All posts by n8rngtd.top

An update has emerged regarding Rangers’ interest in Millwall midfielder Jed Wallace.

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, the Gers are one of the clubs looking into the possibility of signing the 27-year-old in 2022.

The report claims that Celtic, Newcastle, West Brom and West Ham are also interested in landing the Championship attacker. His deal at The Den runs out next summer and that allows the Scottish duo to contact him in January over a pre-contract agreement, signing him for nothing at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Get it done

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Wallace in the January window. Along with Celtic, the Gers have a key advantage over the English clubs in that they can negotiate with him in the winter as they are outside of England and Wales, whilst the likes of West Brom and West Ham would need to wait until he is officially a free agent before making their move.

He needs to make sure that he uses this boost to snap Wallace up from Millwall, although Celtic would still be able to provide competition for his services. The midfielder could be a terrific addition to Rangers’ squad and it would make financial sense as they would not need to pay a penny in transfer fees.

Millwall manager Gary Rowett once hailed the 27-year-old as ‘instrumental’ for the London club in the English Championship with his excellent performances. He said: “It seems Jed Wallace is instrumental in everything we achieve at the moment. His recent stats are unbelievable.

“But he would be the first to admit that 10 other players are providing the structure from which he can score and assist.”

This highlights how crucial Wallace has been to the Lions in recent years, which is backed up by his statistics. The former Portsmouth man has three goals in five Championship games this term, averaging an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.15.

Between the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns, Wallace scored 21 goals and set up another 18 for Millwall from midfield, averaging WhoScored ratings of 7.27 and 6.97 respectively. This shows that he has been able to score and set up goals on a consistent basis whilst also performing to a good standard almost every week, which suggests that he could come to Rangers and be a valuable asset at Ibrox.

That he has been able to flourish in the English Championship suggests that he could have the quality to thrive in the Scottish top flight, as the likes of Connor Goldson, Ryan Kent and James Tavernier have all made themselves regulars at Ibrox after playing in the second tier of English football.

AND in other news, Gerrard could beat St Johnstone by unleashing “unstoppable” Rangers gem…

Queens Park Rangers have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their upcoming Championship clash.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Brent & Kilburn Times, Mark Warburton revealed that the sidelined trio of Luke Amos, Sam Field and Lee Wallace are all nearing a return to QPR first-team action.

Speaking specifically about Amos, the 59-year-old claimed that the midfielder has been banging on his door regarding his reintroduction to the manager’s matchday squads, having been out of action for almost 12 months.

In his comments, Warburton said: “We’ve got Luke Amos very near to being available for matchday squads, we’ve got Sam Field [and] Lee Wallace coming back strongly and they’ve been pushing really hard.

“He [Amos] has played 30, 45 and 60 odd now, so he is probably ready for a full game. He’s already banging on my door in a nice way to say he’s matchday squad available, which is good to see as he’s a top-class professional.”

Warburton will be buzzing

Considering how long Amos has been sidelined as a result of his injury, the midfielder’s return to first-team action will very much feel like a new signing for Warburton, with the 24-year-old’s apparent availability for selection for the match against Bristol City undoubtedly leaving the QPR boss buzzing.

Indeed, Amos played an important role in the Rs’ 2019/20 league campaign, featuring in 34 Championship fixtures that season, over which the 24-year-old scored two goals, in addition to making an average of one interception, 1.5 tackles, 0.8 clearances and winning 3.8 duels per game.

As such, the fact the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder looks as if he could make a return against the Robins this weekend will undoubtedly provide the QPR boss’ chances of securing a positive result in the fixture with a substantial boost.

Meanwhile, the subsequent returns of Sam Field and Lee Wallace will only further strengthen the Rs’ top-six credentials this season, something that already appear rather strong following a highly impressive start to their league campaign.

In other news: Blackstock 2.0: “Brilliant” £3.6m-rated QPR ace is key to Warburton’s promotion push

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have voiced their outrage at some official news before the Sky Blues’ highly-anticipated top of the table clash against Chelsea this weekend.

After comfortably dispatching Wycombe Wanderers 6-1 in the Carabao Cup midweek, a match where many previously unseen youngsters were handed their debuts by Pep Guardiola, Saturday will come as a very contrasting occasion.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-developments/” title=”Man City latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

City’s dropped points away to Spurs and at home to Southampton already this season puts plenty of emphasis on their trip to Stamford Bridge, with the Premier League champions arguably unable to afford another loss so early in their title defence.

