All posts by z3u9t.icu

[ad_pod ]

Aston Villa are willing to let Scott Hogan leave the club on loan before the end of the January transfer window with Championship rivals Bristol City and Sheffield United both interested, according to Sky Sports.

Hogan moved to Villa from Brentford in January 2017 and scored nine times in 41 first-team appearances for the club during the 2017-18 campaign, as per Transfermarkt.

The 26-year-old has only made six Championship appearances for the club this term, however, and his future has been called into question.

Hogan’s only start of the season came against Swansea in the FA Cup earlier this month, whilst he is yet to register a first-team goal this term.

The Villa fans have been on social media offering their views on the transfer report.

It would be fair to say that a number are not too keen on the idea of a loan, whilst the fact that promotion candidates Sheffield United are in the hunt, according to Sky Sports, could well come back to haunt Villa this term.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has backed Celtic to complete the worthwhile capture of Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer. 

The lowdown: Carter-Vickers deal pending

This comes after a promising recent report from Sky Sports claimed that the Hoops are in talks with the Premier League club regarding a permanent move for the on-loan 24-year-old.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Carter-Vickers has enjoyed a superb spell at Parkhead this season, earning an outstanding 7.36 average Sofascore rating from 27 Premiership outings.

The USA international further endeared himself to the Bhoys’ faithful with an Old Firm derby winner last Sunday, and those supporters could be set to receive yet more positive news.

The latest: Whelan approves

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan was steadfast in his belief that the Hoops would be landing a very impressive operator for the mooted £6m fee.

The 47-year-old ex-Aberdeen ace said: “£6million? Worth every penny. He’s been solid as a rock since coming into Celtic, and not only that but he’s been getting on the scoresheet at important times too.

“He gets himself in the right areas, he’s brilliant on the ball, and he’s just someone who is very consistently playing well at the minute.

“He’s a real leader in that Celtic side. I wouldn’t want to see them without him at the back next season, put it that way. I think he’s deserved that £6million tag. That is a very cheap fee for someone with the extensive experience that he’s had.”

The verdict: Would be money well spent

Signing the £2.7m-valued colossus this summer has to be high on the list of priorities for Ange Postecoglou, particularly for the suggested asking price.

Capped on eight occasions by the United States, Carter-Vickers is certainly on an upwards career path, hitting his best seasonal WhoScored rating this term, and Celtic will be hoping to benefit from the central defenders rising stock.

So far this season, the man who Chris Sutton described as ‘immense’ following that win at Ibrox has played every minute of all but one of the Hoops’ top-flight fixtures since joining the club, underpinning the importance of the powerful centre-back and why it would be £6m very well spent to secure his services permanently.

In other news: Celtic scouts watch starlet who has made ‘real strides’ according to one coach; Premier League club also keen

Leeds United trio Pascal Struijk, Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford could all return from injury to face West Ham this weekend, journalist Phil Hay has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Leeds suffer injury-hit season

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have experienced a hugely taxing campaign, hovering ominously above the Premier League relegation zone and suffering injuries to key men seemingly every week.

The likes of Kalvin Phillips and Bamford are just two of the important figures who have missed chunks of action and it has played a huge part in the Whites’ struggles.

Leeds visit West Ham in the league on Sunday afternoon and it finally looks as though some positive injury news has emerged.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Positive update emerges

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Hay confirmed that Struijk, Rodrigo and Bamford are all in contention to feature at the London Stadium this weekend:

“Bamford, Rodrigo and Struijk could all be involved, which is clearly a big and overdue boost.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-31/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Massive news

This is a much-needed positive for Leeds, with Bamford’s return clearly the biggest boost, considering his importance to this side in recent years.

The 28-year-old is still the Whites’ joint-second-top scorer in the league this season with two goals in 2021/22, despite only starting five matches in the competition.

The lack of goals from other sources has had a devastating effect on a side who scored three or more goals on ten separate occasions in the league last season – they’ve only managed that once this term.

Rodrigo’s return will also add required firepower to the squad, while Struijk’s ability to play at centre-back and in midfield means his comeback will also be welcome, giving Bielsa more choices and an ability to rotate.

In other news, Victor Orta is reportedly still working on signing one type of player. Read more here.

