All posts by n8rngtd.top

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and he could be the perfect replacement for Victor Lindelof.

What’s the word?

Kounde finds himself on the Red Devils’ radar after previously being linked with a move to their arch-rivals Manchester City.

The Spanish outlet revealed that Sevilla rejected a €55m bid from Pep Guardiola’s side in the summer.

It’s also claimed Sevilla will not be easily persuaded to sell one of their prized assets as erstwhile Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui is loath to part with the centre-half. However, the Andalusian club are apparently willing to listen to offers in the region of €80m for Kounde.

Despite his age, the 22-year-old has been colossal at the back for Lopetegui’s side, as well as providing two goals in 18 appearances across all competitions, via WhoScored.

Bye-bye Victor Lindelof

The Red Devils find themselves among a number of contenders jostling for position in the Premier League title race and it seems like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen his squad before the transfer window shuts in January.

United’s defensive struggles this season thus far have been well-documented, dating back to the defensive meltdown they endured during the humiliating 6-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the season.

Ed Woodward splashed the cash to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City and, after a tricky start to his time at Old Trafford, the England international has been a total revelation.

However, Solskjaer has struggled to find a defensive partner for the club captain, with Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and, to some extent, Axel Tuanzebe struggling for consistency alongside Maguire.

Out of the three, it’s probably fair to say that Lindelof is the weakest of those players and since his arrival from Benfica in 2017, he has often divided the fan base.

Whilst the La Liga giants are under no pressure to sell Kounde, whose contract will run out in 2024, he could be the long-term solution to United’s lingering problems at the back. Solskjaer’s side have conceded three goals in their past three games.

In 12 appearances in the Spanish top flight this season, the Frenchman, who reportedly earns around £16,000-per-week, is averaging 1.2 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

His manager Lopetegui told Marca amid rampant transfer speculation in the latter half of last year: “Jules is our player, he is an important part of the team.”

It’s clear as day that Kounde could be one for the future and he could be United’s starting centre-back for years to come if Woodward brings him to Old Trafford and he is able to hit the ground running.

He may not be the flashiest target, but he is certainly capable of being a very good player at the back. Add in his eye for a goal, coupled with the fact he has Champions League experience, and the youngster is already a well-rounded prospect.

AND in other news, Ed Woodward must secure Man Utd transfer swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho…

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to reignite their interest in one of their reported summer transfer targets…

What’s the word?

According to The Mirror, Spurs are weighing up a bid for highly-rated South Korean centre-back Kim Min-jae this month amid growing concerns that Premier League rivals Chelsea could do the same.

It’s claimed that the north Londoners were keen on the 24-year-old several months ago following the departure of Jan Vertonghen to Benfica on a free transfer.

Now they are plotting a fresh move for the Beijing Guoan man, and here’s why that’s a smart decision to make.

Alderweireld heir

It is no secret that Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is keen on another central defender in the current window. Duncan Castles revealed that a pacey option was atop his priorities in January.

The 6 foot 3 colossus has emerged as a potential star in Asia – nicknamed “the monster”, Min-jae has picked up 30 caps at international level and in 43 appearances across the past two seasons is averaging 3.1 clearances, 1.3 interceptions and 1.1 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, he is intercepting the opposition more times than either Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez or Toby Alderweireld, and exceeds the Englishman’s 0.4 tackles per game substantially, also per WhoScored.

Whilst he’s unlikely to come in and instantly make a difference, he could well become the long-term heir to Alderweireld’s throne as he’s not getting any younger at 31.

Indeed, the Belgian beast has seen a dip in playing time recently having played a full 90 minutes just once since mid-December. Alderweireld played only 45 minutes in the FA Cup, and wasn’t risked against Fulham in the Premier League earlier this week.

Min-jae, an international teammate of Heung-min Son, has also been handed huge praise by Goal.com journalist Sungmo Lee, who told football.london:

“Kim Min-jae is hailed as one of the best centre-backs South Korea has produced in 21st century. He has huge potential. He’s big, strong, and fast.

“He’s strong in the air, and also has good feet. He has a strong character as well which Mourinho always likes. Therefore, under Mourinho, and especially with Son, he could settle at Spurs very quickly.”

Spurs have every right to be worried amid interest from the Blues too, after all, they lost out on Willian back in 2013, so Daniel Levy must absolutely ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.

It was thought that Beijing would want €17m (£15m) for his signature in the summer, though it remains to be seen whether that remains the case.

Forget Joe Rodon, the South Korean ‘monster’ could well be the dream successor to Alderweireld.