As such, the stage is set for their next match to be an all-important blockbuster – leaving little wonder why some supporters take issue in regards to who will officiate the clash.

It has now been announced that referee Michael Oliver will take charge of the Chelsea game in what is a battle of the English and European title-winners – with City aiming to exact revenge after their Champions League final heartbreak.

Oliver, who has branded 12 yellow cards and one red card in just four matches so far this season, also has a habit of reaching into his pocket during City matches in particular.

As per worldfootball.net, the 36-year-old has dished out 41 bookings in 33 Premier League matches overseeing the Citizens – with it looking like Guardiola’s side may have to be extra wary of their discipline in west London.

Resultingly, supporters have raged as this pre-Chelsea announcement is made – find all of their verdicts on the refereeing appointment down below.

Man City fans rage over Oliver appointment…

“Game lost, hope we beat Liverpool”

Credit: @FatherRuben3

“May aswell give chelsea the win rn… Nice pen goal penjingo …. Some city player get ready for the Red card.”

Credit: @ZHR_960

“Congrats on the win chelsea”

Credit: @ashley__04

“The game is over before it started”

Credit: @I_Feedel

“Congratulations Chelsea”

Credit: @xMcfc_oKx

“Nooooooo”

Credit: @FinallyManfred

“No point watching”

Credit: @AaronMCFC3

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Finally’, ‘This is good news’…Man City fans flock to Harry Kane update, find out more here.

After losing 1-0 to Wolves in their previous Premier League game, Southampton are yet to secure their first top-flight win of the season.

Their latest fixture sees them take the trip to west London to face off against Chelsea, who are coming off the back of two consecutive 1-0 defeats against Manchester City and Juventus.

The Saints currently sit 16th in the Premier League table with just four points on the board so far, having scored four goals and conceded seven in the process, resulting in a rather underwhelming start to their campaign.

Redmond hasn’t done enough lately

One player who has been a regular figure for the Saints so far this season is Nathan Redmond, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £60k-per-week according to Spotrac. The winger has made an appearance in each of Southampton’s Premier League games so far this season, except for their 1-1 draw against Manchester United where he was an unused substitute. However, he has failed to contribute to a goal in the top flight in 2021/22.

On the two occasions that the 27-year-old has played a full 90 minutes for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side in the league this season, both ended in a 0-0 draw, the first coming against West Ham United and also the draw at Manchester City.

In their recent match against Wolves, Redmond was replaced in the second half by Moussa Djenepo after failing to have a shot on target, which ultimately led to him being given an overall match rating of 6.7/10, making him one of the lowest-rated Southampton players on the day according to SofaScore. He won just one duel all afternoon and was dribbled past twice before being hooked in the 64th minute.

With the Saints now facing off against Chelsea, who have only conceded two league goals so far this season, Hasenhuttl will undoubtedly need his players to be on their best attacking form if they are to have any chance of getting a positive result against Thomas Tuchel’s side.

In our view, this means that Redmond should not be included in Southampton’s starting XI this afternoon based on his dry spell of goals and assists.

Instead, Hasenhuttl should consider tinkering with his starting line-up and potentially give Nathan Tella the chance to show what he can do from the start in the Premier League, where he has only made a 10-minute cameo at the start of the season in their 3-1 loss against Everton.

In other news: Southampton dealt injury blow ahead of Chelsea clash, Ralph will be gutted – opinion

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered his verdict on Leeds United star Rodrigo following his performance against West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa handed the Spaniard the role of playing up top in the absence of Patrick Bamford, and Hay has now delivered his verdict on whether this could be the start of something exciting at Elland Road.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “I thought Rodrigo’s false nine performance on Saturday was worth another look. Lots to admire and ponder in his positioning, movement, interplay and switches of position with Raphinha. More displays like that could spark Leeds United into life.”

Then, in a follow-up article for The Athletic, he added: “The most distinctive aspect of Rodrigo’s game was his insistence on dropping deep when Leeds were in possession; so deep that he drifted regularly into gaps between West Ham’s defensive and midfield lines.

“His running was a problem for West Ham, who took the best part of an hour to get the measure of him. Rodrigo, brought positive unpredictability to Leeds’ performance and it is one of the things that can make Bielsa believe that Leeds are about to turn the corner.”

Exciting tactical tweak from Bielsa

After the Whites were handed the huge blow of seeing Bamford ruled out ahead of the game against the Hammers, Bielsa’s lack of genuine alternative options meant he moved Rodrigo from that number ten role into a position further forward.

