All posts by z3u9t.icu

[ad_pod ]Newcastle fans have taken to Twitter excitedly after The Chronicle broke the news that Atlanta playmaker Miguel Almiron’s move to Tyneside is back on and looks close to completion, after talks stalled on a deal earlier in the month.The 24-year-old helped Atlanta become Major League Soccer champions last season, scoring 12 goals and recording 14 assists in 32 league startsÂ(via ESPN) as he truly put his name up in lights.Magpies boss Rafa Benitez has been crying out for Mike Ashley to put his hand in his pocket and sign some players, and have even plunged his future at St James’ Park into doubt if he does not get his wish, according to The Telegraph.Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…However, it now appears as if the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager has got his wish, with a reported club-record £20.5m deal close to being signed off as reported by The Guardian’s Ed Aarons on his official Twitter account.

Naturally, Magpies’ supporters are ecstatic after their transfer record looks to finally be broken after several years, if their reactions on Twitter are anything to go by…

West Ham will have to spend around £11m on FC Copenhagen striker Jonas Wind if they want to sign him in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Wind linked with West Ham move

The Hammers may be flourishing in the Premier League currently but that doesn’t mean that new signings aren’t needed to take the team forward.

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David Moyes’ side have been linked with signing Wind in recent times, with the 22-year-old scoring four times in 12 caps for Denmark at senior level and reportedly impressing West Ham scouts.

Copenhagen are clearly keen to keep hold of one of their most prized assets, however, and a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.

The Latest: Hammers learn Wind asking price

According to Ekstra Bladet [via Sport Witness], West Ham ‘will probably have to go up close to DKK 90-100 million’ to sign Wind, which equates to approximately £11m.

Only Premier League clubs are thought to be able to afford that amount in January, and although a mid-season move is possible, a summer exit looks more likely.

Wind’s current Copenhagen deal expires at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Verdict: Much-needed attacking depth

At 22, Wind is someone who could come in as a squad player at West Ham initially – he has scored 45 goals and chipped in with 25 assists in 111 appearances for Copenhagen – and eventually become a more pivotal figure over time.

He has matched Antonio’s tally of six league goals so far this season and he has 10 goals in all competitions, further highlighting his pedigree.

Moyes’s team sit fourth in the league at the moment, but in order to remain in the thick of the Champions League race, another striker could do with being signed, especially one as prolific as the Danish youngster.

That would help ease the burden on sole centre-forward Michail Antonio, especially with the Hammers battling in the Europa League as well, making for a hectic schedule in the early months of next year.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an exit rumour regarding one West Ham player. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United are on the verge of appointing Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager after failing to prise Mauricio Pochettino away from Paris Saint-Germain.

What’s the story?

That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who claims the 63-year-old innovative tactician has reached a deal to become their interim boss.

He tweeted: “Man Utd reach agreement with Ralf Rangnick to become interim manager. 6mnth contract then 2yr consultancy.”

“Deal subject to Lokomotiv Moscow approval. Work permit process prevents 63yo leading #MUFC v Chelsea.”

Man Utd fans surely buzzing

After the likes of Luis Enrique, Julen Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag distanced themselves from the vacancy in the red half of Manchester, the club’s supporters will be buzzing to learn of this revelation.

The experienced campaigner is the forefather of the gegenpressing style that has so heavily influenced the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagglsmann, and Rangnick is widely regarded as the founder of German football’s modern-day tactical approach.

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He took Schalke to the Champions League semi-finals in 2011 before moving to RB Leipzig, fulfilling the roles of both manager and sporting director, signing the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Naby Keita, Dayot Upamecano and Timo Werner throughout his tenure.

At present, Rangnick is the Head of Sports and Development at Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow, but is believed to be open to taking the United job on a temporary basis if certain conditions are met.

The Times report: “Rangnick is willing to leave his role as head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow, but only if he is given a significant role at United beyond this season.”

Only time will tell if the United hierarchy are willing to accept the German’s terms and grant him a place in the upper echelons of the club from next season, yet much of the fanbase will be excited and encouraged by Ornstein’s latest update.

