All posts by z3u9t.icu

After enduring a difficult spell at St Mary’s, Southampton’s decision to sell Manolo Gabbiadini for £10.8m has turned into a great piece of business.

Southampton signed the Italian striker from Napoli in a deal worth £14m in 2017 and he would go on to make 60 appearances for the Saints, in which he contributed just 12 goals and no assists.

Other than his performance in the League Cup final, where he scored twice in a 3-2 defeat against Manchester United, the former Italy international endured an entirely forgettable spell at St Mary’s and he hasn’t exactly set the world alight since leaving either.

After just one goal in 12 Premier League appearances in the 2018/19 season, Southampton decided to cash in on Gabbiadini, with Sampdoria paying £10.8m to take him back to Serie A, where he has remained for the past two and a half years.

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Despite an improved record which has seen him manage 39 goals and 12 assists in 122 appearances for I Blucerchiati, his market value has seriously decreased from his time at St Mary’s, with Transfermarkt valuing him at just £4.5m.

This emphasises just how well Southampton did to sell him for £10.8m, even if they did make a small loss on the £14m they paid for him, as if he had stayed at St Mary’s and continued to struggle, then we could well have seen a similar situation to someone like Guido Carrillo, who was eventually released by the Saints after several loan spells, despite them paying £19m to sign him from AS Monaco.

Therefore, sporting director at the time, Ross Wilsonm deserves credit for negotiating such a good deal for Gabbiadini after he struggled to perform in the Premier League, although considering his goal record has never been fantastic, you wonder why Southampton wanted to sign him in the first place.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl may have his next JWP in never-before-seen academy gem

Celtic coach Darren O’Dea is wanted by Championship side Ayr United after they parted ways with Jim Duffy earlier in the week, The Scottish Sun report.

The Lowdown: O’Dea’s promotion

After retiring as a player two years ago, O’Dea had been managing Celtic’s Under-18’s.

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The 34-year-old was given a promotion at Parkhead back in October, though, and is now a part of the Celtic B team working alongside manager Tommy McIntyre.

O’Dea recently labelled first-team manager Ange Postecoglou as ‘brilliant’ and works near the first-team at Lennoxtown, but it appears as if the Irishman is a wanted man ahead of the New Year.

The Latest: Ayr keen

The Scottish Sun’s Alan Potts shared a story on Monday afternoon, claiming Ayr are eyeing an ‘ambitious’ swoop for O’Dea after Duffy left the club following a short spell in charge.

Potts claimed that Ayr’s managing director Graeme Mathie is on the hunt for Duffy’s successor and it’s understood that O’Dea is on their radar.

The Verdict: Time to jump ship?

You’d expect that O’Dea has aspirations of managing at first-team level after Under-18 spells with Motherwell and now Celtic, so he may well jump at the chance to join the Championship side.

However, it would be a risk with Ayr struggling in the second tier and just three wins from 18.

Saying that, O’Dea will have seen that former Hoops man Shaun Maloney has recently jumped into management with Hibernian, so he could see Ayr as a step on the ladder when it comes to making his mark from the dugout.

In other news: ‘A lot of clubs’ tracking ‘unbelievable’ Celtic ace ahead of January, says BBC Radio 5 Live man. 

Manchester United’s proposed move for Ajax manager Erik ten Hag is now in the final stages, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Verbal agreement

The Athletic’s David Ornstein shared a huge development on Tuesday evening regarding the 52-year-old moving to Old Trafford.

He revealed that the Red Devils had reached a verbal agreement with Ten Hag and now need to reach a deal with Ajax.

No announcement is expected this week due to Ajax’s Dutch Cup final against PSV Eindhoven, alathough Romano has shared what he knows on the situation.

The Latest: Romano’s update

Romano took to Twitter shortly after Ornstein, confirming his information. The transfer guru added that Ten Hag’s backroom staff still needs to be decided and shared details of a €2m (£1.67m) clause:

“Sources close to Erik ten Hag confirm David Ornstein report: his appointment as new Man United manager is at final stages.

“Nothing signed yet – back room staff to be decided. No announcement expected this week. Ajax and Man Utd will be in contact about €2m clause.”

The Verdict: Getting closer…

It looks as if it is just a matter of time until United can formally reveal Ten Hag as Ralf Rangnick’s long-term successor.

Of course, everything can still change, but it does appear that the Red Devils will get their man, with whom they held ‘positive’ talks last month.

Finalising a move before the end of the season will give Ten Hag and United the best possible chance of making the right decisions over the summer with regards to incomings and outgoings, instead of those calls being rushed should he have arrived during the summer window.

In other news: ‘Interesting’ Man Utd news has pundit talking; says Leeds supporters ‘will be devastated’

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle’s interest in Watford winger Ismaila Sarr.

