All posts by z3u9t.icu

Steve Bruce must axe goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for the remainder of the season in order to prepare for life without him after the summer.

The former Premier League champion has had a “successful” career at the Baggies in the words of reporter Steve Madeley, but it looks like it could be about to come to an end with his contract set to expire in the summer.

When speaking to the Athletic, manager Steve Bruce said “the likelihood is that Sam is going to leave.”

The shot-stopper is poised to join a club in the Premier League in the hopes of gaining a place in the England squad at this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.

West Brom will now be looking at replacements for Johnstone but their campaign as good as done, they should consider axing the ‘keeper from their starting line-up now to best prepare for life without him.

His record this season is pretty good having kept 15 clean sheets overall in the Championship which is just three short of the league’s best which is held by central defender John Egan.

The 29-year old still has some of his best years left and has played over 15,000 minutes for West Brom. His overall record is impressive with 45 clean sheets in 167 appearances.

He has even been described as the “best English goalkeeper” by Jason Cundy.

So why drop him? Well, the Baggies have little to play for this season, their slim hopes of achieving a play-off spot were virtually ended with a 1-0 defeat to rivals Birmingham City the other week.

The remaining games they have would provide a great chance to give one of their other goalkeepers valuable experience in the league and would provide the coaching staff with a good idea of whether or not they could replace Johnstone.

Alex Palmer is the youngest of the three stoppers the club have available to them and has come through the academy having spent various spells on loan.

One of his most recent loan spells last year at League One outfit Lincoln City saw him make 46 appearances and keep 19 clean sheets in the division.

When you compare his performance last season to Johnstone’s, he has a better save percentage at 72.7 compared to 70.6.

Now would be the perfect opportunity to give him a more regular chance at Championship level and it could pay off for Bruce.

IN other news: West Brom: Grady Diangana struggled in defeat to Stoke City…

The Liverpool ownership FSG will be having nightmares about what could have been if the club had signed German star Mario Götze back in 2016.

Ahead of Klopp’s first full season in charge at Anfield, it wasn’t surprising to see him linked with players he’d worked with in the past. One of those was Götze.

The world cup winner was at Bayern Munich at the time and his spell there wasn’t going to plan having made only 14 appearances the season before.

The German giants wanted £30m for him but Liverpool were only willing to pay £15m – £20m which was well below what Bayern paid for him.

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Götze was keen to move away from the Allianz Arena at the time and eventually opted for a move back to former club Dortmund instead of reuniting with Klopp in the Premier League.

His best years were during his first spell Signal Iduna Park, where he’d been described as “special” by reporter Liam Twomey and was a key part of Klopp’s success there.

In his second spell at the club he made 103 appearances and was involved in 31 goals, before eventually moving to the Eredivisie where he now plays at PSV Eindhoven.

Overall his career hasn’t been bad by all means, he has won the Bundesliga five times and most famously the World Cup in 2014 where he scored the winner in the final for Germany.

His legacy will forever be remembered because of that. He was so young at the time and achieved everything every young boy dreams of, so why at 29-years of age are we not talking about him being one of the best midfielders in the world?

Well, he’s had his fair share of injuries and ultimately it seems as though he peaked at a young age. You can’t blame him for moving to serial winners Bayern at the time, but just how good could he be now if he had followed Klopp to Merseyside?

He seems to think he would have been better for it. In a recent interview cited by the Mail he revealed how he “should have joined Liverpool” and that manager Klopp had the biggest impact on his career.

Not many players have had the privilege of playing under both Klopp and Guardiola but Götze is one of them. Could he still potentially join Liverpool at some point in the future?

He’s been performing well since moving to PSV with 17 goals and the same number of assists in 71 appearances, however, he isn’t at the level required for a Liverpool player.

He won’t regret much in his career given everything he’s won, but in the back of his mind, he may always think about what could have been if he had made the bold decision to move to England.

IN other news: Sources: Liverpool now set to sign “generational” ace, he’s more exciting than Carvalho

According to The Liverpool Echo, Liverpool Academy director Alex Inglethorpe has said that 22-year-old Ryan Kent is worthy of a call-up to the first team. 

