All posts by z3u9t.icu

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Loads of Manchester United fans have been running the rule over their Friday night win at the Emirates, and they’re full of praise for Romelu Lukaku.

Manchester United brushed Arsenal aside in the FA Cup on Friday night, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continued his perfect start to life in charge of the Red Devils.

The boss made some crucial changes to the side that has been ruthlessly dispatching teams in the Premier League though, introducing both Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to the starting XI.

Roberto Firmino has thrown a party themed around the colour of his teeth! Watch the video below to find out what we’re talking about…

The Chilean hotshot got things started early on, rounding Petr Cech and finding the net after a brilliant pass by Lukaku.

The Belgian international then doubled his assist tally when he put one on a plate for Jesse Lingard.

Arsenal fought back as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back from close range just before half time, but Anthony Martial’s second half strike wrapped up the 3-1 win.

While Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Sergio Romero were all superb, Lukaku is the one taking all the plaudits for his selfless display.

The powerful 25 year-old, who takes loads of stick for his quality on the ball, somehow looked more at home cutting in from the right wing with Sanchez operating in the central areas.

You can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where fans are full of praise for one of the season’s most heavily-criticised players…

Celtic have been warned about a potential disaster in the summer with Cameron Carter-Vickers…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has stated that the Hoops may be concerned about interest from south of the border in the central defender.

Leicester and Wolves have both been linked with a summer swoop for the Tottenham man, who is said to be valued at up to £10m.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “They will be worried because if it comes down to finances and money, Celtic aren’t able to compete with these Premier League clubs.”

Disaster

Ange Postecoglou must avoid a major disaster at the end of the season by ensuring that the club splashes the cash to sign him on a permanent basis as quickly as possible.

The Hoops have a headstart on their competitors because he is already in the building and they have a direct line of communication with Tottenham because of his loan. This means that Postecoglou can speak to Carter-Vickers, in person, and convince him to re-join the club in the summer instead of attempting to sign for a Premier League team.

Ex-Spurs man Jan Vertonghen dubbed him an “absolute beast” and his performances in the Premiership this season have lived up to that hype. He has averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.35 across 26 appearances, with the Hoops keeping an impressive 14 clean sheets in that time.

The USA defender has shown that he can consistently deliver quality displays in the Scottish top-flight, winning 68% of his individual duels in the division. Carter-Vickers has made 2.1 tackles and interceptions and 4.2 clearances per game as he has helped the club to the top of the table as it stands.

Therefore, it would be a disaster to lose the centre-back as he has made himself a crucial member of the squad. Postecoglou will not want to go into next season without him, because of his displays, and must now make sure that the board spend the £10m required to sign him from Tottenham on a permanent basis and secure his future at Parkhead.

At the age of 24, he also has the potential to improve further and develop as a player. He has the room to grow and increase his value over time, which means that Celtic would be buying a player who makes their current team tick with his superb performances whilst also keeping him as an investment to potentially sell on in the future for a profit.

AND in other news, Celtic handed huge summer boost on “outstanding” £42k-p/w dynamo, Ange will be buzzing…

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!

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham fans have erupted over an injury update from ExWHUemployee regarding Aaron Cresswell, with many shocked at the severity of the injury he has sustained.

The 32-year-old has proven to be a critical component of David Moyes’ side this season, having started all 13 games in which he has appeared. However, in the Hammers’ 2-1 loss to Manchester City a month ago, the left-back was substituted on the hour mark after slamming his back into the goalpost.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It has not been made clear just how severe the injury is, with Moyes originally claiming that Cresswell was a doubt for the Irons’ following game, refusing to provide a return date. West Ham have won just one of the seven matches they have played in all competitions since that fateful afternoon at the Etihad Stadium.

Hammers fans react to Cresswell’s injury news

ExWHUemployee took to Twitter to provide fans with an injury update on the defender. He claimed that the player has chipped a bone in his back which is causing him a lot of pain, and that no recovery date has been given by either Cresswell himself or the club.

These Irons fans took to the replies on that tweet to provide the 32-year-old with their sympathies, as many were left gutted by the “horrific” news on the injury.

It leaves Arthur Masuaku as the squad’s only recognised left-back and comes at a time when some other defenders are also sidelined.

“Ouchie !!! Poor Cress”

Credit: @Els_ie

“Wow, didn’t expect it to be that bad.”

Credit: @AlexThomsonWHU

“that sounds pretty horrific”

Credit: @BoogersWestHam

“Hope he recovers well. Just sums up our luck. Best 4 defenders we’ve had in years all out for months at some point this year. Cress, Zouma, Ogbonna and Vlad”

Credit: @camwestham

“Yikes, that’s Cresswell out for the season then”

Credit: @Bielsalmighty

“This is such a blow. A new LB is massively needed, Masuaku can’t be our LB in a flat back four”

Credit: @antoni_dad

In other news – ‘I think’: Journalist drops claim on ‘special’ West Ham target tipped to become ‘world-class’

Everton are having a nightmare of a season but Rafael Benitez has been trying to find opportunities to turn it around by getting thoroughly stuck into the winter transfer window.

