All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United are eyeing a move for Hoffenheim’s versatile star Florian Grillitsch, and that could spell bad news for Robin Koch at Elland Road…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have claimed that Jesse Marsch’s side have joined fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Newcastle in the race to sign the Austria international this summer.

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It’s been suggested that the midfielder’s representatives have sounded out a move abroad amid his contract at Hoffenheim expiring this summer.

Marsch can axe Koch

Reports earlier last year claimed that former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa actually thought the versatile defender was “too soft” to really succeed at Premier League level, and when you look at how he has fared in general, it’s perhaps understandable to see why.

The German had a injury-hit debut campaign at Elland Road last season, playing just 17 times in the Premier League and missing a number of games with a knee problem between December and March.

And, when he has played, he has shown signs of really struggling to get to grips with the pace and intensity of the English game – you only have to look at his performance against Spurs recently to see that.

Writing in his post-match player ratings against Spurs, Leeds Live’s Beren Cross gave him a four, saying: “No protection for the defence or any presence in the middle of the park as Adam Forshaw was left isolated and alone.”

The £50k-a-week earning ace just isn’t a natural fit when deployed in midfield, while at centre-back, he already has a significant amount of competition to battle against with the recently returned Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk all ahead of him in the pecking order.

But in Grillitsch, they could find someone who is equally comfortable of playing in the middle of the park, and also being trusted with playing at the back too – in the 18 games he has played in the Bundesliga this season, 12 of them have come in central defence, while the rest have seen him used as either a holding midfielder or in a more box-to-box role.

Indeed, Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann raved about the kind of under-rated nature of the Austrian ace, saying: “In my opinion, Flo Grillitsch is one of the best six in the Bundesliga who is already a little under the radar. At least you rarely read anything about him.

“He still has a few construction sites, he knows that, I’ve told him that often enough. But he is an extraordinary footballer and has an incredible ability to determine the rhythm of the game.”

The 6 foot 2 Grillitsch could be a superb addition to this Leeds side, and could see Marsch finally axe one of his side’s poorer players.

AND in other news – Leeds facing major nightmare as worrying news emerges, Elland Road would be devastated

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ and club source John Wenham, who breaks news on his Lilywhite Rose social media account, has shared what he thinks Nuno Espirito Santo could do against Wolves tonight.

The Lowdown: Tottenham talents emerging…

While there are arguably many issues at Spurs right now, with one of them being the lack of attractive football, a proud aspect of supporting the Lilywhites is certainly their ability to nurture young talent.

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The likes of Oliver Skipp, Alfie Devine, Joshua Oluwayemi, Japhet Tanganga and Nile John are just a few of the youngsters to grab some attention in recent times.

However, arguably one of the most talented among them is young attacker Dane Scarlett – with former boss Jose Mourinho even calling him a ‘diamond’.

The Latest: Insider thinks Nuno could turn to Scarlett…

Sharing what he thinks Nuno could do against Wolves this evening, club insider Wenham has predicted to Football Insider that he may turn to Scarlett with Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura ruled out.

“I think he will feature tomorrow,” Wenham told FI.

“He could start or come on from the bench. We don’t need Harry Kane doing 90 minutes at Wolves with Arsenal to come on Sunday.

“Were we to lose him as well, we would not be looking in great shape ahead of that North London Derby.

“Scarlett is an outstanding young forward. The fact he was playing for the England Under 19 side as a 17-year-old tells you everything about his ability.

“I would love him to get some minutes as a young, homegrown, academy prospect.”

The Verdict: Do it…

Getting Scarlett as much game time as possible is arguably imperative if he is to develop as an eventual first team star for Spurs, and we believe the stage is set for him to play against Wolves.

The losses of both Bergwijn and Lucas free up space on the wings for a hungry, exciting young forward to make a big impression.

Alasdair Gold called the starlet ‘very, very talented’ and now may be his chance to shine once again for Spurs.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Our club is a parody’, ‘This can’t be real’…Many Tottenham fans flock to ’embarrassing’ update, find out more here.

Manchester United made a flying start to the new season on Saturday afternoon, powering past Leeds United.

Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring half an hour into what turned out to be a stunning performance from the hosts, with the Portuguese star netting a hat-trick while Paul Pogba racked up four assists.

