All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn is attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by SoccerNews (via Sport Witness), Erik ten Hag suggested that he would be willing to make a move for the 24-year-old forward in the upcoming winter market, as well as revealing that he is currently exploring the possibility of securing a deal for the Netherlands international.

When discussing Ajax’s January transfer business, the 51-year-old said: “I may repeat myself, but we want to improve. If there is an option for that, we will investigate it. Whether we also investigate Bergwijn’s situation? We investigate everything. We are professionals.”

Levy must axe Bergwijn

While it is undeniable that Bergwijn is a player who can produce a moment of magic for Spurs, such as his incredible debut goal against Manchester City, whether or not the forward has proven worth his £27m transfer fee is another – much more debatable – matter entirely.

Indeed, over his 21 Premier League appearances – only 13 of which came as starts – during his first full season in north London, the £26m-rated winger scored just one goal, registered three assists and created no big chances for his teammates, as well as taking just 0.7 shots and making a mere 0.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Nuno Espirito Santo dubbed a “unique” talent earn a disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.56, ranking him as Spurs’ worst performer in the top flight.

Things have not improved much for the £73k-per-week winger this term, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.70 over his six league fixtures, as well as being awarded just three minutes of first-team football since Antonio Conte’s arrival at the club.

Indeed, it has been reported that the Italian is far from the 24-year-old’s biggest fan, with Dutch journalist Mike Verweij even claiming that Conte has spoken just “two words” to Bergwijn during his short time at the club.

As such, with Bergwijn’s resale value still likely to be relatively high, it would seem a wise move for Daniel Levy to cash in on the forward this winter. As it seems unlikely that the Dutchman will become an important part of Conte’s first-team squad at Spurs, his hefty weekly wage could easily be put to better use by the 52-year-old in January.

In other news: Paratici can seal Conte’s dream Spurs signing in 6 ft 1 beast he dubbed “outstanding”

Tottenham Hotspur are set to sanction the departure of promising academy gem Dilan Markanday this week…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, who delivered an update on the situation to fans on Twitter this week.

“#Blackburn are close to agreeing [on] a deal to sign #Tottenham winger Dilan Markanday,” he said. “The context around this is that #Tottenham have wanted Markanday to sign a new contract and go out on loan, but he wants a permanent part of a senior first team and he’s good enough. A string of Championship clubs offering him the chance, including #Blackburn.”

Indeed, this certainly appears to be the case as fellow reporter Michael Bridge delivered his verdict to GIVEMESPORT.

“No confirmation yet, but I understand that Markanday’s contract runs out at the end of the season, so you’d assume it was a permanent deal.”

Terrible news

Spurs now seem set to lose out on one of their most exciting young talents, one that is a boyhood supporter of the club.

Markanday has been in electric form for the U23s this season, scoring 12 goals in only 14 appearances in the Premier League 2 and he has done so playing in a variety of attacking positions – largely, upfront and on the left flank.

A winger by trade, the 20-year-old seems a nice fit for Antonio Conte’s system as he can provide valuable backup to the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

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However, he just hasn’t been trusted to feature under the Italian, whereas players like Dane Scarlett have. Baffling.

The Barnet-born starlet envisaged spending his whole career at the club, as he revealed to the Independent back in November.

“The dream is to play for Tottenham for the next 15 years, playing every game, but obviously I know things might not work out and there are going to be ups and downs. But all I can control is the controllables and things will work out for the best,” he claimed.

Dubbed a “big talent” by broadcaster and Spurs fan Greg Jenner, it seems inexcusable to let a player with Markanday’s talent and attitude leave the club this month, instead of tying him down and plotting out plans for him to become a first-team star.

Just as Jenner is angry, much of the Lilywhites faithful are too – many were left dubbing the youth system a “joke.”

It wouldn’t be the first time that the club has lost a promising talent, either. You only have to look at what Noni Madueke has done in Holland to see why this is a major mistake.

No wonder many are fuming with this news.

AND in other news, “I’ve just had a message”: Duncan Castles drops Spurs transfer bombshell, Conte will be livid…

Lee Ryder has dropped a promising update on Mike Ashley and the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the journalist has said that Ashley is ‘still confident’ of getting the deal he wants with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group, despite a recent report from The Mirror which stated that the KSA consortium has ‘turned its attentions’ to Inter Milan and is now ‘working on’ a deal with the current Serie A leaders.

