All posts by z3u9t.icu

With Duncan Ferguson filling in on a temporary basis as caretaker manager while Everton look to appoint yet another new permanent head coach after sacking Rafa Benitez just over six months into his tenure in charge of the Toffees, it’s certainly a busy time for Farhad Moshiri.

However, it seems as though the Merseyside club could have taken a big step towards identifying a potential candidate to take the reins at Goodison Park.

What’s the news?

In a recent Twitter post from journalist Jason Burt, he shared some details on what the current situation is at Everton after it emerged that Fabio Cannavaro was in talks to become their new permanent manager.

He said: “Conflicting claims as to how Fabio Cannavaro fared in his talks with Everton. I am told that not only did he interview well – and speaks good English – but the shortlist may now just be down to him, Wayne Rooney or Frank Lampard.”

In his managerial career, the 48-year-old has had two spells in charge of Guangzhou Evergrande, as well as a few months at Al-Nassr FC and Tianjin Quanjian.

With a total of 211 games under his belt as a senior manager, Cannavaro has 123 wins to his name. While this highlights his experience, the fact that he hasn’t managed in any of the top European leagues may cast some doubt over his capabilities of being successful at a club such as Everton.

Fans will be amazed

With this in mind and the fact that Cannavaro has apparently got himself into the shortlist for the job alongside Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard after just one interview, Everton fans would surely be amazed if the Italy legend was appointed as their new permanent manager.

While it could be considered a risky move due to Cannavaro’s lack of experience managing at a big club in Europe, it’s worth remembering that Everton’s two previous permanent managers Carlo Ancelotti and Benitez had huge experience of managing elite clubs and winning titles in Europe, but that didn’t help them while they were at Goodison Park.

Therefore, maybe taking a chance on a comparatively inexperienced manager like Cannavaro who would garner a lot of respect due to what he achieved as a player could make him a good fit at Everton.

In other news: Everton must avoid another managerial disaster with “arrogant” 58 y/o, he’d be Rafa 2.0

According to a report by Football Insider, it is looking increasingly likely that Tottenham Hotspur will be forced into a ‘crazy’ schedule in the New Year.

The Lowdown: Tottenham fixtures piling up

Tottenham have been heavily affected by the increased spread of the global pandemic. After Spurs stated that eight players had tested positive for the virus, the club’s Europa Conference League match against Rennes was called off. This was followed by the postponement of the Lilywhites’ away fixture to Brighton on Sunday.

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This has meant that Spurs’ fixtures are starting to pile up, and fans will surely wonder when they’re going to be played. This was exacerbated by the postponement of Spurs’ match against Burnley, which was set to take place at Turf Moor towards the end of November, which was called off due to heavy snowfall.

The Latest: Spurs could play heavy fixture list in 2022

As the outbreak at Hotspur Way led to the Premier League calling off Spurs’ fixture against Brighton, Antonio Conte’s men now have two games in hand on the majority of the league.

Speaking to Football Insider, Spurs insider John Wenham has claimed that playing out the heavy fixture list out in 2022 is the only way forward.

He said: “It’s a really difficult one, all of this is such a blow. I think we will end up playing three games in a week on a few occasions.

“You are looking at a Tuesday, Thursday then Sunday game all in the same week. That’s just to get rid of the backlog we already have before you think about other games that might be called off.

“Other clubs are having… issues so it’s not out of the question other teams might have games called off that will affect us.

“We are so busy already but I don’t see another way around it. It will be a crazy schedule.

“It will be a challenge but hopefully it will be after January so we may have a stronger squad to deal with that congestion.”

The Verdict: Conte needs additions in January

With the current schedule already looking hectic, it does not seem possible that Spurs will be able to fit in these fixtures anywhere else, besides in the New Year. This means that it will be crucial for Conte and Paratici to bring in a few signings in the January transfer window in order to bolster the playing squad.

Spurs have been linked with a plethora of players this season, with much of the attention centered around Fiorentina striker Dušan Vlahović. However, fans may want to see a greater number of fresh faces in January, especially if the squad continues to decimated with injuries, illness or a fixture backlog.

