All posts by z3u9t.icu

Rangers have been linked with a loan move for Billy Gilmour ahead of the summer and he could be the ideal man to replace Glen Kamara in Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox next season.

According to Football Insider, there is expected to be interest from Rangers in the Chelsea midfielder this summer, with a loan move likely to be on the cards for the 20-year-old after he was on the fringes of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the majority of last season.

Gilmour came through the academy at Rangers and left for Chelsea when he was just 15-years-old and has subsequently established himself in the first-team at both Chelsea and Scotland.

The youngster was handed his first start for Scotland in their 0-0 draw against England at the Euros recently and was superb throughout, winning the man-of-the-match award for his performance.

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Scotland captain Andy Robertson was full of praise for him after the game, saying:

“Nothing fazes him, and that’s why I believe he can get as many caps as he wants for Scotland. He’s got a huge future ahead of him but the here and now is pretty good as well.

“Today, having Callum McGregor as well, both of them in the holding role were magnificent.”

He looked comfortable in possession throughout the game and was rarely troubled by the pressure of England’s midfielders, which suggests that he could perform a similar role to Kamara in Gerrard’s side next season, should the Finland international depart Ibrox amid the serious interest being shown in him by a number of Premier League sides.

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It would be a huge loss to lose the former Dundee man this summer, as very few players in Gerrard’s midfield possess his assuredness and quality on the ball, so Gilmour could be the ideal alternative in a deal which would surely benefit both Chelsea and Rangers this summer, so sporting director Ross Wilson should definitely be looking to bring him in.

And, in other news… Gerrard must axe “easily expendable” Rangers dud this summer, he’s not good enough

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa must look to sign Germany’s EURO 2020 star Robin Gosens amid Noel Whelan’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The Atalanta wing-back has been a shining light for Germany thus far in the tournament, and had an outstanding game in the 4-2 win over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, having a hand in three goals for his side – that display prompted Whelan to urge the Whites to go after him.

He said: “Leeds always need to be looking. Gosens was exceptional against Portugal and he loves to attack and get into the opposition box. Now we know that is a quality Marcelo Bielsa desires from his full-backs because we have seen it from Dallas, Ayling and Alioski.

“Gosens is strong, powerful, good on the ball and has great energy. For me, he ticks all of the boxes for Leeds. Any club would be a fool not to keep tabs on him, especially if you are in the market for a left-back. He shone the other night and I would be disappointed and surprised if Leeds weren’t tracking him.”

Perfect for Bielsa

Able to play on either flank, and even further forward too, Gosens is the definition of being the perfect player for Bielsa, with his energy, desire and versatile.

Last season in Serie A saw him net a whopping 11 goals and provide another eight assists, and the £26m-rated star has quite frankly been an attacking sensation for a couple of years now.

This is something that former Lazio defender Roberto Cravero has mentioned, claiming Gosens had been “better” than Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold during the 2019/20 campaign, he told DAZN (via ForzaItalianFootball): “He is proving to be more decisive than Alexander-Arnold. If we are analysing the season of the Atalanta wing-back, he has collected these numbers without taking free-kicks and corners. Then, clearly, the Englishman is better in overall value, but this season Gosens is doing better.”

And, after a starring performance at EURO 2020 against Portugal, ESPN commentator and studio analyst, Matteo Bonetti, said: “Find me another wingback anywhere in the world who has scored 20 league goals in the last two seasons. Robin Gosens is a WEAPON.”

The Germany coach, Joachim Loew, added after the game: “He’s really clear in his head. He’s like how he plays on the pitch: very strict, direct, puts in a lot of commitment. That’s the way he fights. These are things that are important to him.”

With his ability to be a real threat going forward, and the way his attitude and work-rate is completely spot on, Gosens is a move that Leeds must absolutely look to make.

Meanwhile, Graham Smyth has dropped a major Leeds update…

Southampton fans want to sign Adnan Januzaj after they were linked with a move for the former Manchester United man.

