All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic target Daizen Maeda has spoken out over links of a move to Parkhead in January, The Glasgow Evening Times report.

The Lowdown: Hoops closing in

Reports last week from The Times suggested that the Hoops are confident of securing a deal for the 24-year-old in the New Year.

Sources in Japan expect a transfer for the Yokohama F Marinos forward to go through, with Maeda capable of playing on the wing or through the middle.

He netted 18 goals in 31 appearances last season, and it appears as if he could reunite with Ange Postecoglou over the coming months.

The Latest: Maeda speaks out

Maeda, who has been clocked as the quickest player in Japan, was asked about interest from Scotland, to which he said:

“I know about the reports, but my job is just to concentrate on playing and hopefully scoring goals for Yokohama.

“I am trying not to think too much about the speculation.

“I always think I can score goals in any match and that’s all I am thinking about at the moment. I am trying to get into the Japan team for the World Cup qualifiers too. Of course, if I keep scoring goals then good things will happen.”

The Verdict: Kyogo 2.0

Celtic’s most expensive summer signing, Kyogo Furuhashi, has been on fire in green and white this season, netting nine times in 14 games.

The pair can both play centrally or out wide, so hopefully, the Hoops will be getting themselves another Furuhashi.

Interim CEO Michael Nicholson may well be the man pushing for a transfer to be finalised ahead of the winter window, and you’d expect Postecoglou has given the green light, so fingers crossed it goes through without any hitches.

In other news: Frank McAvennie questions effort levels of 5 G/A Celtic ace who ‘goes missing’. 

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…

As per Pianeta Genoa, as shared by Sport Witness, West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko has been linked with a move to Italian side Genoa, following the appointment of manager Andriy Shevchenko.

THE LOWDOWN: YARMOLENKO STRUGGLING FOR PLAYING TIME

The Ukrainian attacker has made just eight appearances in the Premier League this season, with all of his minutes having come as a substitute.

Yarmolenko, an experienced Ukraine international with 106 caps, has struggled for playing time under manager David Moyes due to a combination of Manuel Lanzini, Jarrod Bowen, Saïd Benrahma and Pablo Fornals all being preferred options on the wing.

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This has severely limited the number of opportunities the 32-year-old has had this campaign, pushing him out of the Hammers’ plans as more and more exit links pop up.

THE LATEST: YARMOLENKO EXIT CLAIM

As per Pianeta Genoa (via Sport Witness), Serie A club Genoa have opened talks regarding the possible transfer of Yarmolenko. The winger’s contract is due to expire in the summer, so this may mean West Ham are forced into selling him in the January transfer window for a small fee.

Pianeta Genoa claim that the talks are progressing well, although it is unclear whether Genoa are in talks with the player’s agents or with West Ham directly.

THE VERDICT: TIME TO LEAVE?

Following the arrival of Shevchenko at Genoa, it is evident from these talks that the manager was impressed with Yarmolenko whilst he was in charge of the Ukrainian national side.

This would indicate a good level of playing time for the West Ham player, who, at 32-years-old, would surely relish the chance of regular first-team minutes as he nears the end of his career.

When on top form, Yarmolenko can put in dazzling performances in the attacking third – just look at the quality he produced at Euro 2020. Fan favourite Declan Rice even labelled the Ukrainian international as ‘special’ (per Hammers. News), and raved about his technical ability.

Yarmolenko could prove to be an asset for Genoa if the Hammers choose to let him go in January, and this feels like a win win for all parties if the Irons can indeed bank a fee and let an unwanted fringe player move on.

Many Wolves fans have been left fuming over some news on their game away to Manchester United in the Premier League on Monday evening.

As confirmed by the official website of the top flight, Mike Dean will now referee the match at Old Trafford, with Andre Marriner on VAR duty.

Incidentally, the 53-year-old has given far more penalty kicks to the Red Devils (21) than any other team over the course of his career, while he also gave them a controversial goal at Molineux earlier on this season to give them a 1-0 win, and that has not been the first time his decisions against the Midlands club have been questioned.

Nonetheless, it is not a surprise at all to see so many WWFC supporters raging over the decision to appoint him for their upcoming fixture.

Wolves fans on Dean appointment

These Wanderers fumed as the news of Dean’s appointment was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘joke’:

“Here we go again”

Credit: @moor_george

“You are kidding???”

Credit: @AlisonW91221347

“Hope it gets called off..”

Credit: @LondonishWolves

“May as well give them the points now”

Credit: @TheDowg

“God help us.”

Credit: @JohnGill27

“This has to be some joke!!!”

