All posts by z3u9t.icu

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Marko Grujic has been absolutely phenomenal on loan at Hertha Berlin this season, so much so that he could be the perfect replacement for utility man James Milner.

On the chalkboard

Liverpool spent big in midfield last summer, splashing out over £100m to bring Fabinho, Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri to the club, per Transfermarkt.

They will likely need to add to that department again in 2019 though, as Milner has finally begun to show signs of ageing and Adam Lallana could well leave in search of regular playing time – the latter has played just 205 Premier League minutes this season, per Whoscored.

Despite the constant fan obsession with new signings however, Klopp may just find his new midfield maestro right under his nose, as the German’s very first Liverpool signing is setting the Bundesliga alight.

FFC’s James Jones has identified the one thing that could cost Liverpool the title. Find out what it is in the video below…

The perfect all-rounder?

Grujic joined the Reds in January 2016 for a fee of around £5m, per BBC, but has spent most of his Liverpool career out on loan.

After a brief spell with former club Red Star Belgrade he went on to play a huge part in Cardiff City’s promotion last season, using his size and steel to good effect in the Championship.

He has now shown a different side to his game in Germany, excelling as a box-to-box midfielder in Berlin, even prompting Hertha manager and legend Pal Dardai to anoint him “the best midfielder we have had in the last 20 years”.

The 22 year-old finished off a beautiful team goal in a 2-2 draw with Schalke on Friday to grab his second Bundesliga strike of the season, per Whoscored, but his all-round performance will have impressed Klopp even more than the goal.

The 6 ft 3 in colossus won three aerial duels and registered one key pass, one dribble and two shots, per Whoscored, bossing the match with smart passing, good reading of the game and sheer physical dominance.

After excelling as a defensive midfielder in Cardiff and marauding from box to box in Berlin, Grujic is more than ready to step in and play a pivotal role in Klopp’s squad next season, and his versatility could even see him become the gaffer’s new utility man.

So, Liverpool fans, do you want to see Grujic in the first team next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below…

While much of the excitement at Aston Villa at the moment will naturally surround Steven Gerrard and how he can get the club firing again, NSWE will be absolutely delighted at securing the services of another man: Michael Beale.

The 41-year-old arrived at Villa Park as Gerrard’s first-team coach from his time at Rangers, and has been widely hailed by numerous people for the role he has played.

Indeed, Gerrard himself told The Robbie Fowler Podcast: “What I’ll never do is try to do someone else’s job when they are better than me at doing it It would take me 15 to 20 years to become as good as Michael Beale as an on-pitch coach, delivering sessions on a daily basis, so I let Mick be Mick because he’s the expert.”

That sentiment is echoed by journalist Stuart Hodge who exclusively revealed to GIVEMESPORT the kind of role Beale has played, and will play at Villa Park over the coming months and years.

Hodge said: “Beale is the man behind him that’s doing things and looking at things from a different perspective. He’ll be the one doing a lot of the drills on the training pitch.”

He added: “Gerrard is the manager and Beale’s the coach, essentially. Beale is the brains behind the operation, whereas Gerrard is very much the face and the front of it.”

Having that respected coach who can really dig into the finer details on the training ground and really improve players will be particularly key for a young Villa side brimming with exciting talents coming through the academy – not least the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Cameron Archer.

And, speaking to BBC Scotland, former Gers star Peter Lovenkrands outlined just how Beale goes about things with individual players: “What he does with the players on the pitch is phenomenal. I remember he was giving me sessions to take down because I was doing the reserves; he wanted us to copy it. I was loving it. I actually wanted to take part in the training.

“He’s so on the ball. He’s so good at what he does. The players love it. His preparation for each game is fantastic to watch, and Gerrard is very lucky to have him.”

While Villa fans will surely be very pleased with appointing Gerrard, the arrival of the 41-year-old Beale in tandem could be the real masterstroke that really ignites things behind-the-scenes.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has revealed what Gerrard has “transformed” at Villa Park…

As per 90min, Aston Villa sporting director Johan Lange appears to be eyeing a fresh transfer pursuit ahead of January as he aims to bolster Steven Gerrard’s options.

The Lowdown: Gerrard era begins…

The sacking of Dean Smith brought forward a new era at Villa Park with Premier League big name and SPFL title-winning boss Gerrard taking to the helm.

As Liverpool’s club legend takes on his first ever first team managerial role in the English top flight, he has been linked with possible raids in the winter window in an effort to reshape the squad.

