends up not being available to play in midweek, one that will leave the manager gutted at his lack of options.

With Origi showing how much of a useful attacking option he can be for the team by scoring a consolation goal for the Reds in their 3-2 defeat at West Ham coming off the substitutes bench, he could be a key figure for them in midweek if he’s fit enough to play.

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Despite only playing a total of 16 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, Klopp has used Origi in the Carabao Cup where he has played the full 90 minutes in both matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist, as well as playing in three of their four Champions League games as well.

Moving forward, Klopp and everyone else at the Merseyside club will undoubtedly be hoping that Origi will be able to make a full recovery in time for the match against Porto so he can give Klopp the option of starting him in the absence of Firmino and potentially Jota too if he’s not able to play.

Should he be absent, the German tactician will be scrambling around for potential solutions to his current centre-forward nightmare.

In other news: FSG could finally secure Wijnaldum heir at LFC with “extraordinary” £81m-rated star – opinion

Wolves are reportedly eyeing up moves for Matheus Luiz Nunes and Joao Palhinha, amid doubts surrounding the futures of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.

The Lowdown: Influential pair could leave

Many Wanderers players have impressed throughout what has been a positive season, with Neves and Moutinho undoubtedly two of the key figures.

The Portuguese duo have been superb in the middle of the park, often dovetailing beautifully and starting 53 Premier League matches between them.

It could be that both move on this summer however with Neves linked with an exit and Moutinho’s contract ticking down, which would of course leave a gaping void in Wolves’ midfield.

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The Latest: Ornstein makes key claim

According to The Athletic‘s ever-reliable David Ornstein, Sporting CP duo Nunes and Palhinha are being looked at as possible replacements to Neves and Moutinho, with the pair valued at £50.4million combined by Transfermarkt.

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The Verdict: Key summer at Molineux

Losing both Neves and Moutinho would be a bitter pill to swallow for Wolves, but sadly, it does feel increasingly as though that could be the case.

Bruno Lage would then face the unenviable task of plugging the gap this summer, with those brought in simply having to provide a similarly positive influence for the manager’s success to continue.

Nunes and Palhinha could be those figures, with the pair both still young 23 and 26, respectively, and their Portuguese roots meaning they could fit in seamlessly at Molineux.

Palhinha has shone in a No.6 role for Sporting this season, averaging an 86.5% pass completion rate, while Nunes is more attack-minded, averaging 3.3 dribbles per game in the Champions League.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly ‘planning for life’ without one player. Find out who it is here.

A Newcastle United transfer claim has been made, regarding a player they have on their list of targets this month…

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Marcos Senesi is a defender the Magpies are looking at as they attempt to bolster their squad before the market closes.

He told Football FanCast: “Yeah, he’s someone that’s on their list. Newcastle have probably the longest list ever in a transfer window this January; a lot of players on it.”

Excited

Newcastle fans will surely be excited by this big claim as Senesi could be a shrewd addition to the squad for the second half of the campaign.

The 24-year-old has established himself as a top defender in the Eredivise since the start of last season and the defence is an area in which the Magpies need to strengthen significantly.

Norwich, who have played a game more, are the only team in the division with more goals conceded than Eddie Howe’s side and they have kept one clean sheet in the league, showing that they are in dire need of reinforcements at the back.

In Senesi, they could find a player who is able to come in and solve some of their problems. He has shown that he can deliver consistently brilliant performances for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, with an average SofaScore rating of 7.27 last term and 7.18 so far this season.

The Argentine defender has won 67% of his duels in the Dutch top-flight and made 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game from centre-back. This shows that he is strong in his individual battles and able to regularly win the ball back for his side, which is something he could do for Newcastle to improve their defensive record.

Therefore, fans will be excited by the prospect of him coming in before the window shuts. They will surely be buzzing to read that the club’s recruitment team are looking at talented young defenders who could come in and make an impact, whilst also holding the potential to improve further.

