All posts by n8rngtd.top

With Mark Warburton’s Queens Park Rangers side having suffered a rather dramatic dip in form in recent weeks, with the Rs falling to three consecutive Championship defeats in their last three fixtures, the 59-year-old manager will certainly be hoping to get back to winning ways at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Tuesday evening.

However, with Birmingham City looking a much-improved outfit under the guidance of Lee Bowyer this season, with the Blues currently sitting in 12th place on 12 points in the league standings, behind QPR on goal difference alone, Warburton will have to ensure he gets his team selection spot on in order to have any chance of picking up three points in the fixture.

So, will the Rs’ boss make any changes to the team that started last time out against West Bromwich Albion? Here’s how we think QPR could line up against Birmingham, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Warburton recently confirming that Sam McCallum looks set to remain sidelined for a number of weeks as a result of a hamstring injury, as well as suggesting that both Stefan Johansen and Jordy de Wijs are both doubts for Tuesday evening’s fixture due to fitness concerns, we predict that the 59-year-old will make two changes to the side that started against West Brom last time out.

In defence, Yoann Barbet drops into the back three having started at left wing-back against the Baggies, in order to accommodate for the absence of the 26-year-old De Wijs, while Jimmy Dunne retains his place in the backline.

On the left, with both McCallum and Lee Wallace currently sidelined, Warburton has not been left with much choice other than to once again field the £720k-rated Albert Adomah at wing-back, however, the 33-year-old has proven in recent fixtures that he is more than a capable option in the position.

In the middle of the park, Ilias Chair drops back from attacking midfield to sit alongside Dominic Ball in order to replace Johansen, while Charlie Austin comes in up top alongside Andre Gray, which leads to a slight tweak in formation from a 3-4-2-1 to a 3-4-1-2.

In other news: Warburton must unleash £13k-p/w QPR beast tonight, he would cause BCFC “real trouble”

Fabrizio Romano shared an update on Twitter regarding Manchester United’s attempts to tie Paul Pogba down to a new contract.

And, as to be expected, a number of Red Devils supporters were quick to flock to the news on social media.

Pogba has been a regular under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, registering seven assists in as many Premier League games.

However, his Old Trafford future remains a talking point, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

According to Romano, Pogba, whose agent is Mino Raiola, has had a contract extension on the table in Manchester since last July.

Pogba would be in line for a pay rise on his £290,000-a-week salary in a new long-term deal, but he is yet to give a final answer.

United have been pushing Pogba for a decision for months, however, they are still waiting.

United fans react

This is what these fans had to say in reply to Romano’s post, with many not holding back and one labelling it as ‘strange’.

“Get him gone”

Credit: @jibis13

“Tears in my eyes he’s actually staying I’m so happy that he’ll never win a major trophy again”

Credit: @BarlowLUHG

“I wonder why he’s delaying his decision to play for the best manager and best football seen at OT since SAF. Strange”

Credit: @t7uky

“please leave my club”

Credit: @justin_hmf300

“Should’ve sold him this summer, contract sat on the table that long he shouldn’t be starting for United either.”

Credit: @FarneticoToro

“get him goneeeeeeeeeeee”

Credit: @Jordan_Simpson7

In other news: ‘What has he done?’ – Many MUFC fans erupt at Romano’s six-word Ole update. 

According to reliable reporter Sam Lee of The Athletic, West Ham have been keeping tabs on Manchester City attacker James McAtee.

The Lowdown: West Ham look to future…

As Rob Newman comes in as the club’s new recruitment chief, his West Ham transfer mission may stretch far beyond simply signing first team stars for the present.

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The Athletic relayed manager David Moyes’ personal desire to bring in promising, young players with re-sale value to the club in a bid to plan for West Ham’s future.

As such, news has now come to light involving the Hammers and interest in a very exciting talent.

The Latest: West Ham now eyeing McAtee…

As per Lee of The Athletic, West Ham are now keeping tabs on the dazzling 18-year-old who recently made his senior debut for The Sky Blues in a 6-1 Carabao Cup victory over Wycombe Wanderers last month.

As well as the Irons, Crystal Palace and Brighton are interested with the latter club even having an £8 million bid rejected for his services.

The teenage talent is apparently ‘not for sale at any price’ with City believing he has a real future at Eastlands.

The Verdict: Difficult move…

McAtee’s potential is vast enough to even draw comparisons with Premier League and City legend David Silva (Goal).

Pep Guardiola lauded the attacking midfielder as one of the ‘special’ crop of youngsters coming through at Eastlands after he featured against Wycombe and it’s clear he may be one to watch for the future.

However, with all these tags, it is clear to see why City won’t sell at any price – so this may be a difficult move for West Ham to pull off.

