All posts by z3u9t.icu

On the pitch, Newcastle haven’t had the best start to the season after just winning one of their 15 games of the campaign so far.

Off the pitch, however, it seems as though Newcastle’s new owners are working behind the scenes to appoint a director of football ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

That said, it seems as though the club could be heading in a direction on the matter that would not have a lot of Newcastle fans happy.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail by journalist Craig Hope, Nick Hammond, the former head of football operations at Celtic, has been spoken to by the Newcastle hierarchy about potentially becoming their new director.

Forget about him

With a report from The Scottish Sun evaluating the 20 players that Hammond helped Celtic sign during his time at the Parkhead club for a total fee of £35m and coming away with an overall negative summary, perhaps it wouldn’t be in Newcastle’s best interest if they hire him as their new director given his track record of poor recruitment at Celtic.

He signed former West Ham striker Albian Ajeti for £4.5m but he has only found the net on nine occasions in 47 outings for the Hoops while adding Polish forward Patrky Klimala to their ranks for £3.5m. The end result of his move was even worse with just three strikes in 28 appearances.

There was also the addition of goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas at £5m in the summer of 2020 but just a year and a half on, he looks set to be heading to pastures new after only 23 games for Celtic.

Thus, taking into account how Newcastle are still in the relegation zone of the Premier League table despite winning their previous league game against Burnley, the Tyneside club will have to make sure they sign find right person to help them sign the correct players in January.

On the evidence provided, it doesn’t look like Hammond possesses the tools to be able to turn their season around and avoid the drop down to the Championship by the end of the campaign.

With the same report from Hope claiming that Newcastle have hired an external recruitment firm to help in their search for a director of football, this should give the fans some confidence that the hierarchy are doing their best at making sure they get the right person for the job in and push the club forward.

Looking ahead to the rest of this month and January, it’s safe to say that this will be an important period for Newcastle on and off the pitch for the right people to come in behind the scenes and for Eddie Howe and his players to keep getting points on the board and escape the relegation zone.

Yet, if they opt for Hammond, it would surely leave a number of the Toon Army fuming with the decision. His track record of signing players, especially in recent times, is not desirable whatsoever.

In other news: NUFC could land the next Xavi with £31.5m-rated gem who “always finds the best escape” – opinion

Aston Villa saw a £25million bid for Yves Bissouma rejected by Brighton and Hove Albion, according to The Telegraph’s John Percy. 

The journalist tweeted that Villa are now prioritising a deal for Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur after Brighton batted away their offer for the 25-year-old.

Steven Gerrard seems intent on signing another midfielder before the January transfer window closes in a week’s time.

Villa bid was only half of Brighton’s valuation

The Athletic’s Brighton correspondent Andy Naylor wrote earlier in January that it would take a bid of £50m for the Seagulls to consider parting with Bissouma this month. They don’t see any need to sell, even though the Mali international is into the final 18 months of his contract and has apparently given no indication that he will sign an extension at the Amex Stadium.

Bissouma has previously been ‘linked’ with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal, who all may now hope to beat Villa to his signature.

The Midlands outfit have spent £27m so far in Gerrard’s first transfer window, signing Lucas Digne permanently from Everton and loaning in Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen.

Here’s what Villa fans made of Percy’s revelation about the rejected bid for Bissouma, with many believing that sporting director Johan Lange has foolishly low-balled on the midfielder’s true value.

Villa supporters baffled by Bissouma bid

“25 mil? That’s embarrassing”

Credit: @_ali_mans

“Villa’s ‘bids’ for JWP, Smith-Rowe and Bissouma have been laughable. Significantly undervalued talent with bids that were never in a million years going to be accepted”

Credit: @military_villan

“Bidding 25m for Bissouma was kind of wild tbh”

Credit: @obeball_

“Lange are you ok? 25m you know”

Credit: @WazeUTV

“£25m, they were never gonna accept that”

Credit: @DaleAC93

“£25m is embarrassing”

Credit: @villavisionben

In other news, another midfield target has emerged for Villa

Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri is seemingly heading closer to the Anfield exit door, urging his agent to seal a move elsewhere this summer.

The Swiss winger joined the Reds back in the summer of 2018, arriving from Stoke City and being seen as someone who could add depth to Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

Although there have been undoubted moments of quality – journalist James Pearce has hailed his technique as ‘breathtaking’ in the past – Shaqiri’s time at Liverpool has been injury-plagued and inconsistent.

He has only made five starts in this Premier League season and it appears as though his exit is inevitable in the summer transfer window.

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Shaqiri keen on Liverpool exit

According to Football Insider, Shaqiri has ‘instructed’ his agent to find him a new club ahead of next season in order to earn more regular playing time.

