All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Liverpool supporters are keen for the Reds to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have received criticism for their lack of business in the transfer market as only Ibrahima Konate signed in a quiet window.

But the Liverpool manager remains on the lookout to bolster his squad and England international Bellingham is now allegedly Klopp’s top target after dazzling in Germany since his move from Birmingham City.

According to Daily Star journalist Jeremy Cross [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], a deal could cost up to £80million and the Reds face competition from Manchester United to secure his services.

The Daily Star have reported that Klopp wants to bring in a statement signing and the 18-year-old has been identified as that player.

With Georginio Wijnaldum departing on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, Liverpool are in need of another midfielder, and it looks like they will need to break the transfer record fee they paid for Virgil van Dijk in 2018 to sign Bellingham.

Liverpool fans excited with Bellingham talk

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the rumour.

“Get this guy at any cost. Brilliant talent”

Credit: @LFC_purpose

“If you honestly think Bellingham would be worth the punt of £80m then you’d be… Absolutely right!”

Credit: @Twiss95

“Need it to happen”

Credit: @lfcellex

“Yes. Yes. Yes. Please”

Credit: @lukewalshdesign

“Pay whatever they want”

Credit: @davegarcia83

“Worth every flaming penny”

Credit: @JotaBelieveIt

In other news, Liverpool fans are buzzing with links to teenage sensation. Find out more here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle’s pursuit of Lyon beast Lucas Paqueta ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Le10 Sport, the Magpies have placed a £34m (€40m) bid for the Brazilian gem and are willing to go higher if needed.

The report claims that the midfielder has turned down the chance to sign for them as it stands, but does not rule out an attempt from the Premier League side to change his mind.

He only signed for the French club around 18 months ago in a deal worth £19m.

New era

Newcastle could start their new era under PIF’s ownership with a bang by tempting him to make a U-turn on his decision next month.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been in sensational form for Lyon in France and his arrival could provide a major lift to the squad, both in terms of his ability and what he could bring on the pitch and the PR his move would provide the club.

He is a player who is currently excelling in Ligue 1 and convincing him to join a relegation battle could be a signal of intent that convinces others to make a similar switch.

He has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.17 for this season, producing six goals and three assists in 16 league matches whilst also making 2.1 tackles per game. This comes after he averaged the same score last term, bagging nine goals and providing five assists in 30 appearances in Ligue 1.

The manager of Brazil – Tite – previously compared him to two other players from his country, saying: “Lucas thinks about football in the same way as Neymar and Coutinho.

“When we played against El Salvador he had a series of exchanges with Neymar, practically without having seen him before and without playing together. They linked up with their eyes closed.”

Milan and Brazil icon Kaka has also been full of praise for Paqueta in the past. He said:

“He’s a player who has a bright future ahead of him. He’s already been called up to the Brazilian national team, but it’s better for him that we don’t make comparisons. I’ve seen so many of them in recent days, with me, with [Alexandre] Pato, with Ronaldinho, Cafu, Rivaldo… with all the Brazilians who have been part of Milan’s history.”

Meanwhile, talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to describe him as a “pure joy to watch” earlier this year.

This highlights the pedigree he would arrive with, whilst his statistics for Lyon show that he is putting in the performances to warrant the hype.

Therefore, his arrival could kickstart the PIF era with a bang as he would surely have a huge impact on the pitch with his consistently excellent displays in midfield and he could be the trailblazer in terms of high-profile names making their way to the Toon.

AND in other news, Move over Ashworth: NUFC must consider “irate” DoF whose “behaviour’s been a disgrace”…

The Liverpool Echo journalist Adam Jones was left hailing Alex Iwobi for his display as Everton beat Manchester United 1-0 at home in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Huge win

The win and three points for the Merseyside club at Goodison Park are simply huge for their chances of avoiding relegation down to the Championship.

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It has moved Frank Lampard’s team four points clear of Burnley in 18th place in the table, with just eight games for them left to play.

The Latest: Iwobi hailed

Taking to Twitter, Jones was left hailing Iwobi’s performance, in particular the energy and hard work that he showed on the pitch:

“Alex Iwobi’s energy today, absolutely fantastic.

“He’s a changed man under Lampard in terms of that off-the-ball work, I’d argue.”

The Verdict: Big shift

Iwobi certainly put in a big shift for his side, as the winger once again played in an unnatural position in the centre of midfield.

