All posts by z3u9t.icu

Ange Postecoglou has no intention of using Celtic left-back Boli Bolingoli, according to The Athletic’s Kieran Devlin.

The Lowdown: Bolingoli’s summer

Bolingoli returned to Parkhead over the summer following a loan spell in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir.

The Belgian was linked with a return to Turkey with Altay SK back in June, however, he remained a Parkhead player beyond Tuesday’s deadline.

He posted a picture on Instagram prior to the 2021/22 campaign in Celtic colours ready for the new season with the caption ‘let’s go’. However, he hasn’t been used in a competitive match under Postecoglou, and it seems as if he isn’t in the Parkhead boss’ plans.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

The Athletic shared a story on Wednesday about some players who have been left high and dry after failing to secure a summer transfer.

Devlin contributed with a section on Bolingoli, claiming there is no intention in Glasgow to use him in the first team.

Bolingoli, on £780,000-a-year at Celtic, still has two years remaining on his deal.

The Verdict: January exit?

With Postecoglou preferring Adam Montgomery and new right-back Josip Juranvoic on the left-hand side in Greg Taylor’s absence, it looks like a New Year exit for Bolingoli could be on the cards.

The Hoops may well be open to a loan or permanent deal for the 26-year-old, and should it be the latter, they could struggle to recoup the £3m fee they forked out for his services back in 2019, especially with his Transfermarkt valuation dropping to £1.98m.

In other news: Ange’s first January target emerges; Celtic will watch ‘really important’ ace tomorrow. 

Some Liverpool supporters are furious after reliable journalist James Pearce claimed Takumi Minamino’s injury could be a ‘concern’.

The Reds suffered horrendous bad luck in the injury department last season, losing Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for the majority of the campaign.

Not only that, but a host of other key men were missing for chunks of the campaign, including Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Diogo Jota.

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The hope is of course that this season sees far fewer injuries occur, but the early signs aren’t encouraging, with Andy Robertson and Roberto Firmino already suffering issues.

Meanwhile, Minamino has flown home from international duty with Japan, with The Athletic‘s James Pearce admitting on Twitter that the injury is a ‘concern’.

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Liverpool fans rage at Minamino update

It is not an encouraging update ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Leeds United on Sunday and these fans have been reacting to the news on Twitter.

“Haha here we go FSG”

Credit: @_victoryyyyy

“But we don’t need signings, where’s that depth chart again”

Credit: @FalakRF

“Haha this is just beyond ridiculous at this stage”

Credit: @j47lfc

“What kind of a club is this club that I love for God’s sake!”

Credit: @izy_dara2

“It’s beginning already”

Credit: @LFCHadi_

“Here we go again”

Credit: @jide_martins

In other news, a key piece of Liverpool news regarding one player has been refuted. Read more here.

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, who is now working for the club’s community foundation, has tipped Dan James to make his mark at Elland Road quickly, following his move from Manchester United.

The Lowdown: James takes time to settle

The Welshman signed from United at the end of the summer transfer window, coming in for around £25million, making him the Whites’ second-most expensive signing in history.

While James has done adequately in his first three appearances for Leeds, he is still searching for his first goal or assist.

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The Latest: Whelan makes bold statement

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan says he has total faith in James matching the expectations of him, thriving for Leeds once he fully adjusts to life at the club:

“I think he’s still getting used to playing with his new teammates. When you come from Manchester United, you will be highly regarded.

“We know what a good player he is, that’s why we wanted to sign him even before this summer.

“We know there’s more to come from him in terms of assists and goals, we’ve seen him do that for Wales and Manchester United in the past.

“We’re just waiting for that moment where it all clicks into place, and that might come in the form of an assist or a goal which could really kickstart his season.”

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The Verdict: Needs to justify price tag

James’ price tag means there is immediate pressure from the off, with such expensive signings required to be influential performers straight away.

The same applied with club-record purchase Rodrigo last season, as the Spaniard flattered to deceive too often in a Whites shirt.

James clearly has the talent required to prove his worth – he has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Marcus Rashford – but he has done just okay so far and will hopefully find another gear after the international break.

In other news, Whelan has made an exciting claim regarding another Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Patrick Vieira’s revolution at Crystal Palace is continuing to gather pace and could be boosted by another exciting addition over the coming days.

What’s the story?

