All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolves legend Steve Bull insists that the next Wolves manager has plenty to live up to following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The 47-year-old departed the Molineux club following the final game of the season, bringing to an end a four-year spell with the Midlands club.

In that time, Santo took Wolves from the Championship into the Premier League and kept them there, establishing the side as a genuine force in the top-flight.

This season, though, Wolves have struggled somewhat and limped to a 13th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Nuno was forced to blood the youngster Fabio Silva up front after the horrific head injury sustained by Raul Jimenez and Bull believes that the season actually ended in a reasonable manner because of the sheer amount of bad luck Wolves suffered through.

As a result, he feels that Nuno’s replacement faces a mighty job as he looks to fill the Portuguese’s shoes.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “Whoever comes in, I just think the club have got to get behind them.

“We’ve got a bunch of youngsters at the moment learning their trade, and whoever comes in, they’ve got a job and a half to do, because of the transformation this year.

“Nuno had players going out, young players coming in, injuries, and I don’t think we’ve had a bad season overall with what we’ve gone through.”

Liverpool attacking midfielder Harry Wilson has completed a permanent move to Fulham, as per a report from Goal. 

The lowdown: Wilson’s career so far

Wilson has been with the Reds since 2013, having joined as a youngster before advancing through the academy ranks on Merseyside.

The Wrexham-born star racked up 32 goals and 14 assists for the Liverpool under-23s and made a senior debut against Plymouth in the FA Cup in 2017.

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However, the Wales international only made one more competitive first-team outing and was sent out various loan deals to Crewe Alexandra, Hull City, Derby County, Cardiff City and Bournemouth.

The latest: Finally found a home

As per the report from Goal, the 25-year-old winger is set to turn the latest loan switch into a permanent one this summer.

Speaking to the outlet, Wilson has confirmed that he’s delighted to finally have ‘stability’ following a career of temporary switches to date.

The report claims that Liverpool will receive £12m and hold a 15% sell-on clause for the player, who was once described as ‘magic’ by Neil Harris after a stellar display against Birmingham City whilst on loan at Cardiff.

The verdict: Unfortunate timing

Truthfully, given the strength in depth at Anfield, the Welshman has always faced an uphill battle to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s long-term plans. Despite often shining during pre-season, the 34-cap star never truly appeared ready to make the necessary step-up to this current Liverpool squad.

Wilson has flourished once more in the Championship this season and currently boasts an excellent return of 11 goals and 18 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions for newly-promoted Fulham.

Ultimately the right-winger may end up simply being a victim of circumstance as, in previous incarnations of Liverpool, the cultured left-footer would almost certainly have been given a try. However, when sharing a position with the mercurial Mohamed Salah, regular opportunities were never likely to be forthcoming.

Attention will now turn to how Liverpool’s incoming sporting director Julian Ward can best spend the early budget boost in the summer transfer window.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Many Manchester United fans slammed the performance of Dan James in their game at Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The former Swansea City man did not have the best of games for the Old Trafford club, losing out on 10 of his duels as he also failed to record a single shot on goal in the entire game (Sofascore).

James also failed in four of his dribble attempts and did not record a single key pass, accurate cross or long ball, all while losing possession on 18 separate occasions in the match, earning him a measly 6.5 overall rating on Sofascore.

The Wales international may have put his place in the starting XI against AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night in doubt after this underwhelming performance.

Manchester United fans slam Dan James

These Red Devils supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one Man United fan claiming that he was ‘poor’ against the Whites:

“Pogba on James off He had a shocker today! #MUFC”

Credit: @AzumaNelson

“If we lose this game it’s down to OLE, Simple. Get James off he’s having a mare. #MUFC”

Credit: @Cozy44

“Rashford and James been so poor today. Need Cavani in there #MUFC”

Credit: @DJConnerRoberts

“Dan James spends half the game falling over #MUFC”

Credit: @JordanPhelps21

“Daniel James is so physically weak, how does he end up on the ground every time another player gets near him?? He’s not cut out for this game #MUFC”

Credit: @RedDevil_Wy

“James is simply NOT GOOD ENOUGH for Manchester United!! #MUFC #GGMU #LEEMUN”

Credit: @SazlanKoreo

In other news, find out what recent update has left these United fans fuming.