Kent is currently on loan with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, where he is turning a lot of heads at Ibrox. The winger has bagged four goals and two assists in 14 appearances this season, and is proving to be one of The Gers’ most dangerous players down the flank.

He has certainly been impressive this season, and there is no doubt that he will get his chance with Liverpool at some point, but he may need to wait a while.

In all honesty, neither Jürgen Klopp or the Liverpool fans would want to start tinkering with their squad and trying out new players at this stage of the season. Sadio Mané seems to have his place secure on the left flank at Anfield, and Xherdan Shaqiri is an able replacement should anything happen to the Senegalese forward.

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With Liverpool in their best position to win their first ever Premier League title, it would be nothing short of madness to start throwing new players into the mix, particularly as they are out of the FA Cup and League Cup. This would also entail recalling the player from his loan in Scotland, which creates further complications.

However, next season may offer Kent the chance to feature for The Reds, however, it is still unclear whether he would be able to make the sizeable step up. Unfortunately for him, he has a very tough task of trying to break into this Liverpool team.

Italian journalist Giancarlo Padovan has named Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs in the mix to sign Juventus forward Paulo Dybala. 

The lowdown: The end of an era

The 28-year-old is set to leave the Italian giants as a free agent in the summer and as a result, end a seven-year spell in Turin.

In that time the versatile Argentinian attacker has enjoyed a trophy-laden career, helping Juve towards five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia successes and three Supercoppa Italiana victories.

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However, despite previously agreeing on terms to sign a new deal, Dybala is now believed to be moving onto pastures new with a host of clubs keen.

The latest: Spurs named

Speaking to Sky Italia, via CalcioNapoli1926 and translated by Sport Witness, Padovan has doubled down on previously reported interest from Tottenham in bringing the Argentina star to the Premier League.

The journalist said: “He knows that besides Juventus there are many important teams, he knows that he can go to Atletico or stay in Italy, at Inter. In England, there are Arsenal or Tottenham: in short, he will not remain unemployed.”

Padovan went on to claim that the 32-cap ace may struggle to earn the €10million (£8.4million) per year salary that he desires but the forward is determined to prove Juventus wrong.

It’s also suggested that Dybala will requisition UEFA Champions League football as a ‘minimum’ requirement from a new club.

The latest: The importance of top-four

Potential deals such as this one truly underline the importance of finishing inside the Premier League top four and subsequently qualifying for Europe’s elite competition.

Whilst a move for the man lauded as ‘extraordinary’ by Alessandro Del Piero could be difficult to complete due to the fierce competition, Antonio Conte would undoubtedly be desperate to add a player of Dybala’s calibre to the Lilywhite’s squad.

This season, the man valued at £36million (Transfermarkt) has scored 13 times and provided six assists in 29 appearances across all competitions – predominantly from a second striker role – so to sign him for zero initial transfer cost would be incredible business.

In other news, Tottenham eyeing four major summer signings. Find out more here!

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones has been left ‘astounded’ by some transfer news he’s heard from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Major claim emerges…

Last week, some shock transfer news emerged involving Tottenham and a veteran, big name forward.

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Indeed, according to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, as shared by The Sun, the Lilywhites became surprise contenders to sign former Man City star Carlos Tevez on a free transfer.

A trip to Hotspur Way to meet manager Antonio Conte was apparently in the pipeline following the Argentine’s visits to both Inter Milan and Juventus beforehand.

The Latest: Jones ‘astounded’…

Speaking to GMS, transfer reporter Jones has explained his bemusement after hearing the news, claiming the Spurs link comes as an ‘utterly bizarre’ one.

He explained: “It would be utterly bizarre. He’s 38 and he hasn’t been playing football this season. He is the complete opposite profile of player they’ve been actively looking for in terms of a new forward option. If Carlos Tevez signs for Tottenham, I would be absolutely astounded, I just don’t see it happening.”

The Verdict: Correct…

Signing the 38-year-old would certainly turn a few heads both in and out of the club.

