All posts by z3u9t.icu

After seeing him shine out on loan last season, Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa must finally look to unleash Alfie McCalmont in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old was in impressive form for Oldham Athletic in League Two, scoring ten goals in 41 games in all competitions, and providing a further five assists too, being a key reason behind why they avoided relegation to non-league.

After seeing him make waves at Boundary Park, former Leeds man Noel Whelan waxed lyrical about the midfielder, saying: “He is a player that is immensely talented and he will do very well for Oldham. The way he plays the game is very intelligent.

“This is not a loan with a view to a permanent move from Leeds, this is a learning process. You have to be mentally tough to go out on loan, especially in League Two because it is more direct and robust compared to what you would get in the Premier League and Championship. He will be learning a lot about his game.”

And, speaking after he saw the 21-year-old put pen to paper on a new long-term deal to stay at Elland Road, Whelan insisted that Bielsa should be looking to utilise him more often.

He said: “A very good player, great on the ball and a good football mind. He is one that is learning his trade from watching Kalvin and being in and around that first-team setup.

“It is important that these young lads are integrated. It is vital for their progression and to give them confidence to step in when needed because there will be injuries and suspensions. Use them – that is why you have an academy and youth policy.”

A season away at Oldham, where he’s had regular football and developed into a real goal-scoring midfielder, will stand the youngster in good stead and will give Bielsa another option in the middle of the park.

And given he has already been involved in Bielsa’s set-up, he could go onto make a real impression and potentially even partner Phillips in the engine room and give Leeds that vital source of goals from central midfield – compare to McCalmont’s ten, the best a midfielder for the Whites managed was the four Mateusz Klich netted.

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The Leeds starlet may feel that next season offers him the perfect opportunity to show Bielsa that he’s deserving of a chance in the first-team.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing this Raphinha-like star…

A big Rangers transfer development has emerged over their interest in signing a young Scottish prospect…

What’s the talk?

According to the Scottish Daily Express, Gio van Bronckhorst is plotting a six-figure bid to sign Aberdeen diamond Lancelot Pollard this summer.

The report claims that they want to get a deal done quickly to avoid missing out on him as he is attracting interest from south of the border.

Liverpool and Manchester United are both said to be keen on the young talent, with Jurgen Klopp’s side holding an ‘active’ interest in him. It remains to be seen whether either side are willing to join Rangers in making a bid for his services.

Supporters will be excited

The supporters will surely be excited by this news as it shows that the club are attempting to snap up future stars to improve their academy.

Fans will be delighted that Ross Wilson and the head coach have an eye on developing the youth ranks at Ibrox as well as making additions to strengthen the first team. They will want to see a blend of experience and youth come through the door in the summer to bolster van Bronckhorst’s team now and in the years to come.

The likes of Leon King and Alex Lowry have made their way through to the senior side this season after impressing in the academy, whilst Nathan Patterson was sold for a club-record fee in January to Premier League side Everton.

This highlights the value in maximising the potential of the B team. Not only can Rangers develop players, like Lowry, who can break into the team to make an impact for the Gers but they can also find gems who they can sell on for a huge profit in the future.

Therefore, attempting to sign Pollard will excite the fans as he could be a player who goes on to be a huge success at Ibrox in the years to come. Although, there is very little data available on him so it is difficult to judge whether or not he will be able to make it in Glasgow.

However, the youngster must be catching the eye for Aberdeen as he is now a sought-after talent, which suggests that he has shown great potential with his performances this season in the youth ranks.

AND in other news, Body blow: Van Bronckhorst now set for huge Rangers disaster over £27k-p/w “rock”…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell has backed Celtic to get Roy Keane back into football management after his spell as a pundit.

Keane hasn’t been a manager since his spell with Ipswich Town, however he has been an assistant in recent years with Martin O’Neill at both the Republic of Ireland and Nottingham Forest.

Celtic have reportedly held more talks with Keane after their number one target, Eddie Howe, continued to stall over whether or not he really wanted to take the job and succeed Neil Lennon.

