All posts by n8rngtd.top

Many Wolves fans have slammed the performance of Vitinha in the first half of their game at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

The FC Porto loanee struggled to settle into the half as he kept giving the ball away in key areas, especially on the attack when the visitors found themselves in dangerous attacking positions.

He was also guilty of dwelling on the ball for far too long early on in the match, as Harry Kane almost scored from one of his errors, hitting the post from a fierce striker from the outside of the box.

The 21-year-old will be hoping for a much better performance in the second half as Nuno Espirito Santo keeps a close eye on him.

Wolves fans on Vitinha display

These Wolves supporters on Twitter slammed his performance in the first half, with one fan claiming that the Portuguese midfielder was ‘poor’:

“That’ll be Vitinha getting a 2 on the player ratings Timbo”

Credit: @wwfc2020

“Vitinha having a shocker”

Credit: @Jackbar83877495

“Vitinha having a mare”

Credit: @ocs9000

“Vitinha needs to wake up #wwfc”

Credit: @alexearp33

“Vitinha been poor man. Come on lad”

Credit: @PlayA4231

“Vitinha having a stinker again. #wwfc”

Credit: @Adam11520205

In other news, find out what transfer update has had plenty of Wolves fans talking!

Manchester City have been heavily linked with both Harry Kane and Andre Silva ahead of the summer but who would be the better signing for Pep Guardiola’s side as they search for a replacement for Sergio Aguero?

Harry Kane

Manchester City have been regularly linked with a move for the Tottenham Hotspur striker in the past year but things have accelerated in recent weeks, after the England captain made it clear that he is looking for a new challenge this summer, following a less than impressive campaign from the North London club.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic campaign despite Spurs’ failings in the league and in the cup, contributing 23 goals and 14 assists in the Premier League, earning a fantastic 7.9 average rating from WhoScored.

Kane has consistently found the back of the net in the top-flight in recent seasons but would likely cost well over £100m after one of the best seasons of his career thus far.

Andre Silva

According to the Daily Mail, Silva is one of the names on Manchester City’s list to replace Aguero this summer after an exceptional season with Eintracht Frankfurt in the German top-flight.

The Portugal international signed for the Bundesliga side following an impressive loan spell last season and finished second in the goalscoring charts behind only Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandoski this season, hitting 28 goals in just 32 league appearances.

The 25-year-old is currently valued at just £37.8m by Transfermarkt so would likely be much cheaper than Kane, whilst Eintracht Frankfurt’s fifth-placed finish suggests that the offer of Champions League football could tempt him to the Etihad this summer.

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Who would be the better signing?

Whilst there is little doubt that Kane is the better player at this moment in time, it would be extremely surprising for Man City to spend over £100m on a 27-year-old who has struggled with injury problems in the past, so they may well be better going for the younger, cheaper option of Silva.

The “ice cold” forward, who has been likened to Lewandowski, has emphasised his quality in the past two seasons after struggling with AC Milan and could prove to be an excellent replacement for the outgoing Aguero.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

Therefore, given Kane’s likely excessive asking price, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain should forget about signing the Englishman this summer and instead look at bringing in Silva.

And, in other news… Txiki heading for major Man City disaster with “really impressive” £15m beast

Former Leeds United man Paddy Kenny has hailed some ‘frightening’ news which emerged recently, highlighting the current squad’s amazing fitness levels.

The Lowdown: Leeds excel back in Premier League

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have completed their first season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth in the table and catching the eye hugely.

Leeds have been a popular team, in terms of the entertainment value they bring, hailed as a ‘breath of fresh air’ by pundits thanks to their intense and attack-minded style.

Not only that, but Bielsa’s men are also renowned for being extremely hard-working, showing an unbelievable desire to win the ball back.

The Latest: Kenny lauds ‘incredible’ Leeds

An article in The Athletic last week highlighted exactly how much they outrun the other teams – making the most sprints and for a longer distance ‘by an enormous margin’.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny waxed lyrical over that aspect of their game:

“It’s frightening, the work rate they show. Every player is amazing. The manager expects nothing less so it’s no surprise really. For them to finish on top of the running stats shows that hard work pays off.

“They finished 9th and that’s an incredible achievement. Their running has been a massive part of that.

“They have been a breath of fresh air as a promoted side. Hopefully, they can build on it again next season.”

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The Verdict: Hard work is everything

It doesn’t matter how talented you are, a strong work ethic is the key to making it at the top level and getting one over on your peers.

