All posts by z3u9t.icu

Lots of Newcastle United fans have been blasting Jacob Murphy after he missed a big chance to give them a win away at Watford on Saturday afternoon.

The winger was put through one-on-one against the goalkeeper in injury time with no pressure on the ball, but decided to try and chip a shot over Ben Foster rather than hit it hard into one of the corners.

It ended up a very tame effort which was easily saved, leaving many Newcastle fans angry over his poor finish.

Murphy did not have the best impact when he came on as a substitute, losing out on two of his duels and failing to make any dribbles, key passes, crosses or long balls (Sofascore).

Newcastle fans on Murphy’s miss

These Newcastle supporters blasted Murphy on Twitter after his miss, with one Magpies fan even going as far as to claim that the 26-year-old is a ‘Championship player’:

“Sell him.”

Credit: @LiamDowson_55

“Championship player”

Credit: @kanskelucas

“6-year contract though based on 5 half-decent games last season. Embarrassing.”

Credit: @gw850

“Criminal, absolutely criminal”

Credit: @Nosivi12

“Absolutely messed it up”

Credit: @emmagregory23

“Needs fining for that”

Credit: @ThePieMan8589

In other news, this ex-Newcastle ace thinks the takeover will now happen

Former Premier League star Carlton Palmer insists Chelsea would never have sold striker Tammy Abraham to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

The striker joined Italian club Roma from the Blues, as Thomas Tuchel looked to restructure his squad.

Chelsea, of course, secured the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan, paying £97.5m to bring the Belgium international back to Stamford Bridge.

Abraham, as a result, was pushed even further down the pecking order, and he has subsequently been allowed to move to Italy to link up with Jose Mourinho in Rome.

He was also linked with a potential move within the Premier League, as both Arsenal and West Ham United were said to hold an interest in the forward.

But Palmer believes that Chelsea were always likely to send him to a club abroad, rather than allowing him to strengthen a rival, particularly Mikel Arteta’s side.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Palmer said: “I’m pleased the guy went and played his football. I don’t think Chelsea would have let him go to Arsenal, out of choice because of the rivalry and so forth.

“For Chelsea, from the club’s point of view, they’re happy for him to go abroad. I’m pleased for Tammy.”

Former Premier League star David Norris thinks that Mikel Arteta could lose his job if Arsenal are beaten by Norwich City this weekend.

The Gunners face a must-win clash against the Canaries already, after such a dismal start to the season.

The club have yet to score a Premier League goal and have lost all three of their fixtures, going down 2-0 to both Brentford and Chelsea, and being thumped 5-0 by Manchester City.

The results leave them rock-bottom of the Premier League table, while the Canaries are in a remarkably similar position.

They have also lost their opening three games, although they have scored, meaning they sit 19th, not 20th.

Norwich’s losses have come against Liverpool, City, and Leicester City, and Norris believes that Arteta will feel the pressure if they fail to beat the Canaries this weekend when the Premier League returns after the international break.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Norris said: “He’s under some severe pressure. They come back and play Norwich after the international break. He’s obviously got to be the huge favourite to go and that game could be pivotal.

“There’s just not even anything, where you think, ‘oh, just a few bad mistakes’ or just this. It’s a typical Arsenal team, of recent years, they’ve got nothing about them.

“You would have hoped that he would have changed it with him coming in and having a full pre-season and everything but they just look so far off it. If they don’t beat Norwich, he will be under severe pressure because nothing else is really surprising at the minute.”

According to a report by The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur and managing director Fabio Paratici have joined the race to sign Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse alongside Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Spurs now in centre-midfielder chase…

News has emerged recently of Spurs targeting more and more central midfield players, with the Daily Star claiming they have their eye on Denis Zakaria, Corentin Tolisso and Joao Palhinha among others.

This is apparently due to club record signing Tanguy Ndombele’s unrest in the English capital and Spurs wish to bring in another signing in that position.

