All posts by n8rngtd.top

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.

Aston Villa are already planning to strengthen their right-back ranks, with Frederic Guilbert’s Villa Park future hanging by a thread. 

According to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans, the club are monitoring the Frenchman’s progress out on loan at Strasbourg.

Guilbert has already registered two assists in Ligue 1 and scored an injury-time winner against Monaco earlier this month.

However, Evans goes on to add that the 26-year-old, who is attracting interest from English sides, is unlikely to get another chance to feature for the club.

Villa will reportedly head back into the market this summer for an additional right-back to provide competition for first-choice Matty Cash, as well as keeping a close eye on teenager Kaine Kesler in the academy.

Transfer Tavern take

Guilbert, on £27,000-a-week, signed for Villa back in January 2019 for £4.5m and has made 31 appearances for the club to date.

His Transfermarkt valuation has dropped from a career-high of £8.1m in December 2019 to £4.5m just 12 months later.

So, based on that, it will be interesting to see how much Villa receive for the full-back, should they decide to cash in. Guilbert’s Villa Park deal currently runs until 2023 and with unnamed English clubs keen, Villa could still make a profit on the Frenchman.

In other news: Plenty of Villa fans have been buzzing at a simple club post earlier this week, 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!

Glasgow Rangers like making life difficult for themselves, don’t they?

Ross Callachan scored with the last kick of the game to give Scottish Premiership strugglers Hamilton a well-deserved draw with the runaway league leaders.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard made three changes to the side which secured a midweek win over St Johnstone and it backfired almost immediately as the Gers struggled to gain a foothold in the game, with the Accies going close on several occasions only to be denied by the outstretched arms of the in-form Allan McGregor.

Having arrived from French Ligue 2 side Amiens on a short-term loan deal until the end of the season, Bongani Zungu was the shock inclusion as he started ahead of regulars Steven Davis and Ryan Jack.

But it was nothing short of an alarming performance from the Bafana-Bafana midfielder. He has plenty of experience in European competitions, but he was badly caught out of possession with a string of poor passes, particularly in the first half, with former Rangers winger Neil McCann criticising him on BBC Sportsound.

He said: “Zungu’s had a number of slack passes today, his distribution has been poor. He doesn’t look sharp out there and I think McGregor just gave him a little reminder to waken up.”

Left on the bench against Saints, Zungu missed a carbon-copy chance this afternoon to stake his claim for a place in the starting line-up.

SofaScore graded the 28-year-old as one of the worst players on the pitch with a low 6.9 rating, that being bettered by Davis (7) after his introduction in the second half.

Zungu’s struggles were obvious throughout the contest and despite being at the centre of the supply chain, he was rarely involved, as he took fewer touches than Ianis Hagi, as per SofaScore, who also endured a torrid time against the Accies.

Defensively, he failed to put much pressure on the opposition, having won just three out of eight duels overall (37%), and didn’t register a single tackle either.

Gerrard introduced Davis late on in an attempt to try to rescue the game and it’s perhaps telling that the Northern Irishman made a noticeable difference after he orchestrated the opening goal by combining with Borna Barisic down the left flank.

Despite being on the pitch for just over 10′ minutes, the contrast was stark, as Davis was still more effective. He attempted the same amount of dribbles as Zungu and also completed a tackle as well.

An unconvincing performance like this should show Gerrard that he can’t start games without Davis and Jack in the midfield. Zungu was a liability against the Accies on Sunday afternoon and should be dropped for the next game against Kilmarnock.

AND in other news, Glen Kamara has become virtually undroppable for Glasgow Rangers…

Mauricio Pochettino may reportedly sign Tottenham Hotspur ace Hugo Lloris for PSG, according to Football Insider.

As per the news outlet, the former Spurs boss may be looking to raid his former club for his ex-captain, as he assesses his squad and identifies his own transfer targets.

Lloris is now into the final 18 months of his current deal at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, with a new contract not being agreed as of yet, so he runs the risk of only having a year left when the summer transfer window comes about.

This may well give Poch the perfect opportunity to pounce on the 34 year-old, who has been dubbed as his ‘best friend’.

Lloris is ‘top-class’

Lloris has proven time and time again that he is a ‘top-class’ goalkeeper, evident by being a key figure in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup win, in which he captained his country to glory.

He has also been a mainstay in the Lilywhites’ team for the last nine consecutive terms during his time in North London, playing in no fewer than 346 games in all competitions and keeping a very impressive 119 clean sheets in the process (Transfermarkt).

The French veteran would certainly be missed at THFC if he were to make the switch to Paris Saint Germain.

In other news, find out which Southampton star Spurs have been tipped to swoop for here!

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…

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…

Whether he’s loved or hated, fans can’t deny that Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy certainly has a nose for a profit. Snatching up Dele Alli for a mere £5million five years ago is one great example of his business savvy choices. Another is his decision to cash in on Spurs reject Kevin Wimmer, who surprisingly brought in 318% more than the initial £4.3million they paid for him.

The centre-back’s career in north London lasted just two years before Spurs moved him on. He made a total of 31 appearances, often finding himself out of favour under former manager Mauricio Pochettino (via Transfermarkt). Wimmer only played 15 Premier League matches before Levy and co decided his time in the white and blue of Tottenham was up.

Spurs pocketed huge profit on Wimmer

The castaway Spurs defender was valued at just £6.3million during his last season with the Premier League side. Stoke City came knocking and forked out £18million to bring him to the bet365 Stadium in 2o17 – his move saw his Transfermarkt value hit a huge spike, but this would prove to be a mere smokescreen before a big decline.

After just one season with the Potters, Wimmer left the club on loan to join Hannover 96, followed by another temporary spell away from the Championship side as he joined Belgian team Mouscron. His back-to-back loan stints have harmed his position with Stoke as he now finds himself out of favour at yet another club. Wimmer is yet to make a senior appearance for Stoke this season and has instead been demoted to the reserve league, despite being 28 years of age.

His market value has also dropped dramatically and he is now worth a reported £1.8million – a mammoth plummet from what Spurs pocketed for his sale three years ago.

With just two years left on his contract, it looks likely that the Potters will simply allow his deal to run down and take a hit on his £18million transfer. Quite the opposite of the position Spurs are in after Levy’s clever deal.

In other news, Spurs have perfect chance to offload Dele Alli as Leeds are linked…

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.