However, he did not disappoint, especially defensively, as he won three of his duels, and also made two interceptions, one clearance and one tackle (SofaScore).

Iwobi also made one key pass and successful dribble (SofaScore), in an overall display that surely would have pleased the Toffees supporters, as well as Lampard.

Nonetheless, the Nigeria international now needs to keep up this level of performance for the rest of the season, as the Blues look to get themselves out of trouble.

In other news, find out what big EFC update this transfer insider has now ‘heard’ here!

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is reportedly leading the race to be named the new manager of Rangers following Steven Gerrard’s departure from Ibrox to Aston Villa last week.

According to The Athletic, discussions are ongoing between the two parties as the Dutchman attempts to piece together a backroom staff, as the ex-Liverpool man left alongside a number of key staff members.

If appointed, van Bronckhorst will be thrown in at the deep end as Rangers look to compete in the domestic cups, Premiership and Europa League in the coming months.

Save millions

He could also have key decisions to make when it comes to transfers. One call he could make in the January transfer window is to recall forward Cedric Itten from his loan spell with Greuther Furth in Germany.

Ianis Hagi and Alfredo Morelos have both been linked with Ibrox exits in recent months and Ross Wilson could need to dip into the transfer market to replace them if moves materialise.

However, van Bronckhorst could save the Gers chief plenty of cash by unleashing Itten and attempting to get the best out of him in Glasgow instead of splashing out on fresh additions to the squad.

The Swiss international was sent out on loan to Furth in the Bundesliga in the summer and has shown signs of promise for the German side. He has scored two goals in eight league appearances, starting six, and won 28 aerial battles, averaging 3.5 per game.

This highlights the physical quality he offers at the top end of the pitch, whilst also showing that he can score goals in one of Europe’s top divisions.

Switzerland under-21 boss Mauro Lustrinelli previously hailed Itten’s strength and work rate on the pitch. He said:

“Itten is a player with incredible physical strength and a great mentality.

“He proved to have a great mentality and personality. He worked a lot and never gave up.

“Cedric is very quiet and intelligent but on the pitch, he changes completely; he fights for every ball, giving everything for the team.”

This aligns with his impressive aerial success with Furth and shows the qualities van Bronckhorst could get from him.

The Dutch manager could bring him in from the cold over in Germany and reintegrate him into his side to unlock his full potential. His statistics in the Bundesliga suggest he has the quality to potentially be a key player for the Gers and the 46-year-old would surely come in and give him the confidence to hit his top form.

Therefore, the £14k-per-week beast who was once dubbed “superb” by Gerrard, could potentially end up saving Wilson and Rangers millions if van Bronckhorst is able to extract his quality and inject it into the XI at Ibrox.

If Itten is able to become a regular goalscorer for Rangers, as he was at St Gallen with 36 goals in 63 games, then they may not need to buy a replacement for Morelos, should he leave the club.

AND in other news, Deadline set: Report details Rangers manager timeline that’ll surely have fans excited…

Many Sunderland fans have been left buzzing over some news that has emerged involving Trai Hume.

As per the official website of the Stadium of Light faithful, they have now signed the youngster from Linfield for an undisclosed fee on a four-and-a-half-year deal, with the option of a further year.

He can play both at right-back and in midfield, and will now give Lee Johnson another handy option in his squad ahead of their promotion push.

Hume has previously been dubbed as one of the hottest properties in the Irish League, and had scored three goals and made a further two assists from 17 games this season (Transfermarkt) before moving to the North East.

Nonetheless, at just 19 years of age, he is no doubt an exciting prospect, and one that can Johnson can now integrate into his team.

Sunderland fans on Hume transfer news

These Black Cats buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one SAFC supporter claiming that they were ‘delighted’ while another even went as far as to say that he will be a ‘cracking signing’:

“Yes lads, this fella’s going to be a cracking signing for us.”

Credit: @stuorr

“Delighted with this, people only seem to have positive things to say about both his ability and attitude. Welcome on board kidda, go make yourself a legend!!!”

Credit: @Blackcatlife197

“5 and a half years essentially. Love to see it.”

Credit: @adamguest

“I love you”

Credit: @1879Fans

“Get in!”

Credit: @GazJFisher

“Things you love to see”

Credit: @callumwoodley2

In other news, find out what fresh injury update Johnson has dropped here!

