All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers will be hoping to end their campaign on a high note this afternoon and give Michael Beale an indication of what the future holds as the Scottish Premiership season comes to an end.

A trip to Paisley will give Beale the chance to give minutes to a variety of squad members, ranging from youth talents to fringe players, and he spoke to the media ahead of the tie, saying: "Antonio Colak will come back into the squad in place of Alfredo this weekend. Bailey Rice will also return to the squad in place of Glen Kamara as well.

"My excitement for this summer is because I see the work we are doing in the background. We will come out in a much stronger place for sure and be in a much stronger place mentally."

With Bailey Rice in the squad and hoping to come on at some stage during the game, it will be more crucial experience for the youngster. However, Beale must give a start to Alex Lowry following a season which hasn’t lived up to its promise.

Will Alex Lowry start for Rangers against St Mirren today?

The 19-year-old made his debut in January 2022 and even managed to score not long after emerging from the bench, eventually going on to make seven appearances before the end of the season.

The “gallus” talent – as dubbed by Scottish coach Andy Goldie – was expected to make more of an impression for the senior side this term, but a knee injury ruled him out for 12 matches, and he remained with the B team in order to gain match fitness.

This wasn’t a bad idea, as the Scot chipped in with ten goals and four assists across just 11 games for the reserve side, suggesting that he managed to regain form fairly quickly following his setback and deserves a chance from the first whistle today.

He has started just one match for the first team during 2022/23, a 3-0 win over Motherwell back in December. And with nothing to play for during the final match of the season, Lowry could perhaps be deployed just behind the striker in his favoured role as a No 10.

This pre-season will arguably be the most important of his Ibrox career to date, especially if Beale significantly boosts his squad ahead of next term. If the young dynamo can showcase his talent this afternoon, the manager may yet keep him in his plans.

Judging by his first-team experience already, he is more than capable of shining for the Light Blues, that’s for sure.

Chelsea face a mountainous task to recapture their status as one of Europe’s most elite clubs after a calamitous campaign has seen them dismally plummet into the bottom half of the table.

The incoming Mauricio Pochettino has to begin trimming his hideously bloated squad to restore some rhythm and harmony.

One problem area that must be immediately addressed is the goalkeeper position, with both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy seemingly unfit to be long-term solutions.

Inter Milan’s Andre Onana has emerged as one of the West Londoner’s primary targets, and this would be an inspired piece of business for the Blues.

What’s the latest on Andre Onana to Chelsea?

According to The Telegraph, the 2021 Champions League winners to attempting to manoeuvre themselves into pole position to sign the goalkeeper.

Onana’s possible move to England has been fuelled by reputable journalist Rudy Galetti, who has revealed an eye-opening update on the situation.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said:

“Onana could leave Inter in the summer if a suitable offer arrives. Chelsea are seriously interested in the Cameroonian goalkeeper. However, the current price at the request of the Italian club is €50m (£45m) and is considered too high by the Blues."

Would Andre Onana be a good signing for Chelsea?

The former Ajax man has been in sensational form since his transfer to Italy in January 2022.

In his Inter Milan career, the 27-year-old has played 38 games in all competitions, and only conceded 30 goals, whilst keeping 19 clean sheets, as per Transfermarkt.

He has also started every game for the Nerazzurri in the Champions League, as they booked themselves into the final of Europe’s most elite competition for the first time since 2010 after dispatching their city rivals.

Onana, whose career appeared on the brink of collapse after he received a nine-month ban from football after accidentally taking his wife’s medicine, has navigated an unbelievable turnaround thanks to a rich vein of form.

This is reflected by the fact that the shot-stopper ranks in the top 7% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for save percentage (78.2%) per 90, as well as the highest 5% for his clean sheet percentage (47.1%) per 90, as per FBref.

However, his future is shrouded in uncertainty due to Inter Milan’s murky financial situation as the club had to reportedly borrow €275m (£240m).

Therefore, with a rich club like Chelsea sniffing around, it will be difficult for the Nerazzurri giants to rebuke any transfer attempts.

Once hailed as a “superstar” by UEFA journalist Ome Akatugba, Onana would be the perfect remedy for Pochettino's impeding issue that the Blues have thus far failed to deal with.

Manchester City look like they may have to fend off interest from Bayern Munich to keep Julian Alvarez at the club this summer, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Is Julian Alvarez leaving Manchester City?

The striker only moved to the Etihad Stadium during the last summer transfer window but has already made quite the impression at the Premier League side. The forward hasn't been a first-team regular, but when called upon by Pep Guardiola, he has often produced the goods in front of goal.