And, in other news…Big Man United manager update issued live on Sky Sports, fans will be concerned

A major update has emerged on Rangers defender Calvin Bassey’s availability for the Ibrox giants over the next two months…

What’s the latest?

The Gers beast could have missed a number of games after the winter break due to the African Cup of Nations, but the Glasgow Times reports that he has been left out of the Nigeria squad for the competition.

Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun are both set to jet off to play for their country and will miss, among other games, an Old Firm clash with Celtic at the start of February. Bassey, meanwhile, will now be able to feature in that derby matchup.

Fans will love it

Fans will surely love this news as it could be a major boost to the Gers heading into the Premiership schedule after the break ends. Depending on how far Nigeria go in the competition, Aribo and Balogun look set to miss a few games, but Bassey will now be available for selection barring suspension or injury.

This will delight the supporters as he has been in fine form in recent weeks since moving to centre-back from his more natural left-back role. He has played nine games times Gio van Bronckhorst took over at the club and the Gers have kept seven clean sheets in those matches.

Bassey has recorded one SofaScore rating lower than 6.9 in the last nine outings, which came against Lyon in a 1-1 draw in the Europa League. This shows that he has been consistently delivering excellent performances, as eight of his nine appearances have ended with him putting in an impressive showing.

The Dutch head coach praised the defender towards the start of his reign, saying:

“I’ve been really impressed. Calvin’s a really talented defender. Normally he plays in the left-back position but doesn’t have much experience in the centre back area. So I’m really happy with his performances so far. I think he has the physical ability to play there.

“We will help him a lot in that position, when he has to pass, when he has to dribble, the positioning he has to take when the other defender has got the ball.

“He’s a player who is very open to learning, and he gives a lot of energy to the team.”

These quotes from the retired left-back and Bassey’s statistics in recent weeks show why his availability will be a big boost for the club.

Fans will love to see him in action again after the break as he has been showing that he can be a top player for the side at centre-back and, hopefully, he can continue his form throughout the rest of the season and in the future.

AND in other news, “I’m sure”: Reporter drops exciting Rangers transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has dropped an update on his future at The Hawthorns amid his links with a move away from the club in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by the Express & Star, the 28-year-old revealed that he is desperate to make a return to the Premier League, with West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Newcastle United having all been linked with a move for the England international this winter.

Speaking about his future, Johnstone said: “There was a lot of talk in the summer. It [a transfer] just didn’t happen and we are focused on doing our best to get promoted back up this year. I see the speculation and there’s nothing I can do about it. It’s out of my control but I want to be back playing in the Premier League.”

Fans will be sweating

Considering just how impressive Johnstone has been for West Brom in recent seasons, the goalkeeper coming out and openly admitting that he is desperate to be playing Premier League football again – during a transfer window, no less – will undoubtedly have left Baggies fans sweating.

Indeed, since his £6.5m move to The Hawthorns back in 2018, Johnstone has been a rock between the Albion sticks, earning seasonal SofaScore match ratings of 6.87, 6.84 and 7.03 in 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 respectively, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.82 over his 24 Championship appearances in the current campaign.

Furthermore, the £32.5k-per-week ‘keeper has also kept a whopping 41 clean sheets over his 155 appearances for the Baggies, not far off averaging a shut out once in every three fixtures he has played for the club.

As such, it is clear to see just how important the 28-year-old is to Valerien Ismael’s West Brom side, as well as how devastating it would be for the Baggies’ automatic promotion hopes were the England international to leave the club this month.

In other news: West Brom handed double fitness boost ahead of QPR clash, Ismael will be buzzing

Many Arsenal fans were left slamming the display of Granit Xhaka despite their win at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

It was a comfortable game in the end for Mikel Arteta’s team at the Emirates Stadium despite a shaky start, with goals from Alex Lacazette and Martin Odegaard putting them 2-0 up at half-time, before Gabriel added a third in the second half.

Despite the win, a lot of Gunners supporters were not happy with Xhaka’s performance, as he lost out on three of his duels, and also failed to record a single clearance, tackle or key pass in the match (SofaScore).

The Switzerland international also gave the ball away on no fewer than on 14 separate occasions, in what was a frustrating afternoon for him individually.