Once one of the Premier League’s biggest forward stars, scoring 73 goals and assisting 35 others over nearly 150 outings for Man City, Tevez is quite clearly past the peak of his powers.

The South American has been without a club since leaving Boca Juniors last year and we believe he is certainly unlikely to find a new home at Spurs.

In other news: Tottenham official dispatched as Conte now eyes ’emerging superstar’ signing, find out more here.

According to a report by L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), it ‘seems clear’ that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy ‘intends to separate’ from Tanguy Ndombele.

The Lowdown: A failed transfer

In the summer of 2019, Lyon playmaker Ndombele joined Spurs in a £55m deal, making him the North London club’s record signing. However, since his arrival, the midfielder has suffered a disappointing tenure under various managers.

When Antonio Conte joined the club, fans hoped that the Italian could revive the Frenchman’s Tottenham career. However, this has not been the case; the 52-year-old has given Ndombele just 80 minutes of Premier League football, using him as a substitute in two out of his three appearances.

The Latest: Levy wants Ndombele gone

According to a report by L’Equipe (translated by Sport Witness), Tottenham chief Levy has made his decision regarding Ndombele’s future: he wants him gone.

L’Equipe report that the Spurs’ ‘decision seems clear today’, as ‘Levy intends to separate’ the Frenchman from the club. As a result, Ndombele has even been made to train alone since last Wednesday.

The French outlet reveal AS Roma and Napoli have come forward in recent days, with former manager Jose Mourinho said to have maintained a ‘close relationship’ with the France international.

The Verdict: Difficult to find a solution

With the January transfer deadline looming, it is becoming worryingly possible that Ndombele will remain at Spurs for the rest of the season, soaking up wages without contributing on the pitch.

The report details how his salary has become a major stumbling block – his £120,000 per week would put him immediately at the top of Roma’s wage structure, for example.

Levy would surely jump at a loan-to-buy deal if one presented itself, but an official offer has yet to be made.

The Spurs chairman will be hoping that Mourinho ramps up his approach for the player, with the Roma boss having previously hailed the Frenchman as ‘magnificent’ – perhaps he will be Spurs’ saviour on this occasion.

Journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic has made a claim involving Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy after an Antonio Conte twist at the Premier League club.

The Lowdown: Conte news emerges…

Over this last week, a major twist has come out of Spurs on Conte’s future at the club – coming just months after he was appointed to replace the sacked Nuno Espirito Santo in November.

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The Italian has guided Tottenham to within touching distance of a top-four place as they compete with north London rivals Arsenal for a coveted qualification spot.

However, reports have recently emerged of the 52-year-old’s potential departure to Paris-Saint Germain, with Le Parisien claiming that he is seriously interested and has even spoken to club chiefs about the role.

Meanwhile, former Spurs fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino is allegedly set to depart the French capital despite guiding them to a Ligue 1 title win.

The Latest: Pitt-Brooke makes Pochettino claim involving Levy…

Taking to Twitter, reporter Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic believes that hiring Pochettino is chairman Levy’s only way to ‘save face’ if Conte leaves – even if Spurs’ chief is ‘desperate’ for his appointment to work.

He explained: “For Daniel Levy, the appeal of Pochettino would be obvious. Levy is desperate for Conte to work out, but if Conte does go, bringing Poch back is basically the only way he can save face. He’s effectively a get out of jail free card for Levy and the club.”

The Verdict: Correct call?

After Jose Mourinho’s dismissal this time last year, reports linking Pochettino with a sensational return to Tottenham were prevalent.

Credible claims backed that the Argentine was considering a reunion at Hotspur Way and it is believed that Levy has Pochettino on standby if Conte does unceremoniously quit this summer (The Telegraph).

Knowing the players and club intrinsically already, Pitt-Brooke is absolutely spot on that hiring Spurs’ former manager is, quite literally, Levy’s only avenue in the event of Conte’s exit.

That being said, Tottenham’s current coach has worked wonders since his arrival and it would be a major disappointment to see him depart so soon.

