All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa will be able to call upon Emiliano Martinez, Marvelous Nakamba and Bertrand Traore for their trip to Wolves after the international break, Ashley Preece reports.

This is after the UK government agreed to a quarantine exemption for players travelling to red-list countries during the international break, so long as they are double-vaccinated.

And in Villa’s case, that applies to all three of the players concerned.

After the last international break, Dean Smith’s side had to cope without Martinez and Emiliano Buendia for their trip to Chelsea because there was no such exemption in place.

How important have the Villa trio been so far?

Martinez has started every other Premier League game this season, keeping three clean sheets (via Transfermarkt).

Nakamba, meanwhile, has only made one start, with Smith handing him three substitute appearances.

And Traore’s start to the campaign has been disrupted by an injury he suffered in the opening day defeat at Watford. He’s been limited to just 43 minutes across Villa’s first six matches.

Here’s how Villa fans reacted when Preece tweeted the news.

Villa fans celebrate triple boost

“Praise the lord for the government”

Credit: @8forclark

“Great news, thanks for that Ash, you da man.”

Credit: @Up_tha_Villa

“Great stuff!”

Credit: @Petermi39249140

“Boooom”

Credit: @muzzavilla

“Everyone liked that”

Credit: @titanuk1874

“SIUUUUU”

Credit: @avfcjoshuaa

In other news, hordes of fans also flocked to Preece’s post on Konsa. 

Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their bid to bring Calvin Ramsay to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent Alan Nixon report for The Sun, in which the journalist claims that Liverpool have now entered the race for the Aberdeen right-back, with the Reds’ scouts believed to have been highly impressed with the 18-year-old defender – who they believe is a talent in the same mould as Trent Alexander-Arnold.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

This is likely to come as a blow to Victor Orta and Leeds, with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reporting earlier this year that the Whites were thought to be leading the race to land the Scotland U21 international.

Orta must move

Considering just how impressive Ramsay has been for Aberdeen this season, it is easy to see why both Leeds and Liverpool would be interested in a deal to bring the defender to the Premier League this summer.

Indeed, over his 22 Scottish Premiership appearances in the current campaign, the £540k-rated prodigy has been in sensational form for Jim Goodwin’s side, scoring one goal, registering five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of two key passes – the joint fifth-most in the league – and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.

The £880-per-week starlet has also impressed in a defensive capacity, helping the Dons keep one clean sheet, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 1.4 clearances and winning 3.5 duels per game.

These returns have seen the teenager average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Aberdeen’s joint sixth-best player in the Scottish top flight.

This incredible level of performance has rather understandably seen the 18-year-old showered with a great deal of praise, none more so than from Dons chairman Dave Cormack, who said of Ramsay back in January:

“There are not many right-backs at his age like him, doing what he does. Look at the data and all the clubs look at the same scouting systems. He is in the elite upper bracket, right up there, for a young right-back in Europe. People are seeing that and that is why we believe there will be a lot of interest.”

As such, considering the sheer amount of potential the teenager possesses – not to mention his similar creative traits to that of the £100m-rated Alexander-Arnold – it would appear a very wise move for Orta to do all he can to bring the right-back to Elland Road this summer.

However, following the news of Liverpool’s interest, a deal now looks as if it will be much more difficult to pull off for the Spanish sporting director.

AND in other news: Orta can unearth Leeds’ next White with swoop for “really exciting” £4.2k-p/w “talent”

Given Newcastle’s very poor start to the season, it’s safe to say that they could do with something to help them get their campaign on track and lift them out of the relegation zone.

However, it seems as though the new owners at the Tyneside club may have identified someone who could help to get the team out of their current predicament.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Goal in Brazil (via Sport Witness) that Newcastle have entered the race to sign FC Basel striker Arthur Cabral and are preparing an offer to be sent in the coming days.

Cabral originally joined Basel back in the 2019 summer transfer window on loan from Brazilian club Palmeiras before signing on a permanent basis a year later.

Overall, the 23-year-old – who is currently valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt – has netted an impressive 63 goals in 101 appearances across all competitions, with 25 of those coming this season in just 26 appearances, which is probably why Newcastle apparently have their eye on him.

