All posts by z3u9t.icu

Some Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing as some news emerged on their game at home to Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

As per the official website of the Ibrox faithful, no Light Blues supporter will be refused entry into the ground, despite it being used as a ‘test event’ by the Scottish government.

This comes after Gers were told that they must show a vaccine certificate if they wish to go into the stadium, and must be fully vaccinated and able to show proof of such, unless they are exempt.

While the restrictions are not ideal for some of the fans, the latest information about not being refused entry has at least lightened the mood of those planning to go to the match tomorrow afternoon.

Rangers fans on Hibernian news

These Light Blues buzzed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one RFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it is ‘fantastic news’:

“Yessss finally!!”

Credit: @laurenrfc96

“Ideal”

Credit: @JordanCowie72

“Fantastic news”

Credit: @sc__morton

“Great news and what a relief for anyone who was concerned about getting in on Sunday”

Credit: @HeartAndHamez

“This is amazing.”

Credit: @BrianSpanner1

“My club”

Credit: @RFCGW

In other news, find out what one pundit has heard about Connor Goldson’s contract here!

West Ham United are keen on signing Luka Jovic this month…

What’s the word?

According to Eurosport, the Irons are considering turning their attention to the Real Madrid striker, who is said to be a long-term target.

It’s claimed that Jovic is not in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans for the new season, so the La Liga giants are prepared to let him leave before the transfer deadline on August 31st.

David Moyes and co have struggled to find a new forward and are desperate to find competition for the injury-prone Michail Antonio.

However, the Hammers face competition for the 23-year-old from at least three Bundesliga sides. It remains to be seen just how much Jovic will command, with both Transfermarkt and CIES Football Observatory valuing him at £18m.

 A statement signing

Whilst the 6-foot Serbian has struggled to make much of an impact at the Bernabeu since a €60m (£50m) move in the summer of 2019, even returning to his former club Frankfurt for a loan spell last season, he would still be quite the coup for the East Londoners.

During the 2018/19 season, Jovic bagged a whopping 27 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions, via Transfermarkt, also striking up quite the partnership with Sebastien Haller, whose own exploits saw him make the switch to the London Stadium.

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His form, particularly that year, earned glowing acclaim from teammate Filip Kostic, who described the talisman as “just unbelievable” to Bundesliga.com.

Furthermore, Jovic has been likened to Radamel Falcao, largely due to his ability to use either foot, as well as his head, to find the net. It’s perhaps why another former teammate, Kevin-Prince Boateng dubbed him a complete striker.

“He has everything to become [a world-class striker]. You see that in training. He has football in his genes, he’s a street footballer, and he has a nose for goal,” Boateng said. “He scores with his head, right or left foot. He is technically good and can shoot well with both feet. He just has everything a striker needs.”

Also lauded as “fast, robust and technically savvy” by Haller, it’s easy to see why Madrid splashed the cash on the 14-cap Serbia international and you could forgive him for not living up to the expectations and pressure that comes with playing for Los Galacticos.

Hammers boss Moyes should absolutely consider a move for Jovic before the end of the month. Given his impressive goalscoring record and experience across Europe, he could be exactly the sort of signing that takes the club.

The self-proclaimed “fox in the box” is well worth a late punt to solve the Scot’s striker nightmare.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Antonio: West Ham must seal move for “special” £31.5m-rated goal machine…

An update has emerged on Newcastle’s transfer plans, regarding Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are eyeing up a potential swoop for the USA international as Eddie Howe plots his targets ahead of the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Italian giants are open to allowing him to leave on loan, which could allow Newcastle to snap him up for the second half of the season.

New Lewis Cook

Howe managed a number of talented players at Bournemouth and one of them was midfielder Lewis Cook, who was previously named in one of Gareth Southgate’s England squads under the 43-year-old’s management.

In McKennie, he could find his new Cook at the base of his midfield. The 23-year-old has played ten games in the Serie A this season, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.74, showing the experience that he already has under his belt at the top level. Howe could look to unlock his full potential, given his young age, and mould him into his new midfield sensation.