AND in other news, Spurs could find their next Teddy Sheringham in 19 y/o tipped to have a big future…

Former England international Rob Lee, while speaking exclusively with Football FanCast editor James Beavis, has claimed that injuries to Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman are a far bigger blow for Everton and Carlo Ancelotti than losing Fabian Delph.

The Toffees are set to be without Delph for this Saturday’s Premier League clash with title-chasing Chelsea after the midfielder limped off during the first half of last weekend’s draw at Burnley clutching a hamstring injury.

Blues chiefs are resigned to losing the former Manchester City star for the early stages of the festive period, fearing that rushing him back will only worsen the issue having been plagued by injuries since moving to Goodison Park in 2019.

Ancelotti was already without his first-choice full-backs Digne and Coleman for the trip to Turf Moor, forcing the Italian to hand Delph only his second start of the league campaign to fill in at left-back.

Digne is facing up to three months on the sidelines after surgery on an ankle injury, while Coleman has been plagued by hamstring problems this season that have ruled the Republic of Ireland international out of action for five of Everton’s last six top-flight fixtures.

Lee, who earned 21-caps for England during his playing career, feels the loss of Digne and Coleman has thrown Everton’s season off course and into the rough, as the pair brought energy and balance that Ancelotti cannot find elsewhere in his squad.

“I think the bigger blow is his full-backs. I think that’s why they started like a house on fire, Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman. But they’ve got so much energy, they can get up and down and give so much balance and I think they miss them more than they miss anybody else,” Lee told Football FanCast. “It helps that Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been on fire, he’s scoring all their goals.

“But I thought at the start of the season, they look good, they look like they have a really, really good balance to their team and it just goes to show you that if you lose a couple of your wider players and lesser players come in, or maybe they don’t know how to do the job, that they just seemed to be set up so well under Carlo Ancelotti. And they now, they look a bit not quite as fluent as they were. And I think it’s down to both their full-backs.”

Everton have won just once in the five Premier League fixtures they have been without Coleman for, coming at newly-promoted Fulham, while losing to Southampton, Newcastle and Leeds United.

Ancelotti fielded central defender Ben Godfrey at right-back against Southampton after stating he has “no doubt” in the summer arrival’s ability to play on the side, before favouring Jonjoe Kenny at Newcastle, Tom Davies against Leeds and Alex Iwobi at Burnley.

Godfrey is now expected to move to left-back in place of Digne and Delph when the Toffees host Chelsea on Saturday night, with Ancelotti seemingly opposed to utilising former Olympique de Marseille prospect Niels Nkounkou.

The young Frenchman has featured for just 69-minutes in the Premier League since moving to Merseyside in the summer and been omitted from Ancelotti’s last four matchday squads, despite playing all three Carabao Cup ties through to the end and providing one assist.

It remains to be seen who Ancelotti favours on the right of his defensive line, with Coleman’s absence denying the Italian his joint-most productive defender for successful tackles (14) and ground duels won (27), per SofaScore, while Digne accounts for the second-most key balls (16) and big chances created (5) by any Everton player in the league this term.

AND in other news, Everton already have their answer to a 48-goal target “every coach wants”.

Glasgow Rangers fans are far from happy with the comments made by Bill Leckie.

The Gers have been in stunning form so far this campaign on the pitch. After 18 games, they remain unbeaten, whilst they are nine points clear of their fierce rivals Celtic at the top of the Premiership. Not only that, they are currently joint-top of their Europa League group after two wins, against Standard Liege and Lech Poznan.

However, in recent days, some issues have arisen. It was revealed earlier this week that George Edmundson and Jordan Jones broke coronavirus regulations to attend a private gathering at the weekend. The Gers revealed they will launch an investigation into the matter.

Writing for The Scottish Sun, Bill Leckie says that the actions of the Gers duo are worse than those of Boli Bolingoli, who flew to Spain, and the eight Aberdeen players who went to a bar earlier in the season. This has outraged the Gers supporters, and they took to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what they had to say about Leckie below

In other news, Rangers fans hammer this duo.

One of Tottenham Hotspur’s January targets has reportedly been made available for transfer this summer and given the departure of Jan Vertonghen, it could well be wise to revisit his credentials…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, West Ham are prepared to offload central defender Issa Diop for £45m with two Premier League teams interested in his signature.

The 23-year-old is one of the low earners at the London Stadium and could welcome a move elsewhere.

Kavel Solhekol reported back in December that Spurs were keen on the Irons colossus and saw him as a potential replacement for Vertonghen or Toby Alderweireld – though, the Hammers valued him at £50m back then.