Speaking on the link to Celtic and why someone like Roy Keane should be in football and not in a studio, Jewell told FFC:

“His knowledge of the game is huge and his enthusiasm for the game is obviously still very high, so someone like Roy Keane should be in football.

“From what I’ve seen of him, yeah, why not give him a chance? I think he would probably rather be on the training pitch than sitting in a studio, even though he will know which one is easier.”

In the last 12 months, the 49-year old has been an ever-present on Sky Sports’ coverage of games and he hasn’t been afraid of giving his opinion on players, clubs and managers, no matter how controversial they may be.

Celtic parted ways with Neil Lennon in February but are still yet to find someone who can help them take the SPFL title off Rangers next season.

Taking to Twitter, a number of West Ham fans have slammed the rumours suggesting that Andy Carroll could return to the club, following the news that he was pictured at the Hammers’ Rush Green training ground.

Shared by WestHamFans.org (via Claret & Hugh), images of former Hammers player Carroll at West Ham’s training ground have recently emerged, sparking rumours that he could be making a shock return to the club.

The 6 foot 3 striker made 142 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 34 goals during his tenure at the East London side.

In November last year, the 32-year-old joined Reading on a short-term contract. However, this contract has now expired, and the former Newcastle man is without a club. As a result, it remains to be seen what lies in the player’s imminent footballing future.

These West Ham fans react to the Carroll news

Club insider ExWHUemployee downplayed the rumours of Carroll’s return on Twitter, claiming that he has ‘been told the deal isn’t on’, further stating that he was ‘not sure why this Carroll rumour has so much legs’.

However, this still doesn’t explain why the player was pictured at the club’s training ground.

Consequently, fans flocked to the comments to share their disbelief, many slamming the club for entertaining such a prospect.

Here’s what some of them had to say:

“It’s baffling he is playing in the championship for a reason IMO even if we were in the bottom 4 it’s the wrong move and there are better options out there.”

Credit: @AshBarton70

“Don’t need to sign him ( we do need a striker). That’s a step backwards for us . Leave him in our history & move on .”

Credit: @SkeltonTony

“We’re desperate. That’s why hahahahaha”

Credit: @breggertelli

“Think it’s more about just how low our expectations still are!”

Credit: @richards_shaun

“Would be my last day as a West Ham fan”

Credit: @altgram

“Why on earth would they even consider it, are our fans deluded or something???”

Credit: @BKhammer1

Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy believes Everton would have one of the world’s best defenders on their books if they manage to sign Kalidou Koulibaly before the transfer window slams shut.

Rafa Benitez, who was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor in the Goodison Park dugout last month, has made clinching the arrival of Koulibaly a priority ahead of the Premier League season getting underway next month.

Benitez managed Koulibaly during his time in charge of Napoli, where the Senegal international remains and made 37 appearances last term, and is keen to be reunited with the defender.

The Toffees have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the 6 ft 2 Koulibaly as Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti has insisted the 30-year-old is not for sale.

However, that did not stop the Merseyside club testing the waters with an opening bid, according to Calciomercato, which has been rejected.

Serie A expert Clancy believes Everton would pull off a major coup if they manage to persuade Napoli to sell.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “He improves any team he goes to. He’s phenomenal. I’d say, to be honest, after Virgil van Dijk, he is in the conversation for being the second best defender in the world.”

According to an Ibrox source, speaking to Football Insider, Rangers midfielder Jamie Barjonas is now looking for a new club after learning he will not be offered a new deal with the Teddy Bears under manager Steven Gerrard.

The Lowdown: Barjonas on the move?

The 22-year-old has apparently been deemed surplus-to-requirements and is out of contract at the end of this month, leading to reports that he could be set for an exit from the Glasgow giants.

Barjonas had been in talks with USL side Orange County but a move failed to materialise, with several Scottish Championship clubs also displaying interest during that time (Daily Record).

The midfielder has played for the Gers senior team but first team opportunities have been more and more limited – and that has resulted in links to a departure.