While not everything the Spaniard did came off – as per Sofascore, he completed just 67% of his passes and lost possession 14 times (the second-most of any Leeds player) – there were enough signs to suggest that this could be something to really work with going forward.

He provided two key passes, attempted two dribbles and fired off three shots on goal, and that greater involvement in the play could bring the best out of a player who has really struggled for form this season in that withdrawn role behind the striker – he’s still failed to score or assist in any game.

But, as Hay says, the tactical tweak from Bielsa could be the exact thing that Leeds needed to spark them into life, and it’s surely something that will leave fans excited.

Meanwhile, Victor Orta can fix his biggest Leeds howler with this star…

After Liverpool said goodbye to midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum at the end of last season, a lot was made over whether or not the Merseyside club should replace him and whether they could potentially regret not doing so.

One player that seems to have filled the hole left in the Dutchman’s absence is Curtis Jones who has made a total of six appearances for the Reds across all competitions so far this season, scoring once and providing three assists in the process.

Since making his senior debut for the Merseyside club in a 2-1 defeat against Wolves in the FA Cup back in January 2019, after working his way through Liverpool’s youth teams, the 20-year-old midfielder, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £7.5k-per-week according to Spotrac, has seen his overall value soar.

When Jones made his Premier League debut for the Reds in December 2019, his market value according to Transfermarkt was at just £1.8m. Now that he has played a total of 33 games in the Premier League, his current market value stands at £27m, which is a massive jump of £25.2m in just two years.

In our view, this shows just how well Jones has done and how he has developed and progressed his individual game when given the opportunity to do so on the pitch and why the club were right to not immediately sign another midfielder to replace Wijnaldum over the summer.

Jones’ latest appearance for Liverpool came during their recent 2-2 draw against Manchester City at Anfield where he played the entire 90 minutes, picked up an assist and ultimately earned himself an overall match rating of 7/10, higher than the likes of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Virgil van Dijk according to SofaScore.

That came after a stunning showing against Porto in the Champions League where he registered two assists. Quite simply, he is in exceptional form.

Looking ahead for the rest of the campaign, with Liverpool currently having Harvey Elliott and Thiago Alcantara out injured, it seems likely that Klopp will continue to play Jones in midfield for the time being.

Also, given his relatively young age, the fact that he is a product of Liverpool’s youth system and the fact that his current contract isn’t set to expire until 2025, it’s safe to say that he will likely be an important figure for the club for the next few years as well.

In other news: Klopp must trust “remarkable” £140k-p/w LFC ace on Sunday, could be difference-maker – opinion 

Graham Potter is reportedly in the frame to take over from Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Jones to take charge against Tottenham?

As per The Daily Mirror, the 60-year-old is reportedly going to be sacked this week following the takeover at St James’ Park by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

Graeme Jones would then be placed in caretaker charge for their match at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League next Sunday until the new owners bring in a new permanent manager.

The Latest: Potter in the frame

According to The Sun, Potter is now in the frame to replace Bruce at Newcastle as he is on the wanted list of the new owners.

However, whether he would be interested in leaving Brighton and Hove Albion for Tyneside is another question, with the Seagulls currently 13 places higher than the Magpies in the Premier League table.

The Verdict: Inspired appointment

Potter would certainly be an inspired appointment by the new owners at St James’ Park should they be able to persuade him to leave their Premier League rivals.

Described as a ‘fantastic’ manager by Alan Hutton for what he has done for Brighton, the 46-year-old could have a similar transformation at Newcastle.

Potter plays an attacking brand of football which is similar to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City (Brighton & Hove Independent), a sheer contrast to the negative tactics that Bruce has often been accused of playing.

With a potential squad full of star names at his disposal, it is mouth-watering to think what Potter could achieve with them if he becomes Bruce’s successor at St James’ Park.

In other news, find out which £31.5m-rated ace Newcastle are targeting

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing as some comments have emerged from James Tavernier.

As shared by Sky Sports Scotland, the Ibrox captain sat down with Livingston midfield player Marvin Bartley to talk about racism and their personal experiences of trying to combat it.

Tavernier talked about racial abuse he was sent on social media after a supposedly bad performance, recalling how he simply opted not to tell anyone about it, despite being ‘so infuriated’, admitting it has since been ‘burning inside’ of him.

Of course, the Ibrox outfit have been through their fair share of ordeals in this department, with Glen Kamara the victim of racial abuse last season, and more needs to be done to try and stamp racism out of football for good.

A lot of Light Blues supporters thought that Tavernier was truly inspirational with his words, representing the club well as their captain.