Former Schalke coach David Wagner lauded the gem’s ability to play in the number six or eight roles in the midfield. He said:

“He’s an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well.

“He’s also very good in the air and he’s young, so there is a lot more to come but we’re very happy to have him in our team.”

Wagner mentioned McKennie’s hard-working attitude and Howe once lauded Cook’s work rate for the Cherries. He said:

“He was hugely impressive. He’s missed a lot of football but he has done everything right in his recovery. He has put the yards in. I’ve never seen a player run as much as he has.”

This shows how similar the £37k-per-week Juventus beast is to Howe’s midfield protege at the Vitality Stadium, with their ability to play in the deep-lying anchor role whilst working their socks off for their respective sides.

That is why Howe would love to have McKennie in his squad for the second half of the campaign, which is why PIF must now ensure that they can get a deal over the line for him.

AND in other news, Howe could land dream NUFC signing in £91k-p/w dynamo who “dominates the game”…

The Express and Star’s Luke Hatfield has delivered an update on Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings amid speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle United in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the newly-minted Magpies will be turning their attentions towards Villa’s club captain, but Hatfield has now played down those links.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’d be surprised. Tyrone Mings is obviously a massive player for Aston Villa.”

Could back-fire massively

While Mings has endured a very disappointing start to the Premier League season – so much so that Dean Smith even dropped him from the starting line-up against West Ham – there’s no questioning that when the 28-year-old is on song, he can be a very commanding and authoritative presence at the back.

The defender was one of the stars of England’s run to the final of Euro 2020 over the summer, with former Three Lions centre-back Rio Ferdinand waxing lyrical about him after the first couple of group games.

The ex-Man United stalwart said: “I think he’s done really well in the games. Tyrone Mings has probably been one of the standout players over the first two games.

“I was one of the people who was quite sceptical of him going, let alone playing. But he’s done really well, you have to take your hat off to him. He’s played two games that have probably suited his way of playing. But you’ve still got to put the performance in and he’s done that.”

While the £27m-rated centre-back may not have been at his best this season, it would be a very hasty call by Villa to get rid of him completely, especially to a Premier League rival like Newcastle.

The Magpies find themselves just five points behind Villa and will likely be major players in the transfer market come January. Signing Mings would not only strengthen them, but weaken a team who they feel they could overtake not just this season, but in the years to come too.

Gerrard simply has to keep the 28-year-old away from Newcastle’s clutches and avoid making a mistake which could backfire massively in both the short- and long-term.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has revealed what Gerrard has “transformed” at Bodymoor Heath…

Leeds United youngster Lewis Bate could feature for Marcelo Bielsa’s side as early as this season, according to former Whites striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: New season close

Leeds enjoyed a superb first year back in the Premier League in 2020/21, finishing ninth in the table and producing lots of eye-catching football.

The aim now is for Bielsa’s men to build on that achievement, pushing towards the European places instead of going backwards.

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The Latest: Pundit tips Bate to feature

One player who has been tipped to feature at some point next season is young midfielder Bate, who joined from Chelsea earlier this week.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed the midfielder could be given his Leeds bow sooner rather than later:

“I think there’s opportunities for everybody to break in. I do think midfield players right now is an area where, you know, we are a little bit sparse on. We could have more competition in that area of the field.

“He’s playing under-23s football despite his age. That’s probably a lot more difficult than the under-18s. It’s a lot stronger with bigger players that you’re up against. The fact that he can hold his ground there shows real promise.

“This season might be a little bit too much of a stretch but we could very much see him next season.

“Once you’ve got to know the club, the players around him and got used to the system, you’ll know what it’s like to play at Leeds United.

“There’s an absolutely massive opportunity there for everybody in that under-23 squad, to maybe progress through this season, especially in cup competitions.

“We could get a glimpse of these young stars that could be playing for the first team year in the next year so.”

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The Verdict: Is he ready?

At 18, Bate is clearly still a young player learning his trade, but it would be hugely encouraging to see him given some minutes by Bielsa.

