All posts by z3u9t.icu

As announced by the Hammers on Tuesday, promising young forward Thierry Nevers will now join West Ham United when the transfer window opens on 9 June – prompting many Hammers fans to buzz over this news.

Nevers, who has bagged nine goals in 25 Premier League 2 appearances overall, will now leave Reading after spending nine years in their academy system.

The 19-year-old is seen as a talented prospect and certainly one for the future with West Ham now moving to complete his signing.

Nevers will join the Irons on a three-year contract with the option to extend for an additional year and is described by the official club website as ‘quick’ and skilful’ whilst possessing a ‘razor-sharp’ eye for goal.

The teenage attacker can play both on the wing and through the middle and takes inspiration from footballing superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

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Flocking to the official announcement that he will join West Ham, Irons supporters appear over the moon as they flock to social media – find all of their best verdicts down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Nevers announcement

“Let’s gooo!”

Credit: @9thCodebreaker

“SHEEEEESH”

Credit: @whuabi

“Welcome to the mad house Thierry”

Credit: @whufc40

“baller tbf, v v happy with this”

Credit: @BennnWHU

“Excited to see you in the claret and blue!”

Credit: @Abs_Singh_1

“Great start”

Credit: @Tommb22

“Welcome Thierry Henry”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“Love to see it, welcome Nevers”

Credit: @EmersonWHUFC

In other news: West Ham leading race for this potentially ‘perfect signing’, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has now given the green-light for yet another player to leave north London this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites exodus?

Spurs, as they aim for a major summer rebuild to appease Conte, could be set to orchestrate just as many outgoings as incomings in the next transfer window.

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Lyon loanee and club record-signing Tanguy Ndombele is likely to be offloaded with Conte not seeing a future for the 25-year-old, as backed by The Evening Standard.

Meanwhile, due to issues with their homegrown quota, transfer chief Fabio Paratici may be forced to sell one of Lucas Moura or Steven Bergwijn if he wishes to sign an overseas forward (The Telegraph).

Villarreal are also allegedly eyeing a permanent deal for Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso who is currently enjoying a fine temporary stint at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

The Latest: Conte green-lights Rodon exit…

Now, according to another report by and Football Insider and a ‘Tottenham source’, the Premier League top-four chasers have also give the green-light for defender Joe Rodon to leave Spurs this summer.

The club, and by extension manager Antonio Conte, are now ‘ready to sell’ the defender and have instructed him to find a new club.

FI, relaying their previous report, add that Rodon himself ‘100%’ wants to quit Tottenham amid his lack of opportunities.

The Verdict: Time to part ways…

It is a real mystery how the 24-year-old hasn’t been utilised more since Conte’s reign going by his real promise last season.

The Wales international, called ‘special’ and ‘flawless’ by members of their national media (Ian Mitchelmore), didn’t even feature more regularly when Eric Dier was sidelined through injury – despite Spurs’ head coach claiming Rodon is his deputy.

He showed real signs of promise against the likes of Chelsea over 2020/2021 and has barely put a foot wrong when given the opportunity, with former boss Jose Mourinho even branding him a ‘perfect’ player.

Over his 12 Premier League appearances for Spurs last season, Rodon even averaged more interceptions per 90 (1.8) than any of his teammates, highlighting his real pedigree as a rising star defender (WhoScored).

It is little wonder the defender wishes to part company with the only mystery being why Conte hasn’t fancied him more.

In other news: ‘Really impressive’ – Journalist excited as Spurs edge closer to signing ‘world class’ player, find out more here.

Fans of Liverpool have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed the comments of Jamie Carragher regarding FSG’s position in charge of the Reds.

Following their catastrophic lapse of judgement in agreeing to join the proposed European Super League, Liverpool announced late on Tuesday evening that they have now retracted their interest in the breakaway tournament, with John W Henry issuing a grovelling apology to the Liverpool fans early on Wednesday morning.

However, when speaking about the issue on Sky Sports, Carragher stated his belief that Henry and FSG’s position as owners of the club is now untenable, with the former Reds defender claiming he could no longer see a future for them at Anfield.

And, after Anfield Watch relayed Carragher’s comments on Twitter, fans of Liverpool flocked to have their say on the matter, with many using the 43-year-old’s remarks as a springboard to launch their own attack on the club’s American owners.

So, what exactly did these Liverpool fans have to say in reaction to Jamie Carragher’s comments?