Indeed, from just 12 starts in the league, the player has managed nine goals ahead of their midweek clash with Brighton & Hove Albion. With just under 15 matches' worth of game time, it means he has an average of 0.60 goals per 90.

The attacker has shown previously that he can deal with limited appearances and still produce the goods. Before the 23-year-old moved to England, he plied his trade with River Plate in Argentina for example and had just 17 starts in 2021. However, he still managed to get on the scoresheet 18 times, along with six assists. That led to a superb average of 1.36 goals or assists per 90.

Continuing to impress despite being more of a second-string option with City, it has now led to interest from elsewhere, according to Plettenberg. The Sky Sports journalist reports that Bayern have now put Alvarez on their wanted list and that the side have already "inquired" about the player in terms of whether he will be available for transfer.

He wrote: "Yes, he’s on the list of #FCBayern confirmed! He’s another option next to Kolo Muani. Bayern has inquired about him as he’s not a regular starter behind #Haaland. His future at #MCFC is uncertain despite of his contract until 2028."

Are Bayern Munich signing Julian Alvarez?

If the forward was tempted into a move away, it would almost certainly be a blow to City's squad.

Despite a limited number of minutes in the Premier League, the player has produced a WhoScored rating of 6.73 and has already bagged himself two Man of the Match awards – showing he can shine above the rest on occasion.

He's even impressed for Argentina, having notched an outstanding four goals in five games during the World Cup. He averages 1.4 shots per game in the league for City, showing his ability to find space and get himself chances, which is on par with most of his club teammates.

Considering his talent and potential, to lose him already would surely be a bad move for City. However, the prospect of more football with Bayern would surely appeal to Alvarez, who is left to dislodge Erling Haaland from the starting lineup.

Everton are expected to have a busy summer transfer window following a disappointing season in the Premier League, and now a new update has emerged with one particular player on Frank Lampard’s transfer wish list.

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph, Everton are interested in signing Harry Winks this summer but are looking to loan the player.

As per the report, the Toffees are likely to be unwilling to pay the £20m transfer fee that Tottenham Hotspur are demanding but would be interested in taking on the player for a season-long loan spell instead with an option to make it permanent.

Imagine him and Doucoure

There is no doubt that Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements, with Donny van de Beek’s loan deal coming to an end and Fabian Delph set to leave the club this month when his contract expires meaning the midfield could definitely use some fresh legs.

Winks has been falling down the pecking order at Spurs ever since Antonio Conte arrived with the player only making substitute appearances since March, but has put in 30 appearances overall in all competitions so Everton will have a general idea of his current strengths and weaknesses.

In his 19 Premier League appearances for the north London club this season, the 26 year old has an impressive pass accuracy of 92% in his own half, with one assist and three big chances created, as well as winning the majority of his duels combined (51%) and successful in the majority of his dribbles (53%).

The midfield maestro has been the recipient of high praise from Paul Robinson who claims Winks “dominates” when he gets the opportunity to play.

Robinson told Football Insider:

“For me, I think Harry Winks is one of the best of the bunch. He dominates the game, defensively and offensively he offers you both and his ball retention, the stats speak for themselves.”

If Everton were to agree a deal with Daniel Levy to acquire Winks’ services next season, Lampard could stabilise the midfield by forming a well-oiled partnership in the centre of the pitch between the Spurs midfielder and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

He could deliver balls to the Toffees ace who takes on a more advanced midfield role and gallops forward more regularly than the more reserved Winks.

Ultimately, despite the struggles for game-time that the England international has faced with Tottenham, it could be a shrewd piece of business if Farhad Moshiri could secure a loan deal for the player ahead of next season.

AND in other news: Offer accepted: Everton closing in on 1st summer signing, Lampard will be ecstatic

Everton are eyeing up a bid for Brazilian midfielder Eric Ramires as Frank Lampard aims to rebuild his squad ahead of next season.

What’s the news?

According to Ge Globo, the Toffees have made an inquiry over Red Bull Bragantino midfielder Eric Ramires, although the Merseyside club believe his asking price to be too high.

The interest stems from a report by UOL as Lampard aims to bring more talent to Goodison Park. The Brazilian club are unwilling to sell the 21-year-old cheaply as he is in the first year of a four-year contract.

Better than Delph

This news might not be what Lampard would have hoped for, but there is no doubt that Everton could afford the player, who is valued at just £3.6m by Transfermarkt. Even if the Brazilian club want significantly more than that amount, the 43-year-old should be doing all he can to secure the youngster’s services.

Everton urgently need some signings to rejuvenate their squad following their brush with relegation this season. Lampard will be entering his first summer transfer window at Goodison Park with one goal on his mind – improvement.

