All posts by z3u9t.icu

Taking to Twitter, these Nottingham Forest fans were less than impressed with the performance of midfielder Philip Zinckernagel as their side snatched a last gasp 2-1 victory away to Bristol City last night.

Looking to gather momentum under new boss Steve Cooper, Forest took on City yesterday evening in what ended up being a thrilling encounter.

The Reds sealed a last second victory to keep some pace with the Championship play-off chasers and it is super substitute Lyle Taylor who deserves the acclaim.

Coming on for Lewis Grabban with just under 10 minutes remaining, the 31-year-old international buried a brace in added time to nick all three points after Forest spent much of the game trying to breakthrough.

Before this dramatic finish, one man who certainly didn’t help Cooper’s side on the night was Zinckernagel – and it is clear to see why some fans were less than impressed.

According to SofaScore, before he was hauled off with under 15 minutes to go, the attacker completed just two out of six take-ons, lost the overwhelming majority of his ground duels and gave possession away a massive 26 times in total.

Taking this into account, Forest fans voiced their criticism on social media – find all of their verdicts down below.

Forest fans slam Zinckernagel…

“Someone tell Zinckernagel to put some effort into his corner”

Credit: @Jaffaca22393862

“put mighten on zinck thinks he’s messi today”

Credit: @NFFCRadfordinho

“Zinckernagel’s been greedy so far”

Credit: @OliverAdkin

“I’d love to see abit of Mighten. Zinckernagel looks off it tonight.”

Credit: @ConorCrossland_

“Right sub there, probably Zinckernagel’s worst game for us.”

Credit: @NiallSav98

“Zinckernagel has been absolutely woeful”

Credit: @BrummieTricky

A number of Manchester City fans have been reacting to reports that the Citizens could allow Bernardo Silva to leave on loan until the end of the season.

So far this term, the 27-year-old has featured heavily, making nine appearances in all competitions under Pep Guardiola (Transfermarkt). He made the switch to the Etihad Stadium in 2017 and has already played 210 games for the Cityzens, scoring 36 goals and providing 44 assists.

However, it seems that he could be out the door in January. As per Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Juventus are interested in capturing the £63m-valued Portuguese international (Transfermarkt), and City would be open to an “interest loan”. However, the Turin club would first need to offload players to be able to intensify negotiations with the Premier League champions.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the transfer rumours, and it is fair to say they were not best pleased with the notion of loaning out Silva. Indeed, one even said that club executives Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano should be sacked if they sanction any such move.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Silva news

“Txixi and Soriano out if this happens”

Credit: @ThomasSowell90

“NO! I want to retire at City, he loves this club”

Credit: @mcfcrr

“What? Why would we do that when he is one of our best players so far”

Credit: @RealSlimFoden

“If we do this then Txiki needs deporting to North Korea”

Credit: @TeacherOfBall

“Simple, if Bernardo left permanently or on loan it would be one of the biggest mistakes that the club had ever made regarding transfers, madness”

Credit: @BowdenJoniebee

“Yes let’s loan him for a year making maybe a couple mil, then discuss a straight loan to run down his contract and let them sign him for free or peanuts. Who comes up with this… surely they’re writing this laughing knowing it’s a complete joke”

Credit: @ManCitizen06

In other news, lots of Man City fans were gutted with this news on one of Bernardo’s team-mates

Judging by Twitter, it’s safe to say that many Southampton fans weren’t impressed with the performance of winger Theo Walcott as their side succumbed to opening day defeat.

The Saints returned to Premier League action this afternoon at Goodison Park as they faced off against Everton, with an interesting season up ahead as they cope without big names from 2020/21.

In recent weeks, former star striker Danny Ings sealed a move to Aston Villa, while defender Jannik Vestergaard signed for Leicester City on Friday evening.

However, that isn’t to say Southampton haven’t made their own moves in an attempt to reinforce Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad, with summer signing Adam Armstrong #getting on the scoresheet in their 3-1 loss to the Toffees today.

One player with whom many Saints fans didn’t seem impressed, though, was fellow attacker Walcott, who seemed largely ‘anonymous’ in the eyes of some supporters.

According to SofaScore, the Englishman made no successful crosses, had zero attempts on goal and was among the lowest-rated players for Southampton with a subdued 6.3. He also lost possession of the ball on nine occasions.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder his performance frustrated a fair few Saints supporters – check out a flavour of their verdicts from Twitter below.