Everton have already made two signings in just four days of the transfer window being open, in a bid to strengthen the struggling side, Rafa Benitez could be poised to make his third signing very soon.

What’s the word?

Italian football news outlet, Club Doria, has reported that Everton are amongst a number of clubs who are interested in signing Sampdoria defender, Omar Colley.

Newcastle United, Leeds United and Watford have all been named alongside Everton in the report that suggests the Premier League clubs are interested in signing the £4.5m-rated beast.

Colley who has been hailed “amongst the best defenders” by Sampdoria manager Roberto D’Aversa, has reportedly changed his agent, and is ready for a new adventure, setting his sights on the Premier League, where if the rumours are true, he is in high demand for signing with one of many.

The Everton manager has already secured the signing of two defenders, Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko, claiming in his pre-match press conference last week that the club wants “two or three” signings, with the Gambia international potentially the third target.

Rafa must swoop

With clubs in a similar position in the bottom half of the table speculated to be interested in the 29-year-old, Benitez must swoop as soon as he can to ensure he doesn’t lose out on the transfer target, amid further transfer rumours that Mason Holgate could be leaving on loan this month too.

Adding depth to the Toffees squad is essential for the Spanish tactician, as defensively they have been abysmal this season with the current side conceding the first goal in 14 of their 20 games in all competitions this season, including each of their last seven games.

Colley could surely add something to the side’s defensive play, with the defender having the second most pass interceptions and the third most tackles completed in his own half in the Serie A this season, according to One Versus One.

Everton will take on Hull City at the weekend in the FA Cup third round and Benitez will be under pressure to give Everton fans something outside of the struggles of the league they currently face, as speculation grows on the sacking of the Spanish manager.

In other news: Vecino swap deal could solve Rafa’s problems at Everton

Sunderland missed their chance to go top of League One on Tuesday when they lost 3-1 to Lincoln City at the Stadium of Light, and will be hoping to seize their second opportunity to knock Rotherham off the top spot as they travel to take on 11th place Accrington Stanley this afternoon.

The Black Cats manager, Lee Johnson, took to his pre-match press conference to confirm the return of a number of players in training after injuries and virus outbreaks.

Johnson told the media;

“We’ll have more options [tomorrow], it’s fair to say,”

“Obviously it’s always touch wood in terms of the virus stuff, but at the moment it’s nice to be able to welcome two or three back into the group.”

The manager also added an update on star player, Corry Evans, saying;

“Corry is in good spirits,”

“We have got to be careful because at his previous club, he had a couple of similar scenarios in terms of going through the concussion protocols.

With that being said, this is how Football Fancast expects Sunderland to line up against Accrington Stanley this afternoon…

With three changes to the team, Ron-Thorben Hoffmann, Bailey Wright and Leon Dajaku return to the side for the clash in the North West on Saturday afternoon.

Fans will be happy to see first choice goalkeeper, Hoffmann, back in the side after conceding three goals at home on Tuesday night, the 6ft 4 machine, is returning from testing positive during a virus outbreak in the Sunderland camp.

We expect that Dajaku will also re-join the starting line-up after also testing positive during the virus outbreak at the club, Jack Diamond, who was hailed “powerful” by the Sunderland manager, is predicted to be axed from the team to accommodate the 20 year old’s return, with Dajaku bagging four goals and four assists for the side this season so far.

Wright is predicted to make his return from his minor injury after missing the last two games for the Black Cats, and we expect that the manager will be forced to start the defender whether he wanted to or not, due to Carl Winchester picking up a red card against Lincoln City at the beginning of this week.

Johnson will be hoping that his side can secure their first win of 2022 and their sixth win of the season away from home, putting them top of League One.

In other news: Sunderland eyeing swoop for Cardiff’s Aden Flint

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester United supporters have been left absolutely thrilled as Sky Sports now break transfer news involving Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season as things stand with still no official agreement reached over him signing a new long-term contract.

Rudiger, as a result, is in high demand from across the Premier League and abroad following his impressive resurgence under Thomas Tuchel.

Indeed, the central defender could leave west London on a free deal in what would surely be a major coup for any interested party – with Sky now breaking news involving United.