Liverpool currently have a solid selection of midfield options in their squad such as Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

However, it seems as though the Merseyside club have their eyes on a new addition for that role.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Spanish media outlet El Nacional (via Liverpool Echo) that Liverpool are apparently interested in signing Barcelona’s 17-year-old midfielder Gavi at some point in the future.

Gavi, who is a product of Barcelona’s youth academy, made his senior debut for the club back in August in a 2-1 La Liga win over Getafe.

Since then, the midfielder has made seven appearances for Ronald Koeman’s side across all competitions this season in which he has played in a number of positions across the pitch such as central-midfield, left-wing, right-wing, left-midfield and attacking midfield, showing just how versatile he is at such a young age.

In addition to making his debut at club level, Gavi recently made his debut for the Spanish national team in their recent 2-1 win over Italy in the semi-final of the UEFA Nations League.

After his performance in the win against Italy, Spain head coach Luis Enrique said Gavi’s performance was “fantastic” and the he is “something exceptional.”

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why Liverpool have been mentioned with a potential move with the young star.

Future Red?

If Liverpool were to sign Gavi at some point in the near future, we feel he could well go onto be a long-term option for the Reds, given his age and perhaps take over from Henderson if he ends up leaving the club when the new four-year contract he signed over the summer runs out in 2025, which could therefore allow Gavi to take a more prominent role in the team should he make the move to Anfield at any point before then.

However, it would be understandable for Barcelona to be reluctant to potentially sell their youth star after only just making his breakthrough in their team.

On the other hand, given the widely reported financial issues at the Spanish club at the moment, there could be a situation where cashing in on a player like Gavi could be the best option for Barcelona if a club such as Liverpool were willing to come in and pay a significant transfer fee for him.

In our view, if Liverpool are interested in signing Gavi, they should probably wait until the next summer transfer window at the earliest before approaching Barcelona so they can have a better idea of the player he can develop into based on what he does throughout the remainder of this season.

In other news: £180k-p/w Liverpool “problem” sees his value crash £45m in nearly 2 years under Klopp – opinion 

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as some news emerged on their proposed new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

A video has now been shared on the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, which showed and explained the starting process of building the new ground, speaking to the principle engineer responsible for its construction.

As shared by the Merseyside club’s website, sand dredged from the Irish Sea is now being pumped into Bramley-Moore Dock as construction begins on building the new stadium.

Just watching the footage and reading up on the information has made it all so real for several Toffees supporters, who have been left very excited by the starting of the construction.

Still, there is a long way to go until the process is complete, but it is certainly good to see that construction has begun on their new home.

Everton fans on Bramley-Moore Dock news

These Blues were left buzzing as the video was shared on Twitter, with one EFC fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘massive’:

“Massive step”

Credit: @D_Hart11

“Fascinating and worthy of a @SmithsonianChan doc. Let’s get that done.”

Credit: @WiscoMorty

“This is genuinely insane, the intelligence of the people orchestrating this is mind-boggling! On another level this project mate.”

Credit: @KevTweet13

“Love this”

Credit: @SavEliiz2014

“Can’t wait for this”

Credit: @ARobbo17

“Great stuff!!”

Credit: @CathyMcAlle

In other news, find out what club news has Evertonians gushing here!

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha would be a “typical Wolves signing”, says Express & Star reporter Luke Hatfield.

According to Portuguese journalist Filipe Dias, Wolves are interested in signing Palhinha before the transfer window closes, though they face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham.

Spurs’ interest in the 26-year-old complicates things. But if the Midlands club manage to get a deal over the line, then he would be joining compatriots Ruben Neves, Pedro Neto and Joao Moutinho at Molineux, adding to that Portuguese core.

On Palhinha’s potential arrival, Hatfield told FFC:

“We all know what Wolves’ transfer business has been like over the past few years. It’s normally from that Portuguese market.

“Palhinha is one who’s been linked on numerous occasions with Wolves. It would be a typical Wolves signing.”

Given that Wolves have been tapping into the Portuguese market in recent years, it really would not be a surprise if Palhinha did end up at Molineux.

With a midfield spot at Tottenham potentially opening up due to the uncertainty surrounding Tanguy Ndombele’s future, though, perhaps they could make a real push for the Sporting man before the end of the month. This could be an interesting one.