According to Sky Sports, the Eagles are in ‘advanced talks’ with Blackburn Rovers over their star striker Adam Armstrong, with fellow Premier League club Southampton also credited with an interest.

The report states that Palace have had an initial offer for the 24-year-old rejected, but they remain keen to get the deal over the line despite falling short of Blackburn’s £20m asking price.

Rovers boss Tony Mowbray said on Thursday: “Adam knows the number. Everyone has a valuation, and I don’t think we are being unrealistic.

“I’ve said to Adam if they meet the number; he can go. We’ll shake him by the hand and wish him well, and the football club will move on and hopefully find a replacement that can make the fans forget Adam pretty quickly.”

Despite Armstrong only having one year remaining on his current contract, the Championship outfit are keen to secure a good deal for him as Newcastle are due to receive 40% of their profit on the diminutive forward, agreed as part of the deal when they sold him to Blackburn for £1.8m back in 2018.

Crystal Palace fans will be absolutely buzzing

Sky’s report also claims that Palace want to sign another striker because they’re not convinced by the quality of on-loan hitman Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored just one goal in seven top-flight appearances for the capital club last term.

On the other hand, Armstrong’s record in 2020/21 was hugely impressive. The former England under-21 international found the back of the net on 29 occasions in 43 appearances for Rovers, attracting the attention of several Premier League clubs.

Therefore, Eagles supporters will surely be absolutely buzzing at this latest revelation.

New manager Vieira has already secured the services of several young, exciting acquisitions this summer, transforming Palace into a potentially very different beast from what they were under Roy Hodgson’s stewardship.

Adding a proven goalscorer to their ranks will only add more hope, optimism and excitement going into the new campaign.

Palace fans will be hoping that chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman can get this deal over the line, providing Vieira with yet another quality addition.

In other news… Sky Sports drop exciting transfer update which will have Crystal Palace fans buzzing 

Newcastle United are reportedly now weighing up a move to sign Rob Dickie before the summer transfer window ends.

The Lowdown: Dickie impressing

Dickie has been impressing so far this season at Queens Park Rangers, helping them take four points from their opening two games in the EFL Championship (BBC Sport).

The central defender has won no fewer than ten of his duels per game in the division, and has also averaged 3.5 clearances, 1,5 tackles and one interception per match, scoring two goals and keeping one clean sheet (Sofascore).

The Latest: Dickie eyed

As per Football Insider, the St. James’ Park faithful as well as both Leeds United and Wolves are now weighing up a move for Dickie, with the other two teams currently monitoring his situation at QPR at the moment.

It is understood that the London side are reluctant to sell him, given that he has a contract there until 2024, but they are bracing themselves for interest late into the window.

The Verdict: Sign

Given his impressive form so far in the Championship, Dickie is certainly ready to make a step up to the Premier League, and the Magpies could be the perfect club for him to go to.

Described as a ‘very talented’ player by manager Mark Warburton back in December, the six-foot-three colossus should give the North East club a threat in both boxes, and being English, would help fill their home-grown quota.

At 25 years of age, he still has potential to grow too, and so he should certainly be a player that the Tyneside club should be looking to sign as soon as possible.

In other news, find out what the latest is on NUFC’s alleged pursuit of this £55k-p/w ace here!

Glasgow Rangers fans were livid with an article penned by The Times journalist Magnus Linklater.

On the pitch, the past 12 months have been marvelous for the Ibrox outfit. They won the Premiership last term for the first time in 10 years, marking the end of a struggle back to the top of the Scottish game from the fourth tier. Such was their dominance, they didn’t lose a single game and racked up over 100 points (thefishy.co.uk).

Off the pitch, however, things haven’t gone quite as swimmingly, especially in regards to the club’s relationship with the press. In a surprising move, the Gers have decided to charge reporters and publications up to £25,000 for access to Ibrox and exclusives (The Daily Mail).

Linklater clearly wasn’t happy with this move, and wrote an article slamming the Gers – although, ironically, the piece itself is behind a paywall.

The article was shared on Twitter by The Times Scotland’s official account, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Linklater article below

“Rank hypocrisy from The Times! Can I read Magnus’ article without paying? No. The Times have a pay wall. Getting the picture now, or are The Times not prepared to show that degree of ‘humility’ yet?”

