All posts by z3u9t.icu

When Steven Gerrard was handed the Rangers job back in 2018 there was one question that is bound to have popped up in the minds of supporters… how can he use his Liverpool connections to improve the side?

The answer to that question came fairly quickly as he landed Ryan Kent on loan from Anfield in his first transfer window in charge at Ibrox. Kent joined on a season-long loan and quickly caught the eye before earning a permanent deal with the Scottish giants the following summer.

Transfermarkt valued him at £1.58m at the time of the move, having scored six goals and provided six assists in 23 Premiership matches for the club on loan. This showed an immediate impact from Gerrard in terms of what he offered off the pitch with his notability within the game and links to Premier League side Liverpool allowing the Gers to strike gold on this occasion.

Kent has established himself as one of the best players in Scotland over the past few seasons since joining the club. He has been nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award in two separate campaigns, whilst also winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2019.

Former Gers attacker Kris Boyd previously heralded Kent as being phenomenal and praised the way he excites supporters with his style of play.

He said: “There’s Ryan Kent who is phenomenal – he gets you off your seat. His numbers have increased season after season. Even if the team are not at the level we saw at the start of the campaign, he is still a threat. He is so comfortable with the ball – it is like he has superglue in his boots!”

Last season, Kent averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.23 in the Premiership as Rangers won the title. He racked up an impressive ten goals and nine assists to help the Gers claim the crown ahead of Celtic, proving that he has the quality to be a difference-maker for the club.

This has led to the 24-year-old’s reputation and profile improving considerably since he joined the club permanently in 2019. At the time of writing (06/10/21), Kent is valued at £12.60m by Transfermarkt. This is a stunning 697% value increase in two years since the move became official.

Gerrard hit the jackpot with Kent and Rangers have benefitted from his quality on the pitch ever since. His exponential rise in value could also see the club benefit from a financial standpoint. If they ever decide to cash in on him, which could provide a huge boost to the coffers if a Premier League side, for example, comes in with a big-money offer.

Therefore, the signing of Kent was a masterstroke by Gerrard. Hopefully, he will continue to grow and improve as a player, with his market value following him on an upwards trajectory.

AND in other news, Davis 2.0: Rangers must swoop for £4.1k-p/w “exciting talent”, he won’t cost a penny…

A number of Manchester City fans want Raheem Sterling to depart the club after he was once again linked with a move to Barcelona.

The Citizens have enjoyed a generally positive start to the season. As it stands, they are third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Chelsea, who they beat 1-0 at Stamford Bridge last weekend (Sky Sports). On Sunday, they were involved in a thrilling 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield, taking four points from visits to the two teams ahead of them in the table.

One player who has not been involved as much as he would like this term is Sterling. The England international has started just two league matches (used more regularly. As per Mundo Deportivo (via AS), Barcelona have the money to sign Sterling in January and it is now down to Pep Guardiola and the 26-year-old to decide whether to entertain any prospective offers from Camp Nou.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to respond to the latest rumour, with many hoping that the club will cash in on the England winger, who according to WhoScored has been one of the champions’ least effective performers this season.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Sterling news

“sell him !!”

Credit: @achmadepp

“Please Pep sell him”

Credit: @mcfcjosh9320

“Yes, and use the money to buy Haaland”

Credit: @Centurions_21

“If they’ve got a spare £80-90m down the back of the sofa we should be making this deal happen. Has definitely reached a ceiling at City and is 3rd choice on both sides of the pitch now.”

Credit: @Stubamford86

“I mean its kinda perfect cos Sterling gets another chance to prove himself until January and just gets sold if he cant get better”

Credit: @mcfcdavid_27

“Would be a great move for all parties. Dream. Move for Sterling in a league he would thrive, we already have an abundance of players in his position. Additional funds for a world class ST, in January or the summer. Be sad to see him go if it materialised.”

Credit: @LMLee123

In other news, Man City fans have reacted to an update on this striker.

Many West Ham United fans have been airing their frustration on Twitter, after it emerged that the Hammers are in no hurry to submit a formal offer for CSKA Moscow attacker Nikola Vlasic’s services [Eurostavka via Inside Futbol].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the Croatian registered 18 goal contributions from 34 appearances in all competitions; 12 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Vlasic has been at the centre of rhetoric within West Ham United circles in recent weeks, after being identified as a reported target for David Moyes’ men [Eurostavka via Inside Futbol].

His agents are now allegedly applying pressure on to his current club, CSKA Moscow, to sanction his exit.

