All posts by n8rngtd.top

Plenty of Arsenal fans have been reacting to an injury update on Kieran Tierney on social media.

Mikel Arteta revealed earlier this month that the left-back, who suffered knee ligament damage against Liverpool, would probably miss the rest of the season.

However, in a recent injury update on the club’s official website, it appears as if Tierney could be back sooner than expected.

The Gunners provided an update on a number of sidelined players ahead of Friday’s clash with Everton on Wednesday.

On Tierney, the club said he is making ‘positive progress and is hoping to be back in training within two to three weeks’.

Tierney, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the campaign, has made 33 appearances in all competitions this season, showing he is a crucial part of the manager’s plans.

Arsenal fans react

@ltarsenal shared Tierney’s positive progress and training return timeframe on Twitter on Wednesday evening.

This is what these Gunners had to say in reply, with one describing the update as ‘huge news’, perhaps casting an eye towards a potential Europa League final, which would take place on May 26.

“Huge news #KroenkeOut”

Credit: @_SakaSZN_

“No way”

Credit: @goonerjames

“love to see it”

Credit: @leeah3x

“The miracle worker Mazziotti at work!”

Credit: @sunnysathvik

“At least some positive news”

Credit: @Sam27542817

“Things we love to see #KroenkeOut”

Credit: @DennisAFC

In other news: Many Arsenal fans buzz at news of Stan Kroenke protests, find out more here. 

Liverpool have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe ironically by the French club’s interest in current Reds’ star Mo Salah.

According to Telefoot, the reigning Ligue 1 champions have opened talks with the Egyptian forward in the event that Mbappe elects to leave the Parc des Princes.

The Frenchman is out of contract next summer and could leave on a free transfer, with the Reds thought to be interested in swooping for his services.

The simple fact that the Parisiens are looking for a replacement already could suggest that he has decided on his departure as early as this summer, giving the Reds a huge boost in his pursuit.

Mbappe would certainly be an exhilarating signing for the Merseysiders having plundered an eye-watering 123 goals in 163 appearances for the French giants since arriving from AS Monaco.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-gravenberch-keita-mane-williams-kabak” title=”Read the latest Liverpool news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Despite that, it would also be leaving current Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp with a huge dilemma over whether to let the £200k per week Salah leave for PSG.

The 28-year-old has been nothing short of sensational in his time at Anfield after arriving from AS Roma. He has scored 122 goals, ironically one fewer than Mbappe, in 195 appearances as the Reds have scooped the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Should he depart then, he would certainly be a big miss. However, should Liverpool elect to sell to Paris Saint Germain, this would give them a huge boost in the pursuit of Mbappe, with a potential swap deal maybe in the offing.

So, whilst interest in star forward Salah will initially worry the Reds, it could potentially morph into a benefit in the club’s long-term transfer aspirations of signing Mbappe.

AND in more news, take a look at why swooping for a Barcelona star this summer would be a mistake by FSG…

According to a report by reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold, Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy have towering Fiorentina colossus Nikola Milenkovic on their radar for this summer – coming as the Lilywhites scour for a potential leader.

Indeed, as explained by Gold, signing a defender with leadership qualities who can marshal the Lilywhites backline is among Levy’s top priorities for the next transfer window.

Tottenham eyeing Milenkovic

Many names have been mentioned by Gold, writing for football.london, and one that stands out among them is Serie A powerhouse Milenkovic.

The 23-year-old, standing at a gigantic 6 foot 4, is said to be on Levy and Tottenham’s watchlist – especially considering his vast experience at international level despite his fairly young age.

He already has 28 caps for his native Serbia and is a regular for Fiorentina at club level, marking him out as a sure fire candidate to be targeted this summer.

The defender’s contract will have just one year remaining after the 2020/2021 campaign, coming as another bonus which could gift Levy plenty of negotiating room.

Transfer Tavern take

Pol Lirola, one of Milenkovic’s teammates at Fiorentina but currently on loan at Marseille, heralded the star centre-back in an interview on Instagram page ‘SOSFantacalcio’ – calling him ‘extraordinary’ and ‘ready for a great team’ (via XSport.news).