Having described himself as a “fighting” player on the pitch, Cabral could be just what Newcastle need to keep them away from the relegation zone with his clear attacking talents in front of goal.

In addition to his goals, Cabral has averaged 4.1 shots and 1.3 key passes per game in the Swiss league so far this season, which is much higher than Callum Wilson’s average of 2.3 shots per game in the Premier League prior to their match against Burnley on Saturday.

Looking ahead to the January transfer window and the teams that Newcastle face in the league before the window opens, it should be the club’s main priority to sign Cabral in January to see if he can form a deadly strike partnership with the prolific Wilson and score enough goals between them to transform Howe’s side.

Also, given his fairly young age, he could well be a long-term replacement for Wilson further down the line, with the Englishman six years older than Cabral.

In other news: PIF must seal dream NUFC move for “exceptional” 114-goal magician who Howe would love…

Celtic look set to be frustrated in their reported transfer pursuit of Dundee United midfielder Jeando Fuchs, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Celtic know all about Fuchs

The 24-year-old told Foot Mercato earlier this month that the Hoops had shown an interest in him amid an impressive campaign with the Tangerines. He has also attracted interest from elsewhere in the Premiership, and such has been his impact that his manager Tam Courts has dubbed him a “top player”.

Indeed, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou will be quite aware of the midfielder’s abilities. When Dundee United visited Parkhead in September, Fuchs gave a starring display for the away side in a 1-1 draw. He won four tackles and seven duels that afternoon along with completing 31 of his 37 passes, while SofaScore ranked just four Hoops players with a higher rating on the day.

The Latest: Dundee United not entertaining any bids for Fuchs

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Dundee United are primed to reject any January offers for Fuchs.

The report stated that, despite the Cameroon international being out of contract next summer and the club unable to agree a new deal with him so far, they view him as being a crucial player in their hopes of securing a top-half Premiership finish this season.

The Verdict: Celtic will get over it

While Dundee United’s stern resistance to any transfer interest in Fuchs may come as a disappointment to Celtic, they ought not to wallow in self-pity for too long.

The 24-year-old is adept at breaking up play – his averages of 2.3 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game are better than any Hoops midfielder so far this season – but whether that would be enough to parachute him straight into Postecoglou’s first team is doubtful.

His overall WhoScored seasonal rating of 6.66 would put him a lowly 18th in Celtic’s squad, while there is already an abundance of midfield room options at Parkhead. Therefore, Fuchs falls into the category of ‘nice to have’ rather than ‘must-have’ for Celtic, who can quickly put this development behind them in the pursuit of more attainable transfer targets.

In other news: Celtic set sights on move for ‘quality’ Scot who has the same agent as David Turnbull

We are now over two weeks into the transfer window and rather unsurprisingly, it has been a chaotic one for Newcastle United.

The reasons are clear; they are desperate for players to ensure Premier League survival and they are now famously known as the richest football club on earth.

What’s the word?

The Magpies have bolstered their squad with two marquee additions in recent weeks with Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood arriving.

However, there is still a considerable amount of work to be done, namely in bringing a centre-back to St James’ Park.

The club have failed in their efforts for Sven Botman while a deal is seemingly on the table for Diego Carlos.

It’s thought another striker is wanted by the club’s new Saudi owners and Newcastle’s recruitment team but a name who definitely won’t be joining has been revealed by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

He issued the following update on Twitter: “Rumours linking Mario Balotelli with a move to Newcastle in January are wide of the mark. ‘Fake news’ – comment from sources.”

Fans will be delighted

Although the Toon Army will be desperately craving new acquisitions between now and January 31st, the idea of Balotelli penning terms is unlikely to have been welcomed well by the club’s fanbase.

Of course, he is a hugely experienced character and is also someone who would add plenty of humour and character to the dressing room.

However, with Howe’s men engulfed in a severe relegation battle, winning just one game all term, the last thing you’d want to do is sign someone as controversial as Balotelli.

After all, the Italian is not a regular goalscorer anymore and he’s also now aged 31, past the peak of his powers.

The former Manchester City forward currently plays his football in Turkey for Adana Demirspor where he has found the net on eight occasions this term.

That isn’t a bad tally at all, but the fiery striker has failed not once but twice in English football, enduring a controversy-hit spell at City and then bagging just four strikes in 28 outings for Liverpool.

