All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham handed major striker blow

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

West Ham United have been dealt a massive blow in their pursuit to sign Odsonne Edouard this week…

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, the 23-year-old Celtic forward has edged closer towards a move to the Irons’ Premier League rivals Leicester City as they look to conduct their business early.

It’s claimed that the Midlands outfit have made progress over signing Edouard in recent days and that Brendan Rodgers is keen to re-sign the Frenchman, having managed him at Parkhead.

There is hope that the Foxes can beat the likes of West Ham and Arsenal to a deal this upcoming transfer window.

Moyes won’t be happy

This will come as a crushing blow not just to West Ham fans who have been craving the addition of a prolific marksman such as Edouard, but to David Moyes as well.

In mid-April, the same source suggested that the Hammers were the front-runners to secure the France under-21 international this summer. Football Insider claimed that the east London club were ‘laying the groundwork’ to make their move and that they were hopeful of securing him.

Edouard has made clear his intentions to leave the Hoops this summer, which has opened up a potential transfer tussle in the Premier League, with many teams eyeing up a move for him. He is thought to be available for around £15m to £20m, as per The Sun.

It’s no secret that Moyes is desperate for a striker, it’s pretty much the only position in which they have been linked with an array of names, ranging from Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham to Czech starlet Adam Hlozek.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-latest-west-ham-news-irons-transfer-gossip-rumours-more-moyes-striker-gsb” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

The 58-year-old has only had one senior striker available to him since January, when the club’s hierarchy sanctioned the exit of club-record flop Sebastian Haller to Ajax after just 18 months at the club. It left him with only an injury-prone Michail Antonio, yet he still guided them into the Europa League.

A player of Edouard’s calibre would be the perfect frontline signing to bolster their claims heading into next season after the 23-year-old talisman scored 22 times in all competitions this term, adding to his 28 goals and 19 assists from 2019/20.

It’s no wonder he has been lauded everything from being “talismanic” by former boss Neil Lennon to being a “big talent” by teammate Leigh Griffiths.

Similarly, ex-Hammers striker Frank McAvennie believes he’s a “wonderful talent,” which should have the London Stadium big wigs wanting him even more considering the Scotsman knows a thing or two about being a top striker for West Ham.

It’s not just his ability to score goals which is so appealing. Not only has he been said to have “that bit of magic in his feet” by former Celtic and Scotland forward Frank McGarvey but his movement and ability to read the game are also just a further two hugely appealing attributes.

Speaking to BBC, Edouard’s former France youth coach Jean-Claude Giuntini claimed: “He had the confidence and the obsession with scoring all great strikers need. He never doubts his qualities. But this behaviour can create panic – for the opposition defenders.

“He had an excellent sense of anticipation which gave him a remarkable ability to read play. And he had a considerable skill for shooting – his efforts were targeted, precise and powerful.”

All in all, Moyes could live to regret West Ham’s failure to clinch him as their top-flight rivals hone in on a move for the “unstoppable” Edouard. He could well have been the missing piece of the jigsaw up top, especially considering he’s available for half the price of an Abraham.

It seems likely that the Irons will miss out on a bargain solution to their striking woes and that’ll leave their manager reeling. Moyes better hope the Frenchman doesn’t bang one in at the London Stadium next season.

AND in other news, Hugill 2.0: Moyes risks huge West Ham disaster over £12.5m-rated flop who “can’t run”…

SSN drop Rice update amid United interest

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Reported Manchester United target Declan Rice is not for sale this summer, according to Sky Sports News.

The lowdown

The Telegraph’s Northern Football Correspondent James Ducker reported earlier this month that United would target West Ham midfielder Rice this summer, with incoming manager Erik ten Hag set to be given access to a transfer ‘war chest’.

Irons manager David Moyes said recently that the Englishman was worth £150million at a ‘minimum’.

That would be the biggest transfer in Premier League history, smashing the £105.75milllion record set by Jack Grealish’s move to Manchester City.

