All posts by z3u9t.icu

Forza Italian Football Editor-in-Chief Conor Clancy has exclusively told Football FanCast that Paulo Dybala and Harry Kane would be unstoppable together with the Argentine once again being linked with a move to North London back in April.

Tottenham were linked with a sensational £80m move to bring the South American to north London two summers ago.

However, the deal collapsed late on Deadline Day in August 2019, with the Serie A giants reportedly not willing to sell one of their best players, whilst problems with image rights were also cited as reason for the deal not being completed.

Following his decision to stay in Italy, Dybala enjoyed an excellent campaign, scoring 17 times and adding 14 assists as Juventus won their ninth Serie A title on the bounce.

However, injuries and a loss of form have seen Dybala struggled to replicate that form last term, with the 27-year-old contributing just five goals, which was by far his worst return as a Juventus player.

A ligament problem saw Dybala, who ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has raved over previously, miss 16 matches in all competitions, but he was generally used as a bit-part player and has been linked away from Turin with just 12 months left on his deal.

With that in mind, should Harry Kane remain at Tottenham, Clancy believes the pair could form a formidable partnership.

He told Football FanCast:

“I feel like he’d be unstoppable with Kane because he’s not a number nine, so he’s got to be playing alongside a striker like that.”

But where does Clancy believe Dybala would play should he sign for Spurs?

He added: “I’d have him as a number 10, like that support striker which will give him a little bit of freedom to move.

“And I think Spurs’ squad is quite suited to that because the three that play behind Kane can move round a little bit and can accommodate for Dybala just floating round a little bit.”

Leeds United have been credited with an interest in Aston Villa defender Matt Targett, 90min report.

The Lowdown: Newcastle loan

Targett has been on the books at Villa Park since 2019 but made the move to Newcastle United on loan in January after Steven Gerrard brought in Lucas Digne.

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The 26-year-old, who Villa Park legend Gabby Agbonlahor believes is ‘really comfortable on the ball’, has made 12 appearances for the Magpies, helping them climb up the Premier League table under Eddie Howe.

Jamie Carragher has hailed the left-back during his time at St. James’ Park, and it looks as if his displays have now caught the eye of Leeds chiefs.

The Latest: Leeds links

90min shared a Newcastle transfer story on Tuesday evening, which involved an update on Targett.

They claimed that Leeds, Leicester City and Wolves all hold an interest in Targett, although his preference is to stay at Newcastle, who have a ‘broad agreement in place’ ahead of a £15m permanent deal.

The Verdict: Firpo replacement?

It is interesting that Leeds have been credited with an interest in Targett, as they have also been linked with Celta Vigo left-back Javi Galan earlier this month.

Junior Firpo was the club’s main marquee signing last year from Barcelona but has had a first season to forget, making just 15 Premier League starts and picking up more yellow cards than any other Leeds player.

Links to two left-backs this month could mean that the Whites are looking to replace the Spaniard ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge, however, relegation back to the Championship could blow the club’s transfer plans wide open in regards to both incomings and outgoings.

In other news: ‘Big blow…’ – Sky Sports man now reacts to ‘dramatic’ confirmed Leeds news for run-in. 

A number of Liverpool fans have been heaping praise on Harvey Elliott following his nomination for the EA Sports Young Player of the Season at the 2021 EFL awards.

The 18-year-old joined Blackburn Rovers on loan back in October, with Jurgen Klopp struggling to promise him regular playing time at Anfield.

Elliott headed to Ewood Park with plenty expected of him and he hasn’t disappointed, catching the eye hugely in the Championship. The forward has delivered six goals and 11 assists for his side, consistently impressing with his dribbling ability, maturing and en product.

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Elliott’s displays have clearly been noticed, with the teenager up for the aforementioned Young Player of the Year award for 2020/21.

It is another sign of the vast potential that the teenager possesses and it would arguably now be a surprise if he didn’t become a part of Klopp’s first-team plans from next season onwards.

Liverpool fans laud Elliott

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to hail the youngster, with one excited Kopite even declaring that he has “Messi vibes” – no small claim considering that the Barcelona striker has netted 667 goals in an extraordinary club career.