Nonetheless, Ryder has stated that Ashley ‘remains eager’ to sell at St James’ Park and feels as if his deal with the KSA group ‘still stands’ given that the club have eased worries of being relegated from the Premier League after their 3-2 win over West Ham United on Saturday.

Still hope for Newcastle takeover

Given Ashley’s latest stance, there seems strong hope that the proposed deal between him and the KSA consortium can still be revived.

Yes, there is talk of the group potentially switching their attentions to Inter, but if Newcastle were to avoid relegation, then that would certainly tick a box for them given that they wanted to invest in a club in the Premier League.

Nonetheless, the potential takeover of the Magpies will likely not be revisited until their top-flight status is 100% secure for another season.

In other news, find out what big PIF claim has been dropped on the potential takeover!

Aston Villa are on course to seal the permanent signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

What’s the Word?

That’s according to Football Insider, who claim that a source has revealed that Villa are in advanced talks to sign Olsen on a permanent deal from AS Roma – the 32-year-old shot-stopper who has been at the Premier League side on loan since January.

With just over a year left on his Roma contract, Gerrard could secure the services of Olsen on the cheap and he would provide solid cover for Emiliano Martinez next season.

Robin Olsen would provide excellent cover at Villa

During the first half of the campaign, Olsen was plying his trade at Sheffield United in the Championship, turning out 17 times for the Blades whilst only keeping one clean sheet.

This didn’t stop player John Egan from boosting the £13k-per-week keeper’s confidence, stating in the media that the Swede had a “big presence” and that they “were lucky to have him”.

Massive praise for someone who often let in too many goals during his tenure in the Championship. However, his international experience plus his age could well prove to make him a huge coup for Gerrard and Johan Lange.

Despite not making a first-team appearance for the side since his arrival, he has obviously impressed Steven Gerrard and the coaching staff. The Swede does have prior experience in the top flight, however, featuring for Everton on 11 occasions in the 2020-2021 season.

With further progress needed to show the board that he is moving in the right direction; Gerrard will be aiming to utilise his funds carefully and not squander vital cash on poor signings.

European football must be the aim and that is why the board went all out to secure his services from Rangers in November. The former England captain faces a huge summer ahead.

AND in other news: Gerrard now plotting AVFC bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon”, he’s better than Phillips

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to a clip on social media regarding star man Wilfried Zaha.

The 28-year-old, who stood tall rather than taking the knee prior to kick-off, dazzled fans with one piece of skill against the Baggies.

Roy Hodgson’s side ran out 1-0 winners at Selhurst Park, with Zaha’s first half cross resulting in a penalty after Darnell Furlong was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Luka Milivojevic converted from the spot, taking the Eagles into 11th position as a result.

Zaha skill

Zaha was making his first start following a thigh injury which ruled him out of five successive Premier League fixtures.

He had the beating of three Baggies defenders with some fancy footwork in the second half, with Palace fan @DrizzyCPFC sharing Steve Brookstein’s clip on social media.

Here is what these supporters had to say in response to the footage, which has been viewed more than 10,000 times, with many in awe of the Palace star.

Palace fans react

“This was disgracefully overlooked in a game devoid of any art at all. Masterful.”

Credit: @rickerz61

“This bit of skill didn’t even make the MOTD cut….”

Credit: @jkeltgv

“Just playing with them”

Credit: @hodderhoff

“Unreal.”

Credit: @CPFCH10

“Robert Snodgrass in the mud”

Credit: @cpfc_fpage_se25

“Top 5 dribbler in world football”

Credit: @RodriguesJayJay

In other news: Palace star linked with move to Premier League rivals, find out more here.

Former Wolves striker Steve Bull has warned potential Adama Traore suitors that the 25-year-old will only leave Molineux for a top-four club.

Traore has been heavily linked with a move away from Wolves, with one Premier League rival said to be very keen in particular.

According to Eurosport, Leeds United have a long-standing interest in Traore and are willing to pay up to £40m for the player this summer.

The same outlet reports that Wolves value Traore closer to the £80m mark, which may come as a shock to Leeds given his goal record and the fact that he has just two years left on his contract.