Rice is under contract until the summer of 2024, but West Ham crucially have the option to extend that deal by a further year. He’s believed to have turn down three offers of an extension, one of which was worth around £200,000 per week (via The Guardian).

The latest

Live on air on Friday evening, presenter Mike Wedderburn relayed an update on Rice.

While West Ham won’t countenance a sale this summer, their stance could change at the end of next season, he told Sky.

“Our chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol has spoken to West Ham today. West Ham have said this: they will not sell Declan Rice this summer, even if he doesn’t sign a new contract.

“The Hammers would be prepared to sell Rice in the summer of 2023 if he doesn’t sign a new contract.”

The verdict

This presents Man. United with an interesting dilemma. They can either bide their time for Rice, who will only be 24 years old come the 2023 window. If he’s their no. 1 target, they may be patient.

Or they may decide that they simply have to furnish Ten Hag with a marquee midfield addition this summer, particularly with Paul Pogba set to leave on a free transfer.

They’ve been linked with Rice’s England team-mate, Kalvin Phillips, who is available for a fee of £60million (according to The I’s Mark Douglas). This cheaper, swifter deal could prove to be more desirable.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano drops a key update concerning Ten Hag. 

LFC fans react to Jones’ injury return

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to Curtis Jones’ return from injury, with plenty of positivity in the air ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle.

The Reds have experienced a hugely frustrating season, with their defence of the Premier League title going out in a whimper.

Jurgen Klopp’s champions are now desperately battling for a top-four finish, with that race looking like it could go down to the final day.

One of the few positives to emerge in 2020/21 has been the form of Jones, who has continued his meteoric rise from academy hopeful to first-team regular.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

The midfielder has chipped in with four goals and three assists this season, providing end product that can sometimes be lacking in the middle of the park for Liverpool.

Jones has been absent in recent weeks with a muscle issue, however, not playing since the 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in early March.

It has now been reported by This Is Anfield that the youngster is back in the fold, though, and he was pictured training alongside his teammates on Thursday.

That suggests Jones is in contention to start at home to Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime, in what is a must-win game for Liverpool.

Liverpool fans rejoice at Jones return

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the update.

“Oh yeah babeeey. That’s the stuff”

Credit: @abraham_san

“Should start ahead of Gini pls”

Credit: @Alexand36742345

“Finally, some goals”

Credit: @TysonFREE

“The PRESENT And FUTURE”

Credit: @andrewkemavor

“Nice to see, hopefully he’s gonna be a great player for us in the coming seasons”

Credit: @ForzaVSTGN1964

“Great, now get fit and back into the team”

Credit: @seunolami

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to the Reds reportedly agreeing a new signing. Read more here.

Aston Villa: Fans enjoy throwback tweet to 2020 relegation escape

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Many Aston Villa fans have been reminiscing on Twitter following an official post from the club marking their 2019/20 survival a year ago today, when Jack Grealish scored in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United [BBC].

In the match which eventually delivered top-flight safety for the Villains, the England international looked to have settled the London Stadium encounter with his 84th-minute strike. However, a nervy last few minutes were endured owing to Andriy Yarmolenko’s swift equaliser [BBC].

Nevertheless, the Midlands outfit did enough to stay in the Premier League after relegation rivals Watford succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at Arsenal. There were no such nerves the following season as Dean Smith’s side finished a comfortable 11th in the table.

Perhaps the most important league point in Aston Villa’s recent history, as they would have been relegated on goal difference had they lost to West Ham, it came as no surprise that plenty of Villa diehards took to Twitter to remember their nervy escape from the drop.

Aston Villa fans react

Replying to the club’s official Twitter account, here is how some supporters recalled that fateful Sunday.

