All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool have been placed on alert after Atletico Madrid informed Joao Felix that he could leave if the right offer arrives, according to AS (via The Daily Mail).

The Reds are named as one of four Premier League suitors, alongside Newcastle United, Arsenal and arch-rivals Manchester United.

Newcastle’s interest appears to be the most advanced, with the report claiming that they have already made an approach. Felix is open to leaving the Spanish capital, but isn’t particularly keen on moving to St James’ Park as the Magpies battle to stay in the top flight.

A brief lowdown on Felix

Felix ranks as one of the five biggest signings in the history of football, having joined Atletico from Benfica for a fee of €127.2m (£108.5m) in 2019.

However, the 22-year-old has only scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in the space of nearly two-and-a-half seasons with Diego Simeone’s side (via WhoScored).

Fan feed LFC Transfer Room relayed the link, and here’s what some Liverpool supporters made of it. Despite his less than stellar goal tally in the Spanish capital, many Kopites still reacted with enthusiasm to the rumour. One drew comparisons with Fernando Torres, who thrived at Anfield after moving from Atletico in the 2000s.

These Liverpool fans go wild over Felix links

“Ah how I would love this player. He is one big talent that needs nurturing to make him a world star. Problem is Atletico played over the odds for him. So they will want big money for him.”

Credit: @RomeoLFC

“Just add this guy and Raphinha to this squad and I’m satisfied”

Credit: @edem_demslfc

“Perfect Bobby Replacement.”

Credit: @sairamsagar

“MAKE IT HAPPEN @LFC”

Credit: @paulo060802

“The second coming of Torres for Liverpool”

Credit: @infiniteamg

“I’ll gladly have him. As Firmino is declining, he’s a perfect replacement.”

Credit: @SchwarzHertz

In other news, some Reds fans were critical of this man’s performance against Aston Villa

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.

Lots of Everton fans have been left to hail some early teams before they take the trip to the Emirates Stadium to play Arsenal in the Premier League.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against the Gunners, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Yerry Mina, Bernard, Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes are all back and available to play in the game.

The Goodison Park faithful had been suffering from a lack of squad depth in recent matches and so it is a big boost to have as many as five players back for them to bolster up both the first XI and the squad.

The Merseyside club will especially be boosted by the return of their talisman Calvert-Lewin, who will of course hope to continue his fine goal-scoring season when he plays Mikel Arteta’s side.

Everton fans on early team news

These Toffees supporters lauded the early team news as it was shared on their official Twitter page:

“Thank the lord for that!”

Credit: @Swinno1976

“thank goodness!”Credit: @SOSheaNH”Yeeeeee”Credit: @Damian158886525″YES!!!!”Credit: @mspickles19″Finally some good news”Credit: @conorj1878″Yesssss not about Delph obvs”Credit: @Toffeegirl13In other news, find out what Fabrizio Romano transfer update has been lauded by Blues here!

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.

Celtic had a real opportunity this weekend to give their fiercest rivals a reminder that they’re still here.

This has been a torrid campaign for the Hoops and it didn’t get much better on Sunday afternoon, as they drew 1-1 at Parkhead.

It’s not often an Old Firm derby has little on it but because of the circumstances, this was one that was lacking in drama and ferociousness. Scott Brown wasn’t his usual bullish self and Alfredo Morelos’s discipline was near perfect.

It was a tale of two headers as Mohamed Elyounoussi’s diving leap opened the scoring before Morelos netted a tap in for the equaliser.

Elyounoussi was particularly vibrant and deserved his goal. He was playing off the wing but found himself in a central position to score a clinical header from a few yards out.

It was an inch-perfect assist from Odsonne Edouard, who delivered the cross, but besides the Frenchman and Elyounoussi, they lacked much in terms of attacking threat from other sources.

Unfortunately, it was yet another defensive mishap that cost Celtic. It’s been the story of their season to date and on this occasion, it was Jonjoe Kenny at fault.

His back pass went out for a corner from which Morelos scored and he didn’t cover himself in too much glory with his marking either.

Yet, if we are searching for positives we need to look no further than Stephen Welsh. When Christopher Jullien was ruled out for nine months, the Bhoys needed someone to step up.

Welsh has been that man. He is still relatively inexperienced but he’s struck up a fantastic partnership with Kristoffer Ajer that provides hope for the future. He has rarely put a foot wrong during his Celtic career and he was convincing once more on Sunday.

