All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed Kyogo Furuhashi was fit and firing at Lennoxtown before Sunday’s win, ultimately deciding the Hoops could win without risking their star man.

The Lowdown: Celtic seal priceless win

The Hoops visited their biggest rivals on Sunday afternoon looking to go six points clear at the top of the table.

It didn’t look like that would be the case when Aaron Ramsey fired Rangers in front early on, but goals from Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers earned Celtic a huge and deserved three points.

They did it without Furuhashi, too, with the Japanese starlet having only just recovered from a long-term hamstring issue.

The Latest: Ange provides Kyogo boost

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game (via Republic of Football), Postecoglou confirmed that the forward is now fit, even trying to persuade his manager to use him during sessions at Lennoxtown:

“I thought today we could handle it without him. He popped up everywhere in front of me at Lennoxtown to remind he was fit.”

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The Verdict: What a day

It was a memorable three points for Celtic and this news is an added bonus, suggesting Furuhashi is now ready to play a prominent role between now and the end of the season.

The 27-year-old has scored eight goals in 12 league starts in 2021/22 to date, and while he may take time to find his rhythm having not featured in 2022, it shouldn’t be long until he is a regular again, ranking as one of the best eight players in the squad this term (Whoscored).

With Celtic battling in both the league and the Scottish Cup, opportunities should certainly come Furuhashi’s way, even if they come from the bench initially.

In other news, Ally McCoist slammed one player in the Rangers-Celtic clash. Find out who it is here.

Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton has reacted to a claim made by Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou regarding loan stars Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota. 

The lowdown: What’s been said…

The Hoops boss recently suggested that neither the 24-year-old defender on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, nor the 23-year-old attacker spending the season in Glasgow from Benfica, were concerned over their futures.

Both players are set to head back to their parent clubs at the end of the current campaign unless Celtic trigger the options to make their deals permanent.

Despite Postecoglou playing down the urgent need to address the situation, Hutton has suggested that the club need to act swiftly…

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The latest: Resolution required

Speaking to Football Insider, the 37-year-old claimed that both Jota and Carter-Vickers would be considering what happens next in private.

Hutton stated: “You have to say the right things when you’re talking to the press and that sort of thing.

“Carter-Vickers and Jota will be saying the same things: ‘I love being here. I’ve loved my time here. I’m just concentrating on the next game.’

“That’s all footballers are programmed to say, the same stuff in interviews. That’s how it goes, but they’ll want their futures tied up as soon as possible. Whether it be Celtic or whether it be somebody else, somewhere else.

“They’ve had amazing seasons. Carter-Vickers has come up and made such a big difference, as has Jota. There’ll be other suitors watching from afar, I would have thought.

“But they’ll want a future sorted as soon as possible. Whether that be towards the end of the season, we’ll find out. Any player wants that security of having a contract.”

The verdict: Get it done

Whilst all parties would appear to be relaxed about the situation, there is nothing quite like having that assurance of a done deal.

That’s especially the case in this instance, as interest in Carter-Vickers from the Premier League has recently surfaced.

At a reported £6m fee for both Jota and the eight-cap USA international, Celtic should be desperate to secure the duo as permanent Hoops players beyond this season, particularly in light of a financial windfall following potential automatic qualification for the Champions League group stage.

Therefore, Hutton is right to call for urgency on Celtic’s part to get this particular matter resolved.

In other news, financial expert discusses Celtic plan. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United midfielder Adam Forshaw has avoided serious injury…

What’s the latest?

In an update relayed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, it appears as if the central midfielder is in line to be available for the Yorkshiremen’s clash with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

“Good news from Forshaw on the hamstring front. Looks to have avoided a bad one,” the reliable journalist said on Twitter.

The 30-year-old star was withdrawn after just 22 minutes during Sunday’s impressive 3-2 victory over West Ham United, dealing manager Marcelo Bielsa his umpteenth injury blow of the season.