As Whelan says, it would be a surprise if he was used in the league too regularly, although central midfield is arguably one of the Whites’ less well-stocked areas of the pitch so he, like a few of Leeds’ other youngsters, may get a chance to prove themselves in cup games.

Over time, Bate could feature prominently, but for now, the odd appearance in the cup competitions would be ideal for him as he continues his development.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly closing in on a move for one player – find out who it is here.

Dean Windass believes that selling Serge Aurier would be a mistake from Tottenham.

The right-back recently said that he doesn’t want to sign another contract in north London despite entering the final 12 months of his deal, and hinted at a return to PSG.

Since Kieran Trippier left for Atletico Madrid back in the summer of 2019, Aurier has established himself as the club’s number one right-back but was strongly linked with both AC Milan and Monaco last summer following the arrival of Matt Doherty.

Despite a stop-start campaign, the 28-year-old still made 27 appearances in all competitions, although he appeared just 11 times in the Premier League after Christmas, with youngster Japhet Tanganga given a couple of rare chances at right-back.

But whilst Aurier, who was slated by and handed a 3/10 rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold following the Europa League exit to Dinamo Zagreb, has shown his capabilities in an attacking force since joining from PSG, there have always been question marks over the defensive side of his game – with the Ivorian often making careless mistakes.

Asked whether he’d be a loss should Tottenham move him on this summer, Windass told Football FanCast:

“Yes. I think he’s a great player, I think he’s an athlete, I think he’s a very good defender, but it’s like a domino effect.

“Losing Harry, Son’s not happy, everyone will be trying to jump ship.”

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are set to be locked in a three-way transfer tussle for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer [Metro via Liverpool Echo].

Becoming a key fixture for Graham Potter’s men in 2020/21, the 25-year-old made 39 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring twice [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be set for a busy few months of speculation after recent reports came to light.

Liverpool, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal are all mooted to be keen on his services.

He is reportedly valued at around £40 million by his current employers, with a battle set to comments in January for his signature.

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Liverpool diehards took to social media to scorn this latest transfer talk.

Liverpool FC fans react:

Replying to popular Liverpool outlets LFC Transfer Room and Liverpool FC News on Twitter, here is what some Reds supporters had to say upon the emergence of latest developments:

“Aren’t you sick of this ****? False rumours every single time.”

Credit: @a_elsouri

“I have a long standing interest in buying a Ferrari. Will visit the local Ferrari dealer again next Jan”

Credit: @nomad56060053″Interested FC, that doesn’t change”Credit: @adri_pltr”The window only just closed, can we have a week off before more speculation about players we’re never going to sign?”Credit: @klopptilludrop”What a Joke”Credit: @haideraljanabi”Agent trying to drum up a new contract seeing as there were no bids in Summer. Classic move”Credit: @Blark_officialIn other news, Liverpool were eyeing up another Premier League ace during the transfer window. Find out more here.

Leeds United must pull off a late transfer heist for Rangers star Ryan Kent amid recent comments.

What’s the story?

Last year, Marcelo Bielsa’s side had bids rejected for the winger, and recently The Daily Mirror claimed that “Leeds are also keeping a watching brief on Rangers’ Ryan Kent and he is also someone Bielsa has liked for a long time.”

And now, speaking exclusively to FFC, former Leeds man David Norris said: “Go and get him. Rangers are making those whispers that they might need to sell and it feels like they’re putting those feelers out.

“He has been linked many times and is obviously thought really highly of at Leeds. I think he would make a big difference as well. I would say signal your intent and put a decent offer in. I think he would be a good player at Leeds.”

Bielsa likes him

In a Q&A for The Athletic, Phil Hay said: “At the right price, I’m sure Bielsa would be interested. But Rangers have been talking about £20m and Leeds wouldn’t be keen to stretch to that.

“He likes Kent, we know that. My gut feeling is that Bielsa would prefer Kent or James.”