“Better than Messi in my book”

Credit: @FlairElliott

“How old is he??? Wow”

Credit: @Paddyyak

“Petit prince”

Credit: @KLOPOLFC

“Man, Messi Vibes”

Credit: @altlanthamraz

“Only right”

Credit: @AM2GOAT

“Man with a very large RED future”

Credit: @HotActionKOP

In other news, one Liverpool player looks to be edging closer to a summer exit – find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa target Leon Bailey, regarding his thoughts on a move to the Premier League…

What’s the talk

According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa target Leon Bailey is interested in a move to the Premier League this summer from Bayer Leverkusen. The Villans have had a £25m bid rejected for his services, but have not given up on the race as of yet.

Norwich City midfielder Todd Cantwell is also said to be a player who is being looked at as a potential signing should Jack Grealish depart for The Etihad in the coming weeks.

Smith will be delighted

Johan Lange must make sure that he takes advantage of this latest update to secure a deal for the exciting attacker before the end of the transfer window. The forward wants a transfer to England and this could play perfectly into Villa’s hands as it could end with the Jamaica international pushing for a move, forcing Bayer Leverkusen to cede their ground in terms of pricing.

Dean Smith would be delighted if Lange could get this one of the line as the £70k-per-week gem could be a terrific addition to the team. He has proven his quality over in Germany and shown that he has what it takes to perform consistently at the top level, playing domestically and in Europe.

Ex-Ajax coach Ronald de Boer once praised his attributes, highlighting his speed and ability on the ball. He said: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points.”

Leverkusen’s sporting director Rudi Voller lauded his “extraordinary” speed. He said: “He’s got extraordinary pace, he’s very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department.”

The attacker enjoyed a sensational 2020/21 campaign as he racked up 15 goals and 11 assists in all competition for Leverkusen, including five goals and two assists in eight Europa League games. This shows that he could come in and make an impact in the Premier League, whilst he also has the potential to be a key player for the club if they are ever able to qualify for Europe.

Smith could also enjoy working with him on the training pitch to aid his development. The former Brentford coach has helped Jack Grealish improve in recent years and Bailey could follow a similar path as he only turns 24 in August. This means that he still has room to grow as a player and could flourish at Villa Park, which is another reason why Lange must go in with another offer for his services.

AND in other news, Update emerges over Villa target with “god-given” talent, Lange must avoid big howler…

Celtic could be set to offer Tottenham goalkeeper Joe Hart the chance to become the top-earner at Parkhead, in order to seal a transfer this week [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Celtic look to rectify their goalkeeping issues

Having already started 2021/22 in poor fashion on a domestic and European front, Ange Postecoglou will be keen to get some experience into the building to rectify problem positions.

The goalkeeping department has become a particular bugbear for the Hoops in the last year, with none of Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain or Conor Hazard able to hold down the number one jersey.

Desperate for reinforcements, the Celts now look set to offer a mouth-watering pay packet to 34-year-old Hart.

The Latest: Hoops could make Hart their highest earner at Parkhead to seal deal

Relayed by a Hoops source at Football Insider, they are set to offer the former Manchester City goalkeeper a deal worth in excess of £35k-per-week to lure him north of the border, before their inaugural home fixture of the campaign against Dundee on August 8th.

Postecoglou is said to have requested a proven goalkeeper capable of functioning within a powder keg environment, with Hart fitting the bill due to his extensive CV at club and international level.

Any prospective agreement could make the Spurs stopper the highest paid individual at Celtic Park, with the arrival of new keeper Pierluigi Gollini at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium paving the way for his exit.

The Verdict: Hart would be a high-profile signing who would excite Celtic supporters

Possessing experience, the ability to command a defence and elite-level pedigree, Hart would be a high-profile addition with the tools to succeed at Celtic.

Since the introduction of the Premier League Golden Glove award in 2004/05, Hart has won the accolade four times, taking him to joint-top of the list [Premier League].

