All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte could be without one of his key first-team stars this afternoon…

What’s the latest?

Spurs welcome Newcastle United to north London as both teams return to Premier League action following the international break, and the Italian will be hoping to maintain ground in the race for a top-four finish.

But ahead of kick-off, some worrying news has emerged as Sergio Reguilon could be a surprise absentee after pulling up in training on Thursday, as revealed by football.london reporter Alasdair Gold.

‘football.london understands that Sergio Reguilon pulled up in training on Thursday with a problem and had to leave the session,’ he wrote.

Huge blow

Whilst not in the best of form, the absence of the Spanish wing-back would still be something of a major blow to Conte and the Spurs squad, especially as this game will be too soon for his alternative, Ryan Sessegnon, to return.

“The good news is that [Oliver] Skippy and Sessegnon are very close to being back with the team, to having training sessions with us. They are not yet ready for the game against Newcastle, but they are improving,” the Italian revealed in his pre-game press conference.

The prospect of playing the Magpies without an out-and-out left wing-back is certainly cause for concern, even more so given the fact that Conte’s system relies so heavily on attacking influence in the role.

Reguilon is amongst Spurs’ most creative options, averaging 1.3 key passes per game, a feat only bettered by frontline duo Heung-min Son (two) and Dejan Kulusevski (1.7), as per WhoScored.

Elsewhere, the former Real Madrid dynamo has been a key influence defensively too, where he has registered an average of 1.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game; numbers that exceed that of Sessegnon.

If unavailable, it leaves Conte with little options.

Matt Doherty could switch across to the other flank, something he has done only three times across his last 50 competitive appearances in all competitions, whilst there could be a change in formation that sees Ben Davies deployed in his natural left-back role amongst a back four, rather than three.

That’s something the Italian has done just once since being appointed as Nuno Santo’s successor, resulting in a 2-0 defeat to his former club, Chelsea.

Without Reguilon, Conte will be handed a late dilemma over team selection and that will surely leave him absolutely gutted, if not fuming as injuries show no sign of easing up at Hotspur Way.

AND in other news, Forget Davies: Conte must start £27m-rated Spurs “beast” today, it could be game-changing…

As per football.london correspondent Tom Clark, a West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving Manchester City defender Nathan Ake.

The Lowdown: Ake keen to join…

An emergency central defensive signing is on the agenda for manager David Moyes as he aims to keep his West Ham side in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

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Injuries to both Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna have prompted both the Scotsman and recruitment chief Rob Newman to look at their options in January with City ace Ake one of their targets.

As per Eurosport journalist Dean Jones, the 26-year-old ‘is believed to be keen’ on the prospect of a move to the London Stadium if his side sanction a transfer.

Clark, writing for football.london, has now shared an update.

The Latest: Newman exploring offer…

As per his sources, West Ham, and by extension transfer chief Newman, are ‘exploring’ an offer to sign Ake in January.

However, a deal may be difficult to pull off given City are in no hurry to let him leave – especially since the Netherlands ace has worked his way back into contention with 11 appearances so far.

The Verdict: Pull out all the stops?

The £28.8 million-valued ace would be a shrewd signing for Moyes given his versatility as a central defender, left-back and even a defensive midfield man.

Ake would plug many gaping holes in West Ham’s side and come as a really assured presence – having averaged a better pass success rate out from the back (93.2%) in the Premier League than any Irons defender (WhoScored).

Lauded as ‘underrated’ by Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, this further highlights his quality, but if City refuse to budge on letting him go then Anfield defender Nathaniel Phillips could be a great alternative.

It is believed that the 24-year-old could leave for just £15 million and he has already signalled his willingness to leave next month as West Ham eye a move (The Sun).

In other news: ‘We are back’, ‘What I wanted to hear’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘best news’ has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more here.

According to a report by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna (relayed by Sport Witness), West Ham and Newcastle have ‘made an approach’ for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, and both sides ‘could make an offer’ for the player.

The Lowdown: Badiashile a hot prospect

Badiashile has taken Ligue 1 by storm, as he has secured himself as one of the hottest young prospects in the country. The 20-year-old centre-back has made 12 appearances for Monaco this season, and this total would have been even greater if it weren’t for a hamstring injury which kept him out for the second half of November and early December.