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies are eyeing the forward as a potential January signing as they look to bolster their squad following the club’s takeover earlier this month.

The report claims that Watford will fight hard to keep hold of their star player as they believe he can be as good as Manchester City winger Jack Grealish.

Saint-Maximin 2.0

PIF must secure a deal to sign Sarr in the January transfer window as they could unearth Allan Saint-Maximin 2.0 for the club. The Hornets forward is similar to the Frenchman in his playing style and could operate on the opposite wing, which is why the Toon Army faithful could love him.

Both players excel at dribbling with the ball and creating chances for their teammates, whilst also possessing the ability to score themselves. Sarr has averaged 3.4 dribbles and key passes per game in the Premier League this season, compared to Saint-Maximin’s 6.3.

This suggests that the Watford maestro is on his way to reaching the former Nice man’s standards, whilst he has already shown he may be a step above when it comes to goalscoring. He has found the back of the net nine times in 31 top-flight starts for Watford, whilst the Magpies wizard has scored eight goals in 51 starts. This is why Newcastle fans would love Sarr at St James’ Park, as he has the end product to match his exciting play.

Former Manchester United defender and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville once lauded the winger’s talents and praised his movement in behind. He said: “He’s a big, big talent, honestly he really is. I always think, particularly as a wide player, what would I have not wanted to have played against? The first thing is pace.

“And then you’ve got to think about, can he use his pace? Well, yes, he can, because he makes really good quality runs: the spin in behind, straight, but also the run inside in between full-back and centre-back – which I always think is the most difficult to mark.”

Neville’s comments suggest that Sarr also has the pace that Saint-Maximin possesses, with both players able to run with the ball at speed and take players on. Along with their similarity in playing style, this is why PIF could find their next wing wizard in the 23-year-old and must work hard to strike a deal for his services in the January window. The fans would surely love to see another talented winger in the ranks to get them off their seats during games and the Watford man’s statistics suggest that he could do just that.

AND in other news, PIF must ruthlessly sell shocking £75k-p/w liability, he’s holding Newcastle back…

Sunderland have been dealt a fresh blow as Lee Johnson gave some injury news on Aiden McGeady.

The Lowdown: Still missing…

The 35-year-old has not played for the Black Cats since November, with three goals and four assists in 14 League One games so far this season (Transfermarkt).

He had only missed most of his appearances, clearly showing how much Johnson rates him and how important he is to the team.

The Latest: McGeady setback

As per The Chronicle, Johnson has now given an update on McGeady’s injury, and unfortunately does not think that the Republic of Ireland veteran is close to returning to the pitch in a Sunderland shirt.

The manager revealed: “I wouldn’t say he is close at the moment. How long he’ll be exactly I don’t know, but I think it will certainly be at least four to six weeks.”

The Verdict: Blow for Sunderland

It would certainly be a big blow if the Black Cats were to be without McGeady for another six weeks. While they have been doing well without him recently, as they are currently unbeaten in their last six League One games and sitting in the promotion spots, their luck could run out sooner rather than later.

Virus cases within clubs seem to be a lottery at the moment, as Sunderland’s scheduled match against Fleetwood Town tpday was postponed due to cases in the opposition’s camp, so Johnson could find his squad more depleted as the season goes on.

Therefore, players like McGeady – who has been ranked by WhoScored as the Wearsiders’ fourth-best player so far this term – will surely be needed for the promotion push.

Described as ‘unbelievable’ by former Republic of Ireland teammate David Meyler, McGeady still has quality despite being 35 years of age, and he will certainly be a miss in the next few matches for Sunderland.

In other news, this transfer latest has had many Black Cats fans buzzing

The international break has given Celtic a couple of weeks to rest and recharge ahead of an important run of games as Ange Postecoglou attempts to reclaim the Scottish Premiership crown from Rangers this season.

It gives a chance for players with injuries to recover and get themselves fit for the clash with Motherwell in the Premiership on the 16th.

What it also does is afford players the opportunity to go away with their country and put in strong performances away from Celtic to show Postecoglou that they deserve more minutes at club level.

One player who had a chance to benefit from this was Tom Rogic as he featured for Australia against Oman in a World Cup Qualifier on Thursday night.

This is particularly pertinent due to Postecoglou’s connection with the country, having managed the nation for four years after growing up in Australia despite being born in Greece.

The £16k-per-week midfielder, Rogic, has only started four of Celtic’s Premiership matches this term and has averaged 46 minutes per game across his eight appearances.

This comes after he started ten times in the league last season, featuring off the bench in a further 13 games. He has, however, started both of Celtic’s Europa League matches this season, averaging a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.40 against Real Betis and Bayer Leverkusen – creating zero chances.

So, did Rogic do enough against Oman to show Postecoglou, who may well have been cheering on his country, that he deserves more starts in the Premiership this season?