Now, The Telegraph bring news of yet another midfielder on the radar for Paratici.

The Latest: Spurs preparing move to sign Ward-Prowse…

Tottenham and Villa are now allegedly ‘preparing moves’ to sign the Saints star and could swoop after the 2021/2022 Premier League season starts this weekend.

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It is believed that Paratici will test Southampton’s resolve after they sold Danny Ings, while Jannik Vestergaard is also set to leave St Mary’s (Sky Sports).

However, they face competition from the Villans are who are also preparing a swoop and have had their eye on the England international for a while.

The Telegraph also say that former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino wanted Ward-Prowse during his time in north London and the club remain admirers.

The Verdict: What Spurs need?

Ward-Prowse would certainly be an astute addition for Spurs in midfield as a bit of a tidy all-rounder.

The 26-year-old started every Premier League game under Ralph Hasenhuttl last season and averaged an impressive 2 tackles per 90 in that time.

Only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg managed more in midfield when it comes to the Spurs squad, with Ward-Prowse also impressing in the forward areas.

He managed eight goals and seven assists for Southampton over 2020/2021, indicating he can contribute all over the pitch.

Hasenhuttl lauded the player as ‘unbelievable’ and ‘outstanding’ for his contribution last year and we believe he could be a smart signing for Spurs.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Fantastic’…Sky Sports pundit in awe of ‘huge’ claim involving Spurs, find out more here.

According to a Tottenham Hotspur source via Football Insider, managing director Fabio Paratici is working on ‘multiple deals simultaneously’ with the club in ‘final talks’ over a few players.

The Lowdown: Paratici at work…

Pictured on his phone throughout Tottenham’s pre-season friendly with Colchester United on Wednesday evening, the Italian transfer guru seemingly never stops working.

The 2021/2022 season is fast approaching and Spurs will need to strengthen sufficiently in key areas before Nuno Espirito Santo’s first full campaign in charge.

Tottenham are now said to be working on multiple signings after a very busy week of transfer activity, with Pierluigi Gollini, Cristian Romero, Bryan Gil and Takehiro Tomiyasu the names on Paratici’s agenda.

The Latest: Spurs source drops quadruple final talks claim…

In quite an exciting claim, a Spurs source has told Football Insider that ‘final talks’ have been taking place over all four men at once as Paratici attempts multiple signings simultaneously for Nuno.

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Indeed, the former Juventus chief is apparently ‘renowned’ for negotiating for as many as five players to strengthen a single position at the same time – ensuring he manages to capture at least one of his top targets.

Even though it is ‘possible’ all deals may not be completed, particularly in defence with both Tomiyasu and Romero on the agenda, it is ‘highly likely’ at least one of these centre-backs will sign for Tottenham.

Gollini now appears certain to be first through the door at this stage, having undergone medical examinations ahead of his move (Sky Sports).

The Verdict: Exciting claim…

News of Paratici being in ‘final talks’ on a plethora of separate deals should come as music to the ears of Tottenham fans.

At one stage of the summer, Tottenham were without a manager and any new signings whilst seemingly looking like they were getting nowhere with either, plummeting towards a potentially disastrous transfer window.

Now, as Nuno enters the helm, another new appointment in Paratici could provide hope for the 21/22 campaign as he gets to work freshening up the squad.

In other news: ‘News regarding Tottenham’…Sky Sports drop big transfer update on live TV, find out more here.

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge told Football FanCast that Gareth Bale won’t be returning to Tottenham for a third time because Carlo Ancelotti wants to keep him.

Bale was re-signed by Jose Mourinho for a sensational second spell in north London last September.

And whilst the 32-year-old hardly featured during his opening five months back at the club, he ended with an impressive return of 16 goals and three assists in just 19 starts across all competitions.

Bale had an up and down relationship with Mourinho, but following his departure in April, ended up becoming a regular under Ryan Mason.

However, the reason for Bale’s exit last summer was because his well-publicised relationship with Zinedine Zidane had fallen apart.