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The France U21 has also played a part in the club’s Europa League campaign, having played in the home and away fixtures against Real Sociedad and PSV Eindhoven. Impressively, he leads the side in defensive clearances made in the competition, averaging a mammoth five per game.

The Latest: Irons have ‘made an approach’ for Badiashile

According to a report by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna (via Sport Witness), West Ham have joined Newcastle in having ‘made an approach’ for the Frenchman, who have contacted Monaco and the player’s representatives directly.

As a result, it is said that both Premier League clubs ‘could make an offer’ for the 20-year-old in the January window.

Aouna has previously reported that the Magpies and the Hammers were ‘both interested’ in securing the youngster’s signature. At that point, it was claimed that the Irons ‘should’ make an offer, whilst Newcastle were waiting to assess the situation, due to the pursuits of Sven Botman and Diego Carlos. However now, it seems the two English clubs are set to go toe-to-toe for the player.

The Verdict: A phenomenal signing for the next decade

Unfortunately, the youngster has recently picked up another injury, potentially ruling him out for at least a month (NUFC 360), so this would definitely be a signing for the long-term.

Despite being just 20 years old, Badiashile has already received vast interest from big clubs across Europe. In the summer of 2020, former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was supposedly keeping a close eye on the youngster. He was even compared with current Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, with that report detailing Zidane’s keen eye for talent and affection for Badiashile.

Monaco Vice President Oleg Petrov has also previously expressed how the player was considered ‘bankable’, due to his ‘great talent’ and potential to play for ‘one of the best clubs’ in the world.

This international attention clearly illustrates Badiashile’s quality and outstanding promise as a youngster. Therefore, if West Ham can beat Newcastle to the player’s signature, this could prove to be a phenomenal signing for years to come.

Many Liverpool fans voiced their frustration with Jordan Henderson during the Premier League clash with Leicester City on Tuesday night. 

Liverpool were looking to return to winning ways after their six-game streak was halted by a 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on 19 December.

Leicester, meanwhile, were facing a title contender for the second time in three days, having lost 6-3 at league leaders Manchester City on Boxing Day.

Henderson’s Leicester struggle

Henderson returned to the starting line-up after missing the Spurs draw through illness.

Jurgen Klopp selected him alongside Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in his three-man midfield.

He took on three shots from range in the first half of the match, but all three of them missed the target.

The Reds skipper also misplaced 13 of the 47 passes he attempted, meaning his accuracy was only 72 per cent.

Here’s what a selection of supporters on Twitter made of the 31-year-old’s display at The King Power Stadium, as he was eventually withdrawn for Roberto Firmino while the Reds fell six points behind Manchester City…

These Liverpool fans lay into Henderson

“Henderson has been abysmal”

Credit: @Liverpxxl

“Every week I shed another tear at the fact that we extended henderson’s contract”

Credit: @RHLFC7

“Henderson can’t keep getting away with these performances”

Credit: @kwaku_tvb

“Henderson disasterclass and mane awful”

Credit: @kop_for_ever

“Love watching Henderson sky volleys into the 30th row”

Credit: @commenterlfc

“Get Henderson off immediately and terminate his contract. Awful awful player, who gave this imbecile an extension?”

Credit: @LaVillanelle

In other news, fans mocked this Mohamed Salah claim.

Craig Hope has dropped a big revelation on the potential new owners amid the ongoing Newcastle United takeover saga.

Writing in his latest piece for the Daily Mail, the football journalist has revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful’s proposed new owners ‘do not wish to keep’ any of the staff working at their retail store, with Mike Ashley closing it down and making all of the staff redundant.

Hope has also claimed that the developments around the club store is a move that insiders say ‘points towards a development’ in the proposed deal between Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

It is understood that the change is one of the conditions of the bid, and there is a mention of incoming owners in a letter that has since been sent to staff with regards to the situation.

Newcastle takeover sign?

There would not be any talk of the potential new owners and what they want to do with the Magpies if there was not still a chance that they could take over.

Thus, it is an encouraging sign that the takeover could still go through for the Toon, even if it is followed by the sad news of redundancies being made.

Nonetheless, the saga does not seem to be dead in the water just yet, with a pending arbitration case between NUFC and the Premier League to come.