The Latest: Ibrox source shares Barjonas update

Now, speaking to Football Insider, an Ibrox source has allegedly explained that the youngster is actively looking for a new club after being told his current deal won’t be extended.

Barjonas’ latest loan stint came at Championships side Ayr United after he agreed to a short term temporary move which has now concluded, and that apparently hasn’t done enough to impress club chiefs.

Indeed, the writing has been on the wall for some time, as backed by this report, and it now seems as if Barjonas is heading nowhere but the exit door.

The Verdict: Time to say goodbye…

Described as a player with ‘fantastic abilities’ with a ‘second to none’ passing range by former Gers ace Peter Lovenkrands (Daily Record via ninetyminutesonline), it may be time to wave goodbye to Barjonas.

The only regret Rangers may have is not recuperating a fee following numerous failed moves over this last year, with Football Insider also relaying he was close to joining Barrow last summer.

Ayr boss David Hopkin waxed lyrical over the prospect after his loan debut recently, calling him a ‘big, strong, powerful lad’ whilst tipping him to be a ‘great’ arrival (Rangers News).

However, following the end of his spell, Barjonas is back to square one and looks all but set to leave this summer.

In other news: Gers are eyeing a move for this Brazilian gem, find out more here.

Liverpool are interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus this summer.

What’s the story?

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks, as Jurgen Klopp searches for Gini Wijnaldum’s replacement.

And now the Reds’ interest in Neuhaus has been confirmed by well-respected BBC journalist Constantin Eckner.

He tweeted: “Florian Neuhaus: Liverpool have been interested in the M’Gladbach midfielder but a decision won’t be made before the end of the Euro, with other midfield options to be evaluated by Jürgen Klopp and his staff.”

Fans will be buzzing

Following Wijnaldum’s imminent exit to French giants Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool have been credited with an interest in several midfield replacements.

The likes of John McGinn, Renato Sanches and Saul Niguez have reportedly caught the eye of the club’s hierarchy, and the supporters will be buzzing to discover Neuhaus is also on their wish list.

Despite Mochengladbach having an underwhelming 2020/21 campaign, the Germany international enjoyed a stellar season.

Neuhaus bagged eight goals and provided a further eight assists in all competitions after making 45 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit.

His underlying numbers were equally as impressive, though, highlighting the quality in his overall game.

As per WhoScored, the 6 ft dynamo averaged 52.9 passes per league game last time out, pulled off 1.3 dribbles, and made 1.5 interceptions, seeing him place in the top three amongst his teammates for each metric.

Wijnaldum’s departure will leave big boots to fill, but it appears as though Neuhaus has the potential to do just that, should he make the move.

The youngster is currently representing his country at the European Championship – although he’s yet to make an appearance for Joachim Low’s men – and any decision over his future will have to wait until his participation in the tournament is over.

That means this transfer saga could be dragged out for a little while yet, but Liverpool supporters will at least be pleased to hear that the club’s hierarchy are tracking an array of quality options ahead of a possible transfer over the coming months.

And, in other news…James Pearce drops Liverpool transfer update on “big prospect”, fans should be gutted 

Tottenham reporter Charlie Eccleshare believes Spurs will try and sign an alternative attacking player in January, with a move for Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic more likely next summer.

The Lowdown: Vlahovic links

Tottenham were after Vlahovic in the summer, however, as we know, a move never materialised.

Fiorentina owner Rocco Commisso revealed earlier this week that the 21-year-old won’t be penning new terms with the Serie A side, with his current contract up in 2023.

It appears as if Vlahovic is still on Tottenham’s radar, however, it seems as if another attacking addition will be heading to north London in the New Year.

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The Latest: Eccleshare’s claim

Eccleshare, Tottenham’s correspondent for The Athletic, answered various questions in a mailbag on Friday.

One of the questions he responded to was about Spurs’ plans for the January window.