Luke Ayling’s screamer had levelled the scores early in the second half, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side proceeded to blitz their opponents.

One man who didn’t impress however was Dan James, with the Wales international struggling to get involved in the action before being withdrawn in the second half.

James struggles to make his mark in United rout

Despite the comfortable victory, which has the Red Devils top of the early table, James started on the right-hand side of United’s attack ahead of new signing Jadon Sancho and did not impress fans.

His Sofascore rating of 6.8 was the third-lowest of United’s outfielders after he failed to deliver an accurate cross and lost possession 12 times.

James lasted 74 minutes before Solskjaer sent on Sancho for his debut.

These United fans critical of James

“Dan James looks like some random fan that Ole picked to play for Manchester United”

Credit: @captain300k

“Send Dan James on loan to Mozambique.”

Credit: @OnFaaya

“I think Dan James is in the wrong sport. Man should be representing Wales on track & field events, 100 & 200 meters precisely.”

Credit: @saba_dee

“Dan James? Cmon just get rid of him please. Championship player if I ever seen one”

Credit: @Ravenman301

“Dan James should just go uni and become a lawyer. This football ting ain’t for him.”

Credit: @Tzimur

“Dan James need to be sold good lad but not made for Manchester United at all”

Credit: @FootballFan_8

In other news, fans were buzzing over this transfer update.

Sunderland have entered into talks regarding a deal to bring Leon Dajaku to the Stadium of Light.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Northern Echo, who claim that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has opened negotiations with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich regarding a last-minute deal for the 20-year-old support striker.

The report continues by stating that Lee Johnson is thought to be keen on signing a forward who can play across the front three prior to the closure of the summer transfer window this evening, with the Germany U20 international looking to be a player who fits the 40-year-old’s bill.

However, it is also claimed that a move for Dajaku could hinge on whether or not Will Grigg secures a move away from Sunderland, with the 30-year-old forward being linked with a switch to Doncaster Rovers.

Louis-Dreyfus masterclass

Considering the sheer amount of potential Dajaku appears to possess, should Louis-Dreyfus go on to get a deal over the line for the Bayern Munich forward prior to Tuesday’s transfer deadline, it would very much seem to be something of a masterclass by the Black Cats chairman.

Indeed, having highly impressed in the VfB Stuttgart youth setup, scoring 23 goals and providing eight assists over 21 appearances for the U17 team, as well as 18 goals and seven assists over 39 appearances for the U19 side, Dakaju caught the attention of Bayern, who purchased the forward in a £1.35m deal back in 2019.

And, while the £1.62m-rated man has so far struggled to break into the Munich first team, predominantly playing for the German side’s second team – for whom the 20-year-old has scored seven goals and registered five assists over 43 appearances – as well as failing to make a real impression while on loan at 1.FC Union Berlin in the second half of last season – featuring just twice in the Bundesliga – both his goalscoring and creativity in youth football would nevertheless suggest the player Pascal Stoffler dubbed “a real street footballer” has the ability to play a key role in Sunderland’s push for League One promotion this season.

As such, if Louis-Dreyfus can indeed secure the signing of the £3.2k-per-week forward on Tuesday, while also shipping Grigg out to Rovers, it would be a highly impressive swoop for the chairman to complete.

In other news: KLD in advanced talks for £1.7k-p/w ace, he could be a “great signing” for Sunderland

With Dean Smith’s Aston Villa side heading into Sunday’s Premier League clash on the back of a highly impressive 1-0 win last time out, the 50-year-old manager will undoubtedly be hoping for yet another promising performance when Villa visit Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

And, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s Spurs side currently on a run of three straight defeats in the league, the fixture could well provide Aston Villa with a fantastic opportunity to continue their climb up the top-flight table after a shaky start to their 2021/22 campaign.

So, will Smith make any changes to the team which started in the win over Manchester United last weekend? Here’s how we think Villa could line up against Tottenham, along with the latest team and injury news…

While it is indeed true that Villa highly impressed in their 3-5-2 formation at Old Trafford last weekend, with Tottenham very much looking there to be got at on Sunday afternoon, we predict that Smith will make one change to his starting XI, as well as switching back to a 4-3-3 formation.

In the centre of defence, last week’s match-winner, 26-year-old Kortney Hause, is extremely unfortunate to drop to the bench, with Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa’s consistently impressive form so far this season enough for the duo to keep their starting spots, while Matt Targett and Matty Cash drop back into less advanced full-back roles.