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

West Ham could make a late window swoop for Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai amid Pete O’Rourke’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

David Moyes will be desperate to make some additions to his squad ahead of the deadline next week, and transfer insider O’Rourke has claimed that Szalai figures prominently on the Hammers’ short-list.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “A talented player and it seems like he’s on the list of quite a few Premier League clubs. Chelsea, Newcastle, and West Ham, I’m sure, will definitely be in there. He’s well on their list.”

Premier League ready

Dubbed as “exemplary” and with the “loudest voice in training” by former Fenerbahce boss Emre Belozoglu, Szalai possesses all the raw physical attributes to become a real force in the Premier League.

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 4, Szalai boasts an intimidating presence and given how quickly he has hit the ground running at Fenerbahce, West Ham should feel more confident of his ability to adapt to another high-profile move so early in his career.

The centre-back has been a consistent performer for Fenerbahce this season, averaging 1.3 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in the Turkish Super Lig, while his numbers fare just as well when considering his displays in the Europa League – he averages 1.8 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in the competition.

To put that into context, both his tackling and interception numbers are significantly better than any West Ham centre-back this season in the Premier League.

With the Hammers still seemingly playing a waiting game when it comes to January signings, sealing a deal for the 24-year-old would be a very welcome addition before the end of the window and have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, West Ham have made their “first offer” for this Ligue 1 striker…

Celtic have shown an interest in midfielder Joe White, The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope report.

The Lowdown: White profiled

The 19-year-old is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play in a deeper central role.

White, currently on the books at Newcastle, has been labelled as ‘very clever’ by Dave Wilkes and has been training with Eddie Howe’s first-team squad this season.

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Already sponsored by Adidas, White has made the bench for the Magpies on several occasions but is set to be out of contract at the end of the season.

It now looks as if he will commit to the Tyneside club for the long-term but then depart on a temporary basis before Monday’s deadline.

The Latest: Hoops interest

The Daily Mail shared a story on Thursday afternoon, claiming White has agreed on terms with Newcastle over a new long-term contract.

Reliable journalist Hope added that Celtic were one of the sides to have shown an interest in the teenager, who could now leave St James Park on loan ‘in the coming days’.

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke thinks the Hoops could bring in another midfielder before the transfer window closes, and White is clearly a player of interest to the Hoops hierarchy.

However, a loan move may not appeal to Ange Postecoglou as he looks to build for the future and has already brought in Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Matt O’Riley as midfield additions this month.

If White snubbed a new contract with Newcastle, then perhaps a move to Glasgow could have been of interest ahead of the summer, but it wouldn’t surprise us if the attacking midfielder went elsewhere until the end of the campaign.

In other news: ‘Watch this space’ – Exit for Celtic player could go ‘right down to the wire’ – Sky Sports man. 

Journalist Jordan Cronin has slammed both Richarlison and Anthony Gordon for their antics as Everton lost 2-0 away to Liverpool on Sunday.

The Lowdown: Everton tactics

Frank Lampard clearly set up his team to frustrate the hosts at Anfield, as they committed eight fouls in total and picked up five yellow cards (SofaScore).

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One of those was for Gordon, who was booked for simulation in the first half, while Richarlison was also cautioned late on after a nasty tackle on Jordan Henderson, amid the Brazilian being accused of play acting and deliberately time wasting throughout the game.

The Latest: Cronin reacts

Taking to Twitter, Cronin slammed Richarlison and Gordon for their antics on the pitch, saying:

“There’s trying to frustrate Liverpool and then there’s Everton. Embarrassing at times, especially Richarlison and Gordon.”

The Verdict: Nothing to show

Ultimately, the tactics employed by Everton did not pay off, as Jurgen Klopp’s team won 2-0 in the end.

Richarlison and Gordon did show some bright sparks in the match, as they won a combined 13 duels between them and also recorded four successful dribbles and two key passes in total (SofaScore).

However, they were guilty of giving the ball away no fewer than 33 times combined, and ultimately they could not make the most of their strides toward Alisson’s net.

Nonetheless, the Toffees will want to put this result behind them now and focus on Chelsea at Goodison Park next weekend as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.

In other news, find out which Premier League club are now eyeing this Toffees centre-back