West Ham United are rumoured to be ready to pay a base value of €20m plus add-ons for his signature, however, are in no rush to formalise an offer.

In light of this news, lots of West Ham fans took to Twitter to protest what seems like yet another unsuccessful transfer saga.

West Ham fans react:

Replying to multiple outlets on Twitter, here is what some Irons fans had to say about the update:

““In no hurry” Other than the window closes Tuesday and it takes us about 20 years to complete a medical.”

Credit: @JoshuaHearne

“West ham are in no hurry lol”

Credit: @IanCulleyMorga2

 “No hurry only 100 hours left”

Credit: @WHUemployee””No rush” * 4 days left on the market *”Credit: @WestHargm”In no Hurry to Complete a Deal, Despite the Window About to Close FC”Credit: @WestHamRambles”why are we in no hurry there is 4 days left”Credit: @dajwhufcIn other news, West Ham United fans react to their Europa League draw. Find out more here.

Rangers have the chance to make it three wins in a row under Gio van Bronckhorst as they prepare for Premiership action on Wednesday night.

The Gers travel away to play Hibernian in the top-flight, shortly after their 3-1 defeat to them in semi-final of the League Cup prior to the Dutch manager’s official arrival at Ibrox.

They have beaten Sparta Prague and Livingston in his first two games in charge, with the latter coming in the form of a 3-1 win on Sunday.

Time to shine

One change van Bronckhorst could make to the starting XI is unleashing central midfielder John Lundstram, who is yet to make his first appearance for the Dutchman.

The summer signing from Sheffield United has not hit the ground running in Scotland and has been unable to secure a regular place in the side. However, the arrival of van Bronckhorst offers him a clean slate and a chance to show what he is truly capable of at this level.

Therefore, it could now be his time to shine for the Gers. He can use the frustration of his season so far to motivate him further to put in an excellent display against Hibernian and help the ex-Feyenoord coach to win his third game in succession.

Last year, former Blades manager Chris Wilder claimed that he is ‘exemplary’ with his attitude off the pitch. 

He told The Sheffield Star: “The way he has been in the changing room when he hasn’t played has been exemplary. And then he comes back in and plays like he has.

“I think that’s a fantastic example of how you should be as a professional footballer.”

This shows that the £6.3m-rated beast has the mentality required to come in from the cold and be ready to perform, as Wilder pointed to his professionalism.

He has shown signs of promise in the Premiership this season, with a 91% pass completion rate over the course of the campaign. The midfielder has also won 56% of his duels, showing that he has the strength to go along with his impressive passing.

However, his goal contributions from midfield could be unlocked by van Bronckhorst. He managed five goals and three assists in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign for Sheffield United, but only has one goal contribution in 11 league matches for Rangers.

By unleashing him against Hibernian and showing faith in his ability, the 46-year-old coach could give Lundstram the confidence to show off his full potential as a Rangers player. This is why he should be offered the opportunity to start in central midfield.

AND in other news, Gio could unearth Goldson 2.0 in “superb” Rangers teen who is “going to be massive”…

Leeds United are reportedly ready to make a move for Manchester City midfielder Yangel Herrera this summer, according to a report which emerged on Wednesday evening.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Herrera move

The 23-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan at Granada, with Pep Guardiola struggling to promise him playing time.

Herrera scored three times and registered one assist in La Liga last season, featuring in 32 of Granada’s 38 games in the competition.

Leeds have been linked with making a summer move for the 24-time capped Venezuela international and now a new report has emerged.

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The Latest: Fresh report emerges

According to El Gol Digital [via MOT Leeds News], Leeds are happy to pay £20.4million for Herrera’s services, seeing him as a strong midfield addition.

The report states that ‘everything indicates that he will be a Leeds player’, even though Atletico Madrid have shown an interest in signing him.

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The Verdict: Exciting big-money signing

Herrera could be a major coup for Leeds if they manage to get a deal over the line, especially as his admiration for Marcelo Bielsa is mentioned in the report.

The youngster has a huge amount of long-term potential, but he could be a key figure immediately at Elland Road, having averaged 1.8 tackles and 2.2 fouls per game in La Liga last season – he likes to get stuck in, also picking up seven yellow cards across the campaign.

Those figures suggest that he could do a similar job to Kalvin Phillips, in terms of thwarting the opposition, allowing him to dovetail effectively with the Leeds favourite and act as an able replacement when the talisman is injured or rotated.

In other news, a pundit has talked up the idea of Leeds signing one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

According to RMC Sport, West Ham United are in a strong position to sign Paris-Saint Germain shot stopper Alphonse Areola as talks continue between the two clubs.

