All posts by z3u9t.icu

[ad_pod ]Crystal Palace failed to hold onto their half-time lead on Wednesday night as Southampton came back via James Ward-Prowse – despite the Eagles’ numerous opportunities in front of goal, their finishing was once again lacklustre and they paid the price.Wilfried Zaha was a menace throughout and fired his side in front in the first half, but lost his head late on and was sent off for sarcastically applauding the referee after being booked – a gesture for which he will be reprimanded by the FA.Despite the big striker having scored against Spurs in the FA Cup last weekend, Roy Hodgson elected not to start Connor Wickham and instead gave the nod to Jordan Ayew – the Ghanaian worked hard but never looked too threatening, as has been the theme throughout the season.The Saints equalised with 13 minutes of regulation time remaining, at which point Hodgson may have felt it necessary to bring on a fresh pair of legs up front – instead, the former England boss stuck with Ayew until the final whistle and one can’t help but feel that, had Wickham or Christian Benteke been on the field, the Croydon outfit could have secured all three points.Negative substitutions and tactics have been a point of controversy for Palace this season and this surely isn’t the first time the Selhurst Park faithful felt that Hodgson’s game management was poor.The 71-year-old’s post-match comments did nothing but make it worse – here’s how the Palace fans reacted on Twitter…

A number of Everton fans have been reacting to transfer news which has emerged on Ivan Perisic.

As per a report from Tuttosport earlier this week, which has since been shared by EFC DAILY on their Twitter page, Perisic has made it known to Inter Milan that he does not want to sign a new deal at the San Siro, with his current contract expiring next summer.

The ‘most likely’ destination for him would either be a return to Germany or a move to England, with which the Goodison Park club have been strongly linked recently.

Of course, Perisic is now 32 years of age and almost certainly past his best, while the Merseyside club already brought in two wingers in Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend in the summer.

However, he would bring so much experience to the team, winning the Champions League in addition to many of the biggest league titles in European football with some top clubs (Transfermarkt), and he showed what he can do with an impressive performance against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday evening.

Everton fans on Perisic transfer news

These Everton supporters gave some mixed reactions as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“My mate thinks it’s 2018 and the World Cup has just finished”

Credit: @efc_cain

“Lure him with what, the prospect of playing with big Rondon upfront?”

Credit: @Simonkefc

“That’ll make him U-turn and sign an extension with Everton interest?”

Credit: @ScousePirlo_

“He cuts across Walker and puts that cross to Richarlison’s feet.”

Credit: @Toffeebluebloo1

“He’d still be our best player though”

Credit: @iamawayrightnow

“He played well yesterday.”

Credit: @DavidBailey132

In other news, many Everton fans have flocked to this injury update

Everton could be set to receive a significant injury boost ahead of their Premier League encounter with Arsenal at Goodison Park this evening.

What’s the word?

In his pre-match press conference, Rafa Benitez revealed star defender Yerry Mina is in contention to make his long-awaited comeback from injury after making a successful return to first-team training.

“Yerry Mina has today done part of training session, so he is getting closer, we will see how he reacts in the next couple of days to see if he’s available or not, ” the Spanish tactician told reporters.

But that wasn’t where the good news ended for everyone associated with the Toffees. Striker Salomon Rondon could be a surprise inclusion in the matchday squad after limping off against Liverpool, while Andre Gomes is also available for selection once again.

“Rondon, we are assessing him, we are waiting, he is feeling better but we need to wait for the scan and see how he’s doing.

“Andre Gomes has been training, we are missing just Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies, the other players at the moment are available,” Benitez concluded.

Rafa Benitez will be buzzing

News that Everton are set to be boosted by the return of up to three first-team stars will leave Benitez absolutely buzzing. The Blues are currently enduring an eight-game winless run in the top-flight, piling the pressure on the 61-year-old.

Therefore, it’s the potential comeback of Mina that the former Real Madrid boss will be eagerly anticipating the most, given his importance to the team.

The Colombia international made an impressive start to the current campaign, losing on just one occasion before picking up a thigh problem.