A move to Serie A is mooted for the 86-time capped Switzerland international, with Roma and Lazio said to be interested.

Transfer Tavern take

There is an inevitability about Shaqiri leaving this summer, with his exit making sense for all parties. The 29-year-old is not reliable enough fitness-wise to keep persevering with and Liverpool selling him could raise funds for new signings.

History may not look back on Shaqiri’s time at Anfield with huge fondness, but his match-winning brace against Manchester United and assist for Gini Wijnaldum against Barcelona at Anfield have been standout moments. It’s just a shame that such contributions didn’t occur more regularly.

In other news, one Liverpool player came in for criticism from James Pearce after the draw with Newcastle. Read more here.

Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has dropped a major update on Philippe Coutinho’s Villa Park future.

The Lowdown: Coutinho’s loan spell

Coutinho was Steven Gerrard’s first signing as Villa boss back in January, with the playmaker penning a loan deal until the end of the season from Barcelona.

Villa managed to negotiate an option to make a move permanent in the summer, which is thought to be in the region of £33.4m.

The 29-year-old has made 13 appearances in a Villa shirt, contributing to seven goals while playing on both wings and as an attacking midfielder.

The Latest: Preece’s reveal

Preece dropped a Birmingham Live Q&A in a story on Thursday morning, discussing a variety of Villa topics.

One of those was on Coutinho, with a fan asking Preece how likely a permanent deal was. This is what he had to say in reply, sharing a positive update.

“Coutinho deal is, I’m told, likely to go through. Just a case of dotting Is and crossing Ts.”

The Verdict: A relief

Coutinho has impressed since making the move to the Midlands, which has resulted in interest from the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Arsenal and West Ham.

Villa may have been slightly worried over a permanent move despite having an option to buy at the end of the season due to the growing interest.

Therefore, Preece’s update is a relief heading into Gerrard’s first full season, and the Villa boss will more than likely be delighted, as he confirmed he wanted to make a move permanent last month.

In other news: Gerrard now happy for ace to leave Villa Park; he’s ‘central to a lot of the problems’. 

Southampton’s decision to sign Jan Bednarek for just £5 million from Lech Poznan in 2017 is looking to be more and more like a masterstroke by the Saints, with former sporting director Ross Wilson deserving a lot of credit for his role in the negotiations.

Southampton brought in the centre-back for the minimal fee in the summer of 2017, as he became Mauricio Pellegrino’s first signing at the South Coast club.

He would end up outlasting the Argentine manager and he has become a key part of Southampton’s first-team under Ralph Hasenhuttl in recent seasons.

The Polish international has now made 108 appearances for the Saints, in which he has contributed three goals and four assists.

Bednarek was a big part of Southampton’s impressive form earlier in the season, forming a solid partnership with Jannik Vestergaard in central defence and he has been one of the first names on the team sheet under the Austrian’s management.

Having established himself as a quality defender at both domestic and international level, it is no surprise that Bednarek’s market value has significantly increased during his time at Southampton.

At the time of his signing, the centre-back was valued at just £4.5 million, whereas the 24-year-old is now valued at £22.5 million, which shows why his acquisition was excellent business by the South Coast club.

Bednarek is still relatively young for a centre-back, so it would not be a surprise to see his value continue to rise over the next few seasons and whilst it might be tricky for the Saints to keep hold of him if he attracts interest from a top club, it looks like they’re almost guaranteed to make a serious profit on him should he leave.

Therefore, you could definitely say that it was something of a masterclass by Wilson to bring in Bednarek for just £5 million back in 2017, considering his excellent performances in his first four years with the Saints.

To sign a player, see him have great success then either sell him for a big profit or keep him for years to come is exaclty what clubs like Saints want to do in the market. There’s no doubting that getting Bednarek was a masterstroke.

And, in other news… Southampton can sign their next Mane with £8.5m swoop for 18-goal beast

Writing on Twitter, Tunisian journalist Walid Elmechri has made a rather exciting West Ham United transfer claim involving FC Koln midfielder Ellyes Skhiri.

The Lowdown: Hammers set for busy summer?

Claret & Hugh explained that West Ham have three priorities firmly on the agenda in a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, new centre-back and star striker, but reports have still emerged in regards to other possible signings.

Indeed, not so long ago, the Irons were heavily linked with Czech Republic international and Spartak Moscow midfielder Alex Kral and talks were even thought to be at an advanced stage (Football Insider).

While that has failed to materialise so far, other sources suggest that central midfield players are on the agenda for West Ham.

More recently, reports have claimed the Irons may even move for ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey.

The Latest: West Ham enter talks for Skhiri…

As per Tunisian journalist Elmechri, writing on his social media, West Ham have now commenced negotiations with FC Koln for Skhiri but face competition from La Liga giants Sevilla.