Defensive reinforcements

It is no secret that Spurs are probably in need of a new centre-back following the Belgian’s exit. Jose Mourinho’s backline leaked a total of 47 goals this season, the second-most of any top seven side in the PL.

But is Diop worth it at £45m?

The 23-year-old is quite the imposing figure, standing at 6 foot 4 inches, and has enjoyed a pretty decent season for the Irons aside from battling relegation.

Per WhoScored, he averaged a whopping 5.1 clearances, 1.5 interceptions and 0.8 tackles per game and also won 2.5 aerial duels per match too.

Those in north London should know the Frenchman pretty well after he put in a masterclass display against Spurs towards the end of the 2018/19 season.

Diop contributed towards a clean sheet against an attack led by Heung-min Son and Lucas Moura, who both failed to get a sniff at the goal. No Irons player recorded a higher rating (8.0) via SofaScore.

The powerhouse notched eight clearances, six interceptions, two tackles and won 80% of his duels, leaving Son with a paltry 6.5 rating and less than 30% duels won.

Mourinho has also previously been a fan of the Frenchman, calling him a “monster” who “dominated every duel” whilst FourFourTwo magazine described Diop as “a tremendous athlete, excellent in the air and quick across the ground.”

Diop and Spurs could be a match made in heaven, so Levy shouldn’t baulk at their £45m asking price this summer.

AND in other news, Spurs target £15m upgrade in La Liga star who crosses more than Messi…

Many Aston Villa fans have discussed a report claiming Dean Smith will be handed a transfer budget of £100m this summer.

The Midlands outfit narrowly escaped relegation in the 2019/2020 season, drawing with West Ham United on the final day of the season to ensure that they remained in England’s top flight.

Having spent a large amount on players last summer, Villa boss Smith will be once again looking to the transfer market to explore the potential of bringing in some new faces.

Signing in the likes of Wesley, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Trezeguet, Smith spent £143million in total on new arrivals last term.

The Sunday Mirror via Birmingham Mail have already started to discuss potential summer arrivals and have put together a report over the weekend which claims Smith will be allocated £100m to bring in four players.

Birmingham Mail also go a little deeper into who Villa could potentially bring in this summer with Brentford winger Said Benrahma emerging as a possible target.

Responding to the £100m claim, Villa fans took to Twitter via @villareport to give their opinion on who should be signed if that amount becomes available. One fan suggested that they would be in a relegation battle again having received a bigger budget last term only to end up near the bottom three, whilst another suggested they were ‘doing a Fulham’ again – last season many likened their spending to that of the Cottagers in 18/19.

#

Who do you think Aston Villa should sign this summer? Let us know in the comments section below…

Craig Hope has claimed on his official Twitter page that it would ‘be good’ to see the academy graduates of the Tyneside club to get some time on the pitch over the next couple of weeks as the 2019/20 season in the Premier League draws to a near close.

The Daily Mail journalist named the likes of Tom Allan and Jack Young as two players who could be given a chance under Steve Bruce, which may please several members of the Toon faithful.

Given that the Magpies are now mathematically safe from relegation, and that they may not have enough with just a few games left to climb into the European qualification spots in the top flight table, it may be a good idea to blood the youngsters as Hope suggests with arguably not much left to play for in the North East.

Allan and Young have both impressed so far at youth level, with the former Transfermarkt.

With NUFC being knocked out of the FA Cup to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the quarter-final stage too, it could provide them as well as some others an opportunity to show Bruce what they can do at senior level in the last few matches in preparation for the new term, where they may be looking to break into the first-team squad.

Most supporters love to see players come through the academy and break into the first team and Newcastle are a club the often produces top talent – the Longstaff brothers being two recent examples of youngsters who have made the jump.

It seems likely that fans would be happy to see a couple more local lads given a shot in the first team between now and the climax of the 19/20 campaign, especially given that there is little left to play for this term.

Geordies, would you give the youngsters an opportunity in the first-team? Comment below!

Key Information about Keepmoat Stadium

Keepmoat Stadium has been the home of Doncaster Rovers Football Club since it was opened in 2007.

The multi-purpose all-seated capacity holds just over 15,000 spectators, which is 5,000 more than Belle Vue – the previous home of Doncaster Rovers for 84 years.

The stadium is also home to Doncaster Rugby League Club, and Doncaster Rovers Belles Ladies Football Club, and the ground comprises four geographical stands all sponsored by various local businesses.

A history of Keepmoat Stadium

Keepmoat Stadium was completed in December of 2006, and the brand new stadium is owned by Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council and rented by the three sports clubs. The first game at the new ground famously saw three red cards in a New Year’s Day thriller against Huddersfield Town in 2007.

