All posts by z3u9t.icu

A number of West Brom supporters have been hailing Sam Johnstone following an exceptional save on England duty over the weekend.

The Baggies may have been relegated back to the Championship last season, but the 28-year-old was one of the few positives to take from the campaign. He was arguably one of the Premier League’s standout players in his position, producing great consistency between the sticks.

Johnstone’s form has been rewarded with a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad and he started Sunday’s 1-0 win over Romania, making his debut for the Three Lions in the process.

Not only did the 28-year-old keep a clean sheet, he also made a magnificent save in the second half, ensuring England got the win at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.

West Brom fan laud Johnstone brilliance

West Brom gave a shoutout to the goalkeeper’s moment of brilliance on their official Twitter account, excitedly posting “WHAT. A. SAVE.” followed by the heart-eyes emoji.

These Baggies fans replied to the tweet to heap praise on Johnstone, having produced a memorable moment on a proud day for him.

“Sam Johnstone doing @samjohnstone50 things”

Credit: @le_lebouf76

“England’s future number 1”

Credit: @Jevo_01

“MY KEEPER”

Credit: @JoshhhWBA

“Class”

Credit: @liamwba_

“Lifetime contract 100k a week”

Credit: @WBADyl

“Done himself proud”

Credit: @hovis8

In other news, West Brom are believed to be keen on signing a player who is appearing at Euro 2020 this summer. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension their transfer chief Fabio Paratici, have sent a club official to Roma as news emerges on transfer target Nicolo Zaniolo.

The Lowdown: Conte loves him…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, according to reports, is a big fan of the playmaker and really wants to see him make a move to the Premier League.

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Indeed, a report by Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) shared news that the 52-year-old ‘really likes’ Zaniolo and would ‘really like him’ as a part of his Tottenham team.

Links to the 22-year-old have been fairly consistent, going as far back as the Mauricio Pochettino era, with yet another report now surfacing this week.

The Latest: Tottenham official travelling…

La Gazzetta dello Sport, as shared by Sport Witness, claim that a Lilywhites official has been sent to run the rule over Spurs’ long-time target tonight as Roma take on Leicester City in the Europa Conference League.

The Tottenham scout will be watching over his performance as Paratici continue to keep close tabs on Zaniolo.

The Verdict: Make a move?

Calciomercato.it recently reported that Roma value their Italy international at around €70 million (£58m), a heavy price, with Juventus, AC Milan, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid also courting the attacker.

His recovery from a shattering ACL injury, which caused him to miss the whole of 2020/2021, has been quite remarkable as he now begins to find form again.

Ex-Liverpool and Juventus midfielder Moussa Sissoko, recently calling Zaniolo an ‘excellent’ player, is certainly an admirer, with the starlet even earning comparisons to Steven Gerrard in past seasons.

As Paratici sends a club official to keep watch, it will be interesting to see how he fares in the Spurs audition.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’, he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.

According to Football Insider, West Ham United are keen on signing Sparta Prague wonderkid Adam Hlozek, although they will face competition from a top-flight rival.

It’s claimed that the Irons are growing concerned that they could be blown out of the water by last season’s Premier League champions Liverpool, with the 18-year-old thought to be available for around £20m.

If David Sullivan and co can nip in before the Merseyside giants, then he could well deliver the Hammers another transfer masterclass in which they may strike gold yet again.

We’ve seen the success the east London outfit have had in bringing Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal from the very same league, so you would imagine that David Moyes could repeat that with the exciting young forward.

Despite still being so young, Hlozek has been part of the first team at Sparta Prague for a number of seasons. In total, he has delivered 21 goals and 21 assists in only 79 appearances, playing up top centrally as well as on both flanks, as per Transfermarkt.

Prior to injury this season, the teenage sensation was hitting phenomenal returns – eight goals and eight assists in just 1,109 minutes of action, to be precise. That’s a direct goal contribution every 69 minutes.

Such form has not only led to coveted interest but also some glowing endorsements. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him a “top talent” earlier this week and pondered the sorts of numbers he could be on had he not suffered a metatarsal fracture earlier in the campaign.

Former Arsenal midfielder and current Sparta Pragur sporting director Tomas Rosicky lauded the 18-year-old as a “great talent” upon signing his first professional deal in 2019. Sparta manager Pavel Vrba has even claimed that the “hugely talented” Hlozek will become “the top player in Europe” one day.