Howe could work with Sensei on the training pitch to hone his talent and develop him over the years, as he has plenty of time ahead of him at the age of 24. This is another reason why this deal could be an enthralling one for the fans and for the Toon as a whole.

AND in other news, “They’d like to sign..”: Reporter delivers big NUFC transfer claim, it’ll excite Howe…

Celtic have been linked with a January swoop for Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi, according to The Scotsman’s Andrew Smith.

The Lowdown: Mugabi profiled

The Uganda defender, who once claimed he had Liverpool winger Sadio Mane in his ‘pocket’ during an international clash, has been at Fir Park since 2019. The 26-year-old has made 57 appearances for the club, 19 of which have come during the current campaign.

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A 12-cap Uganda international, the 6 foot 1 beast is primarily a centre-back who can also play as a right-back and was previously on the books at Southampton.

The Latest: Parkhead links

Smith shared a story for The Scotsman on Saturday morning, assessing what the Hoops may now do in the January window following their triple Japanese swoop.

He claimed that Ange Postecoglou could look to add to his defensive options, with interest in Mugabi emerging.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

With Christopher Jullien set to make a long-awaited return following the international break, a move for Mugabi doesn’t seem to be pivotal at this moment in time.

When the Frenchman returns, Postecoglou will have six centre-backs to call upon, all of whom could be permanent players should Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan spell turn into a full-time switch over the coming weeks.

That should be plenty for Postecoglou, so perhaps he and new CEO Michael Nicholson should look elsewhere when it comes to any further winter additions.

In other news: Dressing room source shares big update on Postecoglou’s plan for Celtic ace with ‘tremendous composure’

Crystal Palace still want to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this month, according to journalist Tom Barclay, who was talking to GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Ramsey links

Palace are yet to bolster their squad this month but could be set for a busy final few days of the January window going off recent reports. According to Italian news outlet TuttoJuve, the Eagles are getting ‘closer and closer’ to signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Patrick Vieira is attempting to ‘convince’ the Welshman over a move to Selhurst Park, with the 31-year-old set to leave Turin before the end of the month. However, it’s not only Ramsey who Vieira wants at Selhurst Park before Monday’s deadline, with Nketiah also on the radar.

The Latest: Barclay’s claim

Barclay was talking to GiveMeSport regarding Palace and the 22-year-old Gunners forward. He revealed that the Eagles are still interested in the £45,000-a-week striker and would like to bring him to the club ‘now’.

Barclay stated: “They are interested. They tried to sign him in the summer and they would like to have him and they’d like to sign him now if possible.

“He’s obviously out of contract at the end of the season. I was told it was a difficult deal to do, Arteta’s gone on record saying he wants him to stay, he’d like him to sign a new contract apparently.”

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Reports prior to the New Year suggested that Palace would cut short Jean-Philippe Mateta’s loan spell to make way for a new striker As we know, that hasn’t happened, and with just days remaining in the transfer window, it seems as if a move for Nketiah won’t materialise.

That’s because Mikel Arteta has previously ruled out a January exit for the striker, so perhaps Palace should be looking at a summer swoop, when Nketiah could be a free agent.

A cut-price move could still be a shrewd one, though, as the forward is only 22 years of age and has 75 appearances for the Gunners under his belt, scoring once every 102 minutes in the current campaign.

In other news: ‘We’re big time’ – Many Palace fans erupt as ‘class’ transfer news emerges

Aston Villa’s Premier League match at home to Burnley was postponed on Saturday due to a number of positive virus tests within the Villa squad.

As to be expected with just hours before kick-off, a number of Villa fans were quick to vent their frustration at the news on social media.

Villa posted the news regarding the postponement at 12:40pm on their official Twitter channel, just over two hours until the game was supposed to get underway. The club requested to call the game off at the earlier time of 10:30am, but Burnley only received confirmation at 12:15pm after a Premier League meeting.