Kent enjoyed an impressive campaign north of the border last term, scoring 13 goals and setting up another 15, so it’s no real surprise that Hay has claimed Bielsa would be keen on doing a deal for the £12.6m-rated ace.

Former Rangers star Kris Boyd has previously waxed lyrical about the former Liverpool man, saying: “There’s Ryan Kent who is phenomenal – he gets you off your seat. His numbers have increased season after season. Even if the team are not at the level we saw at the start of the campaign, he is still a threat. He is so comfortable with the ball – it is like has superglue in his boots!”

Given the kind of attacking options that Bielsa already has at his disposal, including the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison out wide, Kent’s arrival would go a long way to completing a dream attack for the Leeds boss.

Able to play on either side and even behind the striker too, Kent has the kind of impressive versatility that would fit in well at Elland Road. And, given Hay’s comments on how Bielsa “likes” him too, Victor Orta should surely be all over a late transfer window swoop for the Englishman.

As Norris himself says, he could make a “big difference”.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this Premier League record breaker…

Aston Villa have been watching Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia closely, according to a report from The Athletic.

The 24-year-old isn’t viewed as a replacement for Jack Grealish, but rather someone who could be deployed alongside the England international.

Villa are looking to strengthen in forward areas, with Trezeguet out long-term and Ross Barkley’s loan spell at its end, but it will apparently take more than £40m to prise the Argentine away from Norwich, who were recently promoted back to the Premier League.

Both the player and the club are believed to have accepted that it is the right time for him to leave, although Villa could face competition from Arsenal, who view Buendia as an alternative to Martin Odegaard should the latter return to Real Madrid.

Buendia coveted after fine season

Buendia led the Championship for assists last season with a total of 16, four clear of his nearest challenger, Reading’s Michael Olise. He also scored 15 times during the campaign, enough to finish in the league’s top 10 scorers.

Fan feed The Villa Report relayed the information, and naturally many supporters reacted excitedly, imploring sporting director Johan Lange to do all he can to bring the 24-year-old to Villa Park.

Villa fans buzzing at strong Buendia links

“If Lange gets this done I’ll give him my first born”

Credit: @AVFC__Alex

“Next to Jack this would be an unbelievable signing – we have the money, spend it”

Credit: @AvfcU

“Get it done.”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“I beg of you”

Credit: @BlackCountry_AV

“Ohhhhh myyyyy”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“Oh now this is what I’m talking about”

Credit: @BackpostTrez2

In other news, read this ex-Villa star’s incredible claim about Emi Martinez.

Taking to Twitter, 90min journalist Sean Walsh has made a claim involving Tottenham Hotspur and a possible move for Brentford attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen. 

The lowdown: A joint reunion…

Having made a superb return following a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, Eriksen could already be eyeing the next step as the summer transfer window approaches.

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Out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), the 30-year-old has already been linked with a sensational move back to N17 to rejoin Spurs and in turn, reunite with Antonio Conte who he starred under at Inter Milan.

Sharing news on social media, Walsh has suggested that the move could now be edging closer than ever…

The latest: Walsh drops update

As per his information, the Brentford and Tottenham reporter claims that the north London club are now ‘confident’ of signing Eriksen this summer.

Walsh explained in a Tweet that the move could be dependent on whether Conte remains at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and whether the Lilywhites reach the UEFA Champions League.

The verdict: Get it done

This is a no-brainer for Spurs as transfer chief Fabio Paratici attempts to strengthen the squad in the summer transfer window.

The 111-cap Denmark international has been nothing short of a revelation since joining Brentford and has directly contributed to three goals in seven Premier League outings for a side that was floundering in February.

Overall, the man hailed as a ‘very special player’ by Spurs insider John Wenham, has earned an outstanding 7.49 average rating since returning to the English top-flight, creating three big chances, making 2.1 key passes per game and taking 1.9 shots a match (Sofascore).

These statistics bear out the star’s continued class and given the perceived stylistic similarities with Manchester City ace Kevin De Bruyne (Fbref), Tottenham should be desperate to land Eriksen.

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