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this evening and manager Antonio Conte is facing several decisions on his team selection.

Their north London derby against Arsenal was postponed on Sunday, so he should be able to welcome back a few players from injury that wouldn’t have featured, as one positive.

Conte’s men head to the Midlands to face Leicester City, who haven’t played in three weeks due to a number of postponements, at the King Power Stadium.

This encounter is actually re-arranged from before Christmas, so both teams have plenty of games in hand and are by no means out of the race for the top four.

But what sort of lineup could we see from the Italian tonight? Here’s what we are predicting…

It has been a week since Spurs last played as they exited the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage, tasting defeat to Chelsea over two legs. And there could be as many as four changes from last Wednesday’s defeat.

After being rested for that encounter, club captain Hugo Lloris should return between the sticks over Pierluigi Gollini, on the week in which his contract edges closer to an extension.

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The backline is likely to remain largely the same, with central defensive duo Eric Dier and Cristian Romero still absent through injury. It means left-back Ben Davies will partner Davinson Sanchez and 22-year-old Japhet Tanganga in a back three.

Emerson should continue at right wing-back but Conte will be able to welcome the return of Sergio Reguilon on the left, who replaces Matt Doherty in a straight swap.

In midfield, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg should remain and he is joined by Oliver Skipp. There is no place for either Harry Winks or Giovani Lo Celso, who are both axed to allow the midfield gem back into the side.

Further up the pitch, there is still no Heung-min Son but we may well see the return of Steven Bergwijn, who was expected to be named on the bench on Sunday.

He joins Lucas Moura and Harry Kane in the attack.

Predicted Spurs XI vs Leicester (3-4-3): Lloris; Davies, Sanchez, Tanganga; Reguilon, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Emerson; Bergwijn, Moura, Kane

AND in other news, Spurs now “interested” in £10m gem with “enormous ability”, he could be the new Walker…

Italian football expert Conor Clancy believes a sensational return to Arsenal could be on the cards for Aaron Ramsey.

The Wales international left the Emirates Stadium for Italian giants Juventus following the expiry of his contract two years ago.

However, a loss of form and injuries have resulted in the 67-cap Ramsey struggling to settle at the Turin-based club, with him being restricted to 65 appearances.

The 30-year-old is among a host of big names who are up for sale this summer as Juventus, under the returning Massimiliano Allegri following the sacking of Andrea Pirlo in May, look to shake up their squad after the disappointment of relinquishing the Serie A title last term.

According to Calciomercato, Arsenal are keen to be reunited with Ramsey.

The Gunners face competition from a host of other Premier League clubs, including arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, per Metro.

But Clancy, editor of Forza Italian Football, thinks Ramsey’s heart could be set on a return to the Emirates Stadium.

He exclusively told Football FanCast: “He was there. He likes the club and the club like him. If I had to put money on it, I’d say he’ll go to Arsenal.”

According to a report by Italian news outlet Il Resto del Carlino, via West Ham Central, the club have ‘already made an enquiry’ to re-sign former Hammers star Marko Arnautovic as he looks set to leave China this summer – prompting many supporters to erupt in response. 

Links to the Austrian hitman have been resurfacing lately after Sky Sports claimed back in January the Irons were offered the chance to take Arnautovic back to the London Stadium.

Indeed, Il Resto del Carlino claim that West Ham have already made an approach for the 32-year-old amid manager David Moyes’ continued hunt for an out-and-out striker.

Scoring 22 goals and assisting 12 others in 65 appearances during his last stint in east London (Transfermarkt), he was revered at times with Moyes even branding Arnautovic ‘unplayable’ (Sky Sports).

However, he left on unceremonious terms for the Chinese Super League, and many West Ham supporters have erupted over this enquiry news as a result.

Find all of their verdicts from social media down below.

West Ham fans livid after Arnautovic development

“I beg this isn’t true”

Credit: @TomGuy93

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GET HIM OUT”

Credit: @mrwestham22

“Hope this is a wind up.”

