All posts by z3u9t.icu

Speaking to Football Insider, former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been left stunned by some Harry Winks news which has come out of Tottenham.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Winks offload drama?

The 25-year-old is a somewhat divisive figure among Tottenham fans since making his senior debut for Spurs in the Europa League in 2014/15.

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A Lilywhites academy graduate, time is running out for the midfielder to realise his full potential, and there have been reports suggesting Spurs could well cut their losses with him.

Courtesy of The Times, news has emerged about Winks, with the club now open to selling him but quoting a seismic figure of around £40m.

The Latest: Kenny reacts to Winks’ valuation

Speaking to Football Insider, seven-cap international Kenny has been left stunned by this report and quite simply can’t believe that chairman Daniel Levy wants a fee of £40m for Winks.

The former goalkeeper fumed: “It’s ridiculous money. I think this just shows you that the game’s gone. He has not been a regular, week in, week out for a while, so £40m is crazy.

“He has played 100-odd games since he’s come through and he is 25 years old now. Those aren’t exactly huge numbers. So that fee seems excessive.

“If they are trying to move him on, I would be shocked if they got anywhere near that amount of money for him.”

The Verdict: Correct?

Since he first appeared in a Tottenham jersey back during the 2014/15 season, Winks has averaged a cool and composed 90% pass accuracy across all competitions for Spurs (WhoScored).

However, as Kenny hinted, he was a bit-part figure under the club’s former manager Jose Mourinho last year and has struggled to become a regular since the 2019/20 campaign.

We believe that Tottenham should definitely consider cashing in on him, but given his lack of game-time, they may have to lower their demands.

In other news: Spurs request already advanced to sign ‘invaluable’ player, Paratici now ready to meet demands…find out more here.

Some Everton fans have been left lauding a transfer update involving Odsonne Edouard.

As per Kaveh Solhekol, the Goodison Park faithful have now ‘sounded out’ Celtic over a potential deal to sign the striker before the summer window ends.

Edouard has already managed to score three goals and make a further two assists in ten games in total over all competitions so far in the 2021/22 season, and generally has been very prolific for the Hoops over the last few campaigns (Transfermarkt).

At 23 years of age, the Frenchman still has so much potential as well, and is surely ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

With just a few days left of the window remaining, the Merseyside club need to act now before other teams come sniffing.

Everton fans on Edouard transfer update

These Toffees supporters lauded the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with two fans echoing the exact same – and very simple – message while one Blue claimed the striker is ‘quality’ player:

“Not sure about the source but at rumoured £15m would be crazy if we weren’t interested. Good age, good profile, definitely the type of signing we should be looking to make.”

Credit: @marchy27

“Get him signed. He’s quality!”

Credit: @SopranoJunior

“Hope this is true!”

Credit: @ABlue90

“Get him in”

Credit: @evertonamma

“I WANNA I WANNA I WANNA”

Credit: @mxrganhulme7

“I WANNA I WANNA I WANNA”

Credit: @3andcaptain

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians gushing here!

Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly interested in a swoop for Zulte Waregem forward Saido Berahino, as relayed by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Berahino profiled

Familiar to many fans of English football, 28-year-old Berahino originally burst on to the scene at West Bromwich Albion, being tipped for a bright future after notching 20 goals for the Baggies in the 2014/15 campaign [Offside Rule Podcast].

He was also once dubbed as ‘terrific’ by former boss Gareth Southgate when both worked together in the England Under-21 set up [Express].

Fast forward to 2021, he finds himself in the Belgium with Zulte Waregem, where he has notched 14 goal contributions in 34 appearances all in; ten goals and four assists [Transfermarkt].

He could now be set for a sensational return to the British game following recent reports.

The Latest: Berahino ‘is expected to leave’

As signified by Belgium-based journalist Tavolieri on Twitter: “Berahino is expected to leave the Essevee (Zulte Waregem) this day and return to England to join the League One and the English club of Sheffield Wednesday. To be continued”.

It is not yet apparent whether any prospective deal will be permanent or on a loan basis, however it is unlikely to break the bank due to the Sky Bet League One side not spending a penny this summer as of yet [Sport Witness].

The Verdict: Could be an inspired signing by Darren Moore

If he can find his shooting boots back on English soil, now-Burundi international Berahino could prove to be an inspired signing by Darren Moore should a deal materialise.

Renowned for his pace and finishing ability, he could offer a different avenue of breaking through opposition lines from bustling forwards Callum Paterson, Florian Kamberi and Lee Gregory.

His ability to link the play effectively with the midfield could also be an asset, illustrated by his impressive 83.3% average passing accuracy so far in 2021/22 [WhoScored].

In an important season for Sheffield Wednesday in the third tier of English football, the 5 foot 11 ace could help to provide inspiration in crucial moments as they seek promotion this campaign.

In other news, Sheffield Wednesday fans blast a poor performance. Find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion head into their opening fixture of the new Championship season with a few unknowns still hanging over Valerien Ismael’s squad.

Firstly, the future of Matheus Pereira remains up in the air, although it has been recently reported that the winger could be set to secure a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the not too distant future.

