All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Tottenham Hotspur fans will probably want two things to happen this summer.

Firstly, many seem desperate to see Mauricio Pochettino back in the dugout amid reports linking the 49-year-old with a sensational return to the club, whilst chairman Daniel Levy could spark a response by splashing out in the transfer market.

The north Londoners have faltered during the past two seasons, losing out on Champions League qualification as they will have to settle for a place in the newly-formed Conference League, as well as squandering another final after losing to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

According to The Athletic and football.london, Pochettino is open to returning to his former club more than 18 months after being sacked by Levy.

A lot of the talk over the coming months will likely be about the future of Harry Kane, who Sky Sports have claimed has expressed his desire to leave the club, although it’s hard to envisage the Argentine coming home without his star striker.

If the 49-year-old does return, he will need backing in the window. Otherwise, the Lilywhites risk falling further behind their rivals, especially as the rest of the big six will undoubtedly look to splash the cash themselves.

Here’s where Spurs could look to strengthen in what could be a dream rebuild involving Pochettino. We’ve taken a look at the squad we think the Argentine could potentially put together if he is re-hired by Spurs this summer.

Goalkeepers

Hugo Lloris is entering the final year of his current contract but, according to Football Insider, the French veteran is in talks to remain at the club for a tenth year and possibly longer. He’s still the club captain and was often trusted by the 49-year-old throughout his reign.

Whilst Joe Hart is the current back-up, the pair could face competition from West Brom shot-stopper Sam Johnstone, who has been mooted with a move to north London. He’s expected to cost around £20m and could finally provide the World Cup winner with a genuine test for that number one spot.

Defence

It could be all change in defence, where individual mistakes and a lack of cohesion have been a defining theme in Spurs’ troubled season.

According to football.london, the Lilywhites want to bring in two new centre-back options but, in order to do so, some of the current squad will have to depart. Juan Foyth’s loan move to Villarreal should become permanent, whilst interest in Davinson Sanchez from former club Ajax should be enough to tempt Levy into a sale. Serge Aurier is expected to rejoin Paris Saint-Germain, too.

Having the likes of Sergio Reguilon and Ben Davies is enough for that left-back spot, with Ryan Sessegnon likely to go back out on loan, whilst Eric Dier – another favourite of Pochettino’s and Toby Alderweireld remain, as do Matt Doherty and academy gem Japhet Tanganga.

They could be joined by Lyon centre-back Joachim Andersen, who has impressed during a loan spell at relegated Fulham and he is one player thought to be high on their list of priorities following the appointment of the next manager. He’s expected to cost in the region of £25m, as per The Telegraph.

Spurs could also reignite their interest in Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar, especially with the Serie A champions likely to cut their wage bill substantially. He’s likely to cost the bulk of the budget in the region of £60m.

One final addition could see long-term right-back target Max Aarons swap promoted Norwich City for north London. It is thought that the England under-21 international is available for around £30m this summer.

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Midfield

If there is one position where Spurs are well-stocked, it is central midfield, so you’d imagine there are a few culling candidates here. Selling Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks could free up some budget and wage bill, whilst Oliver Skipp is in line for a shot in the first team.

He could feature alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso and Dele Alli, with the Danish powerhouse the only addition since Pochettino’s departure.

Spurs are thought to still hold interest in RB Leipzig’s Marcel Sabitzer despite Jose Mourinho’s exit, so he could be the one new addition here. Sport Bild believe he’ll be available for around £35m this summer.

Attack

There isn’t likely to be any additions up front, although Erik Lamela could leave the club amid speculation over his future.

In terms of wide options, Pochettino could benefit from Gareth Bale staying another year alongside Steven Bergwijn, Lucas Moura and Heung-min Son, whilst Dane Scarlett could be promoted into the senior fold full-time.

The big question mark is over Harry Kane, who Sky Sports claim has expressed his desire to leave this summer. However, given his likely price tag of £150m and Levy’s stubborn nature, it may be hard to envisage him departing just yet – no matter how desperate he is for silverware.

Pochettino’s potential dream 25-man Spurs squad for the 2021/22 campaign after bringing in £170m worth of new players:

Lloris, Johnstone, Hart;

Reguilon, Davies, Rodon, Andersen, Skriniar, Dier, Alderweireld, Doherty, Tanganga, Aarons;

Hojbjerg, Skipp, Ndombele, Lo Celso, Sabitzer, Alli;

Kane, Son, Bergwijn, Bale, Moura, Scarlett.