As well as this, a past report shed light on Jose Mourinho’s fondness for the player – with the Portuguese scouting him personally in 2018 alongside Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (The Sun).

Time will tell whether he becomes Tottenham’s main target above all others, but this reliable information from Gold indicates he is on the agenda.

In other news: Gold also dropped a big Tottenham stadium naming rights update, find out more here.

Rangers have been linked with a move for Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris recently, and if he were to make the move to Ibrox this summer, he could prove to be the perfect replacement for Alfredo Morelos in Steven Gerrard’s side.

According to Football Insider, Rangers scouts were in attendance at Peterborough’s game against Accrington Stanley at the weekend to watch Clarke-Harris and the 26-year-old certainly put on a show for those watching, as he hit a hat-trick in a 7-0 demolition of John Coleman’s side.

The frontman has enjoyed a superb season with the Posh since joining from fellow League One outfit Bristol Rovers in the summer, scoring 25 goals in 37 league appearances for Darren Ferguson’s side.

His performances in League One have seen him average a superb 7.29 average rating from WhoScored, which includes as many as eight man of the match awards.

His manager was full of praise for him earlier in the season, saying:

“Jonson’s goals have been valuable, but he’s more than just a goalscorer. He is a leader, a winner and a real focal point for this team.

“He was our number one target when Ivan Toney left and we had to work hard on his fitness when he first got here, but he’s been an outstanding signing and a real pleasure to work with. He’s been brilliant so far.”

The Englishman was brought in by Peterborough in the summer as their replacement for the impressive Ivan Toney, who hit 24 goals in 32 league appearances last season before it was ended early and has subsequently hit 28 goals in the Championship this season for promotion-chasing Brentford.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

If Clarke-Harris could have a similar rise after leaving Peterborough with Rangers, then he would surely prove to be an excellent signing for Gerrard’s side and he could end up being the man to replace Morelos, should the Colombian depart Ibrox this summer.

The 24-year-old was extremely close to joining Lille last summer and, after another impressive campaign with the Light Blues, it seems likely that there will be plenty of clubs looking to bring him in ahead of next season, with Morelos himself admitting that he wants to play in the English Premier League.

[freshpress-quiz id=“588789″]

Therefore, if the Colombian’s time with Rangers does come to an end this summer, then Gerrard and sporting director Ross Wilson will undoubtedly be looking for a replacement; and given his excellent goalscoring record in recent seasons, Clarke-Harris looks like he would be a more than adequate replacement for ‘El Bufalo’.

In other news… Bye-bye Edmundson: Rangers signing £1.08m-rated beast surely the end for 23 y/o

Everton will never rue the day that Oumar Niasse departed Goodison Park for the final time, as the striker seals his long-awaited return to the game with a move to Huddersfield Town.

The Championship side announced the capture of Niasse on Friday, with the forward moving to the John Smith’s Stadium on a deal running until the end of the current season.

Huddersfield sit 18th in the second tier during the March international break and hold a seven-point margin to the relegation places after winning just two of their last 15 league games.

Everton released Niasse at the end of his contract last June, marking the stop point to a tepid four-year tenure at Goodison Park for the former Lokomotiv Moscow striker, who was signed by Roberto Martinez for £13.5m.

Niasse spent 273 days as a free agent, having rejected offers to return to the game following his release in favour of continuing in England to remain close to his family.

“A big part of our recruitment process focuses on the character of the players we’re bringing in and we’ve spoken with Oumar and his representatives over a fair period of time,” Huddersfield Town’s Head of Football Operations Leigh Bromby said.

“We’ve had very positive conversations throughout and it’s clear he will be a good fit within our group. He’s had plenty of offers since leaving Everton, but he was keen to stay in England and, ideally, in the north so he is close to his family.

“His pedigree speaks for itself, having played in top divisions, in European competitions and commanded huge transfer fees. However, his character is just as impressive. He’s a very positive guy and is determined to show everyone what he is capable of.”

Niasse will now continue working with the Huddersfield first team to rebuild his fitness, having begun training with the Terriers before signing a short-term deal.

Niasse will hope that his return to the game will present opportunities to earn a longer-term contract at the John Smith’s Stadium and show Everton why they were wrong to release him at the end of his contract last summer.

