All posts by z3u9t.icu

Southampton fans are far from happy after Tony Adams revealed Ralph Hasenhuttl previously approached him in regards to joining the Saints’ backroom staff.

The south-coast outfit have had a very poor start to the season. Other than an 8-0 victory over Newport County in the League Cup, they are yet to win a single game during the 90 minutes.

With just four goals in six Premier League fixtures, they are struggling to cause enough attacking threat, although they have conceded just seven times which indicates their defence is perhaps more solid than fans expected (Sky Sports).

Arsenal legend Adams is of course known as one of the Premier League’s best ever centre-backs (90min.com), so perhaps he could have buffed the team’s backline up even more with his insight.

As per the former player himself, Hasenhuttl wanted him to become part of the backroom staff at St. Mary’s Stadium (via The Evening Standard).

This news has not pleased the Southampton supporters though, some of whom believe he would not have brought very much to the role at all.

The comments were shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and they attracted plenty of attention from the fans. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Adams below

“Shame, Ralph certainly needs some help.”

Credit: @HackedOffStuart

“Dodged a bullet there…..”

Credit: @bogeylogey

“And I thought bringing on Long today was the low point of Ralph’s coaching career”

Credit: @tom7lawrence

“Dear God, imagine if Tony Adams had ended up in our dug out with Ralph”

Credit: @FullAhBeans

“Tony Adams dropping the bomb of Ralph offering him a job”

Credit: @Funkyhound

“If Ralph offered Adams any job at Southampton, he should walk”

Credit: @Cabbage_Face

In other news, Southampton fans loves this impressive clip.

The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder has dropped an intriguing Newcastle United transfer claim that may excite the club’s fans.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have had a fairly quiet summer window thus far, with only Joe Willock arriving on a permanent basis from Arsenal.

Now, Ryder has claimed on Twitter, that the “club’s chief scout spotted (was) at (a) Championship clash” at the weekend.

Then, in a follow-up article for The Chronicle, Ryder delved in a little deeper, saying: “And notably, Bruce’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson was spotted at Hull City’s bore draw with Bournemouth at the KCOM Stadium at the weekend.

“Nickson may have been running the rule over sought after midfielder David Brooks, who has also been subject of interest from Crystal Palace and is represented by the same agency that the Magpies use regularly for deals.”

Fans may be excited

Given the kind of disappointment that Newcastle fans have endured, not just in terms of their on-pitch performances but their off-the-pitch recruitment, it’d be easy to understand why they may not be overly excited until a new player or two arrives through the door and holds up the famous black and white shirt.

However, news that the Magpies’ chief scout is still very much out and about on scouting missions ahead of deadline day should reassure them and leave them both hopeful and excited over a potentially frantic deadline day finish.

And if Ryder’s theory is right that Nickson had his eye on Bournemouth’s Brooks, then they would be getting a superb player if they do make a move for him.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, former Villa man Lee Hendrie waxed lyrical about the versatile attacker, saying: “I’m a big fan of David Brooks. I’ve seen a fair bit of him this season and he’s an absolute talent, he really is.

“He reminds me of Jack (Grealish). He’s very slight, he’s very mobile and, again, he’s another player that could set the Prem on fire if he’s given a chance.”

He has managed eight goal contributions in 24 Championship games this campaign, and quite appealingly for Smith, he is able to play anywhere behind the striker.

In the £55,000-a-week earning Brooks, Bruce would be getting someone who is able to play both in the number ten role and out wide, with the Welshman’s low centre of gravity and quick turn of pace something to really change the game – his former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe hailed him as someone who “turns well with the ball” and has “creative flair”.

Last season saw him bag six goals and provide a seven five assists, while he’s enjoyed a fine start to this campaign too, netting three times in just six games.

It’s no wonder then that Chris Wilder, his former boss at Sheffield United, declared him a “match-winner” and someone he wanted to bring back in October last year.

If the Magpies are to make a last-gasp swoop for a player following Nickson’s scouting mission, and Brooks is a man they are indeed targeting, then they could be getting a very fine player indeed with previous Premier League experience to boot.

