All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolverhampton Wanderers could soon live to regret the failure to sign one of their mooted long-term targets in the summer transfer window…

What was the word?

The Midlands outfit have seemingly long-admired AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

Two years ago, the club were linked with an initial £35m swoop to secure him but it’s thought the player rejected the chance to join, as per Calciomercato (via Sportsmole).

Last summer, they were mooted with interest once again but, according to Sky Sports, Wolves were unwilling to pay the Serie A outfit’s £30m demands.

And then back in April, the rumours resurfaced ahead of the transfer window with BirminghamLive citing reports in Italy.

One that got away?

Kessie has started the 2020/21 campaign like a house on fire.

He delivered a pure masterclass over the weekend in Miland’s 2-1 win over Udinese. The 23-year-old picked up a 7.8 rating on SofaScore after recording 105 touches, three blocks, one interception. He also made 93% of his 95 passes and scored the opener.

For the season, he’s now directly contributed to three goals in five starts and has averaged 1.7 interceptions, 1.3 dribbles, one shot and 0.8 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

It’s this sort of box-to-box ability that Wolves have perhaps lacked this season with only Raul Jimenez scoring more than one goal across the squad this season.

None of Leander Dendoncker, Joao Moutinho or Ruben Neves have found the net yet.

Perhaps the Ivorian would’ve been the ideal upgrade to the Belgian in the middle to add that new dimension. Dendoncker is lacking in terms of interceptions (0.7 per game) and has failed to register a successful dribble this season.

Ex-Milan head coach Vincenzo Montella once hailed Kessie as an “extraordinary player” with “sublime intelligence” – and finally we’re seeing that come to fruition some three years after such remarks.

You can’t help but feel that the Wolf Pack have missed out on a colossal star here. CIES now value the box-to-box monster at a whopping €50m (£45m) – Nuno may forever regret not landing him.

AND in other news, Wolves lightweight let Nuno Santo down against Palace…

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Noel Whelan has been wowed by Spurs and how strong they have been without Christian Eriksen – going on to drop a claim that they may not need him after all following rumours of a return. 

The Dane, who left north London for the San Siro last January after a long transfer saga, is struggling for game time under Antonio Conte in Serie A – resulting in reports suggesting he could look to leave.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Tottenham are interested in taking Eriksen back, with news emerging recently that the transfer is definitely possible.

However, as explained by Romano, Spurs won’t be able to bring him back on loan due to Inter’s unwillingness, but they could in fact secure a permanent deal. 

Eriksen claim dropped by Whelan

Whelan, speaking to Football Insider, has gone against the grain with Eriksen – claiming that Tottenham are in fact stronger without the playmaker and outcast Dele Alli.

“The defence isn’t the best but they are still good players,” explained the Sky pundit.

“This is a team that will score lots of goals. I can’t believe how they can freeze out Dele Alli and sell Christian Eriksen and be even stronger.”

Transfer Tavern take

While manager Jose Mourinho benefitted from a stellar transfer window, securing seven marquee signings including a return for club hero Gareth Bale, landing Eriksen would arguably be the icing on the cake.

Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso have been utilised in a more central attacking midfield role, but having Eriksen back would gift Spurs that extra creative spark.

In other news: Levy could bag this ‘massive signing’ in January, find out more here. 

David Moyes can revive Amadou Diawara’s wavering career amid reports that West Ham United could rival Leicester City for the AS Roma midfielder in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the Irons and Foxes head up the growing chase for Diawara’s services ahead of the mid-season market, with several sides thought to be keen on the 23-year-old, who Roma are eager to offload.

The Giallorossi have placed Diawara on their transfer list as they strive to raise funds for a pursuit of Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, who boss Paulo Fonseca has earmarked as his top target for the winter. However, Roma have been quoted a €30million (£27.1m) asking price, so they need to bring in some cash with a sale or two.

West Ham and Leicester are expected to present bids worth €20m (£18m) for Diawara’s services, just months after Arsenal being quoted with a £27m asking price amidst their own efforts to lure the Guinea international to north London.

The Gunners ultimately opted for Thomas Partey, but despite his stay, Fonseca has rarely been able to call on Diawara this season with the 11-cap ace starting just one of his three Serie A appearances while missing a month after testing positive for coronavirus.

Diawara was a far more integral aspect of the Roma starting line-up last term with 19 starts over 22 Italian top-flight outings, but even ten, he missed 10 fixtures through two separate meniscal injuries sustained either side of the New Year.

Imagine him and Rice

Moyes could form a formidable partnership at the London Stadium were he to pair Declan Rice with Diawara after a successful raid on the Stadio Olimpico in January, as the Roma outcast proved his credentials as an intimidating unit last season.

