All posts by n8rngtd.top

Some Liverpool fans have been providing their thoughts on the latest news surrounding Rodrigo de Paul, as the Reds continue to be linked with the Udinese midfielder.

This summer promises to be an interesting one at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp looks to further enhance his playing options. Despite this disappointment of this season, Liverpool’s squad doesn’t need too many tweaks, with injuries still the main reason for their shortcomings.

That being said, Klopp will know that a few new faces are needed in order to take the Reds to another level and continue competing with Manchester City.

De Paul is one player who has been linked with Liverpool in the past, with the Argentine scoring six goals and registering five assists in Serie A this season.

In truth, midfield isn’t an area of the pitch which needs too many changes made given the wealth of options, although Gini Wijnaldum’s potential exit to Barcelona could alter that.

According to Tutto Udinese, Liverpool will need to pay more than £40m if they want to acquire De Paul’s signature, which could be a stumbling block for the often-frugal Anfield club.

Liverpool fans react to De Paul latest

A number of Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to give their thoughts on a possible move for De Paul.

“Would be worth every penny if we decide to sign him”

Credit: @OmegaFalcon19

“How about 25 mil plus Harry Wilson included? Seems fair”

Credit: @Md_Arif02

“We absolutely neeeeed to buy him”

Credit: @jephersyn

“Pay it, stop playin”

Credit: @SirXabi

“Barcelona need to go for Wijnaldum and leave De Paul to us”

Credit: @1892LFC1

“What about 10M + Origi?”

Credit: @andligator

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly close to signing a Premier League player with awful statistics this season. Find out who it is here.

Alex Iwobi may need to keep an eye over his shoulder at Everton next season after Real Madrid forward Lucas Vazquez was reportedly offered a move to Goodison Park.

What’s the word?

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Toffees are one of a clutch of European sides putting plans in place to sign Vazquez as a free agent once his Los Blancos contract expires in June.

Vazquez has rejected the offer of new terms at the Santiago Bernabeu and remains no closer to having his future resolved approaching his end of March deadline.

The £13.5m-rated winger had set the Galacticos a target of the end of March to present him with a new offer more attuned to his expectations.

While Real are yet thought to have offered Vazquez improved terms, the 29-year-old has received contract proposals from Everton plus Serie A duo SSC Napoli and AC Milan.

It is not suggested how the £113,000-per-week maestro responded to the approaches, but this report follows claims from Spain that Vazquez had named Everton as his preferred destination in order to be reunited with Carlo Ancelotti.

The Toffees boss is thought to have been viewing Vazquez as a potential summer target to help appease James Rodriguez, as the Colombian had become unsettled in the Premier League.

Vazquez rejected Real Madrid’s proposed new contract as the nine-time Spain international did not feel the terms represented a player of his standing, having opened 19 of his 22 La Liga appearances this term from a possible 28.

A problem for Iwobi

Reports surfacing of Everton presenting Vazquez with a contract is the latest signal of the strength of Ancelotti’s interest, in a move that could carry heavy consequences for Iwobi at Goodison Park.

While Ancelotti never fielded Vazquez for a single second during his time in charge of Los Blancos, the Italian tactician clearly thinks highly of the versatile forward who can offer the Toffees an option at right-back as well as on the wing.

But in signing the forward, whom Zinedine Zidane has praised as a “very reliable” player who “gives everything on the pitch”, Iwobi may have to look over his shoulder given the heightened competition for places.

The Nigerian was linked with a move away from Merseyside last summer during Ancelotti’s first off-season at the Goodison Park helm, with the new commander willing to listen to offers just a year after Marco Silva had spent up to £34m to sign Iwobi from Arsenal.

With Iwobi’s form and place in the Everton side mixed this season, to say the least, it would not be too much of a surprise for the 24-year-old – who has started just 15 Premier League fixtures this term – to face a fraught future again.

Iwobi was fast becoming a key man for Ancelotti over the winter through his performances in the absence of Rodriguez, but has fallen back to the periphery of late and failed to repay the Everton coach’s trust against Burnley earlier this month.

Ancelotti had stated that he would play Iwobi where he wants to, after the forward seemingly hit out at being played out of position, but the experiment only lasted half an hour before the Gunners product was sent back to the wing.

Iwobi lacked the authority and assertive presence to pull the strings from the centre against Burnley, and would undoubtedly have to look out for Vazquez if the Real Madrid maestro was also contending for the wide-role next season.

AND in other news, an “exceptional” Everton figure is being eyed by a Premier League rival…

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts over a potential permanent deal for Ross Barkley on social media.