Indeed, the forward positions in particular appear to be taking priority going by recent claims, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming Gerrard has personally requested Rangers star Ianis Hagi.

Meanwhile, Villa and Lange have also been tipped with a move for South American striker Julian Alvarez as the Argentine sensation dazzles with impressive form.

The Latest: Lange now eyeing Barbosa move…

As per 90min and transfer ‘insider’ Graeme Bailey, Aston Villa, and by extension sporting director Lange who is known for the club’s transfer activity, are weighing a move for Flamengo star Gabriel Barbosa.

The former Inter Milan striker is said to be attracting Villa’s interest with Gerrard’s side now among a plethora of Premier League teams ‘considering a bid’.

As Barbosa actively seeks a move away in January, with this report claiming he is ready to push for a move, it is also believed that the player’s agents are ‘actively looking at his options’ behind the scenes.

The Verdict: Ideal option?

If Villa want to add more forward depth for Gerrard, they couldn’t do much better than the 25-year-old in terms of electric form.

Indeed, Barbosa has bagged a prolific 29 goals across 2021 for Flamengo in all competitions, certainly demonstrating his killer instinct in front of goal after a spell to forget at Inter.

As he eyes a move back to Europe, the player may have emerged as a solid option for Lange and Villa ahead of January and it is believed Barbosa could depart his current club for a fee ‘in excess of £30 million’.

Bailey, explaining in the piece, says that clubs in the race for him consider that price tag worth it – citing the fact it’s unusual for a ‘top class’ striker to be available and seeking a move mid-season.

Taking this into account, we believe he could certainly come as an astute purchase for Villa and Gerrard.

In other news, whose fitness update is attracting interest from Villa fans? Find out here!

Many Glasgow Rangers fans criticised the performance of Scott Wright in their 1-0 win against Livingston in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

It was a game in which the hosts were certainly not at their best at Ibrox but managed to scrape all three points courtesy of a late goal from Scott Arfield.

There were a few disappointing performances for Rangers, but Wright stood out among a bad pack.

The former Aberdeen winger lost out on five of his duels in total and failed to record a single successful dribble, also being unsuccessful with three of his four crosses (SofaScore).

Wright also lost possession of the ball 13 times, the joint-sixth most out of his teammates, and he was hauled off for Ryan Jack shortly after the goal was scored.

Rangers fans slam Wright

These Rangers fans slammed the 24-year-old’s display on Twitter, with one Light Blues supporter going as far as to claim that he was ‘shocking’ last night:

“Woke up still raging at Scott Wright”

Credit: @Converyg1

“Scott Wright another Glenn Middleton nowhere near good enough”

Credit: @RossThomson12

“Scott Wright horrendous”

Credit: @GregThomson72

“Add Scott Wright in, hopeless out on the right.”

Credit: @AndyFirthRSC

“Scott Wright is so far off of what we need. Shocking player”

Credit: @jamie__rangers

“Scott Wright. Hide and seek champion.”

Credit: @VaticanRSC

In other news, find out what team news was lauded by these Gers fans

Celtic have reached a basic agreement with Yokohama F. Marinos for attacker Daizen Maeda, according to Yahoo Japan.

The Lowdown: Hatate and Ideguchi moves

The Hoops are looking to make three Japanese signings in the New Year following the success of Kyogo Furuhashi’s £4.86m switch in the summer.

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Celtic have reportedly already reached agreements for midfielders Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi earlier this month, and it seems as if they are edging closer regarding a move for Maeda.

The 24-year-old, described as a ‘tireless worker’ by Kieran Devlin, netted 23 times in 2021 and now looks set for a reunion with Ange Postecoglou.

The Latest: Maeda update

According to Yahoo Japan, Celtic have struck a basic agreement with Yokohama F. Marinos for Maeda to sign on loan for the second half of the season.

The Hoops will then be able to make the move permanent for €2m, with Maeda expected to travel to the UK soon.

The Verdict: Final piece of the jigsaw?

Celtic have been working on moves for Hatate, Ideguchi and Maeda for some time now, and it appears as if deals are in place for the trio before the January window has even opened.

New Hoops CEO Michael Nicholson certainly isn’t hanging around, and who knows, should all three moves go through at the beginning of 2022, he could then look at permanent transfers for loanees Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The pair have impressed in Glasgow, however, the duo could cost over £12m combined (Jota £6.5m, CV £6m), so it’ll be interesting to see how busy Celtic are after proposed moves for the Japanese trio.