Credit: @B0mberHarris

“Would have loved to have seen what you had to say regarding paying to get into Ibrox but it seems I have to pay to get into the site to read this!! Unbelievable!!!”

Credit: @stephmcd90

“Oh the irony. A former Newspaper Editor/journalist preaching to people about humility. You couldn’t make it up. Now I’m being ironic, that’s usually what newspapers do! ….. allegedly.”

Credit: @sonofwill57

“Rangers have paid their dues in more than enough ways, are we meant to bow down to the low lives who punished us in such a draconian fashion”

Credit: @SergioGeorgino

“The end is near for publications such as The Times and they know it. The younger generation have no need to consume media in this way and don’t want to with its agenda and bias.”

Credit: @NightmanAJB

“From the paper that sticks this behind a paywall. So you can charge for your product, but Rangers can’t? Why are you so special? The entitlement is unreal Can you not see the irony which completely backs the clubs stance?”

Credit: @4ladshadadream

In other news, Rangers fans loved this man versus Real Madrid.

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips has been left in awe of the announcement out of Tottenham Hotspur of Son Heung-min’s new contract.

The Lowdown: Spurs finally agree new Son deal…

As recently confirmed by the club, Spurs superstar Son Heung-min has penned a bumper new contract which will keep him in north London until 2025.

The South Korea winger had been at the centre of reports linking him with signing a fresh Spurs deal all year, with reports first emerging as far back as October 2020.

Alas, Tottenham have finally announced his extended Lilywhites stay after a long nine-month wait.

The Latest: Phillips in awe of announcement…

Now, pundit and former Premier League striker Phillips has been left in awe of the announcement as Tottenham secure a much-needed boost regarding one of their star men.

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It comes amid exit reports surrounding Harry Kane with the Lilywhites, at least, gifted some positive news in regards to Son.

“I’m a little bit surprised,” Phillips told Football Insider when asked for his take on the update.

“If he made it clear he wanted to leave, there would be some massive clubs ready to take him.

“You would have to say credit to the player, he loves it at Tottenham.

“You can see that smile whenever he plays and the fans love him as well.

“He obviously feels comfortable. Maybe he feels with the new manager he’s excited.

“Nuno has obviously said something to convince him of a new contract.

“Keeping Son is a huge coup and their best deal of the summer.”

The Verdict: Massive sigh of relief…

Only Kane finished above the 29-year-old in terms of goals and assists combined for Spurs in the Premier League last season (WhoScored), so this contract announcement comes as a big, big uplift for new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Portuguese can now plan for 2021/2022 knowing full well that Son, who also got into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 20/21, will be a part of his new-look Tottenham team.

Phillips, as a result, has every right to call this ‘their best deal of the summer’ – it’s hard to image any new signing having the kind of impact that several more years of ‘Sonny’ could have.

In other news: ‘Speaking to people involved’…Alasdair Gold believes another Spurs signing ‘will happen’, find out more here.

Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is reportedly on the verge of joining La Liga side Elche on a season-long loan deal this summer.

The Lowdown: Casilla plays second fiddle

The Whites had a number of standout performers last season, with Illan Meslier outstanding between the sticks throughout the campaign. The young Frenchman’s form saw Casilla deemed almost surplus to requirements, however, with the 34-year-old limited to just three Premier League appearances.

A move away from Leeds this summer appears to make sense and it looks as though that will happen imminently, despite director of football Victor Orta once claiming that he was ‘very proud’ of the Spaniard.

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The Latest: Spaniard set for loan move

According to Football Insider, Casilla is on the verge of returning to his homeland and joining Elche on a season-long loan.

A move is expected to be completed ‘in the coming days’, with Marcelo Bielsa then looking for a replacement backup to Meslier ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

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The Verdict: Right decision for all parties

It makes perfect sense for Casilla to part ways with Leeds, considering his lack of playing time at Elland Road recently. At 34, the once-capped Spain international is still at an age where he can be a regular elsewhere, so it benefits everybody for the Spaniard to enjoy a fresh challenge this summer.

Bielsa now just needs to make sure he has an able deputy for Meslier brought in, should Leeds’ first-choice ‘keeper pick up an injury next season or suffer a slump in form.

In other news, one Premier League side are set to rival Leeds for the signing of one player. Find out who it is here.