In other news: “Top, top player” – Paul Robinson delighted as Spurs eye ‘underrated’ beast; Conte is a big fan too

We’re less than one month away from the opening of the January signing window. After 2021 saw enormous names, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi move to Manchester United and Chelsea respectively, all eyes will be on the big names. There are a lot of exciting movements taking place at the moment, with Newcastle’s new manager Eddie Howe gearing up for his first opportunity to improve. Further, all eyes will be on Rangnick and how much he is allotted by the Manchester United higher-ups. With all this excitement and much more in mind, let’s break down the large names most likely to be moving in January 2022.

Donny van de Beek

Since moving to Manchester United from Ajax, Donny van de Beek has had a turbulent time. Unfortunately, he has only hit the field four times during the Premier League and is yet to feature in their starting 11. Van de Beek is doing everything he can to get out of his contract with United, with reports suggesting that he has even changed his agent. Currently, talks have happened with Wolves and Everton, with a hopeful January transfer.

Although the Dutchman is looking to move after a negative experience, he may patch things up with United under their new manager Rangnick. Whether he will leave Manchester United is yet to be seen, but it’s definitely worth watching his position. When the time comes, you can claim Sky Bet free bets from Squawka.com and wager your Christmas money in the hopes of increasing your stake. Who knows, you may come out with some serious cash to spend in the January sales.

Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard currently plays for Manchester United but has rejected attempts to resign under contract. Lingard has previously seen success while on loan at West Ham and has said that he wants to go out on loan before his contract is up. At the moment, it seems likely that West Ham will try and reclaim Lingard on another loan basis. Unfortunately, due to his existing contract at Manchester United, it seems highly likely that he won’t be put out on loan to West Ham. After all, why would Rangnick give up one of their players to a rival?

Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger is enjoying great success with Chelsea, who are currently sitting third in the Premier League. You may ask why he would want to leave, considering how well they are doing. However, his contract is due to expire, and he’s only being offered £7 million to stay. This would put him behind the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Thiago Silva, and Timo Werner. According to reports, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid are eyeing up Rudiger – and their offer is closer to £10 million. When it comes down to it, money will speak volumes regarding Rudiger’s allegiance in January despite whether he wishes to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Harry Kane

It’s no secret that England captain and football superstar Harry Kane wishes to leave Tottenham. Initially, he wanted to transfer to Man City in the summer of 2021, but no deal came to fruition. After coming so close to taking England to the top of the Euro 2020, Harry Kane has suffered severe blows with Tottenham after he only scored once throughout the entire 2021 season. If Kane has his way, he will transfer to Man City in January and rekindle his spark for top-tier football.

Dele Alli

Another Tottenham player looking to make a move is Dele Ali, after being tethered to the bench following a poor display. Alli needs to up his game at Tottenham if he wishes to fit into Conte’s 3-4-3 format. With the January window almost upon us, we may see Alli departing Spurs and having another chance to show what he can do.

The 2021 transfer window saw records being broken and huge players being transferred in the final hours. Therefore, all eyes are on the January 2022 window, with the high expectation of some big moves. Will Harry Kane finally break free of the shackling Spurs, will Van de Beek find appreciation elsewhere, and will Rudiger find a happy deal at Chelsea? Although no one truly knows the answers yet, it will make for an entertaining January.

Image from: unsplash.com

Crystal Palace view Will Hughes as a long-term successor to James McArthur, The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam writes. 

Palace paid £6.3million to sign Hughes from Watford in the final days of the summer transfer window.

He penned a three-year, £36,000-per-week contract on his arrival at Selhurst Park.

But the 26-year-old is yet to play a single minute for his new club, in any competition.

Perhaps most frustratingly, he’s featured in the matchday squad for seven Premier League games, but Patrick Vieira hasn’t given him a run-out.

McArthur ever-present… until now

By contrast, 34-year-old McArthur had started every PL match prior to the weekend’s draw with Burnley.

Scans have revealed that he tore his hamstring in the victory over Wolves prior to the international break, and he now faces a spell on the sidelines that could last until January.

This might present Hughes with an opportunity to impress in the short-term.