In 2020/21, he was on the periphery in North London, keeping five clean sheets from ten appearances in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by former Celt Fraser Forster, the Hoops should look to finalise a swoop for Hart as soon as possible [Daily Echo].

In other news, an update has emerges on a reported Celtic target.

Ahead of their Premier League clash against Manchester City on Friday night, Newcastle boss Steve Bruce might consider making a ruthless decision and dropping Miguel Almiron from his starting line-up.

With the season now winding down, and the Magpies’ safety secured for another year after both Fulham and West Brom saw their relegation back to the Championship confirmed in recent days, there’s a real chance for Bruce to just experiment a little and bring some fresh energy into the side.

And one way he can do that, is by axing Almiron.

The Paraguay international has endured another difficult season on Tyneside, with just four Premier League goals to his name all year – in fact, he’s been on a shocking run of form that has seen him fail to find the back of the net, or and provided just a single assist, since February 6.

A run of three months without a single goal contribution just isn’t good enough, even in the slightly more withdrawn role that he’s been used in lately.

And, last week’s performance against Arsenal was particularly disappointing, coming up against a Gunners side who had just been humiliated in the Europa League by Villareal and there for the taking.

As per Sofascore, the £75k-a-week earning ace’s 31 touches and 19 passes were even lower than goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, and was involved in barely anything of note.

He had absolutely no attempts on goal, and didn’t even managing a single dribble either. That’s not to mention the fact he also provided no key passes either, and it was no surprise Bruce eventually saw enough and took him for Joelinton mid-way through the second half.

After the game, The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder simply called it “one of his poorest displays of the season”, while Bruce himself admitted Almiron had a difficult outing, saying: “I think he’s played very well of late playing in that midfield area. But like us all (against Arsenal), we’ve found it a bit of a struggle. With what we’ve got at the top end of the pitch, I believe he’s still a very, very decent midfield player and can add goals and a bit of flair from it (midfield) like he has done.”

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Almiron’s work-rate and attitude is second-to-none, and there’s a lot to like about the way the Paraguayan goes about things. But sadly, the quality just hasn’t been there, and it’s holding the Magpies back. It’s time for him to be dropped from the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce is eyeing this Premier League starlet…

Aston Villa are very hopeful that Jack Grealish will sign a new contract at the club this summer, as replayed by The Telegraph.

Enjoying an astounding 2020/21 season, the 25-year-old registered 19 goal contributions in 27 appearances, with seven goals and 12 assists [Transfermarkt].

In recent weeks, the England international has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City as he currently plies his trade at Euro 2020 [Caught Offside].

However, it now seems that the Midlanders may win the battle of wits to keep the Aston Villa captain on board for the foreseeable future after recent developments. Although no indication has been given of when a contract may potentially be offered, it would represent a clear stance of non-negotiation with regard to their prize assets [The Telegraph].

As you can imagine, loads of Aston Villa fans took to Twitter to revel in this update on Grealish

Aston Villa fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet @villareport, here is how some fans summarised their reaction to what one supporter called “amazing news”:

“Give the bloke whatever he wants. Set up a Go Fund Me page and I’ll personally contribute”

Credit: @J7_BVN”Get it done @AVFCOfficial”Credit: @GW_94″please”Credit: @catrinedwards18″Using the City interest to get a better deal and stay at the Villa forever, like it”Credit: @Slug_23″Would be amazing news”Credit: @jamese9930″Give him whatever he wants, also give his agent whatever he wants as well. We are keeping him for at least 1 more year. UTV #avfc”Credit: @rico_chongIn other news, Aston Villa are interested in a Premier League defender.

There appears to be ‘growing confidence’ that Leeds United could beat a number of top clubs to the signing of Espanyol youngster Mateo Joseph Fernandez.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Fernandez move

The Whites may potentially be looking at January reinforcements and one player they have been linked with is 17-year-old Fernandez.

The striker is yet to make a senior appearance for Espanyol but he is considered an exciting prospect with a bright future ahead of him.

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The Latest: January move incoming?

According to The Daily Mail, the signing of Fernandez could be edging closer, with Leeds confident that a January move will come to fruition.