Ryder’s claim is surely an exciting one for fans.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing a move for this Premier League star…

Leeds United could have been facing up to a relegation battle if they had allowed Raphinha to leave before the transfer window slammed shut, according to former Whites midfielder David Norris.

Raphinha joined Leeds for a fee in the region of £17million from French outfit Rennes last year.

He went on to enjoy a hugely successful first season at Elland Road, scoring eight goals and registering 11 assists as Leeds enjoyed their maiden campaign back in the Premier League following a 16-year wait.

Raphinha has also made a promising start to the new term, netting in the stalemate with Everton last month.

The Brazilian’s fine form led to speculation that a host of Premier League rivals were mulling over making a move, with Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari revealing Liverpool were at the front of a queue which also included Manchester City and Manchester United.

But Raphinha ended speculation by admitting he is enjoying life at Leeds and Norris believes the Whites would have been in trouble if the 24-year-old had agitated for a move.

He exclusively told The Transfer Tavern: “It’s huge that he is still at Leeds and that could be the difference in what type of season they have because of the effect he is having and the player he is.

“It’s going to be an interesting season and I have no idea where Leeds are going to end up. I know a few of the fans are happy enough just to stay up.

“If they had lost him, they would definitely have been towards the bottom half of the table.”

Fulham midfielder Andre-Frank Anguissa could be set to leave Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Birmingham Live, who claim that the 25-year-old’s omission from Marco Silva’s matchday squad for the Cottagers’ Championship opener against Middlesbrough on Sunday could be a result of the transfer speculation surrounding the Cameroon international.

The report goes on to state that both Aston Villa and Arsenal are thought to have an interest in the defensive midfielder, while Everton and Valencia are also reported to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the former Olympique Marseille star, with the latter going as far to make a number of approaches to Fulham.

Fulham fans will be gutted

While the Fulham hierarchy appear intent on retaining the services of Anguissa, having already turned down multiple bids for the midfielder this summer, the fact that the 25-year-old was left out of the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough last weekend would not appear to bode well for fans of the club who are hoping the player sticks around.

And, the Craven Cottage faithful will easily be forgiven for wanting their side to keep hold of the midfielder beyond the summer, as it would appear as if Fulham’s chances of securing an immediate return to the top flight this season would be considerably greater with Anguissa in the side.

Indeed, over his 36 Premier League appearances last term, the £22.5m-rated man made an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 0.4 clearances and won a whopping 7.3 duels per game.

He also impressed in a creative capacity, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.8 key passes per game.

These returns saw the man Scott Parker dubbed a “superb” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Fulham’s 10th-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, it would indeed appear as if the west London side’s chances of promotion would be improved by keeping the £70k-per-week man, however, after the midfielder was left out against Boro, Fulham fans could well find themselves left gutted about the 25-year-old’s departure in the not too distant future.

In other news: Khan facing nightmare as twist emerges on £2.7m-rated ace, Fulham fans will be gutted

Wolves manager Bruno Lage has said that Adama Traore would be playing for ‘a top team’ if his finishing was better.

He has vowed to work with the Spanish winger to make him more ruthless in front of goal.

Why was Lage discussing Traore’s finishing?

Lage was speaking after his first competitive game in charge of Wolves ended in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City. Jamie Vardy’s goal four minutes before the interval proved to be the difference between the two teams.

Traore spurned what was called a ‘golden chance’ by BBC reporter Phil Dawkes to put Wolves in front after being set through on goal when the sides were level.

The 25-year-old scored just two Premier League goals last season, underperforming on his expected goal tally of 2.4 (via Infogol).

Traore’s profligacy hasn’t stopped potential suitors sniffing around, though, with 90Min reporting on Friday that Liverpool could revisit their interest in the winger in the remaining fortnight of the transfer window.

These Wolves fans focus on ‘top team’ label

Tim Spiers, Wolves correspondent for The Athletic, relayed the comments from Lage, and here’s what some supporters made of the manager’s words. Unsurprisingly, they weren’t well received.

“And obviously doesn’t think we’re a top team either”

Credit: @Julian_Cassell

“Might not be at a top team, but not the best to hear it off our manager”

Credit: @gavT72

“Disheartening to hear the manager refer to his team as a stepping stone. Also has referred to Wolves as a big step in his career.”