According to the reliable broadcast giant (December 13, 18:15), Ralf Rangnick’s side have now entered the race to sign Rudiger alongside European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

Man United fans buzzing…

As United enter contention for the towering 6 foot 2 colossus, it’s safe to say many supporters are absolutely thrilled by this development from a major source.

As highlighted by ex-Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand mentioning him alongside Man City star Ruben Dias last season, it is clear that the Germany international is proven at the very top level and could seriously bolster Rangnick’s defensive options.

Eric Bailly’s consistent injury history as well as a tough season for defender Harry Maguire so far could mean United may have to ponder future defensive reinforcements, and who better than a star like Rudiger?

Taking this into account, it is fully understandable why many United fans are overjoyed.

Find all of their best verdicts down below:

“Varane and Rüdiger partnership would be mental”

Credit: @theragerguyy

“Begging this is true”

Credit: @VisualsByBaz

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @UTDEsso_

“Massive win in my opinion”

Credit: @utdray_

“About time”

Credit: @imthepharoah

“Would be an absolutely brilliant signing”

Credit: @RyanmcC15

“Woah”

Credit: @adammuhymeen20

“If that means the end to Maguire, then I’m down for it. Varane and Rüdiger partnership would be epic”

Credit: @MuriuNj

Crystal Palace are set to be without key midfielder James McArthur for an extended period of time after the extent of his injury was revealed.

What’s the word?

The influential 34-year-old missed the 3-3 draw with Burnley last time out after picking up a hamstring problem in training, and the extent of the damage has been revealed by The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam.

He tweeted: “Understand James McArthur is expected to be out for another six weeks with a torn hamstring. His absence will be a significant blow but #CPFC have good options. Inc Will Hughes – yet to play bc injury & form of midfield.”

Crystal Palace fans will be gutted

News that McArthur will miss potentially crucial games against the likes of Aston Villa, Leeds United and Manchester United as the busy festive period approaches will leave the club’s supporters feeling gutted.

Despite his age, the former Scotland international has been a key figure for the capital club this term, starting all 11 Premier League fixtures prior to his fitness woes.

His vast experience in the top-flight has helped provide a calming influence alongside summer signing Conor Gallagher, with the pair forming a formidable partnership in the engine room in the opening weeks of the campaign.

The club’s new manager has also taken a particular liking to him, saying after the win over Wolves: “He’s a fighter, he’s a warrior, he’s the benchmark for a professional. This is the same in training, he is no different.”

However, Vieira and co. will be forced to deal with McArthur’s enforced absence for several weeks due to his latest injury setback.

The likes of Will Hughes, Jeffrey Schlupp and Cheikhou Kouyaté will be eager to step up in the box-to-box dynamo’s absence, but the south London outfit’s fanbase will still be disappointed to lose such an influential player just as they were building some momentum.

And, in other news…Journo drops big claim over Palace “warrior” who Vieira loves, fans will be delighted

Daizen Maeda, Matt O’Riley and Josip Juranovic were the three standout players as Celtic put seven past St Johnstone. 

The Hoops ran riot at Parkhead as Ange Postecoglou’s side seized an opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings to nine points ahead of Rangers’ meeting with St. Mirren.

There was also a welcome boost to the goal difference column as the rampant Bhoys put seven past their visitors to improve their margin to plus 59, a huge 33 goals ahead of their Old Firm rivals.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Reo Hatate opened the scoring early on before Georgios Giakoumakis doubled the lead shortly after. Celtic’s lead was 3-0 ahead of half-time when Maeda netted to put Postecoglou’s men in command. After the break came a Juranovic penalty followed by an O’Riley brace as Liel Abada completed the seven-goal rout on 78 minutes.

According to Sofascore, there were three Hoops who stood out on the day, and we’ve taken a deeper look through their numbers to get the lowdown on the star men.

Maeda 8/10

Even aside from the goal and assist, this was the 26-year-old’s best display in a Celtic shirt to date as Maeda added two key passes, 41 touches, one interception and one tackle to a sublime all-round performance.

The Japanese ace’s endeavour, energy and quality when in possession all contributed towards what was a statement victory from the table-toppers.