Doncaster centre-forward Mark McCammon was the first player to score in the new stadium, though the official opening of Keepmoat Stadium was on 3 August 2007, which was the day Doncaster hosted Manchester United in front of over 13,000 fans – the Red Devils went on to win the friendly match 2-0. The summer of 2012 marked a monumental time for Doncaster as it was confirmed that the football club had secured a 99-year operating lease from the borough council which meant the club were back in charge of their new home of football after renting the ground for 6 years.

The brand new stadium also features a new fan area with a bar for them to enjoy pre-match drinks. The actual pitch in Keepmoat Stadium is a hybrid between synthetic fibres and natural grass, providing a truly unique playing experience. This new feature ensures the quality of the pitch remains throughout all seasons and weather, albeit under-soil heating was not installed despite it being a modern pitch.

The East Stand is sponsored by Donasonic, and is commonly known as the family area, in addition to this, the West Stand is sponsored by Estate.com, the South Stand is sponsored by Polypipe and is associated with the Doncaster ultras, and the North Stand is sponsored by Corsan.

Tickets to Watch Doncaster Rovers at Keepmoat Stadium

Season tickets to watch Doncaster Rovers at Keepmoat Stadium stand at around £300-400 for adults depending on which league Rovers will be competing in and whether or not early bird tickets are purchased. For Under-17s season tickets are priced at an affordable price of £35 no matter which membership category is chosen.

Standard single match adult tickets start at £21 and juniors can attend for just £5 per game. Seniors and 22-24-year-olds start at a fixed price of £13 per game, whereas 18-21-year-olds can attend from £9-11 depending on which category is selected – each come with different benefits. Fans can purchase a DNA card membership for £20 which means adults can attend home matches for just £17 per game. Tickets to home and away games are easily accessible through the clubs website or by calling the club Doncaster box office.

Related Links

https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/ – Official website of Doncaster Rovers

https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/tickets/ – Doncaster Rovers Ticket Office

Former Spurs star Paul Robinson believes Troy Parrott’s latest setback will be a massive “personal blow” after sitting on the sidelines for so long.  

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the player-turned-pundit feels Parrott’s injury will frustrate the teenager, but urged the 18-year-old to bounce back stronger than ever.

Tottenham announced the youngster has undergone surgery to remove his appendix after scans revealed early signs of appendicitis, which will keep him out for a number of weeks, via the club’s official website.

The young striker will now begin rehabilitation and return to training later in June.

Robinson told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs “it is a blow for him personally because he has been chomping at the bit and knocking on the door this season. He was so close without actually getting a proper chance.

“Fans and pundits have been calling for him to be given a chance so it is unfortunate timing for him.

“You just hope that he can get himself fit and right for the start of next season. He can take some time out now to get right and focus on hitting the ground running next season and put the disappointment of this season behind him.”

It is difficult to disagree with Robinson on this one, as Parrott recently signed a new contract with the club which will extend his time in North London until the summer of 2023.

Although the academy product has only played five minutes of Premier League football this season, he has enjoyed a prolific spell at youth level, scoring six goals in four UEFA Youth League appearances and two in a Premier League 2 game (Transfermarkt).

These performances have resulted in plenty of fans and pundits alike calling for him to be given a chance in the first team, although Jose Mourinho has been reluctant to use the Irishman so far, despite the fact he was Spurs’ only recognised centre-forward during Harry Kane’s absence.

The Lilywhites still haven’t signed a backup for Kane at the time of writing, which has definitely boosted Parrott’s chances of playing more regularly next season.

At this stage in his career, he needs to be testing himself on a regular basis, and this latest injury will surely throw a spanner in the works.

Spurs fans, do you think that Troy Parrott needs to go out on loan? Let us know below…

A group of celebrities, including former-sports stars, comedians and actors, have signed up to compete in the NHS Charities Together Cup, which aims to raise £100m in support of the current Covid-19 crisis.

The FIFA 20 competition will involve eight all celebrity teams, with three celebrities per team, going head-to-head in 12-minute long FIFA 20 matches. Fans will be given the chance to vote for who they want to see compete from every team in each round.

Everton legend Tim Cahill will be joined by the likes of Cricket stars Joe Root and Ben Stokes, fellow former footballers Joleon Lescott, Fabrice Muamba and Shaun Wright-Phillips, golf’s Justin Rose and boxer Dilian White.

The competition’s organisers, Celebrity e-Sport, hope to raise a huge £100m for NHS charities together during these desperate times for all the care workers on the frontline, who are putting their own lives at risk to help save ours.

For more information on the event and how you can donate, click here.