The Lowdown: West Ham in keeper hunt…

David Moyes, as per recent reports, certainly has his sights set on strengthening between the sticks this summer.

West Ham have apparently lodged an £11 million bid to sign West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone (Football Insider) alongside the talks for Areola.

Reports of negotiations for the Frenchman emerged as far back as two weeks ago, with RMC now providing the latest.

The Latest: West Ham in strong position…

As per the French news outlet, West Ham are in fact still negotiating with PSG over the player but there’s also a bit of encouraging news.

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The Irons believe they are in a ‘strong position’ to sign him this summer and are taking their time over details as a result.

It is claimed an agreement ‘would probably work out for PSG’ and Areola could ‘return to the Premier League’ after spending last season on loan at Fulham.

The Verdict: Not a priority…

Given Lukasz Fabianski recently penned a new deal, keeping him at the London Stadium until the end of 2022, we believe snapping Areola up shouldn’t exactly be a priority for Moyes.

The deadline looms at the end of next month and West Ham are still arguably short of striking options, with Michail Antonio’s injury record certainly proving a concern.

That being said, if West Ham manage to tie up a deal for Areola soon, he could be a really shrewd acquisition as a ‘very aggressive’ keeper who commands his area well – as explained by Scott Parker last campaign (BT Sport).

In other news: ‘Beyond a joke’…West Ham fans fume in reply to official club post, find out more here.

Liverpool have been handed a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid have resigned themselves to missing out on the 22-year-old starlet and they now look set to focus on other targets.

Fans will be buzzing

Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Mbappe, with his contract situation now making an exit from the Parc des Princes seem far more realistic than it did in the past.

The France international is set to enter the final 12 months of his current deal, and although fresh terms are reportedly on the table, an agreement has yet to be reached between the player and the French giants.

PSG are thought to value their star asset at around £154 million, despite facing the prospect of losing him for free after next season’s conclusion.

Despite Lille dethroning the French giants, Mbappe still had a standout campaign for his hometown club, bagging 42 goals and providing 11 assists in 47 appearances for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.

His incredible performance in the Champions League last-16 against Barcelona, where he bagged a hat-trick at the Camp Nou, was a particular highlight and certainly impressed TalkSPORT 2 commentator David Connolly.

“He was absolutely sensational, he was brilliant. If you stand off him, he turns and runs at you, if you get too tight, he can roll you,” he said.

“You can see his confidence grew as the game went on because he was trying more flicks and tricks, and everything came off. His finishing ability was brilliant. He had the lot tonight, and he was almost unplayable.”

With the impact of the pandemic continuing to impact the club’s finances, Liverpool’s chances of getting Mbappe over the coming months may be slim, but in reality, they may also never have a better chance to bring in one of football’s top talents given the lack of competition and the fact that his contract is running down.

Liverpool should be making a major push for Mbappe, and whilst it won’t be easy to get a deal done, Director of Football Michael Edwards should be looking to work his magic in an attempt to get the French superstar through the Anfield doors.

He already one of the best players on the planet and he still has plenty of room to develop further. If he can continue that development at Anfield, he’s likely to help secure many titles and trophies for the Reds along the way.

Real Madrid are seemingly out of the running, which is more than helpful, but persuading PSG to sell and Mbappe to move to England, will still be massive tasks, but if anyone is up to that job, it’s master negotiator Edwards.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Thiago: Edwards must sanction LFC swoop for “technically gifted” gem 

Coming after star West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice turned down two new contract offers in the summer, it appears the club have been dealt another potential blow surrounding the player.

The Lowdown: Rice new deal saga…

Reliable outlets like The Evening Standard and The Guardian reported over the summer that Rice snubbed two fresh deal offers at the London Stadium and wished to be informed of any incoming bids.

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Thankfully for manager David Moyes and co, Rice also didn’t try to force any move away and swiftly returned to action with West Ham upon finishing England duty and his personal break.

A silver lining at the end of what was some concerning news then, it appears West Ham may now be dealt another potential Rice blow as a new report emerges.

The Latest: West Ham dealt another potential Rice blow…

As per 90min, the Hammers and Moyes could indeed face a fresh challenge in tying down their star man.

Rice, who started 32 Premier League games for West Ham last season, expects the 2021/2022 campaign to be his last in east London.

While the 22-year-old would be open to signing fresh terms on the condition of a release clause, West Ham’s own rule of not including them in contracts for any of their players means a new deal is ‘unlikely’.

