All posts by n8rngtd.top

It’s not one a situation that Leeds will be looking forward to, but with Pablo Hernandez turning 35 earlier this year, a plan surely has to be start being drawn up for life after the Spanish wizard has left or retired.

Despite being one of the oldest players in the squad, the midfielder has arguably been the Whites’ most effective players in recent weeks.

With Marcelo Bielsa’s side chasing down automatic promotion from the Championship this season, Hernandez has come up big with some really important cameos – not least his late winner against Swansea on Sunday.

Is it Haaland Snr or David Hopkins? Your Leeds knowledge will be put to the test with this quiz…

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Despite coming on at the break, he finished with a Sofascore match rating of 7.3 – the second-highest of any Leeds player on the day. He completed three out of his four attempted dribbles, provided one key pass and recorded 52 touches of the ball, ten more than Jack Harrison who lasted almost the whole game.

It’s quite telling that since the restart, the Spaniard has only played a maximum of 45 minutes in any game, with Bielsa no doubt keen to preserve his fitness in these final few matches of the campaign.

But whilst it is working out to a tee for now, Hernandez’s age means Victor Orta and co must surely be on the hunt for a potential successor to their little magician.

Hernandez – valued at £1.08m by Transfermarkt – may only have another season or two at the top level, and it is already difficult to see whether he would be more than just an impact sub in that time.

But rather than just waiting to see when his time comes to an end, Leeds must be proactive in their work in the transfer market and find a player who can come in and provide some of the same qualities the Spaniard offers.

With eight goals and seven assists this season, Hernandez has shown he is still very much a goal threat, and bringing someone in who can provide both creativity and goal threat would go a long way to making sure Leeds can continue to be successful even without the former pulling the strings.

Leeds United are back in the Premier League after a long 16 years away and in preparation for the new campaign, you’d imagine Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa will be doing all they can this summer to ensure it’s not a short run at the big time.

Those at the top have already hinted at the prospect of bolstering the playing squad but akin to that of Sheffield United rather than Aston Villa or Fulham.

Although that doesn’t mean the Yorkshire giants won’t splash the cash, it just means they are thinking in depth about the right additions for a good crack at the top-flight.

Here’s how United could look come the end of the transfer window…

Illan Meslier is all signed up for the new campaign and whilst there could be additions between the sticks, he’s earned the right for the number one spot for the time being.

Bielsa’s biggest task will be trying to replace loan star Ben White, who doesn’t feature in this line-up. It’ll take a lot for Brighton to sell, which is why the club could plump for reported target Lucas Martinez Quarta. He’s available for just €15m (£13.5m).

Skipper Liam Cooper should be there ready with Luke Ayling also keeping his spot at right-back whilst United could land themselves a new left-back in Liverpool starlet Yasser Larouci, who’s valued at £1.6m by Transfermarkt.

Kalvin Phillips’ England hopes will be granted a boost now the club is in the big time and he will, of course, continue to herald that backline.

In front of him could be Pablo Hernandez, who has been instrumental to Leeds’ fortunes since the return to action and despite his advancing years, could still cut the mustard at an elite level.

Bielsa could land fellow compatriot Emi Buendia after fielding an enquiry last month. It’s likely to cost £30m to prise him away, though.

Jack Harrison’s loan is expected to be extended, so he’s likely to remain in the starting XI but he could switch over to the more natural right-flank with Leeds managing to land quite a coup in Brentford winger Said Benrahma.

His 17 goals and ten assists will be all too much to ignore – he too could cost £30m, but he’ll be more than worth it.

Whilst in the attack, the saga surrounding Jean-Kevin Augustin may rumble on, meaning there’s a need for a new striker to compete with Patrick Bamford and that could come in the form of Gent talisman Jonathan David.

The Yorkshiremen would be getting another prolific option after the Canadian bagged 23 times this season for around €30m (£27m).

