All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United could soon be one of the world’s richest clubs should their reported takeover go through in the coming weeks or months.

Of course, a club having huge amounts of money pumped in from a new source of wealth is nothing new in the Premier League, with Manchester City’s rags to riches story bringing them untold success, winning four league titles since Sheikh Mansour took over the Eastlands outfit.

Unfortunately, the first year of Sheikh Mansour’s ownership didn’t quite go to plan as City finished tenth, despite spending big money on the likes of Robinho, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Craig Bellamy, Nigel De Jong and Shay Given, while also bolstering the squad with bargain deals for future club legends Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta.

Despite having a lot of talent at the club, City could only finish mid-table, and a lot of the blame has to land at the feet of Mark Hughes, the man appointed by Thaksin Shinawatra before Sheikh Mansour got his hands on the club.

Hughes had gone from gearing up to manage the likes of Richard Dunne and Benjani, to having one of the most expensive squads in the league in his hands, and he quite simply wasn’t up to the job.

The Welshman was given a second season, and even more talent to play with, as Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Toure and Gareth Barry headed to the Etihad, but without a change in management, City were resigned to a similar fate, sitting seven points of a Champions League spot when Hughes was sacked after a 4-3 win against Sunderland.

Hughes would go on to prove he wasn’t a top-class manager, taking QPR, Stoke and Southampton to the brink of relegation, being sacked each time before he could drag any of those clubs down.

Watch Newcastle United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

If Newcastle are to be taken over by billionaires, the temptation will be there to give Steve Bruce a chance, after all, he’s led them comfortably to safety, despite being heavily tipped to go down before the start of the campaign.

The former Aston Villa manager is in the same mould of Mark Hughes over a decade ago, he’s a decent boss for a team trying to stay in the league, but if he’s handed hundreds of millions of pounds of talent, he’s unlikely to get the best out of them, having never worked with such world-class players previously.

If Newcastle’s potential new owners want to spend big on their squad, they should also spend big on their manager, and that means avoiding the mistake Man City made more than a decade ago.

According to The Daily Mail, Newcastle are interested in Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

What’s the word?

The Ivory Coast international has long been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, with reports last year suggesting that Arsenal were very much interested in luring him to the Emirates.

But, a move failed to materialise before the end of the deadline, leaving Zaha stuck with Palace. Now, The Daily Mail claim that the winger is primed for another summer of uncertainty, with the likes of Newcastle, Everton, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich all interested in securing his signature.

Can you name every one of the Magpies’ top goalscorers from the past 15 seasons? It’s a tricky one…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

The report further adds that Steve Bruce’s side in particular are “monitoring” the situation, “though any move would likely be dependent on their protracted takeover”.

Exciting

With Zaha’s ability to play on either flank and even through the middle, the Magpies could well have an incredibly exciting attack of the Ivorian, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron – the kind of fluid front three that could terrify most Premier League defences with their pace and directness.

In fact, Zaha’s Palace teammate James McArthur waxed lyrical about his abilities back in 2018, saying: “He is just unplayable at times and I wouldn’t like to be a defender playing against him. For us, he is a great asset when you can give someone the ball and he can run 40 yards with it.” Essentially, Zaha would bring a lot of the same characteristics that Saint-Maximin has in his locker.

In fact, his average of 4.5 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season is only bettered by two players: Wolves’ Adama Traore, and Saint-Maximin himself. Their abilities to play across the front-line could see them interchange positions, and make for the kind of modern forward-line used by the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona of yesteryear.

Zaha has been the standard-bearer at Palace for a number of years now, playing a whopping 359 games for the Eagles and scoring 57 times. Newcastle of course have had their own inspirational figure before in Hatem Ben Arfa, and the 27-year-old could bring that too.

Ben Arfa had his fair share of magic moments at St James’ Park, not least that wonderful solo goal against Bolton. Zaha is capable of similar magic, netting a beauty in Ivory Coast’s win over Russia. That ability to pick the ball up, drive forward but then deliver a superb finish is something the duo have shown in abundance. And so if Newcastle needed someone to be the final piece of their attacking jigsaw, then the Palace star could very well be that man.

Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign Beijing Guoan defender Kim Min-jae this summer, via The Evening Standard. 

Tottenham remain interested in signing Kim as Beijing have now named their price. According to The Evening Standard, as per @Daily_Hotspur, Spurs have been quoted £15m for the defender.

Spurs have been chasing him for several months and he is widely expected to leave the Chinese Super League in the summer.