Unfortunately, he didn’t as he put in a worrying display for Australia despite their 3-1 win.

As per SofaScore, Rogic lost 100% of his duels on the pitch in 63 minutes. He lost his one ground duel and made zero tackles, interceptions, clearances or blocks. The attacking midfielder also gave away possession 12 times from 29 touches of the ball – once every 2.4 touches.

To his credit, Rogic did produce one moment of magic in the match. He made an impressive burst into the box and cut the ball back to a teammate, who saw his shot saved and rebounded by Martin Boyle to score the second of their three goals.

However, that was his only key pass of the match as he failed with both of his cross attempts and his only long ball attempt, whilst completing just 67% of his passes.

Rogic may have shown a glimpse of quality in the build-up to the second goal, but the underlying statistics around his performance do not suggest that Postecoglou will be desperate to hand him more starts after watching his display. Therefore, the Australian failed to grasp his opportunity to impress.

AND in other news,  Celtic could have a new Turnbull in rarely-seen 19 y/o who’s an “outstanding talent”…

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tanguy Ndomebele’s fitness has been questioned by club legend Glenn Hoddle following the home defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

The Lowdown: First game back

It has been clear since he moved to Tottenham that the Frenchman hasn’t been an unqualified success. Apart from a handful of outstanding moments, such as his audacious goal at Sheffield United last season, the 24-year-old has largely struggled with life in N17.

Yesterday’s defeat to Chelsea was his 77th appearance for the club and his first in the Premier League under Nuno Espirito Santo after previously playing just 79 minutes of first team football this season against Rennes.

He only featured for 62 minutes, in a midfield diamond, before being replaced by Oliver Skipp, and his fitness levels have been criticised following the defeat.

The Latest: Not fit enough

Speaking to Premier League Productions [via Spurs Web] following the Chelsea game, former Spurs boss Hoddle has questioned the midfielder’s fitness as the match was ultimately won in the middle of the park after N’Golo Kante’s introduction at half-time.

Hoddle said: “The first 20 minutes of a football match, for a professional player, you should have the intensity, you should have the energy to close down and have a picture in your mind. Slowly, but surely, they got fatigued and there was too much space on the edge of the area.

“Ndombele, in the end, he has got to get himself fit to play football. He’s not fit enough, the lad. He’s got ability.”

The Verdict: Time to shine

To be fair to the £45m-valued Ndombele, Nuno opted not to include him in any of the opening four games or any of the pre-season fixtures. After a summer of wanting out of the club, the 24-year-old now must now work on his fitness and battle with Skipp for the slot next to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park.

With the Danish international a more defensive-minded player, Spurs have lacked a creative plug within midfield in their previous two games against Crystal Palace and Chelsea.

Getting Ndombele back to his best could be on Nuno’s mind and may hint at why he has started the previous two games. He has the chance on Wednesday to gain more minutes under his belt in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Wolves as he hopefully improves his fitness levels in order to make a more telling contribution to the team.

In other news, Tottenham have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of a 21-year-old striker. Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Jules Kounde, according to reports…

What’s the word?

French outlet L’Equipe (via GFFN) claim Spurs are still in the running to sign the Sevilla centre-back but Premier League rivals Chelsea are “very firmly in the driving seat.”

The north Londoners were first linked to the Frenchman before the arrival of Cristian Romero from Atalanta, though it’s always been believed that they wanted to sign two new central defenders this transfer window.

Back in July, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claimed Spurs had reached an agreement with the La Liga outfit for the 22-year-old but further reports from Spain suggested that the player had rejected such advances.

Paratici masterclass

If sporting director Fabio Paratici can add the France international to Nuno Santo’s squad, then it has to be considered quite the coup, particularly as he could pair Romero for years to come.

The 2020/21 Serie A ‘Defender of the Year’ and Kounde would be one scary unit at the back.

After an impressive domestic campaign, the young defender made Didier Deschamps’ Euro 2020 squad over some big names, including Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano and World Cup winner Samuel Umtiti.

Kounde ended the season as Sevilla’s highest-rated player (7.01), as per WhoScored figures. He also averaged a squad-high three aerial duels won, displaying his dominating physical attributes despite only being 5 foot 10, on top of 1.2 interceptions and a remarkable 90.1% passing accuracy, proving he can play the ball out from the back to good effect.

Valued at £54m by Transfermarkt, the two-cap beast wouldn’t come cheap but Spurs would be getting every bit of value in whatever price they’d be expected to pay.

At just 22, he’s nowhere near his peak and he has been touted for a big future in the game.

“He’s still so young, he’s got energy, great positioning too. All the centre-backs, not just in Spain I think, but if you look around Europe, he’s got to be one of the highest prospects,” claimed La Liga expert Euan McTear to The Transfer Tavern.

“To be playing for France, who have countless centre-backs, if he’s able to get himself into that group, then, yeah, he’s pretty special.”