In an attempt to win over the support of the fans and put Everton in a better position come the end of the season, a fourth January signing is rumoured to be on the horizon.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the Toffees manager could already be working on securing his fourth signing of the month, with a specific position in mind.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “They were looking to possibly bring in a new centre-back, and that’s what Rafa Benitez has got his heart set on, he thinks the defence needs sorting out.”

The club has already signed two defenders in January so far, with right back Nathan Patterson joining from Rangers and left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko signing from Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev.

Fans will be buzzing

If the performance against Norwich on Saturday afternoon is anything to go by, Everton are desperate for central defenders, after Michael Keane scored an own goal and put on a poor display throughout the game as the Toffees were defeated 2-1 at Carrow Road.

Some fans may be buzzing at the prospect of a potential new centre back at the club, given some of the scathing reactions to Saturday’s horror show in Norfolk.

As for the manager, he is treading on thin ice with many fans, and the signing of a quality centre-back could salvage whatever support he has left at the club, with the team 15th in the Premier League and just six points off the relegation zone.

Despite the desire and intention to turn the season around for Everton, Benitez may have managed his last game for the Toffees as reports suggested that he could be sacked by the club imminently after the embarrassing defeat on Saturday afternoon.

If the unpopular Spaniard can land a new centre-back as a parting gift at Goodison Park, it may well represent good news on the double for the Everton faithful.

In other news: One Everton flop may just cost Benitez his job

A major claim has emerged on Lille centre-back Sven Botman, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services…

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Magpies are ‘seriously interested’ in the defender and that he is at the top of their wishlist heading into January. Italian giants AC Milan are also said to be keen on the Dutchman, who had three other sides in talks to sign him in the summer.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle are seriously interested in signing Sven Botman in January. He’s top of the list – but still waiting to know Lille position/price tag. AC Milan are keeping tabs on Botman situation too #NUFC #Lille Sevilla, Wolves & Atalanta were in talks to sign Botman last summer.”

Delight

This major claim from Romano, that Botman is top of the club’s wishlist, will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling delighted. It shows that the ex-Ajax man is a serious target for the Magpies and indicates that he could be a player they are willing to actively pursue upon the opening of the transfer window next month.

Eddie Howe’s team are currently 19th in the Premier League table and staring down the barrel of relegation as it stands. They have only kept one clean sheet all season and lost 4-0 to Leicester at the weekend, highlighting the defensive frailties that have been causing them issues all year and showing why fans will be buzzing that PIF are working hard to bolster the ex-Bournemouth man’s options in that department.

The 21-year-old colossus has been in fine form for Lille and could be a top addition to Newcastle’s squad. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.96 this season, impressing on Sunday with a score of 7.3 against Lyon in Ligue 1 for his side. He made five clearances, one block, two tackles and two interceptions to help his team keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw.

Last term, he averaged a score of 7.08 as Lille kept 20 clean sheets in his 37 appearances. This, along with his form this season, shows that he has the ability to perform to a high standard in a defence capable of keeping clean sheets at the top level, which is another reason why Newcastle fans will be delighted with the news of the club’s interest in signing him.

AND in other news, NUFC heading for disaster on “embarrassing” 30 y/o dud, Howe once locked him in a room…

Crystal Palace, Everton and Newcastle all hold an interest in Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe ahead of the January window.

That’s according to reports from France (Jeunes Footeux), and, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been reacting to the links on social media.

Arsenal signed Pepe in a deal worth £72m back in 2019 when they were heavily linked with a move for Wilfried Zaha. Since then, the right-winger has made 98 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 25 times and registering 18 assists.

He’s been in and out of Mikel Arteta’s side during the current campaign, and according to the reports in France, the Eagles are looking to take advantage of the player’s situation at the Emirates, with a deal in the January transfer window.

The outlet claims that a transfer could be a loan with an option to buy in the summer, with Everton and Newcastle also name-checked.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the links to Pepe on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘stupid’.

“would be mad. not happening”

Credit: @b4ldheed

“I beg your pardon?”

Credit: @cpfcgoaat

“No we’re not, I refuse to believe it”

Credit: @AidanKeys

“He’d struggle to make the Palace bench with our squad. Shame as I thought he was meant to be better than ZAHA”

Credit: @Jed_Die

“would be a stupid signing”

Credit: @steven_palace

“April fools….right?”

Credit: @TheOfficialPau1

In other news: ‘The Vieira effect’ – Many CPFC fans react as Conor Gallagher update news emerges. 

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate this summer as David Moyes looks to bolster his defensive options.

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph, the Hammers could lure the 26-year-old to east London for just £8m, with Transfermarkt valuing the Frenchman at £16.2m.

The commanding central defender can also play at left-back and has featured in 24 of Mainz’s 28 Bundesliga matches this term, scoring three goals and keeping eight clean sheets.