In other news Celtic will look to move on ‘horrendous’ ace in January; ‘jittery’ man may also leave – Kieran Devlin. 

Loads of Everton fans have been left gushing over some transfer news on Giovanni Simeone.

As per a report from earlier in the week by Fichajes, which has since been shared by EFC DAILY on their Twitter page, the Goodison Park faithful are now interested in signing the Cagliari striker, and the Serie A club have set a €10m (£8.5m) asking price for his signature.

The price seems minuscule for a player who is doing so well on loan at Hellas Verona at the moment, as he has scored no fewer than 11 goals and made a further three assists in just 14 games in Italy’s top flight so far this season (Transfermarkt).

According to FBRef.com, he is the most clinical finisher in Europe’s top five leagues this season, scoring +6.7 on goals vs expected goals.

Given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems that he has suffered throughout the campaign, and the fact that both Salomon Rondon and Cenk Tosun are yet to score this term, Simeone would offer a great alternative up top for Rafa Benitez.

Everton fans on Simeone transfer news

These supporters of the Merseyside club gushed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Toffee even going as far as to claim that he would be a ‘great signing’:

“He’s a brilliant striker!!! Trust me!!”

Credit: @kduah1994

“Please”

Credit: @EFCMichael7

“Bargain”

Credit: @pinkusben2

“Lad I’d love to have him and he’s a bargain. Him and DCL up top sounds nice with Gray and Richy wide, I do like having 3 in the mid though”

Credit: @Daniel31775803

“I’d take him for €10m looks a really good player at that from what I’ve seen from him this season”

Credit: @JamesCDolan92

“Great signing if it comes off”

Credit: @fifasavedmylife

In other news, find out what stadium news has Blues stunned here!

Journalist Tom Barclay has tipped Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi to be a surprise inclusion in England’s World Cup squad for Qatar 2022.

What’s the story?

The highly-rated 21-year-old has put in a string of outstanding performances for club and country after completing his big-money move over the summer, and Barclay believes he could oust one of his compatriots in Gareth Southgate’s current plans.

He tweeted: “One player I wouldn’t rule out from making a late charge to the England World Cup squad is Marc Guehi. Getting better with every game, impressing at Crystal Palace, well-liked within the system and now captain of the Under-21s.”

Crystal Palace fans surely buzzing

Conor Gallagher made his senior England debut in the 10-0 thrashing of San Marino on Monday night, and the prospect of another Palace youngster making his name on the international stage would surely leave the club’s supporters buzzing.

Since arriving at Selhurst Park via an £18m move from boyhood club Chelsea back in July, Guehi has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young centre-backs.

As per WhoScored, the 6-foot monster has averaged 1.2 tackles per league game this season, a whopping 3.4 clearances and 0.5 blocks, highlighting his influence over proceedings for the capital club.

Despite only being an Eagles player for a few months, Guehi has already cemented his status as a crucial player for Patrick Vieira’s charges, playing every minute of their promising Premier League campaign.

His partnership with the more experienced Joachim Andersen is also beginning to flourish in the heart of defence, providing the foundations for a new-look Palace side full of excitement and attacking intent, something that was lacking under the previous regime.

And consecutive clean sheets in their last two outings are evidence that Guehi and co. are starting to put in solid defensive displays on a consistent basis too.

Whether Guehi can do enough to force himself into Southgate’s World Cup plans over the next 12 months remains to be seen, but you’d be a brave person to bet against Barclay’s prediction.

And, in other news…Forget Zaha: “Massively important” Palace gem who’s won 27 duels has been overlooked 

Crystal Palace are having a quiet transfer window so far, as Patrick Vieira’s side have enjoyed a comfortable start to their season, currently 11th in the Premier League, but with three weeks to go there is one player that has been repeatedly linked to signing for the side in January.

What’s the word?

Journalist, Pete O’Rourke, added new claims to the ongoing speculation surrounding the potential signing of Eddie Nketiah, confirming that other clubs are interested in the Gunners forward.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT:

“There’s other clubs interested in Nketiah,” he began.

“The likes of Brighton have been mentioned but Crystal Palace have held a long-term interest in Nketiah. They tried to get him in the summer but it didn’t happen in the end.”

