All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to James Pearce’s injury update on Jordan Henderson, with plenty of negativity in the air.

The Reds have had a season to forget in 2020/21, with their hopes of defending the Premier League title evaporating dramatically after Christmas.

While Jurgen Klopp and his players certainly deserve an element of blame for what has happened, injuries have played a key role in their shortcomings.

Liverpool have had to put up with an endless stream of fitness issues to key players, with centre-back trio Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“343638″]

On top of that, Klopp has also had to make do without the likes of Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Thiago, James Milner, Naby Keita and Diogo Jota for periods, among others.

Although Liverpool’s injury woes have eased a little in recent weeks, Henderson is one of those now sidelined, having picked up a groin issue against Everton last month.

On Sunday, Pearce confirmed in The Athletic that the skipper will likely miss the two Champions League quarter-final clashes against Real Madrid next month.

Liverpool fans bemoan Pearce’s update

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the “sad” news about the Reds captain.

“I hope to lord that you are joking. we need him on the 2nd leg!”

Credit: @StateOfReds13

“Whaaat? Did he lose a leg or something?”

Credit: @BaltonHovart

“Rumour has it one day James Pearce will actually give Liverpool fans some good news”

Credit: @SMiTLA

“Damn not even 2nd leg?”

Credit: @baekc01

“This is so sad”

Credit: @Gustavoarena90

“Noooo”

Credit: @addy_gerald

In other news, Liverpool fans have been reacting to a brilliant youngster’s performance over the weekend. Read about it here.

Celtic may be without a permanent first-team manager but that hasn’t stopped the Bhoys from preparing adequately for next season.

They have already agreed a pre-contract with Liam Shaw while similar moves could be sorted for the likes of Siriki Dembele and Kwadwo Baah.

On the chalkboard

Celtic will have a list of areas they need to improve in ahead of next season. If they are to usurp Rangers again then the defence will surely be their first port of call.

The Hoops have shipped 14 more goals than the league winners this term but they could also do with more fluidity in the final third.

Besides Odsonne Edouard who has 20 goals to his name, the Glaswegian outfit have missed a regular scorer.

It hasn’t helped that James Forrest has only just returned from an injury lay-off that has kept him out since September. The Scotsman scored 16 goals and provided 22 assists last season so has been missed considerably.

Add that to the fact that Ryan Christie’s numbers are significantly down and it hasn’t helped Celtic.

The winger has netted five times all season has just a solitary strike to his name in 2021. Christie has been linked with moves to Leeds and Arsenal but his form surely doesn’t warrant a switch of that calibre.

He has been particularly abject in recent months and thus, Celtic could do with an upgrade.

Dazzling Lovric

Last summer, Celtic were linked with a move for Croatian winger Kristijan Lovric. It was reported that his current team, Gorica, turned down a bid in the region of £4.5m for his services the previous winter.

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The Hoops revived their interest but ultimately couldn’t conclude a deal. Clearly, there is a longstanding interest in the 25-year-old and with Celtic needing attacking recruits; they should turn to him again.

Lovric is yet to be capped by his country but has been one of the best players in the Croatian top-flight this term. The left-winger has scored on 16 occasions, taking his tally for Gorica to 42 in 88 outings.

He is a free-scoring forward with plenty of eye-catching abilities, picking up 21 assists in his Gorica career to date.

What really stands out, however, are his dribbling abilities and sprint speed. Speaking about Lovric last season, HNTV commentator Damir Petravic said: “He dribbles and scores in the style of Robben, shoots free throws like Pirlo or Pjanic, and knows how to sprint like Mbappe.”

That quote is about as glistening as they come. The statistics also paint the attacker as an incredibly dangerous player.

So far this season, Lovric has managed five dribbles and five shots per 90 minutes. On top of that, the Croat has produced 5.37 successful attacking actions over the same metric.

Those numbers are incredibly eye-catching. Take Christie, for instance; he has only produced 2.5 dribbles and two shots per game for Celtic this term in comparison.

Lovric would be a brilliant addition if the Hoops can finally conclude a deal.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Edouard: Celtic must swoop for 28-goal “sensation” who’ll “go to the very top”…

Leeds United have been handed a major boost in their transfer chase for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are eyeing up a move for the forward this summer, and it now appears that Brentford would be willing to do business – at a certain price.

Football League World have claimed that the Championship side will demand a fee in the region of £35m to let the striker go, with the Bees feeling that he has more Premier League pedigree than current Aston Villa frontman Ollie Watkins.

The report reveals that Brentford believe the “25-year-old has an even greater potential to score goals in the Premier League than Watkins”.