In other news: Newman gifted boost in race to sign ‘outstanding’ star who is ‘very keen’ to join West Ham, find out more here.

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit Paul Robinson has shared his Jesse Lingard belief amid yet more reports linking him with a return to West Ham United.

The Lowdown: West Ham still eyeing Lingard?

Despite the signing of Croatia international Nikola Vlasic, some reports have come out over the last month linking the Hammers with a possible return swoop.

Lingard is out of contract at the end of this season as talks remain ongoing over a possible Old Trafford extension, but as it stands, he could leave for free in 2022.

According to The Sun, United will consider a cut price £15 million offer for the forward if he continues to refuse new deal offers – coming after Football Insider claimed last month that West Ham are still interested.

Lingard himself admitted he needs to playing regularly to stand any chance of going to next year’s World Cup with England, with Robinson now reacting to this message and sharing his belief.

The Latest: Robinson shares Lingard belief…

Speaking to FI, the former Premier League goalkeeper insists a return to the London Stadium ‘could be on the cards’ next year.

“A return to West Ham could be on the cards judging by that,” explained Robinson when asked about Lingard’s admission.

“If Lingard wants any kind of international career he needs to be getting regular starts. I don’t think a bit-part role at Man United is going to be enough for him.

“He played well against Andorra. I’m a big fan of his. I really like the way he plays. He looks a completely different player since he’s come back from West Ham.

“The worry would be that he regresses again as his game time reduces. He is not getting the minutes that he wants.

“There will be a couple of exits from Man United in January. Lingard could well be one of them. I think there will be activity there.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 28-year-old’s spell on loan under David Moyes last season certainly seemed to be a game-changer for his career.

Even now, despite the lack of game time, Lingard has bagged a brilliant two league goals in just 45 minutes of Premier League action for the Red Devils this season and he may well need to get more of a look-in.

If West Ham do decide to take a punt in January, especially for a mooted £15m, it may well pay off – former Hammer Nigel Winterburn lauded him as ‘sensational’, and his displays on loan last term certainly back up that description.

In other news: West Ham plotting big money bid to sign 115-goal striker who Moyes personally wants, find out more here.

Aston Villa have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to bring Emile Smith Rowe to Villa Park.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Birmingham Live, who relayed recent comments made by the Arsenal midfielder in an interview with the Evening Standard, where the 21-year-old revealed that he would love to remain at the Emirates Stadium for the remainder of his career.

The England U21 international had been heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, with Dean Smith’s side reportedly lodging multiple offers worth up to £30m for Smith Rowe.

However, despite the midfielder putting pen to paper on a new five-year deal at Arsenal this summer, according to Birmingham Live, the midfielder’s latest comments have put the final nail in the coffin regarding Villa’s move for the youngster.

Fans will be gutted

While, in truth, it appeared that the chances of Smith Rowe making a move to Villa were all but over upon his signing of a new contract in north London, the fact that the 21-year-old has practically confirmed he is not open to leaving Arsenal will nevertheless leave Aston Villa fans gutted.

Indeed, the £25.2m-rated man has been in rather exceptional form over his nine Premier League appearances this season, scoring two goals and providing his teammates with two assists, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Jamie Carragher dubbed a “special talent” average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as Mikel Arteta’s third-best performer in the top-flight of English football.

Furthermore, and rather ironically, the midfielder turned in arguably his most impressive display of the season against Villa on Friday evening, scoring one goal, registering one assist, making four key passes and receiving a match-high SofaScore rating of 8.6 in the Gunners’ 3-1 win.

As such, it is clear for all to see – especially the Villa fans who made the trip to North London on Friday – that the midfielder who reportedly earns £40k-per-week at Arsenal would have been an exceptionally impressive signing for Dean Smith to bring into Villa Park, however, a move for Smith Rowe now looks to be a ship that has well and truly sailed.

In other news: Imagine him & Ings: Lange must seal AVFC deal for 4 G/A beast with “mindset of a lion”

Ange Postecoglou’s reign as Celtic manager has been a bizarre affair with the Hoops appearing to take one step back every time they attempt to move forward.

The Bhoys had won their last five matches in all competitions until they took on Livingston on Saturday afternoon.

What’s the word?

With Celtic stuttering in their bid to reclaim their dominance on Scottish football, it’s become apparent that Postecoglou could do with some new acquisitions in the January market.

The Australian claimed a few months ago that he would like to target the Japanese market again after the successful signing of Kyogo Furuhashi and recent reports suggest he’s set to do exactly that.

The Times claimed that Celtic were chasing Daizen Maeda of Yokohama Marinos, the team that Postecoglou managed before arriving in Glasgow.

Kieran Devlin of The Athletic has since revealed that links to the 24-year-old should be believed.

