All posts by n8rngtd.top

An update has emerged regarding Southampton’s interest in Hull City winger Keane Lewis-Potter.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Southampton are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old as they consider a swoop for the youngster.

The report claims that Saints are currently scouting his performances, with Hull potentially willing to sell him in the January transfer window.

Fans would love him

Martin Semmens must now sanction a January swoop for Lewis-Potter to bolster Southampton’s squad. The fans would love it as it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business in the long-term, with the Hull starlet only 20 years old.

Lewis-Potter has registered two goals and one assist in the Championship this season, whilst he also scored in the Carabao Cup against Wigan. This is after he managed 13 goals and five assists in League One as Hull were promoted out of the third tier in 2020/21, showing that he was able to produce regular despite his young age.

A move to the Premier League would represent another step up for him, but at the age of 20 he still has plenty of time to develop and fulfill his potential. Last year, Hull manager Grant McCann hailed the midfielder as a special talent and backed him to keep improving and progressing as a player.

He said: “The kid’s a special talent. Wherever we play him across that frontline, he’ll create and score goals.

“He can be anything he wants to be. He’s quick, he’s getting stronger. If you see him physically now compared to where he was this time last year, he’s head and shoulders above in terms of his physique. He’s got all the tools to be anything he wants.

“With young players you need to keep on at them. They need to keep understanding what’s expected on an everyday level. We’ve got good staff around here to help Keano keep progressing.”

That is why Saints fans would love this deal as the club would be investing in a young player who has already shown potential at senior level. Lewis-Potter has scored goals in League One and the Championship and scouts will continue to track his progress between now and January, which could give a better indication as to whether or not he would be coming in to play at St Mary’s or go back out on loan.

What happens in the short-term is not as important as the long-term planning, though. Saints fans will surely love that Semmens is trying to iron out a plan for the future by bringing in talented prospects who could become key players further down the line, which is why he must secure a deal for Lewis-Potter.

AND in other news, 86% duels won: Southampton gem repaid Hasenhuttl’s faith with superb Man City display…

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has revealed why Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has been hesitant to shake things up at Elland Road amid a difficult start to the new season.

What’s the story?

The Whites are yet to win a single game in the Premier League this campaign, drawing three times and losing twice, while they’ve already conceded 12 goals too – all of that has meant they currently occupy a spot in the relegation zone heading into this weekend’s game against West Ham.

And now, in response to a question from a fan about why Bielsa appears to “favour certain players over and above others”, Hay had this to say: “I think it will be a case of certain players building up three years of trust in Bielsa. He’s not the sort to bin people rapidly, or not players who’ve been dependable for him. Gelhardt is the one I’d like to see come through. He has so much ability.”

Frustrating from Bielsa

For all the incredible work that Bielsa has done in revamping things at Elland Road and getting Leeds promoted to the big time of the Premier League, one of the Argentine’s biggest strengths also appears to be one of his key weaknesses: his absolute faith in his players.

That loyalty has thus far served him extremely well, with a number of players who had been plying their trade in the Championship still making an impact at Premier League level – in fact, the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford have both managed to pick up England caps under his management too.

But while there have been several success stories like those two, there are also other players who Bielsa has been unwavering in his faith with, even if they don’t really deserve it.

Tyler Roberts has arguably been one of the most frustrating cases of Bielsa’s continued loyalty, with the Welshman’s wretched record in front of goal raising some serious doubts about whether he’s actually good enough at this level – in the 33 games he’s played in the Premier League, he’s scored just one goal and provided two assists.

Whether it’s giving a few more opportunities to some of the club’s younger talents, or taking that ruthless decision of dropping players who aren’t in the best of form, Bielsa could surely do with just making a few key changes to try and change the momentum at Elland Road.

Hay’s verdict on Bielsa, while admirable, could be something to frustrate fans.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United star was Bielsa’s real hero vs Fulham…

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the situation of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen after identifying him as a possible alternative to Erling Haaland.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness), the Red Devils are amongst a host of club’s interested in securing the 22-year-old’s services next summer.

The report claims that fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City are also keen on Osimhen’s signature, while Spanish giants Real Madrid are also listed as potential suitors.

It’s stated that Napoli would demand no less than £100 million for their prized asset given they stumped up a fee which could rise to £70m to prize him away from Lille back in 2020.

