All posts by z3u9t.icu

The Premier League has ushered in the new year in typically scintillating fashion. Alongside an intriguing if not exactly jaw-dropping transfer window, the games came thick and fast in the first month of 2019 – starting off with a thrilling top-of-the-table clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.

Elsewhere, the race for seventh has really hotted up, while the Champions League qualification battle continues to rumble on. Away from the teams and onto the individuals though, here’s a look at the six players who impressed enough throughout January to earn nominations for the PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Month award…

David De Gea

David De Gea’s form has come into question at times this season but the Spaniard has performed much closer to his usual impeccably high standards since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the helm. January saw Manchester United go undefeated and their No.1 played an important part in that with two clean sheets, one of which hinged on him making a season-record eleven saves against Tottenham at Wembley.

Troy Deeney

Watford are well in the mix for seventh place and after going goalless from mid-September to mid-December, captain Troy Deeney is really starting to pull his weight again – an incredible performance against Bournemouth seeing him bag two goals and one assist. Even when he’s not scoring or supplying though, the old-school front-man is always contributing; he was first for aerial duels won and second for key passes in the Premier League throughout January.

Paul Pogba

It’s Paul Pogba’s second nomination in consecutive months, but that hardly comes as a surprise. The Frenchman has been a player reborn under Solskjaer’s leadership, with an incredible six goals and four assists in the Premier League since the Norwegian was named United’s interim manager. Three of those goal contributions came in January as the Red Devils fell just two points short of a perfect start to 2019.

Marcus Rashford

Another beneficiary of United’s change of the managerial guard. Trusted to lead the line rather than simply support it, Marcus Rashford notched up three goals in four appearances throughout January, only failing to score in the 2-2 draw with Burnley. The 21-year-old is going from strength to strength under Solskjaer, seemingly growing in confidence by the game – which is great news for both the Red Devils and England.

Mohamed Salah

We’ve become almost desensitised to Mohamed Salah’s excellence, such has been the relentlessness of the Egyptian international’s demolitions of Premier League defences since he moved to Anfield. January was another potent month for Liverpool’s talismanic attacker, albeit ending with a blank drawn against Leicester City. Overall though, three goals in four outings is a typically formidable contribution to the Reds’ title bid.

Leroy Sane

No Premier League star played a direct hand in more top flight goals than Leroy Sane last month, who scored two and assisted two in four outings. In fact, City’s shock defeat to Newcastle in midweek was the only occasion throughout January in which the Germany international failed to contribute to a goal, having previously scored and assisted against Huddersfield, supplied versus Wolves and netted the all-important winner in City’s victory over title rivals Liverpool.

Arsenal are believed to be leading the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer with the Belgian potentially available for a cut-price fee.

What’s the latest?

According to the Telegraph, via Football London, Tielemans could leave this summer for just £25m, having been bought for £40m from Monaco in 2019.

The 24-year-old’s contract at the King Power Stadium expires in 2023 which could give clubs swooping for the midfielder’s signature this summer an edge as the Foxes look to cash in on the Belgian.

It has been suggested that, alongside Arsenal, Manchester United are interested in securing the 24-year-old’s signature this summer, however, with the Gunners looking more likely by the week to be able to offer Champions League football next season, Mikel Arteta’s side are the more favourable option.

Tielemans has become a cult hero at the East Midlands club over the past three and a half years, particularly for last season’s stunning goal in the FA Cup final that secured Leicester their first ever FA Cup success.

However, given his contract situation, it seems likely that the 24-year-old will depart this summer.

Arsenal must swoop for Tielemans

With one of the Premier League’s best midfielders outside of the so-called top-six available for just £25m, it’s a no-brainer for Arsenal to swoop.

Described as a “top-class” player by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola last season, Tielemans’ stock has certainly risen since joining Leicester, initially on loan, in January 2019.