With Brighton speculated to be in hot pursuit of the 22-year-old too, Vieira will need to make a decision on whether he wants to sign the player or not, as he could be beaten to securing his signature by another Premier League club, especially now that he is in the final six months of his contract with Arsenal.

Fans will be buzzing

Nketiah would be a great addition to the youth revolution that Patrick Vieira has imposed since being appointed by the London club in summer last year, and has the potential to become a fantastic player if his current form is anything to go by.

As a result, fans will surely be elated to see another young player in Nketiah becoming part of the future that the Palace manager is already building, with many taking to social media to discuss the potential signing.

One fan Tweeted: “Palace need to bag Nketiah, imagine the front 4 of Nketiah, Olise, Eze and Gallagher.”

The Arsenal striker has not been in Mikel Arteta’s favour for too many Premier League starts, with just three appearances so far, but has been able to prove his worth and showcase his talents in the EFL Cup.

In that competition, he has scored five goals in three games, leading the Gunners to a semi final that is important for the club this season, as they can only compete in domestic competitions due to failing to qualify for European football for the first time since 1995.

Crystal Palace could lose one of their strikers this January, as Jean-Philippe Mateta is strongly linked to a move away from the club, ending his loan and joining Saint Etienne, and if this was the case, Vieira could swoop to secure the signing of Nketiah in the next few weeks to fill the hole that his current striker would leave.

In other news: Mateta likely to leave the club in January

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes Leeds could make a January swoop for Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, Give Me Sport report.

The Lowdown: Nandez a long-term target

Leeds are yet to sign a central midfielder on a permanent basis under Marcelo Bielsa but are thought to be after a defensive and attacking midfielder this month due to the club’s injury woes.

One player who was linked with a move to Elland Road back in the summer was Nandez, with rumours resurfacing in recent weeks.

The 26-year-old is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt and has made 16 appearances in four different positions in 2021/22, perhaps suggesting he could solve Victor Orta’s quest for a number six and number eight in one swoop.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke was talking to Give Me Sport regarding Nandez and a possible move to Yorkshire this month.

He labelled a winter window transfer as ‘a real possibility’, with reports suggesting he could be available for half the price compared to last summer.

“I think they tried to sign him from Cagliari in the summer but weren’t able to. So, if they think they can get him on a cheaper deal this January, there’s a real possibility that they maybe could come back in for him.”

The Verdict: Time to swoop?

It seems as if Nandez is a player who has been on Orta’s shortlist for a while, so now could be the ideal time to bring him to Yorkshire.

Described as a ‘powerful’ midfielder by Serie A expert Conor Clancy, Nandez fits the Bielsa profile when it comes to being versatile.

He’d bolster the club’s wide ranks, while also being able to play in a defensive or central midfield role. That could be needed straight away, should he arrive at Elland Road, especially as Kalvin Phillips has been ruled out until March.

More updates on Nandez will more than likely emerge before the end of the month, but as like in the summer, it could be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news: ‘This is huge’ – BBC pundit reacts to ‘massive’ Leeds news he’s heard from Elland Road. 

Celtic winger Ben Doak has dropped a major hint over his future on social media, Football Scotland have spotted.

The Lowdown: Close to Liverpool move

Doak has enjoyed a Glasgow breakthrough in 2022, making two Celtic appearances and attracting interest from both Chelsea and Liverpool.

The 16-year-old is yet to pen professional terms at Parkhead and is thought to be closing in on a move to Merseyside to join Liverpool.

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Labelled as ‘fantastic’ by Ange Postecoglou, Doak scored a hat-trick for Scotland’s U17s during the international break, but the Hoops could potentially receive just £150,000 for his services.

The Latest: Social media activity

Football Scotland shared a story on Doak on Wednesday lunchtime, revealing the player has now followed Liverpool’s official Instagram page.

Doak has also given the Reds’ unofficial academy page a follow, hinting that a move to join the youth ranks at Anfield is imminent.

The Verdict: Unavailable for the run-in?

The young winger has made the bench three times alongside his two appearances since December, but it seems as if he could be on the move very shortly.

It looks as if Postecoglou is now resigned to losing his services after not including him in the last seven Premiership matchday squads.

He could be unavailable for the run-in, with a move to link up with former Celtic goalkeeper Liam Hughes at Liverpool’s academy looking like a formality at this point.

In other news: Sky Sports: Celtic have opened talks for another player as well as Bayern’s Christopher Scott.