All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham fans simply cannot wait until their beloved team walks out onto the Wanda Metropolitano pitch for the upcoming Champions League final.

It’s most definitely an occasion most wouldn’t have believed Spurs could get to but now they’re here, Tottenham are in it to win it.

With qualification secured for the competition next season as well, Spurs are really starting to change the perception about them. No longer viewed as bottlers, the football world is finally seeing the north London club for what they truly are: a very dangerous outfit.

Next season will be a new challenge entirely but one Mauricio Pochettino’s side will without a doubt be ready for.

The capture of a number of big names could do Tottenham the world of good and one of those linked with a move to London and the Premier League is German international Julian Brandt, recently linked with a move to the club by the Daily Mail.

Brandt, (who is valued at £40.5 million on Transfermarkt) is a player that has exceptional quality and because of that will likely get a move this summer, whether that is Tottenham or not.

Indeed, with nine goals and 17 assists, interest is quite rightly aplenty in a player that has great potential to get even better. Clearly, the 23-year-old has enjoyed a prolific season for Bayer Leverkusen and his goals could even see his team rise into fourth place by the end of the campaign.

Brandt has brilliant versatility which means he is able to play out on the wing or through the middle as an attacking midfielder.

Yes, Tottenham do already have plenty of quality in those positions but Brandt would add even more to an ever-improving side, especially if Christian Eriksen was to leave as well.

Daniel Levy must have more than enough money to splash after two disappointing transfer windows.

Would you want to sign Julian Brandt… Let us know!

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With Rangers’ season done and dusted, manager Steven Gerrard can finally fully focus on the challenges ahead this summer as the club prepare to mount a serious challenge on the trophies available in Scotland next term.

The recruitment team at Ibrox have already been busy of course, signing players such as Jake Hastie and Jordan Jones on a pre-contract basis, also tying down Steven Davis.

One big blow to the squad will be the departure of Ryan Kent, who will head back to parent club Liverpool with his future next season very much in doubt.

It will, initially at least, leave the Gers first-team without a key attacking threat, although you’d have to think that the arrival of Jones has at least been designed to fill the gap left by the 22-year-old.

Can the Northern Ireland international step into that left wing position and make fans forget all about Kent?

On the chalkboard

Jones, who is coming off the back of a season helping Kilmarnock qualify for Europe after finishing third in the Scottish Premiership, undoubtedly has talent and is one of the stand-outs in the division outside of Rangers and Celtic.

A more direct and pacy talent than Kent, he might lack a bit of the flair that the Liverpool man offered the Gers throughout 2018/19 and as a result may find it tougher to win over supporters as quickly as Kent, whose close ball control and skill had fans on their feet from the start.

He would need to up his direct goal contribution too, registering just four goals and four assists for the entire season at Kilmarnock.

That kind of end product won’t fly at Ibrox and ultimately may be the real barrier Jones has to break through to be considered a viable replacement for Kent.

Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…

Threat to progress

Jones also arrives at the club as another left winger, Glenn Middleton, continues to build a bit of hype of his own at Rangers.

Initially getting plenty of football in the first half of the season, the teenager was dropped to the reserves after the winter break, but continued to catch the eye of fans with a number of excellent goals at that level and for youth sides.

The former Killie man would have to hit the ground running to stave off calls for Middleton to get more game time.

Both trying to live up to the billing of a Kent replacement as well as being someone who is a threat to the progress of the 19-year-old, Jones will absolutely have it all to prove when he does arrive in Gerrard’s squad.

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Arsenal fans have praised Krystian Bielik’s starring performance in the League 1 Play-Off final at Wembley after his man of the match performance helped Lee Bowyer’s Charlton secure promotion to the Championship.

Bielik was signed by Arsenal in January 2015 and was expected to develop into one of the finest youngsters in the world. The opportunities haven’t come for the Pole though, and he’s had to go on loan to various clubs such as Birmingham and Walsall to get the game time he needs.