The Whites are believed to be fighting off interest from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona, highlighting the attacker’s potential.

Fernandez reportedly has a £1.2million release clause in his contract that lasts until next summer, giving clubs the opportunity to sign him on the cheap.

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The Verdict: One for the future

While Fernandez wouldn’t arrive as an immediate first-team squad member for Leeds, he is someone who could be viewed as a long-term project, along with the likes of Sam Greenwood and Joe Gelhardt.

It is vital that the Whites plans for life long beyond Marcelo Bielsa, ensuring they don’t stand still and instead continue to cement their place as a reestablished Premier League outfit.

In other news, one Leeds player has ‘a lot to improve’, according to a pundit. Find out who it is here.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suffered a potential setback in his recovery from injury, posing further selection headaches for manager Rafa Benitez.

What’s the word?

The England international hasn’t featured since the 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on 28 August due to a broken toe and thigh problem.

Although the Toffees are yet to name an exact date for Calvert-Lewin’s expected comeback, there are growing concerns over a setback in his recovery.

A recent report in the Liverpool ECHO expressed such worries, claiming the versatile attacker could be on the treatment table for up to three months.

The report states that: “Rafa Benitez had hoped to be in a position to recall Calvert-Lewin to the squad in the coming weeks, but it is believed the 24-year-old may have suffered complications in his rehabilitation.

“Everton were asked about Calvert-Lewin’s fitness by the ECHO, but the club have yet to respond. There are some fears that the No9 could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks, but there is hope his absence will not be as long as that.”

Rafa Benitez surely devastated

News that Calvert-Lewin could face an extended spell on the sidelines will surely leave Benitez feeling absolutely devastated.

He has been their star man for a considerable period of time now, bagging 21 times last season and scoring three goals in his opening three outings this term. That was sandwiched by a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad as he played second fiddle to Harry Kane in the Three Lions side that reached the final a few months ago.

A fast start to the season from Everton is threatening to be unravelled due to a series of injuries to several key players, with midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure the latest to pick up a fresh problem.

The Goodison Park outfit suffered their first home defeat of the campaign last time out against West Ham United, and Benitez must fear more underwhelming results are inevitable as the list of absentees continues to grow.

And, in other news…Everton could be hit with a hammer blow after concerning report, fans surely worried 

It’s taken a while for Rafa Benitez to put his money where his mouth is but it looks as though Everton are moving closer to their first signing under the Spaniard.

The Toffees haven’t moved quickly in the transfer market but pending the Spaniard’s approval, addition number one is on the way.

What’s the word?

Everton have been linked with a number of faces in the window with an emphasis put on the defensive line.

Ben White, Denzel Dumfries and Max Aarons to name a few have been on their radar but their first acquisition of the summer looks set to be a midfielder.

That’s according to Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness) who suggest that Matheus Nunes is on the verge of arriving on Merseyside from Sporting Lisbon.

Terms look as though they’ve been agreed and now the move just depends on one thing; the approval of their new manager; Benitez.

Is he a good signing?

If Everton secure this transfer and get it over the line, supporters will have every right to be pleased.

It’s always nice to secure your first signing of the summer and when it’s for a player like Nunes, there should be particular excitement.

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The 22-year-old isn’t exactly a household name to Premier League audiences but he was a solid and reliable performer in the middle of the park for a team who won the Portuguese top-flight last term.

Nunes proved to be a dynamic performer, starting on 12 occasions and impressing in small glimpses.

He was involved in five goals while his ability to carry the ball from deep undoubtedly stood out, completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

For context, only Allan in the Everton midfield last term recorded more than that. Per Stats Bomb and FB Ref, his shots per goal ranked him as the fifth-best in that department throughout Liga NOS.

With that in mind, by handing regular game time and starts to Nunes, perhaps he could start to find the net with more regularity.

Throw in his ball carrying and this looks like a mightily attractive signing.

Supporters should be enthralled that Everton are finally on the verge of concluding their first transfer of the summer.

AND in other news, Everton may repeat their Walcott howler by signing £30m gem who Rafa compared to Messi…