All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa have been tipped as a possible destination for Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli this summer by pundit Dean Windass.

And a number of Villa fans have been sharing their thoughts on a potential move on social media.

Alli struggled for game time in north London last season, starting just seven Premier League games under both Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason during the 2020/21 campaign.

His future at Spurs remains uncertain following Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment in the capital, and Windass feels Villa should be looking at the 25-year-old as a potential summer addition.

Windass, talking to Football Fancast, relayed by Birmingham Live, tipped Villa to move for Alli, with or without Jack Grealish.

“I think that would suit Dele Alli, he would be a big player for Villa. I know he’s a different type of player to Jack, but with him being young and English.

“Dele wants to play, players want to play, they’re not happy when they’re not playing. Would be a good fit for Villa even if they keep Jack, to strengthen the team, he would be unbelievable.

“They would probably want £50m-£60m for Dele Alli, but that’s the type of player Dean Smith would want to bring in if Jack left.”

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the story on social media on Thursday, asking fans if they would like Alli at Villa Park.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many for a deal and one describing the Englishman as ‘quality’.

“Yes, good mates with Jack. And Dean can get him back playing for England again.”Credit: @will_avfc”I think he’d be a great addition to the squad. He’ll give us some experience, and depth. Oh, he also has some quality on the pitch too! “Credit: @ianmarshall5″Please let this happen, Dele Tammy Jack McGinn Buendia and Ollie Watkins will smash it for us”Credit: @MerseMagic”Yes yes yes yes yes”Credit: @irvines02″Get it done Smith will get the best out of him and the players around him will make him great again we will be a force to reckon with UTV”Credit: @Matthew05928408″100% class player with a point to prove.”Credit: @raffsteveraff

In other news: ‘Advanced talks’ – Reporter drops big Aston Villa transfer news with £38.7m claim, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Rangers and their transfer plans, with a striker reportedly being lined up for a move to Ibrox by Giovanni van Bronckhorst…

What’s the talk?

According to the Sunday Post, the Gers are considering a deal to sign Colombian forward Frank Castaneda this month.

He is a free agent after his contract with Sheriff Tiraspol expired at the start of 2022 and Rangers are said to be one of a number of clubs interested in snapping him up.

Won’t cost a penny

Van Bronckhorst must ensure that the club are able to get a deal over the line for the attacker in the coming weeks as he could be a terrific signing.

From a financial standpoint, Castaneda could be a sensational addition as he will not cost a penny in transfer fees. He is currently a free agent and is allowed to join any club of his choice, with his wages being the only hurdle that the club would need to overcome to bring him to Glasgow.

In terms of what he could offer on the pitch, his record throughout his career suggests that he could be an excellent signing. He has produced 105 goals and assists in 139 career appearances for FK Senica and Tiraspol, including an incredible 33 goals and 18 assists in the 2020/21 campaign for the latter.

Of course, it is difficult to gauge the difference in quality between where he has played so far and the Scottish Premiership, but he can only play against what is in front of him and he has shown immense quality in those matches.

The predator has proven that he can score and create goals on a consistent basis and that suggests that he could be a top player for Rangers if he is able to translate his form over to Scotland.

That is why the Gers must work hard to beat off interest from elsewhere to land the 27-year-old on a free transfer to bolster van Bronckhorst’s squad. It is a worthwhile gamble for the club to make given the financial aspect means that they will not lose a huge chunk of money if the move does not work out and he flops at Ibrox. Furthermore, he also holds the potential – given his record for Tiraspol – to make a big splash in Glasgow.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bassey: Rangers could pull off masterclass in £2m swoop for “calm” gem…

Crystal Palace are having a great start to their season, picking up points from 13 of their 20 Premier League games so far,

There is no doubt that they will be hoping to continue to climb the table for a top-half finish in Patrick Vieira’s first season in charge, and now they are rumoured to make a new addition in the transfer window that could help them achieve it.

What’s the word?

The Daily Mail are reporting, that Crystal Palace are interested in signing Arsenal star, Eddie Nketiah, battling with Premier League rivals, Brighton and Bundesliga side, Bayern Leverkusen for his signature.

However, in the report, SportMail understands that Bayern Leverkusen are out ahead preparing a pre-contract agreement for the 22-year-old, so if Vieira is interested in swooping for the striker, he should do so as soon as he can.

The £9m-rated forward labelled “extraordinary” by current manager, Mikel Arteta, has refused several contract offers from Arsenal, which suggests that the young attacker is interested in making a move from the north London club, especially now that his contract his ending in the summer of this year.