It’s at Charlton where he’s developed the most, with Bowyer deploying him in the centre-back role despite him spending most of his early career playing as a dynamic, defensive midfielder.

The final chapter of his season came in the play-offs in which his man of the match display helped Charlton claim a spectacular last-minute winner against fellow promotion hopefuls Sunderland.

Arsenal have struggled defensively all season, and the 6ft 3 colossus could be seen as the perfect replacement for some of the more ageing players like Laurent Koscielny, or even those who have struggled to find their best form like Shkodran Mustafi.

The Polish youngster’s performance has got fans very excited about the prospect of the defender returning to the club next season, and Arsenal fans took to Twitter to call for Charlton’s Play-Off star to be given a chance…

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Manchester United are up against Manchester City in the race for Bruno Fernandes, according to reports in Portugal.

What’s the story?

According to A Bola, the Red Devils are hoping to wrap up a deal for Fernandes.

The report claims Sporting CP are open to selling their superstar this summer, and that Man City have already offered €55m (£48.7m) for his services. However, United are happy to go as high as €70m (£62m).

Third time lucky

The last two transfer targets Manchester United have stolen from their blue neighbours are Alexis Sanchez and Fred, but Fernandes is on a totally different level.

While Alexis was reaching the end of his career and Fred was somewhat of an unknown entity, Fernandes has surely caught the eye of every top team in Europe with his performances this season.

Playing in an advanced midfield role, the 24 year-old has racked up a remarkable 32 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, falling just short of a goal involvement every single game with 50 in 53 appearances, per Transfermarkt.

Will OGS still be in charge of Man Utd come next May? The Flying Pig discusses in the video below…

With the work rate to play in a midfield three, the creativity to carve open a defence at a moment’s notice as well as superior long-distance shooting even to Paul Pogba, the Portuguese international would breathe new life into United’s midfield.

If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ends this summer with a midfield trio of Pogba, Fernandes and a new defensive option, he will be one very happy manager.

Fernandes is going to make fans forget all about the nightmarish first full seasons of Alexis and Fred.

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Tottenham Hotspur have handed Liverpool an unexpected pre-match advantage after Mauricio Pochettino’s quotes surrounding the build-up to the Champions League final.

The Spurs manager has guided the club out of a group also featuring both Barcelona and Inter Milan, while beating Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Ajax in the knockout stages.

Pochettino’s men, who he has referred to as “superheroes”, head into the game as slight underdogs against a Reds team that finished second in the Premier League, losing just one game.

And he has insisted that he wants to flout the usual UEFA rules by including every single member of his 23-man squad in the pre-match photograph.

Per the Daily Mail, he said: “What I want is all the players before the start of the game — 22 or 23 — in the picture on the pitch. That is the team that won or lost.”

He added: “People care a lot about that. The players care more than we believe. When I was a player I always fought with the organisation and the club. And the same now I’m a manager. I’m going to propose it.”

Fans have lapped this up; Pochettino often emphasises the collective instead of the individual and that is a key part of his managerial mentality but one has to question the wisdom of being so emotional ahead of such an enormous game.

Liverpool, naturally, will have 11 players in the pre-match picture. They have been here before and they have done it; no fewer than five times.

Spurs, by comparison, have never been to a Champions League final and, frankly, it shows.

Imagine the scene; Liverpool take their photograph and look over at Spurs, with all 23 players, including academy graduates Alfie Whiteman, Oliver Skipp and George Marsh, smiling for the cameras. It smacks of naivety and being overawed by the occasion. Such a saccharine sight will surely boost the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, who have been here before – just twelve months ago, in fact.

One can understand the mentality of Pochettino and the idea behind his statement but, at the same time, it plays into the opposition’s hands and creates the idea of Tottenham being in the final purely to make up the numbers.

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Leeds United fans on Twitter have made it very clear that they don’t want Jordan Rhodes at the club.