Whatever the case, Bull cannot see the Spanish winger moving to a club that is outside of the top four. He told TT in an exclusive interview:

“He’s too good to play for Leeds, put it that way. That’s no disrespect to Leeds. I think if he’s going to go anywhere, he’s going to go to a top-four club or he’ll go back to Spain, or Italy or Portugal – he’s a talented player.”

As well as Leeds, Chelsea are also said to be interested in Traore, with The Telegraph reporting that he is one target for Thomas Tuchel, so perhaps a move to a top-four club could be on the cards.

Celtic’s talks with Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke are progressing well, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Hoops make their move; Wyke ‘very keen’

Celtic aren’t the only side interested in snapping up the 28-year-old on a free transfer.

Championship sides Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and Millwall all held initial talks with the free-scoring forward, who his former manager Phil Parkinson hailed as ‘excellent’, however, reports have suggested he is ‘very keen’ to join Celtic.

The Hoops appeared to open talks with the striker on Thursday, and it seems as if discussions are going well.

The Latest: Source shares update

Former Sunderland striker and Football Insider pundit Kevin Phillips was having his say on a potential Hoops move for Wyke and what it would mean for the Black Cats.

In that story, shared on Friday, Football Insider claimed the latest update from a recruitment source is that talks with the Hoops are progressing well.

Phillips claimed a possible Parkhead switch for Wyke would be a ‘massive blow’ for Sunderland.

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The Verdict: A possible shrewd addition

Should Celtic get a deal over the line for Wyke, it could be a solid first signing for new Celtic CEO Dominic McKay and manager Ange Postecoglou.

The pair met in London on Friday to continue preparations for the new season, so Wyke could have been on the agenda for the two.

He scored 30 goals last season in all competitions, more than any other Celtic player. Wyke’s Sunderland deal was also thought to be worth £6,400-a-week, considerably less than a number of Hoops players.

So, on that basis, a free transfer for the Englishman could be a shrewd acquisition going forward.

In other news: Celtic set to miss out to Aston Villa in deal for 6ft 3 defedner, find out more here. 

Former Leicester City winger Keith Gillespie has suggested that striker Kelechi Iheanacho has handed Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers a “headache”.

Speaking exclusively to Football Fan Cast, he said that the Nigerian would be “unfortunate” to drop out of the team’s starting line-up once midfielder James Maddison returns to action.

It is certainly tough to disagree with Gillespie’s assessment, with Iheanacho having developed an argument to remain in the Foxes’ starting line-up for the remainder of the campaign.

At the time of writing, the striker is Leicester’s third-highest goalscorer of the 2020/21 campaign with 12 goals in all competitions.

The 24-year-old has certainly been in electric form as of late, scoring seven times in just his last five matches which include a hat-trick in a 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United and a brace as the Foxes booked their place in the FA Cup semi-final with a 3-1 win against Manchester United before the international break.

As a result, Iheanacho has now scored in each of his last three league appearances for the first time in his career.

It is form that has seen Iheanacho earn plenty of plaudits, having been nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for March.

It would certainly be harsh then for Rodgers to drop Iheanacho when he is in such hot form and when he is hunting one of his best personal seasons of his career. Iheanacho now just needs to score on two more occasions to match his 14-goal haul of the 2015/16 campaign.

However, with James Maddison also having a brilliant person season with 11 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, it’s certainly a tough choice between the two.

With his return to fitness though, it may take some time for the Englishman to return to match sharpness; giving Rodgers the perfect excuse to keep 28-cap Iheanacho in his starting line-up.

It is certainly a headache for the Leicester boss, but one he should be glad to have.

AND in more news, take a look at which Barcelona trickster the Foxes’ have reportedly reignited their interest in…

If anything summed up Celtic’s torrid season, it would be the way they ended it on Saturday afternoon.

A dismal 0-0 draw was played out in Scott Brown’s final Hoops clash, a game that typified their lacklustre attack and timid approach under the interim manager.

With just a 40% win percentage, the Bhoys need a new head coach now more than ever.

What’s the word?

Eddie Howe is widely expected to become the new Celtic manager with fresh claims towards the end of last week suggesting he would definitely arrive at Parkhead.

However, despite those reports, regular Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie still doubts he’ll come to Paradise next season.