However, that does not appear to be the case, so the Argentine has just been handed a major boost heading into the weekend.

Significant boost for Bielsa

Indeed, Leeds have suffered from more than their fair share of injury problems throughout the 2021/22 season.

As many as 11 players were missing for their clash against Arsenal last month and their bench down at the London Stadium contained just one senior pro in Rodrigo, who was making his own return from injury.

The rest were some of the club’s most promising academy talent, including 15-year-old midfielder Archie Gray.

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Bielsa has already been missing Kalvin Phillips at the base of his engine room – a position that Forshaw has stepped up to deputise in with aplomb, and so much so that he’s been rewarded with a new one-year contract extension.

“I am still very much liking the effort levels from Forshaw, the amount of ground he’s able to cover. I don’t think in any way that the system worked for him or for anybody else against City or against Arsenal, but again, it’s pleasing to see that his body is holding up to this,” Hay claimed of Forshaw to his podcast last month.

In Phillips’ absence, the 5 foot 9 dynamo has excelled, averaging 2.3 tackles and one interception per outing, which is hugely impressive in terms of defensive output but it’s his 2.3 long balls per game, via WhoScored, that suggests he’s slotted in seamlessly.

As such, it will come as a significant boost to Bielsa that his injury isn’t as bad as first feared. If he’s available to face the Magpies, then the 66-year-old will surely be buzzing ahead of kickoff when the time comes to name his starting XI.

Forshaw is a crucial player to Leeds, more so now than ever.

AND in other news, Deal agreed: Leeds eye bargain swoop for £4.5m-rated “pitbull”…

Tottenham are reportedly ‘interested’ in signing Wolves winger Adama Traore this summer, with the Spaniard not expected to stay on at Barcelona.

The Lowdown: Traore out of favour at Barcelona

The 25-year-old joined the La Liga giants on loan in the January transfer window, having slowly fallen out of favour under Bruno Lage at Molineux despite being hailed as ‘devastating’ by Andy Townsend earlier this year.

After a bright start for the Blaugrana, which saw Traore provide an assist in each of his first two appearances, playing time has become increasingly hard to come by for the Spain international.

For that reason, he is unlikely to be kept on at Camp Nou, instead returning to England at the end of the season.

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The Latest: Spurs keen on summer move for Traore

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Spurs are ‘interested’ in signing Traore from Wolves this summer and have been ‘behind him for some time’, having been linked with a move for the winger in January.

The north London club are ‘waiting’ to see how his situation at Barcelona develops before making any move for him.

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The Verdict: Chance to receive big money

It seems unlikely that Lage will want to persist with Traore next season, especially with him not making tracks on loan at Barcelona, so receiving a hefty fee for his services makes complete sense for Wolves, generating funds for new signings.

His current Molineux deal expires in the summer of 2023, so selling the £25.2m-rated winger this year would seem a no-brainer, rather than losing an unwanted player on a free transfer 12 months down the line.

Spurs could be ideal for all parties, with Traore potentially relieving the attacking burden on Son Heung-min and Harry Kane in N17, while Wolves would be free of his £46,000-a-week wages.

In other news, a journalist has hinted at one Wolves player leaving this future. Find out who it is here.

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Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to laud Max Meyer, after the midfielder put in a stunning performance against Tottenham Hotspur in their FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday when the hosts ran out 2-0 winners to advance.

The Germany international, who is still struggling for consistent starts having arrived on a free transfer in the summer, excelled in a central midfield role against Spurs alongside Cheikhou Kouyate and Jeffrey Schlupp, as the south London outfit beat their neighbours from the capital relatively comfortably.

Meyer kept things nice and tidy whilst Kouyate did the dirty work defensively, and Schlupp ventured forward on frequent occasions.

Which player with “no potential” has just been named Crystal Palace’s worst ever January signing? Find out in the video below…

The 23-year-old has featured all over the place under Roy Hodgson so far this season, having been deployed on the left of midfield, in an attacking midfield role as well as a central midfield role, but if his showing against Mauricio Pochettino’s side is anything to go by, the latter is his best position.

