All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over some transfer news that has emerged on Dejan Kulusevski.

Speaking in a Twitter Space, Toffees insider The Bobble, who regularly breaks information on his Twitter account, has now revealed that the Goodison Park faithful are one of a number of clubs interested in signing the Juventus winger in the January transfer window, as an initial loan with an option or obligation to buy.

At just 21 years of age, he is one of the rising stars in the game, and has managed to score eight goals and make a further ten assists in two seasons with the Old Lady so far (Transfermarkt).

Cristiano Ronaldo has even gone as far as to call him a ‘great talent‘, emphasising how highly he is thought of, and the Sweden international would certainly be an exciting capture by the Merseyside club, should they be able to get a deal over the line.

Everton fans on Kulusevski transfer news

These Blues buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he would be a ‘miracle signing’:

“This kid is exactly what we need as well, left footed RW. Have been looking for a decent player of this kind for years! CM of course if needed this window but this kid is class with buckets of potential”

Credit: @BE_Toffees

“Get it done!”

Credit: @joshwilbert1

“Would be a miracle signing. Still need a CM too.”

Credit: @winfreaky12

“Absolute dream addition.”

Credit: @spuddy1878

“Yes please!”

Credit: @Montana_PP

“Work out a swap for Moise Kean”

Credit: @louieb93efc

In other news, find out what other transfer update has Evertonians gushing here!

Celtic are battling their Glasgow arch-rivals in the race to sign Tottenham’s Dilan Markanday, according to The Evening Standard.

The Lowdown: Markanday profiled

Markanday is 20 years of age and is primarily a right winger who can also play on the left or in an attacking midfield role.

The left-footed youngster, described as ‘intelligent’ by Spurs academy manager Dean Rastrick, has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, mainly for the Londoners’ under-23 side.

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He has scored 11 times and registered four assists in Premier League 2, averaging a goal involvement every 70 minutes in that competition, and it seems as if the pacey winger is on Celtic’s winter window shortlist.

The Latest: Glasgow battle…

The Evening Standard shared a story on Wednesday, claiming both Celtic and Rangers are battling it out for Markanday in a possible cut-price transfer.

The youngster, who Jose Mourinho clearly rates after saying his ‘day will arrive’ back in February, is out of contract at the end of the season and could therefore discuss a possible pre-contract agreement in the New Year, with a number of English Championship clubs also keen on his services.

The Verdict: Needed?

The Hoops look set to make Jota’s loan move permanent, while it appears as if they may also bring in attacker Daizen Maeda, who can also line out on the wing.

Should that move go through, it would leave Ange Postecoglou with seven players who can operate on the wing at Celtic Park. On that basis, a move for Markanday may not exactly be necessary in January, so perhaps Celtic should look at bolstering other areas of the squad first.

That said, it appears as if the Hoops may look to pip their biggest rivals to the Spurs starlet, so it could be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Nicholson ‘plans’ to sell ‘terrific’ Celtic ace in record-breaking £25.5m deal. 

West Ham United have been handed a huge injury boost concerning the return of Kurt Zouma.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by ExWHUemployee, who revealed in a recent post on The West Ham Way that the centre-back, who picked up a hamstring tendon injury in the 3-2 win over Chelsea at the beginning of the month, is ahead of of schedule in his return to first-team action.

The insider also went on to reveal that the France international did not undergo surgery after sustaining his knock, with the club opting to take the “natural recovery route” for the 27-year-old defender.

In his post, Ex said: “Another who is ahead of schedule is Kurt Zouma. Although no return date is set, the club have opted to go down the ‘natural’ recovery route with him, meaning he’ll avoid surgery.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how important a part of the West Ham side Zouma has become since his £29.8m move to the London Stadium this summer, the news that the centre-back is ahead of schedule in his return from injury is sure to have left Hammers fans buzzing.

Indeed, over his 11 Premier League appearances so far this season, the £28.8m-rated man has helped his side keep two clean sheets and has scored one goal, as well as making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 0.6 tackles, 5.2 clearances and winning 60% of his duels per game.

These returns have seen the £120k-per-week defender average a SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as David Moyes’ 12th-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, it is undoubtedly a case of the sooner Zouma returns the better for West Ham’s top-four hopes in the current campaign, meaning that the news the 27-year-old appears to be ahead of schedule in his return from injury is certainly a major boost for everyone involved with the club.

In other news: ExWHUemployee reveals big twist in West Ham transfer pursuit, Moyes will be furious

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has confirmed that Leeds United loanee Ian Poveda is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a serious leg injury.