Currently, the Irons have Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop at centre-back, although the Italian has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines with an ACL injury, while Diop could depart this summer amid reported interest from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.

Therefore, it’s vital that Moyes adds to his defensive arsenal in the upcoming transfer window.

West Ham must swoop for Niakhate

Zouma has done well to establish himself as the clear first-choice centre-back in his first season at West Ham following last summer’s £29.8m move from Chelsea. However, the Frenchman needs a regular partner, with the likes of Dawson, Ogbonna and Diop all taking turns this season to partner the 27-year-old.

Moreover, left-back is also an area which needs addressing, with Aaron Cresswell now 32 years of age. In fact, the Hammers squad is the second oldest in the Premier League, with an average age of 28.8.

With Niakhate, these issues can be solved.

The Mainz captain stands at 6 foot 3 and averages 1.4 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 2.1 clearances per league game. For context, Zouma averages a lower tally of 0.6 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per match but also makes a whopping 5.6 clearances.

In Niakhate, West Ham can find their new Rio Ferdinand in colossus of a defender on whom they can later make a profit, particularly if £8m is the German club’s asking price.

Described as “clever” by Mainz manager Bo Svensson, the £12k-per-week French defender can add much-needed depth and quality to the Irons’ squad, which will be vital if Moyes’ side are to qualify for Europe again for 2022/23.

Having balanced four competitions over the course of the season, the Hammers’ lack of squad depth has been exposed at times, particularly when injuries have stacked up.

The lack of depth makes the upcoming transfer window particularly vital, especially considering that the east Londoners made no signings in January.

With reinforcements needed in essentially every position, Moyes will need to be shrewd in how he spends the transfer kitty provided to him, making a potential £8m deal for Niakhate an undoubted bargain swoop which must be made.

In other news – Fewer touches than Areola: West Ham dud who completed just one pass against Lyon let Moyes down

Aston Villa could well sign their new Jack Grealish in Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz amid a recent transfer report…

What’s the story?

According to a report from The Daily Mail, the 18-year-old has been touted as someone Steven Gerrard’s side like as they look to make a potential splash in the January transfer window.

Shades of Grealish

While Grealish’s summer exit would no doubt have caused some pain among Villa supporters, signing a talent like Wirtz would go a long way to banishing those memories.

This season alone has seen him net eight goals and provide another 11 assists in just 21 games in all competitions, including bagging three in the Europa League and striking against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

It’s no surprise then that plenty of people have delivered some rave reviews, with former teammate Aleksandar Dragovic even comparing him to a current Premier League star.

He said: “The lad has a lot of potential and if he keeps his feet on the ground, he could be another Kai Havertz.”

And, one of his current teammates, Julian Baumgartlinger, added: “He’s really emerged quickly. During the lockdown, he came to first-team training, and you could see he’s a special player even though he’s young.”

With his age and goal-scoring record already – he is the youngest scorer in German top-flight history – Wirtz seems to be the kind of precocious young talent who had people sitting up and take notice, just like Grealish did when he was making his way into the Villa first-team.

The starlet valued at a mammoth £127m by CIES would be a statement signing, but one crucially that could help Villa unearth another star they can build an entire team around for both the here and now, and the future too.

Meanwhile, Villa could make a move for this Serie A starlet…

Everton are expected to have a sizeable transfer budget at their disposal over the January window as Rafa Benitez aims to add multiple additions to his struggling first-team squad.

What’s the story?

That’s according to journalist Paul Brown, who claims that Benitez is likely to have a minimum of £30 million to spend as he plots the Toffees’ path up the Premier League table.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “There should be £30million or £35million to spend in this window, if not more.”

Fans surely buzzing

If Brown’s latest revelation is accurate, then Benitez will have significantly more room to maneuver in the winter window than he did during the summer, allowing him to make the necessary additions that excite supporters.

The Blues were the lowest spending Premier League club just a few months ago, spending only £1.6m in order to prise Demarai Gray away from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

In fact, Gray was the only acquisition that the Merseyside club spent any cash on, with Andros Townsend, Salomon Rondon, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan all joining on free transfers.

Benitez admitted Financial Fair Play guidelines resulted in Everton being unable to spend big during his first transfer window in the Goodison Park dugout after the club posted enormous losses of £139.9m for the last financial year.

However, with Everton’s books beginning to look healthy after James Rodriquez’s departure back in September, the Spanish tactician can start planning ahead.

According to the Liverpool ECHO, director of football Marcel Brands and co. are understood to be looking for two new additions in particular, with a winger and a box-to-box midfielder at the top of their wishlist.

The likes of Jesse Lingard, Luis Diaz and Donny van de Beek have been named as targets by several reports, and it’s clear that Benitez is in need of players of that quality.

Everton have picked up just a single point from a possible 15 after losing just one of their opening seven top-flight fixtures, meaning Benitez and the Goodison faithful will be buzzing to see more cash ready to spend in January.

And, in other news…Huge blow: Everton suffer big injury setback, Benitez will be gutted