Whilst playing for Brendan Rodgers’ side, the Belgian has been involved in Champions League pushes, competed in Europe and won silverware. However, the 24-year-old will undoubtedly be looking to make the next step up in the very near future.

With the north London club fourth in the Premier League whilst also having a three-point advantage over and game in hand on fifth-place Tottenham, Champions League qualification is looking more likely each week.

Arteta will undoubtedly need recruits in the summer to manage both a European campaign and another top-four push next season, and Tielemans could prove to be exactly what Arsenal need.

In terms of midfielders, the Gunners are quite heavily stacked with the likes Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith-Rowe, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny all senior midfielders at the Emirates, something that will certainly have to change to accommodate Tielemans.

It appears as though Elneny is set to leave with the Egyptian’s contract expiring in the summer whilst others may have to be moved on in order to ensure the Belgian will have regular playing time north London.

However, there is no doubt that swooping for the 24-year-old would be worthwhile, with the midfielder averaging a 7.18 rating in the league this season, according to SofaScore.

Moreover, the Belgian currently averages 68.3 touches per game as well as creating four big chances and providing 1.3 key passes with a 83% passing accuracy.

With Tielemans suiting a box-to-box role, his efforts at both ends of the pitch this season have been impressive, scoring six goals and averaging two shots per game whilst also making 2.1 tackles, 1.4 clearances and 0.7 interceptions.

Therefore, there is no doubt that the Belgian could recreate the role of Gunners legend Patrick Vieira in the famous red and white, although replicating the Frenchman’s legacy in Islington would be a very tall ask.

Players of Tieleman’s quality will certainly be keen to make the move to Arsenal if Champions League football is secured which will also make qualifying for Europe’s elite competition more likely in seasons to come given the improved personnel available.

AND in other news: Arteta can finally axe £27m-rated “practice dummy” as AFC bid for “sneaky” £13m dynamo

Celtic have opened talks with Tottenham over the structure of a potential permanent deal for Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sky Sports report.

The Lowdown: Scott links

The update on Carter-Vickers isn’t the first Celtic transfer update from Sky Sports this week.

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The Hoops have reportedly been in talks over a move for Bayern Munich youngster Christopher Scott.

Premier League side Brentford have also been name-checked with an interest, however, Bayern Munich are looking to keep hold of their young attacking midfielder, who, at this moment time, is out of contract in the summer.

The Latest: Carter-Vickers updates

Sky Sports shared a story late on Tuesday evening, looking at 50 players who could be involved in transfers this summer.

One of those was Carter-Vickers, who, as we know, could make a full-time switch to Parkhead due to Celtic’s option to buy clause in a season-long loan.

They added that talks are underway regarding the structure of a possible full-time deal, which would cost an initial £6m.

The Verdict: Parkhead move inevitable?

You’d like to think that talks will go well between the two clubs and Carter-Vickers will make the move to Scotland on a permanent basis.

He has slotted into Ange Postecoglou’s side with ease, making more appearances in green and white than any other side during a career scattered with various loan spells.

The American has also been Celtic’s best-rated centre-back, as per WhoScored, so the player himself may well be keen on making a move permanent, despite Premier League interest from Leicester and Wolves.

In other news: ‘As well…’ – Journalist drops claim on more exit news at Celtic Park; it’s a potential ‘bonus’. 

Leeds United have been watching Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson and could seek to bring him to Elland Road over the summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Johnson’s fine season

Primarily an attacking midfielder, Johnson has shone in a breakthrough campaign at the City Ground, scoring 14 goals in 39 Championship games. The 20-year-old has also chipped in with seven assists, helping the Reds into a play-off position.

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Victor Orta recently confirmed that he tried to sign Johnson when the player was just 16 years of age, and it looks as if he is still on the Leeds chief’s radar ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge at Elland Road.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments on Johnson

Talking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke had this to say on Johnson and Leeds, claiming that the 20-year-old could be viewed as a replacement for Raphinha, who has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona:

“I know Leeds scouts have been watching Johnson for a while, so I’m sure they might be thinking he could be a good addition to the team, especially if they lost someone like Raphinha.”