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In a rather exciting claim, the reporter even says that both clubs are ‘very close’ to signing him after Koln rejected an €8 million (£6.8m) from Lyon.

“FC Koln management rejected Olympique Lyonnais’ offer (8 M € ),” explained the journalist on Twitter.

“Ellyes is very close to joining one of these two clubs: Sevilla FC or West Ham which have started negotiations with the German club.”

The Verdict: Exciting…

This comes as a pretty exciting claim given Ellyes’ head-turning numbers over the 20/21 season.

He was a mainstay for Koln in the Bundesliga last year, starting 32 matches, and it’s safe to say he was a colossal presence in defensive midfield.

According to WhoScored, the 26-year-old made more tackles (2.6) and interceptions (2.6) per 90 in the German top flight than any West Ham player managed last season in the Premier League (WhoScored).

He can also get forward on occasion, scoring five goals and assisting two others last campaign, marking him out as a seemingly perfect alternative to Kral in that position.

In other news: West Ham now want to sign this towering forward who will push to leave this summer, find out more here.

According to Spanish news outlet El Desmarque, West Ham United are ‘willing’ to pay over €40 million (£34.2 million) to sign Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri – with his agent now responding to all the interest.

The Lowdown: West Ham in striker search…

West Ham are on the search for a new striker as one of their main priorities for this summer, especially considering the unreliable fitness record of current frontman Michail Antonio.

The Irons had attempted to sign a new striker in January, with manager David Moyes himself confirming that bids had indeed been lodged, but West Ham didn’t manage to successfully land anyone.

GSB will reportedly try again to sign a new striker this window, though, with names like Adam Armstrong, Ivan Toney, Tammy Abraham and En-Nesyri having been previously linked (ExWHUemployee).

The Latest: West Ham ‘willing’ to pay over £34.2m for En-Nesyri…

El Desmarque have the latest when it comes to En-Nesyri, who West Ham made a bid for January.

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They claim that the Irons are ‘willing’ to go above £34.2 million to seal the Moroccan’s signature this summer, with the player’s agent now sending a firm message in response to rumours regarding his client.

“We don’t want to listen to any offers,” explained Anass Ouzifi, representative of En-Nesyri, to the outlet.

“There are three teams from England, but he doesn’t want to leave. We don’t want to talk about this because En-Nesyri doesn’t want to leave Sevilla, and he’s staying in Sevilla this year.”

The Verdict: Big blow for the Hammers…

En-Nesyri came as a very good alternative to fellow top level targets like Tammy Abraham, so this news comes as a mighty blow for West Ham despite their willingness to go all out.

Lauded as an ‘excellent’ striker by Spanish journalist Guillem Balague on Premier Sports, the 6 foot 3 star forward turned heads with his outstanding 18-goal haul in just 23 La Liga starts over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

Indeed, only Michail Antonio and Jesse Lingard averaged more attempts on goal per 90 than En-Nesyri out of the entire West Ham squad last season domestically.

There’s no mistake he could have been a brilliant capture, but this message from his agent has dealt the Irons a big setback in their striker search.

In other news: ‘Have started negotiations’…Journalist makes exciting West Ham transfer claim, find out more here.

According to a report Italian news outlet Calciomercato, as relayed by West Ham News & Views on social media, Juventus midfielder and former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey likes the idea of joining the east Londoners amid links to David Moyes’ men.

Ramsey, touted with a possible move to West Ham in the press recently, has endured a mixed season overall under Juve boss Andrea Pirlo – with recent reports indicating he is up for sale this summer.

Starting 12 Serie A matches, the Welshman has missed several matches through injury over 2020/2021 but has managed two goals and four assists over the games he has played so far (WhoScored).

In response to this report from Italy that Ramsey is keen on the idea of joining West Ham, many Irons didn’t share the same fondness on Twitter, blasting the development with an array of verdicts.

The main bone of contention among supporters appear to be his unreliable fitness record and big wages, with lots of supporters pleading with the club not to take alleged recent further.

Find all of their comments down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Ramsey development

“Jack Wilshere all over again!

We never learn… “

Credit: @d0nkeydr0p

“Please don’t do this would be super unnecessary. Sign a striker and I’d say a decent goalie fab can mentor till he leaves and we could give fab a break every once in a while.”

Credit: @ItsMaddog0607

“No way ! Mega wages with a permanent sickness..”

Credit: @GilpinLee

“please no”

Credit: @c_bianco_

“Jack Wilshere 2.0”

Credit: @jarno_aalderink

“I bet he likes the idea of signing for us probably had Wilshere in his earhole.

No thanks wouldn’t touch him with a bargepole”

Credit: @RichardGSBOUT

“This would be another injury prone player on a fat contract with big wages. Sign a striker”

Credit: @Thehammerone1

“Of course he does, one last paycheck for another sicknote.”