“my club”

Credit: @catrinedwards18″Never celebrated a goal as much as this”Credit: @benavfc16″From last day survival to pushing Europe in couple of seasons!!”Credit: @SweeneyDougie”Captain leading from the front! One of the greatest escapes in Premier League history!”Credit: @Birchy1788″What a moment this was. Can’t remember celebrating a goal like this one”Credit: @Cameron_Avfc”One year ago today. Tbh still can’t believe we stayed up #avfc”Credit: @kathrynxjaneIn other news, Aston Villa have received an offer for this midfielder.

CPFC: Fans react to Matt Woosnam transfer claim

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

The majority of Crystal Palace’s transfer business is set to be concluded after they signed Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.

That’s according to reliable Palace reporter Matt Woosnam, and a number of Eagles fans have been sharing their thoughts on the transfer claim on social media.

Woosnam shared the news on Gallagher’s proposed loan move on Thursday afternoon.

He suggested that the 21-year-old, who also had interest from Leeds United is likely to be used as one of two more advanced central midfielders in a 4-3-3 system.

Gallagher has now officially become Patrick Vieira’s fifth summer signing, with Woosnam finishing his story by admitting that there are likely to be more arrivals, but the major business at Selhurst Park looks to have been done.

Palace fans react

Woosnam’s comments regarding Palace’s transfer business was shared by @CPFCtransfersHQ on Twitter.

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with a number of fans not exactly thrilled.

“relegation”Credit: @BludOnTheLeaves”Booooooo”Credit: @bentekefan0″Yep Parish out”Credit: @unIocaIpIa9tic”Still need a winger, striker and a versatile defender”Credit: @bradhcpfc”Ah well. Let’s see who the likely new arrivals are.”Credit: @CPFCMax9″That’s cap”Credit: @Sumo08112

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Hahahaha’ – Many CPFC fans buzz at Leeds’ feelings on Gallagher U-turn.

Newcastle: Bobby Clark offered to Tottenham

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

A source from Tottenham Hotspur has dropped a big transfer update involving a wonderkid at Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Bobby Clark impresses

Bobby Clark, who is the son of former Magpies ace Lee Clark, who made more than 150 senior appearances at St James’ Park, has been impressing at a young age.

Back in November 2019, the Daily Mail reported that a whole host of top clubs in European football, including Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Tottenham, were interested in signing the then 14-year-old.

The Latest: Tottenham offered Clark

As per Football Insider, according to a Spurs source, the north London club have been offered the chance to sign Bobby Clark, who is now 16 years of age.

He has already been in the media spotlight after breaking records on Tyneside, as he became the youngest-ever player to represent the Magpies at under-18 level at the tender age of just 14 years and 206 days.

Newcastle are now expected to make a decision over the young talent, who has also represented England at under-16 level.

The Verdict: Newcastle must clear pathway

Given how talented Clark appears to be, Newcastle should be looking to clear a pathway for the midfielder so that he sees a future for himself at the Tyneside club.

The Magpies should also be particularly wary of letting one of their brightest prospects go to their Premier League rivals before ever giving him a first team chance.

In other news, find out which Lampard-likened ace Newcastle want to sign!

Saints keen on Saliba

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

An update has emerged on Arsenal’s William Saliba, regarding Southampton’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Foot Mercato, Southampton and Newcastle are both eyeing up a deal to take Saliba on loan from Arsenal this summer. Arsenal are willing to send Saliba back out on loan following his spell at OGC Nice in Ligue 1 last season.

London have reported that Arsenal’s pursuit of Brighton centre-back Ben White could even allow the Gunners to sell Saliba on a permanent basis. Arsenal are closing in on a deal for White and if they land the England international, it could lead to Saliba being available for a permanent deal.

Adrian Ursea, his coach at Nice, hailed Saliba as a leader despite his young age. He told BeIN Sports, as transcribed by Planet Football:

“You can see he has character and above all, he reassures the others. He’s not vocal, but he’s a leader in his own way.

“To see you a young lad who isn’t even 20 yet playing with such assurance against strikers like Wissam Ben Yedder and Kevin Volland, it really is quite amazing.