AND in other news, Levy could revive Spurs by hiring “priceless” 54 y/o gem who destroyed Poch this year…

Leeds United sent scouts to watch Timo Hubers in action this weekend, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Football Insider claim that the Yorkshire giants were in attendance as FC Koln defeated Arminia Bielefeld in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon.

The 25-year-old centre-back played the full game but conceded an own goal in their 3-1 win, though he seemingly impressed. He registered five clearances and three interceptions, whilst he also won seven duels, per SofaScore.

United are in the market for a new central defender and the club have stepped up their interest in the 6 foot 3 German colossus, who is also believed to have a £6.7m release clause at the RheinEnergieStadion.

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Marsch mission

After the weekend’s Premier League fixtures, only rock-bottom Norwich City (69) have leaked more goals than the Whites (68), so it’s abundantly clear that manager Jesse Marsch needs to bolster his backline heading into next season.

Their fortunes defensively have gradually improved but he is still light on solid and reliable options, so Hubers represents a cheap but viable option.

Indeed, journalist Pete O’Rourke believes he’d be an ideal signing for the former RB Leipzig boss. He told GIVEMESPORT:

“He’s a talented young player from Koln as well, so he definitely fits the bill for Leeds United because they’ve been forced to have a bit of a makeshift central defence this season.”

Hubers has been Steffen Baumgart’s standout player with Koln on the cusp of qualifying for a place in Europe, having averaged a squad-high average WhoScored rating of 7.09.

Only one other player is winning more aerial duels per game than the 25-year-old (2.5), whilst he leads the way for interceptions (2.7 per game) and isn’t far behind for tackles either (2.1 per game).

Once lauded for being an “exemplary” professional by Hannover 96’s sporting director Gerhard Zuber, it certainly appears as if Hubers would be a player that Marsch would love to sign heading into next season, one that wouldn’t take too much out of the transfer kitty.

After sending scouts to watch him excel, it seems only right that the German titan is amongst their top targets this summer.

AND in other news, Orta had a Leeds disasterclass on “outrageous” £50m dynamo, he’s better than Rodrigo…

Ronald de Boer believes that Glasgow Rangers must be involved in any changes to the Champions League or other competitions in the future.

De Boer discusses Gers

Last week, the European Super League shocked the footballing world – fortunately, it was abandoned within two days of its launch (The Guardian). However, its impact has been widespread and has brought into conversation the place of many European clubs.

Former Gers player De Boer, who scored 40 goals during his time with the Ibrox outfit, was speaking about his former club and he believes that, along with Celtic, they should be involved in discussions if any changes are made to the Champions League or other competitions. He explained (via Daily Record):

“If you just talk about merchandise and interest from people around the world, Rangers and Celtic are definitely up there.

“Wherever you go, there are an unbelievable amount of fans from those clubs.“I’m not talking about the quality of football in Scotland, just the magnitude of the clubs themselves.“They’re huge. That’s why, on that level, they’re very close to these big teams we’re talking about, I’m 100 per cent sure of that.“So if there are any changes in the future, they should be involved or considered.”

Important

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised the importance of Rangers and Celtic when knocking the Super League (BBC) – he does at least appreciate the stature of the Old Firm clubs. Unfortunately, their lack of financial power means they are often overlooked at the top of the game, but as De Boer says, in terms of fanbase they can claim to have a seat at the highest table.

De Boer is right in saying that the Gers must be involved in discussions if changes are made, but they should be one of a huge number of clubs. European football needs the ‘smaller’ clubs just as much as the elite – everyone should be given an opportunity to have their say on the future of continental football.

In other news, Rangers are in advanced talks to sign this striker.

West Ham United will not look to secure a deal to bring Alex Kral to the London Stadium on a permanent basis.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Claret & Hugh, with the club insider revealing that David Moyes will not look to take up the £12m option-to-buy clause for the defensive midfielder. Indeed, they may even look to terminate the 23-year-old’s loan deal before the end of the January transfer window.

In the update, Claret & Hugh said: “West Ham look likely to allow Alex Kral back to Spartak Moscow after the midfielder has been found himself unable to make any impact at the London Stadium so far this season.”