During a Q&A he said: “They are credible (links to Maeda), yes. Unless something dramatic happens that will need addressing.”

Imagine him & Jota

The idea of signing the Japan international should be music to the ears of Celtic supporters who will no doubt be delighted at the idea of signing such a rampant goal threat.

Postecoglou has had mixed success with his offensive acquisitions since penning terms in Scotland, bringing Kyogo and Jota to the club.

The former has scored ten times in just 16 outings while the latter has seriously caught the eye with eight goal involvements in 12 appearances for the Hoops.

However, deals for Liel Abada and Giorgos Giakoumakis have been less successful. The Greek striker has found the net just once and missed a terrible penalty against Livi on Saturday. As for Abada, his form has dwindled and he now has only one strike in his last seven Premiership games.

With that in mind, signing someone who could be an upgrade on those two players would be extremely handy.

Maeda is a winger by trade and thus, the idea of him and Jota running dominantly down each flank is one that should enthral and captivate supporters.

He has scored 18 goals in Japan this term which is a sizeable tally for someone who has only played through the middle on seven occasions.

A player with that kind of record should excite fans inside the groand judging by the way Kyogo has settled in at Parkhead, fans will be hoping for more of the same here.

AND in other news, Less touches than Hart: Celtic dud who made just 5 passes all game badly let Ange down…

Former Bournemouth head coach Eddie Howe is reportedly closing in on a deal to take over at Newcastle United to replace Steve Bruce.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 43-year-old has agreed a deal until 2024, with the move in the final stages of being finalised.

Bruce was relieved of his duties by PIF last month and Howe now comes in to try and keep the Magpies in the Premier League, as they sit 19th in the table after 10 games.

Imagine him and Howe

One Newcastle player who could thrive as a result of this prospective appointment is centre-forward Callum Wilson, who worked with Howe at Bournemouth for a number of years. Imagine a reunion at St James’ Park between the pair which could see the striker’s full potential unleashed.

He played under the 43-year-old in 187 matches for the Cherries, finishing with an impressive 67 goals and 31 assists in all competitions. In his last two Premier League campaigns under Howe’s management, the forward managed an outstanding return of 22 goals and 10 assists, averaging a superb WhoScored rating of 6.99.

Howe previously lauded Wilson as a unique and outstanding player, highlighting the creative side to his game as well as his goalscoring.

The former Burnley boss said of the 29-year-old: “He is an outstanding player with unique attributes for us. He has that ability to run in behind and he’s got the work ethic off the ball and, of course, he knows where the goal is.

“What was also hugely impressive was his assist for Ryan at a key moment in the game with the game still in the balance. He managed to find Ryan, who was almost behind him with a great reverse pass and it really sealed the win for us.”

This season, Wilson is averaging 0.5 key passes and 9.5 passes per game under Bruce and now Graeme Jones, suggesting that he has been left limited in what he can do due to the systems which had been in place. In the 2018/19 campaign under Howe, the striker averaged one key pass and 14.7 passes per game, hinting that the ex-Cherries coach knows how to unlock Wilson’s creative capabilities.

The £19.8m-rated marksman could be unleashed by the seemingly imminent appointment of Howe in terms of what he is able to do in the final third. Instead of being left isolated and feeding off scraps, the 43-year-old could get him more involved in games from a build-up standpoint, allowing Wilson to provide key passes for his teammates whilst still getting in the box to score for himself.

AND in other news, Howe could find his next Lerma for NUFC in £63m-rated beast who is a “joy to coach”…

Taking to Twitter, journalist Rudy Galetti of Sportitalia has just dropped an exciting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving AC Milan star Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs target Kessie deal…

Amid his precarious contract situation at the San Siro, with his current deal set to expire in 2022, Spurs are seemingly among the clubs interested in signing Kessie as a free agent next summer.

Even before the arrival of new manager Antonio Conte in what is a phenomenal appointment, the Lilywhites have been heavily linked with a move for Milan’s midfield enforcer with approaches having already been made.

Calciomercato claimed back in September that Spurs made an offer to Kessie and his entourage of around €8 million-per-season (£6.7m) to try and convince the player.

After Conte’s arrival at N17, reports of Tottenham’s interest have only escalated with La Gazzetta dello Sport (Get Italian Football News) even saying that the club are in very advanced talks over an agreement with the player.

Now, a fellow source from Italy has taken the story one step further in an exciting claim.

The Latest: Galetti makes exciting claim…

Taking to social media, the Sportitalia reporter says that Spurs now have a ‘close agreement’ to sign Kessie.

He also tips a salary of around €10 million-per-season (£8.4m) with a maximum commission for the player’s agent.