However, the Brazilian has not played a part in Albion’s pre-season fixtures, nor has he been training with the squad, so the uncertainty surrounding the 25-year-old does not seem to affect the team directly, but more so in terms of their incoming transfer business.

Indeed, with it being reported that Albion are demanding a figure in the region of £25m in order to sanction the 25-year-old’s sale, this sum would help Ismael to plug a number of gaps in his West Brom squad, with the 45-year-old lacking depth at left-back, in central midfield and up front.

With that in mind, we take a look at how the Baggies could line up against Bournemouth on Friday evening, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Ismael confirming that he will be without the trio of Adam Reach, Quevin Castro and Taylor Gardner-Hickman for the trip to the Vitality Stadium, the team is not overly changed from the one which defeated Birmingham City 4-0 in their final pre-season friendly last weekend.

However, with Phillips impressing in the number nine role in pre-season, the 30-year-old gets the nod to start the game up top following his self-isolation, with Karlan Grant moving onto the left-hand side of attack – a position which allows the forward to cut in on his favoured right foot – while Callum Robinson drops to the bench.

New signing Matt Clarke does not make the starting XI, while Sam Johnstone could be set to begin the clash between the sticks, after Ismael praised the £30k-per-week goalkeeper’s attitude in training amid reports suggesting that the 28-year-old could be moving onto pastures new this summer.

Meanwhile, in terms of shape, the new 3-4-3/3-4-2-1 system will undoubtedly take time for the Albion players to become familiarised, but Ismael will nevertheless be hoping for a positive result in his first competitive game in charge of the club.

In other news: West Brom dealt transfer blow on “tenacious” £4.5m beast, Ismael will be gutted

Michael Ball has criticised a talented teenager after he refused to report back for pre-season training at Everton.

Thierry Small made his senior debut for the Toffees earlier this year, becoming the club’s youngest-ever player in the FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

However, there will be fears the 16-year-old left-back is looking to force through a move after failing to head to Finch Farm during the first week of pre-season training under new boss Rafa Benitez.

Reports suggest Everton are preparing to offer the youngster a bumper first professional contract when he turns 17 next month.

However, it seems his head may already have been turned and he is keen to move away from Merseyside.

The Toffees have reportedly rejected an approach from Real Madrid, who now have former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti in charge, while Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal are looking to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Small’s future.

Ex-Toffees left-back Ball is not impressed with the youngster’s attitude.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “I’m really disappointed with the way he’s gone about it. Everton brought him to the club, developed him and he was obviously happy with the contract he was offered at the time.

“He’s probably improved a lot quicker than he and the club thought.

“Staying away is disrespecting his team-mates and new manager. It’s going to be difficult for him to stay.”

Celtic transfer target Kyle Edwards is set to feature for fellow suitors Bournemouth in a trial match against Chelsea later today, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Ange Postecoglou gets ready for 2021/22

New Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will be desperate to ensure that he has the squad depth needed in order to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title this season.

The 55-year-old has made significant strides in recent weeks, acquiring five signings in the form of Osaze Urhoghide, Liam Shaw, Carl Starfelt, Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada [Transfermarkt].

However, the Hoops appear to have been dealt a considerable blow in their latest transfer pursuit.

The Latest: Edwards set to feature for Bournemouth vs Chelsea

Come 7.45pm tonight, former West Bromwich Albion winger Kyle Edwards has been offered the chance to feature for English Championship club Bournemouth, against none other than European champions Chelsea, as a trialist [Football Insider].

Both Celtic and the Cherries have held an interest in the winger the last few weeks, but Bournemouth now look favourites to secure his services.

The Englishman previously had a trial at Reading but couldn’t sign on the dotted line at the Madejski Stadium due to a transfer embargo being in place [Berkshire Live].

The Verdict: Losing out on Edwards would be an opportunity missed

With Celtic lacking depth across the wide areas, this development could add to concerns surrounding the scale of rebuilding Postecoglou will need to enact this summer.

Edwards recorded four goal contributions in 13 fixtures combined for West Brom’s first team and under-23 side last season, with one goal and three assists to his name [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, he showed impressive competency with his link-up play during the season, becoming the player with the highest successful passing rate in the Baggies squad with a score of 91.2% [WhoScored].

Once called ‘fantastic’ by West Brom anchor man Jake Livermore [Express and Star], the Celts should look to hijack Bournemouth’s move for Edwards before it is too late.

In other news, a prominent Celtic journalist praises Ange Postecoglou’s signings.

Serie A expert Conor Clancy has called for West Ham United to solve their striker search by plumping for Italy international Andrea Belotti.

Hammers boss David Moyes is looking to add strength in depth after guiding the east Londoners into this season’s Europa League thanks to a club record Premier League points tally securing sixth place last term.

However, West Ham have been left frustrated in their efforts to welcome new signings as Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has been the only arrival on a season-long loan, which has the option of being made permanent.

That means the Hammers are going into the new campaign with just one senior striker in the form of Michail Antonio.

According to Italian media outlet Corriere Granata, West Ham are interested in Torino frontman Belotti. The report reveals Premier League rivals Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton have also kept tabs on the 27-year-old this summer.