Radrizzani must act now

With Leeds now knowing what it will take to prise Toney away from Brentford, the Whites simply have to go after the striker who’s bagged an impressive 126 goals in his career already.

Speaking earlier last year, Peterborough’s director of football Barry Fry said: “He’s turned into a tremendous all-round footballer. It’s important to remember Ivan is not just an exceptional goal-scoring forward, he’s also an outstanding defender.”

Toney himself has the confidence that he could cut it at the highest level, even comparing himself to Milan and Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

He said: “I’ve always liked Zlatan. I just love his confidence. Some people see it as arrogance but you must be like that to succeed. I’m similar to Zlatan in both my confidence and the way I play. When he wants to do something, he just does it. I have some of that in my game and personality. And I believe I’ll be a Premier League striker.”

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Given how he’s taken to the Championship like a duck to water, Andrea Radrizzani must surely open up the cheque-book and make a move for Toney this summer, who could potentially explode in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign another Stuart Dallas in this ace…

Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has hinted at a summer exit from Elland Road in a cryptic social media post on Tuesday night.

The 34-year-old has been at Leeds since the summer of 2019, following a spell at Real Madrid that brought with it three Champions League titles.

Casilla has had to watch on from the substitutes’ bench for the vast majority of this season, however, starting just once in the Premier League and playing second fiddle to Illan Meslier. He didn’t even make the matchday squad for Monday’s 2-0 defeat at West Ham.

Casilla’s post hints at Leeds exit

The Spaniard’s current Leeds deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2023, but he has hinted that he may move on to pastures new before then.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Casilla posted a message that was translated by The Boot Room, saying the following:

“I’m slow to leave, because I believe in change. I wait, I endure, but one day I get tired. Without saying anything, I leave, and leave everything. Once I get tired, I will not come back. I give everything before leaving.”

Transfer Tavern take

It certainly looks as though Casilla is eyeing up a fresh challenge, perhaps feeling like his spell at Elland Road has reached its natural conclusion.

It seems highly unlikely that the former Madrid man is going to suddenly become Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper again, but this may be a concern for the likes of Victor Orta at Elland Road, who will have to splash out on an experienced deputy for Meslier if Casilla leaves – you are unlikely to find such an experienced player happy to play second fiddle.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided an update on Pablo Hernandez. Read about it here.

The door has seemingly opened for Everton to make a move for one of their mooted transfer targets…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Josh King’s move to league rivals Southampton has fallen through at the 11th hour as the Saints do not want to match his wage demands.

It’s thought that a “small fee” and a swap deal for Shane Long had been agreed with AFC Bournemouth, whilst earlier today, talkSPORT’s transfer expert Alex Crook revealed that the 29-year-old is currently available for “a much lower fee” having once been linked with a £15m asking price.

Crook believes the Toffees are “back into the equation,” as a result.

Brands must act

On the face of it, the Merseyside outfit do not need another forward option as they are blessed with Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but neither has a true back-up.

Moise Kean is at PSG, while Cenk Tosun has returned to Besiktas, so really, Carlo Ancelotti is only one serious injury to the Englishman away from a massive disaster.

Calvert-Lewin may not have scored in his last seven appearances, but he still remains the Toffees’ top goalscorer on 11 goals for the Premier League campaign, via Transfermarkt.

King is an intriguing alternative as he can also provide cover on either flank. In five successive top-flight campaigns with the Cherries, the Norway international has scored at least six times, whilst a career-best of 16 came during the 2016/17 season, via Tranfermarkt.

The 6 foot 2 dynamo was deployed in five different positions during that time, though his most lucrative returns came through the middle.

Aside from his suitability of being a solid back-up to Calvert-Lewin, he could push Ancelotti’s wide options as he ranked 16th for dribbles per 90 in 2019/20, and was also 15th for possession won in the final third, via Sky Sports.

This sort of work-rate is something that the Everton boss desires from his frontline, so it’s no wonder that King was once dubbed the “complete package” by former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe when speaking to Match of the Day (via Football Faithful).

According to Spotrac, King is only on £45k-per-week at the Vitality Stadium, so given that he’s available for a lower fee and is on a fairly cheap salary, it would make sense for Marcel Brands to strike before 11pm.

Versatile, experienced and an eye for goal – what’s not to like? The Toffees could bounce back from their midweek defeat by securing King’s signature tonight.

AND in other news, Brands should consider instant Kenny replacement…

Steve Bruce must not stand in Kyle Scott’s way of securing a move to Major League Soccer franchise FC Cincinnati after freezing the midfielder out at Newcastle United.

What’s the word?

According to Chronicle Live, Scott is in talks with FC Cincinnati and is close to joining the Eastern Conference side just 19-months after moving to St. James’ Park following his release by Chelsea.