Arsenal fans slam Xhaka

These Gooners slammed his performance on Twitter, with one AFC supporter even going as far as to claim that he is ‘dreadful’:

“How is Xhaka a footballer it’s beyond me.”

Credit: @sirkeyur

“Xhaka is so rubbish, people don’t notice the small things, why on earth have you passed straight back to Ramsdale there?”

Credit: @NLNL58

“Partey and Xhaka have been so so poor.”

Credit: @___Faye

“Xhaka is a dreadful footballer”

Credit: @AFCPasha

“Xhaka is completely off match pace. Been terrible. Surely Lokonga or AMN deserves a start ahead of him.”

Credit: @sherwinlin

“Xhaka is playing against us.”

Credit: @ChizzyVII

In other news, find out whose display against Man Utd was slammed by Gunners here!

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester United fans have been left excited as an update emerges on managerial target Zinedine Zidane’s desire to move to Old Trafford.

The three-time Champions League-winning boss, currently out of work after leaving Real Madrid in the summer, has been heavily courted by United recently amid Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s precarious situation at Old Trafford.

Indeed, the Norwegian is reportedly holding on to this job by a thread as unrest grows (The Sun), and Zidane is now at the centre of intense interest from United among other candidates.

The Times recently claimed that they are ‘stepping up’ their bid to appoint the Frenchman, and while he is hesitant over taking the Old Trafford hot seat, club officials are ‘hopeful’ that the 49-year-old can be swayed by his closeness to Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane.

In another update on United’s pursuit of Zidane however, journalist Duncan Castles has just dropped a promising claim that one supporter called the ‘best news ever’.

Taking to Twitter whilst also sharing his piece in The Daily Record, he says that Zidane is actually ‘attracted to the opportunity’ of United whilst the Red Devils make ‘progress’ in potentially hiring him.

Man United fans excited…

Flocking to this claim, it’s little wonder many Red Devils supporters have been left excited as Zidane’s personal temptation for the role allegedly grows.

Given United have also made ‘progress’ in their bid to appoint the serial winner with 11 major trophies, fans have plenty to say.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

“WHAT? HOLD UP, WE’RE COMING!”

Credit: @100Nuno_

“Best news ever”

Credit: @TheNotoriousFU

“Siuuuu”

Credit: @UTDMarcel

“Wow”

Credit: @United_Rules

“@ManUtd

sign Zidane #OleOut

#OleOutNow

#ZidaneIn”

Credit: @Left_Winger07

“don’t get me hyped please”

Credit: @_ShowtimeG

“I pray this could be true”

Credit: @Hormilekan07

According to a report by 90min, a West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Adama Traore as they join the race to sign him.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing forward…

As is well known, West Ham boss David Moyes is eyeing new additions in the attacking areas as he aims to strengthen his side’s chances of a top four finish.

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An out-and-out striker is thought to be high on both his and recruitment chief Rob Newman’s agenda this month though they have also been linked with wide players and attacking midfielders.

Indeed, the likes of Anwar El Ghazi, a natural winger, and Man United ace Jesse Lingard have been mentioned as news now emerges involving Traore.

The Latest: West Ham join race…

As per 90min, West Ham are now one of the club’s eyeing a move for Traore with Wolves boss Bruno Lage now ‘sanctioning’ his exit from Molineux.

It is believed that Moyes and co are being ‘kept informed’ of the 25-year-old’s situation with it looking more and more likely he could leave in January.

The Verdict: Get it done?

There is little arguing the Spain international is a major threat going forward when at his best and we believe West Ham should certainly consider a bid, especially considering his huge price drop.

As per 90min reporter Jude Summerfield, Traore’s valuation has plummeted ‘from £50m to around £22m after failed contract talks’ – gifting West Ham a golden opportunity.

According to WhoScored, the Premier League ace has averaged a head-turning 4.5 dribbles per 90 in the top flight this campaign – far eclipsing that of any West Ham player.

He’s also been called ‘undefendable’ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, perhaps pointing to a possible bargain at £22m.

In other news: ‘Tears in my eyes’, ‘Finally’…West Ham fans flock to ‘very exciting’ transfer development, find out more here.