No side in the top-flight works as hard as Leeds and it has played a major role in their success this season, ensuring they keep going until the final whistle.

Bielsa has made his players remarkably fit, but they are willing to put in such huge levels of work because it pays off on the pitch, which is also a testament to his motivational skills and man-management.

In other news, a major European club are thought to be interested in signing a Leeds star this summer. Find out who it is here.

West Bromwich Albion have ended their pursuit to appoint Chris Wilder as the new manager at The Hawthorns.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that, after extensive talks with the 53-year-old, the Baggies are set to pull the plug on appointing the former Sheffield United manager as Sam Allardyce’s replacement at the club.

It is reported that the West Brom hierarchy are harbouring serious reservations about installing the Stocksbridge-born manager, and are now prepared to turn their focus to alternative candidates for the role.

This latest development comes after claims last week that a deal between Wilder and the Baggies was all but done, with these reports now appearing to have been rather premature.

Fans will be gutted

With Wilder appearing to be a dead cert for the vacant managerial position at The Hawthorns over the past week, fans have had plenty of time to give their two cents on the potential appointment, with a number of them appearing delighted with the idea of the 53-year-old taking over at their club.

One claimed on Twitter that Wilder’s “proven track record of leaving clubs in a better position than when he took over” was a good sign for the Baggies, while another stated their belief that the former Sheffield United boss “has got the best CV out of all the candidates” who are in the running for the job.

Indeed, it would be hard to argue with either of these points, as, so far in his managerial career, Wilder has taken a mid-table Oxford United side to the League Two play-offs places, a 21st placed Northampton Town side to being League Two champions and a Sheffield United side languishing in League One to a top-half Premier League finish in the space of just four years.

As such, with a wealth of experience in getting teams promoted, the appointment of Wilder at West Brom would have appeared to significantly increase the Baggies’ chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next season.

However, if the latest reports are to be believed, West Brom will not be led by the 53-year-old next season, news that will undoubtedly leave fans of the club gutted.

In other news: West Brom dealt transfer blow over “tenacious” £31k-p/w gem that’ll leave fans gutted

Rangers’ hopes of signing Jerry Yates this summer have taken a significant blow after Blackpool earned promotion to the Championship through the League One playoffs, which will surely decrease the chances of him joining up with Steven Gerrard at Ibrox ahead of next season.

Rangers were first linked with a move for the former Swindon Town man by The 72 back in April, with a number of Championship sides also said to be interested in signing the 24-year-old striker, who could well have been the long-term replacement for the ageing Jermain Defoe.

Yates was a key player in Neil Critchley’s side this season, contributing 21 goals and eight assists in 47 League One appearances, which helped him average an impressive 6.92 rating from WhoScored.

This saw him finish as the third top scorer in England’s third tier this season, so it is no surprise that he is being linked with a move away from Bloomfield Road.

However, after the Tangerines registered a 2-1 win against Lincoln City on Sunday afternoon to seal a return to the Championship, it may prove difficult for any interested sides to prise him away from Blackpool this summer.

The English striker still has two years left on his contract at the North West club which suggests that Rangers may well be forced to pay over the odds if they are keen on bringing him to Ibrox this summer.

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Blackpool boss Critchley was full of praise for Yates earlier in the season, saying:

“Considering the start he had to the season, which was similar to the team, the goalscoring record since then has been top drawer.

“He’s looking really on form, full of confidence and we brought him off at the end just to save him a little bit. But he’s bang in form and if we keep him on the pitch and he stays fit, then hopefully he can add to his tally because 20 goals is a fantastic achievement for him.”

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He will be desperate to keep his top scorer at the club ahead of the Championship 2021/22 campaign and therefore, Blackpool’s recent promotion is a huge blow to Gerrard’s chances of signing him this summer and finding a potentail heir to Defoe.

And, in other news… Wilson heading for Rangers transfer disaster with £20m flop who “can’t run”

Crystal Palace are close to confirming Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo as their new manager, as reported by the Telegraph.

Entering a new dawn, the Eagles look set to bring their search for a new manager to an end after the emotional departure of previous boss Roy Hodgson [Crystal Palace FC].

Ousting previous rumoured candidates such as Valerian Ismael, Steve Cooper and Frank Lampard [Sportsman], the Portuguese leader looks set to pen a deal at Selhurst Park by the end of this week [The Telegraph].

Still stunned by his Wolves exit, after he re-solidified their status as Premier League club whilst making strides in Europe, former Wolves man Steve Bull claimed: ‘I still think he was doing a brilliant job with what he had got and the injuries he’s had to deal with’ [Express and Star].