Right now, Howe needs a player capable of hitting the ground running, either boasting successful Premier League experience or being a player with elite potential – like Sevilla centre-back, Carlos.

As a consequence, Newcastle are right to swerve a move for the ex-Italy international this month and as a result of doing so, the St James’ faithful should be rather delighted with the decision making of Nick Hammond and co.

AND in other news, “I’m told”: Craig Hope issues major NUFC transfer claim that’ll get fans excited…

[ad_pod ]Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter in frustrated fashion after Wilfried Zaha received a charge from the Football Association for improper conduct, following his dismissal against Southampton on Wednesday night (as per the BBC).The Ivory Coast international received just a yellow card initially after a spat with James Ward-Prowse, before being given his marching orders just seconds later after sarcastically clapping referee Andre Marriner’s decision.Zaha opened the scoring on the night, before Ward-Prowse incidentally equalised late in the second half. The 26-year-old’s dismissal appeared to be a build up of frustration of a number of fouls against him that weren’t given, having been upended four times on the night (via Whoscored) – that figure is merely the amount that were awarded by Marriner.Who is your club’s worst ever January signing? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked theirs in the video below and they didn’t disappoint…Following the charge, the former Manchester United winger now has until 6pm on February 5 to respond, and Palace fans are understandably angry if their reactions on Twitter is anything to go by…

Leeds Live’s Beren Cross has delivered his take on Marcelo Bielsa’s situation at Leeds United amid a tough start to the Premier League.

What’s the story?

The Whites have endured a nightmare couple of months in the top-flight, picking up just the one win all season, and losing last time out to Southampton in a drab showing at St Mary’s.

Now, Cross has admitted that while he believes Bielsa will still remain in charge, things could sway if the situation falls by the way-side and becomes “pretty desperate”.

He said: “Great question. Honestly, I don’t know. I doubt even Bielsa knows how he would react to that situation and, of course, he never wants to predict the future anyway. My gut says he would want to get Leeds out of the mess he would, predictably, blame himself for.

“If Leeds wanted him to go and they were in the bottom three, I wonder what clauses there are in place to protect him or whether he would just step aside if he was not wanted. It would have to be pretty desperate and irreconcilable for Leeds to want to do that, mid-season though. In short, yes I think he would still be in charge.”

Can Bielsa turn things around?

Whatever happens, Bielsa’s place in Leeds’ history is secured. The Argentine was the man to bring the Whites back to the riches of the Premier League, and has done so by embracing the entire club, culture and fan-base too.

If anyone deserves that extra chance and time to turn things around at Elland Road, it’s him. Bielsa has more than enough credit in the bank to be told by the owners that they have their full faith in him to steer the ship into safer waters, while the Leeds fan-base will back him to the hilt too.

The amount of injuries that the side have faced, and who those injuries have afflicted too, has been a major contributing factor as to why their start to their season back in the top-flight has gone so miserably.

Bielsa will be hoping that the returns to fitness of key players like Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha and Patrick Bamford, among others, is the key to a change in fortune.

But, Cross’ admission that if things get worse the Whites could look to act on Bielsa, is sure to worry fans.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped a worrying claim on Rodrigo…

Signing Cameron Carter-Vickers permanently will be a priority for Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou in the coming months, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Influential Hoops figure

The 24-year-old has been magnificent for the Hoops this season, having joined on loan from Tottenham during last year’s summer transfer window.

Carter-Vickers has been a rock at the heart of Celtic’s defence, starting 28 Scottish Premiership matches, averaging 4.2 clearances per game and even scoring four goals, unsurprisingly ranking as one of the squad’s five best players.

There is interest in the American from numerous clubs in England ahead of the summer, however, as Postecoglou tries to tie him down to a permanent move.

The Latest: Journalist positive about move

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke claimed that Celtic will be working hard on signing Carter-Vickers, suggesting the manager is personally a big fan:

“I’m sure Celtic will be hoping to tie this deal up as soon as possible. They’ll want it done before Premier League clubs could maybe come in and offer more money for Carter-Vickers.