The 23-year-old had hoped to forge a first-team career on Tyneside, but is yet to make a single appearance under Bruce and has not featured for the Toon’s Under 23s since November.

Scott is now desperate to quit the Magpies in order to kick on in his career, and has changed agent in the hopes of finding the best side after a deal to join Swansea City fell through.

The Championship outfit had explored signing the former United States U20 international during the January transfer window, as they sought to get ahead of the queue with Scott due to be a free agent at the end of the season.

Newcastle have the option to extend the Bath-born midfielder’s two-year deal by a further 12-months, though the clause being taken up would appear extremely unlikely at this stage.

Should Newcastle let Scott leave?

Scott arrived on Tyneside with a lot of promise and backing from his many years in Chelsea’s academy, where he scored two times and assisted eight goals in 41 U23 appearances.

Belgian star Eden Hazard and former Blues teammate David Luiz were both said to have been impressed by Scott during their time at Stamford Bridge, and even encouraged the then-21-year-old to explore FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as potential destinations.

Scott was ultimately invited for a trial with Barcelona and to train with the La Liga giants following his Chelsea exit, though rejected the offer and joined Newcastle feeling that his efforts in south west London and the impressions made deserved a contract not a test day.

The ex-England U16 prospect made his senior debut in the FA Cup against Hull City in 2018, but has never moved close to featuring in the Newcastle first-team with the Chronicle adding that Bruce has never once offered Scott an opportunity to train outside of the Toon’s youth ranks.

No U23 outings have come since November, either, when he earned his 17th appearance against Norwich City, despite being fully fit after a nightmare run of injuries.

It is no wonder, then, that Scott is keen to quit the Magpies in the summer and is exploring his options, not only in clubs but what agency he uses to broker a transfer.

And with first-team life a distant dream for the midfielder at Newcastle, Bruce cannot stand in Scott’s way by looking to activate United’s one-year extension clause before the season is over.

AND in other news, Newcastle are exploring a deal to sign a £31.5m-rated star for free this summer…

West Ham manager David Moyes should urge the club to make a move for Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, following Marlon Harewood’s verdict on the striker.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested that Abraham is a target for the Hammers this summer, with his long-term future at Stamford Bridge uncertain.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Harewood said: “That’s where West Ham should be looking, and I think Moysie (David Moyes) is that sort of person that he will be looking for a striker of that calibre, young, he’s ready to go, he’s been in the Premier League quite a while now. 

“I think he needs a chance, just like Jesse Lingard coming from Manchester United obviously not playing coming into the club, got a lot to show, and Tammy is one of them, got a lot to show (too) and would complement Antonio very well.”

Imagine him and Antonio

While Antonio has transitioned into an out-and-out number nine – all his games for the Hammers this season has been played up front – Abraham’s arrival could see Moyes look to play two up top, or with the former going back out wide.

The duo possess sheer pace and power, and that would no doubt pose a threat to most defences in the Premier League – Abraham has already bagged six in 20 league games this campaign, while Antonio has managed seven in 18.

Dean Windass has also previously spoken to FFC about how Abraham would be perfect for the Hammers, saying: “He’s David Moyes’ type, athletic, quick and young. Is he the new Chelsea manager’s cup of tea? I don’t think so.

“So, massive fit for West Ham, bit like Carlton Cole who was upfront for West ham, that sort of type. He’s big, strong and scores goals.”

The £60m-rated striker – dubbed a “hell of a talent” by Dean Smith, his former manager at Aston Villa – is even stronger in the air than Antonio, winning 58% of his aerial duels compared to the latter’s 46%. A look at both of their touch-maps this season shows how Abraham predominantly works inside the box, while the Hammers forward is seen buzzing around the final third, popping up on the left, right and through the middle.

Having Antonio act as a dovetail with Abraham could add a different dimension to West Ham’s attacks, and it’s exactly why Moyes should urge GSB to make a swoop for the Chelsea forward.

Meanwhile, this pundit has delivered a big claim on Declan Rice’s West Ham future…

If Leeds spend any money this January it will be a big surprise. The summer transfer window saw them splurge close to £100m and as a result, there probably isn’t a great deal left to spend.

On the chalkboard

If there is any area for Leeds to improve in January it’ll be in defence. They currently have Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Liam Cooper all out injured so further depth is required.

It’s strange, therefore, to see that Leeds are so strongly considering signing a new winger.

Jack Harrison has seven goal involvements this term and the effervescent Raphinha is improving all the time after his summer switch.

The Brazilian has been a tricky live wire with two goals and two assists so signing someone else surely isn’t needed.