Credit: @b2brdk

“No no no”

Credit: @hammerhastie316

“Why ruin my friday”

Credit: @jackhcc

“We should get some squad players that really want to play for us….Not ones that run off at the first sniff of money!!”

Credit: @21digits

“the number of player who are better than him haha what a joke for wanting a guy who spit on the badge I can’t understand how you can think that you are a fan if you prefer a guy over the badge :/”

Credit: @krays2208

“I worry about his attitude. We have a good balance atm in terms of attitudes and egos. He could really throw that out.”

Credit: @deanashtonsfoot

In other news: Bids expected for West Ham star this summer, find out more here.

Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn is attracting transfer interest from Liverpool.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s side are keen on making a move for the Scotland international this summer, and now, Paul Robinson has delivered his verdict on what it could potentially mean for Villa.

He said: “It would be a massive blow to Aston Villa. I’m not sure they can afford to lose John McGinn. You saw how much the team missed him when he was not in it, it was similar to when Villa didn’t have Grealish for that period.

“Dean Smith will not want to break up that team because they had an amazing season last year.”

Fans would be devastated

A mainstay of Dean Smith’s side in the Premier League, McGinn enjoyed a fine campaign last season, with Sky Sports and Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards waxing lyrical about him.

He said: “This season he’s been absolutely incredible, back to the John McGinn I know. A lot of shine goes off of him because of Grealish because Grealish does the little bits that make people stand up on their chairs, but in terms of hard work, putting in tackles, goals and assists, John McGinn is a top, top player.

“Villa have been a successful side largely down to him as well and his work-rate in there.”

And, speaking last summer, former Villa ace Allan Evans hailed what the midfielder offers to Smith’s side, saying: “John has really been a saviour for Aston Villa. They were in a difficult situation and he was exactly the kind of guy they needed to get out of trouble. John has been a real star for the club.”

The fact Klopp feels McGinn is good enough to be playing for Liverpool, is a real telling sign of how highly-rated the Scotland international is.

While letting Jack Grealish go would be a major blow for Villa this summer, seeing McGinn leave would also be devastating for the club’s fans who’ve been very open in praising him.

It would be a real disaster for Villa to cash in on the Scottish ace.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has revealed Villa’s plans for Jacob Ramsey…

Nuno Santo will surely be nervously waiting for Tottenham Hotspur to make it through the January transfer window as a worrying report emerged this week…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish publication Defensa Central, La Liga giants Real Madrid are keen to try and bring Sergio Reguilon back to the Bernabeu but want to renegotiate their buy-back clause.

It’s thought that the current deal allows them to secure his return for around €40m (£34m), though that expires at the end of the current campaign and the Spanish outfit want to reduce that by around €10m (£8m), as per the report.

Madrid veteran Marcelo has lost his place to Ferland Mendy, whilst backup Miguel Gutierrez is vastly inexperienced, so the league leaders are considering a move for their former youth graduate.

Both Los Blancos president Florentino Perez and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy have done plenty of business in the past, despite the latter’s tough reputation when it comes to transfers.

Hammer blow

Heading into 2022, this is surely enough to leave Nuno and co absolutely sweating, for a number of reasons.

It is believed that Spurs are targeting attacking reinforcements in January, as per The Athletic, so it would be considered a setback to have to find a new left-back on top of these much-needed additions.

Creativity and goal threat in the final third has perhaps been their biggest Achilles heel so far this term.

Whilst, Reguilon is a key player under the Portuguese coach, having started and played the full duration in all seven of their Premier League outings this term.

His backup, Ben Davies, is far from inspiring and offers a lot less of an attacking threat than the Spanish international. Similarly, third-choice Ryan Sessegnon has been dealing with injuries and has been rarely utilised since his £25m move from Fulham a little over two years ago.

Reguilon is currently Spurs’ fourth highest-rated player (6.96) on the season and he has proven to be a major influence at either end of the pitch for Nuno, having averaged a squad-high 2.4 interceptions, on top of 2.1 tackles and 0.9 key passes, via WhoScored.

Therefore, the fact that Madrid are snooping around for his signature is cause for concern. They can activate that clause at any point between now and the end of the season, so Spurs must be praying that doesn’t happen as they’ll lose one of their key stars.