And his underlying numbers highlight Mina’s influence over proceedings. As per WhoScored, the 27-year-old has averaged 1.5 interceptions per league game this season, four clearances and 2.8 aerial duels won, placing him in the top four for each metric compared to his teammates.

In the South American’s absence, Everton have picked up just one point from a possible 18, highlighting the significance of Benitez’s latest update on his fitness situation. He will be absolutely elated if he’s able to select him this evening.

And, in other news…“My understanding is”: Alan Myers drops Everton DoF update that’ll have fans intrigued

Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Jose Mourinho is desperate to bring the 26-year-old to AS Roma this summer. The former Tottenham manager is said to be more than willing to work with the Denmark international once again at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, the report added that, because of Antonio Conte’s fondness for the midfielder, Spurs would demand a figure in the region of €40m (£33.5m) in order to part with the former Southampton colossus at the end of the current campaign.

Paratici must avoid Hojbjerg disaster

Considering just how important a part of Conte’s side Hojbjerg has become since the Italian’s arrival in north London last November, it is an easy argument to make that Fabio Paratici sanctioning the £33.5m sale of the 26-year-old this summer would be something of a disaster by Tottenham’s sporting director.

Indeed, in the 19 Premier League fixtures that the 52-year-old has overseen at Spurs, Hojbjerg has featured in all but two, He was unavailable for the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in December and left on the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in February.

Furthermore, over his 27 league outings in total this term, the £58.5m-rated destroyer has been one of Tottenham’s standout performers. He has scored two goals, registered two assists and created three big chances for his team-mates, averaging 1.3 interceptions and 2.3 tackles and winning 5.2 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £100k-per-week “monster” – in the words of Morten Bisgaard – average an impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Conte’s fourth-best player in the English top flight in 2021/22.

As such, it is clear to see that selling a player whose “simplicity is genius” according to Mourinho, particularly for an amount roughly £25m less than his current valuation, would be a catastrophic call for Paratici to make this summer, not to mention one which would surely leave Conte furious.

AND in other news: Paratici can land Spurs the next Vieira in “superb” 18 y/o with “world-class potential”

West Ham must make a ruthless call on Andriy Yarmolenko in this January transfer window amid a recent update on his future…

What’s the story?

According to Claret and Hugh, the Hammers have made the Ukrainian winger available for a move away, but no club has come in for him just yet.

They said: “West Ham insiders are surprised they have not yet seen a single inquiry come in for Andriy Yarmolenko. With his contract running out in June the Irons were pretty well convinced that the Ukrainian international would attract several clubs.”

The report added: “The Hammers have made it clear among agents that Yarmo can leave for as little as £2 million with the main objective of getting him off the wage bill for the rest of the season but so far no club has bitten.”

Needs to be sold

Since making the move to West Ham, it’s fair to say things haven’t turned out the way Yarmolenko would have wanted, playing just 71 times for the club and scoring only 11 goals. This season has seen him play 17 times across all competitions for the first team but score just one goal, so it’s no surprise that the Hammers are looking to get rid of him.

The £100k-a-week earner was even touted with an exit by Noel Whelan, who suggested that the Hammers would do well to get him off the wage books.

He said: “I thought he was excellent for Ukraine at the Euros but he’s been very inconsistent for West Ham. When you’re looking to get the wages down it’s probably the right thing to do. Clubs have been hit financially with the fans not being there.

“Some players have got to go and if they feel he is one of them then that will give them some breathing space. They’ve still got fantastic wingers there, no doubt about it. This is an opportunity to get their highest earner off the wage bill. It makes certain sense.”

With no clubs coming in for him, though, perhaps West Ham must make the decisive and bold move of just cancelling his contract rather than waiting to see if somebody else takes him off their hands for an actual fee.

The man who Declan Rice once dubbed “special” must simply never play for the Hammers again.

Meanwhile, West Ham are interested in this South American centre-back…

Taking to Twitter, Sportitalia TV reporter Rudy Galetti has shared some exciting news involving Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

The Lowdown: Spurs chase Kessie…

The Ivorian’s contract is winding down at the San Siro and Milan now face the prospect of losing him on a free transfer at the end of this season.