Fan feed CPFC Transfers HQ relayed Woosnam’s report, and here’s what supporters had to say in response.

These Crystal Palace fans want Hughes to be given a chance

“I think most people agree. But when even Jaïro has gotten minutes, the question is why hasn’t will?”

Credit: @JA9Baller

“Then put him on for the next game, not really overwhelmed by Lukas’ performance against Burnley.”

Credit: @VestinJesper

“Not played a single minute yet has he? Annoying”

Credit: @sxp55555

“About time, would be good to see him get some game time”

Credit: @cpfc_joe

“Nice to hear at least”

Credit: @amancpfc

“Yes please”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

In other news, fans react to this blow revealed on Monday.

West Ham manager David Moyes is targeting a move for Nathan Ake this winter…

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min journalist Toby Cudworth, who dropped the fresh transfer claim earlier this week. It’s thought that the 26-year-old has become their primary target after the season-ending injury blow to Angelo Ogbonna.

“Excl: West Ham interested in signing Nathan Ake from Manchester City. Club in the market for a new CB after Angelo Ogbonna’s injury and haven’t won any of the 3 PL games he’s subsequently missed. Loan/permanent deal both options,” he also tweeted.

The Irons are yet to win in his absence, and having already recognised the need for reinforcements in the backline, the addition of a new centre-back has become a leading priority during the upcoming window.

Ake has struggled to make his mark at Manchester City following a £41m move from AFC Bournemouth in summer 2020 and it’s believed that the Hammers will seek a loan-to-buy agreement for the Dutch colossus.

Get it done

Indeed, the east London outfit have struggled defensively without the Italian colossus, losing to Wolves and City themselves, whilst they were pegged back by a late Neal Maupay bicycle kick against Brighton last time out.

Moyes has opted for a duo of summer signing Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson, with the Scot clearly not fancying Issa Diop despite some impressive displays in the Europa League and Carabao Cup this term.

Ake would be an intriguing option to consider and one for whom head of recruitment Rob Newman should ultimately make a move.

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The Citizens’ director of football Txiki Begiristain waxed lyrical about his qualities after signing him last summer. He said:

“Nathan is a quality defender. He was a leader during his time at Bournemouth, and I am so pleased we’ve managed to bring him here. He’s strong and quick, and we feel he has the technical and intellectual attributes needed to excel in Pep’s setup.”

Standing at 5 foot 11, the Netherlands international is hardly a towering presence but he offers attributes defensively, particularly on the ball, and is versatile enough to play at full-back too.

Former teammate, Cherries captain Steve Cook, once lauded him as an “amazing player” and an “even better person” following the confirmation of his move to City.

Across the course of his career, Ake has averaged 1.7 attempted tackles, 1.4 interceptions and an 84.3% passing accuracy, via WhoScored, which reinforces his qualities at the back.

Valued at €30m (£26m) by CIES Football Observatory, also earning in the region of £100k-per-week, a move for the City centre-back wouldn’t be the most expensive transfer, and given Moyes’ now desperate need for defensive cover, Newman must look to seal his signature.

If he can do so, then Moyes will surely be absolutely delighted to get his man.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops exciting update on West Ham’s striker search…

West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael is plotting a move for Daryl Dike in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield, who revealed in a recent interview with GIVEMSPORT that the Orlando City centre-forward features very highly on Ismael’s list of targets for the winter window.

When asked about West Brom’s potential interest in the 21-year-old, Hatfield said: “I’m sure he’s a player who is very, very high on their list. There were links with him almost endlessly over the summer and his form for Orlando has been very good.

“He’s got a really good goalscoring record in the MLS. No disrespect to the league, but it is maybe a couple of steps below the level that Albion are playing at or hope to play at in the Premier League. He’s clearly a player who’s got real talent.”

Ismael must act

Jordan Hugill has failed to find any real run of goalscoring form since his arrival at The Hawthorns on a season-long loan deal back in August, with the 29-year-old hitting the back of the net just once over his 10 Championship appearances this season. Therefore, a move for a proven goalscorer in January would seem essential for the Baggies if they are to have any hope of securing promotion back to the Premier League come next May.