The Lowdown: Poveda on loan at Blackburn

The 21-year-old was sent out on loan to the Championship club during the summer in order to enjoy more regular football, but it has not quite gone to plan.

Poveda, who has been described as ‘incredible’ by Pep Guardiola after his spell at Manchester City, has been limited to just four league starts so far at Ewood Park.

On Saturday, the youngster unfortunately left the field injured in his side’s 1-1 draw away to Bristol City with what looked like a serious issue.

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The Latest: Serious injury confirmed

On Tuesday, Blackburn’s official Twitter channel confirmed the news using quotes from Mowbray, who said that the midfielder looks set for a lengthy spell out of the team. The Rovers boss outlined: “The news isn’t particularly good, he’s broken his fibula and has some ligament damage.”

As per Blackburn’s official website, Mowbray added: “It’s a fracture and it’s not good news for him or us. We’ve been in touch with Leeds United and it looks as if he’ll have an operation to insert a plate. We’ll see what Leeds want to do because he’s their player, but he will be out for a significant period of time.”

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The Verdict: Big blow for Poveda

It is a cruel blow for Poveda, especially as he tries to force his way into Mowbray’s starting line-up more regularly, and he now faces a mental challenge to overcome following such a huge personal setback.

The hope is that the Leeds youngster can make a swift enough recovery to get some more game-time at Blackburn before the season is out, ideally returning to Elland Road more rounded player next summer.

At 21, he still has a long future ahead of him, so this will hopefully be a minor speed bump in his career rather than a prolonged setback like the one suffered by Adam Forshaw.

In other news, Phil Hay has discussed Leeds’ potential January transfer business. Read more here.

West Bromwich Albion are having problems all over the pitch when it comes to injuries, and it is having a knock-on effect to their season as they struggle to gain traction in their Championship title challenge.

Fulham and Bournemouth have gone out ahead in the first and second places in the league, with the Baggies currently seven points adrift from second spot.

Valerien Ismael will be likely to go looking for players in the winter transfer window, and according to BirminghamLive they are intensifying plans with the West Brom manager. Speaking on the club’s plans recently, the boss said;

“For sure we are intensifying the players, but we have been preparing in the background already, you don’t start one week or two weeks before the window opens,” Ismael explained.

“It’s all a process. We know exactly where we want to see players.

Sky Sports pundit, Don Goodman, has had his say on where he thinks West Brom can strengthen and more importantly, the “powerhouse” they can sign to do the job.

“West Bromwich Albion haven’t got a Daryl Dike, they haven’t got that powerhouse.”

“They have Jordan Hugill who is powerful in the air but in terms of dynamism and mobility maybe Daryl Dike just offers that little bit more.

“So look, I think managers we know like players that they have worked with and that they can trust and I think that [Dike] would be a very wise signing for West Bromwich Albion if they got the opportunity to make that happen.”

Dike is currently playing in the MLS for Orlando City SC, after half a season on loan with Barnsley, working with current West Brom Ismael, where he scored nine goals in just 22 appearances for the Yorkshire club.

The 21-year-old is back in America and is currently having a huge impact on his MLS club, with 18 goals and four assists in 35 appearances. Those numbers would definitely benefit West Brom in their chase for automatic promotion to the Premier League with a barnstorm approaching potentially taking them back to the promised lands of top-flight football.

Ismael will have some important decisions to make and will hopefully get the financial backing from the club to add players in the key positions, specifically Dike, that could be the difference between Premier League promotion or another season in the Championship.

West Brom take on Nottingham Forest at home on Friday night in a game where they will be hoping to grab three points to continue their challenge to climb into one of the two highest positions of the Championship.

In other news: Kipre drops a shocker against Blackpool

BBC Sport’s Adam Pope has revealed that Leeds United star Raphinha “should be fit” for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Norwich City.

What’s the story?

The Brazilian hobbled off during his side’s 1-1 draw with Wolves last weekend, and there no doubt would have been real fears about how long he could potentially be out for.

The former Rennes man himself moved quickly to allay those doubts after that match, and while he was not involved in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat against Arsenal, he looks set to be good for the trip to the Canaries on Sunday.

Writing on Twitter after the game against the Gunners, Pope said: “Shackleton & Raphinha should be fit for Norwich. No injuries forced the substitutions. Klich for Forshaw as MB felt he’d take advantage of the offensive play in the 1st half. Gelhardt on for Roberts because he wanted to try out Joffy with Rodrigo.”

Huge boost for Bielsa

Make no mistake about it, Raphinha has emerged as one of Leeds’ best players, if not their best.