However, it is extremely unlikely that the Toffees will ever be expected to rue the day that the 30-year-old left Goodison Park for the final time, having proven to be an expensive flop in the years which followed Martinez sanctioning his arrival.

It took until the end of April 2016 for Niasse to earn his first start in royal blue following five substitute appearances from a possible 10 games across all competitions, and the arrival of Ronald Koeman that summer triggered the derailment of his Merseyside career.

Koeman told Niasse after one 45-minute appearance in pre-season that he was not wanted at the club and instructed the striker to train with the under-23s, before sending the former Senegal international out on loan the following January.

The move to Hull City helped Niasse earn a second chance under Koeman the following season, only for the appointment of Sam Allardyce to see his chances be reduced once again and the subsequent hiring of Marco Silva put an exit in sight.

Niasse would only make seven appearances across all competitions in 18 months under Silva and just one of those in the starting line-up, before playing a mere 18 minutes under Carlo Ancelotti in the final months of his £55,000-per-week contract.

Four managers passing on Niasse after Martinez was fired just went to show the struggles the striker had at adapting to the demands of the Premier League and English football, and why he left Everton with just nine goals in 42 games – of which he only started 13 – to his name.

The 30-year-old is now at a club in Huddersfield where the head coach is seemingly prepared to back him, with Carlos Corberan lauding the “dynamic” forward as he brings a hard-working mentality, a will to press the opponent and the ability to attack spaces to the Championship.

Those traits were all too rarely on show at Goodison Park, making his release a must last summer and why Everton will never be expected to rue the day that he walked away.

AND in other news, Everton dodged a £13m bullet in a “remarkable” talent as the hype falls silent…

In a recent interview, Noel Whelan criticised the players of Tottenham Hotspur in giving his backing to Jose Mourinho’s style of football.

Having been on a decent run of form heading into the North London Derby last weekend, winning three consecutive Premier League fixtures for the first time since November, Tottenham’s lacklustre performance in the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal reignited debate regarding Mourinho’s future at the club.

However, speaking recently to Football Insider, former Premier League forward Whelan stated his belief that it is the Tottenham players who are to blame for their disappointing performance against the Gunners, rather than their 58-year-old manager.

He said: “I don’t think it’s Mourinho, it’s the players. There are attacking players out there. That’s not a defensive side that’s gone there for a draw. There are very attacking players that can win matches on their own.

“They started off really slow. They got the goal that should have been the breakthrough, the starting point. That should have been when they kicked into overdrive and stepped up the gears and really took the game to Arsenal. But it was Arsenal who were controlling and dictating the game. I don’t think they did enough to go out and win that game. I think the right team won on the day.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Indeed, with Mourinho putting out a more attacking starting XI than the side which had started the 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace a week before the Arsenal clash – with Tanguy Ndombele replacing Harry Winks – it would seem as if, on the surface, the Spurs manager did not plan for his team to have just one shot in the first half of the derby, or six in total over the course of the 90 minutes.

However, while Mourinho’s team selection may have been attacking on paper, there is no guarantee that the Portuguese boss did not instruct his players to play in a defensive manner; and considering that The Telegraph reported that a number of Spurs players believe “they are being stifled” by Mourinho’s style of football, this would not appear to be an overly outlandish thought.

In other news: Tottenham have been sent a warning over Harry Kane – find out more here!

Speaking to the press, via football.london, West Ham United boss David Moyes has dropped a promising transfer hint that loanee Craig Dawson could soon become a permanent Irons player – with the Scotsman confirming that the club are ‘very close’ fulfilling the obligation to buy clause.

Dawson, who has been a revelation for the Hammers since signing on loan from Watford in the summer, could soon become a permanent Hammers man as the club near the amount of games needed to trigger a deal.

When asked how likely it is that the defender becomes a fully fledged Iron, Moyes responded by saying that there is indeed a ‘good chance’ – going on to say that the club are indeed approaching that outcome.

David Moyes drops enticing hint in West Ham transfer message

“There is a good chance although we are not quite there yet,” explained the West Ham manager.

“But there is a clause in it after a certain amount of games and we are getting very close to that number.

“His performances, his attitude and determination are certainly worthy of that anyway.