Southampton fans slam Walcott

“We deserve that for giving Walcott 75 minutes, the guy is dreadful idc”

Credit: @KieranKellyyy_

“How is Walcott still on the pitch”

Credit: @sfc_susan

“Walcott can’t continue as a starter”

Credit: @Afromeror

“For Walcott, obviously, who has been largely anonymous.”

Credit: @OWTSaintspod

“Stu needs to come on for Walcott immediately”

Credit: @SaintMatt7

“Adam Armstrong and Che Adams is already looking like an extremely exciting and dangerous partnership, but I can’t help but wish we had Tella and Stu Armstrong behind them both rather than Djenepo and Walcott. Both soooo unbelievably average and predictable.”

Credit: @JackKnutsen_

“Get Walcott off for KWP and move Livramento up. Absolutely non-existent.”

Credit: @HQSoton

In other news: ‘Can’t wait’, ‘I’m excited’, ‘Fantastic’ – Many Saints fans flock to official news, find out more here.

A report has revealed that Newcastle United are now ‘in pole’ to sign Ousmane Dembele.

The Lowdown: More developments

Dembele has been linked with a move to St James’ Park ever since the takeover by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium was completed.

Sport reported last month that his camp have initiated talks with the Tyneside club over a potential move, while ABC (via Sport Witness) claimed that Dembele ‘has an offer on the table’ from the Magpies, so it seems as if the new owners are serious about securing his signature.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘in pole’

As per a ‘Top Secret’ report from Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are now ‘in pole position’ to sign Dembele and are ‘pushing very hard’ for the Barcelona winger.

His current contract at the Catalan giants expires in 2022, and they want to tie him down to a new deal, but it does not look likely at this stage.

They have ‘received an astronomical proposal’ from the Magpies worth €15m (£12.7m) per season and a signing-on bonus of €15m (£12.7m), and his agent would also get a generous commission.

Nonetheless, it is now up to Barca over whether they cash in during the January transfer window or risk losing him for free in the summer.

The Verdict: Rare opportunity

Signing Dembele, potentially for free, presents the Magpies with a rare opportunity to bring in a truly quality player on his day.

In previous years, he helped France to win the World Cup (Transfermarkt), while Lionel Messi once dubbed him ‘frightening’ and a ‘phenomenon’ when they were teammates at the Nou Camp.

Dembele has tailored off a bit since then, mainly due to persistent injuries, but he still has 30 goals and 22 assists for Barcelona (Transfermarkt), and at 24 years of age, there is every chance that he will only get better.

In other news, NUFC are willing to pay big money for this rising star

Sunderland are interested in a deal to bring Stephen O’Donnell to the Stadium of Light this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that Lee Johnson’s side are ready to make a move for the Motherwell right-back in the summer transfer window, with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus holding the belief that a deal would cost the Black Cats less than £500k.

The League One side have been linked with a number of players in the 29-year-old’s position in recent weeks, most notably Nottingham Forest’s Jordan Gabriel.

However, with Blackpool also thought to be keen on the 22-year-old, Sunderland now look to have turned their attention in the market towards the Scotland international, who has two years left to run on his contract at Fir Park.

Major coup

Considering just how short Johnson’s squad currently is in options at right-back, in addition to how impressive the Motherwell captain has been for both his club and country in recent seasons, it is unsurprising to learn of Sunderland’s interest in a move for O’Donnell.

Indeed, over his 34 Scottish Premiership appearances for Graham Alexander’s side last term, the £810k-rated man helped his side keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, two clearances and winning 4.5 duels per game.

The defender also helped his side out in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 key passes per match.

These returns saw the £1.2k-per-week man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.73, with his performances playing a key role in his club securing survival in the top flight of Scottish football.

This league form saw O’Donnell earn a call up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland side for Euro 2020 this summer, with the 29-year-old highly impressing for his country, most notably in the 0-0 draw with England.

In the stalemate, the right-back made two tackles, one clearance, two key passes and won three duels, seeing him earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.2 – the second-best of any Scotland player on the day.