It’s no secret that Moyes needs reinforcements up top, as seen by the fact that he currently does not have a fit senior striker available – and in Hlozek, they’d clearly be getting one who can find the net regularly.

West Ham would also be getting a player with so much potential that one day they could make a substantial profit on his services, meaning GSB and the club may strike gold in the future.

For £20m, it has to be seen as a no-brainer.

AND in other news, Hammers facing transfer tussle for prolific 19 y/o gem, GSB must act now…

Leeds United should make a move for Liverpool striker Divock Origi this summer, according to former England international Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Origi the big-game player

Origi may not have been a regular starter for Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, but he has still contributed hugely to their recent successes, being hailed as ‘exceptional’ by his manager.

The Belgian scored in the 2019 Champions League final win over Tottenham, also netting twice in the famous 4-0 win over Barcelona in the semi-final and scoring an injury-time winner in a Merseyside derby, proving that he can be a big-game player.

Origi could leave Liverpool this summer, however, and Leeds have been urged to sign him in the past.

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The Latest: Phillips gets behind move

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips talked up the idea of the 26-year-old heading to Elland Road, saying it is a move that makes sense:

“Maybe someone like Divock Origi. Maybe Leeds could nick in and get him from Liverpool. At that price? Certainly.

“With the time left in the window, I think we will see Leeds move for him, or a player like that.”

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The Verdict: Ticks the boxes

Origi could be an ideal signing for Leeds, providing competition for Patrick Bamford in attack, with the latter tiring a little as last season went on.

The Liverpool man possesses pace, strength and versatility, thriving both centrally and out wide, not to mention scoring three goals at the international level for Belgium.

With the Reds seemingly willing to sell Origi, Leeds would be wise to least submit a bid for him, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to make his squad as strong as possible.

In other news, Leeds are thought to be eyeing up a move for an experienced centre-back – find out who it is here.

Rangers have regularly been linked with a move for SC Heerenveen midfielder Joey Veerman throughout the transfer window, but Michael Ball has claimed the Dutch side will have to lower their asking price if he is to join Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent Jordan Campbell confirmed recently that the Dutchman remains a target for the Gers this summer, writing: “Rangers registered interest in the 22-year-old several months ago but, while his future is almost accepted as lying away from Heerenveen, his destination is not as certain.

“There has been widespread interest in the playmaker after impressing during his two seasons at the Eredivisie club, making 53 league appearances. Italy’s Hellas Verona made a bid of around €5 million, which was rejected, and led to the player accusing Heerenveen of asking for “crazy money”. It still remains the case, however, that theirs is the only formal bid on the table and that Rangers would need to top that fee to sign Veerman.”

In a recent interview with Football Transfer Tavern, former Rangers defender Michael Ball suggested that Rangers were unlikely to pay the Eredivisie side’s current asking price, so they would have to reduce that if he is to complete a move to Ibrox.

He said: “Unfortunately the big teams aren’t willing to pay that. They’ve got to drop it, Glasgow Rangers won’t be paying nine, ten million pounds, I don’t think they’ve got that money to pay for a young kid right now.”

Should Rangers spend big money on Veerman?

Whilst Rangers have gained a reputation for bargain deals during Steven Gerrard’s tenure, with both Fashion Sakala and John Lundstram joining on free transfers so far this summer, a player of Veerman’s quality is always likely to demand a hefty fee.

The £7.65m-rated midfielder demonstrated his immense quality in the Eredivise last season, contributing seven goals and 10 assists in 31 appearances, averaging a superb 7.40 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

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Any deal for the midfielder would likely surpass Gerrard’s record transfer fee during his time at Rangers thus far, but he could add superb quality to the 41-year-old’s side, after being dubbed “perfect” on the ball by Michael Mols earlier in the summer, so Ross Wilson should make a huge statement and submit the sort of bid that Heerenveen will be forced to consider.

In other news… Too slow, Wilson: Rangers miss out on “outstanding” beast loved by Gerrard

Tottenham Hotspur are among the teams keeping tabs on prolific goalscorer Cyle Larin ahead of the summer transfer window.

That’s according to 90min, who claim the Besiktas forward is attracting interest from across Europe as he will soon enter the final 12 months of his current contract.