The central midfield trio of Douglas Luiz, Jacob Ramsey and John McGinn is untouched, while, with Leon Bailey yet to resume training following his quad injury, Ollie Watkins move onto the left-hand side of the front three, with Danny Ings starting up top and the £75k-per-week Emiliano Buendia regaining a place in the XI on the right flank.

Meanwhile, although once again an option for Smith after being unavailable against his parent club last week, Axel Tuanzebe has to make do with a seat amongst the substitutes.

In other news: Big blow: Dean Smith confirms major Villa setback before Spurs, fans will be gutted

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham are set to enter talks with the agent of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs need a striker

Spurs are quite clearly in need of a new striker. Harry Kane has shared his desire to move on from north London (Sky Sports), while he even failed to turn up for training to further illustrate his point (talkSPORT).

Even if the talisman stays put, the Lilywhites do not have adequate support in depth behind him, such has been the problem for several years now.

They have been heavily linked with a move for Lautaro Martinez (Football Insider), but it also seems they have their eyes on another forward during this transfer window.

The Latest: Spurs to enter Vlahovic talks

As per this latest report, Spurs are set to enter talks with the agent of Vlahovic, while Inter Milan are also interested.

Fiorentina are said to be looking for €70m (£59.2m) to part ways with the Serbia international.

The Verdict: Top target

Losing Kane would be a blow to Nuno Espirito Santo – he will of course be eager to hold on to the man who has 221 goals in 336 games for the club.

However, if he were to depart, bringing in Vlahovic would certainly soften the blow. The 21-year-old was in top form last season in Serie A, scoring 21 goals in 37 matches (Transfermarkt), while he also has two strikes in seven caps for his country.

Legendary Italian striker Christian Vieri is a fan, calling him “the best striker in Europe” for his age along with Borussia Dortmund man Erling Haaland (Football Italia). £59m is a lot of money to spend on just one player given the pandemic’s financial implications on clubs, but they would have that money available if Kane were to depart. To us, Vlahovic would be a worthy replacement.

In other news, Tottenham have been offered this Premier League winner.

Crystal Palace are thought to be keen on signing Wolves left-back Rayan Ait Nouri, according to Jeunes Footeux, relayed by Sports Witness.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been giving their thoughts to the links on social media.

Patrick Vieira has just one senior left-back on the books at Selhurst Park in Tyrick Mitchell, and apparently wants another to compete with the 22-year-old.

Ait Nouri only made the permanent move to Molineux in the summer in a deal worth just shy of £10m and has made 10 appearances in all competitions under Bruno Lage.

The French defender now seems to be on the radar of his countryman Vieira, while Newcastle United are also name-checked with an interest in the 20-year-old.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Ait Nouri on social media on Wednesday afternoon. This is what these Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with a mixed response and one labelling the full-back as ‘class’.

“I will flip”

Credit: @Sumo08112

“IM ON MY KNEES”

Credit: @EBERZEE

“Huh”

Credit: @IocaIpIa999tic

“He’s class but this just stalls Mitchell’s development and we don’t need him with Tayo and Reece coming through too”

Credit: @connor_paIace4

“Lol what”

Credit: @CPFCMax9

“please”

Credit: @bentekefan0

In other news: Palace and Leeds could battle again as transfer news emerges on £18m-rated beast. 

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch must finally start Kalvin Phillips in the Premier League on Saturday as his side take on Watford at Vicarage Road.

The England international has missed the best part of three months with injury, having gone down in the 2-2 draw against Brentford at Elland Road in early December. He was named in the matchday squad for the 3-2 victory against Wolves three weeks ago before finally making his return to competitive action last time out against Southampton.

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Rather understandably, Marsch chose to bring him on as a second half substitute against the Saints, but with another week’s worth of training under Phillips’ belt, now is surely the time to bring him in from the start.

The midfielder’s return offers Leeds another boost in the final few weeks of the season, with their recent results seeing them climb away from the relegation zone and put some distance between them and the bottom three.

His influence in the middle of the park cannot be understated, and that’s not to mention the kind of impact he has in lifting spirits both among his team-mates and the crowd whenever he’s on the pitch – something about which former Whites midfielder Michael Brown has previously waxed lyrical.