While chances to feature under Fonseca have been limited thus far this season and could be further stunted should Roma acquire Nandez, Diawara offered a strong threat in the engine room for the Italian capital outfit last term.

The 6ft enforcer averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 3.1 ground duels won a game in the Serie A during 2019/20, per SofaScore, while completing each of his 0.5 dribbles, losing possession just 5.5 times, completing 40.4 passes with a success rate of 89% and playing 0.7 key balls, despite rarely venturing beyond the middle third of the field.

Moyes could help revive Diawara’s wavering career by offering the Guinea international, who stated how an extended run in the side last season brought back a lot of the confidence his meniscal injuries and the postponement of fixtures ensured he lost, a route out of Rome.

“The injury and the break didn’t help me, but now I’m playing more and I have more confidence,” Diawara told Roma TV. “I can play more games and I have to continue like this.”

AND in other news, David Moyes dodged a £34m bullet in “incredible” rocket West Ham eyed this summer.

Writing on Twitter, Spurs legend Graham Roberts has heaped praise on new Tottenham talent Sergio Reguilon as a ‘top man’ whilst revealing how he has taken to the club after a brief conversation – with Daniel Levy’s summer signing apparently ‘loving life’ at the club amid claims Real Madrid are eyeing a return.Â

Reguilon, who was brought in as Spurs’ fourth acquisition over a busy transfer window, joining the club in a deal which could rise to £32 million, has certainly won over both the fans and Jose Mourinho in that time.

Roberts in awe of Reguilon

Alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, it’s safe to say the 23-year-old starlet has proven to be one of the Lilywhites’ crown jewels of the summer transfer market – starting seven Premier League games already this season and putting his stamp on the left-back position.

Reguilon was a player Spurs had been admiring from afar, and when he became available for a price too good to resist, Levy promptly instigated the deal despite not having a left-back high on his priority list.

Tottenham legend Roberts, taking to social media, has been in awe of Reguilon after meeting him in person – sharing his feelings on life in north London with supporters after meeting the defender and talking.

Indeed, apparently he ‘could not speak more highly’ of Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, all the while ‘loving life’ at the club amid speculation Real Madrid could opt to activate a buy-back clause in the not-too-distant future.

Transfer Tavern take

Described as a player turning heads behind the scenes, with staff and coaches describing his work in training as ‘phenomenal’ (Football Insider), Roberts’ update that he is in fact loving Tottenham could come as music to the ears of supporters.

As his stance on Spurs is revealed, this could come as a massive boost in Mourinho’s hopes to keep him, with Reguilon having a right to reject the buy-back clause if he is indeed happy with his current position.

Whether or not the Galacticos come calling eventually remains to be seen, but this new Tottenham talent has certainly got plenty of admirers both in and outside the club.

In other news: Tottenham could lose this ‘beast’ in January, find out more here.Â

Nuno Espirito Santo and his men will be left seething after they were dealt a last gasp blow in Saturday’s West Midlands derby. In what was a cagey affair throughout, both teams were reduced to ten men after Douglas Luiz and Joao Moutinho were both given their marching orders in the second half.

A stoppage time penalty netted by Anwar El Ghazi was enough to snatch the win at Molineux, leaving the home side’s players and fans extremely disappointed.

The Wanderers were below average in their performances as a team, but one man who did put in a good shift was Daniel Podence. The 25-year-old was unlucky not to create some magic for his side, but his display is one that Nuno will be impressed with.

Daniel Podence stats vs Aston Villa

While Fabio Silva struggled to fill the boots of the injured Raul Jimenez, Podence pulled the strings from the midfield. According to Sofascore, he completed 100% of his attempted dribbles, made two key passes and drew in four fouls, which only highlights how much Villa struggled to deal with his presence.

Not only was Podence sharp in getting forward, but he worked hard to help out the defence as well. The £60,000 per week midfield man contributed two interceptions, one tackle and one clearance, which put him on the same level as defender Fernando Marcal.

Wolves have another tough match coming their way as they look ahead to face Chelsea on Tuesday. Nuno must whip his men into shape if they don’t to risk a demolition on home soil just three days after their derby loss.

In other news, this Wolves ace badly let Nuno down against Aston Villa…

Many Liverpool fans have been reacting to news that striker Divock Origi is to be offered in a swap deal for Schalke defender Ozan Kabak.

The 20-year-old centre-back has earned plenty of plaudits for his performances in the Bundesliga and his maturity at such a young age was called “astonishing” by Stuttgart sporting director Thomas Hitzelsperger during his time at Die Roten (cited by talkSPORT).

Sky Germany (via Anfield Edition) reported that the Reds have contacted Schalke over sending Origi the other way in exchange for Kabak.