Imagine him & Edouard

Crystal Palace have turned the tide from having the oldest squad in the Premier League to appointing Vieira last summer and adding several new young players to the side, who have all made an impact, especially Odsonne Edouard.

The French striker joined the Eagles in the summer and has definitely made his presence known since arriving just over four months ago, scoring five goals and bagging three assists in just 17 appearances so far.

The Palace manager has claimed that the 23-year-old is “getting to his best”, and with that being said, giving him a strike partner like Nketiah could unlock a deadly attacking partnership, with star loanee, Conor Gallagher, just behind them in midfield.

Nketiah has been compared to Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, according to Tony Cascerino who told The Times:

“He is agile with quick feet, much like his hero Ian Wright, which denies defenders the time to settle.”

The Gunners forward is yet to start a Premier League game this season, however, he has been given the opportunity to showcase his prolific goal-scoring talents in the Carabao Cup, where he has netted five goals in three games already, securing a semi-final challenge in the league cup against Liverpool.

Vieira’s clear vision is to build a side for the future with young players, meaning 22-year-old Nketiah fits the bill perfectly for the Frenchman’s future plans for the club.

Palace should be looking for ways to kill off games after picking up eight draws so far this season. As a result, securing a player who can add more goals in games can elevate the side’s chances to take three points and climb comfortably into the top half for a high finish this season.

In other news: Vieira must keep hold of Gallagher for the rest of the season

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has revealed the “huge” under-the-radar Aston Villa blow that has been costing the club since the summer.

What’s the story?

While Jack Grealish’s exit to Manchester City was of course one of the biggest and most high-profile departures from Villa Park this summer, a couple of members from Dean Smith’s backroom team, John Terry and Richard O’Keilly, also walked out the door.

And now, Preece has indicated that the duo were both massive presences behind-the-scenes at the club, and that they have been “missed massively.”

He commented: “I said this in my talking points piece that JT and ROK leaving is looking bigger by the week. The pair have been missed massively around BMH. It’s down to the new group now to get things right. Villa were without Ings, Sanson, Douglas and Traore yesterday. It just can’t continue like this, surely. In terms of backroom staff, Villa are continuing to to add to Lange’s recruitment team ahead of the January window.

“The touchline is a hectic one now with MacPhee running out to players barking instructions. Smith tends to stick with Shakespeare during the game. There’s a lot of information being passed around which could be confusing. I said this, JT and ROK’s departures appear bigger by the week. The pair were huge for this group of players.”

Dean Smith’s priority

While making the right big-money signings are all well and good, one of the key things that Smith should have done over the summer, is ensure his backroom team was complete.

When news emerged of both Terry’s and O’Keilly’s exits, the Villa boss should have acted swiftly to address that and bring in the right people around him so that level of expertise and knowledge would not be missed too much.

Instead, he lost two of his biggest and most important lieutenants, and when such a change occurs, it’s inevitable that it’s on the pitch and on the training ground where it actually ends up hurting the most.

With the club now 15th in the table and with no win in four, they clearly could have done with those figures behind the scenes.

Villa fans will surely be concerned at how the club have still not managed to replace the duo adequately enough more than a few months afte they initially left.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered the latest on Dean Smith’s future…

Celtic have not been shy when it comes to moving certain players out of the club over recent years, whether it be on loan or permanent deals.

With the benefit of hindsight, one figure that the Hoops got rid of a few years ago that they may now be regretting is Liam Henderson.

As a product of the club’s youth system, the midfielder made 37 senior appearances for the Hoops in which he scored three goals and provided two assists.

In the 2018 January transfer window, Celtic sold their youth graduate to Italian club Bari for a reported fee of £115k.

After joining Hellas Verona just a few months after he made his original move to Italy, the Scotsman signed to Lecce in September 2020.

The midfielder was on the move again in the previous summer transfer window after he signed to FC Empoli on a permanent deal after he had spent some time on loan there in 2020.

Since then, the former Celtic talent has appeared in every Serie A game that Empoli have played against the likes of Juventus and the two Milan giants, scoring one goal and providing four assists along the way.

To highlight what a useful player he has been for his current club in this campaign, no other Empoli player has made more pressures (197) in the midfield area of the pitch than the £24k-per-week gem, who also has the second-highest number of crosses made.

Also, only Nedim Bajrami (1.7) has racked up a higher average of key passes than the former Hoops youth starlet (1.1).

Praised for his “exemplary” behaviour by Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani, Henderson is currently valued at £6m according to CIES, which is significantly higher than the transfer fee that Celtic picked up for him back in 2018.

With that in mind and how well the midfield talent is doing in Italy, it could be said that the Parkhead club were rather hasty in terms of getting rid of the 25-year-old on a permanent basis when they did.

