All posts by z3u9t.icu

Dejan Lovren is set to depart from Liverpool this summer after agreeing terms for a move to Russia.

Paul Joyce has announced that the Croatia international will be leaving Anfield after six years for a new chapter with Zenit St Petersburg. The Russian Premier League champions have agreed to pay a fee of about £10.9m for the centre-back.

Lovren originally joined the Reds from Southampton back in 2014. Former manager Brendan Rodgers brought him to Merseyside for a sum of £20m (via BBC Sport). Now, after a long tenure with the club, he is destined for pastures new.

After the arrival of Virgil van Dijk and the emergence of Joe Gomez, Lovren fell drastically down the pecking order at Liverpool.

Loads of Reds fans are relieved to see the 31-year-old finally on his way out the club and some are even celebrating. One supporter in particular has tweeted ‘I’m gonna celebrate this more than the title’.

Lovren divided the fanbase after a series of errors on the pitch made him a controversial figure. Read more replies from the Anfield faithful here:

How do you feel about Lovren leaving the club, Reds? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Callum Wilson from Bournemouth this summer, according to Sky Sports as relayed by Ricky Sacks. 

Recent reports revealed Tottenham are leading the race to sign the Cherries ace, although Daniel Levy will face a transfer battle with Premier League rivals Newcastle United and West Ham if he wishes to secure his signature.

After his side finished in the top six on the final day of the campaign, Jose Mourinho is preparing for his first summer window in charge of Spurs as he turns his attention to next season.

Levy has insisted he will not be spending “rivers of money” in the summer so Mourinho has a tough task on his hands as he will have to hunt for bargains, look for free agents and sort out swap deals to improve his squad.

Wilson was widely tipped to move to north London last year as reports suggested Mauricio Pochettino was preparing an £80m swoop for two Bournemouth players. As a move failed to materialise, Mourinho wants to succeed where his predecessor could not, as he is determined to get his man before the start of next season.

The Cherries have rejected any attempts to sign their star striker in the past but they are now in a precarious position as they have been relegated to the Championship.

The England international earns wages worth £110,000-a-week and he may have to take a considerable pay cut if he wants to remain in the Premier League. In comparison, Harry Kane is one of the club’s highest-paid earners with his latest contract earning him £200,000 per week.

Wilson, 28, has struggled for goals this season, as he has only scored eight times in the English top flight, having managed nearly double that total last year.

Will he want to play second fiddle to Kane? That remains to be seen, as this is a problem that has plagued Spurs for several years. Eddie Howe’s side will sell the forward for £20m as they seek to get rid of his salary as soon as possible.

The 26-year-old’s absence showed the Lilywhites lack real depth in the striking department and they must find suitable cover and competition for their talisman at all costs.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Wilson in the summer? Let us know down below!

The would-be owner of Sunderland William Storey has slammed the proposed takeover of Newcastle United as he was exclusively interviewed by BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport Programme.

Speaking on the programme (via The Chronicle), the founder of the drinks company Rich Energy described the takeover attempt by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) group as an “absolute shambles” and “a load of nonsense”.

Indeed, the Saudi-led consortium, which consists of the Middle Eastern crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), his country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the businesswoman and head of PCP Capital Partners Amanda Staveley and the billionaire London-based Reuben brothers, decided to withdraw their own £300 million bid as they grew increasingly frustrated with just how long it was taking the Premier League and its chief executive Richard Masters to make their final decision as to whether to approve of the deal with Mike Ashley or not.

With the new 2020/21 season just around the corner, coupled up with the fact that the summer transfer window has officially opened, perhaps it is unsurprising that the would-be owners came to their decision.

However, the buying side have made their intent clear recently that they must fight along with the fans of the Tyneside club to try and get the takeover back on.

This will likely depend fully on the cooperation from the top flight and its CEO though as ultimately the final decision lies in their hands.

Nevertheless, Storey has made his feelings clear on the prospective takeover at St. James’ Park as he aims to complete one of his own at the Magpies’ North Eastern rivals.

Geordies, do you hold any hopes for the takeover? Comment below!

According to Talking Football host Bill Young, Glasgow Rangers will target Lawrence Shankland if Alfredo Morelos leaves the club.