It could also mean the end of Steve Bruce’s time at the club, something which is sure to be music to fans’ ears, as one pundit claimed this week that the new owners want the former Aston Villa boss out on arrival.

In other news, find out who the potential new owners have been claimed to want out if the takeover is completed here!

Many fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter in which David Gold discussed recent comments made by Pablo Fornals, as well as commenting on the club’s current league position.

In his tweet, the West Ham joint-chairman relayed Fornals’ remarks, in which the midfielder claimed that the Hammers can be proud of how they are performing at present, following a run of seven Premier League wins from their last 10 games in the competition.

Gold continued by stating that West Ham remain in fourth place in the league standings, before pointing out that this is the highest position held by any London side at present.

However, in reaction to Gold’s post, some fans of West Ham appeared far from happy with the 84-year-old’s remarks, with many claiming that their club’s fine Premier League campaign is nothing to do with the owners, who have long been a source of discontent among many Irons supporters. Indeed, one Hammers fan even branded Gold a “clown” following his latest comments.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to David Gold’s post on Twitter?

“And more importantly, despite the club being run or more appropriately ruined by the worst board imaginable. David Moyes, his staff and the players have done every one of us proud. Sell up and give the club a chance to flourish under a professional and proficient board.”

@RichardGSBOUT

“We would be even higher in the league table had you backed Moyes. You guys wanted to spend enough to survive, so you deserve no credit for us being 4th.”

@ScoutSoucek

“Imagine what David Moyes and the coaching staff could do if they had a transfer budget and a scouting network. They and the players have got us where we are with absolutely no help from the board.”

@shaney9ss

“They are doing incredibly well in spite of you and your dwarf mate. Time to go.”

@mikecawston

“Got nothing to do with you though, all down to Moyes & that squad of players.”

@SamSk31

“Still here?!”

@DrDanielDaCost1

“In spite of you.”

@CostiaAHN

“Sell up. #GSBOUT”

@scairrr

“Just hurry up and sell the club, you complete clown.”

@n_kalathakis

In other West Ham United news, many fans wanted this Premier League ace after a contract claim – find out more here!

Speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, Carlton Palmer has backed Josh Windass to win a place in Sheffield Wednesday’s starting XI under new manager Darren Moore.

Windass has been “frustrated” by his lack of playing time, something former caretaker boss Neil Thompson revealed last month, but was given a start in the recent 3-2 defeat to Luton Town and did not disappoint.

The 27-year-old managed to bag himself two goals on the day in a display that will surely give his new boss something to think about ahead of that all-important clash against Rotherham United on Wednesday.

They were his fourth and fifth of the Championship campaign, and Palmer is now hoping to see him kick on amid what has been a difficult period not just for the player, but the club as a whole.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Windass’ recent performance, Palmer said:

“He’s now scored two goals. So, you know, I expect Darren to select him. I’m sure he’ll be speaking to Thompson, who knows the players really well. And I would assume that Josh will start the next game. You would expect to as a player if you scored two goals, and then the rest is down to him.”

While Windass will surely be keen to impress if selected for the visit of Rotherham as he looks to nail down a regular position in Wednesday’s XI, his biggest concern will undoubtedly be securing the three points.

Paul Wayne’s side are only one point ahead of the Owls, albeit with a game in hand, so a win could really help change the complexion of the relegation battle.

Glasgow Rangers recorded a 3-1 victory over Motherwell on Saturday lunchtime, with the win moving the Ibrox outfit to within three points of the current Scottish Premiership leaders.

The Light Blues scored the opener after only 15 minutes, with James Tavernier swinging a cross in that eventually resulted in Motherwell’s Liam Kelly scoring an own goal, harshly denying Scott Wright.

Leon Balogun was sent off for the Gers after half an hour following a poor challenge and this initially swung the momentum to the home side, who equalised shortly after.

However, following the half-time interval, Rangers went up a gear and secured all three points with goals from the impressive Wright and Tavernier sealing the victory at Fir Park.

And, in the absence of both Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos, the real hero for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side was Fashion Sakala, who terrorised the Motherwell defence throughout the tie.

Sakala passed Van Bronckhorst’s test

In possession, the Zambian was a constant threat in the final third, registering one shot, making two key passes, completing all four of his attempted dribbles and creating one big chance for his teammates – proving that he was extremely lively in Rangers’ attempts to secure the win.