Signing Ramires would clearly be one for the future due to his age. However, with 84 appearances for his current club and a loan spell in Europe with FC Basel, he doesn’t lack for experience either.

The 21-year-old could be a more prominent member of the Everton squad than Fabian Delph, who made only 11 Premier League appearances this term while earning a staggering £92k-p/w.

Ramires is the much better option going forward. In only six matches, the Brazilian has 1.02 shots per 90 minutes, compared to Delph’s 0.27, and the 21-year-old has played five fewer matches.

The youngster has made five fewer fouls than the ex-Man City midfielder too (six to 11) and also has a slightly better temperament, receiving only one booking in his six matches, while the Englishman has two in 11 appearances.

While he may still be raw, there is no doubting the talent that Ramires possesses, with 14 goal contributions already during his fledgling career, and Everton supporters will surely love another Brazilian at the club to accompany Richarlison.

AND in other news, Lampard could unearth the new Richarlison with Everton bid for “dangerous” £58m talent

Sunderland will either be celebrating with tears of joy or wallowing in tears of sadness by the end of the day as they face the daunting prospect of a play-off final.

The Black Cats are up against Wycombe in the League One showpiece clash at Wembley this afternoon as they battle for a place in next season’s Championship.

Alex Neil’s men made their way through to the decider by beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, drawing the second leg 1-1.

Will the Black Cats boss make any changes to his starting XI from that match? We are suggesting that he makes at least one by unleashing Jay Matete from the start, as he can win promotion for the club.

Matete must start for Sunderland

Corry Evans struggled in the middle of the park against Wednesday, and his experience may be of more use off the bench if Neil needs to bring on a calm head to see out the game in the second half.

Against the Owls, the ex-Blackburn man failed to impress. As per SofaScore, he lost five of his seven individual battles and was unsuccessful in two of his three tackles as he was dribbled past twice. He also completed just 69% of his passes – including one of his seven long passes – and did not create a single chance.

Meanwhile, Matete is a machine in midfield and will be able to slot into the team and break up Wycombe’s play throughout the match. In League One this season, he has made three tackles and interceptions per game and won 58% of his duels in total, showing that he is a strong presence in the team.

Journalist Josh Bunting previously heaped praise on him, tweeting: “Jay Matete again for me Sunderland’s best performer this afternoon, broke the play up when he needed to and drove forward trying to get the Black Cats on the front foot, he’s been a real master stroke of a signing, that run that he got the shot away from was superb #SAFC”

These quotes, and the aforementioned statistics, show that Kristjaan Speakman played a blinder by bringing the 21-year-old in from Fleetwood in January.

That deal can now win Sunderland promotion, as starting him at Wembley today can seal the win for the Black Cats against Gareth Ainsworth’s outfit.

Matete has shown that he has the bite required to compete in big games, and Neil will need that drive and strength to break up Wycombe attacks before attacking the space and allowing his side to dominate the game, which is why the youngster’s presence could make the difference today.

AND in other news, “He’s trained..”: Huge Sunderland injury update emerges that’ll leave supporters buzzing…

Everton are to hold fresh talks with Sporting Lisbon over a potential move for Joao Virginia, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Virginia has now reached the end of his season-long loan spell with the Primeira Liga outfit, who have qualified for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

He had the opportunity to play eight times, including in a UCL group match against Ajax in December.

Sporting agreed a €5million (£4.3million) purchase option with Everton back in August.

The Blues already have Asmir Begovic as cover for Jordan Pickford, and have decided to extend his contract by a further year.

Virginia has only played three times for the Merseyside outfit but has won some won rave reviews in his time, with former coach David Unsworth describing him as ‘unbelievable’.

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The latest

The report claims that representatives from both clubs will meet this week in the hope of reaching a deal.

Sporting believe that the option to buy included in the deal is too expensive and will pursue a compromise, but Everton are apparently ready to play hard ball.

The verdict

It might be in Everton’s interests to reduce their demands. After all, Sporting may have something they want.

23-year-old midfielder Matheus Nunes, who’s valued at £27million by Transfermarkt, confirmed in December that he’d been made aware of a summer approach from the Toffees.

Perhaps it would be smart for Kevin Thelwell and his team to make concessions here, especially given that Virginia doesn’t appear to be part of their plans anyway. They could then sweeten relations with Sporting, which will serve them well should they wish to return for Nunes or indeed any of their other assets.

In other news, Sky Sports have dropped a further update on the FFP dispute.

Everton will host Brentford at Goodison Park this afternoon in their penultimate Premier League home match of the season, and although the Toffees’ home record is much better than when they play away, there has been some disappointing injury news which could be a huge blow for Frank Lampard.