That’s after Marlon Harewood shared his views on the attacking midfielder, with the former Villa striker believing Barkley will want to make his move permanent in the Midlands.

Barkley initially impressed at Villa Park but he’s managed just one goal involvement in his last 11 Premier League appearances and has had to make do with a place on the bench in recent weeks.

Chelsea’s huge asking price

Reports last month suggested that Villa would need to smash their transfer record, which stands at the £28m plus add-ons deal to bring Ollie Watkins to the club, to land Barkley on a long-term basis.

Chelsea will ask for a fee in the region of £40m this summer, with Thomas Tuchel’s stance on Barkley not yet known.

However, Harewood, talking to Football FanCast, gave Villa the green light in regards to a permanent deal for Barkley.

Harwood’s comments were shared on social media in a story by @AVFC_News on Thursday evening, who asked supporters if a deal will happen.

Villa supporters not keen

“Hopefully not. Will cost us 20-30 million as well. Really needs to step up his game. He hasn’t proven himself yet imo”

Credit: @SSaultyyy

“Ramsey over Barkley anytime and spend the cash elsewhere…”

Credit: @Mrb47016877

“#nothanks”

Credit: @villa_vernon

“He needs to step up then if he wants the move. Imo he’s not done enough for us since joining”

Credit: @villaman101

“Very much doubt it if he can’t even retain his place in the starting line-up.”

Credit: @joeinpoole

“Nooooooooooooooooooooooo!”

Credit: @AstonZillaFC

In other news: Many Villa fans have hit out at Dean Smith for his training ground comments, find out more here.

Steve Bruce has dropped an injury blow for Newcastle United ahead of their trip to Manchester United on Sunday evening.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men at Old Trafford, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss has confirmed with regards to Federico Fernandez that ‘Man United will be too soon for him’.

The Argentina international, who is currently earning £45,000 per week at the Magpies, has missed the last seven games in total in the Premier League with a thigh muscle strain and the St. James’ Park faithful will have to try and cope without him again in what will be a very tough contest against the Red Devils.

Fernandez a big miss to Newcastle

Fernandez is a big miss for the Tyneside club, as the central defender has won no fewer than 4.1 of his duels per match in the top flight so far in the 2020/21 term and also averaging 5.6 clearances and 1.5 tackles a game (Sofascore).

The 31-year-old is a leader at the back for Steve Bruce’s men, and would have been a vital figure in terms of keeping his team organised against the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani.

Nonetheless, the North East side will have to find a way to try and get something out of the clash without him.

In other news, find out what PIF claim has been dropped by Liam Kennedy here!

West Brom could be about to fill a long-standing void, if latest reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Baggies are one of several teams eyeing up a move for Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy as the Irishman is out of contract in the summer.

The Eagles are yet to begin talks over an extension, so he could be free to leave Selhurst Park, thus putting the likes of Celtic, Burnley, West Ham, Brighton, Bournemouth and of course, Albion on high alert.

It is thought that the 30-year-old is on around £50k-per-week at Palace.

A new Brunt?

Whilst it is no secret that Sam Allardyce needs a new holding midfielder – something that McCarthy is not – he could do no wrong in finally replacing a former West Brom stalwart.

After 13 years at the club, veteran Chris Brunt left the Hawthorns in the summer and really, Slaven Bilic never replaced him.

It was the right decision to move the 36-year-old on, but someone of his influence would have certainly been needed as the Baggies are deep in a relegation battle.

Over the course of his Albion career, Brunt averaged 1.6 tackles, 1.6 key passes, 1.5 clearances, and 1.4 shots per game, via WhoScored, proving to be valuable at either end of the pitch.

McCarthy is almost a carbon copy, if not a better defensive option than the Hawthorns legend as throughout his career, the 30-year-old has averaged 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, only one other current starter (Conor Gallagher) has managed more tackles per game this campaign, whilst it is only Darnell Furlong that can top his interception figures, also per WhoScored.

So the 42-cap international may play further forward than an anchorman, but evidently, he’s still a hard man to bypass in the middle, which ultimately is something Big Sam needs to find as his defence has enough pressure on their heads having leaked more goals (43) than any other Premier League side this term.

Indeed, earlier this season, McCarthy was praised for his ability to break up Manchester United’s attacks, Jermaine Jenas told Match of the Day (via Pundit Arena):

“When United players get the ball, McArthur is there on to him, and his partner in crime James McCarthy is there backing him up. They’re never that far apart. They knock you out of your rhythm. It’s James McCarthy getting the block and stopping the attack.”