The Verdict: Sign him

Johnson has starred under Steve Cooper at the City Ground and, as it stands, he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer.

Should that stay the same and Forest fall short in their pursuit of promotion, then a move for the attacker could be a shrewd call by Leeds, especially with Raphinha in advanced talks over a move to the Nou Camp.

The Wales international has played everywhere in attack and midfield and boasts 28 goals already in his fledgling career; and with Leeds set to go back in for Brenden Aaronson, Marsch’s attacking ranks could be bolstered by the arrival of the two exciting youngsters.

In other news: Phil Hay has his say on ‘horrible’ Leeds ace who Marsch and Orta now want to offload

Sunderland extended their unbeaten run in League One to 10 matches as they held Plymouth to a 0-0 draw away from home on Monday.

They had the chance to move above Steven Schumacher’s side with a win but failed to make the breakthrough in an attritional match as they played for the second time in four days.

Neither side came particularly close to scoring as both goalkeepers enjoyed relatively simple afternoons with both attacks failing to catch fire.

The result leaves Sunderland sixth in the table as it stands and six points off the automatic promotion places, with it now being almost mathematically impossible for them to finish in the top two.

Nathan Broadhead was the brightest spark in the final third for Alex Neil’s side. The Welshman, as per SofaScore, completed four of his six dribbles, won seven individual duels and managed one shot on target as he showed flashes of quality throughout the game.

However, his striking partner flopped badly against Plymouth. Ross Stewart continued his struggles in front of goal as he was unable to showcase his true ability in the match.

The £2.7k-per-week gem has now gone nine games without a goal from open play in League One and eight games without a goal by any means.

In possession, he failed to make the most of the opportunities that came his way. Elliot Embleton clipped a sublime ball over the top to him in the first-half and his poor control meant that the goalkeeper was able to take it off his feet before he could shoot.

As per SofaScore, he only had 27 touches of the ball – fewer than shot-stopper Anthony Patterson (36) – and he only completed 55% of his attempted passes. He was also unable to complete any dribbles and did not manage a single shot on target.

Off the ball, he was a lightweight for Sunderland. As per SofaScore, he lost seven of his eight duels (87.5%) and committed five fouls. This shows that he was outmuscled and outpaced out of possession as Plymouth’s defenders got the better of him in the majority of their battles, which meant that he did not provide a focal point at the top end of the pitch.

It was a disappointing display for the Scot and his form is beginning to falter at the worst possible time with games running out and the Black Cats chasing a play-off spot. Hopefully, he can get back to his best sooner rather than later…

AND in other news, Neil must avoid disaster on £1.4k-p/w “young Paul Gascoigne”, he’s SAFC’s biggest hope…

Speaking to talkSPORT in a video message, reporter Alex Crook has dropped a teasing Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Wolves star Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Traore move…

As reported by multiple sources, Tottenham are firmly in the mix to sign the Spain international with some reports suggesting they are in pole position.

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Matt Law of The Telegraph even believes Traore becoming manager Antonio Conte’s first signing since taking over is actually ‘pretty likely’.

90min, meanwhile, claim Wolves are set to greenlight his exit from Molineux after their boss Bruno Lage personally sanctioned the move – with a price tag set at around £20 million.

In an update, talkSPORT reporter Crook has shared what could be an exciting update.

The Latest: Crook drops update…

Speaking in a video message (via Twitter), the reporter claims that Tottenham are set to make a ‘formal’ bid to sign Traore ‘very soon’ with an offer expectedly imminent.

“Interest from Tottenham in Wolves’ enigmatic winger Adama Traore appears to be hotting up,” he explained.

“Antonio Conte has a cunning plan to use Traore’s pace to turn him into a wing-back.

