All posts by z3u9t.icu

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Steven Gerrard’s first experiment with a 4-4-2 diamond formation, as per Transfermarkt, didn’t pay off as Rangers were beaten 2-1 by Kilmarnock on Wednesday, and while the 38-year-old should already be considering ditching it, he should give it one more run-out against Livingston on Sunday.

On the chalkboard

The Glasgow giants would have been full of confidence coming out of the winter break considering they’d beaten arch-rivals Celtic in the Old Firm derby to draw level with them at the table’s summit, but Gerrard had an added selection headache following the January addition of Jermain Defoe on an 18-month loan deal from Bournemouth, as per rangers.co.uk.

He may be in the latter stages of his career but the 36-year-old hasn’t moved north of the border to play a bit-part role, and with Alfredo Morelos being such an important player for Rangers it was no surprise that both made the starting XI against Kilmarnock.

The early signs were positive and especially when Defoe netted a 12th-minute opener, but things went downhill after that as they slipped to what could prove to be a costly defeat in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Stick or twist?

It may be very early days, but Rangers clearly lacked the width they had become accustomed to in Gerrard’s preferred 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1 systems in recent weeks, and instead of having the quality of Ryan Kent out on the wing he was instead deployed in more of a No.10 role behind the aforementioned strike duo.

While the Liverpool legend may be tempted to twist against Livingston, he should stick with the formation for at least one more game. It may not have worked out completely at Rugby Park, but the chance to have a formation in which Defoe and Morelos can thrive in alongside each other is too good an opportunity to throw away during the season run-in.

Gerrard needs to ensure that his full-backs provide some much-needed attacking threat from the flanks on Sunday, but ultimately if the match does end in disappointment again then it should be the end of the experiment once and for all.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Manchester United have been in the process of appointing their next manager to take charge at Old Trafford this summer, and with Erik ten Hag the favoured manager to take the role new information has emerged about his potential coaching team that will work with him at the club.

What’s the word?

According to Chief Football Writer for The Mail on Sunday, Rob Draper, ten Hag is lining up Robin van Persie to join his management team at Man United this summer.

Draper tweeted late on Saturday night:

“Van Persie being lined up as Man Utd asst – but ten Hag still in talks, no deal yet.

“Ten Hag still wants assurances over how club will be run…”

Supporters will adore him

Van Persie provided a fairy-tale during his first season at Old Trafford, with the Dutch striker scoring “goal of the century” as claimed by Sir Alex Ferguson, to guide Manchester United to their 20th Premier League title victory in 2013.

The star forward scored 58 goals and provided 21 assists during his three-year tenure with the Red Devils, so the idea that he could come back and become part of the management team to guide United back to the glory days that once were will surely delight supporters who adore him.

The two time Premier League golden boot winner has the invaluable experience earned with Arsenal and Man United that could give ten Hag a real insight into the challenges of the league and can certainly help the current squad understand what it means to win trophies at the club.

Van Persie retired from playing football in 2019 hanging up his boots at 35 years old, and has since been making an impact in his assistant manager role at Feyenoord Rotterdam after being promoted from his technical coach role last summer. Coming back to the Premier League to work alongside ten Hag would be a huge next step in his career on the sideline.

With that being said, Manchester United have not even officially reached an agreement with the Ajax boss, and until ten Hag is confirmed we don’t expect other members of the coaching team to be decided until the deal is done, but the idea of Van Persie returning to the club will surely have supporters very excited.

In other news: MUFC make “shock approach” for “cold” £50m “warrior”, it’s bye-bye Rashford

West Ham manager David Moyes has admitted there is still uncertainty regarding the fitness of forward Jarrod Bowen ahead of the clash with Everton. 

The lowdown: Ongoing complications

The 25-year-old was forced off with an ankle injury as the Hammers succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at the beginning of March and hasn’t been seen since.

That’s despite an initial prognosis suggesting that the issue wasn’t serious, with hope the in-form attacker would make a prompt return to action after the club themselves announced he had sustained ‘no significant damage’.

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Now as a crunch clash at both ends of the table with Everton looms, Bowen’s participation remains in question.

The latest: Cause for ‘concern’

Giving a fresh update to the media ahead of the clash at the London Stadium, Moyes confirmed that the right-winger remains doubtful despite his return to training at Rush Green.