“We brought him in, it took him a while until the Southampton game I think it was before he got a start but that was because of the form of Fabian Balbuena and Angelo Ogbonna but he has come in and added goals to us as well and his experience has been really important and he is playing really well this season.”

Transfer Tavern take

Given how much he has shone as a centre-back partner to both Ogbonna and, more recently, with Issa Diop – Dawson signing permanently at the London Stadium could come as another boost to the club as they chase European football for this season and beyond.

Time will tell exactly when he becomes a permanent West Ham man, but it almost appears inevitable judging by this Moyes message.

In other news: A West Ham source lifted the lid on this GSB plan, find out more here.

Marcel Brands should avoid launching a summer swoop for Everton to sign Yeferson Soteldo, despite the Venezuelan stating that he’s open to leaving Santos.

What’s the word?

While speaking with FIFA’s official website, Soteldo admitted he dreams of one day playing in the Premier League and that he feels ready to take that step.

Soteldo joined Santos from Chilean side Huachipato in January 2019 and has scored 17 goals while providing 15 assists in 81 appearances across all competitions to date. His performances earned him a new contract at the start of the year, one that runs until December 2023.

Penning a new deal at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium may further drive up President Jose Carlos Peres’ asking price, having valued the diminutive 5 ft 3 star at €35m (£30m) last year following approaches from Inter Milan, Everton and a host of clubs from Spain.

Soteldo has also become a regular in his national side as they strive to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, with 19 outings to his name while still captaining the Venezuela U23s side.

The 23-year-old intends to do all he can to help his country make it to Qatar next year, which would mark the nation’s first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup finals.

“It’s a clear goal and something that’s on my wish list, so I’ll give everything possible to make it happen,” he said. “But I’ve learned not to get obsessed about things, otherwise I’d go crazy and wouldn’t be able to make a career from football.”

A career Soteldo hopes will one day include a spell in England, adding: “Today, I can say that I’m ready to take it to the next level, although I feel good here at Santos. We’ll see after the Copa America. I’ve always liked the English league.”

Should Everton sign Soteldo?

While Santos President Peres claimed Everton were interested in a move for Soteldo, who he lauds for his “sensational skills”, Brands should avoid seeing the winger’s recent declaration as justification to launch a move to sign the dual-footed maestro this summer.

Soteldo may have admirers across the globe but the 23-year-old is yet to offer any real consistency in his output, having been involved in 15 goals (nine scored, six assisted) in his maiden Serie A season before contributing to nine (four scored, five assisted) in 2020.

At 23, Soteldo is also older than what most of Santos’ top prospects traditionally have been when they have sealed moves to Europe, with Neymar joining FC Barcelona at 21 and Rodrygo sealing a €45m (£40m) move to Real Madrid in 2019 at 18 years of age.

Los Blancos were not afraid to get the chequebook out for Rodrygo – a player President Florentino Perez described as “one of the great prodigies” – after he struck nine goals and five assists in 41 Brazilian Serie A games to quickly establish himself as “one of the big emerging stars of Brazilian football”.

And while Rodrygo is now a regular first-team player at the Santiago Bernabeu, there are just as many misses when it comes to expensive South American imports with Gabriel Barbosa starting just one of his 10 appearances for Inter Milan before joining Flamengo.

The Nerazzurri had paid Santos €25m (£21.5m) after Barcelona passed on their first refusal to sign for the forward in 2016, but would only spend one of his three-and-a-half-years as an Inter player actually at the San Siro.

Soteldo’s first two years with Santos are pointing more to him being a second Barbosa than a Rodrygo, which would place the Venezuelan on course to be Everton’s new Yannick Bolasie if ever signed.

The Toffees paid £25m to bring Bolasie to Goodison Park in 2016 after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s best on the ball at Crystal Palace.

But the DR Congo international would only offer two goals and four assists in 32 games in royal blue and is now set to leave as a free agent once his £75,000-per-week contract expires in the summer.

Signing Soteldo would, in our opinion, result in a similar outcome.

AND in other news, Everton face a £33.5m asking price to sign a sought-after 24-year-old talent…

Manchester United have been credited with scouting Lille defender Sven Botman.

What’s the word?