Many Eagles supporters would agree with that statement if their reactions on Twitter are anything to go by…

Newcastle United have been linked with a shock move for former Magpies midfielder Mikel Merino.

The Lowdown: Merino’s St. James’ Park stint

Merino now plies his trade with Real Sociedad after the Magpies sold the Spaniard back in 2018. The 25-year-old made the move to St. James’ Park back in 2017 on loan from Borussia Dortmund, with Newcastle swiftly making a deal permanent.

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Merino made 25 appearances as a Newcastle player and has gone from strength to strength back in his native country with Real Sociedad.

The central midfielder is now valued at a career-high £45m Transfermarkt valuation, and it looks as if Amanda Staveley is exploring a possible return.

The Latest: Magpies keen

A Spanish outlet shared an update regarding Merino late on Friday evening. They labelled the midfielder as ‘one of the most important players’ for Sociedad and claimed Barcelona are showing an interest.

The report also added that a return to Newcastle or a move to Liverpool over the coming months could also be on the cards.

The Verdict: Interesting

Merino recently hailed Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, and it seems as if a reunion between the pair could be on the cards ahead of Eddie Howe’s first full season in charge.

It looks set to be a busy summer for the club when it comes to transfers, with midfield a possible area the Magpies may decide to bolster.

Howe currently has two defensive midfielders, three central midfielders and two attacking midfielders, so a swoop for Merino, who has played in all three positions this season, could be a shrewd one, for the right price.

In other news: ‘At the moment’ – Transfer insider says NUFC ace will only be a ‘rotation’ player next season. 

A worrying Tottenham Hotspur injury update has emerged on midfielder Oliver Skipp…

What’s the latest?

Antonio Conte has revealed that the England U21 international is not closing in on a return as he is having issues with his recovery.

He has been out of action since January and it remains to be seen when he will be able to represent the club on the pitch again.

Charlie Eccleshare tweeted: “Conte on Skipp injury: ‘Skipp is having a bit of trouble with his injury – in this moment he’s not available. I know his frustration, but this new contract shows we trust him a lot and he will be very important for the present and future.'”

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The head coach also spoke about the youngster’s new contract at the club, saying: “I’m very happy for Skippy because we are taking about a good player, young player. A player from the academy and you know very well the importance to this club of developing players from the academy. A fantastic guy.”

Supporters will be fuming

The supporters will be fuming with this injury update as it suggests that Skipp will not be back out on the pitch any time soon for Spurs.

They will be keen to see him in the starting XI as he is ‘one of their own’ and has shown glimpses of Premier League quality in his career so far.

The gem was handed his chance in the first team this term after a sublime season on loan with Norwich in the second tier. In 45 league appearances, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.02 as he made 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game and helped them to win the title.

He was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year for his efforts and carried that form over into the start of this season with Spurs as he started 14 Premier League matches before his injury and averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.81.

Skipp is a midfielder who mixes energy and defensive ballast with control and poise in possession and looks classy in a deep-lying role in the middle of the park. He has completed an impressive 90% of his attempted passes in the top-flight and fans will surely be keen to have his reassuring presence gracing the team again as quickly as possible.

This is why they will be fuming with this update from Conte as it is a huge blow for Spurs and Skipp and they will be hoping that he is able to overcome his issues sooner rather than later.

AND in other news: Conte can now axe “truly hilarious” £42k-p/w flop as Spurs eye £33m “difference maker”

Aston Villa will try to sign Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer, according to Ryan Taylor of The Express.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans were quick to flock to the update on social media.

Villa were credited with an interest in Bissouma earlier this month and even reportedly had a £25m bid turned down.

It now seems as if Juventus’ Rodrigo Bentancur is the club’s main midfield target, but Bissouma is still on Johan Lange and Steven Gerrard’s radar.