As quoted by journalist Jack Rosser on Twitter, Moyes was coy on the likelihood of Vladimir Coufal and Bowen featuring: “A chance that both of them could make it. I’m not sure if they’re ready and match fit, that would be a concern.”

This follows a report from Rosser for the Evening Standard stating that Bowen has an ongoing ankle issue and is in need of injections in order to strengthen the area prior to matches.

The verdict: A huge miss

Whilst Moyes and the supporting staff will be cautious of rushing the Englishman back, there can be no quantifying the impact Bowen’s absence has had on the Irons’ top-four hopes.

Despite maintaining a slim chance of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League spot via the Premier League final standings, winning the Europa League would now appear to present the most viable option for a place amongst Europe’s elite next season.

With 12 goals and 11 assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), getting the man hailed as ‘amazing’ by Kevin Phillips back to full fitness for the challenges ahead will be crucial to West Ham’s chances, even if it means leaving him out against the Toffees today.

In other news, West Ham halt contract talks with key player. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United supporters have a reason to look forward to the future under PIF after the Saudi Arabian consortium splashed the cash in January to help them avoid relegation from the top-flight.

It was a sign of intent from the new owners and the Magpies can now hope that they will be able to compete higher up the food chain in the Premier League in the years to come.

The Toon faithful may be jealous of the likes of West Ham and Leicester this week as both sides secured places in European semi-finals, dreaming that their side will one day make it to one under PIF’s leadership.

English midfielder James Maddison was named Man of the Match, and scored, as the Foxes beat PSV in the Conference League quarter-finals and he is a player who could have been wearing a Newcastle shirt.

In the summer of 2018, Newcastle were one of the teams reportedly interested in signing the playmaker from Norwich.

However, Mike Ashley was unable to get a deal over the line as Leicester swooped in to snap him up, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £9m at the time.

Since joining the Foxes, he has proven himself in the Premier League and in Europe with his ability to score and create from midfield.

In 12 top-flight matches, Maddison has scored 29 goals and provided 22 assists. He also has five goals and four assists for the club in 16 outings in European competitions, which shows that he can deliver domestically and in Europe.

At the time of writing (15/04/22), Transfermarkt value him at a whopping £45m. This is a huge increase in the space of just under four years and illustrates how he has been able to fulfill the potential he showed whilst at Carrow Road in the Championship.

Although he has only been capped once by England, Gareth Southgate previously hailed his “world-class” set-pieces and he still has time to make an impact on the international stage. At the age of 25, he has plenty of time to keep improving and increasing his value – which will cause the size of Ashley’s blunder to grow.

The former Toon owner endured a major howler by failing to beat Leicester to his signature as he has turned out to be a phenomenal signing for the Foxes. He is thriving under Brendan Rodgers with his goals and assists from the number 10 position and the magician could have been strutting his stuff at St. James’ Park…

AND in other news, Same agency as Joelinton: NUFC scouting 6 ft 4 star, he’s a dream Botman alternative…

Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst is going to have a lot to digest on his plate in the summer as he looks to shape his squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He will need to make key decisions on players he wants to bring to Ibrox to bolster the team whilst also deciding on the players he feels will not be useful to him moving forward.

The Dutchman, and Ross Wilson, will be hard at work to plot what they want to do in the next window as rumours have started circulating in recent weeks.

According to Football League World, one player the Gers are interested in is Stoke attacker Jacob Brown as they have joined a clutch of clubs chasing his signature.

The report claims that the Potters may find it difficult to turn an offer down as Rangers, West Ham, Brentford and Burnley all line up swoops for him.

Brown has been sublime in the Championship this season and would be a fantastic addition to van Bronckhorst’s team. He has 13 goals and registered four assists in the second tier as he has been able to make himself a goal threat for Stoke after only finding the back of the net five times in the previous campaign.

Potters boss Michael O’Neill has dubbed him as a “threat” and “unselfish” this term and his impressive statistics show that he is deserving of praise.

Meanwhile, Cedric Itten is a player on the other end of the scale. The £14k-per-week outcast has failed to score in five matches in the Premiership this season, which highlights both his lack of form in front of goal and his lack of involvement in the team as he has not been deemed good enough for regular minutes in the side.

In the first half of the campaign, he bagged twice in 12 outings for Greuther Furth in the Bundesliga as he averaged an underwhelming SofaScore rating of 6.65. This shows that he has not been able to pull up any trees elsewhere and has not shown any signs that he will come good for the Gers any time soon.