The Saints are currently preparing for the next campaign after they finished in 15th place in the Premier League table and reached an F.A Cup semi-final last term. That is likely to include new signings – they are on the verge of completing a move for Stade Brestois left-back Romain Perraud (The Athletic), and they now appear to have someone else on their radar.

That man is £10.8m-valued Belgium international Januzaj (Transfermarkt). According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Saints are set to do battle with Brighton to sign the 26-year-old, who currently plays for Real Sociedad. He has managed 18 goals and 18 assists in 124 games for the club (Transfermarkt).

The news was shared on Twitter by @TheSaintCentre, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts when asked whether he would be a good signing.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Januzaj link

“Yes”

Credit: @I_amDarren

“Yeah”

Credit: @PSmith1994

“Yeah”

Credit: @calcashin666

“absolutely”

Credit: @yourboyandy8

“Yes. He’s been good for Sociedad, so why not.”

Credit: @_ScottWinter_

“On a free, definitely. Might keep Redmond out the side which can only be a good thing.”

Credit: @sam_arthur

In other news, Southampton want to sign this Champions League midfielder.

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable correspondent and Tottenham Hotspur journalist Alasdair Gold has made a behind the scenes claim on Gareth Bale. 

The Lowdown: Spurs signing Bale permanently?

After spending the 2020/2021 campaign on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there is still the begging question as to whether the Lilywhites will make his move permanent.

Bale finished the campaign as Spurs’ third top goalscorer in the Premier League, bagging 11 strikes and two assists, with only superstar men Harry Kane and Son Heung-min bettering those numbers.

As such, Tottenham have been linked with a possible swoop for the 31-year-old and supporters want to know if he could remain in north London.

The Latest: Gold makes behind-scenes Bale claim…

Speaking in a Q&A, when asked for the latest on Bale’s situation, Gold made a behind the scenes claim on what the belief is within Tottenham.

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He claims that Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival at parent club Real Madrid complicates matters and the general consensus is that he will see out the final year of his deal at the Bernabeu.

“I’d like him to return for another season but there seems to be a belief within Spurs that he will return to Madrid for the final year of his contact and with Ancelotti there it makes more sense than it did a few months ago,” Gold explained.

“The only obstacle would be whether Real want him off the wage bill, or at least some of those huge wages, but Bale is not exactly someone who cares what people think.”

The Verdict: Turn away…

New managing director Fabio Paratici has some major decisions to make in regards to Tottenham’s summer transfer plans and one of them is whether to push for Bale on a permanent deal.

Amid this Gold claim, we believe it should not be a priority given his age, high salary demands and the fact Spurs are in dire need of centre-back reinforcements.

The Lilywhites won’t exactly have unlimited funds to play with and re-signing Bale on a permanent deal comes as a luxury, not a necessity, when compared to Tottenham’s other areas which need strengthening.

In other news: Journalist says Tottenham now want ‘magical’ man as ‘official contacts’ begin, find out more here.

BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone provided an update on Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Patrick Vieira on Thursday.

And, as to be expected, a number of Eagles supporters gave their thoughts to the news on social media.

News broke on Tuesday regarding Vieira and Palace, with the two parties reaching an agreement in principle over the vacant managerial role.

Three days on and a move is yet to be announced, however, Stone admitted that there are no major issues and the Frenchman will be installed as Roy Hodgson’s replacement.

Vieira has been out of work since December after his sacking at Ligue 1 club Nice but now looks set to return to the dugout with the Eagles.

Recent reports elsewhere have suggested that Vieira could be handed an £80m transfer kitty this summer at Selhurst Park, with 11 senior players now out of contract at Selhurst Park.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared Stone’s update on Palace’s managerial hunt on Twitter.

Here are what some Palace fans had to say in reply…

“Oh my goodness”Credit: @HorseKaboom”Of course there isn’t”Credit: @ZacCPFC”They love to take their time these lot”Credit: @Thomas01568186″We can come up with an issue, we’re palace”Credit: @poltak_cp60″Probably discussing transfer targets”Credit: @RomfordRoger”another week till we announce him then yawn”Credit: @notconnorlmao

In other news: ‘Honestly speechless’ – Many Crystal Palace fans ‘amazed’ at Thursday development, find out more here.