The Kop faithful have heavily criticised the Belgian of late, with some suggesting that his time at the club has come to an end.

With Liverpool’s current injury crisis in the defensive department, supporters would welcome offloading the 25-year-old in exchange for Kabak.

Fans urge Liverpool to offload Origi for Kabak

“This sounds like it will be a good piece of business for both teams, more especially for Liverpool who needs a centre-back.”

Credit: @OmilaVincent2

“100% needs to happen.”

Credit: @RomeoKomTrikru

“Yes yes yes yes yes.”

Credit: @CaroleAnne1487

“We need a centre-back and it’s time for Origi to move on so I can see this deal happening in January.”

Credit: @1121LFC

“If this happens plus we get David Alaba its PL title secured back to back seasons.”

Credit: @Jhonny_Savage

“nahhhhhh no way I beg”

Credit: @MikeJones2k

In other news, Journalist provides conclusive five-word statement amid Mohamed Salah exit rumours.

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Tottenham Hotspur icon Gary Mabbutt has reacted to Giovani Lo Celso’s latest injury setback as Jose Mourinho’s side prepare to face Wolverhampton Wanderers this evening.

The Argentine playmaker was withdrawn early in the second half against Leicester City last weekend and was not involved in their Carabao Cup quarter-final with Stoke City despite Spurs fielding a strong-looking lineup.

The extent of this latest problem is not yet known, though it is not the first time the 24-year-old has been dealt a blow.

Earlier in the campaign, Mourinho even criticised Lo Celso’s fitness, he told reporters, via Sky Sports:

“I feel that when he plays he’s not the Gio that we know, not the Gio that we know that he can be an amazing player. But with the ball of course great criteria and he knows what he’s doing of course, and understands the way we want to play. But we need more intensity to be fitter, to be more intense and to be stronger in the transitions.”

Valued at £31.5m the attacking midfielder has already missed a month of action this term, adding to the eight matches he was absent for last season through injury issues, as per Transfermarkt.

However, despite the latest setback, Mabbutt isn’t too worried as he believes the north Londoners have the squad depth to cope during his absence…

He told FFC:

“Again, it’s a blow to lose any player.

“Everyone talks about how Harry Kane has missed games in the last few seasons with injuries. If Harry Kane isn’t there, then someone will step up. You know, Vinicius. He could come in. [Other] players can step up to the mark.

“We could put out two first teams of players, so I’m not too disappointed.

“When a player is injured, don’t take risks. Don’t make it so they could be out six weeks rather than two weeks.

“The medical team that we have are fantastic, so no, I’m not too concerned about the injury. Hopefully, it won’t be too serious.”

Indeed, Mourinho has an array of options at his disposal – Tanguy Ndombele could come back in or even Gareth Bale could be deployed there too.

Erik Lamela has also just returned from a stint on the sidelines too and came on in the role during the second half of Wednesday’s encounter.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Gary Mabbutt reacts to what Serge Aurier did AFTER being subbed vs Leicester…

David Moyes risks making an unforgivable mistake in the January transfer window by eying Red Bull Salzburg forward Patson Daka as Sebastien Haller’s replacement.

What’s the word?

According to the Mirror, the Hammers have been offered the chance to sign Daka after Haller’s £20m move to AFC Ajax left Michail Antonio as the club’s only senior striker.

Moyes is on the hunt for Haller’s replacement, yet has insisted the Irons will only spend on attacking arrivals this month if the right option becomes available.

Salzburg are thought to value Daka at £25m after he netted 15 goals in 17 games prior to the Austrian winter break, including striking home eight in eight Bundesliga games – only failing to score once after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The 18-cap Zambia international is apparently keen to secure a switch to the Premier League, which would bring the curtain down on a three-and-a-half-year spell at the Red Bull Arena for the 2017 African Youth Player of the Year.

Daka’s stock rose considerably during 2020 as he became the most-valuable current Bundesliga player, as he enjoyed a career-best season, hitting 27 goals and providing 12 assists across all competitions after offering six goals and two assists in the previous campaign.

An unforgivable mistake

Despite Daka’s impressive contribution with RB Salzburg, Moyes opting to instruct West Ham co-owner and Chairman David Sullivan to splash the cash on the 6ft ace would see the Hammers boss risk making an unforgivable mistake.

Haller proved to be an unmitigated flop in claret and blue as he was unable to suit the one-striker system Moyes has favoured throughout his second spell at the London Stadium, but those signs were clear from his time with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Before joining the Irons in a club-record £45m deal during the costly Manuel Pellegrini/Mario Husillos era, Haller was one of the stars of a Frankfurt side as he played beside mobile and lethal forwards Luka Jovic and Ante Rebic rather than lead the line on his own.