Gio van Bronckhorst has been issued a huge Rangers injury relief over Ibrox attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi…

What’s the latest?

Gheorghe Hagi has revealed that his son is expecting to be fit enough to play in the final of the Europa League if the Gers are able to make their way past Braga and also get through the semi-finals.

The Romania international has been out of action since January with a knee injury and is now hoping to make a return before the end of the campaign.

Speaking to Sport Arena, via the Daily Record, Gheorghe said: “If they got past Dortmund, they have the ability to play in the final. Ianis told me that he will play the Final. There are still two strong teams, Barcelona and Lyon, who are on the other side.

“Everybody is excited about him, how he performs and what a value he is. He’s had bad luck, the hazard of the job. He went to a clinic in Holland, very good professionals. The club provided him with that. We hope he recovers very quickly. He’s confident.”

Buzzing

This news will surely leave the Ibrox faithful and indeed van Bronckhorst elated for multiple reasons.

Firstly, this update comes as a major lift for the club this season, as it would be a huge boost to have him fit and available for a European final. Hagi is one of Rangers’ best players and Van Bronckhorst would surely love to have him in the squad for an occasion as big as that one would be.

They will also be buzzing as it suggests that the 23-year-old will be back in time for pre-season in the summer to hit the ground running in 2022/23. If he believes that he can play in the final in May, then he should be fine for friendlies in July, setting him up to return to his best form next term.

In the Premiership this season, the midfielder ranks sixth for average SofaScore ratings out of all the outfield players in the squad, with a score of 7.10. Prior to his injury blow, he started 15 matches in the league and chipped in with two goals whilst creating 1.5 chances per game.

Last term, the youngster was a constant threat in the final third. He ended the title-winning season with seven goals and 11 assists in the league for Steven Gerrard’s side in 23 starts. This shows that he has the quality to consistently deliver at the top end of the pitch with direct goal contributions, which is something the Gers have lacked this season.

Scott Arfield has often been deployed in Hagi’s role on the right and has produced four goals and zero assists in 24 league outings. This suggests that Rangers are missing the Romanian’s creativity from out wide, which is why fans will be delighted with his prospective return.

AND in other news, Was £2.7m, went to £162m: Rangers fumbled deal for “alien” who’s the “god of football”…

An update has emerged on Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield, regarding plans for his future at Ibrox…

What’s the talk?

According to the Glasgow Evening Times [29 January, page 47], the Gers are poised to enter contract talks with the Canada international.

His contract is up at the end of the season and the Scottish giants now want to offer him fresh terms in an attempt to keep him at the club moving forward.

GvB needs it

Gio van Bronckhorst will be buzzing with this news as he needs Arfield to put pen to paper on a contract extension before his deal expires in the summer.

The 33-year-old has dipped in and out of form this season and there have been moments where it has looked as if he needs replacing. He has lost 59% of his duels this term and missed a whopping five ‘big chances’ in front of goal, which highlights some of the issues he has had throughout the campaign.

However, just when you may think his time is up at Ibrox he pops up with another moment to show why he needs to stay. He came off the bench against Livingston earlier this week and scored the winning goal with a sublime first-time, improvised, finish into the far corner in a 1-0 win for the Gers, proving that he still has it in him to be a huge player for the club.

Earlier this month, van Bronckhorst admitted that he does not want to see the veteran leave at the end of the campaign, saying: “Scott is an important player to have around. He is definitely someone I want to have longer at Rangers.

“Hopefully we can welcome him next season as well.”

The £16k-per-week beast is still capable of producing moments of magic to win vital points for Rangers and that is why the Dutch head coach needs this key deal to go through. Arfield still has value to offer to the Light Blues and Ross Wilson must ensure that he is able to agree terms with the midfielder over a contract extension in the coming weeks and months.

Hopefully, the ex-Burnley man will continue to provide big goals to help Rangers on their way to another Premiership title and can then celebrate with the trophy and a new contract to head into the 2022/23 campaign.

AND in other news, Rangers could replicate Amad masterclass with swoop for “exceptional” £3.1k-p/w gem…