Credit: @ezzalodge

In other news, find out which ‘standout’ Wanderer has now been backed to join a Premier League club 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”…

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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…

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.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been hailing Trent Alexander-Arnold’s latest venture, with the Reds hero funding a league for youngsters in the city.

Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a poor day at the office on Sunday afternoon, with West Ham beating them 3-2 at the London Stadium.

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In truth, Liverpool were never fully at the races in east London, although one player who could come away with his head held high was Alexander-Arnold. The 23-year-old scored a stunning equaliser with a free kick late in the first half, and away from the pitch, he continues to do fantastic work as well.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein [via James Pearce on Twitter], Alexander-Arnold is paying for hundreds of five- and six-year-olds to play football in Toxteth and West Derby in what is called The Trent Alexander-Arnold League.

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Liverpool fans show their love for Trent

It is a wonderful gesture from Alexander-Arnold, who has displayed tremendous work both on and off the pitch, and these Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to show their appreciation for the Anfield “king” for his philanthrophic act.

“King”

Credit: @CosmoKhan

“Good work from him”

Credit: @repeto

“Great to hear”

Credit: @jassonnnnlfc

“This boy”

Credit: @Hafsa_1M

“What a lad”

Credit: @unbearablekop

“Assist King on and off the field”

Credit: @Tawaz92

In other news, some Liverpool fans slammed one player’s performance against West Ham. Find out who it is here.

Celtic are preparing to open talks with Benfica over a permanent transfer for Jota, according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns. 

The lowdown

The Hoops have already sealed three January deals, recruiting Daizen Maeda, Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate from Japan’s J1 League. According to Burns, it’s full steam ahead as they negotiate the terms of a long-term deal for Spurs loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Like the American defender, Jota completed a season-long loan move to Celtic on the final day of the 2021 summer transfer window. Under their agreement with Benfica, the Hoops have the option to buy the 22-year-old winger for £6.5m.

The latest

According to The Daily Record, Celtic intend to buy Jota and ‘are looking’ to initiate discussions with Benfica about the specifics of the deal.

Burns claimed that talks are likely to centre on the fee, the payment period and the possibility of add-ons. He also noted that Ange Postecoglou would like to complete ‘the bulk’ of his January transfer agenda quickly.

The verdict

This could be huge for Celtic. Jota has been excellent this season, scoring eight goals and providing six assists. Only Kyogo Furuhasi (15) can better his tally of 14 goal involvements, and Jota has played four fewer games (via BBC Sport).

Indeed, European football expert and journalist Alex Barker has gone as far as to describe him as ‘Celtic’s wonder talent’.

What’s more, even if Celtic fans don’t want to think about this right now, he’s a player who could net a huge transfer fee further down the line. For instance, Pedro Almeida reported that they could sell him on for as much as £25.5m.

In a footballing and financial sense, a permanent deal for the 22-year-old makes so much sense and would be foolish to disregard.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has provided an insider update on this Celtic defender

Crystal Palace will be looking to extend their six-game unbeaten run when they travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Eagles secured back-to-back victories over reigning champions Manchester City and Wolves prior to the international break, filling them with confidence coming into this one. However, Patrick Vieira’s charges will have to contend without the presence of key midfielder James McArthur after he picked up a hamstring injury, ruling him out for a couple of weeks.

There is some positive team news to report, though. Joachim Andersen has recovered in time to take his usual place in the matchday squad, while we could also see a much-anticipated return for Eberechi Eze.

The 23-year-old, who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury since May, has played two games for Palace’s under-23s in recent weeks, and Vieira confirmed that he is set to take a place on the first team bench over the weekend.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the Frenchman to line up his team against Burnley, with two changes from the side which started last time out…

In goal, 34-year-old Vicente Guaita will be looking for his third consecutive clean sheet after successfully keeping City and Wolves at bay.

Ahead of the Spanish shot-stopper will be a familiar back four made up of Tyrick Mitchell, Marc Guehi, Andersen and Joel Ward, with the defensive unit going from strength to strength in recent weeks.

Vieira will be forced into making one change in the midfield engine room, though. McArthur’s injury will allow Luke Milivojevic to come back into the starting XI, partnering Conor Gallagher and Cheikhou Kouyate.

The Palace boss may also be tempted to change things up in attack. The pace and mobility of Wilfried Zaha, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olise should see them form a dangerous forward line, which would see the £8.1m-rated Christian Benteke to the bench after two goalless appearances.

In other news… Huge blow: Palace suffer injury setback ahead of Burnley clash, Vieira will be gutted