What’s the latest?

The Toffees manager took to his pre-match press conference to deliver the bad news that Fabian Delph will not be available for selection after sustaining an injury.

Lampard told the press (via Liverpool Echo): “Fabian won’t be fit for the game against Brentford, we’ll see for the rest of the season. It’s a small injury, a muscle injury, but it’s an injury and enough to keep him out of this game.”

Lampard will be gutted

There is no doubt that Delph has made a huge difference since he returned to the team following a long-term injury which kept him out of the side for most of the season, and his influence will surely be sorely missed in midfield when you consider how his impact aligns with the team’s recent results.

After suffering a hamstring injury in January and missing 12 games for Everton, the 32-year-old returned to action just in time to make a crucial impact for his team in the middle of the park last month, and Lampard’s selection of the experienced midfielder seriously paid off.

In their last six games, Everton have won three, drawn two and lost one, with Delph featuring in every match apart from the one they lost, illustrating that he has become a real leader and a hugely positive influence for the team since his return.

That being said, it will be interesting to see how the Toffees manage without him against Brentford today. However, they have had a potential boost in midfield with Donny Van de Beek available for selection either today or against Crystal Palace on Thursday.

If Everton can take all three points from their clash on Merseyside this afternoon, it will take a lot of pressure off them in their final two games, especially if Tottenham can take all three points against the Toffees’ relegation rivals Burnley in the early kick-off. However, a win for Lampard’s men may be harder to come by without Delph to call upon, which will leave the 43-year-old gutted.

AND in other news: Huge boost as Lampard drops Everton transfer update that’ll delight supporters

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to French outlet Foot Mercato (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Well-traveled star

A product of the youth academy at Utrecht, the 25-year-old made a switch to Feyenoord in 2017 before spells with Belgian outfit Club Brugge, Serie A side Hellas Verona and current club Fiorentina.

The tenacious midfield destroyer has made 57 appearances for La Viola, scoring just once but picking up 12 yellow cards, and has become a mainstay for the Morocco international team.

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Now another move could be on the horizon for Amrabat as Spurs boss Antonio Conte begins to plan for the summer transfer window…

The latest: On the radar

As per Foot Mercato, translated by SW, Tottenham are believed to ‘want’ the 34-cap ace who also represented Holland at youth level due to being born in the European nation.

It’s claimed that Spurs are ‘preparing’ for their end of season business and the man tipped to become ‘world class’ by BBC Africa journalist Mohamed Qoutb is seemingly a top target.

The report states that Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have ‘targeted’ Amrabat as Inter Milan also ‘strongly appreciate’ the Moroccan.

The verdict: No brainer

Despite injuries ruling out the combative midfielder for 44 days, so far this season Amrabat has earned a 6.75 Sofascore rating from 22 league outings, winning 2.0 ground duels per game, completing 90% of all his passes and only being dribbled past on 0.3 occasions per game on average.

Ironically, the £8.1million valued man compares stylistically with Spurs youngster Olivier Skipp as well as Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips and former Liverpool general Lucas Leiva (Fbref) – that last one is perhaps no surprise given his record of picking up yellow cards.

With the futures of Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks still in doubt, signing a player of the quality of Amrabat would be a huge boost to the defensive solidity in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium squad.

In other news: Conte admits one thing this season left him ‘very angry’, find out more here

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that Newcastle United have now been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Ismaila Sarr in the summer.

The Lowdown: Injury woes

Sarr has suffered from a few injury problems this season, which has seen him only manage make 21 appearances in total over all competitions.

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Watford have only managed to win 12 goals in 30 appearances and ended Liverpool’s unbeaten run.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘offered’

Taking to Twitter, Talbot revealed that the St. James’ Park faithful have now been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Sarr this summer, although the Hornets want around £40m if they are to let him go:

“Newcastle have been offered Watford’s Ismaila Sarr. Representatives met with club in London. Told his side would want about £40m. Deal makes sense but striker and centre-back (right-sided) are #nufc priority.”

The Verdict: Too expensive

Given that he currently holds a market value of £24.3m, £40m does seem a bit excessive for Sarr, especially if Watford are relegated down to the Championship.

The North East club will be cautious of the injury problems he has had, and the five goals and two assists that he has managed in the top flight so far this term (Transfermarkt) is not exactly prolific to justify the high price tag.

If they could get him for a much cheaper price, given his Premier League experience and the fact that he is only 24 years of age, it could well be a good signing for the Tyneside outfit, but at £40m they should really be looking elsewhere for now.

In other news, find out which Magpies star is now ‘close’ to returning from injury here!