Dropping a West Ham United transfer update, The Athletic have shared news on Southampton striker Danny Ings after he rejected the offer of a new deal at St Mary’s Stadium.

The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing new forwards…

As previously claimed by Claret & Hugh, West Ham have earmarked the signing of a new striker as one of David Moyes’ top priorities this summer.

Star forward Michail Antonio, while impressing for the east Londoners over 2020/2021, struggled with injury issues throughout the campaign.

The Europa League group stages await for West Ham next season and they will have to strengthen in the summer market.

The Latest: The Athletic drop Ings update…

Now, The Athletic have dropped an update on Ings with West Ham having expressed interest in the forward, who has rejected a new deal at Southampton.

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Alongside the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa, it is said that West Ham have been eyeing the striker, who scored 12 goals and assisted four others in 26 Premier League starts last season (WhoScored).

However, despite interest from the Hammers, it is claimed that Ings has his ‘heart set’ on the ‘top table’.

The 28-year-old is said to be holding out for a move to a top-four side with his current contract set to expire in 2022.

The Verdict: Big blow…

Ings would undoubtedly be a top signing for West Ham, but judging by this report, his acquisition appears unlikely.

This comes as an arguable blow for the Hammers given his obvious quality and proven goalscoring record in the English top flight.

Over 2019/2020, the forward bagged even more Premier League goals under Ralph Hasenhuttl, netting 22 goals and assisting two others (WhoScored).

His quality is best summed up by podcaster Lee McQueen, who told The Last Word on Spurs podcast that Ings is ‘absolutely phenomenal’.

As the transfer window heats up, West Ham need to start finalising moves for new striking additions.

In other news: ‘We understand’…Sky Sports drop live TV claim as West Ham eye ‘powerful’ striker, find out more here.

Many Aston Villa fans were revelling in a tweet from the club recapping footage of their crucial 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on the road to 2019/20 survival [BBC], which occurred one year ago today.

In a fixture of tight margins, a brace from Trézéguet was enough to secure a vital win which put the Midlands club within four points of their relegation rivals with three games to spare [BBC] as they ultimately ensured top-flight safety on the final day [BBC].

Fresh from comfortably finishing 11th in the league last season, the Villains have quickly banished the uncomfortable memories of that 2019/20 campaign.

Furthermore, they recently smashed their transfer record in order to bring in ex-Norwich talisman Emiliano Buendia for a fee rising to £38m [The Athletic].

In light of the club’s throwback tweet, many Aston Villa fans took to Twitter to rejoice at the memories of Trezeguet’s crucial double over Crystal Palace.

Aston Villa fans react:

Replying to the club’s official Twitter account, here is how some fans reacted to the footage:

“Celebrated in the gosta like we won the league this game”

Credit: @MrNicoMole”I remember this as one of the few good points we had in the 2019/20 season! King Trez!”Credit: @amydunne_2001″King Trez”Credit: @MazeSZN”One of the wins that kept us up.”Credit: @avfcdom2″This was absolute last chance saloon, what a performance on the day. If we hadn’t won that we’d have been down! Can’t wait for the new season #avfc”Credit: @JamesPiggford”our survival isn’t spoken about enough, honestly”Credit: @catrinedwards18In other news, many Aston Villa fans react to a tweet about this duo.

Jonjo Shelvey is facing a ‘battle to be fit’ for the start of the new Premier League season after sustaining an injury in training, according to Lee Ryder.

The lowdown

The 29-year-old was watching on from the stands as Newcastle took on York City in their first pre-season match of the summer on Sunday.

The midfielder started 29 league matches for the Magpies last season, averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 5.8 accurate long balls and 1.2 key passes per game (via WhoScored).

Last year, Steve Bruce said that Shelvey is a player ‘blessed with natural ability’ and hailed his ‘outstanding’ performances.