The Dutchman has long been linked with a Premier League switch amid interest from a whole host of clubs across Europe including the Red Devils.

Reports have emerged over the past week that he has agreed terms ahead of a summer move to Anfield.

However, his agent has moved to swiftly deny those rumours, and according to The Mirror, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are also admirers of the central defender, saying that they have “scouted” him as the United boss looks to strengthen his back-line. This follows a report from The Sunday World just last month that Liverpool could face competition from their Premier League rivals for his signature.

United would give him the platform to perform alongside club captain Harry Maguire, while joining Liverpool would see him reunited with his countryman and international teammate Virgil van Dijk – who is currently recovering from injury.

Perfect Victor Lindelof upgrade

It seems Solskjaer is desperate to bring in defensive reinforcements after seeing United’s title challenge this season falter in front of his very eyes amid links to the likes of Nikola Milenkovic and Sergios Ramos.

Solskjaer has suffered a string of setbacks so far this season, with Maguire subject to intense media scrutiny after his arrest in Mykonos, while Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have been unable to impress consistently next to the club captain.

In Botman, United could find the perfect upgrade on Lindelof, who endured a torrid time against Premier League strugglers West Brom on Sunday.

The Dutchman, who is currently valued at £22m via Transfermarkt, finds himself a wanted man ahead of the summer transfer window, and for a good reason too.

At 21, he could be seen as the ideal long-term partner to Maguire, as he has grown in stature since his €9m (£7.8m) arrival from Ajax.

The Dutch youngster is widely touted as one of Ligue 1’s most promising talents with defensive skills that have earned him rave reviews all over Europe.

By the numbers, Botman is better than Lindelof in almost every area, with his one tackle on average, 1.8 interceptions per game, and three clearances per 90 in the French top flight showing that attackers find it incredibly difficult to get the better of the Dutchman. Considering he has made 24 Ligue 1 appearances this season, that’s no mean feat.

Just imagine the difference he could make alongside Maguire and co, it’s almost too much to think about. Therefore, Ed Woodward should focus all his efforts on trying to bring Botman to Old Trafford this summer.

He would represent an upgrade on Lindelof and tie in to United’s desire of signing young, exciting player who fit their long-term vision.

AND in other news, Bruno Fernandes was Manchester United’s one shining light vs West Brom…

Wolves have endured a diabolical period over the last couple of months.

Since Raul Jimenez suffered a fractured skull against Arsenal in November, they have won just four games.

Meanwhile, Nuno Santo’s men have kept only a solitary clean sheet in the Premier League since October. Fortunately, they returned to form in midweek.

It was a bizarre game of football as the Gunners had two players sent off and also conceded a penalty. Though, Wolves won’t care. All that mattered was returning to winning ways and they did that.

Though, there is no rest for the Old Gold who will face the visit of Leicester on Sunday. The Foxes have been sublime this term and heading into the weekend’s fixtures sat in third place.

So, how will Nuno choose to line-up?

With injuries plaguing Wolves at the moment, we’re tipping the manager to make just two changes to his team.

Jonny, Marcal and Rayan Ait-Nouri all missed out against Arsenal in midweek and it feels unlikely they’ll be fit enough this weekend.

Nuno revealed that the squad had injury troubles in his pre-match press conference before Daniel Podence took to social media on Saturday evening to claim he’d miss the next five to six weeks of action.

Consequently, the £90k-per-week Leander Dendoncker returns to the side.

He missed out against Arsenal with a midfield pairing of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves preferred. The former has been in poor form this term but scored his first goal of the campaign in emphatic fashion against the Gunners. He crashed home a long-range strike and thus, has to start alongside fellow goal scorer from that encounter, Neves.

Despite their problems at full-back, we think that Nelson Semedo should drop out. He’s been letting his team down for weeks and was at fault for Nicolas Pepe’s opening strike against Arsenal a few days ago.

Offensively, Semedo is vibrant, but when it comes to the defensive part of his game there are clear frailties, particularly in terms of physical strength. With that in mind, Ki-Jana Hoever could come into the XI.

We also reckon that the boss will favour Willian Jose ahead of Fabio Silva again in attack.

AND in other news, Wolves could finally axe Moutinho by signing “intelligent” £13m gem Keogh once bullied…