The Baggies boss knows him well from his time at Everton too, once lauding him as their “shining light” whilst ex-Albion manager Roy Hodgson has also dubbed him a “class player” who “deserves an awful lot of credit.”

And just like Brunt, he’s vastly-experienced in the big time after surpassing over 260 top-flight appearances this campaign.

If Big Sam can strike a deal this window, in a similar way to that of Robert Snodgrass, he should absolutely encourage the board to do it as West Brom could finally replace Brunt and get that brute force back into their engine room.

AND in other news, West Brom dealt potential transfer boost in striker pursuit

West Ham United must swoop for FC Barcelona full-back Junior Firpo in the January transfer window after losing Arthur Masuaku for the foreseeable future through injury.

What’s the word?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Firpo faces an uncertain future at the Camp Nou having featured little for Barcelona since joining the La Liga powerhouse from Real Betis in 2019.

The 24-year-old is now considered surplus to requirements having featured infrequently under Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien or now Ronald Koeman, who has been particularly loath to field the defender, with Firpo awarded just 29 minutes of La Liga action thus far this season.

Firpo is aware to the fact that if he wishes to play more often, he will have to leave Barca, who are not opposed to sanctioning a winter exit with a handful of potential destinations already emerging.

West Ham, SSC Napoli and Granada are all said to be considering January moves for Firpo, with David Moyes’ Premier League outfit long-time admirers and interested in a loan with an option to buy.

Firpo, who Barcelona signed for €18million (£16.3m), is also thought to be a target for Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan as Barcelona strive to reduce their enormous wage bill.

Perfect Masuaku replacement

West Ham must seize on Firpo’s uncertain future at the Camp Nou to strike a deal with Barcelona this winter, having lost Masuaku for the foreseeable after the DR Congo international underwent career-saving surgery on a knee injury that has plagued him for the best part of two years.

Moyes called on Aaron Cresswell to replace Masuaku against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, but the three-cap England international could not cope with the pace needed for the full-back role after his excellent displays at centre-half this season.

Cresswell was often turned inside out by Andros Townsend, as Moyes’ need for winter reinforcements was laid bare in front of an empty London Stadium.

The Scottish coach may now have the ideal chance to find his solution in Firpo, who former Betis teammate Marc Bartra believes has “a lot of potential” and was tipped to join Liverpool before moving to Barcelona, with the Reds said to have eyed activating his €50m (£45m) release clause.

Firpo may not have featured much in La Liga this season, but has been given frequent minutes in the Champions League with five outings, in which he’s averaged 2.0 duels won with a 67% success rate and offered 0.2 key balls, 0.2 accurate crosses, 0.6 successful tackles and played 29.8 accurate passes with a 93% completion rate, per SofaScore.

AND in other news, a £67k-p/w West Ham dud’s torturous midweek display proved why he cannot be trusted vs Chelsea.

Crystal Palace have been handed a major transfer boost in their pursuit of Reading defender Omar Richards if recent reports are to be believed.

What’s the word?

Reports in recent times revealed that Palace were one of several Premier League clubs who were interested in signing Richards in January.

According to The Reading Chronicle, the Royals are ready to balance their books to bring the club in line with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

It’s claimed that discussions are currently ongoing between the club and the young left-back over a “bumper new contract” but they could be forced to put him up for sale in the New Year.

January swoop?

Richards has been in such fine form for the Royals so far this season, it’s no wonder Palace and the Hammers have shown an interest – with the latter inquiring about his availability.

In 15 appearances in the Championship this season, the 22-year-old versatile player, who can play at the back or in the midfield, is averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.6 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

If Richards does indeed reject whatever offer is thrown his way, then Steve Parish must be prepared to swoop in for a cut-price deal next month.

Roy Hodgson currently has a couple of options in his position with Patrick van Aanholt and Tyrick Mitchell vying for a place in the starting line-up. Joel Ward can also be called into action as well.

Former Reading boss Mark Bowen once described Richards as an “outstanding” talent, saying “everyone knows he’s good going forward, but defensively he went in and won tackles he wasn’t favourite to win.”

The England U21 international is out of contract in the summer, which means he may not cost Parish a penny if he runs down his deal at the Madejski Stadium.

With Van Aanholt angling for a move, Richards may be the perfect ready-made replacement to fill his boots if he departs Selhurst Park.

AND in other news, Time to shine: Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson must put faith in Jeffrey Schlupp…

Manchester City look to have made a terrible mistake in loaning out Spanish left-back Angelino, as he continues to impress for RB Leipzig.