As Hatfield suggests, Dike would very much seem to be a fantastic option for the club to pursue, as the USA international has been in fine form for Orlando in the current campaign.

Indeed, over his 15 MLS fixtures, the £9m-rated marksman has bagged seven goals – a scoring frequency of one in every 151 minutes of football played – provided one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.7 shots and making 0.5 key passes per game

These metrics have seen the player who Nani dubbed a “special” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.05, ranking him as his team’s joint third-best performer in the division.

However, it is not only Dike’s form in America which suggests that he would make a fantastic signing for Ismael, but also his returns while playing under the Frenchman during a loan spell at Barnsley last term. The 6 foot 2 striker scored nine goals over 19 Championship appearances at Oakwell at a rate of one goal every 143 minutes.

As such, considering Hugill’s incomparable return of one goal in 562 minutes of Championship football played this season, Ismael simply must do all he can to land Dike in January, as the 21-year-old undoubtedly possesses the goalscoring ability to fire West Brom back to the Premier League.

In other news: Cost the club £13m, left for nothing: WBA had a nightmare on “stupid” £30k-p/w flop

Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester United fans have erupted over a claim involving manager Ralf Rangnick amid speculation regarding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian is back under mounting pressure at Old Trafford after they succumbed to a 2-0 derby day defeat at home to bitter rivals Manchester City.

Pep Guardiola’s side took the bragging rights across Manchester with an early Eric Bailly own goal and a Bernardo Silva strike ultimately securing their deserved win.

Barring a snapshot from Cristiano Ronaldo, Ederson was never truly threatened in the City goal, and United’s manner of defeat has placed yet more question marks on Solskjaer’s future at the club.

The Red Devils boss is rapidly running out of time to get the very best out of his star-studded squad as more managerial rumours emerge after yesterday’s loss.

According to Bild journalist Christian Falk, a reputable German source, out-of-work manager Ralf Rangnick is apparently interested in taking the job at Old Trafford.

Credited with being the godfather of gegenpressing, influencing the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann (ESPN), he emerges as an interesting option should the club decide to sack Solskjaer.

Flocking to this claim, it’s safe to say that many United fans are excited as Rangnick’s name enters contention, with one supporter believing that it would be a “big” appointment – check out some of their best verdicts below.

Man United fans flock to Rangnick claim…

“Wow interesting”

Credit: @aimanzfrn

“SOMEONE HOLD ME”

Credit: @MrKartShyam

“Big W”

Credit: @andomthoughtss

“let’s goooooo”

Credit: @akuma_26

“I hope this is real news.”

Credit: @thetseven

“Yesssssss this and then making him DOF when we find our next manager”

Credit: @MMVHird

“I’m on my knees pls”

Credit: @UtdCavani07

“He would be class. Get him in and see what it looks like to have a true tactician of the game. Pressing triggers, move the ball quick from front to back, recruitment, etc. he’d be perfect.”

Credit: @CalebMUFC99

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Legendary’, ‘Can’t believe my eyes’…Man United fans erupt over official announcement, find out more here.

Many Liverpool supporters have been reacting to rumours of Mohamed Salah’s latest wage demands as talks continue regarding a contract extension.

According to The Independent [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], reports claimed Salah had demanded £500,000-a-week to keep him at Anfield, but it has emerged that his representatives just want parity with the Premier League’s best players, with Kevin De Bruyne currently earning around £380,000-per-week.

After bagging 31 goals last season, his contract has under two years remaining and is currently enjoying his fifth campaign for the Reds following his move from Italian side AS Roma.

Since returning to England, following a short stint with Chelsea, the 29-year-old has scored a remarkable 134 goals and grabbed 50 assists in 212 appearances.

With the 2021/22 season starting in such sizzling fashion – Salah has nine goals in nine games across the Premier League and Champions League – his wage demands and proposals don’t come as much of a surprise.

Liverpool fans react to Salah demands

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react to the latest demands made by their Egyptian King.

“No brainer. Pay him now.”

Credit: @PhilVergeire

“I’d pay him £1m a week after that goal on Sunday”

Credit: @RadioheadFgt

“Give him what he wants !”