It certainly feels like something of a momentous appointment in south London.

However, Wolverhampton’s loss is the Eagles’ gain. In light of this latest development, loads of Palace diehards took to Twitter to revel in the news.

CPFC fans react:

Here is what some of the Crystal Palace fans had to say regarding this latest update, with one supporter calling it ‘absolutely huge’ news:

“Nuno had a dream, To build a football team with Parish as Chairman and Zaha on the wing With five at the back, And pace in attack your Crystal Palace on they way back”

Credit: @JamesDa66851618

“Will be massively impressed IF this gets done! Nuno’s red & blue army! #CPFC”

Credit: @iancnoble

“Dont get me excited…”Credit: @MichaelBG1212

“Omg”

Credit: @CPFCH10

“Huge, absolutely huge!”

Credit: @nikolimorgan

“Nuno binging ‘When Eagles Dare’ last night would explain this…”

Credit: @TomRidley_

In other news, Crystal Palace have released a former £9 million man.

A number of Liverpool supporters are hugely excited after an update was provided on the Reds’ quest to sign Florian Neuhaus this summer.

Jurgen Klopp will be on the lookout for new signings in the coming weeks, as he aims to perfect his squad heading into next season.

Liverpool no longer have the reliable Gini Wijnaldum to call upon, so it may be that a replacement comes in during the summer transfer window.

One player who has has been linked with the Reds in the past is Borussia Monchengladbach star Neuhaus, who is currently on Euro 2020 duty with Germany.

A fresh update has now been provided, with journalist Florian Plettenburg taking to Twitter to claim that Klopp ‘wants’ to sign the 24-year-old, with talks taking place in recent days.

David Lynch has also backed the reports of Klopp’s interest in the player.

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Liverpool fans react to Neuhaus update

The news has been met with great positivity by a number of Liverpool fans, who gave their thoughts on Twitter, with one hailing Neuhaus as a ‘very good player’.

“Get it done already @LFC”

Credit: @Smartooski

“Now, this is more like it. Get it done Redmen @LFC”

Credit: @TopicFt

“Interesting. Very good player. More realistic signing than Youri Tielemans”

Credit: @LFC_Wahome

“Please please PLEASE!!”

Credit: @NaathanByrne

“Top player”

Credit: @mikesm24

“Watched this guy, has serious engine”

Credit: @markopolo94

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been left fuming at a tweet by the club – read more here.

Flocking to Twitter, Manchester City fans have had plenty to say after a claim emerged on Tuesday involving Atletico Madrid sensation Joao Felix.

The 21-year-old burst on to the scene with former club Benfica before he left for La Liga, bagging 15 goals and seven assists in the Portuguese top flight over a head-turning 2018/2019 season (WhoScored).

Atletico soon snapped him up and Felix has now spent the past two years at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium under manager Diego Simeone.

Now, sharing news on the exciting young attacker, Eurosport journalist Dean Jones has explained that his future in Spain seems ‘uncertain’ amid City’s long-standing interest in the player.

It is also explained that Atletico want Sky Blues star Bernardo Silva who is now being heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium and is apparently keen to leave (Eurosport).

While City are generally not open to swap deals involving Bernardo, one involving Felix could be a different case.

The La Liga side’s interest in City’s star may present the opportunity for an exchange, and flocking in reply to City Xtra on Twitter, many Sky Blues had plenty to say on the matter.

Find all of their best verdicts down below.

Man City fans flock to Felix claim

“Might be the only good swap deal we can have if Bernardo really want to leave. Joao under Pep could be mental”

Credit: @mcenturions

“Hmmmm interesting”

Credit: @DiasCEO

“I beg, this is the only way I’ll be happy if Bernie goes”

Credit: @JoeRH7

“Let’s gooooo”

Credit: @Sbusiso_Nkambul

“Yes please”

Credit: @mcfcvm

“Please make it happen, if Bernardo forces his way out this is the best deal we can get. Joao Felix can play as a striker or Cam, he’s really good with the ball and creative. He can be our next De Bruyne.”

Credit: @Aguero10Sergio

“that’s a swap deal I want to see… joao cancelo bernardo silva out – joao felix saul niguez in”

Credit: @andreaskazakeo1

“Now we are talking……if Bernardo is to leave City then Felix in return from Madrid is not a bad deal in fact on the contrary it’s a good deal…. because we get a false 9 striker(Guardiola style) & then we can buy grealish as a Bernardo replacement.”