“I think it will be one of Postecoglou’s top priorities to get this deal done.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

This is one of those transfers that feels like a complete no-brainer, with Carter-Vickers fitting in seamlessly at Parkhead and Spurs surely willing to let him leave – they have loaned him out to seven different clubs during his career.

The biggest threat is that interest from Premier League clubs turns the defender’s head, but he feels settled at Celtic and he is on the cusp of winning a double in his first year there, with reports from The Daily Record saying his camp are happy in Glasgow.

It would be a big blow to miss out on acquiring Carter-Vickers’ signature permanently now – he has been described as ‘immense’ by Chris Sutton – but all signs are pointing towards this one being done.

In other news, a pundit has discussed potential interest in one Celtic hero. Read more here.

Manchester United have been highly speculated to be fully involved in the January transfer window due to the arrival of interim manager, Ralf Rangnick, and after the side lost last night at home to Wolves, a fresh claim on Paul Pogba’s future at the club could be a consolation for fans.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports Journalist, Ben Ransom, has spoken this morning, giving some much-needed answers to questions on Pogba’s immediate future at Manchester United, giving his perspective on the situation and whether Manchester United could hold onto the midfielder until the end of the season.

Speaking on Sky Sports this morning, Ransom shared a twist to the tale, revealing that he is unlikely to leave over the winter. He said:

“Pogba I’m sure, Mino Raiola I’m sure will be plotting his future, but at the moment it’s too early for Ralf Rangnick to say what’s going to happen this month.

“Given the fact that we’re not expecting Pogba to rejoin full training for another couple of weeks – another couple of weeks for him to be match fit – you’d suggest that points to something being resolved in the summer instead.”

Fans will be buzzing

Pogba has had a rollercoaster of a time during his time at Old Trafford after making an epic return back in 2016 signing for a world record-breaking fee at the time of £89m.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman has had a total of 219 appearances, with an impressive 38 goals and 49 assists on his tally for the Manchester giants, winning two league cups and one Europa League with the club. Thus, fans will surely be delighted that any chance of him leaving this winter has been evaporated.

That said, the £290k-per-week star is still free to discuss pre-contract agreements with other clubs as his current deal ends in the summer, with a number of sides rumoured to be interested in signing the midfielder, including Real Madrid and PSG.

Pogba bagged seven assists in thirteen appearances for United before he was side-lined over a month ago due to injury and given their poor performances since, fans will surely be desperate for his creativity to be injected back into the team under Rangnick, who plays a 4-2-2-2 pressing formation built for creative play.

One fan tweeted after the Wolves game;

“How many more embarrassing performances do we need to have until you lot learn that we don’t know how to play footy without Pogba.”

Consequently, the news that his future will remain at Old Trafford for another few months will surely leave a host of supporters elated.

In other news: Manchester United must swoop for Julian Alvarez

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre by Portuguese journalist Alfonso Leocadio.

The Lowdown: Favre profiled

The 64-year-old has been out of work for almost 12 months and was heavily linked with the Crystal Palace job over the summer.

The Swiss manager, who plays a 3-4-2-1 system, has won five trophies during his career and has been described as ‘one of the best’ by Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Favre actually shares the same agency as Villa winger Bertrand Traore and has experience of managing in Switzerland, Germany and France, and it appears as if he is in Villa’s thoughts to possibly replace Dean Smith along with Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand, who has been linked along with Paulo Fonseca.

The Latest: Leocadio’s claim

Journalist Leocadio took to Twitter following Villa’s 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Friday night, claiming that there is lots of ‘tension’ in the Midlands amid reported doubts over Smith’s position.

One fan responded to his tweet, asking if there are any other targets in mind alongside Fonseca, with whom Villa have reportedly made contact. Leocadio simply replied: ‘Lucien Favre’.

The Verdict: Favre or Fonseca?

Should Villa part ways with Smith over the coming weeks, they may well end up looking at two managers who play the same formation.

Both Favre and Fonseca like to use a 3-4-2-1 system, but the latter is 16 years Favre’s junior, which could come into play if Villa are looking to the long-term future.

The 48-year-old has also managed in three different countries and has actually won more trophies than Favre, so it would be interesting to see which manager they’d prefer out of the two if Smith is given his P45.

In other news: ‘How?’, ‘God help us’ – Some Villa fans ‘baffled’ by confirmed player news