Juranovic 8.3/10

Juranovic was at his influential best from right-back as the Croatian provided one assist, 92/102 (90%) accurate passes and 119 touches in a stellar display from the 26-year-old.

Overall, the versatile defender completed two key passes and was accurate with 2/3 (66%) of crosses and 4/7 (57%) long balls on what was a perfect afternoon for the Celtic Park faithful.

O’Riley 9/10

The standout performer for the Hoops, despite only coming on as a second-half substitute.

O’Riley enjoyed the freedom of Paraside as the Danish youth international scored twice to seal a stunning 45-minute cameo that included a pass accuracy of 31/35 (89%), 46 touches, one key pass and one interception.

It could’ve been even better for the 21-year-old as O’Riley squandered a big chance to complete a first hat-trick for the club.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou hails club chief. Find out who it is here.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle United are “still pushing” to sign Sevilla defender Diego Carlos in this January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have been linked with a number of defenders in recent weeks, including Lille’s Sven Botman, but it appears Eddie Howe’s side have got their sights set on Carlos.

After initial reports from The Telegraph’s Jason Burt that the club had indeed submitted a bid for the Brazilian, Romano has now delivered an update where things currently stand.

He said: “Newcastle are still pushing with Sevilla for Diego Carlos but fee not agreed as things stand.”

Fans will be buzzing

With the second-worst defensive record in the entire division this season, it’s no surprise that Eddie Howe has quickly turned his attentions towards pushing for a new central defender following the signing of Chris Wood earlier this week.

The 28-year-old Carlos would give the Magpies a monstrous defensive presence were he to join, boasting an impressive 4.2 duels won per game at a success rate of 64% – to put that into context, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk has won 4.6 duels per match at a success rate of 71% in the Premier League.

And, in a player profile done by La Liga Analysis, they said: “He’s very strong in duels and knows how to use his body to destabilise his opponents. But even if he’s big and heavy, Diego Carlos is still a great athlete. He’s very powerful, his pace in long distances is great, and he’s surprisingly agile and flexible. These characteristics are the base of his game as he knows how to take advantage of his physical superiority.”

Carlos has played all but one of his side’s La Liga games this season, helping the Spanish outfit to the best defensive record in the league – a far cry from what Newcastle have got.

It’s exactly why Magpies fans will be buzzing with this latest development.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing another Brazilian defender too…

Newcastle United’s owners would only be emboldened by the scenario of relegation, according to The Athletic’s Chris Waugh. 

The lowdown

With nearly a third of the season gone, Newcastle find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. They have failed to win any of their first 13 matches, and should they lose their next two games against the two teams directly above them in Norwich City and Burnley, they could find themselves starting to get cut adrift.

Newcastle’s takeover made them one of the richest clubs in world football, but there is a very real risk that they’ll be operating in the Championship next season.

The latest

In a Q&A for The Athletic on Monday, one Newcastle fan feared that the club would ‘not satisfy the Saudi objective’ if they drop out of the Premier League, and worried that the owners may not ‘stick around’ in the event of demotion.

However, Waugh put the supporter’s fears to rest by replying: “PIF, nor any elements of the consortium, had relegation as being part of their plan. They want to survive this season and that remains the goal.

“However, in the event of demotion, I see little chance of PIF walking away. In fact, one well-placed source told me recently they believe that would only ’embolden’ PIF to bring Newcastle back to the Premier League and to eventually build the club into one who can compete for trophies.

“Remember, this is a long-term investment for PIF. They haven’t bought the club just for a season or two. They want to increase Newcastle’s value from £305 million to several billion if possible, and that will take time. Relegation will see the value of the club dwindle in the short term, but PIF isn’t going to cut its losses and walk away at that stage. I am pretty confident of that.”

The verdict

In January, Newcastle will surely try to assemble a squad which is too strong to go down. A report from The Telegraph suggested that the owners had made £50m available for that purpose.

However, players may be hesitant to commit long-term given the risk of dropping to the second tier, and that could be why loan moves are an important part of their strategy.

Nevertheless, the bottom line here is that, given the extent of the Magpies’ wealth, relegation might only delay their charge by a couple of years.

In other news, Waugh has also revealed Eddie Howe’s transfer wishes for January