All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool are still without midfielder Curtis Jones ahead of this weekend’s trip to Wolves. 

Neil Jones, the club’s correspondent for Goal, wrote on his Facebook page that the 20-year-old still needs to ‘be patient and wait for his eye issue to fully clear up’.

Jones hasn’t featured for the Reds since the 2-2 draw with Brighton on 30 October. He was on a run of four starts in five Premier League matches before he sustained the issue.

The midfielder joins Roberto Firmino on the team’s injury list in a period of the season which sees them play nine games in 31 days.

Better LFC injury news elsewhere

The journalist reported that the Brazil striker may return to the grass at the AXA Training Centre next week, but wasn’t so optimistic about the English midfielder.

Joe Gomez and Naby Keita are further down the line in their respective recoveries, having returned to training in recent days.

Twitter fan feed Anfield Edition relayed Jones’ fitness update, and here’s what some supporters made of it.

Liverpool fans bemoan Jones’ continued absence

“Still don’t understand how he did that to his eye. Definitely need more details…”

Credit: @seyjith

“That must’ve been one bad eye injury”

Credit: @Kieran_Reid99

“What happened to his eye?”

Credit: @Kiels695

“Unbelievable that is”

Credit: @Royston679

“How can Firmino play with a pirate patch and CJ can’t ?”

Credit: @thebigguy86

“Who sparked him? I need to know”

Credit: @_LFConnor_

In other news, a number of Reds fans erupted over this transfer update

According to a report by La Gazzetta dello Sport, as also translated by Sport Witness, new Tottenham Hotspur managing director Fabio Paratici could help the club to sign sought-after Sassuolo midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

The Lowdown: Paratici and Spurs…

Widely regarded as a capable negotiator and heralded by chairman Daniel Levy as a ‘tough’ one (Tottenham Hotspur), new ‘managing director’ Paratici has been tasked with overseeing the club’s on-field sporting operations.

The 48-year-old was reportedly instrumental in orchestrating big deals at former club Juventus, including the signing of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo in Turin (The Daily Mail).

As such, amid his arrival, there have been no shortage of exciting transfer reports.

The Latest: Paratici could help Spurs to bag Locatelli

Sought after by Champions League finalists Manchester City and Chelsea, the appointment of Paratici has now catapulted Tottenham into contention for Locatelli – according to La Gazzetta.

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Indeed, the Italian newspaper claim that Paratici ‘knows the dynamics of the potential deal’ and it is believed he could ‘raise the bid’ for Spurs as he becomes ‘heavily involved’ in the chase for Locatelli.

La Gazzetta also say he is ‘ready for the big jump’ to a new club as three Premier League giants now eye a summer swoop, but the midfield dynamo is currently waiting calmly to see how his future unfolds.

The 23-year-old started Italy’s first game of Euro 2020 and impressed during their 3-0 win over Turkey – winning all of his aerial duels and completing 87.3% of his passes (Breaking the Lines).

The Verdict: Would be massive…

Sassuolo apparently won’t let him leave for a penny less than €40 million (£34.4m) amid a tough financial climate for Spurs especially.

For this reason we believe it is unlikely Locatelli’s signing can be pulled off, but if Paratici and the Lilywhites can somehow work a deal, it would be pretty massive.

Arguably ne of the most promising Italy internationals at this present moment, Azzurri boss Roberto Mancini has already claimed the player ‘has everything’ after giving him his debut last year against the Netherlands (Planet Football).

ESPN journalist Matteo Bonetti also told Sky Sports that Locatelli is an ‘elegant’ player, arguably what Tottenham need in the middle of the park to provide some cutting edge quality (Football Daily).

Of course, signing him will depend on Tottenham’s ability to shift deadwood this summer, but his acquisition would certainly turn heads.

In other news: ‘Tottenham are now planning’…Fabrizio Romano relays big transfer news coming out of N17, find out more here.

Aston Villa could be set for a summer nightmare amid reports claiming that Premier League champions Liverpool are interested in signing Ollie Watkins.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side have seen the former Brentford ace take to the Premier League like a duck to water, bagging an impressive 14 goals across all competitions in his debut campaign with the club.

Football Insider have claimed that Liverpool – or Merseyside Red, as John McGinn hilariously named them following the whole European Super League debacle – are keen on luring Watkins to Anfield this summer.