Speaking to Football Transfer Tavern, he commented:

“When someone does drag their feet it’s almost like they’re waiting for something else. And that seems to be the way for me with Eddie Howe at this moment of time.

“It’s whether he wants to try and get himself into the Premier League or he wants to go and fulfil a dream up in Scotland at Celtic. At this moment in time, I really can’t see it happening.”

Mckay & Desmond growing frustrated

This has been a slog for majority shareholder Dermot Desmond and Celtic’s incoming CEO, Dominic McKay.

Desmond has been questioned over his shares and there has been so much speculation that Celtic had to issue a statement regarding the managerial situation a fortnight ago.

With that in mind, it didn’t appear as though the Bhoys were any closer to announcing a new manager.

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Indeed, this latest claim is unlikely to be received too well by those at Paradise, particularly after their dismal end to the campaign.

John Kennedy showed a lack of invention and flexibility, fielding a number of players against Hibernian on Saturday that won’t even be at the club next season.

He rather strangely dropped Adam Montgomery and only gave the exciting Karamoko Dembele ten minutes towards the end.

The likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Jonjoe Kenny were also given outings despite the fact that their loan deals are now coming to an end.

Of course, this game didn’t matter to anyone, but for Kennedy, it was an opportunity to show the hierarchy he deserves a chance to be given the role full-time.

It would be staggering if they turned their attentions away from Howe but after Hendrie’s claim in the last few days, they may have to look elsewhere. Their focus, however, cannot be on Kennedy.

Roy Keane and Lucien Favre are two names to have been interviewed and they may well have to hold more discussions with the two coaches if things go south with Howe again.

After all, this saga looks far from over. Desmond and McKay won’t be able to rest easy until a new manager finally arrives.

For now, they will still be incredibly stressed out over the situation that’s playing out in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Celtic can axe Griffiths by landing “terrific” 18-goal gem, he once embarrassed Bitton…

Arsenal have seemingly missed out on one of their mooted transfer targets to their most fierce of rivals…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, the Gunners were keen on signing Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal but the player himself prefers a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

“Arsenal wanted to sign Emerson Royal from Barcelona. Player wants to join Spurs,” he tweeted.

It’s thought that their north London rivals have reached an agreement to sign the Brazilian international for €30m (£25.7m), per Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, though details on personal terms are still to be ironed out.

The La Liga outfit will reportedly target Hector Bellerin after sanctioning the exit of Emerson to Spurs.

Another Edu mistake

This is where Edu Gaspar’s next mistake seemingly lies.

The Gunners’ chief could show exactly what he’s about by offering the player an offer he cannot refuse, or try to use Bellerin as a makeweight in any deal, especially if Barcelona are indeed keen to bring him back to the club.

Instead, it appears as if Arsenal are set to miss out on a key target, one that Mikel Arteta would’ve certainly liked, given that’s the one position he’s believed to want an addition in before tonight’s deadline.

But to make matters worse, he could well be lining up in a Spurs shirt instead. The Lilywhites are top of the Premier League, with Arteta’s squad sat rock bottom. It’s been a stark contrast so far this season and this transfer will only compound their woes more.

It would be merely the latest ghastly blunder from the former midfield-turned-sporting director.

At the weekend, the Gunners registered their third straight league defeat, losing 5-0 to defending champions Manchester City – a game that saw Granit Xhaka sent off. Not a good look for someone that was close to leaving the club all summer before Edu handed him a new deal as a last resort.

Similarly, it may be early days to judge, but the Brazilian has splashed out £24m on a backup goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale. Given their defensive issues, these finances could’ve been spent elsewhere.

In addition to that, too, Edu has taken his time to offload much of the deadwood, with the likes of Sead Kolasinac still on the books. Had players like that been moved on sooner, then perhaps Arteta would’ve had more money to spend on his playing squad, which is in dire need of even further additions.

He has spent around £300m, with the club only gaining £80m in return. A woeful job.

So if Edu is to miss out on Emerson, the pressure on his job could mount further. The Express believe the Arsenal hierarchy are already lining up his replacement. Time could be running out and this latest development does him no favours whatsoever.

AND in other news, John Cross reveals big transfer U-turn that’ll leave Arsenal fans fuming…