Speculation started on Twitter that the Yorkshire club have joined the race for the Sheffield Wednesday striker, but fans weren’t keen on the idea of the Scot being added to their ranks.

Rhodes has seemingly lost his touch over the past two seasons, as his goal-scoring rate has decreased significantly.

The attacker was a goal machine during his time at Blackburn Rovers, but his returns have been diminishing in recent seasons.

Last term, the 29-year-old was outscored by both Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford, so there has understandably been question marks raised as to whether or not he would be a good addition to the squad.

It remains to be seen whether or not anything will come of this initial rumour, but if he were to arrive at Leeds it certainly wouldn’t be a popular signing.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

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Aston Villa are interested in signing Chelsea prospect Ethan Ampadu this summer, according to The Guardian.

What’s the story?

As Villa search for players who can directly improve the starting eleven at the club, manager Dean Smith must also be on the hunt for players who can bolster the squad-at-large and provide the depth needed for what could be a long and gruelling Premier League campaign.

One player on the club’s radar, say The Guardian, is 18-year-old Ethan Ampadu.

The paper reckon Chelsea are currently weighing up whether his development is best served with a loan away from Stamford Bridge and the Villans are interested.

The teenager hasn’t had many starts at the Blues and needs more regular action if he is to fulfil his stellar potential.

Watch fans explain why the Football League is better than the Premier League in the video below…

What can he offer Villa?

Despite his age and limited experience, Ampadu has already demonstrated he has the composure and ability needed to compete at the top level.

He made starts in the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League for Chelsea last term and has now won eight caps for Wales too.

His ball-playing ability and physical presence means he can play both as a centre-back or in defensive midfield, giving Dean Smith depth and tactical flexibility in multiple positions next season.

Not only that but the structure of the deal, a simple loan move, would allow the club to divert larger resources to other positions in the team.

Villa’s coffers will be boosted by Premier League participation but in an ever-ballooning transfer market it always makes sense to do cheap deals where possible.

There are solid arguments against developing another team’s players, but as Villa look to consolidate their position in the top-flight he can be an excellent bridging option to transfer windows down the line.

The boxes he ticks make him a perfect short-term choice for the club.

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Loads of Leeds fans on Twitter are in agreement as to what the club should do with Adam Forshaw.

The midfielder has reportedly been the subject of interest from Fulham, and United fans don’t think that they should be hesitant to let the 27-year-old leave.

The former Middlesbrough man only arrived at Elland Road 18 months ago, but fans aren’t too fussed about him staying for any longer after reported interest from the London club.

He made 31 appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the Championship last season as the Yorkshire outfit finished third in the Championship.

With the emergence of Jamie Shackleton towards the back end of the previous campaign, Forshaw may see his minutes on the pitch even more limited at Leeds, and it may be time for him to go.

It remains to be seen whether or not he will actually leave Elland Road, but if he does the fanbase won’t miss him too much.

Here’s what Leeds supporters have been saying on Twitter…

Paul Gascoigne has and always will be one of the biggest characters to have ever pulled on and England shirt.

In his prime, he was one of the most gifted players this country has produced and one who was unique in the way he could control a game.

Gazza’s off-field antics made endeared him to the public as the nation’s sweetheart throughout his career, but since then his battle with alcoholism has plagued him greatly.

Nevertheless, he is an incredibly memorable personality and one who, whether for better or worse, will always have a place in the hearts of many Three Lions fans.

His jovial nature was a reputation he carved for himself and this gallery takes a look back at some of Gazza’s legendary photos, focusing on ones that you may not have seen before.

And we start where it all began for the Geordie teenager. Aged just 17 he was already lifting a trophy for the north East club.

Early Success

Joe Allon and Paul Gascoigne holding the FA Youth Cup after they successfully won the trophy with Newcastle United.