“He also gives off a calm air that the team needs. I’m not interested in age. The only question about a rookie is whether he’s a good player or not.”

Another one of his former coaches, Fabio Frasconi, likened him to Real Madrid and France centre-back Raphael Varane. He said:

“William Saliba will go far, very far. He reminds me of Raphaël Varane.”

Fans would be buzzing

Southampton fans would be buzzing if the club can get a deal over the line for Saliba. The young centre-back is a talented prospect and could provide some much-needed quality competition for places in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad next season.

Mohamed Salisu has been mainly utilised at left-back by Hasenhuttl, leaving Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard to play 36 and 30 Premier League game respectively at centre-back. This means that there could be scope for a new addition to come in and push the established duo.

Saliba could be the player who comes in and does just that. The 20-year-old has proven himself in France with St Ettiene and Nice, averaging a career WhoScored rating of 6.75 in 50 appearances for the two French clubs. This shows that he is good enough at Ligue 1 level, suggesting that he could be able to make the step up to the Premier League with Southampton. Therefore, he could be a shrewd addition to Southampton’s squad and provide valuable competition for Hasenhuttl’s other centre-backs.

The £36k-per-week beast also has the potential to develop further as he only turned 20 in March. Hasenhuttl could have the chance to coach him into becoming a better centre-back over the course of the season if he joins on loan.

Southampton fans will be buzzing if Saliba arrives at St. Mary’s as they could have the chance to watch him flourish whilst playing at the club next season.

AND in other news, Major development emerges on “fabulous” £43k-p/w starlet, Saints fans will be gutted…

Smith could unearth Villa’s next Agbonlahor

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Aston Villa gem Cameron Archer bagged a stunning hat-trick as the Midlands outfit defeated Burton Albion in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

The 19-year-old was in ruthless form at the Pirelli Stadium, delivering an absolute goalscoring masterclass in front of first-team manager Dean Smith, his assistant Craig Shakespeare and sporting director Johan Lange.

Having gone two goals down, it was the young forward who kickstarted the comeback ten minutes before the break.

The Walsall-born teenager fired a low-driven effort past the home goalkeeper before doubling his tally to put Villa into the lead just after the hour mark. He beat the Brewers’ backline with a nicely-timed run before slamming the ball into the net once again.

He completed his hat-trick with less than 20 minutes to go, it was yet another clinical and impressive finish from the striker.

BirminghamLive reporter Ashley Preece described Archer’s display as “absolutely sensational” in his post-match ratings column.

“It was finishing of the highest order with Archer being applauded off by Smith, Shakespeare, Danks and Lange in the stands. Archer was levels above here, whacking home his trio past Balcombe in the Burton net,” he added. “Villa need to get his contract sorted now. His development since the summer has been staggering. The boy’s some finisher.”

It merely continues his electric form in 2021/22, having been given a proper opportunity for the senior side in the Carabao Cup, where he bagged another hat-trick against lowly Barrow and a magnificent header against the Champions of Europe, Chelsea.

The Claret and Blue Army have witnessed many a young talent break through the system and become regular first-team stars over the years, with the likes of Gareth Barry and Jack Grealish being prime examples.

But it’s been a while since a proper frontman went onto become a hero at Villa Park – perhaps the last being Gabby Agbonlahor. Whilst Archer and the former Lions star aren’t like-for-like, the young prospect could well be the man to break the trend.

Archer has “genuine pace” but is also “stocky”, according to Preece, so he can combine sheer speed and physicality to dominate opposing defences for years to come, and just like Agbonlahor, he had to go out on loan to the lower divisions before getting his chance.

The 19-year-old marksman enjoyed a successful stint at local side Solihull Moors, where his former boss Jimmy Shan waxed lyrical about his ability.