The report added that Jurgen Klopp’s side are keeping tabs on the £28.8m-rated striker, who “is on their radar because he has blistering pace, can play a quick tempo game and has an eye for goal.”

Nightmare for Dean Smith

Given how he has performed in his first season with Aston Villa, it’s only logical to think that Watkins could go to even greater heights with a full campaign of Premier League football under his belt.

The striker has been leading Villa’s charge to a surprise European spot for next season and has often been someone to rise to the big occasion, netting in home and away fixtures against Liverpool (including a hat-trick at Villa Park) and also against Arsenal.

It’s no surprise that Klopp and Liverpool have their eye on signing a “machine” like Watkins, and it will leave Smith very worried about trying to hold on to his main man up front.

The prospect of playing for a team challenging for titles both domestically and in Europe will be a tantalising one, and Smith will have to use his powers of persuasion to ensure that Watkins’ head doesn’t get turned.

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Liverpool have already shown in recent seasons that they are ready to spend big money on players they want – you only have to look at the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson to see that.

Villa will be desperately hoping that they can avoid the nightmare of the Reds coming in to pinch Watkins this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa are ready to reignite their interest in this star…

Journalist Keith Jackson has suggested that Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst could deploy Joe Aribo as a false nine on Thursday. 

The lowdown

Rangers are due to travel to Germany for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final this week, where they will take on RB Leipzig.

They already knew they would be without top scorer Alfredo Morelos, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing thigh surgery, but now second-top scorer Kemar Roofe has picked up a knee injury which will also sideline him against the Bundesliga outfit.

With those two missing, Fashion Sakala led the line for Gers on Saturday as they won 3-1 at Motherwell.

Aribo is predominantly a central midfielder who is also capable of operating on the right but, according to Transfermarkt, he has never played as a centre-forward or a second striker in his senior career.

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The latest

Jackson said in The Daily Record’s Monday Jury that Van Bronckhorst has his ‘work cut out’ to deliver a ‘tactical solution’ to Rangers’ centre-forward problem.

The journalist has pondered if Aribo could ‘operate as a false nine’ and said that, in the circumstances, it would be a ‘huge’ achievement if the Gers leave the Red Bull Arena with ‘the semifinal still alive’.

The verdict

This is certainly a bold call from Jackson, given that Aribo has no experience in the position, although you could argue that it’s exactly the kind of thing which could catch Leipzig out, as Domenico Tedesco’s side probably won’t be prepared for it.

Aribo is certainly a goalscoring midfielder, having bagged eight over the course of the season. Incidentally, that is more than Sakala (seven), although the Nigerian has played 10 more matches.

If Rangers are to take this gamble, then it’s important that Van Bronckhorst trains the revised shape all week so that his players are able to adjust as best they can ahead of Thursday night.

In other news, Ally McCoist tears into one ‘really poor’ Rangers player

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Dean Windass has dubbed Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as “disgusting” following his lateness ahead of Sunday’s north London derby.

Aubameyang was dropped from the starting line-up, having been previously set to start the match against Tottenham, and ended up being an unused substitute, with Nicolas Pepe and Willian deployed as Arsenal’s two attacking changes.

It was a brave decision from Arteta, with the Gabonese striker not only the club’s captain, but is Arsenal’s top goalscorer in all competitions and best source of goals.

But it paid dividends after goals from Martin Odegaard and Alexandra Lacazette cancelled out Erik Lamela’s outrageous opener to move the Gunners four points behind their arch rivals.

And Windass told Football FanCast that it was a strong move from Arteta, who he thought addressed it perfectly.

He said: “It tells you a lot about the manager. It doesn’t matter who you are, if you’re the captain, or you’re the biggest earner, rules are rules. As a footballer I was always early, there’s no excuse.

“Fair play to Arteta, he’s stamped his authority on it, but he’s done it in the right way. He’s not hammered him, yes he’s left him out, yes he’ll get fined, but it will hurt him for leaving him out the team. He will probably have had a meeting, even though they won the game.

“You don’t know if he’s been in a traffic jam, which isn’t an excuse, nobody knows what goes on. But it’s disgusting you can be late for a football match, when you’re earning so much money. That’s your job, that’s your profession. Can you imagine if Roy Keane was in that changing room?”