It’ll leave much of the Lilywhites faithful worried, concerned and probably a bit angry that the club even made such an agreement as his impressive form would have undoubtedly kept the La Liga outfit keen.

Whether the Spanish side do come calling or not very much remains to be seen at this stage.

AND in other news, Signed for £15m, now worth 200% more: Levy played a huge blinder with Spurs’ “monster”…

Celtic are plotting a second bid for Aaron Hickey in an attempt to bring the left-back to Parkhead this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scottish Sun, who claim that, following Bologna FC 1909’s rejection of the Bhoys’ £3.5m offer for the 19-year-old, Ange Postecoglou’s is plotting a second bid for the Scotland U21 international.

The report goes on to state that Sinisa Mihajlovic would like to keep hold of the defender this summer, while AFC Fiorentina also reported to be keeping an eye on the situation of Hickey.

However, despite the Bologna manager’s reluctance, a report by Il Resto del Carlino (via 67 Hail Hail) claimed that the Serie A side would likely be tempted into parting with the player should they receive an offer of around €8m (£7m).

Ange would love him

With it being claimed that Postecoglou is looking to purchase players in the summer transfer window who can operate in a number of positions, Hickey would very much appear to be a player the Greek manager would love.

Indeed, the £4.5m-rated youngster is an extremely versatile defender, having played at left, centre and right-back over his short professional footballing career thus far, as well as on the left and right-hand side of midfield.

The former Heart of Midlothian man also turned in impressive defensive metrics over his 11 Serie A appearances for Bologna last season, helping his side keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 1.1 clearances and winning 3.5 duels per game.

As such, it is evident why Postecoglou is so eager to get a deal done for the man Austin MacPhee once compared to Sergio Busquets, as the 19-year-old seems to possess a considerable amount of potential, as well as already being a very solid option in defence.

However, with Mihajlovic so far holding firm on his position regarding Hickey, whether or not Celtic can get a deal over the line for the left-back this summer is very much up in the air at present.

It’s exactly why Dominic McKay should return with a second offer for the starlet this summer.

In other news: Celtic dealt blow as “creative” 11 G/A gem has “decided” on move, Ange will be gutted

Kurt Zouma is one step closer to becoming a West Ham United player…

What’s the word?

According to ExWHUemployee, the Chelsea centre-back is expected to undergo a medical within the next day or two and it comes after a €30m (£26m) fee was agreed for the 26-year-old.

“The club now believe that they can get the medical completed within the next 24-48 hours,” he told ‘The West Ham Way’ Patreon page.

“There are a few steps to go plus obvious medical. The deal is now more advanced than the [Nikola] Milenkovic one ever was. Let’s hope we finally get an outfield deal over the line. As soon as I hear it’s complete, I will post.

“I have been told that not only does [David] Moyes feel he is securing his number one target, a top-quality centre back but also a very good lad who will settle into the changing room superbly and be part of the great team spirit that has been created.”

Imminent arrival

Much of the London Stadium faithful have been crying out for West Ham to sign Zouma this summer.

When reports first emerged linking the Irons to the France international, many could not contain their excitement – for example, one supporter claimed “what a signing” it would be, whilst another suggested it was a “big upgrade” on Craig Dawson, as relayed by Hammers.News.

This is hugely understandable as Moyes let Fabian Balbuena run down his contract at the end of last season, so there’s a place in the squad for the 26-year-old.

He’ll surely slot right in given his experience.

Zouma has played over 200 times across the Premier League and in Europe, and last season, none of Moyes’ current options – Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Dawson – could match his impressive returns.

Via WhoScored, the £28.8m-rated colossus won a whopping 3.6 aerial duels per game and only three other centre-backs in the whole league were better with the ball at his feet, having averaged a 90.6% passing accuracy.

Premier League legend John Terry also once hailed him a “beast of a player”, which is a huge glowing endorsement on his ability, and if that doesn’t provide further encouragement to why the Hammers are receiving a top-quality player, then nothing will.

The Irons faithful are surely buzzing by this latest development from Ex as it means Zouma is very close to becoming a West Ham player.

AND in other news, talkSPORT’s Jim White drops huge West Ham transfer claim…