“We know that Conte loves to play with a back three and now he has the backing of the Tottenham sporting director, Fabio Paratici, who has a long-term admiration for Traore.

“£20m should be enough to prise him away from Wolverhampton Wanderers, I’d expect a formal bid very soon.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

At £20m, the winger could be an absolute coup for Conte and Paratici as the Italians aim to solve Tottenham’s wing-back conundrum.

At 25-years-old, Traore already possesses years of English top flight experience without being too long in the tooth – all whilst proving to be a real threat on countless occasions.

According to WhoScored, the winger has averaged a very impressive 4.5 dribbles per 90 in the Premier League this season – almost double that of Lucas Moura, who is Spurs’ best in that bracket.

If Conte can successfully re-mould the former Barcelona man into a right-wing back, the potential could be limitless in terms of threat from out wide.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes would be an excellent signing for Wolves, as well as a show of ambition, according to Midlands reporter Josh Holland.

The Lowdown: Nunes linked with Wolves move

Bruno Lage will be looking to bolster his options in the summer transfer window, ensuring his Wanderers side continue to head in the right direction next season.

One player Wolves have been linked with signing is Nunes, who is enjoying an impressive season for Sporting, starting 28 Primeira Liga games and chipping in with two goals and assists apiece.

The 23-year-old’s creative class has shone through in his central midfield role, with an 85.6% pass completion rate and an average of 2.4 dribbles per game.

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The Latest: Journalist talks up signing

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Holland talked up the idea of Nunes joining Wolves in the summer, saying it would be a statement of intent:

“I think it shows ambition and the fans will love that Bruno Lage wants players like that.

“Depending on where they finish, they need to be looking at players that will want to come to Wolves and help them get into the Champions League rather than a player who wants them to be in the Champions League now.”

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The Verdict: Neves replacement?

Nunes looks like a class act who could fit in seamlessly at Molineux, not least because of his Portuguese roots, and he is surely being viewed as a replacement for Ruben Neves.

The Wolves hero looks increasingly likely to move elsewhere at the end of the season and his compatriot could help the sizeable void left by him, considering he is not dissimilar in style, even hailed as ‘one of the best players in the world today’ by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

At 23, Nunes would be considered a long-term replacement who should improve further in the coming years, also making up for the loss of one of the club’s most influential players.

In other news, one player has emerged as a new Wolves transfer target. Find out who it is here.

An exciting update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos…

What’s the talk?

According to The Telegraph, the centre-back is keen on a move to St. James’ Park and talks are ongoing between the two clubs over a deal for the Brazilian.

The report claims that the Magpies are hoping to wrap up negotiations for the £40.5m-rated titan by the end of this week as they attempt to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad.

Delight

The ex-Bournemouth boss will surely be elated with this news as it is an exciting update on the club’s efforts to land Carlos. Their belief that they can have the deal done within the next seven days indicates that talks are going well and they are confident that he will be a Newcastle player sooner rather than later.

Carlos could be an exceptional addition to the squad and Howe will be buzzing with the prospect of being able to select him in his starting XI for the rest of the Premier League season. This latest update suggests that the head coach will be able to work with him on Tyneside this term, but what sort of player could he be getting?

Spanish football analyst Domagoj Kostanjšak previously outlined the defender’s key attributes and hailed his quality in La Liga, saying:

“He’s a really physical player – he’s built like a tank and they don’t call him ‘The Beast’ for no reason. He’s really good in the air and he’s decent on the ball as well – you have to be under Julen Lopetegui.

“He’s been in my top three or four centre-backs in Spain this season, along with Raphael Varane and Inigo Martinez – he’s been a bit of a revelation. He’s playing the best football of his career and he immediately settled in. I would say there is a shade of Kalidou Koulibaly about him – not the same quality, of course, but I would compare him to him.”