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Indeed, Kessie’s deal expires in 2022 and that has alerted clubs, including Tottenham, in the race for his signature as Fabio Paratici reportedly eyes a plethora of potential free agents.

The likes of Lorenzo Insigne and Ousmane Dembele are just two big names Spurs are eyeing on pre-contract moves but Galetti has just shared an exciting update on Kessie.

The Latest: Galetti shares exciting news…

According to his information, via social media, Tottenham have now tabled a salary offer to his entourage of around €10 million (£8.4m) per season.

Willing to make Kessie one of Spurs’ highest paid players, even more than Son Heung-min (spotrac), Paratici and co have now made their move for the midfielder.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The Milan star would undoubtedly add real quality to Tottenham’s midfield and a genuine threat going forward, even despite being a natural defensive midfield player.

He bagged 13 goals and four assists in Serie A last season whilst also attracting praise for being ‘invaluable’ by manager Stefano Pioli (Forbes).

Kessie has also been branded the jewel in Milan’s crown and the fact he already has over half a century of international caps at 24-years-old speaks volumes.

It is clear that the midfield gem would certainly come as an absolute snip for free.

In other news: Levy open to another big name exit as Conte tells Spurs to sell ‘magnificent’ player, find out more here.

Steven Gerrard took charge of his first Premier League game yesterday with Aston Villa and put in a fantastic attacking performance to beat Graham Potter’s Brighton in a 2-0 win.

Villa broke down Brighton’s well-regimented system in the final ten minutes of the game, with forward Ollie Watkins scoring in the 84th minute and captain Tyrone Mings killing the game in the 89th minute to take the first win in five for the side.

One player that put in a fantastic performance for his team was 20 year old, Jacob Ramsey.

The 15k-per-week midfielder started in the lineup for Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon and was praised for his performance by Ian Wright, who claimed to be ‘excited’ about the youngster on Match Of The Day.

“I’m quite excited about [Jacob] Ramsey, with Gerrard and Gary McAllister there, what he’s going to become, I really am excited by that,” Wright said.

Former legendary Liverpool midfielder, Steven Gerrard has obviously seen a spark in Ramsey by adding him into his starting lineup in his first game managing the side.

Gerrard will be looking for players he can develop and establish when creating a new era at Aston Villa, and for a midfielder like Ramsey, working under a legend and pro in his position is the ideal scenario to help him become the next big thing for the club.

Former Villa manager, Dean Smith, famously developed and nurtured the talents of £100m Manchester City player, Jack Grealish, taking him from a teenager in the Championship to an England international who has become a household name.

There is no reason why Gerrard wouldn’t be inspired by the successful development and influence his predecessor had on players like Grealish. With his current crop of players and the right coaching and development of Ramsey, he could become the new manager’s very own Grealish.

Villa are currently in a battle to climb the league table after a shaky start in their Premier League season so far, that saw Dean Smith sacked just before the international break after five consecutive losses.

Gerrard was appointed to steady the ship and secure points for the side to stop them from falling too far into a relegation battle, and with a three-pointer on Saturday, he’s on the right path.

In other news: Gerrard could target Curtis Jones in January

Flocking to Twitter, many Liverpool fans have been left buzzing over a transfer update out of Anfield involving RB Leipzig sensation Christopher Nkunku.

As both star forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah take part in the Africa Cup of Nations, much has been made of how manager Jurgen Klopp will cope without the Reds duo.

There have even been reports of possible bids for alternatives, including the likes of Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, with Mane’s contract situation also a point of contention.

The Senegalese star has just 18 months remaining on his current deal at Anfield as things stand with both FSG and the Reds potentially having to ponder replacements if he doesn’t opt to to extend.

As such, both Spanish news outlet Fichajes and the Liverpool Echo (Tuesday, 10:01) have shared that Klopp is personally eyeing Bundesliga forward Nkunku as a possible like-for-like successor.

It is believed that the 24-year-old is well liked by Klopp with Liverpool now holding a keen interest.

Liverpool fans buzz…

Flocking to this claim, many Reds supporters have been left buzzing on Twitter, with one fan even calling him a would-be ‘dream signing’.

Scoring 16 goals and assisting eight others over his German top flight and Champions League appearances combined this season (WhoScored), Nkunku has also impressed in other attacking aspects.