But the Frenchman has since left and been replaced by Ancelotti, who bought the winger to the Spanish capital back in 2013, and then won the Champions League with him in their first season together.

Asked whether Spurs could pursue another loan deal for the Welshman, Bridge told Football FanCast:

“One thing I have heard is that Ancelotti wants to keep him, so I don’t know whether has changed there. Let’s face it, Real Madrid don’t have the Galacticos like they used to.

“They’ve just lost Ramos, Varane has gone to Manchester United. Ancelotti is probably thinking, I’ve seen first-hand that there’s still a lot left in the tank for Gareth.”

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley has offered an update on Celtic target Liam Scales.

What’s the talk?

Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has revealed that Celtic target Liam Scales now has a “decision to make” on his future and that he is expecting a transfer to go through ‘soon’.

He told the Independent:

“We’ve all spoken openly from the start. There’s his thinking and our thinking; both clubs have dealt with it really well.

“He’ll definitely be involved in the first one (Flora Tallinn first leg) and hopefully the second. I’m not sure where Liam’s end is at.

“Our stuff is tied up. I’d imagine with the window closing at the end of the month, it’s getting there. If not after Tallinn, it will definitely be soon.”

The Hoops have reportedly agreed a £600k deal with the Irish club, with Scales now poised to complete a move to Parkhead in the coming days/weeks.

Exciting times

This update could potentially excite Celtic fans hoping to see more activity in the transfer market from their side. Bradley’s comments indicate that an official announcement is not too far away for the centre-back, who will seemingly play his last game for Shamrock Rovers this week before heading down to finalise a switch to Scotland.

It is a difficult one to make judgements on in terms of whether or not he would be a good signing for Celtic, as the data available on his performances is minimal. However, the 23-year-old would arrive at the club with a fair bit of pedigree behind him, with six caps for Ireland’s under-21 side and appearances in the Champions League and Europa Conference League for Shamrock this season.

A review from the Irish Examiner explained how he could fit in at Celtic. They wrote: “He’s always been good on the ball. He’s a very brave player who will take the ball in dangerous areas of the pitch. His speed has improved, which is a crucial attribute to have in modern football, and he is more aware of potential danger.”

This suggests that, at the very least, he will be able to step out with the ball and progress Ange Postecoglou’s side further up the pitch. He could take on Kristoffer Ajer’s role in that sense, by driving with the ball in possession and allowing the Hoops to transition between defence and attack more effectively.

So, whilst it is hard for fans to be certain that he will be a success at Celtic, there are some promising signs on paper that he could be a shrewd addition to the squad. Therefore, the news that he could be closing in on a switch to Scotland could excite the optimists among us.

AND in other news, Alan Nixon drops new claim on “outstanding” £15m dynamo, Celtic fans will be buzzing…

QPR are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Manchester City youngster Tommy Doyle on loan for the 2021/22 campaign, according to Football League World.

What’s the story?

Doyle has been with Manchester City since 2009 and has gone on to make seven first team appearances for the club over the years, catching the eye with some strong performances for their academy teams.

He is yet to be sent out on loan in his career yet, but it appears as though Pep Guardiola is keen to find him regular minutes as he looks to further Doyle’s development at the earliest of opportunities.

The midfielder isn’t short of offers either, with QPR set to rival the likes of West Brom, Sheffield United and Fulham in the race to strike an agreement with Manchester City on a temporary basis for Doyle’s services, whilst six other Championship clubs are also keen on signing the 19-year-old.

High praise from former Manchester City scout

QPR finished ninth in the Championship last season and the club’s supporters have every reason to be in a confident mood heading into the 2021/22 campaign after such a strong finish to last term under the watchful eye of Mark Warburton.

The R’s have already added to their squad over the summer, with Charlie Austin’s permanent return among the arrivals at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, but they’re seemingly keen to continue adding depth to their squad ahead of the new season, with Doyle among their targets at the moment.