The 21-year-old was near flawless defensively, winning 85.7% of the duels he competed in. That meant the centre-back prevailed in two tackles, one interception and three clearances.

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On top of that, Welsh didn’t make a single foul, nor was he dribbled past by a Rangers player. On a day where his partner to the right, Kenny, looked out of sorts, the young centre-back managed to keep things watertight from his perspective.

Welsh was assured in possession, completing 90% of his passes while he even found room to make one of them a key pass which led to a shooting opportunity.

The central defender has only recently come into the team this year but he rose to the task of an Old Firm derby with ease. Long may his form continue.

AND in other news, Celtic must ruthlessly axe £15k-p/w “enigma” this summer, Lenny hated him…

American investor John Textor is leading a consortium who are interested in buying Crystal Palace, as reported by The Sun.

Known for his pioneering role in hologram technology, Textor is interested in initiating a takeover deal which could be worth around £220m to acquire the south London club [The Sun].

Current co-owners David Blitzer and Josh Harris are reportedly open to selling their shares and have been for quite some time [talkSPORT].

Previous rumours of Crystal Palace switching hands have failed to properly materialise for a multitude of different reasons [GiveMeSport]. As a result, their supporters will need a lot of convincing that their club is headed in the right direction for the long-term if Blitzer and Harris relinquish their control.

Anxiety is likely to be multiplied by the fact that current bidder Textor is not a billionaire and would most likely require financial support from elsewhere. He has also had previous troubles with administration following his failed business model with visual effects firm Digital Domain in 2012 [The Sun].

As you can imagine, many Crystal Palace supporters took to social media to vent their frustration at these latest developments.

Palace fans react:

Replying to popular Crystal Palace fan outlet Palace Xtra, here is what some fans had to say upon hearing the “terrible” news:

“I stopped at the word administration. As you were Steve.”

Credit: @shave_stuart”Massive concerns with this”Credit: @StewFuller82″Typical Sun rubbish!”Credit: @Paul06179713″I want to puke. Guy’s dodgy. Isn’t like Bezos coming in because he loves the Prem and wants to make Palace like City. Weird timing as well needing and manager and roster overall.”Credit: @CHSCPFC”Who would wanna buy a club without a manager and with an ageing squad. And with a stadium that’s in a terrible condition?”Credit: @jari_litmanen_1″He only has a net worth of £230m”Credit: @SaucyZahaIn other news, a La Liga expert has had his say on a reported Crystal Palace target.

Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial search has been back and forth ever since they parted ways with Jose Mourinho, and someone who has been an ever-present in the conversation is Graham Potter, but Dean Windass is not so sure he’s the right man.

It appeared that Spurs were staring down a black hole of who to turn to next but a fresh report from talkSPORT’s Ian Abrahams has confirmed that it is now a two-horse race between Potter and Nuno Espirito Santo, with the latter being easier to appoint as he is no longer at Wolves.

A report from last month suggested that transfer supremo, Steve Hitchen, was going to recommend Potter as his number one candidate for the job to Daniel Levy and since then, Spurs have attempted to bring in Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte and Paulo Fonseca.

Spurs have not had a permanent English manager in the dugout since Harry Redknapp was appointed back in 2008, so it would be a bold move by Levy who knows Tottenham have to win some silverware soon but Potter could be a risky appointment, something Windass spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern about:

“I’m not so sure about the Graham Potter’s of this world but they would certainly go for the former Wolves manager, Nuno.

“Tottenham just need a little bit of stability again because it’s a tough job at a big club so the one thing about that job is that the manager has got to be reassured that they are going to stay.”

Potter has won himself a lot of plaudits during his time at Brighton after managing to turn the Seagulls into a great side to watch with their attack-minded style of play and it is assumed that if they had a goalscorer upfront, they would be nowhere near the relegation zone as they had an XG of 51.6 but only managed to score 40 goals.

Levy knows that he can’t appoint another manager like Mourinho, someone who is pragmatic and doesn’t want to play on the front foot because Tottenham fans want to get back to how they were under Pochettino, which was exciting and fun to watch.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned that Jordan Rhodes could put off potential suitors this summer if he is unwilling to take a wage cut.

Rhodes’ contract at Hillsborough expires at the end of the season and, according to Salary Sport, the 31-year-old is earning £35,000 per week, as things stand.

For Palmer, demanding that kind of money could detract interested parties. However, on lower terms, the ex-Wednesday player is expecting advances from other Championship outfits.