Credit: @SaccSaccSacc

“Oh my”

Credit: @G5_24

“If he wants parity with KDB then I agree he’s worth it. City without KDB is no big deal. LFC with Mo is a VERY big deal. Irreplaceable.”

Credit: @stylishfella

“It’s a no-brainer. And I hate to say this, but England glorifies players like Grealish for the bare minimum while Salah is miles clear of anyone in the Prem. He’s doing Ronaldo and Messi things at the moment. If he feels under appreciated, he’ll to move to somewhere else.”

Credit: @M_Hosni22

“Best player in the league is asking to be paid same salary as the top players in the league. Give him what be wants fsg”

Credit: @TommieVadaszi

In other news, these Liverpool fans have flocked to the latest rumour linking a player to FC Barcelona. Find out more here.

In a world away from the multi-millions in TV money you get for playing in the Premier League, Rangers must be creative in the transfer market to build a squad capable of competing domestically and in Europe.

This means that Ross Wilson must work overtime in order to secure the best possible signings, and the club’s title success last season suggests that he done an excellent job so far.

One player with whom he pulled off a masterclass was winger Scott Wright, who he brought in during the January window to bolster Steven Gerrard’s title pursuit.

The Gers pinned him down to a four-and-a-half-year deal, which suggests that they see long-term potential in the forward. They initially agreed to sign him on a pre-contract but were able to snap him up in January for a bargain fee.

Wilson reportedly paid Aberdeen £180k for his services, with Wright playing 13 times before the end of the 2020/21 campaign. He provided one goal and two assists, setting up a goal in the Europa League.

At the time of the signing, Gerrard hailed him as a player he has admired from afar, backing him to be a success at Ibrox. He said: “It is very pleasing to have Scott for the rest of this season. This will give him the opportunity to gain some valuable game time in a blue shirt for the rest of the season.

“Scott is a player that I have admired and I believe that we can utilise his skill set within our system. He will train with his new teammates tomorrow.”

At the time of writing (26/10/21), Wright is valued at £540k by Transfermarkt. He has produced three goals and two assists in 26 appearances for the club, with three starts in the Premiership this term. This shows that Wilson was able to pull off a masterclass with the forward in January.

He was able to sign Wright for just a third of his current market value, whilst the winger still has plenty of time to develop even further at the age of 24. If he continues to be a regular first team option for Rangers, his value could continue to rise and the £180k Rangers paid for him will look all the more like an absolute bargain.

It was a nominal fee to pay for a talented young player in whom Gerrard seemingly sees a great deal of potential.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges on big Rangers problem that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, Kieran Devlin, believes summer signing Giorgos Giakoumakis is still far away from a Hoops debut.

The Lowdown: One in two out

Celtic brought Giakoumakis in late on deadline day, with the 26-year-old joining on a five-year deal from VVV-Venlo.

Giakoumakis has since taken the iconic number seven shirt at Parkhead, with Celtic losing Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths in the final hours of the summer window.

The new Hoops man is yet to feature under Ange Postecoglou, though, and it could be a while until fans see him turn out in green and white.

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The Latest: Devlin claim

Devlin set up a Celtic Q&A on The Athletic to discuss the game with Real Betis on Thursday. The Hoops lost 4-3 to the La Liga side, with Devlin making a worrying eight-word claim on Giakoumakis minutes before the game got underway.

He was asked why there was no striker on the bench by one fan, to which he said:

“Giakoumakis quite far away fitness wise I understand.”

The Verdict: Need Giakoumakis available

As the supporter mentions to Devlin, Ange Postecoglou didn’t have a forward to call upon from the bench against the Spanish side.

Kyogo Furuhashi is out injured for a while, so getting Giakoumakis up to speed to rival Albian Ajeti is absolutely crucial.

He last kicked a competitive ball in May, though, so it seems as if he’ll still need time before making his long-awaited Celtic debut, and even then he may have some initial rust to shake off.

In other news: ‘Pretty shocking’ – Pundit reacts to behind-scenes revelation involving Postecoglou and McKay.