They later added: “The Hammers organised a loan with a permanent deal option at around £12m but given his shortage of any real action, one wonders why the boss agreed to such a move in the first place. Now it looks likely that he could even be back in Russia before the current season comes to an end.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering how little impact Kral has made at West Ham since making his temporary switch from Spartak Moscow last year, the news that Moyes is not planning to sign him on a permanent basis is sure to have left the London Stadium faithful buzzing.

Indeed, so far this season, the £7.2m-rated Czech international has made just one Premier League appearance – coming on for the final minute of the 4-1 win over Watford – in the current campaign, as well as making three appearances in the Europa League and one in the Carabao Cup.

It is not difficult to see why Moyes is so reluctant to afford the 23-year-old more regularly game-time, as, over his three European outings, the £24k-per-week midfielder has averaged a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.63 – ranking him as the Hammers’ joint fifth-worst performer in the competition.

As such, it is clear to see that the player who Moyes claimed has “bags of energy” is simply not of the standard required to be a first-team regular at the London Stadium. That leads us to believe that the 58-year-old simply must send the Czech Republic midfielder back to his parent club this month.

In other news: Moyes could finally replace Haller as West Ham plot bid for “complete” £13.5m-rated machine

Noel Whelan reckons that Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan could quadruple his value inside two seasons, should he make the move north of the border to Celtic [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for 2021/22

Looking to plug the gaps across the squad, new Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly be searching high and low to secure the most promising talent available for purchase.

Signing established senior players will be key to success this season, but bringing in young stars with potential for years to come will also take equal precedence for the Aussie as he looks to put the Hoops back on their perch long-term.

One man who would fall into the latter category would be Buchanan, who has been linked with Celtic in recent days as a solution to their conundrum on the left-side of defence [Daily Record].

The Latest: Whelan reckons could be worth ‘four times’ his value in two years time

Impressed by the potential deal, popular ex-pro turned pundit Whelan dropped his verdict on recent developments in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, stating: “They need younger, better players in their team that they had last year.

“That’s why they’re looking at these sorts of players now because last season it was woeful. It let them down massively.

“They were inconsistent, never got the right partnerships at the back, didn’t know whether they wanted to play four or three at the back.

“There was no leaders out there and far too many mistakes, especially from set pieces.

“So they need a breath of fresh air and getting a 20-year-old in gives you that, that longevity.

“You can really work with him and get to grips and improve him as well.

“For the fee they’re looking at, you could have a fantastic player who in two or three years time is worth four times that. You’ve got to look for that.“

The Verdict: Celtic should look to sign up Buchanan to bolster left-back depth

Correctly, the 46-year-old points out the room for development someone like Buchanan could provide in a Celtic jersey.

In 2020/21, he was ever present for current employers Derby County, registering three assists in 37 appearances in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, the youngster showed courage in preventing dangerous situations, managing to record 2.3 clearances per 90 minutes [WhoScored].

Progressing towards the latter stages of the transfer window, Celtic should look to sign Buchanan to add depth in the left-back area and a potentially major profit in the future if Whelan is correct.

In other news, a Celtic target has had a decision made on his contractual status.

Celtic-linked Josh Doig has said that his current club Hibernian is a ‘great pathway to go to higher places’ but insisted that he ‘absolutely adores’ being at Easter Road.

The lowdown

Sky Sports reported in January that Celtic, along with Arsenal and Chelsea, were monitoring the young left-back, who this weekend has been named the Scottish Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year award, seeing off David Turnbull and Nathan Patterson.

Hibs team-mate Joe Newell was among those to congratulate the 18-year-old on an ‘amazing achievement’ in his breakthrough season.

Doig, who is valued at just £450,000 by Transfermarkt, has made 26 league appearances for Hibs this season, scoring once and providing four assists. He has averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.3 clearances, 0.7 interceptions and 1.3 successful aerial duels per game (via WhoScored).

The latest

Doig was asked about outside interest in an interview with The Scotsman. Whilst he did hint at a desire to ascend the footballing ladder, he insists that Hibernian is an ideal setting for his development.

The youngster namechecked John McGinn, who moved from Hibs to Aston Villa in 2018 and is now a Premier League regular.

He said: “It’s crazy because I’ve grown up watching all these clubs and for any of them even to show an interest…

“Whatever happens happens. But as long as I’m playing football, whether it’s here, at Barcelona, or back at Queen’s Park, that’s what I want.