“Hell yeah, they have to leave our team.”

@GahindiroLinox

“Need somebody to buy us out that’s the only way.”

@Connorrae15

“Club will go bust soon… bye-bye Liverpool.”

@ItHas2BeSaid

“Get out from our club John W Henry.”

@agoudjil_reda

“Let’s hope so #FSGOUT.”

@DonnellyNoel

“CARRA.”

@lfcaxchie

In other news: ‘Get out of my club’, ‘How can you even tweet this?’ – Lots of Liverpool fans rip into key man – find out more here!

A number of West Ham supporters are ecstatic after centre-back Kurt Zouma was pictured training outside on Friday.

The Hammers have enjoyed another excellent season to date, proving that last term was no fluke as they look to finish in the top four in the Premier League.

David Moyes has been tested in the injury department of late, however, with Zouma and Angelo Obgonna both out injured, having been the go-to centre-back pairing.

While Obgonna is expected to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee problem, Zouma’s situation looks far more positive, acting as a big boost for West Ham.

On Friday, the club’s official Twitter account shared images of the Frenchman back on the training pitches, suggesting his return to the fold is not too far away.

West Ham fans love Zouma latest

These Hammers fans reacted in delighted fashion to the news on Twitter.

“ZOUUUUUUUUUUUMA”

Credit: @connorahumpage

“Things you love to see big Zouuuuuu is back let’s go lad”

Credit: @DannyMeates8

“TITLE CHARGE IS BACK ON!”

Credit: @billy_grimmel

“What a sight”

Credit: @samthomas97_

“Never needed a player as much as we need Big Zou rn”

Credit: @yshealthyv2

“Zouuuuu I’m so happy we got our main man back”

Credit: @JackSeaward69

In other news, some West Ham fans are excited over a transfer claim that has emerged. Read more here.

Leeds United could sign another Raphinha in PSV starlet Noni Madueke, and the England U21 international appears to be a perfect fit for Marcelo Bielsa.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have claimed that the Whites have reignited their interest in the PSV Eindhoven winger after some third-party discussions, and now, former Leeds man David Norris has thrown his backing behind a potential move.

He said exclusively to Football FanCast: “That high intensity all the time, I don’t always think is going to work because teams will just step off and let them do their thing or play a bit longer and take that out of it.

“Teams are going to know more about them, so they might need a couple of different ways and options of playing. I think his composure is his big thing and he looks like he can play.”

Perfect for Bielsa

With nine goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, Madueke really took his game to another level with PSV in 2020/21, so much so that he earned a call-up to the England under-21 setup, where former manager Aidy Boothroyd talked up his potential.

He said: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link. He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”

His ability to beat players one on one, and of course that natural instinct to come inside onto his stronger left foot, sees obvious comparisons to Raphinha and why Bielsa would no doubt love him at Elland Road.

Former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte raved about the 19-year-old’s style of play, saying (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”

Just like Raphinha, who scored six and set up another nine, Madueke can make the difference either as someone to take chances, or create them given his own record last year.

Given that ability to take players on, and the fact he doesn’t shy away from pressing from the front (he won 51% of his duels last season, more than the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison), he appears to be a perfect fit for Bielsa.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have reignited their interest in this “top player”…

Speaking to BILD (via Sport Witness), journalist Christian Falk has dropped a major claim on a possible new manager for Tottenham Hotspur involving Ralph Rangnick – with the reporter stating that Rangnick has been ‘offered’ the role and talks ‘will come’ given he is on the shortlist.

The 62-year-old, who recently emerged as a candidate for Spurs, is now climbing up the managerial shortlist in north London after blows involving previous targets Julian Nagelsmann and Erik Ten Hag.

The former has agreed to become the new manager of German giants Bayern Munich while the latter has signed a new deal at Ajax, dealing two big hits as Spurs hunt for their Jose Mourinho successor.

Falk drops major Tottenham claim

However, in a positive twist, Falk now believes that Rangnick has been ‘offered’ the role – dropping the latest from what he has heard in regards to the manager chase.

“We have already talked about how Rangnick and Tottenham could become hot, and I have now heard quite specifically that he was offered the job,” he told BILD (via Sport Witness).

“In any case, he is on the shortlist, and that means talks will come.

“From the club, he still hears a bit of scepticism, but he’s already held talks with Manchester United and Everton in the UK in the past that never quite worked out.

“There must have been reasons for that, we don’t know them all, but it’s nice that he’s now being discussed.