It appears that the Lilywhites are on the lookout for another striking addition ahead of next season, with doubts over Harry Kane’s future and the on-loan Carlos Vinicius set to return to Benfica.

Larin could be a bargain replacement for the Brazilian, and his versatile ability to play through the middle and out wide, makes him even more appealing heading into what will be a difficult window to negotiate.

The 33-time Canada international has bagged a whopping 23 goals this season, helping steer the Turkish Super Lig outfit to another title, and that has taken his total tally to 84 goals in 191 career appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

His performances in the MLS for Orlando City caught the keen eye of Brazil legend Kaka.

“I think Cyle can go far,” Kaka said at an MLS media day, via Goal.com. “Cyle is a very good player and the third season for us will be great, but I think Cyle can play in a big team in Europe as well.”

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And it’s not the first time that someone has waxed lyrical about the 26-year-old’s sensational attacking ability.

Back in March, Canadian national team coach John Herdman lauded Larin after a hat-trick against Bermuda, he told reporters (via Sporx): “Cyle Larin is a predator. He has this ability, that’s why we recruited him.”

If Spurs want to keep hold of Vinicius, who has enjoyed respectable returns playing a bit-part role behind Kane with ten goals, they will have to fork out an eye-watering £40m which is an extortionate amount for a backup.

But at least with Larin, you’ve got the option to play him out wide, so he should see more game time on the pitch than the Benfica man. The 6 foot 2 beast is also only valued at £8.1m, so you’d imagine that Levy could drive up a bargain with the player in the final year of his contract.

AND in other news, Spurs can solve major issue with 6 ft 3 “complete player”, he won’t cost Levy a penny…

Leeds United have been handed an encouraging transfer update on reported target Conor Gallagher.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are one of the sides monitoring the Chelsea ace ahead of a potential move for the midfielder this summer, and that they had been tracking his progress closely during his loan spell at West Brom last season.

Now, Football.London have claimed that “Gallagher has indicated he wants to impress at Chelsea in pre-season if he thinks he will get the chance to do so, but would be open to another loan move down the line if chances might look limited.”

Imagine him and Kalvin Phillips

If Bielsa can get a loan deal over the line for Gallagher, then partnering him with Phillips in the middle of the park could be the start of a dream midfield duo for Leeds next season in the Premier League.

Despite not getting too many opportunities at Stamford Bridge, Gallagher has been widely praised during his loan spells, with former Charlton boss Lee Bowyer even calling the £17m-rated midfielder a “jewel” that was “impossible to replace.”

And during his time at Swansea last year, Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews lauded the “unbelievable” energy Gallagher possesses, even comparing him to Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard.

He said: “But the one thing he has got is a fantastic engine, much like Lee Bowyer or Frank Lampard – it’s amazing, the resemblances between those two in their younger years particularly. But for me, he’s a classic No 8; he has an unbelievable energy, he does the ugly side of the game, but you have to let him off the leash and let him get forward.”

While Phillips has been Bielsa’s anchor for that holding midfield position, Gallagher could also help out with the defensive duties at Elland Road as well – in fact, his 2.7 tackles per game in the top-flight actually ranked him in the top ten of the entire Premier League last season.

Anyone watching England’s 2-0 triumph over Germany at EURO 2020 on Tuesday night would have seen the incredible work Phillips got through in midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and showing his wide range of passing too – as per Sofascore,

So, having him alongside Gallagher in the engine room for Leeds next season could be a really enticing prospect for Bielsa.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United transfer target would be a major upgrade…

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been tipped to pursue a deal for a new Hoops midfielder from one of the club’s Premiership rivals…

What’s the talk?

The Herald journalist James Cairney has urged Celtic to make a move for St Mirren midfielder Jamie McGrath in the January transfer window.

His contract at St Mirren expires at the end of the season and Cairney believes that the Hoops could benefit from snapping him up on a cut-price deal in the winter market to improve their options in the middle of the park.

Armstrong 2.0

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou could land Stuart Armstrong 2.0 by completing a deal to sign McGrath in the January window.

Mo Elyounoussi was the only midfielder or wide player to hit double figures for goals in the Premiership for Celtic last term, with David Turnbull’s eight the next most by a player from those positions.