AND in other news, Leeds can resolve huge Bielsa headache if Orta lands £15m target…

SS Lazio striker Ciro Immobile has claimed in an exclusive interview with Corriere dello Sport (via NUFC 360) that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) group were looking at Max Allegri and Luciano Spalletti as possible successors to Steve Bruce until the proposed takeover of Newcastle United collapsed.

Speaking to the Italian outlet, Immobile claimed:

“I know they were also looking for an Italian coach, [Massimiliano] Allegri or [Luciano] Spalletti.â€

Indeed, these are arguably two big names in football management, with a history of trophies and accolades to their names.

Allegri is currently without a club but has won as many as six Serie A titles, five with Juventus and one with AC Milan, along with numerous domestic trophies, according to Transfermarkt.

His managerial record is not half bad either, as he has won 345 of the 620 games he has been in charge, giving him a win ratio of over 55%, as per the website.

Perhaps not as prestigious as Allegri, but Spalletti has also done well in his managerial career so far, and is again without a current club at this moment in time.

The 61-year old won numerous domestic cups in his native Italy with AS Roma and is also a two-time winner of the Russian top flight with Zenit St. Petersburg (via Transfermarkt).

Like Allegri, Spalletti also boasts a relatively impressive win percentage in his managerial career, having won 434 of his 860 matches, which is just over half (per the website).

It is a shame that the takeover fell through, as the Magpies may have had the benefit of having one of these two coaches managing their team going into the new 2020/21 season.

Geordies, would you have liked to see one of these manage NUFC? Comment below!

On Wednesday, Manchester United confirmed that Dean Henderson had signed a new contract at the club and a lot of the United fanbase are reacting to this news.

The goalkeeper had spent the last two seasons on loan at Sheffield United and he started off his loan spell as a virtual unknown, but has since emerged as a young talent as he had two great seasons at the club. He played 86 times, conceded just 78 goals and kept 35 clean sheets, per Transfermarkt. Thirteen of these clean sheets came in the Premier League, where Henderson also made 97 saves and made one penalty save.

It looks like he will challenge David De Gea for the number one spot, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for Henderson as he has recently become a common name in Gareth Southgate’s England squad and the Spanish goalkeeper has been making some costly errors for the Red Devils including the ones in the FA Cup Semi-Final against Chelsea.

The deal keeps Henderson at the club until 2025 and some fans are very happy with this news, whilst others are annoyed that the club have still not signed any new players yet. Indeed they have yet to bring anyone to the club this summer despite having been heavily linked with Jadon Sancho, a chase which has encountered a number of issues.

Here is what fans have said following the tweet:

United fans, what are your thoughts on this news? Comment below!

West Bromwich Albion are on the verge of making a new defensive addition and it’s not going to cost Luke Dowling a penny…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable John Percy at the Telegraph, the Baggies are in talks with former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic and could be through the door at the Hawthorns before Sunday’s Premier League opener.

It’s claimed that Slaven Bilic is hopeful of landing him on a short-term contract to add some experience to his squad.

The 36-year-old veteran is a free agent after being released by Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg. He could be their fifth addition this summer.

Free PL experience

This could turn out to be a very shrewd addition by Bilic as his squad is severely lacking in top-flight nous – only Ahmed Hegazi has enjoyed regular game time at this level and that was with Albion last time they were in the PL.

In Ivanovic, they’ll be getting a three-time title winner, three-time FA Cup winner and a one-time Champions League winner. No one in the side boasts a similar trophy cabinet whatsoever.

Former Blues, now Spurs, boss Jose Mourinho believes the Serbian was one of his best signings at Stamford Bridge, claiming he’s ” a competitive animal with a big heart.”

Whilst Man City superstar Raheem Sterling dubbed him the “scariest man” he’s played against, naming him a “tank.”

After bolstering the backline with Cedric Kipre from Wigan, having someone like Ivanovic around the place could be ideal for his development – and you can throw in young Dara O’Shea too.

If the wages are right, this deal should absolutely be done.

AND in other news, West Brom could make another striker mistake in PL misfit…

Newcastle United striker Yoshinori Muto is set to leave the club in the summer transfer window, Chronicle Live reports.