Aubameyang will be hoping to make a return to the XI for the second-leg Europa League clash against Olympiacos on Thursday.

Birmingham City are interested in a deal to bring Mathias Jorgensen to St. Andrew’s this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Turkish outlet Fotomac (via Football League World), who claim that Lee Bowyer’s side have made an offer for the Fenerbahce centre-back, commonly known as Zanka, following his impressive loan spell at FC Copenhagen last season.

It is reported that Preston North End also hold an interest in the £1.35m-rated man, although Birmingham now appear to be leading the race the defender, who is thought to have a year remaining on his current contract in Turkey.

Bowyer must move

Considering the fact that Mikel San Jose and the Blues have parted company this summer, the centre of the Birmingham defence is certainly an area in which Bowyer will be looking to bring reinforcements in the current transfer window.

And, after looking at Zanka’s performances while on loan at Copenhagen last season, he would certainly appear to be an apt replacement for the outgoing Spaniard.

Indeed, over his 26 Superligaen appearances for Jess Thorup’s side, the 31-year-old scored one goal and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as helping his team keep four clean sheets and making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, four clearances and winning 4.5 duels per game.

These metrics saw the £38k-per-week centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as Copenhagen’s 11th-best performer in the Danish first tier.

However, it is not only last season in which Zanka has performed admirably, having averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.83 over his 24 Premier League appearances for Huddersfield Town in 2018/19, as well as having been one of Copenhagen’s stars in the club’s 2016/17 Champions League jaunt, in which he averaged a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.53 over six fixtures.

As such, considering the experience the player whom David Wagner dubbed a “complete defender” has behind him, his signing would appear to be an extremely positive one for Bowyer to get over the line this summer, as Zanka very much appears to possess the ability to be something of a force in the heart of the Birmingham defence next season.

In other news: Bowyer heading for his biggest Birmingham transfer mistake to date, fans will be livid

West Bromwich Albion have been credited with an interest in Blackpool talisman Jerry Yates, as reported by The Sun.

The Lowdown: West Brom plot signings ahead of 2021/22

As the Baggies gear up for 2021/22, revenge will be on their mind as they look to win promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Intelligent acquisitions in the transfer market will be crucial for exactly that, and West Brom have been linked with moves for forwards like Taiwo Awoniyi and Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty in recent times [Football League World].

However, it now seems that the Albion may be eyeing a different offensive option to spearhead their attack next campaign.

The Latest: Baggies interested in Yates; could cost around £5 million

West Bromwich Albion are rumoured to be interested in a move for 24-year-old Yates, who is quoted at being available for around £5 million this window [The Sun].

Additionally, Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest are also rumoured to be keen on a move for the goal-laden frontman [The Sun], with Blackburn likely to need a replacement for Adam Armstrong.

The Verdict: Yates would be an ideal signing for West Bromwich Albion

Undoubtedly, Yates would be a positive signing for the West Midlands side as they rebuild for 2021/22.

This season, the Englishman notched an impressive 23 goals in 54 fixtures in all competitions, which helped Blackpool regain promotion to the Sky Bet Championship last month [Transfermarkt].

Labelled ‘outstanding’ by Seasiders manager Neil Critchley, he would most certainly bring an element of potency which was lacking at the Hawthorns last campaign – as well as promotion expertise [NewsChain Online].

As the Baggies plot ahead, someone of Yates’ ilk would fit the bill in terms of consistency, age and ability to convert in-front of goal. West Brom should be doing all they can to get the deal over the line.

In other news, West Bromwich Albion have made a shock off-field decision.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has dropped a hugely encouraging update over the future of Harry Kane at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

A lot has been made about the 28-year-old’s future in north London ahead of the summer window, with a lot of the noise and speculation suggesting that he needs to leave Spurs to add trophies to his goal-laden career.

Speaking during the international break, Kane remained coy, he told Sky Sports: “I’m fully focused on doing the job on the pitch from now until the end of the summer, and then we’ll see where we go from there.”

That comes one year on from a similar interview that saw the England skipper claim he’d be willing to leave Spurs if they weren’t progressing.

The likes of Roy Keane, Jermain Defoe and Michael Owen have all urged Kane to move on in recent months.