Credit: @SadPanda33

“Not what we want to hear”

Credit: @BillyBarritt

“So the manager thinks we are not a top team!”

Credit: @GereboyRay

“Showing his lack of experience. Comments far too easily seen as being negative about his own team!”

Credit: @joncoyle2

In other news, many Wolves fans react to this link with a midfielder.

Juventus attacker Federico Chiesa would cost Premier League clubs upwards of £100million this summer, according to Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy.

Chiesa shone as Italy broke England hearts by winning the Euro 2020 final at Wembley earlier this month.

The former Fiorentina man, who joined Juventus last October for a potential fee of £54million, scored two goals in seven appearances at the international tournament and his performances caught the eye of numerous clubs.

German media outlet Bild, via The Mirror, reported Chelsea have already seen an offer worth £85million pushed back by the Italian giants.

Meanwhile, Italian newspaper Repubblica – via MailOnline – revealed Juventus have rejected an £86million bid from Liverpool as they look to reclaim the Premier League title next season.

The 23-year-old scored 15 goals and contributed 11 assists in 46 Juventus appearances last season and Serie A expert Clancy insists the Turin-based club will do everything they can to ensure Chiesa does not depart.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “It would take all of the money. Juve are playing hardball with Chiesa because he is their star now.

“Forget about Cristiano Ronaldo. Chiesa is the guy that’s going to take them forward to the next generation.

“It’s going to take a lot of money, probably £100m, to make Juve part ways with him and I’m not sure that’s going to happen this summer.”

An update has emerged on reported Aston Villa transfer target Julian Alvarez regarding interest from MLS club Orlando City.

What’s the talk?

According to Hernan Castillo in TNT Sports Argentina, via Birmingham Live, the Florida outfit have had an offer of £7m ($10m) turned down for the 21-year-old.

Birmingham Live claimed that the winger is a player Villa have been tracking as Dean Smith eyes additions to his squad this summer.

Better than Trezeguet

Aston Villa chief Johan Lange must sanction a deal to sign Alvarez from River Plate this summer as the Argentine could improve the depth of Smith’s attacking options. Having multiple players in each position who are good enough to come in and compete week in, week out is vital, as it provides healthy competition for places which drives players on to push themselves in training in order to keep their places in the team.

One area in which Villa lack depth is out wide following the injury to Trezeguet earlier this year. The forward suffered a serious knee injury which could keep him out for a number of months, and Alvarez could come in to take his spot in the squad.

In 21 Premier League appearances last term, the Egyptian managed two goals and one assist for the club. This suggests that he was not making a major impact prior to his injury and that a potential signing could prove to be an upgrade.

Alvarez could be that player given his form for River Plate. He has produced four goals and seven assists in 26 games for the Argentine club in 2021, having scored nine goals and set up six the previous year. His goals and assists could potentially eclipse what Trezeguet was doing for Villa last season, making his prospective arrival an improvement on Smith’s squad.

Alvarez’s manager Marcelo Gallardo once gave him huge praise by saying that the 21-year-old is someone who “every coach would love to have.”

This quote from Gallardo suggests that the winger is eager to learn and develop by working with his manager, which Smith would love as it would allow him to help the attacker fulfill his potential. At the age of 21, Alvarez has almost his entire career ahead of him, and the former Brentford boss could aid his growth by coaching him in training. This is another reason why Villa must secure his services.

AND in other news, Ashley Preece confirms exciting Aston Villa news which will leave fans buzzing…

Crystal Palace are closing in on signing Reading’s Michael Olise after agreeing on personal terms with the midfielder, Football League World have reported.

The Lowdown: Christie and Rogers links

The Eagles have been strongly linked with two players after knowing that Patrick Vieira would be the man in the Selhurst Park dugout next season.

The first was Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie, with the Scot’s contract in Glasgow having just six months left to run. The other was for Manchester City youngster Morgan Rogers, with the 18-year-old seemingly fitting Palace’s profile for transfer additions this summer.

However, it appears as if Olise, who was described as ‘fearless’ by Royals teammate Sam Baldock, could well be Vieira’s first signing as Palace manager.