Steven Gerrard admitted on Friday that the club were adapting ‘by the hour’ and more positive tests overnight ultimately led to the cancellation.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply to the match being postponed at late notice, with many understandably not happy and one describing it as ‘awful’.

“Gutted, was just about to leave with my son as it’s one of his birthday presents”

Credit: @stuiemoore_6

“It’s all turning into a big mess, isn’t it.”

Credit: @Bhangra_Machine

“Awful communication from the club this.. you’ve had since this morning to tell people the game won’t go ahead and you leave it 2 hours before kick off. I feel for anyone that has travelled to Villa Park today…”

Credit: @AVFCMidge

“What the hell?”

Credit: @minxnicki

“Damn!!!! Damn, damn, damn, damn damn.”

Credit: @B6Utfv

“We’ve flown in from Northern Ireland for my son’s 6th birthday, to call the game off so close to kick off is a disgrace”

Credit: @villanni

In other news: ‘A wind up?’ – Many Villa fans flock to ’embarrassing’ FA Cup news

Newcastle United are expected to have an explosive transfer window this summer, with new owners committed to improving the club’s Premier League form, and now it is reported that they have wasted no time in making a bid for a new player this summer.

What’s the word?

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, Newcastle have made their first move by bidding around €60m (£50m) to sign hot prospect Darwin Nunez.

The North-East club are competing with a number of Premier League sides for the signature of the Benfica star, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all also reportedly plotting moves for the 22-year-old.

Huge coup for Newcastle

Following their bid, if Newcastle United were able to secure the signing of the star striker over their competitors it would be a huge coup for the club going into next season.

The centre-forward – who is believed to be valued at £83m and has been hailed a “diamond” by Steve McManaman – has been drawing attention to himself this season, scoring 32 goals in all competitions – with 24 goals in 24 games in the league and six huge Champions League goals that guided Benfica to giant killings in the prestigious European competition.

Nunez scored two goals against Barcelona in the group stages, with Benfica taking four points from both games that ultimately led to the LaLiga giants falling into the Europa League, with the striker also bagging against Bayern Munich in the group.

The 22-year-old’s fourth goal in the competition knocked Ajax out in the second leg of their round of 16 clash, however, despite netting two impressive goals against Liverpool over the two legs in the quarter-finals, it wasn’t enough to progress the Portuguese side further – who crashed out of the Champions League at Anfield this week.

A goal-scorer of this calibre exactly fits the profile of what Newcastle need to take them to the next level in 2022/23, with Callum Wilson unable to fulfil the striker role successfully following a series of injuries since he joined the club in 2020, so the signing of Nunez would be an incredible upgrade.

Howe will have a lot of work to do this summer to identify players that can make a difference in the team to ensure they don’t find themselves in another relegation battle next season, and with the backing from the new owners, there’s no doubt that Newcastle will be able to attract a number of great prospects for the team going forward.

AND In other news: NUFC handed big injury boost as major Darsley Park update emerges, Howe surely buzzing

Leeds United will be looking for only their third win of the season as they head to the south coast for this evening’s late kick-off in the Premier League.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side make the trip to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton and Hove Albion, having been defeated six days ago by Tottenham Hotspur.

The Argentine has had to deal with numerous injury problems throughout the season, which is why the Yorkshiremen find themselves in an early-season relegation battle, though they can alleviate such worries with a victory tonight.

What sort of side could Bielsa name? He has been handed a triple injury boost ahead of kick-off, so here’s how Football FanCast think the Whites could line up…

There may be two changes to the side which suffered a 2-1 defeat in north London last Sunday.

With Rodrigo and Raphinha both available for selection, having missed the trip to Spurs, they should come straight back into the starting XI. That’s at the expense of £52k-per-week Dan James, who has looked poor and lightweight in recent weeks, and Mateusz Klich, who was only just recalled to the side in the Spaniard’s absence.

They should join recognised centre-forward and academy gem Joe Gelhardt and Jack Harrison in the attack.