As such, it would certainly appear as if the defender would be quite a major coup for the Black Cats ahead of the new League One season, leading us to believe Louis-Dreyfus should do all he can to get a deal over the line for O’Donnell in the coming days.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops two-word Sunderland transfer update that will have fans buzzing

Oliver Skipp could save Tottenham Hotspur millions this summer if unleashed by incoming manager Paulo Fonseca.

The 48-year-old Portuguese is expected to be announced as their next boss in the coming days, with the Telegraph claiming that a two-year deal has been agreed.

He has one hell of a task on his hands.

Spurs have just recorded their worst finish since 2009, their star striker Harry Kane wants to leave, and there is plenty of deadwood that needs to be shifted on.

One of the key criteria set out by chairman Daniel Levy was being able to commit to the development of the club’s up-and-coming academy stars, so you’d imagine that this is something Fonseca has agreed to, considering he appears to be on the verge of being appointed.

Skipp is surely one of the names that Levy had in mind.

Following a successful loan stint at Championship winners Norwich City, he seems likely to be promoted in the first-team set-up full-time and quite justifiably so.

Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks are just two names that could be sold in the summer window, so there’s certainly going to be a place or two up for grabs and the 20-year-old gem could well benefit most.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-manager-gossip-transfer-rumours-team-and-injury-updates-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, manager gossip, transfer rumours, team and injury updates and more!”]

Only one player featured in more minutes for the Canaries than Skipp (3,863) as he proved his worth at the senior level.

As per WhoScored, the young midfielder finished the 2020/21 campaign with an average of 2.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions, which saw him as one of the more industrious members of Daniel Farke’s squad.

It’s no wonder the Norwich boss and those around him have waxed lyrical about his qualities all year.

“He plays each and every second for more or less each and every game for such a good side. He’s a top player and also a top character,” claimed the German coach.

Similarly, midfield partner Kenny McLean told Sky Sports: “He makes my job a hell of a lot easier, I’ll tell you that. He’s been outstanding all season and we’re lucky to have him to be honest. For this level, he’s very outstanding and he’s got a huge career ahead of him.”

Also lauded as a “machine”, Skipp will not be fazed by the pressure of making the step up, especially as he’s already made his debut for his boyhood club and racked up 23 appearances in a Lilywhites shirt.

By giving the £9m-rated academy graduate a proper shot next season, Fonseca could save Levy and the Spurs hierarchy millions in the transfer market – or at the very least, those potential funds they would spend on a midfielder can be put elsewhere, such as signing a new centre-back.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges in Spurs’ manager saga…

Leicester City’s summer transfer window was undoubtedly a success. Brendan Rodgers addressed all the major weaknesses in his squad without losing any star players, but one target who got away may give the Northern Irishman some sleepless nights.

What’s the story?

Following the departure of former loanee Cengiz Under, the Foxes were heavily linked with a new right-winger in recent months, with PSV Eindhoven’s Noni Madueke reportedly high up on their wish list.

However, despite extensive speculation that the highly-rated 19-year-old was set to return to his homeland, the England under-21 international signed a new long-term contract at the Philips Stadion, committing his future to the club.

Nevertheless, despite putting pen to paper on fresh terms, Madueke has admitted in a recent interview that he hopes to play in the Premier League in the future after being released by boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur aged 16.

Leicester City fans will be buzzing

When asked if he has ambitions to play in the Premier League (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury), Madueke said: “Yeah, definitely”.

He continued: “The Premier League is the best league in the world and every young English player wants to be there. But also, I am not someone who is afraid to venture elsewhere, so whatever is best for my development, whichever country, I am a person who won’t be scared to take the leap.

“When I was 16, I didn’t want to go into that under-21 system,” Madueke added. “I wanted to go out and play and be involved in a first-team as quickly as possible.

“I didn’t want to play under-23 football as a talented 16-year-old when I felt I was ready for the first team. I backed myself 100 per cent. I am very impatient.”

After bagging nine goals and providing eight assists in 32 appearances for Roger Schmidt’s charges last season, former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte labelled Madueke “explosive” following his electric displays.

The youngster has started the new campaign in even more impressive fashion, contributing to seven goals in 10 matches in all competitions, highlighting his top-class potential.

Therefore, Leicester fans will surely be buzzing to learn that Madueke is eager to grace the Premier League in the near future, giving them hope that he could be tearing up the King Power Stadium soon if the Foxes maintain their apparent interest in him.