Moyes often questioned Haller’s ability to play solo, noting via quotes by the Evening Standard: “I think Seb, a 6 ft 4 centre-forward and you’re leading the line, I think you are expecting much more of that. Maybe Seb isn’t completely that type. We are still finding out exactly what Seb’s attributes are in that case.”

Haller’s failings will likely remain at the London Stadium despite his exit if West Ham opt to target Daka, for Salzburg boss Jesse Marsch has never fielded the Zambian as an isolated centre-forward throughout his 69 games in charge of the Austrian side.

Marsch only ever deploys sides featuring two out-and-out strikers leading the line, thus Moyes would be spending big on a player who, like Haller, may not understand the role he is signed to play.

AND in other news, David Sullivan can seal West Ham’s dream Sebastien Haller heir in an “extraordinary” gem.

With 155 games played for the club, Gaetano Berardi proved himself to be a rock at the back for Leeds United as they fought their way to the promised land of the Premier League.He first started playing for the Elland Road side back in the 2014/2015 campaign, and featured in 22 of the Whites’ promotion-winning campaign in the Championship last season.But after suffering an ACL tear in a 3-1 win over Derby at the back end of last season, Berardi’s future is well and truly up in the air, what with his contract at the club expiring this summer.Speaking after confirmation of Berardi’s injury, Bielsa himself said: “Berardi, for all of us, is an example. Don’t think the fact I say he is an example, I don’t value his football characteristics. The 30 minutes he played in the last match was one of the best performances he had in two years.”In the social life of the team, he is very important and I imagine Berardi is the person you have to ask what we should do. Sometimes I considered asking him when I had doubts. Of course, my job is to make decisions and I had more doubt than certainty. More than once, I had this feeling to take advice from him.”The Swiss ace’s influence has extended to matters outside of the pitch, with him becoming a real leader and stalwart of the dressing room at Elland Road.Leeds showed a fabulous touch of class by handing the £35k-a-week ace a new contract until the end of this season, knowing full well that he would miss most of it recovering from his knee surgery.

But given he’ll turn 33 in August, Berardi’s career is at a real crossroads. Being out for such a long time with a knee injury is difficult to deal with and get over at any age, but for someone like the Switzerland international, it’s pretty unlikely he will now get back to his best.

It would be a ruthless call from Andrea Radrizzani to let Berardi walk away when his contract expires, especially given the kind of loyal service he has given to Leeds over the years.

But the time has surely come now for both parties to move on. It might leave Bielsa fuming, seeing one of his most trusted lieutenants and leaders leave, but it’s the right call at the right time.

Meanwhile, Leeds may already have a future Klich successor…

Just as a moment of positivity is finally injected into Sunderland, it gets torn straight back down.

Their 3-0 win over Wimbledon courtesy of a Charlie Wyke hat-trick was superb but the brightest point of Lee Johnson’s tenure has undoubtedly been a 4-0 rout of fellow promotion rivals Lincoln.

Yet, there is a colossal negative right now. That happens to be their run of form at the Stadium of Light. Johnson has yet to see his side win at home since he was given the job. Given they’re playing in the northeast again on Saturday, it doesn’t bode particularly well.

Though, what starting XI will Johnson prefer when the Mackems meet Shrewsbury at 3pm this afternoon?

Well, we’re tipping the former Bristol City manager to make as many as three changes to the side that were beaten by Plymouth last time out.

Jordan Willis went off through injury just after half an hour in midweek but despite being a massive doubt for when Shrewsbury come to town, Johnson claimed that he should be alright to play during his Friday press conference.

Despite that, we’re tipping Dion Sanderson to keep his place but to move to left-back. We’ve already expressed our concerns over the performances of Callum McFadzean so he drops out.

Coming in at right-back will be Max Power. The 27-year-old started as a substitute last time out but considering his vibrant performance versus Port Vale in defence, he has to come in.

We think that Sunderland’s forward line of Aiden McGeady, Wyke and Aiden O’Brien should stay the same. Wyke’s hat-trick last weekend and O’Brien’s goals in successive midweek games dictate that they have to make the starting XI.

Meanwhile, we anticipate Johnson to potentially make two changes in the middle of the park. That sees Grant Leadbitter come in for Carl Winchester. The latter made his first start for the Black Cats since signing from Forest Green when they lost to Plymouth but the 27-year-old is immediately axed while he gets up to speed.

The one remaining change to go through is Elliot Embleton stepping in for Jack Diamond. Like Power, the former impressed against Port Vale so deserves a run out in the league.

AND in other news, Speakman could find Sunderland’s new Wyke with swoop for “fantastic” 27 y/o…