“They need a new Tuchel, and in the UK, they believe the German coaches have done a lot of groundwork, which could be a big ace in the hole for Rangnick to Tottenham.”

Transfer Tavern take

After the big announcements involving Nagelsmann and Ten Hag, we believe that Spurs are quite right to offer Rangnick the job as he appears to be the next best option.

Described as a ‘perfectionist’ by RB Leipzig striker Yussuf Poulsen, he has also been credited with influencing Premier League bosses Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp and Ralph Hasenhuttl (The Telegraph).

Spurs are also on the hunt for an attack-minded boss who can reinstall that exciting brand of football, and Rangnick’s label as the ‘father of gegenpressing’ certainly throws him into this category of manager.

In other news: This boss is also eyeing the Spurs job, find out more here.

Sharing the latest transfer news coming out of Tottenham Hotspur, Sky Sports (via Football Daily) have now lifted the lid on a development involving Brighton and Hove Albion ace Tariq Lamptey.

The Lowdown: Spurs on the full-back hunt?

Centre-back is said to be Tottenham’s number one priority, but reports have also suggested a new full-back is on the cards.

The Evening Standard recently claimed that Tottenham are interested in promising Lille right-back Zeki Celik, coming as Serge Aurier looks likely to leave summer.

Spurs may need a replacement for the Ivorian if he does manage to part ways, with Sky Sports now sharing a development.

The Latest: Sky Sports share Spurs development…

Indeed, the broadcaster has lifted the lid on a development involving Tottenham and Brighton defender Lamptey.

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It is believed that Spurs have added the exciting 20-year-old to their growing list of targets and are now interested in pursuing him this summer.

“We’ve got some news on Tariq Lamptey, now listen to this,” Sky explained live on air (via Football Daily).

“Spurs interested in signing Brighton’s Lamptey this summer, the England Under-21 right-back, formerly of Chelsea, played 19 games for Brighton, really impressed last season, (but) hasn’t played since December because of injury.

“But Spurs, we understand, are interested so keep an eye out for that one.”

The Verdict: Promising development…

Lamptey showed real promise in spells for the Seagulls last campaign and comes as an exciting prospect, but Spurs may face a fight on their hands to sign him this summer.

Brighton boss Graham Potter is clearly desperate to keep hold of his best players this summer with clubs already knocked back in attempts to sign star defender Ben White.

It is unclear how much they would demand for Lamptey’s signature, but the fact he is young and homegrown could mean Spurs may have to invest significantly.

However, Spurs fans could take promise by the fact new managing director Fabio Paratici is already identifying firm targets early into his tenure.

In other news: Spurs will now swoop for this £31.5m-valued ‘leader’ with Paratici calling, find out more here.

Bruno Lage’s first few months in the dugout at Wolverhampton Wanderers have hardly been plain sailing.

The Old Gold have only won three of their opening seven matches in the Premier League and they struggled to land some of their primary targets in the summer.

On the chalkboard

The climax to Wolves’ transfer window bordered on calamitous.

Lage and Fosun had been patient about their business for the vast majority of the window, knowing they had little in the coffers to spend after such vast sums were spent in 2020.

They failed to land Renato Sanches on deadline day and then moves for Kieffer Moore and Sven Botman fell through.

A move for Sanches may well be revisited in January but it’s another midfielder who must now be at the height of their priorities.

One report claims that Wolves are interested in signing Championship star John Swift.

The midfielder has been sensational for Reading in recent years and has started the 2021/22 campaign in a rich vein of form.

New Doyle?

Wolves have an interesting association when it comes to Reading. There have been several players to pen terms with the Royals and at Molineux, ranging from the likes of Adam Le Fondre to Steven Hunt and Marcus Hahnemann.

However, one of the most successful acquisitions from Reading was definitely Kevin Doyle.

The Irishman signed for Wolves in a deal worth £6.5m. That was a hefty sum of money for a player who had only cost the Royals £78,000 from Cork City.

He was a valuable servant for the Old Gold, scoring 34 goals for them during a six-year period.

Doyle wasn’t the most lethal of forwards but he still played a crucial role during their venture into the Premier League 11 years ago.

Whether or not he was worth the price tag is a tricky question but a player who certainly would be is Swift.

Like Doyle, he’s had a hugely successful time in Berkshire and Wolves could replicate the success of that aforementioned deal in January.