Credit: @param44

In other news: Man City overjoyed as club announce ‘big news’…find out more here.

West Ham United remain interested in Eddie Nketiah this summer…

What’s the word?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, the Arsenal striker is amongst David Moyes’ targets to bolster his frontline ahead of next season and it’s thought that the 22-year-old is available for a reasonable price due to his contractual situation.

Nketiah has entered the final 12 months of his current £45k-per-week deal at the Emirates Stadium, with him yet to sign the extension offered to him by the club.

It has also been claimed that the Gunners have put the England U21 international up “for sale” by Goal.com reporter Charles Watts.

“It doesn’t look like that contract will be signed, so now Arsenal are openly inviting offers for Eddie Nketiah, so it’s about finding the right club for him and getting a decent transfer fee. He’s in the last year of his contract so you wouldn’t expect they’re going to get absolute masses for him now, unfortunately.”

Moyes must swoop

It’s no secret that Moyes is desperate to bolster his attack as right now, he’s heading into a Europa League campaign with only one striker – an injury-prone Michail Antonio.

Even one new addition may not be enough as the Hammers will potentially be faced with over 50 matches across all competitions and seeing as the 31-year-old has never started more than 24 top-flight games in one season, it’s a cause for concern.

It remains to be seen how much Nketiah would command, with CIES Football Observatory currently valuing him at around £18m, he could be the sort of signing that elevates the Irons to the next level.

The 22-year-old became England U21’s record goalscorer in October and has experience of competing in Europe for the Gunners, with 15 of his 65 appearances coming in the Europa League.

It may not seem like much but it’s certainly a lot more than the bulk of Moyes’ current squad put together and that could prove key next term.

Nketiah is said to be like “another Jermain Defoe” by ex-Leeds frontman Noel Whelan, who compared the young Arsenal star to the one-time Hammers academy graduate to Football Insider.

“He’s very much that similar sort of player. He plays off the shoulder, very dangerous in the box. He’s a player you can’t take your eye off because his movement’s so good.”

After a phenomenal record at youth level, bagging a whopping 43 goals for Arsenal’s U23s and U18s, it’s time for Nketiah to be handed a proper opportunity in the senior game.

The 5 foot 11 goal machine could be the first of many signings to take West Ham to the next level this summer, Moyes must look to get this one over the line.

AND in other news, Moyes must urge West Ham swoop for “magical” £26m-rated prodigy excelling at Euro 2020…

Ryan Christie has been linked with a move to English FA Cup winners Leicester City, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Celtic face an exodus ahead of 2021/22

Moving into 2021/22, Celtic could lose multiple first team regulars as they look to mount a Premiership title bid to dethrone their Glasgow rivals at the first attempt.

Odsonne Edouard has been subject of a transfer wrangle this summer as the Foxes vie to secure his services amid further interest from West Ham United and Aston Villa in recent weeks.

However, there may be someone else leaving Parkhead to link up with former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers at the King Power Stadium following latest developments.

The Latest: Rodgers eyeing Christie reunion; Ligue 1 duo also keen

Leicester City are said to be interested in a swoop for Christie in this window as rumours surrounding his future intensify [Daily Mail].

Nice and Monaco are also rumoured to be keen on obtaining his signature, as his contract is due to expire mid-season next January [Daily Record].

The Scotland international’s unusual contractual circumstances make him an attractive option for prospective bidders. Reported to be available for just £1m, Celtic are looking to sell him on for any sort of fee rather than lose him for nothing in 2022 [Sunday Post].

The Verdict: Losing Christie for a knockdown fee would be bitterly disappointing

Losing the Inverness-born midfielder for such a small sum would undoubtedly come as a bitter blow to Celtic. Nice had an £8m offer knocked back for Christie in January, demonstrating a lack of awareness from the Parkhead hierarchy regarding his diminishing value.

In 2020/21, the 26-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign for the Celts, registering 22 goal contributions from 46 games with seven goals and 15 assists [Transfermarkt]. He also made the WhoScored? Scottish Premiership Team of the Season last term, averaging a score of 7.33/10 across the campaign [67 Hail Hail].

Whether he eventually reunites with his former boss Rodgers or tries his luck abroad in the sunnier climes of Ligue 1 in France, he would offer a substantial attacking threat, as illustrated by his returns from last season.

Once labelled as “absolutely brilliant” by former Hoops manager Neil Lennon [Daily Record], there is no reason why Christie cannot take his game to the next level if he moves on to pastures new.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with a Brazilian centre-back.