Recent reports suggested talks between the two clubs are still ongoing, although Tottenham are confident they can get a deal over the line, amid interest from Liverpool.

Jose Mourinho now has a decision to make as he must figure out whether or not to prioritise his pursuit of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg instead.

It is no secret he must fix his defensive problems sooner rather than later, as the Lilywhites have leaked goals for fun over the course of the season so far, as they have conceded more goals than Manchester United and Premier League champions Liverpool this season.

However, Mourinho does not have the luxury of an unlimited budget, as he will have to resort to orchestrating swap deals, signing free agents and hunting for bargains when the transfer windows opens.

Bearing this in mind, it remains to be seen what deals can be made in the weeks ahead.

Jan Vertonghen is set for a ‘shock’ switch to Manchester City, while questions remain over Juan Foyth’s future at north London.

Kim, 23, who is affectionately known as ‘Monster’, has already won 30 caps for his country despite his young age, winning a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in the process, which exempted him from certain military duties (via The Guardian).

The South Korean cuts an imposing figure at the back, as he stands at 1.9m tall, which explains why Mourinho wants to sign him in the summer.

The Portuguese was desperate to sign Harry Maguire during his time in charge of Manchester United, and although he didn’t get his wishes the first time round, the South Korean international is of a similar build.

As it stands, Spurs seem set to spring a surprise on their closest rivals as they have moved one step nearer to signing Kim, who would make a welcome addition to the squad.

Tottenham fans, should Daniel Levy sign Kim in the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

It could be one in, one out at Celtic in the very near future as fresh reports have circulated on the future of Boli Bolingoli…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, Ligue 2 outfit Amiens SC have made a loan offer for the 25-year-old which includes an option to buy at the end of the season thought to be around £2.3m.

It’s claimed that the Hoops are open into offloading him before the end of the summer transfer window and as a result, are now lining up a move for Championship-winning left-back Barry Douglas.

The Leeds man could be free to leave say Football Insider, but it remains to be seen whether Celtic would be paying a fee of getting him in on loan.

Bye-bye Boli

It’s a smart move for Nick Hammond to make after the Belgian practically put Scottish football into disrepute last week. Bolingoli travelled to Spain without telling his manager or the club and was then named on the bench for their 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock.

Both of Celtic’s subsequent two fixtures have been postponed.

The self-confessed Parkhead fan would be an astute addition for Lennon. He’s won two promotions from the Championship and has previous experience in the SPFL with Dundee United.

Former Leeds midfielder Andy Hughes described Douglas as a “top, top player” whilst Noel Whelan told the BBC, via HITC, that he’s “got the quality”.

Having cost the Yorkshire giants just £3m, you’d imagine that if Celtic wanted a permanent move for the Glasgow-born left-back then the fee would be around that if not less as he nears the final year of his contract.

They’d be getting a bit of a set-piece specialist too but mainly, it’ll put an end to the Bolingoli sage off the pitch.

AND in other news, Celtic can plan for life without Jullien with move for PL man…

Craig Hope has revealed how many Newcastle United fans may be allowed in St. James’ Park by the start of October in his latest piece for the Daily Mail.

According to the journalist, it is hoped that significantly more than a third of the 52,000 capacity will be allowed back into the stadium once it is given the approval of the Premier League.

The Tyneside club have also sounded out corporate box holders about returning to the ground on October 3rd, with other teams from the top flight becoming more and more confident that supporters will be allowed back into their stadiums from next month.

Those private boxes will be allowed a capacity of 50 per cent in each room which have been used to house media since the beautiful game returned after being locked down due to the global pandemic outbreak.

The season-ticket holders in the North East may also be put on long-term payment plans in the wider picture to try and get as many fans back in St. James’ park as possible for the new 2020/21 term.

This should come as good news to those members of the Toon Army who are desperate to get back into the stadium to watch their team play and go back to some sort of normality.

Of course, the safety of the NUFC fans remains the top priority, but it will surely come as a much welcomed relief that the supporters may be allowed back into the ground in just over a month’s time.

Geordies, are you pleased by this news? Comment below!

Former Portsmouth player Gary Roberts has praised the club for what he calls a ‘great signing’ after Michael Jacobs arrived at Fratton Park on Monday.

The 28-year-old was released by Wigan Athletic earlier this summer after featuring 32 times in the Championship last season.