In other news… Report sheds light on Leicester’s deadline day development, Rodgers will be gutted 

Aston Villa fans would have hailed the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel as a real coup, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Witsel was linked with a surprise move to Villa at the end of the summer transfer window, with Italian outlet Tuttosport claiming that Juventus, AS Roma and the Midlands club were all interested in signing the Belgian.

Witsel has remained at Dortmund, however, and will now be looking to help Marco Rose’s side end Bayern Munich’s dominance of the Bundesliga.

Had the 32-year-old signed for Villa, though, Hatfield is certain he would have been a welcome addition.

“Witsel would’ve obviously fitted into the position Villa probably needed to address,” Hatfield told FFC. “But he’s not the youngest in the world and he’s just coming off a really serious Achilles injury.

“Obviously he would’ve been an amazing signing for fans and the fans would’ve been right behind it. On paper, it would always look good, but in practice, I’m not too sure. But Villa fans would’ve been hailing it as a real coup.”

While Villa did not end up bringing in a midfielder like Witsel, you would have to say it was still a pretty successful transfer window for the Premier League outfit.

Yes, they lost Jack Grealish to Manchester City, but they were still able to make significant attacking additions after signing Danny Ings, Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey.

Newcastle United’s deal for Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer ‘will be pushed through in June’, Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder has reported.

The lowdown

The 23-year-old has made 176 appearances for the Hoops, winning three Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups. The Norwegian has also racked up 38 appearances in European competition.

However, he’s now seemingly set to leave Glasgow, with only one year left on his contract at Parkhead. He averaged 3.2 successful aerial duels, 1.3 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game in the Scottish Premiership this season (via WhoScored).

The latest

According to Ryder, ‘sources at Parkhead’ are indicating that the transfer will be completed this month, also revealing that the fee will be £6m.

Ajer is poised to become the Magpies’ first signing of the summer as they look to build a squad capable of avoiding a relegation battle. For Newcastle, this deal is the culmination of a ‘couple of seasons’ of scouting.

The verdict

This would be a shrewd and swift piece of business from Newcastle United. They’ve wanted Ajer for a while, it seems, and they’ve struck at the opportune moment.

Importantly, Ajer will also serve as an able replacement for Federico Fernandez, should he leave at the end of his contract in a few weeks’ time. The Argentine made 24 league appearances under Steve Bruce last season, averaging two successful aerial duels, 1.2 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game in the 2020/21 Premier League (via WhoScored).

Ajer exceeds him for each of those metrics, which suggests that he would be an upgrade on the 32-year-old were he to join with Steve Bruce’s side over the summer.

In other news, Mark Douglas has provided an update on the future of Freddie Woodman. 

Aston Villa have become one of the more active clubs when it comes to being busy in the transfer market over the past few years.

The previous January window saw the Midlands club bring in five new players on permanent or loan deals as well as moving some other players out in the other direction.

However, one player that the Villans were not able to secure over the winter was Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma.

After being mentioned with a potential £50m move away from the south coast club, Bissouma remained at Brighton and continues to play for Graham Potter’s side.

Once the window had closed, Steven Gerrard revealed that Villa had a bid of £25m rejected for the Mali international.

Since arriving at Brighton back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Lille in a deal worth a reported fee of £15m, the midfielder has become a pivotal figure for the Seagulls.

With 120 appearances under his belt for the club across all competitions, the 25-year-old has chipped in with five goals and two assists.

To highlight how important he is for his side, no other Brighton midfielder has been able to match the combined total of tackles and interceptions (115) he’s been able to rack up in this Premier League.

Labelled as an “exceptional” player in the past by Gary Lineker, Bissouma also showed during Brighton’s recent 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur just what he’s capable of on the pitch.

During the 90 minutes, the former Lille ace made four interceptions, three tackles, won seven of the nine duels he was involved in and completed all three dribbles he attempted.

This shows just how talented he is on and off the ball against an Antonio Conte team that, not long before, had put four goals past Gerrard’s side at Villa Park.

This also led to Potter describing his player as being at “Champions League level” in terms of his performances on the pitch.

Moving forward, it would be sensible for the Villans and Johan Lange to not only reignite their interest in Bissouma but to not consider giving Brighton the money that they would want for him.

In other news: “Gerrard wants..“: Journo drops teasing transfer claim, AVFC supporters surely buzzing