He ranked fourth for goals and first for his assists among his teammates last season, and his willingness to take players on and try and make things happen for his side was reflected by him averaging the most dribbles of any Leeds player with 1.9 per game.

Raphinha’s displays had Leeds teammate Patrick Bamford hailing him after the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace back in February, with the England international telling Sky Sports: “I think, to be honest, he has been a steal for Leeds. I am surprised. As soon as he came in, you saw him in training, you know sometimes with players whether they are good or they are top class, and he really was. He stood out straightaway.

“I am surprised that bigger teams, more established Premier League teams I should say, haven’t taken a punt on him because he really is someone special, and he is young.”

Given Leeds’ wretched start to the Premier League season – they’ve managed just one win all campaign – having Raphinha available for a crunch game against fellow strugglers Norwich is a massive boost for the White.

Those three words that he “should be fit” will undoubtedly leave many supporters around Elland Road absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star has given Bielsa a headache…

An update has emerged on Bayern Munich centre-back Niklas Sule, regarding a potential move to Newcastle United.

What’s the talk?

Sport Bild reporter Christian Falk has made two major claims on the defender, stating that the Magpies have already held talks with his representatives and that he is interested in a transfer to the Premier League side.

He wrote: “There were talks between NUFC and the Management of Niklas Süle (FC Bayern) three weeks ago. The defender is interested in the project of Newcastle.”

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will surely be left buzzing by this major update for two reasons. Firstly, PIF holding talks with Sule’s agent three weeks ago means that they are serious about a deal for the defender and are prepared to be proactive in pursuing a move.

He is out of contract at the end of the season, which means that Newcastle could agree a pre-contract with him in the January window. Although, they could attempt to snap him up on a cut-price deal in the winter market, allowing them to bolster their squad for the second half of the season whilst also compensating Bayern for their loss.

Bayern boss Julian Naglesmann refused to rule out the possibility of Sule leaving on a free transfer when questioned on the topic last month. He told Sport1:

“[A new deal] depends on his development, and also on the market situation whether he wants to extend the contract or not. Niki still has to develop something with his potential, and then he is a very good central defender.”

The supporters could also be buzzing by the German international being interested in the project. It suggests that he would be open to a move to St. James’ Park, which makes the transfer somewhat realistic as he could accept an offer from the club should one materialise in January.

Sule has averaged a solid WhoScored rating of 7.03 in ten Bundesliga appearances for Bayern this season and is a proven figure in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Last term, he averaged a score of 6.97 in 20 league matches, showing that he is capable of consistently performing to a high standard in the German top-flight. This is backed up by his career average rating of 6.95 across 249 appearances for club and country.

At the age of 26, he still has room to develop further and Newcastle fans should be buzzing to see an experienced, quality, central defender come in to bolster the squad. The update from Falk suggests that the Magpies have a chance of landing him, but PIF must ensure that they can get a deal over the line.

AND in other news, Advanced talks: PIF move swiftly on Emery alternative, Newcastle fans will be livid…

West Bromwich Albion have spent the last five years yo-yo-ing between the Premier League and the Championship, with two relegations and one promotion since 2017/18.

There have been several factors behind their inability to remain a consistent force in the top-flight of English football, but arguably the most pivotal aspect is their poor record in the transfer market.

Many players have been brought into the Hawthorns for relatively large fees before failing to live up to expectations in recent years, heavily contributing to the club’s struggles at the elite level.

And one of those who has arguably flopped for the Midlands outfit is Karlan Grant. The 24-year-old striker was brought to West Brom in a £15m deal back in October 2020, making him one of their most expensive purchases.

During his unveiling, technical director Luke Dowling lauded the youngster’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net, claiming he was ready for the step-up that the Premier League would undoubtedly provide.

“We are confident we have signed a young player who has proved he is ready for the challenges of the Premier League,” said Dowling. “He has scored goals throughout his career, including the few months he had with Huddersfield at this level two years ago.”

However, things have not gone to plan for Grant. The former England U18 international scored just a single goal as West Brom finished 19th last term, immediately returning to the Championship as a result.

His underwhelming performances upfront saw him fall out of favour when Sam Allardyce took over from Slaven Bilic halfway through the season, with his last league start coming at the beginning of February.

Although Grant has started the current campaign well, bagging four goals and providing two assists in 11 Championship outings, his inability to produce at the highest level has seen his market value plummet to just £7.2m, less than half the total that West Brom paid for his services just last year.