You would imagine that he’ll be keen to make a name for himself in senior football in the near future as he looks to force his way into the Manchester City senior squad on a regular basis further down the line.

Therefore, this could play into QPR’s plans as they would be getting a player who ought to be hungry to prove himself at senior level; and with some of the creative talent that Warburton already has in his squad, it could prove to be a recipe for success for the R’s.

Former Manchester City scout Greg Walsh labelled Doyle ‘phenomenal’ last year in an interview with HITC, saying: “He’s one of the best of his age in Europe. He’s phenomenal.”

Doyle has already been called upon by Guardiola for Manchester City’s first team, which shows that he’s highly rated by the Premier League champions, and QPR fans should be buzzing to see their club being linked with a player of that potential, especially if they can fend off such widespread interest in him.

In other news: Transfer update emerges on “hungry” £450k-rated QPR flop, Warburton must be ruthless

Glasgow Rangers fans are livid after Scottish National Party politician James Dornan refused to apologise after questioning Police Scotland’s ruling that a video of Rangers players allegedly singing anti-Catholic songs was maliciously edited.

On May 15th, the Gers celebrated as the Ibrox outfit completed an unbeaten Premiership season thanks to a 4-0 win over Aberdeen (thefishy.co.uk) and also received the league trophy at home, a wonderful occasion for the club and fans.

However, there were some unfortunate allegations flying about afterwards as a video appeared suggesting the Gers players had been signing inappropriate songs during their celebrations.

Police Scotland cleared the 55-time Scottish champions (The Athletic), but Dornan demanded more answers. The authorities have since responded to his request, but Dornan has now refused to apologise for repeatedly doubting the Gers players (via The Glasgow Times).

The Gers fans, it is fair to say, are far from happy with Dornan’s latest comments. They took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on the matter.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Dornan below

“Rangers should get the lawyers into this.”

Credit: @murdoch_charles

“At the behest of his constituents ? Pure deflection.”

Credit: @mickybear2002

“Even more terrifying thinking of the people who voted for him”

Credit: @Graeme56709231

“James Dornan’s hypocrisy is despicable but nothing new”

Credit: @cathcartboy

“James Dornan is a very sinister and dangerous individual.”

Credit: @BobDeavy

“He should apologise to the players and show a bit of decency rather than speaking about the fans, the two things are removed.”

Credit: @William70558179

In other news, Rangers are set for a 40% discount on this 21-year-old.

Writing on Twitter, reliable Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has backed reports of big news coming out of north London involving Toby Alderweireld.

The Lowdown: Alderweireld asks to leave Spurs…

The Athletic first broke this news coming out of Tottenham with Alderweireld apparently informing the club that he is ready to end his six-year stay.

The Belgian, according to this report, is apparently hopeful of leaving Spurs and confident a move can be completed this summer.

Tottenham are also open to letting him go and won’t stand in the way if they receive a suitable offer for his services.

The Latest: Gold backs reports…

Now, reliable correspondent Gold has backed these reports and goes into further detail surrounding this Alderweireld development.

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The journalist says that he actually requested an exit from north London ‘a little while ago’ and was going to push for it regardless of who succeeded Jose Mourinho.

“Changes coming to Spurs’ defence this summer,” Gold explained on social media.

“As per Eccleshare, Toby Alderweireld asked to leave. Understand it was a little while ago and he wanted to leave regardless of whoever the new head coach was going to be, but a move will be difficult.”

The Verdict: Big summer ahead…

Spurs will need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy ahead of a busy summer and their defence in particular needs a major rebuild.

Alderweireld’s age and slowly diminishing sell-on value may mean that Spurs should cash in on him as soon as possible with the futures of Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier also a point of discussion.

It will certainly be interesting to see just how much Tottenham’s defence will change under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo as the club look to put the dark days of Jose Mourinho behind them.

In other news: ‘I’d be excited, Spurs fans’…Stan Collymore thrilled by major news out of N17, find out more here.