Moving forward, unless the Parkhead club are of a mind to bring the midfielder back to Celtic Park at some point, they would be better off forgetting about him and not dwelling on their mistake.

In other news: £4.7m down the drain: £12k-p/w Celtic liability rinsed Peter Lawwell for 140 weeks

David Moyes has received an encouraging squad boost at West Ham this week…

What’s been said?

Irons forward Michail Antonio, who is currently the Premier League’s third leading talisman, has withdrawn from international duty with Jamaica due to logistical problems, as revealed by co-owner David Gold on Twitter.

“MICHAIL ANTONIO has pulled out of the Jamaica squad for three qualifiers due to logistical problems. The news will be a welcome boost for boss David Moyes, who has concerns about the effect of travelling across the Atlantic would have on Michail who has been plagued by injury,” he revealed.

Moyes boost

Given the 31-year-old’s history with injuries, this news will undoubtedly leave Moyes delighted, even if his star striker is a little gutted to not feature for his national side.

Antonio has not started more than 24 of 38 league games in any of the last four Premier League seasons, and that’s largely down to constant injuries – for example, he missed 13 matches last season from a variety of problems and issues.

His importance to the Hammers is undeniable. The 5 foot 11 beast has scored five and assisted three in the English top-flight this campaign, adding to his ten goals and five assists from last season.

The former Nottingham Forest ace has already missed one game this term, though that wasn’t through injury, after he picked up a suspension and he was sorely missed as West Ham were defeated by Manchester United.

Antonio is above and beyond the standout performer under Moyes, earning a 7.84 average rating on WhoScored, which is way clear of the next best, who is Said Benrahma (7.43).

No Irons player is managing more shots (4.5) or key passes (2.5) than the Jamaican star after seven matches, further highlighting his importance.

Therefore, to have him around Rush Green this week, and not on the other side of the world is a massive, massive boost to Moyes and West Ham.

He will no longer be at risk of injury away from the club, nor will he have to quarantine, meaning he will be available for their first game back next week, a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.

AND in other news, West Ham handed January transfer boost, Newman could seal instant masterclass…

Noel Whelan has been left lauding the news that Glen Kamara has been offered a new deal at Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: New deal offered

As per The Athletic, Kamara is edging closer to signing a new contract at Ibrox that will keep him there for the long-term.

Leeds United have reportedly been linked with a move to sign the Finland international before the summer transfer window closes, and so Steven Gerrard would ideally like his future sorted out sooner rather than later.

The Latest: Whelan on contract offer

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who is now a pundit after a stellar career playing for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, has lauded the contract offer given to Kamara, as he feels that it is very important that the Gers keep him come the end of the window:

“It’s great news for Rangers if he signs a new deal.

“For Rangers, this summer was always going to be about keeping their best players and keeping their internationals and there’s no doubt about it, Kamara is one of them.

“He’s been vitally important to their recent success. I’d say he was one of their top five players last year.

“Gerrard will not want to lose any of his squad. It is about strengthening in some positions and keeping that core group, who have worked so hard under Gerrard, together so they can keep the Scottish Premiership title at Ibrox.”

The Verdict: Great news

As Whelan rightfully points out, it would be great news for Rangers if Kamara ends up signing the new deal.

Described as a ‘magnificent’ player by Gerrard back in December, the central midfielder was a key player in the Gers’ Scottish Premiership title triumph in the 2020/21 season, playing in a total of 28 games, scoring one goal and making one assist (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, if the Light Blues want to kick on again, then they need to keep a hold of their best players, and Kamara is certainly one of them.

In other news, find out what will be a ‘disaster’ for Rangers here!

Everton have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Toffees have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old for several months after their efforts to sign him over the summer ended in disappointment.

But now, according to Spanish outlet Sport (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), Everton’s chances of finally securing Van de Beek’s signature have increased.

Previously reports have suggested that La Liga giants Barcelona were set to compete for the creative talent’s services over the coming months.

However, it’s now believed that new manager Xavi has turned down the chance to sign Van de Beek, providing the Blues with a transfer boost as the winter window fast approaches.

Imagine him and Abdoulaye Doucoure

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s recent sacking as United manager may also have some bearing on the Dutch international’s future, but after making just four Premier League starts in 18 months, he’s likely to be desperate for regular game time.

And that’s something that Rafa Benitez could offer Van de Beek at Everton. Ever since James Rodriguez departed back in September, the Blues have lacked the guile and imagination needed to carve top-flight defences apart.

In their last six Premier League fixtures, the Blues have only found the back of the net on four occasions, highlighting the need for someone capable of succeeding Rodriguez’s role in the team.