The 23-year-old was loaned out to Julian Nagelsmann’s side during the summer, with the Bundesliga side reportedly holding the option to make the move permanent for £16.3 million.

This looks to be a bargain deal when you consider the impressive manner in which the left-back has started the season, both in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League.

So far this season Angelino, described as “inquisitive” by Nagelsmann in October, has averaged an incredible 7.46 rating for his performances in Germany’s top-flight, having contributed four goals and two assists in those games (per WhoScored).

He has been equally impressive in the Champions League, with three goals and three assists to his name in the group stages, which saw him average a 7.24 rating.

The defender will no doubt have won over a lot of Manchester City fans with his most recent performance for Die Roten Bullen, as he earned the man-of-the-match award after scoring and assisting in Leipzig’s 3-2 win against Manchester United in midweek, which knocked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side out of the competition.

Angelino’s average rating far surpasses the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Nathan Ake, who have all featured at left-back for Manchester City this season, suggesting that the club may have made a mistake in loaning him out.

City’s sporting director, Aitor “Txiki” Begiristain Mujika, will surely be regretting the decision and will be hoping that Leipzig don’t exercise their option to buy him, although when you consider his superb start to the season, this seems unlikely.

The Spanish defender, who earns €55k (£50k) per week, was never really given an opportunity to impress in Guardiola’s side, with just 15 first-team appearances to his name, which certainly seems like something the club may regret if he continues to impress with Leipzig.

And, in other news… 0% duels won: “Special” MCFC ace badly let Guardiola down with an abysmal display…

Many Crystal Palace fans are reacting following the club being linked with Norweigan defender Ivan Nasberg.

According to The Sun, and tweeted out by @cpfc_xtra, Roy Hodgson is weighing up a January move for Norwegian centre-back Nasberg. However it might not be easy to acquire him as fellow Premier League side Fulham are also interested. His club Valerenga are thought to be ready to accept around £1m for Nasberg, whose contract expires in 2022.

All four centre-backs at Selhurst Park are above the age of 30, (Transfermarkt) and therefore looking towards a 24 year-old defender makes a lot of sense. However, the South London side have not had success with signings from places like Norway and Poland. Forward Alexander Sorloth was signed for £8.10 million and defender Jaroslaw Jach was bought for £2.48 million.

The former was loaned out and then sold after scoring no Premier League goals for the club, whilst Jach has been loaned out multiple times and has only made two appearances for the club. This is clearly weighing on many fans’ minds, with one calling Nasberg a ‘liability’ already while others simply joked that they have ‘no clue’ who he is.

Here is how Palace fans reacted following this transfer news:

In other Palace news, one young star is attracting interest from some of the biggest sides in Europe. Have a read who it is here!

Speaking exclusively to FootballFanCast, ex-Newcastle United ace Steve Howey has demanded more from midfielder Jonjo Shelvey this season.

The 28-year-old, described as being a ‘liability’ by The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards in 2019, has been one of the first names on the team-sheet for Steve Bruce’s side this season. He has started in every single Premier League game, including taking the captain’s armband for the clash against Burnley.

However, his performances for the Magpies have come under some severe criticism, with fans of the Tyneside club ripping into his display against Tottenham late last month.

Now, Howey has weighed in on the six-cap England international, insisting that whilst he’s got the ability, he simply has to do a lot more for the team.

Speaking to FFC’s James Beavis, Howey said: “I think he’s a very talented player. I think he just needs to grab the game by the scruff of the neck a bit more given his ability. He’s an experienced pro now, he’s been about a bit and been with some top teams. He’s got the ability to spray passes left, right and centre and he’s very, very good at it.

“But obviously, it’s what does he do off the ball. That’s why you’ve got maybe Isaac Hayden in there, who breaks play up and gives it to Shelvey to pass it. Even though he has a very good range of passing, he just has to make sure he finds his men. If you lose the ball, you’ve got to quickly go back on the defensive.

“I’ve got no doubt in my mind that he’s a very good player, but when you’ve got that ability, you’ve got to do the rubbish stuff that players don’t like to do. The hunting, the tackling and getting in there and trying to win the ball back. I’m not saying he doesn’t do it, but everybody’s got to be in the same pot together.”

Given that Shelvey has now been at the club for a number of years now, and has made 146 appearances in total, it’s quite telling that Magpies fans aren’t still unanimously in love with the midfielder.

The 28-year-old has produced some magic in his time at St James’ Park – his screamer against Manchester City last season was just one of those iconic moments – but it’s just far too inconsistent.

It’s up to Shelvey alone to try and answer his critics.