Rangers fans on Tavernier comments

These Bears fans were left buzzing as the comments made by Tavernier on racism were shared on Twitter:

“An inspirational Rangers captain along with another brilliant advocate for all black footballers who have received horrible racist abuse for years. Stay strong lads”

Credit: @JTBruce2

“I’m very proud @James_Tavernier is our captain. Exceptional player & a great ambassador; he’s one of my all time favourite Gers.”

Credit: @MosesBrox

“Excellent representatives of their clubs and Scottish football”

Credit: @ATCO31

“We’re with you Tav”

Credit: @Fabrice79_

“My captain.”

Credit: @angryscotsman81

“Personally, one of the most important moments of our season. @RangersFC one club.”

Credit: @RuaridhMacgreg2

In other news, find out what incident against Brondby left Gers fuming here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been handed a major boost regarding Raul Jimenez’s future availability.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by Birmingham Live, the government’s recent decision to take all countries off of the UK’s red list for foreign travel has handed Bruno Lage’s side a significant boost regarding the centre-forward’s availability, as the 30-year-old will no longer be required to quarantine upon his return from international duty with Mexico.

Gerardo Martino’s side are due to face Panama in World Cup Qualifying next February, a fixture which, prior to the recent changes, would have resulted in Jimenez having to quarantine for 10 days upon his return to the UK. Mexico are also set to take part in a number of international friendlies in the coming months, which could also have seen the striker ruled out of a number of Premier League fixtures due to the previous red list rules.

Lage will be buzzing

Considering just how important a part of the Wolves first team Jimenez has proven himself to be in recent seasons, with returns of 17 and 27 goals in his first two campaigns at Molineux, the news that he will be free to travel to and from international duty with Mexico without restriction is sure to have left Lage buzzing.

Indeed, while the forward has not exactly been in the best goalscoring form of his career in the current campaign, the £25.2m-rated marksman has nevertheless impressed over his nine Premier League appearances, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 2.1 shots and making 2.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Nuno Espirito Santo dubbed a “special” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as the club’s joint fifth-best performer in the league.

As such, the fact that Lage will no longer have to worry about the striker being unavailable due to travel restriction rules will certainly come as a major boost for the 45-year-old, who will undoubtedly be hoping that the £41k-per-week Jimenez can fire his side to a top-half finish this season.

In other news: Lage must unleash £40k-p/w Wolves “outstanding talent” who could become “a top player”

Having joined Celtic on a season-long loan deal this summer, Jota has wasted no time in winning over the Parkhead faithful, with the 22-year-old having already turned in a number of remarkable performances during his short time in Glasgow.

And, with the Bhoys holding the option to make the Portugal U21 international’s loan a £6.5m permanent move next summer, speculation has already begun as to whether Celtic’s acting CEO, Michael Nicholson, will active the clause – with Ange Postecoglou recently hinting that the 22-year-old would like to stay at the club.

Speaking about Jota’s future, the 56-year-old said: “Jota is just starting his career but he’s already fallen in love with the club. He loves the environment here and the supporters. Who wouldn’t?

“Who wouldn’t want to play for a football club where you get 60,000 cheering you on. The crowd is something special. Let’s just let him enjoy it. Those kind of decisions will come in due course.

“From our perspective, I know everyone here is the same, we’ll do what’s best for the football club moving forward and that will be in consultation with the player’s wishes.”

However, while all the noise surrounding Jota’s permanent switch to Parkhead is positive at present, considering just how impressive the winger has been so far this season, it would appear highly advisable for Nicholson to complete a deal for the youngster sooner rather than later, in order to remove the possibility the forward being tempted by another potential suitor at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, over his six Scottish Premiership fixtures this term, the £3.15m-rated man has scored two goals, registered two assists and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.5 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player Postecoglou himself dubbed an “unbelievable” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.42, ranking him as Celtic’s fifth-best performer in the league – while the forward has also bagged one goal over one appearance in the League Cup.

The winger has also been in excellent form over his three appearances in the Europa League, registering two assists, creating four big chances and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.63 – ranking him as the Hoops’ second-best player in the competition. With that in mind, it’s obvious why supporters would love to see him become a permanent part of the furniture.

Despite it being so early in his Celtic career, it would nevertheless appear as if Jota has already proven he would be worth splashing £6.5m on to sign on a permanent basis, and Nicholson should be aware that it will no longer just be the Bhoys and their fans aware of this fact.

In other news: Ange must finally unleash “talented” 22 y/o starlet, he could be “huge” for Celtic