Having previously worked with Pompey manager Kenny Jackett at Wolverhampton Wanderers, a deal has now been completed, seeing the midfielder sign a two-year contract. Jacobs becomes Jackett’s fourth signing this summer, following Sean Raggett, Cameron Pring and Callum Johnson in making a move to the League One club.

Following his arrival on Monday, Portsmouth boss Jackett is quoted as saying by BBC Sport: “Michael’s an exciting player with good Championship experience.”

Those comments have now been followed up by an endorsement from former Pompey player Roberts who took to Twitter to give his view on the transfer deal. In a simple tweet, Roberts said: ‘Some player crackers – great signing’.

In total, Jacobs made 188 appearances for Wigan, appearing 79 times in League One for the Latics during his five-year spell (via Transfermarkt).

Finally, Jackett makes another signing for Portsmouth.

With the new season underway, it was becoming a slight concern that little transfer activity had developed over the last few weeks at Fratton Park, but Jacobs’ arrival could be the start of a couple more between now and the end of the transfer window.

Do you think Jacobs can go on and become a key player for Portsmouth this term? Let us know your views in the comments section below…

According to fresh reports, Aston Villa are facing stiff competition for one of their mooted summer transfer targets, but they should probably let him move elsewhere…

What’s the word?

As per Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur (via the Mirror), Super Lig outfit Fenerbahce have made the first move to sign Liverpool outcast Divock Origi this window.

They want to sign the 25-year-old on loan but it could involve an obligation to buy of around £14m.

He also claims that Villa are one of the Premier League sides keen on signing Origi, along with Fulham, Brighton and Newcastle United.

Steer clear

The Belgian is a bit of a cult hero over at Anfield following his 2019 Champions League exploits, but aside from that, he’s done very little to warrant this interest.

Last season, Origi featured in 34 matches, though only eight were starts. He bagged four goals in the league and averaged a disappointing 0.5 shots and 0.4 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

These are figures well below that of Wesley in terms of goals and even Mbwana Samatta, who fired off over double the number of shots as the Reds backup.

In the past, there has been high praise for Origi, ranging from former Wolfsburg sporting director Olaf Rebbe claiming he’s “dangerous” and “quick” to fellow compatriot and Premier League legend Vincent Kompany describing him as a “monster.”

However with four strikers now on the books following the arrival of Ollie Watkins, a swoop for Origi at £14m reeks of being a nightmare as he could well struggle to get into Dean Smith’s XI let alone Jurgen Klopp’s.

The 25-year-old is also on £45k-per-week in Merseyside, so it’s not a cheap move at all and it is one that Johan Lange must absolutely avoid unless he wants to walk the club into another striker disaster.

AND in other news, Smith can complete his attack with £23m move for the next Alexis Sanchez…

Glasgow Rangers star Ryan Kent has often been in the headlines in this transfer window as Leeds United remain interested in the winger, for whom a reported £10m bid has already been rejected. 

It was then reported by Football Insider earlier this week that the player has a possible £20m release clause in his contract – news which the ‘Gers might not have wanted to seep out with the transfer window still open.

Ibrox manager Steven Gerrard has been discussing the 23-year-old following their Europa League victory against Willem II last night.

Speaking via The Scottish Sun, Gerrard praised the winger as he said: “From an attacking point of view, I think Ryan was the game changer for us tonight. He does incredibly well running in behind and he has added that into his game this season. He gets us the penalty for the breakthrough and he is just a constant threat.

“He is so sharp and he has added a different dimension to his game. He is a pleasure to watch and coach and we just need to enjoy him. He has got the hunger and the desire and he is putting in the application to improve his numbers.

“As a coach and a manager and a group of staff, that is part of his development and we have seen that in him. The good thing is that the player has got the hunger to put big numbers in his game and he is aware of that. If he does, it certainly makes us a lot more dangerous as a team.

“He knows he is a big player for the club and knows the fans are all behind him. He knows that when he brings his best and his A Game that brings us an awful lot better chance to win. That goes across the park and I think everyone turned up tonight. Allan McGregor was outstanding in goal.”Kent has scored 33 goals and picked up 32 assists throughout his career, per Transfermarkt, and it is safe to say that, since he joined Glasgow Rangers from Liverpool, we have seen the best of him.He has scored 19 goals and picked up 18 assists in 85 appearances for the ‘Gers; and at such a young age, he is showing signs that he has the potential to become an even better winger over the coming years, per Transfermarkt. His form has been brilliant so far this campaign as he has only played nine games, but he has scored five goals and assisted five more, which may explain why he has attracted interest from the English Premier League.It also emphasises why he has received such high praise from his manager and Gerrard definitely sees him as a key figure, starting in all but one match so far this term, so he will be hoping that Kent will stay put at Ibrox and keep putting in performance like the one in Tilburg last night.‘Gers fans, what are your thoughts on Kent’s future at the club? Let us know your views in the comments below!