It means we could see a midfield three of Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw and Kalvin Phillips, with the latter sitting a little deeper as Bielsa’s long ball-playing anchorman.

Further back, it’s likely that the Argentine reverts to a back-three, meaning that Pascal Struijk keeps his place but shifts inside from left-back, with skipper Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente joining him in front of Illan Meslier.

Leeds United’s predicted XI vs Brighton (3-3-1-3): Meslier; Struijk, Cooper, Llorente; Phillips, Dallas, Forshaw; Rodrigo; Harrison, Raphinha, Gelhardt.

AND in other news, Leeds could finally land key Marcelo Bielsa target this January…

An update has emerged on Rangers dud John Lundstram, regarding interest in the Ibrox midfielder’s services from down south…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Record, English Championship side Middlesbrough are eyeing up a deal to sign the midfielder this month.

The report claims that Chris Wilder, his former bosss at Sheffield United, is keen on reunion and his monitoring his situation with the January transfer window in full swing.

Nightmare

Gio van Bronckhorst can put an end to Lundstram’s Ibrox nightmare by brutally axing him this month and allowing him to join the Championship side.

The Gers have already brought in James Sands to strengthen their midfield options and this could free up the space for Lundstram to be kicked out of the squad, especially given that he has only started two matches since the Dutchman arrived.

He has endured a rough season in Scotland since his summer switch from the Blades and it could be time to cut ties with the £22k-per-week dud already. Van Bronckhorst is seemingly far from keen on him, as a starter, so far and the signing of Sands could push him further away from being in contention to make the XI, with this interest from Middlesbrough opening up a potential solution.

Neil McCann blasted the midfielder after a red card in the Europa League earlier this season, saying: “He’s let the club and himself down. He’s given Rangers a bit of an uphill task in the second half.”

Lundstram has also struggled in the Premiership, with a disappointing average WhoScored rating of 6.61 for Rangers this term.

Last month, Frank McAvennie questioned why he was not getting more game time at Ibrox and linked it to the end of his time at Bramall Lane, saying:

“He’s dropped off the map. Rangers made a big fuss of signing him in the summer and to me, it seems like he never gets a game.

“I know he’s scored a couple of goals so clearly he can hack it up here. I remember Sheffield United fans being happy he was leaving, that was never a good sign.”

The Englishman averaged an abysmal WhoScored rating of 6.23 in the Premier League for the Blades last season and this could explain why they were pleased to see him depart. It could also explain why he has been unable to find his best form for the Gers, as he endured such a rough campaign with United.

Lundstram has, therefore, been through a nightmare over the past 18 months and van Bronckhorst could end it for Rangers by selling him to Boro in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, “Decision” imminent: Journo drops big Rangers transfer claim that’ll excite Ibrox fans…

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is eyeing up a move for Leeds United hero Kalvin Phillips, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ future unsure

The 25-year-old has become a modern-day Whites great, helping the club return to the Premier League and becoming a vital player for England, too.

Phillips’ performances have caught the attention of some of the country’s biggest clubs, however, and Leeds could find it tough to keep hold of him.

The Englishman’s current Whites deal expires in the summer of 2024, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City linked with moves in recent times.

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The Latest: Man Utd keen on move

According to ESPN sources, Rangnick sees Phillips as one of three ideal midfield options to come in next summer, as United look to return to the top of English football.

Also mentioned in the report are Amadou Haidara and Jude Bellingham, who are both impressing at RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

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The Verdict: Surely not joining them?

Many Leeds fans may understand Phillips deciding to move on at the end of the season, considering his potential interest in testing himself at Champions League level and potential to win major trophies.

That being said, the thought of him copying Alan Smith and moving to United is a grim one for Whites supporters, given the rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

Moving to Old Trafford could tarnish Phillips’ reputation, which would be a huge shame after 226 appearances and so many influential displays, so seeing him move elsewhere would be preferable if he does decide to leave.

In other news, a key update has emerged regarding Leeds’ January spending. Read more here.