During his time at boyhood club Ajax, Van de Beek illustrated his ability to do just that, providing a whopping 75 goal contributions in just 175 appearances, securing a domestic double back in 2018/19.

Despite his limited opportunities at Old Trafford, the midfield maestro has showcased his true potential in promising flashes, with Juan Mata even dubbing him “very clever.”

Therefore, a move to Merseyside could be beneficial to all parties, and the prospect of Van de Beek linking up with Abdoulaye Doucoure in Everton’s engine room is a mouth-watering one.

The duo would offer the perfect blend of tactical intelligence, creativity, power and defensive contribution, potentially providing the spark for Benitez’s charges to surge up the table.

And, in other news…Huge boost: Everton receive potential injury lift pre-Brentford, Rafa will be buzzing

A positive update for Rangers has emerged on the make up of their backroom staff and the possibility of a new face joining Gio van Bronckhorst at Ibrox to help lead the Gers to glory again…

What’s the talk?

According to the Scottish Sun, who quote Chinese media, Guangzhou City are on the verge of going bust and that could allow the Dutchman to join the Scottish giants for free.

The report claims that Chinese authorities could step in and take the club apart after three months without being able to pay their wage bill, which would then leave van Gastel unattached and able to arrive at Rangers with no stumbling blocks.

Delight

This appears to be a big boost for van Bronckhorst and the update will surely leave Rangers fans feeling delighted as the Dutchman’s backroom staff begins to take shape. It was previously reported that the club may have to wait until January to bring him in, which means that this could save them five weeks of waiting to land him.

Five weeks is a long time in football and could see him miss 10 competitive matches for Rangers if he is unable to make the switch until the start of 2022. This is why the prospect of him leaving China for nothing in the coming days could be a seismic boost, as he could come in and have an impact in the coming matches by joining as van Bronckhorst’s assistant.

The pair worked side-by-side at Feyenoord in the Netherlands. In four years, they won five trophies together for the Dutch club and averaged 1.99 points per game across 176 matches – finishing third, first, fourth and third in the Eredivisie in that time. This shows how well they worked next to each and why van Bronckhorst will be buzzing to work with him again. On the evidence of those statistics, this news will come as a big behind-the-scenes boost to the 46-year-old.

Their success at the Rotterdam outfit is also why fans should also be delighted by this update. It shows that they have a proven track record of winning trophies as a pair in management, which means that van Gastel’s arrival could increase Rangers’ chances of achieving their goals this season – winning the Premiership crown again.

However, it is worth saying that it is never nice to see a club go through financial difficulties, as Rangers fans know more than most, and Guangzhou City’s problems are not enjoyable to read. That being said, football is ruthless and the Gers may now benefit by bringing their head coach in to assist van Bronckhorst.

AND in other news, Gio could save Wilson millions with Rangers beast who is a “winner and warrior”…

Newcastle United have spoken to Manchester United about the possibility of signing Axel Tuanzebe, according to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards.

The lowdown

Bruce is certainly familiar with Tuanzebe, who was twice loaned to Aston Villa during the manager’s stint in the Midlands.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer started the 23-year-old just four times in last season’s Premier League. He averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.7 clearances and 1.9 accurate long balls per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

After he helped his side reach the semifinals of the Europa League last term, Solskjaer hailed him as ‘outstanding’.

Tuanzebe is into the final 12 months of his contract, but Manchester United have the option to extend it for a further year. He’s currently valued at £7.2million by Transfermarkt.

With less than three weeks to go until they open the season against West Ham, Newcastle have still yet to make a senior signing.

The latest

The report says that Newcastle are hoping to ‘finally make a breakthrough in the transfer market’ by striking a deal for Tuanzebe.

He’s ‘another name in the frame’ at St James’ Park and ‘could be [their] first signing’ as they play the waiting game for former loanee Joe Willock.

Tuanzebe ‘looks set to leave Old Trafford’ with a move for Raphael Varane being lined-up.

They may either pursue a loan deal or a permanent transfer, having discussed both options with the Red Devils.

The verdict

Newcastle could do with a centre-back this summer, and Tuanzebe would a smart addition. He’s a talented young defender who should be available for a reasonable price, and he has played in a three at the back system before, as well as holding experience playing for Bruce specifically.

Perhaps his most impressive recent performance came in a 2-1 Champions League group stage victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. Tuanzebe was drafted into the side and coped well with the immense threat of superstar Kylian Mbappe.

That display should perhaps be viewed as an indication of his potential and his readiness for the top level.

In other news, this ‘sensational’ star is closing in on a Newcastle exit.