The 26-year-old is now in the prime of his career and is becoming better as the weeks and months pass by.

He has scored 30 goals for Reading down the years and it’s in the last few terms where he’s really taken his game to the next level.

Dubbed “super talented” by Reading manager Veljko Paunovic, he scored six goals and registered 11 assists in the 2019/20 campaign.

Last season was one marred by injury but he’s bounced back excellently in 2021/22, netting seven times and claiming five assists in just 11 outings.

He has been doing that in the Championship but it proves why Wolves must move for him this winter. Swift doesn’t just beat the goalkeeper but he also knows how to defeat a defensive line with his immense creativity.

Doyle joined Wolves and had a relatively successful spell but Swift will be hoping to do that and more.

AND in other news, Wolves eye swoop for “exceptional” £43.2m-rated star, he’s like Pedro Neto…

Liverpool are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka this summer after Gini Wijnaldum departed last month.

What’s the story?

According to TransferMarketWeb, the Reds are amongst a number of clubs interested in acquiring the 29-year-old’s signature as he nears the Emirates Stadium exit door.

The report claims that Juventus, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are also tracking Xhaka, despite him being heavily linked with a move to AS Roma.

Edwards must sanction swoop

Xhaka has endured a controversial five-year stay in north London, making 220 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, winning two FA Cups along the way.

He won praise from current manager Mikel Arteta during the 2020/21 campaign following a string of impressive performances for the capital club.

“I think since he’s been back he’s been phenomenal; he’s playing really, really well,” claimed Arteta after a good run of form.

However, it’s been far from plain sailing for the Switzerland international during his time on English soil.

A poor disciplinary record has seen Xhaka pick up 58 yellow cards and three red cards during his Arsenal career, and he even missed his nation’s Euro 2020 quarter-final through suspension after earlier lighting up the tournament, playing a pivotal part in their impressive run to the last eight, including an impressive display in the Last 16 clash against France.

Nevertheless, his talent on the pitch has often been overlooked in recent years. Last season, Xhaka made 213 progressive passes while on Premier League duty – the fifth-highest total in the division, and also completed 268 passes in the final third – the highest tally in the top-flight, as per fbref.com.

It’s clear to see then that the combative midfielder is exceptionally good at moving the ball up the field effectively, getting his side into attacking situations on a regular basis.

Given that Liverpool’s gegenpressing style relies upon their midfielders and defenders constantly supplying their front three with an accurate stream of quick passes, Xhaka appears to be a good fit.

A fee of around £20 million is being muted for the Arsenal man, and at that price, director of football Michael Edwards must sanction a swoop.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Thiago: Edwards could get LFC rocking again by signing £60m “conductor” 

Manchester City have been boosted by the recent news that Liam Delap has signed a new long-term contract, which should keep him at the Etihad until 2026.

What’s the word?

After a phenomenal season with the U23s, it is no surprise that City have worked quickly to tie Delap down for the long-term, as he looks destined to have a huge future in the game.

The Citizens announced on Friday that the 18-year-old had penned a new deal until 2026, which will no doubt delight Pep Guardiola, as he now has a player to put into the first team in the near future.

The Spanish manager had suggested earlier in the summer that Delap would become part of the first-team squad at City this season, although he has been heavily linked with a loan move to the Championship, despite City having thus far failed to replace Sergio Aguero.

A boost for Guardiola?

Considering Delap’s sensational form with the academy sides since joining from Derby County in 2019, there seems little to suggest that the teenager can’t be a regular with the Citizens in the future.

Last season saw the striker contribute 24 goals in 20 Premier League 2 games, firing City to that title, whilst he also scored on his professional debut in City’s 2-1 win against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.

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Delap also made two substitute appearances in the Premier League and FA Cup, which suggests that he is certainly in Guardiola’s thinking, and perhaps after a season on loan in the Championship, we could see him starting on a regular basis in the 2022/23 Premier League season.

When speaking about Millwall’s interest in signing Delap on loan, manager Gary Rowett was quick to sing his praises, saying:

“Liam Delap, quite simply, is the best young striker around at the moment and every single Championship club, I’m sure, would be interested in taking him. Of course, we’d be interested. But, at the same time, I’m sure everyone would be interested in him.”

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Therefore, it is undoubtedly a boost that he has committed himself to City, and everyone involved with the club will surely be excited to see more of him in the future.

And, in other news… Southampton miss out on 61-cap “leader”, Hasenhuttl will be gutted