However, the biggest moment came when the player Alan Hutton claimed “plays at 100mph” was through on goal and managed to win a penalty for Gers, giving Tavernier the chance to put his side two goals ahead, with the captain duly delivering.

The Zambian international also made two tackles, one clearance, and won eight of his 12 duels – a success rate of 67% – showing that he can get his hands dirty and help the team out defensively, this was vital when Motherwell had all the momentum after Balogun’s sending off.

Overall, Sakala was fantastic – something that was reflected in his 7.6 SofaScore match rating, the best of any Gers player on the day – with his performance undoubtedly pleasing Van Bronckhorst greatly, as the £10k-per-week hitman certainly passed the Dutchman’s big test ahead of the club’s upcoming Europa League semi-final.

AND in other news: Van Bronckhorst can brutally axe “shaky” Rangers dud in deal for “annoyingly brilliant” £0 machine

It’s now been close to a year since Stewart Donald first claimed he’d look to sell Sunderland but we’re not really any closer to reaching a conclusion.

It was reported last month that the Oxford-born businessman had agreed a deal with Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus but evidently, it’s not been wrapped up yet.

Another interested party is Rich Energy CEO, William Storey.

The former Haas F1 investor has been very outspoken about his desires to buy the football club and after a long-winded interview with The Chronicle, it appears as though he’s already got plans in place for what he’d do at the Stadium of Light.

You have to credit it him because it genuinely looks as though he’s got Sunderland’s best interests at heart. However, all of his words and planning could be thrown out the window if it’s Dreyfus who ends up with the keys to the Stadium of Light.

One strategy Storey wants to implement if he walks through the door is something that falls into recruitment. He admitted last weekend that he wants to bring as many as five players currently at Premier League clubs to the north-east.

Of course, they won’t be established individuals but instead players under the age of 23 that reside in academy sides. Now, this may not sound like the smartest of ideas on paper given their relative inexperience but when it comes to the financial side of things, it’s incredibly cunning.

Sunderland are currently restricted by the EFL’s new salary cap – something the club voted against before it was introduced – and thus, they won’t be able to do too much in the January window.

However, as Storey concludes, these younger players are on smaller wages and would be easier to bring to the Mackems.

If Sunderland aren’t going to sell Aiden McGeady – someone on £31k-per-week – they will need all the financial help they can get. Of course, Storey would bring new investment with him but that’s not going to stop the club from crossing the line in terms of the salary restrictions.

The Black Cats may need to get rid of a few players but it is evident Storey knows the context of the club and how they can get around it.

“Academy players are on much lower money, that’s number one. The average Academy player in the Premier League wouldn’t be breaking the salary cap,” he stated.

It’s very shrewd and Sunderland could well give themselves a giant push towards promotion if they implement this successfully.

AND in other news, Sunderland can find another Semenyo if they swoop for gem with “lots of pace”…

Many Everton fans have been left to gush as a Sunday report from The Athletic was shared following football’s social media boycott by @EvertonNewsFeed on Tuesday.

As per the report, the Goodison Park faithful are preparing a bid for Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window, but may find themselves in competition with Leicester City to sign the Brentford striker.

The 25-year-old has been nothing short of exceptional in the EFL Championship so far in the 2020/21 term, notching up no fewer than 30 goals and a further 10 assists in 44 games in total (Transfermarkt), and is clearly ready to make the move up to the Premier League.

The Merseyside club are in desperate need of some depth and firepower to challenge Dominic Calvert-Lewin up top come the start of next season, and Toney could very well be that man.

Everton fans on Toney transfer update

These Toffees supporters gushed as the news of the transfer bid was shared on Twitter:

“Get him in, raid the Championship for promising young, players who are prepared to graft and appreciate their opportunities.”

Credit: @ctayts

“Said for ages we should be all over this guy.”

Credit: @sarahmallory88

“Get it done Everton.”

Credit: @josh_smith10

“Yes please Everton”

Credit: @finn_noone

“Yes. Yes. Yes.”

Credit: @bittertoffee

“It’d be mad if we can pull this off. I’ve followed Brentford all season and he’s some forward”

Credit: @mannie_efc

In other news, find out whose display was slammed versus Aston Villa here!