But according to Romano, it’s “difficult to see that happening. In an exclusive interview with GiveMeSport this week, he said:

“I think it’s difficult to see Harry Kane out of Tottenham. I know what he said in the last interviews and obviously, we are in March so at the moment there is nothing advanced, but what I’m told is that Tottenham are planning with Harry Kane as part of the team.

“They want to discuss about this contract in the coming months and let’s see when they will decide to do it but they’re planning with him so at the moment there is nothing advanced with other clubs and they’re happy with Harry Kane so let’s see what he will decide.”

Mourinho will be buzzing

This news should come as a relief to everyone at Spurs but not at least manager Jose Mourinho, given his increasing reliance on the £108m-rated talisman.

The Englishman, a product of the Hotspur Way academy system, has bagged a whopping 27 goals in all competitions and has even broken a Premier League record this season.

Spurs have scored a total of 49 times in the top-flight this campaign, in which Kane has scored or assisted 30 of them, meaning he has accounted for 61.2% of their goals.

It’s no wonder Heung-min Son has lauded his Lilywhites teammate a “monster” in the past.

Without him, Mourinho would clearly be at a massive loss, especially given his doubts over Benfica loanee Carlos Vinicius.

“Vinicius is a player with an incredible spirit but his understanding of how to press is something he’s still not comfortable with,” explained the Portuguese boss to BT Sport (via Goal) after snubbing the Brazilian forward against Chelsea in February, with Kane out injured.

Even last season, with the leading striker absent, Spurs crashed out of the FA Cup, Champions League and at one stage looked to be missing out on Europe until his sudden return.

If Romano’s words ring true this summer, then Mourinho can start planning an assault on ending that barren run without silverware, with Kane at the forefront of that quest.

At the same time, he could silence those who believe the 6 foot 2 beast is better off elsewhere.

Click here to see the full GiveMeSport interview with Fabrizio Romano

AND in other news, Imagine him & Kane: Why Spurs must swoop for this “remarkable” Bundesliga sensation…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who made 280 Premier League appearances, has praised Stuart Dallas for his consistent performances this season and claims he has been one of their best players.

Leeds United are reportedly set to have talks with Dallas about offering him a new contract after an impressive debut season in the Premier League, which has seen him score seven goals and register two assists.

The Northern Ireland international has been a great player for Marcelo Bielsa with his versatility proving key, especially during games, as he can easily slot into left-back or centre midfield.

Speaking on how he has been a consistent performer this season and how he has gone under a lot of people’s radars, Lee exclusively told FFC:

“He’s been brilliant and he’s not one of their big-name players so he goes under the radar but every time I watch him play, he’s either Man of the Match or not far off it.

“He’s been different class and he has been scoring goals as well, so a new contract is the least he deserves.”

The £8,000 per week midfielder has been with the club since 2015 when he signed from Brentford and has gone on to make 226 appearances for the club.

Leeds have their sights firmly set on a top-half finish this season after a run of just one defeat in their last seven league games.

Many Aston Villa fans have been left slamming the display of Matt Targett in the first half of their home game against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

It was a slow start by Dean Smith’s team who went 1-0 down very early on to the Bees through Ivan Toney, as Targett ended up losing his man in the build-up.

His half did not improve much there, as he was guilty of losing possession of the ball on several occasions, while not offering too much of an attacking threat from left-back.

Targett, who currently earns £35,000-per-week at Villa Park, will need to improve on his performance in the second half if AVFC are going to get a positive result in the match, and may have one eye over his shoulder at the likes of Ashley Young who could well take his position if he does not step up his game.

Aston Villa fans on Targett display

These AVFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter:

“Targett has lost it.”

Credit: @des700

“Is this the same Targett we were all annoyed didn’t get in the England squad for the Euros? Just checking…”

Credit: @MillingtonVilla

“Targett loses his man to let Brentford score, he is not Premier League quality play a young left-back now”

Credit: @AJo23p

“Matt Targett have some shame”

Credit: @lochiewaller

“Targett hasn’t been at his best so far”

Credit: @LucAvfc

“Targett ain’t the same man”

Credit: @HarveyyAvfcc

In other news, find out which ‘really good’ player Villa may lose before the deadline here!