“I absolutely adore it here at Hibs.

“You can see with the likes of John McGinn, I know Hibs is a great pathway to go to higher places but it still a massive club in itself.

“We could finish third this season.

“I don’t think there’s a better place than Hibs to develop as a player.”

The verdict

It does sound as if Doig would like to remain in Edinburgh for the time being. He really has spoken of his club in glowing terms, although the use of phrases like ‘whatever happens happens’ and ‘great pathway’ could leave the door somewhat open for a future move elsewhere.

Having already caught the eye of Arsenal and Chelsea, though, perhaps he’s looking to go straight from Easter Road to the English game just as McGinn did.

In other news, Celtic are said to be keen on this English League One starlet.

Leeds United have opened talks for Celtic central-defender Leo Hjelde, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Celtic face mini-exodus ahead of 2021/22

As 2021/22 rolls around the corner in Glasgow, the Hoops face the prospect of multiple senior exits as they re-shuffle the pack ahead of next campaign.

Odsonne Edouard has been heavily linked with moves to Leicester and West Ham United respectively, whilst Kristoffer Ajer has been targeted by Newcastle United and RB Leipzig [Chronicle Live].

However, another talented young star could be the first casualty of Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic reign as recent rumours come to light.

The Latest: Leeds United open talks with the talented Norwegian

After links earlier in the month, Hjelde’s exit is edging closer as the Yorkshire giants are now ‘negotiating’ a deal as they look to recruit more talent to their youth sides, according to a Leeds United source [Football Insider].

His contract at Parkhead is due to expire in 12-months, whilst the chances of Celtic being able to keep him are diminishing rapidly.

Leeds United are confident of landing Hjelde on a lucrative contract, citing his ‘enormous’ potential and room to develop as a player under Bielsa as cornerstone factors of his pursuit [Football Insider], with the Whites’ scouts apparently ‘blown away’ by his abilities at such a young age.

The Verdict: Losing ‘the next Van Dijk’ would come as a bitter blow for Celtic

Undoubtedly, losing a premium talent such as the Norwegian Under-18 international would not go down well with the Celtic support.

Enjoying a commendable debut introduction to senior football in 2020/21, Hjelde spent the second half of the season on loan at Ross County making 12 appearances; scoring once [Transfermarkt].

Eventually helping the Staggies to Scottish Premiership survival [BBC], then manager John Hughes was so enthralled by his contribution that he labelled the defender ‘the next Virgil van Dijk’ when talking about his potential upward trajectory at the Hoops [Daily Record].

With his best years well ahead of him, Celtic should aim to offer Hjelde a first-team pathway to entice him to extend his stay at Parkhead.

Despite this, advances from a Premier League side like Leeds United may be too tempting for the starlet to turn down, so it may already be too late for Celtic to keep Hjelde in Glasgow.

In other news, Celtic have offered a shock lifeline to a forgotten ace.

Sky Sports pundit Ally McCoist has been waxing lyrical over a moment of “absolute magic” from Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn on international duty over the weekend.

The Lowdown: Vital win

The 26-year-old started and scored at Hampden Park on Saturday evening as Scotland came from behind twice to earn a vital win against Israel in their World Cup qualifying group, Scott McTominay netting a stoppage time winner for the Tartan Army.

In his 39th cap for his country, the Villa midfielder scored his 11th international goal and his first since a brace in the 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands in March. He netted from the edge of the penalty area after good work by Andy Robertson and Che Adams, McGinn taking a pass from the Liverpool defender and curling the ball beyond opposition goalkeeper Ofir Marciano.

The victory leaves Scotland four points ahead of Israel with three games to go, with Steve Clarke’s side on course to qualify for the play-offs.

The Latest: McCoist hails McGinn “magic”

Speaking to Sky Sports about McGinn’s goal, Scotland’s first of the match, the former Rangers boss was full of praise for the Villa midfielder.

“What a finish,” he raved. “What a goal and what a finish. Absolutely magic. Don’t underestimate the work of Tierney and Robertson. Brilliant.

“They work their way, they gave the angle, it’s a lovely bit of give and go. A lovely one-two with Adams (from Robertson). He (McGinn) opens himself up and look at that (curling finish).