With the Nigeria international’s current contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium next expiring until 2025, owner Aurelio De Laurentiis is under no pressure to sell, meaning this could be a tricky deal to complete.

Solskjaer would love him

Several of European football’s heavyweights have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland thanks to his £65 million release clause coming into play in 12 months’ time.

However, only one side will be able to snap up the outstanding Norway international, possibly leaving the likes of United searching for alternative options.

And it’s easy to see why the club’s recruitment department are believed to have identified Osimhen as a potential future star given his recent exploits for Napoli, both in the Europa League and Serie A.

After injuries limited the 6ft 1 beast to just 10 goals in 24 league starts last term, the former Wolfsburg ace has started the current campaign in emphatic fashion.

Osimhen has bagged six goals and provided one assist in just six outings in all competitions in the opening weeks of 2021/22, earning praise from Cagliari coach Walter Mazzarri.

“Osimhen is phenomenal because he runs alone at five players and gets through,” Mazzarri told DAZN (as quoted by Football Italia). “If you look at genuine scoring opportunities, compared to the number Napoli created lately, I didn’t see that many.

“We intentionally kept a deep defensive line, because if we pushed higher like the other teams, we’d concede four or five like they did with Osimhen able to run into space.

“Obviously, Napoli had more possession and attacked more, but this was an intentional approach.”

Osimhen’s effort helped the Azzurri to a 2-0 victory over Mazzarri’s charges on Sunday in another display of his incredible finishing ability, power and pace.

The youngster’s room for improvement makes him an extremely exciting and tempting target for football’s top teams, meaning United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would surely love to have him at his disposal.

Therefore, football director John Murtough must sanction a swoop for the Osimhen if the Red Devils miss out on Haaland, providing Solskjaer with a long-term successor to the ageing pair of Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Pogba: Man Utd must complete swoop for £60m beast, he’s a big upgrade 

Eberechi Eze has been pictured behind the camera at Crystal Palace’s training ground.

Eze has yet to play for Palace this season, having suffered an Achilles tendon injury at the back end of the 2020/21 campaign.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery told Football Insider this week that Eze will now be ‘in and around those training pitches and moving to the next phase’ of his rehabilitation.

He ‘should be able to go out on the grass and undertake some light jogging’, he adds.

The 23-year-old is predicted to be back in action at some point next month.

Just how big will Eze’s return be?

Based on his performances in his first season at Selhurst Park, it will be a significant boost for Patrick Vieira.

Eze led the Palace squad for assists (six), key passes (1.3 per 90) and dribbles (1.9 per 90) last season (via WhoScored).

Palace fans will be keen to see how he links up with new signings like Conor Gallagher and Odsonne Edouard.

Here’s how supporters reacted as the official club Twitter account posted ‘Ebs content to bless the timeline’.

Palace fans enjoy Eze tweet

“On god he’s the happiest looking guy, makes me smile, he’s funny too, the FIFA card vid is gas”

Credit: @eaglism

“Never been so buzzing for a player to come back from injury”

Credit: @palacejoe_

“He’s always so happy”

Credit: @kimberley_e_

“Gods be praised”

Credit: @EvilSashPioneer

“Gotta be the happiest man on earth he is literally always smiling”

Credit: @C_sharp29

“The most anticipated comeback of all time, honestly can’t wait for it!”

Credit: @J_CPFC

In other news, Eagles scouts have been spotted at this fixture. 

Journalist Paul Brown has questioned PAI Capital’s motives after they publicly revealed that they had an offer for West Ham United turned down.

The Lowdown: PAI Capital have offer rejected

PAI Capital made a takeover offer which included an immediate £150m cash influx into the club.

They released a statement detailing the offer, but it was duly rejected by West Ham United.

The Latest: Brown questions consortium’s motives

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown questioned PAI Capital’s motives by publicly discussing the deal. He said:

“I’d be a bit wary when someone shouts so loudly in public about wanting a club. You wonder about the motives there. It just doesn’t seem the way to do a deal.

“If you’re putting together a complicated takeover bid, you just don’t go shouting in the press about it. It doesn’t really work, it’s not a good tactic and these people know that, so there must be another reason why they did it.”

The Verdict: Different way of doing things

Brown is right in suggesting that takeovers are rarely so openly discussed in public by those involved. After all, these deals are often very complicated and are at times difficult to explain to supporters. However, there should be no reason why an investor should not make it clear they want to purchase a football club.