Belotti has scored 105 goals in 228 Torino appearances and Forza Italian Football editor Clancy feels the prolific striker is capable of replicating that form at the London Stadium.

He told Football FanCast: “He can score goals if he plays in a team where he gets service. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him hit between 15 and 20 goals a season again because he is very, very good across the board.”

Everton’s Moise Kean is a potential target for Juventus this summer as they look to recruit a centre-forward, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport.

The lowdown

He joined Juventus at the age of just 10 and moved to Everton in an initial £25.1m deal (via BBC Sport) shortly after his first team breakthrough, having scored eight goals in 21 appearances as a teenager in Turin.

However, after being limited to a mere six Premier League starts in his first season on Merseyside, Kean was granted a loan to move Paris Saint-Germain. He rediscovered his form in France, netting 17 times in 35 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, PSG have been working for ‘months’ to bring the 21-year-old back on loan. They are said to be waiting on a decision from Everton and their new manager Rafael Benitez.

The latest

For now, ‘the most attractive’ option for Juventus is Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus, who is ‘potentially available’ for transfer, although the Old Lady have drawn up an extensive list of alternatives.

That list includes former Inter marksman Mauro Icardi, Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic, Marseille’s Arkadiusz Milik and Euro 2020 winner Andrea Belotti. [Tuttosport]

Kean is another candidate named, tipped for a possible ‘comeback’ to Turin after two years away.

The verdict

In Kean’s absence, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has demonstrated that he can lead the line for Everton with aplomb, scoring 21 goals in all competitions last season.

Unless Rafael Benitez intends to play two up front, it makes sense to accept that the move for the Italian hasn’t worked out and cash in on him. Everton may actually be able to turn a profit, with Kean having reminded the footballing world of his ability in Paris.

If the Blues are to sanction yet another loan, to either PSG or Juventus, it should be one which includes an obligation to buy come next year.

In other news, many Everton fans are begging for this signing after links emerged. 

A number of Liverpool supporters have been reacting negatively to journalist Fabrizio Romano’s opinion about a predicted Reds starting line-up next season.

Jurgen Klopp will be a desperate to have a productive summer transfer window at Anfield, strengthening his squad in the process.

Liverpool need to be Premier League title challengers again next season, and for that to happen, reinforcements may be required in certain areas.

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Ibrahima Konate has already joined from RB Leipzig, giving the Reds another strong centre-back option, but it remains to be seen who else will come in.

Romano has predicted what he thinks Liverpool’s starting XI will be next season [International Champions Cup on YouTube, shared via Watch LFC on Twitter], with Konate and Brighton’s Yves Bissouma both in the team. The former has already signed, while the latter continues to be strongly linked with the 2020 Premier League champions.

There is no room for captain Jordan Henderson, however, while there is also no sign of Joe Gomez alongside Virgil van Dijk.

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Liverpool fans bemoan Romano’s starting XI opinion

These Liverpool fans don’t want Romano’s opinion about his predicted XI to come true, providing their thoughts on Twitter.

“This is so sad”

Credit: @Msquared7_

“We selling Henderson then…”

Credit: @footiestatto

“So we’re signing only 1 other player. Nice”

Credit: @AdamLFC_19

“Bissouma > Hendo. Hahahahahaha”

Credit: @robinbylundLFC

“This would be a horrendous window”

Credit: @SirLeonP

“No Mbappe”

Credit: @Rofhiwa__4

In other news, Romano has also provided a key update on the future of one Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa are ready to spend up to £40m on Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham this summer, according to The Mirror.

The Lowdown: Abraham’s Villa connections

The 23-year-old knows Villa Park well following his loan spell there during the 2018/19 season. Abraham netted 26 times and registered three assists in 40 appearances under Dean Smith, helping Villa back into the top flight.

Villa’s assistant manager John Terry, himself a former Chelsea stalwart, shared his love for the Blues forward during his stay in the Midlands, describing the striker as ‘passionate’.

It seems as if a reunion under Smith and Terry could well be on the cards judging by the latest report from The Mirror.

The Latest: Recent links

The Mirror claim that Abraham isn’t in Thomas Tuchel’s Stamford Bridge plans and the Champions League holders are happy to let him leave over the coming months.

The report adds that the door is open for Villa and Smith, with the Blues expecting a bid imminently. A £40m deal would make Abraham the club’s record signing just weeks after they broke it to sign Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City.

Crystal Palace and West Ham are also keen on Abraham but a fee isn’t an issue for Villa’s owners NSWE, with or without Jack Grealish.

The Verdict: Wesley on the way out?

Should Villa make their move and sign Abraham, you’d expect that Wesley Moraes could be on his way out of the club.

The Brazilian, who cost Villa £22.5m in 2019, has had his injury struggles in England. The striker has made only 25 appearances for the club, featuring in just 16 minutes of Premier League action last season.

He was signed after Abraham returned to Chelsea, but could the latter’s potential return result in Wesley leaving for good? Reports in March suggested that Villa would listen to offers for the 24-year-old, so we could well see a reversal two years on.

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz at John Percy’s ‘class’ transfer update, find out more here.