He admitted that a move for Vlahovic is more likely next summer, however, he did reveal that director of football Fabio Paratici will be after an attacking acquisition in the winter window. Eccleshare name-checked Wolves winger Adama Traore as a player who could fit the bill over the coming months.

The Verdict: Exciting times

Spurs’ only attacking addition over the summer was Bryan Gil from Sevilla, with the club losing the services of loanees Gareth Bale and Carlos Vinicius prior to the 2021/22 campaign.

Erik Lamela went to Sevilla in a deal that brought Gil to London, so it seems as if Nuno Espirito Santo is in need of bolstering his ranks.

It appears as if Spurs will do all they can to do just that, with a move for Vlahovic potentially happening next summer.

In other news: ‘Perfect’ – Spurs pundit raves as Paratici eyes ‘top signing’ for Nuno, find out more here.

Norwich City are set to make an improved bid for Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, according to Scott Burns of The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Ajer unhappy

Ajer has made it clear he would like to leave Parkhead this summer, however, the Hoops have actually rejected two generous offers for a player who has just 12 months left on his contract.

Bayer Leverkusen and Norwich have both had bids in the region of £10m turned down, with Ajer unhappy over the way his future is being handled.

The 23-year-old, who was hailed as ‘Cafu-like’ by former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner in 2019, is still wanted by the Canaries.

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The Latest: £12m bid

Burns shared a story on Ajer on Sunday evening, claiming Norwich are set to go back in with a renewed offer in the region of £12m.

The Canaries are also willing to include future add-ons included in a deal, with Ajer a long-term target for Daniel Farke’s side.

The Verdict: Sell

It seems as if Ajer is becoming increasingly unsettled in Glasgow and would welcome a move away ahead of the new campaign.

The Hoops are at risk of losing Ajer on a free transfer in January with a potential pre-contract agreement, should his situation remain the same, so it would make sense to accept a £12m offer and reinvest in defensive additions.

Ajer’s Transfermarkt valuation stands at £6.3m, so Celtic could end up receiving more than twice that figure with add-ons in a possible transfer to Carrow Road, a good deal all things considered.

In other news: Celtic man wanted by Patrick Vieira, find out who it is here.  

Many Crystal Palace fans have voiced their dismay on Twitter after journalist Alan Nixon dropped an 11-word update signifying that Real Madrid loanee Borja Mayoral is unlikely to join the Eagles in this transfer window.

The Spaniard is currently on loan at Serie A giants Roma and has been since last autumn. Demonstrating his pedigree 2020/21, the 24-year-old fired in 17 goals in 45 appearances, helping the Giallorossi to qualify for the Europa Conference League [Transfermarkt].

Coming towards the end of the current transfer window, Palace have been mooted with an interest in taking Mayoral to south London to bolster their depth in attack [AS].

However, Nixon appears to have quashed speculation that Mayoral could pitch up at Selhurst Park via Twitter. Communicating to his sizeable following, the reporter stated: “Palace. Mayoral loan move looking difficult. Roma want to keep him”.

In light of this news, plenty of Crystal Palace supporters took to social media to voice their displeasure at recent events.

Crystal Palace fans react

Replying to Nixon as well as popular Crystal Palace fan outlet CPFC Transfers HQ on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the fading prospects of Mayoral joining the Eagles:

“Well we all saw that coming. It would be a great deal but so difficult to do now. I suspect Roma just want as much as possible for him if he were to go, so Real have some decisions to make. Can’t see it happening”

Credit: @Phillyconcarne

“It was always going to be very difficult/ unlikely to land Mayoral.”

Credit: @Wheddsta

“No surprise there”

Credit: @MattCPFC”A shame but was always gonna be a difficult one #cpfc”Credit: @mandyswagsta

“no Alan, don’t do this”

Credit: @robertmeilak”Not a chance, especially as he played last night. Trying to deal with 2 European giants and throw in Mourinho…doesn’t happen.”Credit: @MarcWilliams22In other news, Crystal Palace fans react to links with a Wales international. Find out more here.