Nottingham Forest are said to be interested in a deal to sign Dinamo Zagreb striker Sandro Kulenovic, according to a report from Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti.

What’s the story?

The 21-year-old has been with the Croatian club since 2019 and has caught the eye with some strong performances whilst on loan with Rijeka, which evidently hasn’t gone unnoticed. He scored eight goals and was on hand to provide six assists for Rijeka, who finished third in the Croatian top flight last term.

However, he hasn’t been included in Dinamo’s matchday squad for their last two matches in the openign weeks of the 2021/22 campaign, which could hint that his future lies away from the Croatian champions this summer.

The Athletic’s Paul Taylor has confirmed that Nottingham Forest’s newly-appointed chief executive Dane Murphy could be the reason behind their interest, with Kulenovic previously being a transfer target for Barnsley whilst the American was at Oakwell.

Taylor also revealed that either a loan with a view to buy, or a straight purchase, is also possible for Forest this summer.

You can understand Nottingham Forest’s thinking

Nottingham Forest finished 17th in the Championship last season in what was a frustrating league campaign for the City Ground faithful.

Chris Hughton often played with just one striker in his team, with Lewis Grabban being heavily relied upon to be their attacking threat, although he struggled at times to repay the faith shown by his manager.

Grabban only netted six goals in 29 appearances for the Reds last term, which doesn’t make the best of reading, especially when he had shown earlier in his career that he can score goals consistently in the Championship.

The 33-year-old scored 20 goals in total for Forest in the 2019/20 season as they missed out on a play-off finish on the final day of the campaign, and it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see Hughton looking to add much-needed depth to his attacking options, with Lyle Taylor’s future at the City Ground remaining somewhat up in the air.

Kulenovic could be the ideal player to come in and challenge Grabban for his starting spot, with the Croatian forward showing that he has an eye for goal, having netted eight goals in the 2020/21 season.

The striker stands at 1.91m tall (6 foot 3) and won an average of 2.4 aerial duels per game whilst averaging just shy of four duels in total per game whilst on loan with Rijeka according to Sofascore. Grabban averaged 0.5 aerial duels won during the 2020/21 Championship season, which isn’t the best for a striker who is leading the line on his own.

Therefore, you can understand Forest’s thinking behind this potential deal, as the prodigious Kulenovic could be the dream alternative to Grabban if the veteran marksman fails to produce the goods over the coming months.

In other news, Forest have made their stance clear on this “unbelievable player”, fans must be delighted

The Telegraph have dropped a very encouraging Aston Villa update on Jack Grealish’s future and it could be very, very good news for fans of the club.

What’s the story?

Amid speculation off the pitch linking him with a move to Manchester City, Grealish has made his presence felt on the field of play at EURO 2020, with his latest substitute appearance seeing him have a huge hand in England’s 2-0 win over Germany on Tuesday night, with the Villa star assisting Harry Kane’s goal that put the tie to bed and secured England a place in the quarter-finals.

However, as Grealish now prepares to play Ukraine in Rome at the weekend, updates are emerging about Villa’s stance on his club future.

Now, The Telegraph have claimed that Dean Smith’s Villa side are “very hopeful” of the Three Lions star putting pen to paper on a new contract to stay at the club, and thereby draw a “line in the sand” over a possible summer move away.

Villa fans will be buzzing

In a recent article for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece declared: “BirminghamLive has been told that despite such reports, Aston Villa remain unaware of transfer interest surrounding captain Grealish. There’s been no contact from City, no bids while Villa have never put a valuation on their star asset.

“Villa have no intention of selling England star Grealish. The plan now is to kick on once again in 2021/22 and to catch those who finished above them last season. Villa, as CEO Christian Purslow put it, “remain deeply ambitious” and they’ll do all they can to match Grealish’s aims of becoming a European performer.”

The England international scored seven goals and provided another 12 assists across all competitions last season, and will no doubt have been hoping that his club side would be doing everything they can to try and match his ambitions.

And, with the signings of Emi Buendia and Ashley Young, Villa have already got their transfer window off to a superb start.

If Villa’s talisman needed any signs that his club were intent on surrounding him with more quality around him, then they have certainly given him just that.

Villa fans will surely be absolutely buzzing at The Telegraph’s latest update.

Meanwhile, Villa could sign their new John Carew in this man…