The 45-year-old said: “He is a wonderful talent and he loves Leeds United. What I like about him is that he is such a level headed kid. Brilliant to talk to. He is a proper Leeds supporter and how can he play!

“Kalvin can play so many positions. Central defence, in a three, holding midfield and he can even play more advance in a number eight. He has a bit of everything in his play – short and long pass, a tackle when needed, energy, competitive – a proper player.”

After seeing Phillips deliver a fine performance against Bristol City a couple of seasons ago, The Athletic’s Phil Hay raved: “You’d say that an enforced break has done Kalvin Phillips the world of good. He’s been an animal in the past two games and when he plays like he did today, the opposition are snookered. Surely his last season in the Championship.”

That line from Hay about leaving teams “snookered” is exactly the kind of impact Marsch will be hoping that his midfield talisman will be able to bring; and after getting a brief runout against Southampton, Phillips should be in contention for a bigger role at Vicarage Road.

The £45m-rated star must finally start against Watford on Saturday afternoon.

AND in other news – Signed for £5m, now worth 700% more: Orta struck dream Leeds deal with “quality” 22-year-old

Marcelo Bielsa will stay put as Leeds United manager and overcome this current tricky period, according to ex-Whites defender Danny Mills.

The Lowdown: Bielsa’s future questioned

The Argentine has been an incredible manager for the Whites, taking them back into the Premier League and being adored by supporters at the same time.

Leeds have made a poor start to this season, however, and there have been some reports claiming Bielsa could potentially leave before his contract expires next summer.

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The Latest: Mills provides key verdict

Speaking to Football Insider, however, Mills is in no doubt that Bielsa will at least see out his current deal at Elland Road, saying he will come good again when key players return to the team:

“He will put himself under more pressure than anybody else. That’s what it comes down to first and foremost. That’s all he’ll be concerned about. We’ve seen before that he’s not massively bothered about outside influences.

“All he wants to do is to improve his teams and improve his players. He’ll be absolutely desperate to do that. I don’t think he’s concerned about outside influences in the slightest.  I don’t think it’s a case of walking away.

“Luke Ayling’s missing as well. At the moment you’re looking at four of your best players not being available. If you do that to any team, we saw what happened with Liverpool last season.

“They’re some of the best players in the squad and that’s going to make it very, very difficult, no matter who you are.”

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The Verdict: Too loyal to leave

This has been a testing start to the campaign for Leeds, but Bielsa is not the type of character to go against his word and suddenly leave the club.

Mills is correct in comparing Leeds to Liverpool last season, in terms of the team struggling badly with a host of big names unavailable.

Once the likes of Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford are back in the fold regularly, there should be a positive change on the pitch.

Whether or not Bielsa stays beyond this season remains to be seen, but it would be a big shock if he left midway through it.

In other news, one Leeds player could reportedly be back for an upcoming game. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now strongly interested in signing Thomas Strakosha on a free transfer in the summer.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper wanted

As per The Daily Mail, the Magpies are eyeing as many as four goalkeepers to provide stern competition for Martin Dubravka at St James’ Park.

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Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Bernd Leno and Kepa Arrizabalaga have all been mentioned as possible signings, but the Tyneside outfit may also look abroad for a new man in between the sticks.

The Latest: Strakosha eyed by Newcastle

According to Citta Celeste, Newcastle also hold a ‘strong interest’ in Strakosha, whose contract at Lazio expires this summer.

He is ‘torn’ between staying at the club and playing in the Premier League, and the Toon could certainly offer him a route to the English top flight.

The Verdict: Sign him

Capped 19 times by Albania and playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues in Serie A, it is quite mesmerising to think that Strakosha could leave on a free transfer.

Current Italy under-20 manager Alberto Bollini has claimed that the ‘keeper boasts ‘extraordinary athleticism’, while he was also once dubbed ‘explosive‘ and a ‘phenomenon‘ by former Lazio stopper Silvio Proto.

Keeping no fewer than 10 clean sheets in 25 games across all competitions so far this season, and averaging just one goal conceded per game (Transfermarkt), Strakosha is still only 27 years of age, which is relatively young for a goalkeeper.

Therefore, signing him on a free would represent a great piece of business from the Magpies.

In other news, find out what Keith Downie has now shared on Callum Wilson’s injury