Steve Bruce’s side have invested in the summer transfer window and have brought in Callum Wilson from AFC Bournemouth, bolstering their striking ranks in the process.

The deal to bring the forward in has surely left Muto facing even less football in the 2020/21 season.

Signed in 2018, the 28-year-old made just two Premier League starts last term, and will find his path blocked this term.

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The report states that he has subsequently been told he will have to leave if he is to play regularly and he has suitors lining up to sign him.

German clubs Cologne and Augsburg are both said to be interested in signing Muto on loan, while Mainz are also monitoring developments.

Muto has made just 28 appearances in total for Newcastle, scoring two goals, and a move seems in the best interests of all parties.

He is valued at £4.95m by Transfermarkt.

Portsmouth are looking to move Paul Downing on after the arrival of Danish defender Rasmus Nicolaisen, according to The News.

With the summer transfer window currently open, manager Kenny Jackett has opted to bolster his defensive options, bringing in the likes of Cameron Pring, Callum Johnson and Sean Raggett.

Following that trio of new signings, Jackett also agreed a deal to bring in Nicolaisen earlier this week..

The youngster’s arrival to Fratton Park has added strength in depth at the back for Pompey but a latest report has now claimed that Downing could be set to leave as a result.

The 28-year-old defender, valued at £225k, arrived at the club in 2019 after leaving Blackburn Rovers and has since made 16 appearances for the first team.

Downing’s chances of appearing for Jackett’s side in the starting eleven do seem to be in doubt with the likes of Raggett, Nicolaisen and Jack Whatmough all vying for a place.

A poor start to the new League One season for Pompey has seen them fail to find the back of the net, but they have kept two clean sheets in consecutive 0-0 draws against Shrewsbury Town and Rochdale without Downing’s involvement.

Downing is better off moving elsewhere and finding first team football, as his Portsmouth spell has not really gone according to plan.

Limited appearances and the fact he is now fourth choice leaves him with little chance of appearing in what is set to be one of Portsmouth’s most important campaigns to date, given that they must ensure promotion.

Do you think Downing should stay at Fratton Park? Let us know in the comments section below…

The end of the international break has finally arrived, much to many Premier League fans delights and the return of domestic football will resume this weekend – with Everton and Liverpool kicking off proceedings at Goodison Park for the first Merseyside derby of the season.

I personally enjoy international football, and it was a welcome break from the crazy and unpredictable league football that we have seen the past month – I mean, Everton are top of the table? Yes, I know we are only four games in but still, Everton are top!

But, with the new game week on the horizon, it comes that time again to make our predictions for the world most unpredictable league once again – and if things are going to continue the way they have been and the results and scores are as high flying and surprising as they have been so far, well, it’s going to be a very long season…

So, let’s tuck into those predictions, shall we? Be sure to make your predictions on Premier Picks ahead of the deadline, and good luck!

Everton 1-3 Liverpool

As I have said, Everton have had a great start to their campaign, and are one of only two clubs with a 100% record alongside Aston Villa – and I’m certain that the Everton fans couldn’t have asked for a better time to play the Reds, with Jurgen Klopp’s side coming off the back of a 7-2 defeat to the aforementioned Villa. Despite the Toffees’ run of form and Liverpool’s stumble during GW4, I still feel the Reds will take the three points again against Everton, and I’m going for a 3-1 victory for Klopp and his team, with Mo Salah likely to get on the scoresheet again.

Chelsea 2-1 Southampton

It has been a strange start to the season for the Blues, with two wins from four, and a 3-3 draw against West Brom. Frank Lampard’s new signings are yet to all feature for the club, with Ben Chilwell making his debut during GW4, capping it off with a goal, an assist, and a clean sheet against Crystal Palace. The Saints have also had a mixed start, with 2 wins and 2 defeats – with GW4 resulting in a 2-0 victory over West Brom. I can’t see Chelsea losing this one, however, and I’m going for a 2-1 victory in favour of Lampard’s side.

Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has impressed me with what he has managed to do with Arsenal in such a short space of time, with them winning the FA Cup and Community Shield in the past few months. This season, the Gunners have 3 wins and 1 defeat from their first four, with their only loss coming against Liverpool. Manchester City have had a poor start compared to the usual standards we have become accustomed to seeing in a Pep Guardiola side, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their opening three games. I personally see this being a tight affair between the former colleagues, and I’m going for a 2-2 draw and a point apiece.

Newcastle United 2-1 Manchester United

Before the abuse starts coming from the United fans who find it absolutely impossible that they could lose to Newcastle, let’s just take a deeper look into things. Out of their last 5 meeting’s Newcastle have won two and lost three, with the stats falling the other way for United. Last season, the Magpies won this fixture at home 1-0 thanks to a goal from Matty Longstaff – and I feel the result will fall the same way again for Steve Bruce’s men, hence my prediction of a 2-1 win for the Toon Army. Manchester United haven’t looked on their A-game so far this season, and I feel it would be a great opportunity for Newcastle to take advantage of that.

Sheffield United 1-0 Fulham

It has been a difficult start to life back in the Premier League for Fulham, with the Cottagers failing to win in any of their first four fixtures, conceding 11 goals in the process. Sheffield themselves haven’t had the greatest of starts and have also lost their first four fixtures, and only just managed to score their first goal of the campaign last game week in a 2-1 loss to Arsenal. With both sides in poor form, it is anyone’s guess as to who comes out on top at the end of this game, but I’m going for a 1-0 win for the Blades due to their recent experience of the league, and that I feel it won’t be long until they start to find their form from last season.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Palace enjoyed one of their best starts to a season for a long time, with back to back opening wins against Southampton and most notably Manchester United, who they beat 3-1. Since then, their form has dropped off slightly, and have lost their last two. Brighton may only have one win in their opening four games, but they have looked a strong side playing some great football and have been unlucky not to pick up more points if it wasn’t for such tough opponents such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Everton. With both sides looking strong this season, I feel this one will play out in a draw, and I’m going for 1-1.

Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 West Ham United

Spurs are coming off the back of a dominating performance against Manchester United, with saw Jose Mourinho’s side come out 6-1 victors over the Red Devils at Old Trafford during GW4.

Along with some of the club’s new signings, Spurs have a really strong team this season and can see them going on to have a great campaign. West Ham started their season slowly, with defeats to Newcastle and Arsenal, but have won their last two fixtures against Wolves and Leicester with two dominating performances resulting in a 4-0 and 3-0 win respectively.

Despite the Hammers return to form, I feel Tottenham will be too strong for this one, and with Harry Kane and Heung-min Son fit, and the imminent return of Gareth Bale to the Tottenham front line after 7 years away, I’m going for a 3-0 win for Mourinho’s side.

Leicester City 2-0 Aston Villa

It was a great start to the campaign from Brendan Rodgers’ side, with them winning their opening three fixtures including a big 5-2 victory over Manchester City – but during GW4 the Foxes lost 3-0 to West Ham at home, a shock defeat given their strong start.

Villa themselves have had an incredible start to their season, winning their opening three games, including a 7-2 hammering of Premier League champions Liverpool to round off GW4. Despite Villa’s strong start, I feel Leicester will grind out a victory in this one, and I’m going for a 2-0 win in their favour.

West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Burnley

The Baggies have struggled since their return to the top division, losing three of their opening four fixtures, and blowing a 3-0 lead over Chelsea to draw the game 3-3.

They have shown glimpses of the talent their squad possesses, and I am sure a result will make their way soon, but I don’t see it being this one. Burnley have struggled too, losing their opening three fixtures, and I also don’t see them winning this one either – hence why I am going for a 1-1 draw, as neither side have produced the type of results yet to suggest they have any winning edge.

Leeds United 2-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Marcelo Bielsa and his team have had a good start to life back in the Premier League after their 16-year absence. An opening day defeat to Liverpool wasn’t enough to dampen their spirits, and since then have won two against Fulham and Sheffield United and drawn their last game against Manchester City 1-1.