Credit: @DJS97_

In other news: West Ham are eyeing a move for this 6 foot 3 powerhouse, find out more here.

It has been three arduous months since Neil Lennon left Celtic behind but they may finally have a resolution to their woes.

That’s because the Hoops are on the verge of appointing Eddie Howe as their new manager at Parkhead.

What’s the word?

Celtic have had to wait patiently for Howe with advanced discussions thought to be occurring towards the beginning of April.

Though, despite a move now being on the verge of completion, the hierarchy would be foolish if they didn’t still have a few other options up their sleeve.

The Bhoys have already interviewed Lucien Favre and Roy Keane for the role but they also have an interest in former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

That news was revealed by Ian McGarry on the Transfer Window podcast this week.

He said: “I don’t believe that Lampard is necessarily rushing to get into another manager’s job. He is enjoying his time with his young family. That’s not to say that he’s not open to an interesting offer.”

McGarry added: “There is certainly interest from Celtic, but I don’t think that he is in a position where he will necessarily go into a project that he doesn’t think he has a good chance of progress or succeeding in.”

Better suited than Howe?

Lampard and Howe have two very different managerial backgrounds.

The latter led Bournemouth from the brink of relegation in League Two to a place in the Premier League but Lampard’s had things a little easier.

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He impressed during his stint with Derby in the Championship, developing the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount, two players he then coached when in charge of Chelsea.

The 42-year-old also led the Blues to Champions League football despite the club working under a transfer embargo throughout the 2019/20 campaign.

The former midfielder was eventually sacked from his position but the qualities he demonstrated when at Stamford Bridge means he could be more suited to the position in Glasgow.

Speaking about Lampard last season, ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers claimed he was “really impressed” with what he’d achieved.

“Frank understands the policy at the club, how it works and will be looking to bring in some of the young players which he has done. He has given them an opportunity. You have to admire that,” he said.

It’s the effort he made with the younger players in west London that demonstrates why he could be a perfect fit at Celtic.

The former England international took players like Mount and Tammy Abraham under his wing, not only making them key players for Chelsea, but also helping them to earn recognition in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

Celtic are at a point now where they need to look towards the future. They require a manager who can blood young talent, something Lampard is particularly adept at doing.

The Hoops have a number of promising players coming through with Adam Montgomery making his first-team debut a fortnight ago and Karamoko Dembele bagging his first senior goal.

What those young individuals need is someone like Lampard who can use all of his experience in the game to not only make them better players, but to help them become key at Paradise.

AND in other news, Report claims £7.2m “horror show” will never play for Celtic again, fans surely elated…

Portsmouth have enjoyed a strong start to the 2021/22 campaign and are currently sat in fifth position in League One during the first international break of the season.

Danny Cowley’s side have 10 points on the board, with three wins, one draw and one defeat after five games. Only Sunderland (12) have more, with Pompey one of six teams tied on 10 points below the Black Cats at the top of the table.

The south coast side won their first three league matches of the season, beating Fleetwood, Crewe and Shrewsbury. They were then held to a 0-0 draw by Doncaster before losing 1-0 to Wigan in their last game of the month in League One.

A number of players caught the eye with their performances in August, including on-loan Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu – who started four of the five games and impressed between the sticks with an average SofaScore rating of 7.30 (before denying Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot in midweek).

Forget the Republic of Ireland international, though, as it was Clark Robertson who was Pompey’s star man in August with his excellent performances at centre-back, as his defending helped Bazunu to rack up clean sheets and earn a high SofaScore rating of 7.18.

He was a defensive powerhouse throughout the month as he helped the team to keep four clean sheets in five games in League One. The only league goal Pompey conceded in August came in the 1-0 defeat to Wigan, with none conceded in the first four matches.

Keeping a clean sheet is a team effort, but Robertson stood out with his dominance in defence. As per SofaScore, he won an incredible 74% of his duels on the pitch, averaging 6.4 duels won per game. This shows that he was able to dominate the opposition and prevent them from winning much against him, stopping attacks and creating opportunities for his team to hit on the break, or to alleviate pressure by retaining possession.

Robertson, who joined from Rotherham in the summer, also made zero errors leading to shots or goals to further illustrate just how reliable he was for Cowley at the back. This shows how he was virtually faultless in the five matches, which is why he was arguably Pompey’s star man during August.

His excellence at the back built a platform for the attacking players to do their work without needing to worry about silly errors behind them. With just one goal conceded from five league games for Cowley’s side, Robertson’s performances have undoubtedly been key to their strong start to the campaign.

AND in other news, Pompey fans will be buzzing with Cowley’s claim on gem tipped to “become a top player”…