It is no secret that West Bromwich Albion have one of the worst defensive records in English football right now.

In fact, the Baggies are tied-bottom across the entire Premier League and Football League for goals conceded so far this season, and with a new striker on the horizon, Slaven Bilic will have to make do with what he’s got.

And one recent display should have alarm bells ringing in his ears.

The Croatian tinkered with a three-at-the-back formation early on in the campaign before switching back to the more familiar and promotion-winning 4-2-3-1 system.

Young Albion graduate Dara O’Shea has been ever-present regardless of the tactic deployed, he’s played both centre-back and at right-back, so evidently he’s a player that Bilic likes.

However, his Ireland performance on Wednesday evening should be a cause for concern as the Boys in Green lost to Finland in the UEFA Nations League – even if it was his senior debut.

Aside from the goalkeeper, the 21-year-old Baggies starlet recorded the lowest rating (6.4) in Stephen Kenny’s backline – per SofaScore, he won just 58% of his duels, lost possession 14 times, committed three fouls, was dribbled past twice and even made the error that led to Finland’s only goal of the game.

It was a woeful display all-round and not one that Bilic would have wanted to see before Monday’s clash with Burnley in the Premier League.

Neither O’Shea, Kyle Bartley or Semi Ajayi have averaged above a 6.35 rating in the top-flight this season, so a continuation of this disastrous form won’t be of any encouragement before Chris Wood’s revenge game at the Hawthorns.

Perhaps the Irishman’s place amongst the starting XI should now be at risk even though he’s adored by Bilic with Darnell Furlong waiting in the wings to take over on the right flank whilst there’s also Branislav Ivanovic for a central role.

Bilic has plenty to think about before the end of the weekend.

AND in other news, Baggies could be dealt a huge blow for Burnley clash…

Glasgow Rangers crushed Celtic in a comprehensive 2-0 win at Parkhead to take all three points in the first Old Firm derby of the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership season.

For the first time since taking charge of the Ibrox outfit, it’s safe to say that Steven Gerrard isn’t exactly short of options. Glen Kamara, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis bullied their biggest rivals on the pitch, whilst Ryan Jack was a surprise substitute as Bongani Zungu was ruled out of the top of the table clash after being forced to quarantine upon his arrival in Scotland.

Competition for places isn’t exactly a bad thing, but it can cause a few headaches here and there, and it looks like there is a growing problem that could cause Gerrard a few sleepless nights.

Brandon Barker stakes his claim!

Rangers are absolutely stacked on the right wing, that’s for sure, after the addition of Ianis Hagi in the summer and the re-emergence of Jordan Jones in recent weeks but Brandon Barker gave a good account of himself after earning a rare start on Saturday, so you can see the problem that Gerrard faces. Both full-backs Borna Barisic and James Tavernier ran riot on the flanks, combining with Barker and Ryan Kent whenever they wanted to.

Per SofaScore, the 24-year-old, who earns wages of around £10,000-per-week, received a pass accuracy rating of 85%, won four out of seven ground duels, completed one successful dribble attempt, and made two tackles, which shows that the right winger put in a defensive shift too.

The Daily Record gave him a solid 6/10, whilst The Sun went one higher and awarded him a 7/10 for his efforts.

Tough choice

He is clearly highly rated by Gerrard as he was given the chance to show what he can do against Celtic instead of Hagi and Jones, but it’ll be hard to justify spending £4m on the 13-cap Romania international if he stays on the bench.

Jones could also be in with a shout. He received praise from Gareth McAuley after fighting back from the brink of an Ibrox exit, but was benched for the trip to Celtic Park. One thing’s for sure, with all three players competing for a space in the starting XI, one unlucky contender is almost always guaranteed to miss out on the matchday squad, as it is highly unlikely that there will be two spots on the bench for one position.

The ever-reliable Kent has started every game he has played this season so far, so that rules out any of them starting on the opposite wing anytime soon. Either way, we wouldn’t want to choose between the trio, so we’re glad it’s Gerrard’s decision at the end of the day!

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers show they are early favourites for the title but must avoid a repeat of 2019…