The Latest: Olise agrees personal terms

Reports emerged earlier in the week claiming that Palace have agreed on a deal to sign the Frenchman.

Football League World, who were informed by a source, shared a story on Wednesday claiming that personal terms have been reached. According to their report, a deal for Olise now looks set to go through, barring any late complications.

The Verdict: A smart addition

Olise has been on Palace’s radar for some time and will provide plenty of versatility for Vieira. He has already lined out in seven different positions in his 73 career appearances, with his main role coming as an attacking midfielder.

The teenager may well end up taking Eberechi Eze’s place at the beginning of the campaign following the latter’s serious injury, and Olise could well turn out to be a bargain buy in the long run for Palace.

In other news: ‘Oh yes’, ‘Games begin’, ‘I’m excited’ – Many CPFC fans buzzing as ‘class’ transfer news emerges, find out more here. 

Flocking to Twitter, many Tottenham Hotspur fans have erupted in response to news involving superstar striker Harry Kane.

The Englishman, coming off the back of his impressive Euro 2020 campaign, looks set to be at the centre of a summer transfer saga as Manchester City weigh a move.

Kane reiterated his desire to leave Spurs before the end of 2020/2021, as first revealed by Sky Sports, with the 27-year-old making no secret of his need to start winning major silverware.

Scoring 23 goals and assisting 14 others in 35 Premier League starts for Spurs last season (WhoScored), Kane has arguably just enjoyed his most impressive campaign to date.

Now, The Telegraph have shared some news on the forward and his want to leave north London this summer.

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As per reliable reporter Matt Law, some of Kane’s international teammates believe he could refuse to return to training under new boss Nuno Espirito Santo in a bid to try and force a Man City move.

Three Lions players, who just spent over a month with him at the Euros, are under the impression Kane may not report for pre-season preparations if chairman Daniel Levy continues to play hardball.

Flocking to this claim, many Tottenham fans have been left bewildered as they reply to The Spurs Web and The Spurs Express.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

Tottenham fans erupt as Kane news emerges

“This can’t be true”

Credit: @ThfcTweets_

“wow ok… :/”

Credit: @thfcprime

“Please don’t, Harry”

Credit: @MattTHFC_

“No way this is true”

Credit: @CrisTHFC

“Please no…”

Credit: @SpursUnionN17

“plz just let him go”

Credit: @YungBerb

“9/10 Spurs news is bad news”

Credit: @thfc_nkumbu

“definition of living too long and dying a villain if this happens”

Credit: @coys_sam

In other news: ‘Sensational’…Sky pundit in awe as Nuno eyes ‘fabulous player’ for Spurs, find out more here.

Nahitan Nandez is not on Victor Orta’s shortlist for new Leeds United signings this summer, according to journalist Graham Smyth.

The Lowdown: Nandez continually linked with move

The Cagliari midfielder has been one of the players most strongly linked with a move to Elland Road in the coming months following a string of impressive performances in Italy.

Midfield is an area of the pitch where Marcelo Bielsa could look to strengthen, giving his squad more quality in the middle of the park.

Nandez has won 39 caps for Uruguay, highlighting his level of experience, but it is beginning to look as though he won’t be joining Leeds.

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The Latest: Smyth provides key update

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Smyth said: “Nandez wasn’t on the shortlist last time I checked.”

Given the journalist’s reliable nature when it comes to Leeds-related news, it looks as though Bielsa may need to consider looking at an alternative to Nandez.

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The Verdict: Looking increasingly unlikely

With fellow transfer target Rodrigo de Paul seemingly heading to Atletico Madrid, this is another blow for Leeds as they look to go up another level.

Despite the Whites excelling last season, there were times when Kalvin Phillips felt a little too important – they lost seven out of nine games without him at one point during the campaign. Nandez could be the perfect candidate to take some of the burden off the England international, with the Uruguayan described as “tireless” in a FIFA profile [via HITC].

Should the 25-year-old end up staying put at Cagliari or going elsewhere, it is important that Leeds bring in a midfield alternative, bolstering their options before the new season gets underway in August.

In other news, Leeds are interested in signing an international forward this summer – find out who it is here.