Rice is currently focused on this season with the Irons but has no shortage of suitors, with Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all making their interest known according to this report.

The Verdict: Key player, big money…

Making the joint-most interceptions per 90 on average last season (1.8), the England international is well and truly a key player and West Ham’s unlikelihood of tying him down could come as a blow.

It will certainly be interesting to see if he does in fact move on at the end of this season, but if he keeps performing at such a high level, potential suitors will need to fork out big money.

A £100 million price tag on Rice has been mooted while manager Moyes believes he is worth even more than that, so while fans will of course want to keep their talisman, an offer at or over that price tag would surely be taken under consideration.

In other news: ‘Yayyy’, ‘Ooooo’, ‘Actually mental’…West Ham fans rave over ‘fantastic news’, find out more here.

Sunderland’s make-shift right-back Lynden Gooch endured a torrid afternoon on Saturday afternoon as Lee Johnson’s side failed in their bid to reach the play-off final.

After losing the first leg of their semi-final clash with Lincoln City 2-0, the Black Cats had a monumental job on their hands in the return fixture in order to secure a spot in the play-off final at Wembley.

Despite the task at hand, a blistering start by Johnson’s side appeared to get them back on track, as first-half goals from Ross Stewart and Charlie Wyke immediately wiped out the Imps’ advantage, with Sunderland appearing to have all the momentum heading into halftime.

However, this momentum didn’t last long, as Tom Hooper put Michael Appleton’s side back ahead on aggregate shortly after the restart, a blow which, ultimately, Sunderland failed to recover from – with the tie finishing 3-2 to Lincoln over the two legs.

Despite the loss, a number of Johnson’s men put in admirable performances in the fixture, with Aiden McGeady earning a SofaScore match rating of 9.0, while Wyke earned an 8.5 rating and Stewart a 7.8 rating.

Although, other players did not fare anywhere near as well, none more so than Sunderland’s make-shift right-back Lynden Gooch.

Having been one of the Black Cats’ worst players in the first leg, the 25-year-old once again let his side down on Saturday, albeit while playing in an unfamiliar position.

Over the course of his 89 minutes on the pitch, the £5k-per-week midfielder was extremely sloppy with the ball, completing just 24 of his 40 attempted passes, none of his three attempted crosses, and six of his 14 attempted long balls.

The USA international also lost possession of the ball an extraordinary 28 times in the match, a figure greater than any other player on the pitch, from either side, on the day.

From a defensive standpoint, Gooch also lost 10 of his 14 duels, was dribbled past once and committed three fouls.

Indeed, the Sunderland academy graduate’s SofaScore match rating of 5.8 ranked him as the club’s worst player in the fixture, and it could easily be argued that his performance played a huge part in Sunderland’s failure to reach the play-off final.

As such, Gooch now has a long summer ahead of him to reflect on his displays over the two legs against Lincoln City, with the midfielder very much appearing to have badly let his team and manager down. His manager trusted him to do a job, but Gooch betrayed that trust with a terrible display.

In other news: SAFC gain transfer boost over “fantastic” £8m machine that’ll surely have fans buzzing – opinion

Wolves want to extend midfielder Joao Moutinho’s contract at the club beyond its expiry date this summer, according to reliable journalist Liam Keen.

The Lowdown: Moutinho out of contract

The 35-year-old has been a fantastic servant for Wanderers since joining from Monaco in 2018, making a total of 170 appearances for the club.

Moutinho is out of contract at the end of the season, however, and there have been doubts over whether or not he would extend his stay at Molineux.

Now, a hugely promising update has emerged, in that respect.

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The Latest: Huge news emerges

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Keen confirmed that Wolves wants to extend Moutinho’s time at the club, with the Portuguese also happy to stay put in the Premier League:

“Lage confirms that Wolves want to keep Moutinho and that he also wants to stay. Talks ongoing.”

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The Verdict: Get that deal signed

This is a massive boost for Wolves, with Moutinho’s experience and class in the middle of the park still vital, despite his advancing years. He averaged a 95.8% pass completion rate in the Carabao Cup this season, which speaks volumes about his class in possession.

With Ruben Neves potentially leaving Wanderers in the summer, it is doubly important that his compatriot remains at Molineux – losing both at the same time would feel like a hammer blow.

Moutinho may have to accept that he won’t play every week moving forward, given his age, but the idea of him signing a new deal feels significant for Bruno Lage and everyone associated with Wolves.

In other news, one player has been tipped to start for Wolves next season. Find out who it is here.