While the £30,000-per-week dud may yet come good for the Baggies, it appears the club’s hierarchy made a big mistake in placing their trust in a striker unproven in the Premier League, contributing heavily to their eventual relegation.

And, in other news…Signed for £8m, now worth £1.8m: Ismael must wield axe on 27 y/o West Brom liability 

Everton could be set to offload unpopular defender Mason Holgate over the coming months after a string of underwhelming displays.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Toffees reporter Greg O’Keeffe has revealed he could see new manager Rafa Benitez selling the 24-year-old next summer as the Spaniard looks to make his mark on the club.

In response to a fan’s question asking if O’Keeffe could see Everton selling either Michael Keane or Mason Holgate to help rebuild in other areas, the reliable journalist offered his opinion.

“I think the club could move on one of their four current senior centre-backs to allow Benitez to recruit one of his own,” he wrote.

“I’d say that definitely should not be Keane, which leaves the spotlight more on Mason Holgate. We’ve seen some very promising things from him, and some less promising things. I think our answer will come from how many minutes Holgate gets, not forced by injury to others, under the manager this season.”

Everton fans should be buzzing

And it seems as though large sections of Everton fans will be delighted at this latest revelation, with several supporters expressing their agreement with O’Keeffe’s sentiment in response to a post relaying the news.

“Would be my first pick out the door, try use whatever money we got from James and Holgate to get a right back,” claimed @louieb93efc.

“I’d like to see him go in January,” explained @podefc, while another fan in @Boxfield_ commented: “Get shut, not good enough.”

Despite Holgate showing glimpses of his true potential since arriving at Goodison Park back in 2015, the versatile centre-back has failed to produce his best form on a consistent basis.

Last season was a particularly disappointing campaign for the former England U21 international, and therefore, it’s easy to understand why the Everton faithful appear to have run out of patience.

As per SofaScore, Holgate made two errors leading directory to a goal in the Premier League throughout 2020/21, highlighting his defensive frailties.

But he also struggled with the ball at his feet. The youngster achieved a passing accuracy of just 79% and completed only 73% of his attempted dribbles successfully.

As a result, the Everton fanbase should be buzzing at Holgate’s potential exit, allowing Benitez room to manoeuvre in the transfer market with the proceeds from his departure.

And, in other news…Everton can find their next Lukaku in “phenomenal” £25.2m-rated gem, Benitez needs him

Ange Postecoglou has had a theatrical start to his life as manager of Celtic football club.

Though, when did a Hoops boss ever have things easy? Controversy and drama was always going to follow this club after the events of last term.

The manager has already publically demanded more from the board, exited the Champions League, qualified for the Europa League and signed 12 first-team players.

Cram an Old Firm derby defeat in there, Dominic McKay’s resignation and an injury to Kyogo Furuhashi and things don’t look as positive anymore.

On the chalkboard

What Celtic could do with now is calm heads.

Controversy is enshrouding the boardroom again and Postecoglou can’t afford to let that distract events on the playing field.

Callum McGregor, the club captain, will be key to keeping the peace but so will James McCarthy.

The Republic of Ireland international was in the Celtic academy as a youngster but has had to wait until he’s 30 to earn his Hoops debut.

It has been a long time coming for the midfielder who has enjoyed a successful career in England with Wigan, Everton and Crystal Palace before coming home to Paradise.

A lack of match fitness has stopped him from starting a match yet but he is now beginning to appear in Postecoglou’s plans.

He made his debut against Hearts in the League Cup and then earned his first taste of Premiership action for Celtic versus Ross County last weekend.

McCarthy joins what is a healthy area in the middle of the park. Scott Brown may have left but he is still battling the skipper, Ismaila Soro, David Turnbull and Tom Rogic for a place in the team.

He is not going to usurp McGregor or Turnbull anytime soon but one man he certainly deserves to leapfrog in the pecking order is Soro.

The Ivorian has long been thought of as Brown’s successor but as his early form this term will tell you, he lacks basic positioning and discipline.

Those are two virtues that McCarthy certainly doesn’t lack. Described as “top-class” by Postecoglou after his arrival, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a key cog in the Celtic wheel.

The £2.7m-rated general completed 2.5 tackles per game during his final campaign as a regular at Palace in 2019/20. That happens to be more than any other midfielder at Celtic this season and it’s also more than any Parkhead player managed during the 2020/21 term.

On that evidence, not only is he better defensively than Soro but he can also offer extra qualities to this Celtic team that’s currently missing.

Postecoglou must start unleashing him on a regular basis in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Ange could discover Celtic’s new Christie by signing £6.3m-rated “top player” in Jan…