According to Taylor, Villa are expected to go back in for Bissouma in the summer, when he could be into the final 12 months of his Seagulls contract. However, Brighton remain adamant he is not for sale at any price.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful relayed Taylor’s claim on Twitter on Wednesday evening. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with one believing the summer window could be ‘absolutely mental’.

“We’re cooking”

Credit: @buendiazboyz

“I can’t see us getting Bissouma in the summer so many clubs will want him”

Credit: @Benavfctooth

“Dw we’re big time again now”

Credit: @youngprodigy08

“Our summer is gonna be absolutely mental”

Credit: @JayVtid

“Good we need Bissouma”

Credit: @mattdavis281

“110% have to”

Credit: @AvfcRegan

In other news: ‘Bottled it’ – Many Villa fans react to Fabrizio Romano transfer update. 

Former Celtic man Mikael Lustig was one of hundreds to react to the news of Scott Bain’s new Parkhead contract.

The Lowdown: Busy January

The Hoops have been extremely productive during the January window, bringing in four new players already.

Three have arrived from Japan and one from Ireland, with the club also working on making Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan moves permanent.

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It’s not only incomings Celtic are working on, though, with Michael Nicholson also looking to move on a number of players, including Leigh Griffiths, who they have reportedly cut ties with.

The Latest: Bain contract

Celtic announced on Monday that Bain has signed a new deal through until 2024.

They shared the news on Instagram, with former right-back Lustig commenting ‘Torpedo’ along with heart eye and raised hands emojis.

The Verdict: Barkas and Hazard to leave?

Described by James McFadden as a shot-stopper who ‘makes it look easy’ with the ball at his feet, Bain has made just four appearances under Ange Postecoglou but has been a regular in the matchday squad.

And, with Bain signing new terms, that could mean that Vasilis Barkas and Conor Hazard may now seal exits.

There has been talk of that happening, and with Celtic also having high hopes for teenager Tobi Oluwayemi, now could be the time for the pair to depart, leaving Hart, Bain and Oluwayemi as options over the coming years.

In other news: Ange now after another Irish addition who Lennon previously wanted. 

Rangers and Ross Wilson have not been shy when it comes to spending money on bringing new players to Ibrox during the recent transfer windows.

However, as tends to happen with a lot of clubs, not every player that gets mentioned with a move to the SPFL side ends up joining.

One player that the Gers were linked with in recent memory is striker Jonson Clarke-Harris.

It was reported by the Daily Record during the previous summer transfer window that the Peterborough United attacker was interested in making a move to Ibrox.

However, as many supporters will be aware, the 27-year-old didn’t end up holding up a Rangers shirt in front of Ibrox either during the previous summer or winter windows.

With a total of 354 club appearances under his belt across all competitions for a range of clubs, the centre-forward has racked up a combined total of 125 goal contributions.

Having found the back of the net 105 times and delivered 20 assists, the Englishman certainly knows how to find the back of the net.

This season has seen the striker score 11 goals and provide three assists in 37 Championship appearances, highlighting how important he is to the side,

Also, his overall performances have earned him a rating of 6.85/10 from WhoScored, making him Peterborough’s highest-rated player for this campaign.

Labelled as being a “real threat” on the pitch by Lee Johnson all the way back in 2013, that’s exactly what he is now in terms of being a regular goalscorer.

Having also been described as looking “really strong” by Grant McCann, it seems likely that the Posh will be desperate to keep hold of their star striker.

However, with the club in danger of being relegated to League One at the end of the season, perhaps a move to Ibrox would be a tempting prospect for the player rather than play in the third division.

With Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side able to offer the chance to win titles and play in Europe, it may not take much effort to convince the attacker to pack his bags.

Moving forward, if a deal for Clarke-Harris is there to be made in the summer, Wilson and Rangers should definitely be in the mix to sign him.

In other news: From £4.5m to £25m: Wilson had huge Rangers howler over “remarkable” 12-goal gem…