Coincidently, Elyounoussi has now returned to Southampton to play alongside another player who knows a thing or two about scoring goals for Celtic – Armstrong. In his last two seasons in Scotland, Armstrong produced 22 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Hoops, including 18 goals in the league, and was then sold to the Saints in 2018 for £7.16m.

McGrath showed last season for St Mirren that he has the quality to come in and be Celtic’s next goalscoring attacking midfielder, just like Armstrong was during his time at the club. He scored 17 goals and provided six assists in all competitions last term, including ten goals in the Premiership.

St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin previously lauded the player and claimed that his bravery in possession of the ball is second to none, saying:

“He had been pigeonholed as a No 10 at Dundalk and people looked at him as a luxury player, but I had a very good conversation with Jamie and his representatives and explained that I saw there was more to him than that.

“My belief was that he could become a No 8 and be a box-to-box player and I think he’s shown he can do that.

“He’s not one to fly into tackles, but he gets close to opponents, he’s fit, he’s quick and his composure on the ball is incredible. His creativity and bravery when in possession is second to none.”

This highlights the level of quality he could bring to Postecoglou’s side and why they should act upon Cairney’s advice and make a swoop for him in January. The Australian head coach could unearth the next goalscoring central midfield sensation, Armstrong 2.0 if you will, by snapping McGrath up from St Mirren.

AND in other news, Ange must ruthlessly axe 26 y/o dud who left Celtic “livid”, he’s not good enough…

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ manager Bruno Lage is not planning on recalling Morgan Gibbs-White in January.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by Yorkshire Live, the 45-year-old Wolves boss revealed that, despite the midfielder’s highly impressive performances on loan at Sheffield United, in addition to the fact that the Premier League side hold a recall option in the 21-year-old’s temporary contract at Bramall Lane, he is not currently considering bringing the former England U21 international back to Molineux.

Speaking about the situation of Gibbs-White, Lage said: “When Hwang came, we took the decision to let Morgan go and play. We are very happy with him and what he is doing.”

According to the report, the Portuguese manager went on to add that it is unlikely the midfielder will be recalled in January, and the only way his stance would change is if summer signing Hwang Hee-chan suffers a loss of form or picks up a serious injury.

Big mistake

While Lage’s comments regarding Gibbs-White’s playing time do hold some weight, there would very much appear to be room for a player of the 21-year-old’s skill set. That’s considering the fact that the 45-year-old boss deployed a three-man midfield against Aston Villa on Saturday and the fact that it’s rather difficult to describe any of Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves or Leander Dendoncker as attack-minded midfielders.

Indeed, over his seven Championship appearances for Sheffield United so far this season, the £6.3m-rated man has already proven his impressive ability going forwards, scoring three goals, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates.

These returns have seen the player Chris Basham dubbed a “powerful” midfielder earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.21, ranking him as Slavisa Jokanovic’s best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, with goals from the middle of the park having been severely lacking for Wolves so far this season, with Neves’ deflected free-kick against Villa being the only goal scored by a midfielder this season, Lage’s apparent refusal to consider recalling Morgan Gibbs-White this winter looks as if it could be a rather big mistake.

Furthermore, considering the outrage of the Molineux faithful when Gibbs-White left the club this summer, the manager’s stance on the midfielder’s loan is not likely to go down well with fans of the club.

In other news: £9.9m out of pocket: Wolves had a mare on £63k-p/w flop who has “gone into oblivion”

Carlton Palmer reckons that Leeds need to cash-in on players like Helder Costa to raise funds to Marcelo Bielsa to strengthen his squad in other areas.

Costa only joined permanently from Wolves last summer but judging by his lack of game-time last season, wouldn’t appear to be in Bielsa’s long-term plans at Elland Road.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are willing to listen to offers for the wide man, who featured in just over half of their Premier League games last term, contributing to three goals and three assists.

Costa is one of Leeds’ highest earners at the club, and his departure could therefore give Bielsa the opportunity to sign new players and try to build on their impressive ninth-place finish in their first season back in the topflight.

And Palmer exclusively told Football FanCast that he reckons Costa, who didn’t even make the squad for any of Leeds’ final five Premier League matches, should be moved on this summer:

“You look at things and say, if you’re looking to spend the type of money that Leeds are looking to spend, if you’ve got someone there on decent money and they aren’t playing regular football, then those are the type to move on enable you to use his salary to bring in the players that you want, who are going to make your squad a better squad.”