The Verdict: Get it done…

We believe the potential signing of Kessie would be Paratici’s biggest masterstroke yet and the ideal first signing of Conte’s era in charge of the club.

An all-round midfield general, the 48-cap international already has plenty of experience on the biggest stages at a fairly young age and landing him for free would be an incredible piece of business.

Bypassing his lofty market valuation, estimated to be around £49.5 million, Kessie’s contract situation at the San Siro could be Tottenham and Conte’s biggest gain.

He would certainly add steel and composure to the Spurs midfield area going by his superior pass success rate compared to every Spurs regular with more than one start.

Kessie has completed a brilliant 90.8% of his passes to teammates so far in Serie A, more than any Lilywhites man who’s played over 90 minutes of football in the Premier League.

He also adds goals – with two in the league already this season and 13 last – and bite in the middle of the park, boasting 1.5 tackles per game this term in the Italian top flight, per Whoscored.

He could be exactly the type of figure Tottenham need as they aim to get back in among the best in Europe.

In other news: £106k/p-w ‘champion’ could now be tempted to join Spurs, Conte ready to take immediately…find out more here.

The previous summer transfer window was undoubtedly a very busy one for West Brom given how they appointed manager Valerien Ismael and brought in a number of new players such as Alex Mowatt, Kean Bryan and Adam Reach among others, with Matheus Pereira vacating the Midlands club.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, the Baggies will have to be busy in that one as well but in terms of securing a new deal for one of their current players rather than bringing in any new ones.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by the Daily Mail that West Brom have now “virtually resigned to the prospect” of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone leaving the club on a free transfer at the end of the season when his current contract expires.

With this in mind, the club should be doing all they can during the January window to get the shot-stopper to put pen to paper on a new deal to keep him at the club beyond the summer.

Given how the 28-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 4 tall has played in all but one of West Brom’s Championship games this season as well as all but one of their games in the Premier League last season, it’s safe to say he is an important figure for the Baggies.

In addition to this, the English international, who has been described as a “wonderful professional” by pundit Micah Richards, has conceded the third-fewest goals per 90 minutes this term in the whole division at 0.81.

Taking all of this into account, securing Johnstone’s future at the club should be West Brom’s main priority in January as he could well be defining for Ismael in whether the Baggies first, achieve promotion, and secondly, then stay in the Premier League in 2022/23.

That said, if Johnstone doesn’t sign a new contract and West Brom aren’t able to secure promotion to the top-flight, it would certainly be the best move for the Englishman’s career to join a club in the top-flight such as Southampton or West Ham United, who are reportedly interested in signing him.

That’s especially considering his chances of becoming a regular figure in the England squad with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale all playing regularly with their Premier League clubs.

In other news: Ismael could unearth next Jake Livermore at West Brom in “tenacious” 19 y/o machine – opinion

An update has emerged on Newcastle’s transfer plans, regarding Tottenham central midfielder Harry Winks.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the English dynamo is set to become a key target for the Magpies in the January transfer window.

The report claims that Eddie Howe wants players with Premier League experience and has identified Winks as someone who could come in and improve the squad.

Dream signing

Howe could land his dream midfield signing in Winks as the 25-year-old has the ability to control games and function effectively in a possession-based side.

Earlier this week, the ex-Bournemouth boss picked out Jonjo Shelvey as a player who could help him change the style of play at St. James’ Park due to his quality on the ball – suggesting he wants to move to a progressive, possessional play, side. He said:

“I think we’ve got some very good technical players. Just picking one, for example, in Jonjo Shelvey. I knew how good Jonjo was on the ball technically having played against him and seen him many times.

“But having worked with him, you realise he’s a great technician and he can play passes all over the pitch — long, short. He’s someone I’ve looked at in terms of our philosophy, how we want to play and he will become very important for us as we develop.”

In a similar vein, Winks has previously been lauded for his quality on the ball. Back in 2019, ex-Spurs and Leeds player Paul Robinson praised his ability to dominate matches. The 41-year-old said:

“For me, I think Harry Winks is one of the best of the bunch. He dominates the game, defensively and offensively he offers you both and his ball retention, the stats speak for themselves.

“A fit Harry Winks is an important selection for England.”

This shows how the £91k-per-week dynamo could be perfect for the way Howe wants to play, making him a dream signing for the Magpies. Winks has a career average pass completion of 90%, along with 2.0 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he is an effective passer of the ball who could dictate the flow of games for Newcastle.

Therefore, PIF must ensure that they are able to thrash out a deal with Spurs in January as he could play an important role in Howe implementing an exciting brand of football on Tyneside. If he can get Winks back to his best and dominating matches in midfield then he could be a dream addition to the team.

AND in other news, Howe could find Newcastle’s next Cabaye with swoop for “intelligent” 40-goal beast…