Wolves have struggled, with two wins and two defeats, narrowly winning their GW4 fixture against Fulham 1-0. It will be a great matchup between two great managers, but I see Leeds’s resilience putting them clear in this game after their impressive performance against City, and I’m going for a 2-1 win for Bielsa’s men.

Tottenham Hotspur have seen many players come and go through their promising academy set-up but did they miss a trick with one player back in 2010?

The likes of Harry Kane and Harry Winks have gone onto become first-team regulars in north London but that’s not always the case as seen with Tom Carroll, Steven Caulker and many more.

Over 13 years ago, Spurs poached young defender Yuri Berchiche from Athletic Bilbao, but it now seems like the La Liga outfit have had the last laugh.

The Basque international failed to make a single senior appearance during four years in north London and was forced out on loan to Cheltenham Town and Vallodolid before returning to Spain permanently.

Where is Berchiche now?

Via a title-winning campaign with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2017/18, Berchiche finds himself back at the San Mames Stadium where he has become solid option in the Spanish top-flight.

He re-joined his childhood club in a €20m (£18m) deal, signing a mega-contract until the summer of 2022. It contains a whopping €100m (£90m) release clause.

The 30-year-old has racked up a total of 79 appearances since the move two years ago, and his record of eight goals and six assists is pretty impressive considering he’s a left-back by trade.

Berchiche has started all three of Bilbao’s league games this term, where he has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.3 clearances, one key pass, one shot and one dribble per game, via WhoScored.

Whilst it is unlikely that anyone activates that sort of clause for someone entering the twilight years of their career, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must surely regret not keeping hold of the Spaniard considering the fees he’s commanded over the years.

We know the tough-negotiator likes to make a bit of money from time to time.

If only Harry Redknapp gave him that opportunity a decade ago, things could have been very different now. Berchiche has clearly thrived in some of Europe’s top leagues, so it was certainly a regrettable mistake on Spurs’ part.

AND in other news, Jose Mourinho must make cut-throat Spurs decision on £36m-rated ace…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Sheffield Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer has made a massive claim about Owls chairman Dejphon Chansiri.

It’s been over 20 years since the south Yorkshire outfit were relegated from the Premier League and during that time, they have twice dipped down into League One.

Now in the current season, they are amidst another relegation battle after being struck with a six-point deduction before a ball was even kicked.

Thai businessman, Chansiri, purchased the sleeping giants from Milan Mandaric in January 2015 and has overseen two play-off campaigns but since then, the Owls have not finished above 12th place.

And Palmer believes it comes down to his lack of knowledge on the footballing side of things, claiming that Chansiri should have appointed an adviser such as ex-Wednesday manager Howard Wilkinson.

He told FFC:

“Listen, since he’s been since he’s taken over, he has put his money where his mouth is. The only thing that I would say about the chairman is that I don’t think he’s been rightly advised.

“He spent a lot of money, he’s paid a lot of money in wages. He just hasn’t had the right advice.

“I’ve said this before, I mean, Howard Wilkinson lives in Sheffield – what he knows what he doesn’t know about football isn’t worth knowing about – you know, I think he should have got somebody in there to advise him, who knows about football.

“If he’d have done that, I think Sheffield Wednesday would have got promoted by now.”

Under Chansiri’s stewardship, the Yorkshire giants have had four permanent managers, ranging from Carlos Carvalhal to their latest one, Garry Monk, who was sacked earlier this week.

Following his takeover, the Thai mogul claimed the club would be in the Premier League by 2017 – that passed three years ago and things haven’t looked good since.

Perhaps Palmer is right, Chansiri could have done with someone leading the Owls’ football operations as the majority of their big money signings have flopped, which has only cost them in the long-run.

Amid the current state of peril with no manager to steer the sinking ship, maybe Chansiri needs to listen to the Wednesday legend’s advice.

AND in other news, Sheffield Wednesday lightweight was hugely wasteful in Millwall draw…