Indeed, the Frenchman has averaged a highly threatening 2.2 completed dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga – more than any player in Liverpool’s squad by comparison (WhoScored).

It is clear that Nkunku could certainly add a different dimension in the final third as many Reds rave over their side’s interest.

Find all of their best reactions down below:

“Brilliant player yesss please worth up to 55-70 but hopefully can get him for 40-60mil”

Credit: @AbzzLDN

“He’s literally the most perfect player for us”

Credit: @FPLlfcarish

“sign him now”

Credit: @Veettu_

“Please

@LFC”

Credit: @DanTremarco

“Would be the perfect signing for us”

Credit: @NabySZN21

“oooooooo I hope this true but not too replace mané, just add too what we have”

Credit: @oni_kzz

“We already started making moves. Watch this space”

Credit: @ItsssAkiii

“Would be a dream signing tbh, Nkunku built different”

Credit: @Aadam_B4Z

In other news: Liverpool now want to seal signing of ‘exceptional’ player as soon as possible, find out more here.

Speaking live on Sky Sports, as shared by via skysports.com, reporter Dharmesh Sheth has dropped yet another West Ham United transfer update involving Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: West Ham hold talks…

As revealed by Sky, the Irons have entered discussions to sign Barbosa this month as they aim to put an end to manager David Moyes’ year-long search for a striker.

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The Brazil international has been in scintillating form for this current club, bagging 29 goals in 2021 alone, which has attracted interest from West Ham, Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman.

Reports in recent days had died down but now, speaking live on the Transfer Show, Sheth has made a promising claim with a possible West Ham move still on.

The Latest: Sheth drops big update…

Sheth stated to the broadcast giant that the Hammers’ offer to sign Barbosa is ‘still on the table’ with the player himself now eager to make a Premier League switch.

“West Ham’s offer is still on the table, it has not been withdrawn, the interest does remain,” he explained on Sky.

“A reminder of what that proposal was from West Ham, 18-month loan plus a 30 million euro option to buy.

“Flamengo do not want to sell or loan Gabriel Barbosa in this transfer window, but, I’m also told that ‘Gabigol’ has a meeting with his agent and Flamengo officials tomorrow, in which he will make it clear to them that he wants to make a move to England.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

As news emerges of Barbosa potentially forcing his club’s hand, this could boost West Ham in their hunt for the 25-year-old and it’s safe to say he could be an asset for Moyes.

The South American’s prolific goalscoring record highlight a really instinctive centre-forward target and, if Moyes is to guide West Ham to Champions League qualification, it certainly won’t hurt to have him in their squad as an alternative to Michail Antonio.

It will be interesting to see how this develops and whether Flamengo will consider a loan/buy option given Barbosa’s stance on leaving Brazil.

In other news: West Ham source: Newman makes move to sign ‘devastating’ forward after price plummets by £32m, find out more here.

Patrick Boyland has now dropped a quadruple boost for Everton ahead of their game at home to Manchester United in the Premier League at lunchtime.

The Lowdown: Lampard pressure

With reports emerging that Frank Lampard could be sacked if they lose to the Red Devils at Goodison Park, the former Derby County and Chelsea manager is now under huge pressure to get a result.

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The Merseyside club are currently lurking dangerously above the relegation zone, and so they really need to start picking up points fast, with the visit of an out of sorts United team possibly offering a great chance to do so.

The Latest: Team news

Taking to Twitter, The Athletic journalist Boyland has revealed that Seamus Coleman, Allan, Michael Keane and Fabian Delph are ‘all back’ with the squad.

They have all been missing recently through injuries and suspensions, but now Lampard can call on them if needed.

The Verdict: Boost

It will certainly be a boost for Lampard to have four first-team players back in his squad to choose from.

The Toffees currently have five players out injured, meaning Lampard was without a whopping nine options to choose from against Burnley.

Nonetheless, it will be a difficult task to get three points against a team with high European ambitions, but Lampard will at least be boosted by having a sizeable group of players to choose from.

In other news, find out what this transfer insider has now ‘heard’ about one Blues rumour here!