He is not the only injury concern for Newcastle, with Joelinton forced off after 15 minutes against York at the weekend.

The latest

Bruce revealed that Shelvey was doing some independent running when he picked up the injury, and that he’d be missing for ‘a while just yet’.

Ryder added that the 29-year-old is a doubt for the season-opening clash against West Ham United on 15 August, tweeting “Jonjo Shelvey facing battle to be fit for start of new season” in accompaniment to his corresponding article for Chronicle Live.

The verdict

It’s been a pretty bruising pre-season already for Newcastle. On top of the Joelinton and Shelvey injuries, Martin Dubravka is set to miss the visit of the Hammers next month with a foot problem (via Daily Mail).

Given that Isaac Hayden is now back from his knee injury, Newcastle should be able to cope if Shelvey doesn’t win his race to be fit for 15 August, by which stage they’ll also hope to have Joe Willock at their disposal.

If the Arsenal man doesn’t return to Tyneside by then, however, Shelvey’s potential absence could be more acutely felt.

In other news, this Newcastle star has been tipped to seek a move away.

Adam Pope has dropped an exciting update on Marcelo Bielsa signing his new contract at Leeds United.

What’s the story?

The Argentine has signed year-to-year contracts at Elland Road since his arrival at the club, leading to the inevitable questions over whether he will continue his stay.

Angus Kinnear has previously expressed his confidence at seeing Bielsa put pen to paper on a new deal, saying: “We’re all really confident. As I think you know, Marcelo decided not to return back to Argentina this summer. Some of his coaching staff have, but he wanted to stay at Elland Road, he wanted to prepare, he wanted to work with Victor (Orta) and I on the transfer window and oversee the training ground works that are taking place.

“So, I have no doubts as to his commitment and as normal with Marcelo, putting pen to paper he sees as an irrelevance. It’s really emotionally and psychologically where he is and he’s certainly very much with Leeds United for the next season.”

BBC reporter Pope has now said via Twitter: “No further news but all parties appear comfortable.”

Fans will be buzzing

When news first emerged earlier this year that Bielsa was set to sign a new contract at Elland Road, several Leeds fans took to Twitter to make it clear just how delighted they were – a real snapshot of the kind of love that supporters have for the manager.

The kind of affinity and love Leeds fans have for Bielsa is unquestionable, with the Argentine a firm favourite in Yorkshire for the way he has embraced the city and brought the Whites back to the big time of the Premier League.

The fact that Leeds finished in the top half of the table in their first season back, with the majority of their squad having also taken them up from the Championship, is a real testament to the incredible coaching work Bielsa has done.

Therefore, news from Pope that “all parties appear comfortable” over the Leeds boss extending his time at Elland Road for at least another year is sure to have Whites fans buzzing.

In other news: Club stance on “fantastic” £39k-p/w gem revealed, Leeds must sanction deal for him

Jack Rosser, from the Evening Standard, is confident that Tottenham will sign Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Spurs have been chasing the Japanese centre-back for some time, although the north London giants haven’t yet been able to get the deal over the line.

6 ft 2 Tomiyasu is currently on international duty preparing for the Olympic Games, although players can undergo medicals abroad.

However, Bologna director Riccardo Bigon has revealed that the Italian outfit aren’t in any rush to sell the 22-year-old despite strong interest from Spurs.

Nuno Espirito Santo is hoping to revamp a Tottenham defence that conceded 45 goals in the Premier League last season.

Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez are on the transfer market following their poor respective seasons, whilst Santo’s senior centre-back, Toby Alderweireld, have expressed his desire to leave N17.

Whilst none of those three exits are guaranteed, Santo has a major job on his hands to help get Spurs back to where they were under Mauricio Pochettino defensively.

And Rosser told The Transfer Tavern that he expects Tomiyasu to become a Tottenham player:

“Tomiyasu is someone they really like, and I think it looks like it will go ahead, regardless of him being at the Olympics, I think that will happen.”