Morelos has been continually linked with a move away from Ibrox, with Lille said to be leading the race – the Colombia international has agreed personal terms with Les Dogues, whilst the Ligue 1 side have already had a bid turned down for the striker.

Should he depart, the Gers will target Shankland, who currently plays for Dundee United.

For all of his disciplinary problems – he has picked up seven red cards during his time north of the border – Morelos is prolific in front of goal. He has managed 79 goals in 142 matches for the 54-time Scottish champions, whilst he managed 29 last year alone.

Shankland, though, may just be able to replace that huge number of goals. In each of the last three league campaigns, albeit in Scotland’s lower divisions, he has scored at least 24 goals – combined, he has managed 74 strikes in 87 games, and 89 in his last 107 in all competitions. It doesn’t come much better than that.

Currently valued at £585,000 by Transfermarkt, he is also a Scotland international, having scored once in two caps – his current employers would likely do all they can to keep him. If the Gers were to be successful in their pursuit, though, Shankland could easily soften the blow of Morelos’ departure.

Let us know what you think below!

According to emerging reports this week, Celtic are starting to have doubts over the future of their captain Scott Brown.

The 35-year-old has started every single Scottish Premiership game so far this season but has been left exposed at times due to his lack of mobility and pace, perhaps resulting in this reported pursuit of an alternative – or some would say, a successor.

90min claim that Neil Lennon is keen to secure a replacement for the veteran this summer and Crystal Palace regular James McCarthy is top of his shortlist.

This campaign has the potential to be hugely historic as the Bhoys aim for a tenth title in a row, and of course they’d like their long-serving skipper to be part of the journey, but it has been evident that a long and tiresome season may be too much for him.

However, they should forget about splashing the cash to do that and instead, opt to promote someone from within and maybe they already have the perfect heir in waiting.

Celtic signed teenage sensation Luca Connell from Bolton Wanderers last summer for £350k and Neil Lennon is thought to be a huge fan of his, resulting in a fast-track into the first-team setup.

The 19-year-old has already been called up to his national side, where Mick McCarthy labelled him a “breath of fresh air,” so it’s time he’s given an opportunity.

“He’s left-footed and he can certainly find a pass. He hits it with a bit of authority and lets people have the ball. He doesn’t mind putting his foot in either so he’s fitted in pretty well.”

Mick McCarthy on Connell.

Whilst former Wanderers teammate Remi Matthews believes he has a very, very bright future and tipped him for huge success at Parkhead.

“From day one, he has been sensational,” he said before adding: “He took to it like a duck to water and he was a standout straight away. He’s a top player. He is so talented. He’s not flashy in the sense that he won’t go and beat a man, but he has a phenomenal range of passing, and there is no doubt at all in my mind that if he was to go to Celtic, he would be their leading assist provider by the end of the season. That’s how good he is.”

It seems a no-brainer for Lennon to promote Connell into the first-team and have Brown mentor him for the next eight months in the hope that he could take the reins following that tenth title.

AND in other news, Celtic set for huge mistake as transfer target moves elsewhere…

West Ham United could quickly forget the Grady Diangana if they manage to clinch the latest name linked with a transfer to the London Stadium…

What’s the word?

According to Le10 Sport, the Irons are in the race to land exciting Brentford sensation Said Benrahma before next month’s deadline but they face strong competition from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.

They claim that the Championship outfit are asking for £25m for his signature and the offers received so far fall below €20m (£18m).

It’s expected that Benrahma makes the switch to the top-flight before the end of the summer transfer window.

Diangana replacement

Given the options at David Moyes’ disposal, this really would be a signing that gets fans back onside in east London, especially after raking in £18m from Diangana’s sale.

The 25-year-old has dazzled in the Championship as one of the Bees’ many examples of their perfect recruitment. Last season, he provided 17 goals and nine assists as they fell one game short of the big time.

But he’s known for so much more than his goal contributions. Sam Saunders, coach of the B team, claims Benrahma “could nutmeg a mermaid” – which does appear to ring true as he averaged a whopping three dribbles per game last term.

No player in the second tier managed more shots per game (3.8) than the Algerian wizard either.