After all, isn’t that what fans want, owners who are clearly invested in the club and desperately want to be involved? In many cases, it is likely to get the fans on board if they see someone who is committed looking to buy the club. In this case, though, it seems that PAI Capital have failed, so far at least.

In other news, West Ham are prepared to sell this star

The international break perhaps came at the wrong time for Bruno Lage’s Wolverhampton Wanderers side, as things seemed like they were beginning to click under the leadership of the 45-year-old, with Wolves picking up nine points from a possible 12 over their last four fixtures.

With a West Midlands derby against Aston Villa coming up this afternoon, not only will Lage be hoping for a positive result in order to continue his team’s impressive run of form, he will also want to provide fans with the bragging rights of a win over one of their more prominent rivals.

Ahead of what is sure to be a challenging fixture for Wolves, will Lage decide to make any changes from the team which started the 2-1 win over Newcastle United last time out?

Here’s how we think the Portuguese could line up against Villa, along with the latest team and injury news…

With Francisco Trincao being ruled out of the trip to Villa Park after falling ill while on international duty with Portugal, Lage will be forced into at least one change this afternoon, and we predict that the 45-year-old will also make one other alteration to his starting XI against Newcastle United last time out.

The back three of Romain Saiss, Conor Coady and Max Kilman remains untouched, as do the left and right wing-back duo of Fernando Marcal and Nelson Semedo, while Jose Sa also retains his place between the sticks.

The first change comes alongside Ruben Neves in the middle of the park, with the £100k-per-week Joao Moutinho dropping out of the XI and 26-year-old Leander Dendoncker taking his place. That is to provide Wolves with a bit more defensive stability and energy against what is likely to be a rather attack-minded Villa midfield, which conjured four key passes against Spurs recently.

In the front three, Hwang Hee-chan keeps his spot following his brace against Newcastle, while dribbling king Adama Traore is reintroduced on the right as Trincao’s replacement, and Raul Jimenez starts up top.

In other news: Huge Wolves blow confirmed ahead of Aston Villa clash, Lage will be gutted

Crystal Palace put in a magnificent performance to secure a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday evening.

The Eagles fought back from 1-0 down to take the lead through two thunderous strikes from Christian Benteke and Odsonne Edouard after dispossessing the home side deep in their own half on both occasions.

However, an injury-time effort from substitute Alexandre Lacazette snatch an undeserved point for the Gunners, meaning Palace have now drawn three consecutive games.

It was a frustrating end to an evening full of promise for Patrick Vieira’s charges, and the French tactician will certainly have taken a lot of positives away from his trip to the Emirates Stadium.

One main encouraging aspect was Benteke bagging his first goal of the season, but it was arguably summer signing Edouard who shone the brightest in north London.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old was awarded a match rating of 7.1 out of ten for his eye-catching efforts, the joint second-highest total received by any Palace player.

During his 82 minutes on the pitch, Edouard made a whopping three key passes to his teammates as he continued to cause Arsenal’s defence all kinds of problems, won seven duels and achieved a passing accuracy of 88%.

The former Celtic ace was asked to play out of position by Vieira due to Wilfried Zaha’s enforced absence through injury, but that didn’t stop him from having a huge impact upon proceedings.

His powerful strike in the 73rd-minute was his third Premier League goal of the campaign, and it seemed as though it was going to secure a memorable victory for the capital club until the dying embers of the game.

Edouard will be hoping he can put in another eye-catching performance against Newcastle United next time out and help Palace secure just their second win of the season.

And, in other news…100% dribble success: Palace monster who won 80% duels stole the show v Arsenal 

An update has emerged regarding a possible move to Newcastle for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Frenchman’s agent has been in contact with the Magpies over a potential transfer in 2022.

The report claims that his representatives are speaking with both Newcastle and Juventus as his Barcelona contract continues to wind down. Both clubs will be able to secure a pre-contract agreement with the forward in January, as his current deal expires at the end of the season.

Could be a dream deal for Newcastle

PIF must take advantage of this situation with Dembele and strike a January deal for his services. They are in talks with his agent and that suggests there is a realistic chance of something happening between the two parties, as otherwise they would be wasting their own time.