Discussing Rhodes, who is currently being linked with a return to Huddersfield Town, in an exclusive interview with FFC, Palmer said:

“A lot will fall down to his wage demands. I mean, he 100% will not be going to any football club on the salary he’s on now, that is for sure. But if he falls into a category, say between eight and 10 grand a week, there’s a lot of Championship clubs, or maybe even first division clubs, who will have a bet on him.”

On Rhodes’ performances at the club specifically, the retired Premier League footballer said:

“He hasn’t done it really. And this is where he’s flattered to deceive a little bit. Wednesday are in the position they’re in and he’s scoring goals and people start looking and saying, ‘Jordan Rhodes is the real deal’. Not for me.”

After struggling for most of the campaign, Rhodes’ form has indeed picked up of late. The former Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers striker managed to net twice against Barnsley just before the international break, and he will have a chance to build on that when Wednesday welcome Watford to Hillsborough on Friday.

Leeds United have confirmed that some exciting changes have been made at boardroom level, and it’s news which should have their fans absolutely buzzing.

What’s the story?

An official club statement posted on leedsunited.com read: “Exciting board changes. Leeds United has today revealed changes to its Board of Directors as the club looks ahead to a bright future.

“The first new face on the board is Australian Peter Lowy. Peter is currently the Principle of the Lowy Family Group private investment business and was formerly the CEO of the hugely successful Westfield Group. Lowy is a lifelong Leeds United supporter who brings over 30 years of business experience with him.

“Peter is joined by Aser Ventures Chief Executive Officer Massimo Marinelli who has played a pivotal role in generating investment into the club during Andrea’s ownership, including the increased involvement of the 49 Enterprises earlier this year.

“Finally, former Fiorentina CEO Sandro Mencucci will take a place on the new-look board having spent 17 years at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Massimo, Sandro and Peter join Leeds United Chairman Andrea Radrizzani, Vice Chairman Paraag Marathe and CEO Angus Kinnear, to complete the Board of Directors.”

Leeds fans should be buzzing

Given the debacle of the European Super League involving the Premier League’s proverbial ‘big six’, and the fan fallout arising from that, news of some exciting changes at boardroom level for Leeds is welcome.

The big plus point for the club and its fans is the arrival of Peter Lowy, who is claimed to be a “lifelong” supporter of the club.

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Fan representation at board level has been a much-discussed topic in recent days and weeks since the ESL collapsed, and the likes of Liverpool and Spurs have either made or mooted changes to that effect.

Having a personal, Leeds-aligned touch to the club’s hierarchy is another encouraging move to ensure the Whites’ future.

The news from Thorp Arch should have fans buzzing, knowing that the club will likely be in even safer hands now that parties with their best interests at heart are involved at boardroom level.

Meanwhile, Leeds must land this “explosive” Premier League star…

Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the arrival of Andre Gray at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

What’s the latest?

In a statement posted on the QPR website, the club officially announced the arrival of the Watford centre-forward on a season-long loan deal, with the 30-year-old becoming the Championship side’s 10th signing of the summer transfer window.

In reaction to the striker’s arrival, Mark Warburton said: “I am absolutely delighted we have been able to bring Andre in. I know him very well, he is a very good character around the place and he will fit in very well [with] the group.

“He has pace and power, he knows the division, he has a fantastic work ethic, an eye for goal and is a real athlete. I also think Andre has a point to prove and I very much hope he does that here with us.”

Warburton over the moon

It is clear to see why Warburton is over the moon with the signing of Gray, as the centre-forward very much looks to have put the cherry on the cake on what has been a remarkable transfer window for QPR, with the club sealing the arrivals of Jordan Archer, Jordy De Wijs, Jimmy Dunne, Moses Odubajo, Sam McCallum, Sam Field, Stefan Johansen, Andre Dozzell and Charlie Austin.

Indeed, it can be argued that each one of these signings improved the club, be that as an upgrade on the 58-year-old manager’s previous options in a particular position, or simply adding further depth to an area of the pitch.

And, considering Warburton’s history of working with Gray in the past, with the forward scoring 17 Championship goals for Brentford back in the club’s 2014/15 campaign, a season in which the Bees reached the play-off final, his arrival at QPR certainly appears to provide the Rs’ own promotion hopes with a significant boost – something which already looked rather healthy after the west London side’s unbeaten start to the 2021/22 season.

In other news: QPR confirm deadline day development which will be music to the ears of fans