Whilst his current boss Thomas Frank has previously hailed him everything from “magnificent” to being a “top player” in the Championship.

The trio of Felipe Anderson, Jarrod Bowen and Manuel Lanzini combined for just two goals all campaign with the majority being picked up on by Michail Antonio – though four of which game during just one match.

For just £25m, the Hammers would be getting one hell of a player and one that would actually have fans wanting to watch their side compete.

Think of him as the second coming of Dimitri Payet. There isn’t too much difference between the two.

AND in other news, Audacious swap deal for £40m “wonderful talent” would be incredible Hammers business…

West Ham United can sign a game-changing defender in RC Strasbourg Alsace’s Mohamed Simakan if David Gold and David Sullivan are brave enough to meet the Ligue 1 outfit’s valuation.

What’s the word?

According to Foot Mercato, a potential suitor who has spent the summer courting Simakan has walked away from the negotiating table after becoming aware that RC Strasbourg would demand at least €20million (£18.1m).

The French side are steadfast in their position that only an offer matching their asking price will result in Simakan leaving the Meinau Stadium and that no haggling will take place amid interest from sides around Europe.

Atalanta, Olympique Lyonnais, AC Milan and Stade Rennais are all named in Foot Mercato’s report, who note Rennes are particularly loath to meet the Alsatian’s demands but are yet to give up on their chase while other payment structures are being considered.

West Ham have previously been thought of as another side interested in Simakan’s availability with Transfer20 suggesting the Irons were willing to pay around €15m (£13.5m) last month, while The Sun also claimed the 20-year-old was considered as an alternative to Burnley’s James Tarkowski.

It is not known if West Ham are the side Foot Mercato believe have run from Strasbourg after becoming aware that Simakan would cost €20m, but Gold and Sullivan would be wise to offer the Ligue 1 outfit their asking price in search of David Moyes’ next centre-half option.

A game-changing defender

Moyes would stand to benefit greatly from Gold and Sullivan digging into their pockets to sign Simakan ahead of Monday’s Deadline Day as the young Frenchman has the potential to be a game-changing option at the back of the Irons’ defence provided he is moulded correctly.

Given his young age, Simakan is far from the finished product but has already stood out in France for his leadership qualities and emerging talents as a ball-playing centre-back who does not panic in possession, despite standing at 6 ft 1 tall and holding a strong physique – this season he is already averaging an impressive 88% pass completion rate (SofaScore).

Simakan is also known to possess a burst of speed once he reaches his top gear, having shown a willingness to drive forward in near-unstoppable fashion as he uses his body to shield the ball with great effect at both ends of the field.

If Moyes can help mould Simakan and polish off the edges to his passing game, West Ham would have a real talent on their hands, as well as someone capable of filling in at right-back and defensive midfield if needed.

But he must be managed correctly, given the former Marseille youth ace only enjoyed his senior breakthrough campaign during the 2019/20 season and the wrong move could scupper his budding career.

AND in other news, West Ham have submitted an offer to sign David Moyes’ top striker target.

Leeds United face one of the toughest tasks of their season as they head to Villa Park on Friday.

The Villans have been one of the best teams in the Premier League so far this season, maintaining a 100% winning record after four games this term, and Leeds’ task has been made that much harder by an injury crisis.

The Whites are set to be without Kalvin Phillips on Friday, while two of their centre-backs have also had injury issues as of late, leaving Marcelo Bielsa with a number of problems.

Fortunately, Bielsa has come up with a plan on how to replace Phillips with the Argentine revealing that Pascal Struijk will slot into the defensive midfield role.

You can understand why Bielsa wants to use Struijk in that role as he clearly rates him incredibly highly, describing him as a ‘complete player’ earlier this season, but we can’t help but feel that Struijk isn’t as complete as Bielsa thinks.

The 21-year-old has some serious shortcomings in his came, and they’re really easy to spot.

When you’re replacing a man colloquially known as ‘the Yorkshire Pirlo’ your passing has to be first-class, and it seems as though Struijk doesn’t quite have the footballing IQ to play the 40-yard cross-field balls that have become something of a trademark of Phillips’ game.