In the Spanish top-flight this season, Carlos has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.14 – winning 64% of his duels overall. Meanwhile, Federico Fernandez’s score of 6.77 is the highest of any Newcastle centre-back this term, suggesting that the Sevilla man would come in and be a major upgrade in that position.

Therefore, Howe will be delighted with the news that the Magpies are hopeful of securing a deal for the Brazilian by the end of this week as he could provide an extra level of quality to his Premier League side.

AND in other news, “They’d like to sign..”: Reporter delivers big NUFC transfer claim, it’ll excite Howe…

Tottenham are monitoring Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson ahead of a possible summer swoop.

That’s according to The Daily Mail, with a number of Red Devils supporters reacting to the update on social media.

Henderson, on £120,000-a-week at Old Trafford, is under contract until 2025 but has told interim boss Ralf Rangnick over his wish to leave the club in search of regular game time.

The 24-year-old has made just two appearances in all competitions this season, with David de Gea re-establishing himself as first choice.

Rangnick informed Henderson he would rather keep him until the end of the campaign, with Spurs now keeping an eye on his situation ahead of the summer.

Antonio Conte’s side have Hugo Lloris out of contract at the end of June and possibly view Henderson as a long-term successor to the Frenchman, with current back-up option Pierluigi Gollini far from impressive.

United fans react

@utdreport shared the news regarding Tottenham and Henderson on Twitter. This is what these United fans had to say in reply, with many pointing to Antonio Conte’s affection for Red Devils players after he signed the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez at Inter…

“What a huge mistake we’re making”

Credit: @buche21

“Conte at it again with Manchester United players”

Credit: @YoFavWe_irdoUTD

“I’ll genuinely lose that little affection I still had for the club if we sell Henderson and keep De Gea”

Credit: @gashmufcv2

“God forbid selling a very good keeper to a new rival”

Credit: @3DHombreezle

“If Conte really wanted our players why couldn’t he wait a little and take the mufc job himself.”

Credit: @Mufc_Rayh

“Conte knows ball”

Credit: @TrickyTeun

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Surely not?’ – Many MUFC fans fume as ‘mad’ news emerges. 

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has now turned his attentions towards defender John Souttar as the Ibrox side look to make some further additions in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Glasgow Times’ Chris Jack, the Gers have now made their move to sign Souttar, whose contract at Hearts comes to an end in the summer.

His report added: “Championship clubs Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest are all interested in the Scotland defender but Rangers are keen to add Souttar to their ranks amid ongoing doubts over the long-terms futures of several defensive options.

“Van Bronckhorst will be given some of the funds raised from Nathan Patterson’s £12m to Everton as he seeks to put his own stamp on the Ibrox squad. But Souttar has been identified as a key Bosman target to bolster his defensive options and Rangers will attempt to convince him to turn down a move to England this summer.”

Would be a superb signing

With his extensive experience in the Scottish Premiership, and the fact he would be available on a free transfer given his contract expires soon, this has all the hallmarks of being a transfer masterstroke for the Gers.

Former Hearts boss Craig Levein once raved about the centre-back’s combination of defensive prowess and ability on the ball, saying: “I’ve known him since he was 12 years old and he’s just got better and better. When he came here from Dundee Utd, we just needed to give him time. He’s grown into the player that I hoped he would be and for me he’s the best centre back in Scotland.

“Just for the fact that he can do wonderful things. His passing of the ball Saturday was fantastic, but he is also now capable physically of competing with any centre forward. His pace is very, very good and he’s strong, focused and aggressive.”

As per Whoscored, his 77.4% pass accuracy is the second-best of any Hearts defender this season in the Scottish Premiership, while his 58.1 passes per game is the second-best among any of his teammates, regardless of position – exactly the kind of modern-day defender Van Bronckhorst will surely be looking for.

Gers fans will surely be buzzing with signing the 6 foot 1 Souttar on a free.

Meanwhile, Rangers are eyeing this Championship goalkeeper…