Lucas Vazquez has been someone discussed by the Leeds recruitment team but so has £10.8m-rated Demarai Gray – a player linked with Elland Road in the summer months.

Yet, this surely wouldn’t be a good signing.

Orta disaster

If Orta thinks he can get away with signing someone like Gray then Leeds chief Andrea Radrizzani will surely be fuming.

You only need to look at the Leicester attacker’s statistics from the last few years. To put it bluntly, he isn’t a goal scorer and he also struggles to create opportunities for his teammates.

He has failed to score in senior football this term and only found the net on three occasions last season. Of course, he is still only 24 so has plenty of potential left in the tank to extract but he is anything but “wonderful” – something Brendan Rodgers said about Gray previously.

Going forward, he lacks plenty of end product and for a team that already houses Helder Costa, Orta cannot afford to make this sort of investment.

The last thing he needs is another Jimmy Kebe. The winger joined the club on loan from Crystal Palace in 2014 after scoring just five Premier League goals – a tally Gray has only bettered by a handful.

The issue with Kebe was that he lacked any desirable end product. He scored just once in nine appearances for the Whites and Gray would likely provide similar numbers.

Just because he’ll leave Leicester behind, it doesn’t mean he’ll start producing more in the final third. Gray has set his stool out as an inconsistent forward who lacks goal threat.

Leeds would get things completely wrong if they pursued the Foxes player this month.

AND in other news, Orta can discover huge Dallas upgrade if Leeds swoop for “fearless” £148k-p/w gem…

Tottenham Hotspur were linked to a move for Jean-Philippe Mateta during the summer transfer window as they looked for options to serve as back-up to Harry Kane. Bild reported that Jose Mourinho was eyeing up the Frenchman but as were a plethora of other clubs, including Newcastle and Crystal Palace (via Tribal Football).

No move materialised for Mateta, much to the delight of Mainz who get to keep the goal-getter for another season. And what a coup they will see it as after the 23-year-old has already netted seven goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this term (via Transfermarkt).

His latest influential performance came against SC Freiburg on Sunday evening when he bagged himself a hat-trick after just 38 minutes on the pitch. Mateta could’ve scored more too, hitting the woodwork and missing two big further goalscoring opportunities (via Sofascore).

Shades of Harry Kane

The France youth international’s presence in front of goal is very similar to that of Kane’s, who is flying this season. Tottenham’s No.10 has contributed seven goals and nine assists in the Premier League alone this campaign, working wonderfully with fellow forward Son Heung-min.

Had Daniel Levy put his hand in his pocket and brought Mateta to north London, Spurs would have arguably the most clinical attacking force in the league. At just 23-years-old too, the striker has a lot of youth still in him and he could provide a fresh injection of pace alongside Kane, who isn’t particularly known for his speed.

With six goals in his last five appearances for Mainz, Mourinho will be furious that Levy didn’t act fast enough to sign Mateta. Should they decide to reignite their interest in him in January or next summer, they will likely find that his price has seriously inflated given his blistering form.

In other news, Serge Aurier impresses as Spurs thwart Man City to go top…

When Sunderland welcomed Wimbledon to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening, Lee Johnson sat there knowing the game shouldn’t have been going ahead.

Whatever the result last night, there was going to be an excuse – not many are reasonable in football but as the Black Cats drew 1-1, they had a very viable one.

Heading into the game Sunderland had eight players ruled out due to a COVID-19 scare. Johnson revealed that the club had received very little help from the EFL as the Mackems dropped crucial points in the race for promotion.

It meant that individuals like Dion Sanderson, George Dobson and Aiden O’Brien all got drafted into the XI for rare starts this season.

It took Sunderland until 62 minutes to finally score as Bailey Wright found the net expertly, but unfortunately for the Australian and the rest of his side, the man next to him in defence had a woeful night.

Callum McFadzean was deputising for the injured Denver Hume at left-back but his performance will have left the manager seething and asking questions.

It was McFadzean who gave away the penalty from which Wimbledon scored, an incident which rather summed up the 26-year-old’s match.

The defender won just 25% of his duels at the Stadium of Light and somehow managed to lose possession a colossal 15 times.

This was a night to forget for the full-back, someone who needed to prove plenty given he’d started on just one other occasion in League One this term.

Once Hume is back, it would be surprising to see McFadzean near the starting XI again. That may seem harsh, but he let his team down, conceding two fouls and completing only 74% of his passes.

On a day where Johnson needed his players to fight for the club, his left-back looked bereft of confidence, failing to make a successful tackle, interception or block.

With Hume set to remain on the sidelines for another fortnight or so, McFadzean will need to discover form from somewhere.

In other news, Dreyfus could save SAFC millions in the transfer window with a genius system…