Indeed, Struijk prefers to just smash the ball clear whenever he’s under a bit of pressure, averaging a massive seven clearances per game, which is a higher tally than any other player who has played enough minutes to be ranked on WhoScored.

In comparison, Phillips averages just 1.2 clearances per game, with the 24-year-old much more focused on being progressive and playing the right ball, averaging two key passes per game, while Struijk hasn’t played a single key pass, which can be excused due to the fact he has been playing as a centre-half.

Struijk has big shoes to fill on Friday, and he may struggle to play Kalvin Phillips’ role due to his limited footballing IQ and his preference to just hoof the ball clear at any given opportunity.

It’s a little odd for a player coming from Southampton to not go on and achieve huge things. Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk are arguably the best players to move on from St Mary’s in recent years, with even ex-teammate Adam Lallana boasting an attractive medal count.

But not all former Saints have followed the same path, and Morgan Schneiderlin is one example of hitting a huge decline since his exit.

A difficult road for Schneiderlin

The France international spent seven years on the south coast of England after leaving his native country for the first time in his career. In his tenure at Southampton, he made 257 appearances and contributed 15 goals and 11 assists, despite being a defensive midfielder by trade (via Transfermarkt).

His strong role in the Saints squad put him in the Premier League shop window and soon enough, teams had come knocking for his services. In his final season at St Mary’s, Schneiderlin helped Southampton to a seventh place finish. They also conceded the second lowest amount of goals for the term with 33, behind only league winners Chelsea with 32.

After Southampton snapped him up for a reported £1.3million from Strasbourg, Manchester United paid a handsome £25million for the Frenchman. However, it wasn’t long before the Red Devils grew unimpressed with his form.

Southampton with the last laugh

Despite winning the FA Cup, Europa League and Super Cup with Man United, Schneiderlin played a limited role after his debut season. His second and final campaign in Manchester saw him left out of the first team squad on 16 occasions in the Premier League alone. The 30-year-old was shipped out halfway through the 2016/17 season, moving to Everton for £24million.

After failing to recreate his Southampton performances with United, he went on to further decline in himself on Merseyside. Despite being a regular starter for the Toffees, new manager Carlo Ancelotti viewed the midfielder as surplus tro requirements and decided that he simply didn’t fit the bigger picture at Goodison Park.

Schneiderlin returned to his home country this summer, joining Ligue 1 outfit Nice for £2m. It seems likely the 30-year-old will see out his career back in France and quietly plod along in his performances.

But Southampton will be thrilled with the business they’ve done, which ultimately saw them pocket an impressive £23m-odd profit on a declining player.

In other news, Ibrahima Diallo comments inspiring as he looks to make Southampton impact…

There’s no doubting that Pablo Hernandez has been Leeds’ best player over the past few years.

The Spaniard became the first player in the club’s history to win three Player of the Year awards, but this season has been something of a slow burner for the 35-year-old.

He was injured in the first game of the season against Liverpool, and since then he hasn’t been seen in United’s starting XI.

Fortunately, he’s back fit appearing in two substitute cameos against both Wolves and Aston Villa, but we can’t help but feel that this is the role Hernandez may now have to accept going forward.

Marcelo Bielsa revealed last week that he sees Rodrigo as more of an attacking midfield option rather than a striking option, and you don’t spend a club-record fee on a player you’re just going to leave on the bench.

It’s also worth noting that Rodrigo is only getting better as the weeks go on, the 29-year-old was sublime against Villa playing two key passes, and getting into some really dangerous positions, getting four shots off.

The sad reality is that Hernandez may no longer be Leeds’ star man, and his new role may be as a substitute option.

The fact is that father time is undefeated, Hernandez turns 36 this season and the Premier League is so much faster than the Championship, so in his advanced years, he may not be athletic enough to be as integral as he was in the second-tier.

We all know how good he can be, but playing at such intensity for 90 minutes in such a fast league is a young man’s job, and Hernandez may have to come to terms with the fact that he doesn’t have that same speed he once had.

We’re sure he will still do a great job off the bench, after all, it was only last week that Alex McLeish was describing him as a ‘terrific’ player, but the arrival of Rodrigo may finally have seen him slip down the pecking order.