“That is absolutely magic. That is the only word for that. Magic. Ohh, brilliant. It’s fantastic. John McGinn, what a goal.”

The Verdict: McGinn is vital for club and country

McGinn’s influence for both club and country has been evident in recent years and he showed that again on Saturday evening for Scotland.

Since his 2018 move from Hibernian to Villa Park, the midfielder has made 117 appearances, scoring 14 goals and setting up another 19. His importance to Dean Smith’s midfield is reflected in his industrious qualities (1.8 tackles per game, joint-second highest in the squad) as well as his attacking influence (1.7 shots and 1.3 key passes per game, second highest in the squad for both)

Scotland travel to the Faroe Islands tomorrow night hoping to stretch their lead over Israel, and there is every chance that the 26-year-old could have a big say on proceeding in that game too.

In other news, rumours have started to surface about Villa making a move for a Serie A maestro. Find out more here.

Manchester City attacker Ferran Torres has signified he would be comfortable playing as a centre-forward more often in 2021/22 [City Xtra].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the Spaniard chipped in with 16 goal contributions in 36 appearances for the Blues; 13 goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Now fresh from a run to the semi-final of EURO 2020 with his native land, Torres has talked himself up when asked about a permanent stint leading the Manchester City front-line, stating: “Now I have to say I feel very comfortable playing as a No 9 too” [City Xtra].

Of course, the 21-year-old has predominantly featured as a winger within the duration of his short career. However, with the departure of Citizens legend Sergio Aguero to Barcelona last month [Sky Sports], there is a sizeable void to fill from an offensive perspective at the Etihad Stadium.

That said, loads of Manchester City diehards took to Twitter to voice their frustration at the recent suggestion as they believe this means the club will not properly replace Aguero with a like-for-like.

Manchester City fans react:

Replying to popular Manchester City fan outlet City Xtra on Twitter, here is what some supporters had to say about the latest news:

“Sell him”

Credit: @MCFCNACHI”No, because that means we’re trying to get by on the cheap again instead of buying what we actually need.”Credit: @BoothyCraig”We’re slowly losing hope in signing one aren’t we”Credit: @YaThapelo”I’m hoping not…”Credit: @Kippaxboys1981″Why not buy an actual striker once and for all . We’re tired of improvisation”Credit: @iamWekesa”Sell him”Credit: @MralmansooriIn other news, Manchester City fans react to a player departure.

Liverpool supporters have been starved of excitement throughout the current transfer window, with Ibrahima Konate the only arrival so far, but that could change before the August 31st deadline.

What’s the story?

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Reds have West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen on their watchlist, although it remains to be seen if they’ll make a move for him this summer.

The departure of Xherdan Shaqiri has freed up funds for Jurgen Klopp and director of football Michael Edwards, but the report claims that any incoming may hinge on Divock Origi also departing Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp will love it

Last season was a hugely underwhelming affair for Klopp’s charges. The Anfield outfit surrendered their Premier League crown without a fight, slipping to third in the top-flight standings, ending the season a whopping 17 points behind champions Manchester City.

As a result, the German tactician is thought to be in the market for at least one attacking target before the summer window closes.

The normally dependable duo of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino suffered a severe drop-off in form in 2020/21, scoring 11 and nine goals respectively in the league, while Shaqiri and Origi failed to adequately replace them.

It’s led to Klopp attempting to make significant alterations to his options in the final third of the pitch, although his limited budget has left him playing the waiting game.

However, now Shaqiri has been snapped up by Lyon, and with Origi appearing to be getting nudges towards the Anfield exit door, a move for Bowen could be on the cards.

The 24-year-old impressed in the Championship after rising through the ranks at boyhood club Hull City, scored double figures in consecutive years for the Tigers as they toiled in the second-tier of English football.

And although he’s struggled to replicate the same form in front of goal at the London Stadium, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists in 55 appearances for the Hammers, Bowen’s overall play has seemingly impressed Liverpool.

His unquestionable work rate, stamina and ability with the ball at his feet make him a good fit for Klopp’s unique gegenpressing style, meaning the former Borussia Dortmund boss would surely love to be able to call upon his services.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool do make a formal offer for Bowen, but his proposed arrival has the potential to have the same impact that Diogo Jota’s had just 12 months ago.

And, in other news…Heir to Shaqiri: LFC eye move for “special” £19.8m-rated wizard, Klopp will love him