11th May 1985.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

Bouncing Around

Newcastle United pre-season. Players take time out on a inflatable bouncing castle at their Benwell training ground to help publicise Bounce Aid, the latest North East answer to Band Aid. Pictured: Organiser John Stokel Walker with United players Glenn Roeder, Neil McDonald, Paul Gascoigne, Billy Whitehurst, Gary Kelly and Joe Allon.

18th August 1986.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

Post-match bath

Newcastle United footballer Paul Gascoigne in the bath naked in the dressing rooms at St James Park.

January 1988.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

Iconic

Paul Gascoigne and Vinnie Jones taking touch-tight marking to a whole new level. Wimbledon v Newcastle United @ Plough Lane

6th February 1988.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

The England Days

England footballer Paul Gascoigne wearing a tartan hat as he poses with teammates Gary Stevens (left) & Terry Butcher (right) who both play for Glasgow Rangers, ahead of the Rous Cup match against Scotland at Hampden Park.

May 1989.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

Gone Fishing

Paul Gascoigne out on a fishing trip.

1990.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

Relaxed Mood in 1990

World Cup Finals in Italy. England footballers Paul Gascoigne (left) and Terry Butcher in relaxed mood at the England team base.

June 1990.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

Classic Gazza

At Italia ’90 where Paul Gascoigne is covered in chocolate cake after playing a joke on the England squad who had been lounging about by the pool.

1990.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

Fog on the Tyme

Paul Gascoigne ‘Gazza’ with Lindisfarne promoting their hit single ‘Fog On The Tyne’ in front of the Tyne Bridge.

1st October 1990.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

Close Shave

Footballer Paul Gascoigne with Tottenham and England teammate Chris Waddle, sporting a new haircut after a close shave with him.

2nd May 1991.

Copyright: Mirrorpix

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to France Football, Arsenal are very interested in signing Borussia Dortmund centre-back Dan-Axel Zagadou this summer despite there being a recognition that he could be out of the club’s price range.

What’s the word?

The report claims Unai Emery’s side were left suitably impressed by Zagadou’s performances during the U20 World Cup in Poland and that they are keeping the 20-year-old on their list of targets.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Bhav runs down his Arsenal transfer wish list in the video below…

The Frenchman is under contract at Dortmund until 2022 having signed there from PSG two seasons ago and the Gunners are well aware that it could take an extraordinary amount of money to prise him away from Germany.

A colossus at the back

Standing at 6ft 5in tall, Zagadou immediately stands out on the football pitch. There aren’t many players in any position that are taller than him, and at centre-back he would automatically bring a commanding presence to the defence.

The Gunners have notoriously struggled with crosses into the box and strikers with a physical edge to their game – just ask Troy Deeney – and bringing in a man of Zagadou’s frame would almost act as a reassuring figure to the rest of the back-line.

There was a certain rawness to the defensive side of his game last season, recording particularly low numbers for both tackles and interceptions per game. But it’s his composure on the ball that could really intrigue Emery and his desire to play out from the bank.

Zagadou averaged 65.3 passes per game during the last campaign at a pass success rate of 88.6%. In contrast, the Gunners’ most consistent performer at the heart of defence Laurent Koscielny registered just 48.8 passes per game. The 20-year-old is incredibly comfortable on the ball and being left-footed would bring balance to the defence also.

Too often in Emery’s back three, the Gunners centre-half playing on the left-hand side would have to check back on to his right foot and drive directly into traffic. Having someone like Zagadou would open the game up more and free up space for the likes of Granit Xhaka to drop back in and cover the space.

Watch Arsenal Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Indeed, after a particularly fine performance against Wolfsburg last year, Dortmund boss Lucien Favre remarked: “His development’s been fantastic. He’s now played eight games in a row and shows great anticipation. He’s outstanding.”

The key word for Arsenal and Emery? Development. With his physical height and surprising pace, Zagadou has all the raw ingredients to become a powerful presence at heart of Arsenal’s defence.