A transfer update has emerged on Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi, regarding interest from a European club in luring him away from Ibrox.

What’s the talk?

According to Turkish outlet Sabah Spor, Galatasaray will hold a meeting with the Gers to discuss a deal for the Romania international.

The report does not state any further details, such as a potential fee or Hagi’s thoughts on the move, and simply claims that they are expected to meet with the Scottish giants.

Fans gutted?

Rangers fans will surely be gutted with this update as it suggests that there is strong interest in the mercurial midfielder ahead of the upcoming transfer window. It would be a big blow to lose him halfway through the campaign and Galatasaray are seemingly ready to test the club’s resolve with a move for him.

With aims to actually meet with Rangers instead of just holding interest from afar also indicates that they feel they have a chance of getting a deal done. It would be a waste of their time to enter discussions with the Gers if they did not truly believe that they have the funds to secure his services, which could be worrying for supporters.

Fans will have to hope and pray that Ross Wilson stands firm and does not allow Hagi to leave in the winter window and is able to reject Galatasaray’s advances. It would be a seismic blow for Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad heading into the second half of the campaign as he is a vital member of the team and his absence would leave a hole in the attacking line-up, which could hinder their chances of winning silverware.

Ex-Ibrox head coach Steven Gerrard previously hailed him, saying: “We’re really happy with Ianis Hagi, he’s a joy to work with.

“He’s a student of the game. He’s always looking at areas to improve, whether that be from a physical point of view or tactically or technically. He’s someone you have to drag off the training ground.

“Ianis is always in the analyst department too. He’s never out of the gym, so he’s an absolute dream to work with, very low maintenance. We’re delighted with how he is developing and progressing and we’re happy to have him.”

This suggests that van Bronckhorst will enjoy working with him in the coming months, with his quality on the pitch there for all to see. Hagi has 14 goals and 21 assists in 77 appearances for the Gers, showing that he has the ability to score and create in the final third.

Therefore, fans will understandably be gutted with the prospect of the Turkish side trying to prise him away from Ibrox and it explains why his sale could dampen the club’s chances of winning trophies as his goal contributions could be crucial to winning matches.

AND in other news, Rangers pulled off dream swoop for “outstanding” beast whose value has rocketed 75%…

West Bromwich Albion are battling to secure a move to bring Adam Reach to the Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Alan Nixon, with The Sun journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Albion are fighting Blackburn Rovers for the signature of the former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder, who is a free agent after leaving the Owls at the end of last season.

In response to a fan asking whether Rovers were close to signing anyone this summer, Nixon said: “[Blackburn are] still in Reach race despite the West Brom interest.”

Reach could solve problem

With Valerien Ismael often setting Barnsley up in a 3-4-2-1 formation last season, it would appear logical to assume that the Frenchman may well look to once again call upon this formation following his appointment at West Brom.

And, although Reach was playing his football for a Sheffield Wednesday side who ultimately finished bottom of the Championship last term, the 28-year-old nevertheless demonstrated he possesses a significant amount of ability, while the left midfielder’s positional versatility could also solve something of a problem for the 45-year-old Albion manager.

Indeed, over his 44 Championship appearances for the Owls last season, the £2.52m-rated man scored five goals, registered three assists and created five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.3 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The man Tony Pulis dubbed a “top player” also impressed in a defensive capacity, making an average of 0.9 interceptions, one tackle, one clearance and winning 2.8 duels per match.

These returns saw the £23k-per-week midfielder earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.82, ranking him as Darren Moore’s sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, it would very much appear as if Reach would be capable of doing a job for West Brom, but, the exact job he may be asked to perform is what could make the former England U20 international an extremely astute piece of business by Ismael.

Indeed, with the Frenchman stating shortly after his arrival at the club that he doesn’t “need the most expensive player or the best player” but rather the “right player for the position,” Reach looks as if he could be something of a perfect candidate for the role as the 45-year-old’s left wing-back.

And, with only Conor Townsend in the Albion squad who is a natural left-back, it would very much seem as if Ismael will require far greater depth in the position over the course of an arduous Championship campaign.

So, all of the above would lead us to believe that the signing of Reach could solve one of the manager’s big issues at The Hawthorns ahead of next season, and, with the 28-year-old being available on a free transfer, he would also represent something of a bargain.

In other news: Hatfield drops West Brom transfer claim on “complete” £12k-p/w ace, Ismael must act