He is not positively contributing to the Glasgow giants on the pitch and must be shifted on in the summer to make way for a new addition – Brown. Rangers must bring the 24-year-old Scot to Ibrox to replace Itten and improve their attacking options, handing more help to the likes of Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos next season.

AND in other news, In talks: Rangers now closing in on 1st summer signing, Van Bronckhorst surely buzzing…

Former Leeds United midfielder Ronaldo Vieira has been backed to rejoin the Whites in the January transfer window by journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Vieira struggling Italy

The 23-year-old has had an injury-plagued few months and is yet to make a single appearance for Sampdoria this season.

Vieira has been linked with a return to Leeds in recent weeks, having emerged as an exciting youngster at Elland Road during the Championship days, playing 71 times in total.

A fresh update has now been provided regarding the situation, as the Whites slowly run out of time to make new signings this month.

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The Latest: Reunion on the cards

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that Leeds could welcome the transfer and try to get it over the line this month, given the midfield shortage they are currently experiencing.

He stated: “You would never say never. If he’s readily available, doesn’t fit in at Sampdoria, they’re willing to get rid and he wants to come back to Leeds, I’m sure it’s something Leeds will consider. It would just be an extra body in the building.”

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The Verdict: Good for squad depth

With Kalvin Phillips out until March and Adam Forshaw limping off in the 3-2 win away to West Ham on Sunday, it is vital that Marcelo Bielsa brings in at least one midfielder in January.

Granted, Vieira’s own injury issues mean that he could be a gamble, but it is reaching the stage where desperation is creeping in and almost anyone would be a suitable transfer candidiate.

That doesn’t mean Vieira wouldn’t be a good signing, though – he has been lauded as ‘strong’ and a ‘little dog’ by former Whites team-mate Gaetano Berardi in the past. Also, he could bring defensive excellence to the midfield, having won two aerial duelss and 1.3 tackles per game on loan at Verona last season.

It would seem that Bielsa could do a whole lot worse than bring the Sampdoria ace back for a second spell at Elland Road, and it’s encouraging to hear O’Rourke saying that it is a possibility.

In other news, Leeds have been offered fresh hope of signing one player. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United and manager David Moyes have been gifted an ‘advantage’ in the race to sign Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyes Lingard move…

The Premier League ace has been on Moyes’ transfer radar for the better part of a year with reports first emerging in 2021 that West Ham wanted to make Lingard’s loan deal a permanent one.

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However, GSB’s efforts to prise away the England international were in vain, with Lingard electing to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his future under ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Following his lack of game time, a January exit for Moyes’ long-term target was on the cards and West Ham even made late attempts to seal his London Stadium return in the winter.

The Irons couldn’t finalise his capture yet again, but as they reportedly go for third time lucky, Lingard’s soon-to-be free agent status could make his signing that bit less complicated.

The Latest: O’Rourke makes promising Lingard claim…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke claims that West Ham have one ‘advantage’ in the race for United’s departing ace.

He also believes that Hammers supporters would certainly ‘encourage’ a move for Lingard going by his brilliant spell in east London last year.

When asked if the 29-year-old’s familiarity with Moyes at West Ham will be a factor, O’Rourke explained: “I think you’ve got to say that it gives them an advantage; they both know each other. Jesse Lingard was such a big fans’ favourite during his loan spell at West Ham, so the fans would definitely encourage that move.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

While the Europa League semi-finalists are arguable front-runners for Lingard, does that mean West Ham should be competing for his signature yet again this summer?

Moyes, as per reliable reports, is targeting a central defender, new midfielder, striker and potential reserve keeper to boost his 2022/2023 ranks.

Lingard is a player of proven top flight quality and experienced England international who has already shined under the Scotsman at West Ham.

The fact he could join for zero cost makes this an arguable no-brainer, even despite the frustrating sagas of West Ham’s last two efforts to sign him.

Moyes, by saving transfer funds on a swoop for Lingard, could then spend big on trying to seal world class central defensive and forward signings.

Called a would-be ‘massive signing’ for West Ham by former England keeper Paul Robinson, we believe that remains the case.

In other news: As of now: ExWHUemployeee shares fresh West Ham player update after agreement reached…find out more here.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona and USA full-back Sergino Dest this summer, according to journalist James Marshment.