“He’s a centre-forward. His movement is excellent but it’s his pace that makes him such a threat,” he said. “He was rapid, let me tell you. He doesn’t look quick but he just pulls away from defenders with ease. He’s a bright and intelligent guy and very inquisitive.”

Also described as a “major talent” by Guardian journalist John Brewin, Villa boss Smith could genuinely unearth the next big thing in the Midlands by unleashing Archer more frequently.

The teenage sensation could be the first homegrown talent since Agbonlahor to go onto greatness in the senior side.

AND in other news, “Sources confirmed…”: Gregg Evans drops Aston Villa update that’ll really worry fans…

Fraser Forster’s market value has plummeted

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

So far this season, Southampton haven’t exactly been tight at the back when it comes to conceding goals, with the Saints having let in 10 with seven games played in their latest Premier League campaign.

One player who hasn’t been given the chance to play his part in trying to make Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side stronger in defence is goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

This season has seen the 33-year-old – who is currently earning £70k-per-week, making Theo Walcott (£75k-per-week) the only Saints player earning more than him according to Spotrac – feature only in Southampton’s two Carabao Cup fixtures against Newport County and Sheffield United.

Since originally joining the club back in the 2014 summer transfer window from Celtic for a fee of £10m, Forster has made 140 appearances for the Saints across all competitions, in which he has conceded 150 goals and kept 52 clean sheets along the way.

In terms of his individual market value, in May 2018 Transfermarkt had the shot-stopper’s value listed at £13.5m, the highest it has been throughout his career. However, it now stands at just £2.7m.

During his time as a Southampton player, Forster went back to Celtic on a loan deal in 2019 where fellow Saints player Mohamed Elyounoussi, who was also on loan with the Hoops at the time, described the goalkeeper as a “clown” given how much he likes to joke around and laugh with the rest of his teammates.

In our view, taking into account his age and his bit-part status at St Mary’s, this could very well explain why his market value has decreased so sharply.

Moving forward, with Forster’s current contract at Southampton set to expire next summer, we feel that it would be the best option for the Saints to let him go at that point so that they can get his hefty wages off their wage bill and recruit a younger goalkeeper who could potentially become their first choice between the sticks at some point in the future.

In other news: Hasenhuttl could solve big Southampton issue with £12m “special talent”, fans would love it

Spurs frontrunners to sign Andersen

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur are frontrunners to sign Lyon defender and Denmark star Joachim Andersen – but new boss Nuno Espirito Santo is set for the final call over his signing.

The Lowdown: Andersen on the radar…

As Tottenham aim to revamp their defence this summer, defender Andersen has been namedropped as a target for months.

Alasdair Gold first revealed the 25-year-old is attracting interest from Tottenham, previously mentioning him as a player Spurs like alongside the likes of Nikola Milenkovic and Lewis Dunk (football.london).

Those links haven’t ceased, either, with Gold reiterating recently that Spurs are still eyeing him this summer (football.london).

The Latest: Spurs frontrunners…

The Mail, coming out with their own update, say that Tottenham are frontrunners to sign Andersen this summer – but the final decision will very much lie with Nuno.

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He caught Spurs’ eye whilst on loan at Fulham last season as the Lilywhites now wait to see if their new manager approves of the move this summer.

As well as Andersen, another Denmark star in Jannik Vestergaard is also firmly on the agenda with talks now held.

The Verdict: Great option…

The player’s 20/21 season in the Premier League was an undoubted success and simply must encourage Nuno to potentially finalise his Tottenham signing.

Andersen averaged a head-turning 4.8 clearances per match at Craven Cottage, more than any Tottenham player, whilst also winning the most aerial duels (3.2) out of anyone in the Fulham squad (WhoScored).

Cottagers legend Tony Gale was so impressed by some of the defender’s exploits that he labelled Andersen ‘absolutely sensational’, and Tottenham will be remiss if they don’t snap him up.

In other news: Tottenham make approach to sign £43.2m-rated star once likened to Messi, find out more here.