The biggest stumbling block could be the challenge of Juventus, but Newcastle could tempt him with the prospect of regular first-team football and an opportunity to play in the Premier League. In Turin, he may not be a regular first-choice starter ahead of the likes of Federico Chiesa, Paulo Dybala and Dejan Kulusevski.

Bringing Dembele to St James’ Park could be a dream deal for Newcastle as he has proven himself at the top level whilst still having plenty of room to develop even further. The forward has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in his last 42 starts for the Spanish giants in La Liga, showing that he can provide quality in the final third.

Former Barcelona icon and current PSG forward Lionel Messi once lauded the French attacker as a ‘phenomenon’ whilst playing alongside him. The Argentine said: “On the pitch he’s a phenomenon. It’s up to him where he ends up, he could be one of the best. He’s young and he is adapting.”

If Messi rates the £45m-rated wing wizard highly, that says a lot about the talent he possesses. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner believes that Dembele has a very high ceiling and Newcastle could help him get there by offering a platform to excel in the top-flight in England.

Therefore, PIF must ensure that they can pin him down to a pre-contract agreement in January by negotiating terms with his agent. He could improve the current squad with his goals and assists whilst still holding the potential, at the age of 24, to increase his value and improve further in the future, which is why it would be a dream deal for the Tyneside club.

AND in other news, “Comfortably spend…”: Chris Waugh drops big Newcastle claim which should delight fans…

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as some early team news emerged ahead of their game away at Wolves in the Premier League on Monday night.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the Wanderers, Rafa Benitez responded ‘no’ when asked if there was a chance that Yerry Mina could play, but also revealed that Fabian Delph is back in training (The Liverpool Echo).

A lot of Merseyside club supporters have taken this news as a double blow, given that they have lost their last two games in the top flight without Mina in the team, conceding an alarming five goals at Goodison Park to Watford (Transfermarkt).

Delph meanwhile is a player who has received a lot of criticism from Toffees, given his poor injury record and worrying performances – his average match rating last term was just 6.29 – and so they would rather another midfield player on the pitch than him.

Everton fans on Mina and Delph team news

These Blues fumed as the team names was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it is ‘bad news and some even worse news’:

“And it just gets worse, when’s Per Kroldrup joining as defensive coach?”

Credit: @thebluenose1878

“Some bad news and some even worse news…”

Credit: @knerts1878

“So a double blow then”

Credit: @andyjsb

“Liquidate”

Credit: @Albyefc

“Huge double blow”

Credit: @GregMckerracher

“The three points are yours, @Wolves”

Credit: @EFCTweeter1878

In other news, find out which youngster was close to making the squad against Watford here!

Celtic are ready to cash in on centre-forward Albian Ajeti in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that Michael Nicholson is ready to cut the Bhoys losses on the 24-year-old forward this winter, with the Record going on to state that the striker will go down in Celtic history as an expensive flop.

A further report by the Daily Record went on to reveal that, as a result of his struggles at Parkhead, the Switzerland international has been overlooked in selection for his national team by Murat Yakin, with the Switzerland boss stating:

“In my view, I look at each player’s individual performances and situation before I decide to name my squad. And that’s why in this instance I have chosen not to include Albian Ajeti.”

Fans will be buzzing

While fans of Celtic would have undoubtedly rathered Ajeti was a massive hit for their club, considering his poor performance levels, as well as his general lack of fitness and overall commitment during his time in Glasgow, the news that Nicholson is actively looking to ship the centre-forward out this January is sure to have left fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 44 appearances for the Bhoys, the £2.88m-rated man has scored just nine goals and registered a mere five assists, with the player who Packie Bonner dubbed a “problem” averaging a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.85 last term – ranking him as the Hoops’ joint 12th-worst performer in the league.

Furthermore, the £16k-per-week forward has not completed 90 minutes since September, with both Neil Lennon and Ange Postecoglou being reported to have concerns regarding the 24-year-old’s fitness levels.

As such, while it would appear likely that Celtic will have to take a substantial hit if they wish to move Ajeti on this winter, considering the fact that the striker has already cost the club over £1m in wages, it would indeed appear highly advisable for Nicholson to get rid of the former West Ham United forward as quickly as possible, as he is quite simply stealing a living at Parkhead.

In other news: Forget Jota: “Outstanding” £4.5m-rated Celtic gem who made 8 key passes stole the show