The Lowdown: Dest doing well at Barca

The 21-year-old may not always have been a guaranteed starter for Barca this season but he has still enjoyed plenty of playing time for the La Liga giants.

Dest has started 15 league games in total, chipping in with three assists in that time, and he has been hailed as ‘spectacularly good’ by manager Xavi.

The American is currently contracted with Barca until the summer of 2025 but that hasn’t stopped interest emerging from Leeds.

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The Latest: Leeds keen on move

Taking to Twitter, TEAMtalk editor Marshment claims that Dest is seen as Victor Orta’s second American transfer target this summer, along with Brenden Aaronson:

“TEAMtalk understands that Leeds are pushing forward with plans for the summer window and, subject to Prem survival, remain actively in pursuit of Brenden Aaronson.

“He’s not the only American on their radar either, with sources informing us that Sergino Dest is also a target.”

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting option

Dest would be a superb signing if Jesse Marsch manages to pull it off, with the youngster someone who could come in as both a current and long-term key man.

He already has 48 La Liga appearances to his name, meaning he has proven himself in a top European League, and he will be a key figure for the USA at the World Cup later this year.

Dest could be seen as an eventual replacement for Luke Ayling, who turns 31 later this year and hasn’t always been at his best this season, despite his winner at Wolves. They could compete for the right-back spot, with the former eventually becoming the undisputed first choice.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key Leeds update regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Liam Kennedy has dropped some worrying Newcastle United transfer insight involving the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The Lowdown: Busy days ahead

With just over a week left until the January transfer window closes, it promises to be a very busy next few days for the St. James’ Park faithful.

With just Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood brought in so far, more reinforcements are needed in the North East in order to give them the best possible chance of staying up.

Jesse Lingard, Matt Targett and Diego Carlos have all been linked with moves to Tyneside recently, suggesting that the consortium are still looking for a new midfielder, left-back and central defender to bring in.

The Latest: Kennedy insight

As per Newcastle World journalist Kennedy, clubs are seeing that the Magpies have a lot of money at their disposal, and so are now increasing prices for their players that the Toon are interested in:

“Think mostly long-term. Not short.

“Thing is, I’m told, this is biggest obstacle #NUFC face in doing deals, particularly with clubs abroad.

“They see NUFC & immediately it’s money. 

“PIF don’t work like that, despite their incredible wealth. Probably largely why it keeps increasing.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying for NUFC that clubs are increasing the price of their players, as they simply do not want to overspend.

Yes, they have a lot of cash at their disposal, but PIF will want to be sensible with it and not be bullied into paying an extra few million pounds just because teams know that the money is there.

Nonetheless, they will now have to be shrewd in the market with just over a week remaining, and do their business smartly as they look to find the gems that will keep them up.

In other news, find out what this reliable journalist has been told about one Newcastle target here!

Wolves have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign Lille centre-back Sven Botman in January, with the Dutchman expected to stay put until the summer.

The Lowdown: Wolves keen on Botman

The 21-year-old is a key figure for the reigning Ligue 1 champions, standing out as a dominant performer despite his tender years. As per WhoScored, he is among their top five players in terms of overall ranking so far this season.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Botman a number of times in recent weeks, as Bruno Lage looks to bring in another defender in the January transfer window.

Newcastle are also thought to be eyeing up a move for the Lille centre-back, but a fresh update suggests that both clubs could have to wait to get their man.

The Latest: Milan director makes Botman reveal

As shared by journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, AC Milan director Frederic Massara has claimed that Lille won’t sell Botman this month, with the Italian giants also seen as potential suitors.

The San Siro chief revealed to Sky Italy: “Sven Botman’s an amazing centre back but I think Lille have no intention to sell him in January.”

The Verdict: Move on instead?

Judging by Massara’s comments, it looks as though Wolves will have to wait for the time being if they want to sign Botman, giving Lage the dilemma of either moving on to another transfer target or being patient.

That revelation comes as blow to the Old Gold’s chances of landing the 21-year-old, but in truth, it could be hard for Wanderers to sign the centre-back at all, given Newcastle’s vast wealth and Milan’s stature as a European powerhouse.

For that reason, looking at an alternative target could make perfect sense in the coming weeks if Lage wants to add further competition for the likes of Max Kilman, Conor Coady and Romain Saiss.

In other news, some Wolves fans have reacted to a key fitness update. Read more here.