Just imagine Kounde and Romero at the back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the next few seasons, it’s a mouth-watering prospect and one that could strike fear into many a Premier League attack.

Paratici must look to seal Nuno another centre-back and there cannot be many options out there like the Sevilla man. If he pulls it off, then it would be another masterclass from the new Spurs supremo.

AND in other news, “I’m told”: Alasdair Gold drops huge Spurs transfer claim, fans will be buzzing…

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills believes that Tyler Roberts is not pulling his weight with the Whites and has suggested that the Welshman could leave Elland Road soon.

The Lowdown: Roberts’ lack of playing time

The 22-year-old has suffered a frustrating season so far, struggling to become a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans.

Roberts may have featured in all 13 of their Premier League matches to date, but he has started just one of those, highlighting his current status within the manager’s setup.

It is a big drop-off from last season when 14 league starts came the Welshman’s way, and Mills believes that the forward may feel his future lies away from Leeds.

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The Latest: Mills critical of Roberts

The 44-year-old has been unimpressed by Roberts’ performances and told Football Insider that more needs to come from him, especially when opportunities have arisen due to team-mates’ injuries.

Mills outlined:

“I’ve said for a long time, I look at Roberts as a squad player, not much more than that. If I’m honest I don’t see much more.

“He’s had enough chances and he’s never really performed to an incredibly high standard where you think ‘Wow, he has got to start. He has to play the next game’.

“Leeds have had some good older players but they don’t have many in that mid-20s bracket to come in and fill in when those senior players are out injured or suspended.

“He should be a definite starter, he’s got some experience and been in and around it. If Bamford’s injured, he has to be the next name on the team sheet. At the moment, he’s not for whatever reason.”

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The Verdict: Time to move on?

With each passing week, the more it feels as though Roberts is on the periphery of things at Leeds, and it is hard to see how he is going to become a key player under Bielsa. His current Whites deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, so the Whites could still receive a healthy amount for him if a decent offer arrives.

Interestingly, Roberts only signed a contract extension earlier this year, but Bielsa’s sporadic use of him suggests that the Argentine wouldn’t be awfully unhappy to see him leave.

At 22, there is an argument to say that patience is still required with the Welshman, but eight goals and nine assists in 98 Leeds appearances is a poor return for an attacking player. Therefore, it’s little wonder why Mills has questioned his efforts in a white shirt.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided an update on a potential Leeds transfer. Read more here.

Watford have been linked with a move for Celta Vigo ace Okay Yokuslu recently, and he could be the man to replace Will Hughes should the 26-year-old leave Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Watford Observer, Yokuslu’s agent was at Watford’s training ground earlier this week in order to speak to sporting director Cristiano Giaretta, which suggests that a move could well be on the cards.

The 27-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom, and whilst they are also said to be keen on bringing him back, Yokuslu would reportedly prefer a move to a Premier League side.

Bye-bye Will Hughes?

It is no surprise to see Watford being linked with midfielders ahead of the new campaign, as Hughes’ future at Vicarage Road is looking increasingly uncertain. The former Derby player was reportedly demoted to the under-23s as a result of the ongoing contract dispute, whilst the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been linked with a move for him.

Therefore, unless a resolution is found quickly, it would be a surprise to see Hughes start the Premier League season as a Watford player, especially as his current deal is set to expire in 2022, meaning that the Hornets could be forced to cash in on him now.

The 26-year-old played a key role in Watford’s promotion to the Premier League last term, averaging a solid 6.85 rating from WhoScored across his 30 appearances in the Championship. He would undoubtedly need swift replacing should he depart this summer, and Yokuslu could be the ideal man for the task.

The Turkey international helped improve West Brom significantly last season, averaging an impressive 6.96 rating from WhoScored across his 16 top-flight appearances, but he was ultimately unable to save them from relegation.

Considering that Xisco Munoz’s team will likely be one of the favourites for the drop in 2021/22, swapping a possession-based player such as Hughes for the more physical and defensive-minded Yokuslu could be a smart move by the Hornets this summer.

The 27-year-old earned rave reviews during his time at The Hawthorns last season, with former teammate Kyle Bartley saying: “He’s been brilliant. He seems to have settled in really quickly which is always important for a player at a new club.

“You can see already that he’s a really good player. I thought he was great against Manchester United on his full debut and then he backed that up with another impressive performance on Saturday against Burnley.

“He’s tenacious. He’s good on the ball. He’s calm and composed. I think he’s made a big difference in there.”

Therefore, it seems clear that the £6.75m-rated Yokuslu would be a stellar addition to Watford’s side this summer, even if it proves to be a catalyst in Hughes departing Vicarage Road on a permanent deal.

In other news… Watford dealt huge transfer blow with “explosive” 28-goal beast