All posts by n8rngtd.top

When Everton made a move to sign Andros Townsend on a free transfer this summer, supporters would have been concerned.

It was hardly an ambitious signing, nor was it really an acquisition that added much quality to the first-team picture.

Townsend had only scored twice in the last two Premier League campaigns as his form and performances started to dwindle.

However, he has defied critics in the most encapsulating of ways.

The winger has been nothing short of sublime since signing for the Merseyside outfit. His displays have captured the imagination and he is immediately a fan favourite.

The 30-year-old’s professionalism, work rate and desire have been first-class while his technical attributes have also shone through.

Townsend has found the net on four occasions and also added three assists to his collection in all competitions.

Although he wasn’t an eye-catching addition to the Finch Farm ranks, he has hit back at his doubters and proven that sometimes, signing experienced individuals is a good idea.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Rafa Benitez used the same tactic when it comes to the January transfer window.

Everton have been linked with another 30-year-old in Aaron Ramsey, and if they can prise the £12.6m-rated midfielder away from Juventus, Marcel Brands would create a similar sort of masterclass.

After all, Juve are willing to let him depart on a free transfer and at his age, he is now starting to tail off in terms of performance.

That said, Ramsey still very much has something to offer at the top level of the game. The central midfielder is an archetypal box to box player, tracking back with tireless work ethic and surging forward to score important goals.

Like Townsend, he has endured a few poor years in terms of consistency but Benitez has already proven he can revive players who are out of sorts.

Crucially, the Welshman already knows the Premier League inside out. He’s appeared in the top-flight of English football on 262 occasions, scoring 40 goals and claiming 51 assists.

With those numbers in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to hear Martin Keown describe him as an “outstanding technician.”

After James Rodriguez’s departure from Everton, they arguably lack someone with the ability to arrive late and pop up from midfield with goals.

Therefore, Ramsey would change the dynamic, while also replicating the type of move the Toffees sealed with Townsend a few months ago.

AND in other news, Everton may find their next James by signing £16.2m-rated gem who Rafa dubbed “great”…

An update has emerged on Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun, regarding Steven Gerrard’s thoughts on the defender.

What’s the talk?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Gers boss is be keen to keep Leon Balogun at the club beyond the end of the season.

The report states that Balogun is out of contract at the end of the campaign, but he has won over Gerrard’s trust and could be handed an extension.

Gerrard loves him

Ibrox chief Ross Wilson must make a key decision by offering Balogun a contract to remain at Ibrox beyond the end of the 2021/22 campaign. He must now allow the central defender to depart on a free transfer as he still has plenty to offer and could be a valuable player for Gerrard moving forward.

Whilst there is speculation circling around Gerrard’s own future at Rangers, he is still contracted to the club and we can only assume that he will be the head coach heading into next season as it stands. This is why signing Balogun to a new deal could be a shrewd move, as he is a player the ex-Liverpool man loves.

Earlier this year, Gerrard lauded the defender as he admitted that he wanted Balogun to sign a contract extension, which he later did. The manager said:

“Leon is someone we want to keep hold of. He knows that and he is performing so well.

“He signed a contract with an option of an extension and we want him to be here beyond this season.

“Leon knows he is wanted here. I think he’s enjoying it, he’s playing with a smile on his face.

This, along with the aforementioned report stating Gerrard’s trust in the £14k-per-week defender, shows that Balogun is loved by the manager and that is why he must be handed another extension by Wilson.

He has shown on the pitch this season that he still has quality to offer.

Balogun has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.20 in the Premiership and 7.25 in the Europa League, with Rangers keeping three clean sheets in his six league appearances.

This shows that he can still perform to a high standard for the Gers and Wilson must please Gerrard by getting the Nigerian international to put pen to paper.

AND in other news, Rangers may be set for big boost after Gers news, Gerrard will be elated…

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has been lauded for his ability to coach and improve players throughout his career in the game.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola called him the best coach ‘in the world’ and revealed the respect he has for the Leeds man.

His coaching has been clear for all to see at Elland Road, taking the club from being in the Championship to competing in the Premier League, and he has improved several players along the way. One player he has helped progress at Leeds is goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

The Frenchman joined the club on loan at the start of the 2019/20 Championship season as Bielsa looked to bring in a back-up to Kiko Casilla. He ended up playing ten matches in the division that year as the Whites claimed the second-tier crown, keeping seven clean sheets and conceding four goals in that time.

Leeds then signed him on a permanent deal from Lorient in the summer of 2020 and Transfermarkt valued him at £4.05m. Bielsa made Meslier his number one and put his faith in the youngster for the 2020/21 Premier League campaign and it paid off as kept 11 clean sheets in 35 outings as the club avoided relegation back down to the second-tier.

The 21-year-old’s form in the top-flight led to journalist Phil Hay lauding the Frenchman and claiming that he has ‘vast’ potential as a shot-stopper. He said on his podcast, via This is Futbol:

“It was ridiculous [a save from Maja] and he’s pulled off quite a few like that, which I think is the sort of thing that marks him out as massive goalkeeping talent.

“He’s so young that there are parts of his game which are going to have to improve, aerially particularly, I think that’s quite apparent to everybody, but he is only 21.

“That is a young age for a footballer, generally, but a very, very young age for a goalkeeper – the potential in him is vast.”

At the time of writing (04/10/21), Transfemarkt value Meslier at £18m. This is a whopping 344% increase in one year of football for Meslier. This shows how much progress he has made during his time in England and proves that Bielsa was right to ditch Casilla and go with him as his first-choice goalkeeper.

It has been a coaching masterclass from Bielsa, which is proven by Meslier’s exponential increase in value under his management. Hopefully, the Argentine coach will be able to continue improving the French youth international further as Leeds attempt to climb the Premier League table.

AND in other news, Worrying transfer claim emerges over £35k-p/w Leeds “rock”, fans must be scared…

Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Kalvin Phillips will sign a new contract with a release clause of £60m at Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Phillips in demand

After shining for Leeds in the Premier League and playing an important role in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final, Phillips has attracted plenty of interest.

Tottenham (via The Yorkshire Evening Post), Manchester City (Daily Mail) and Liverpool (The Liverpool Echo) in particular have been linked with his services, but he has so far remained at Elland Road.

The Latest: Agbonlahor makes Phillips claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor, 35, believes Phillips will sign a new deal but with a release clause. He said:

“Jack Grealish signed a contract at Aston Villa to help the club receive a fee. He put a fee in there, a release clause, to help the club.

“Maybe Kalvin Phillips will do that, sign a new contract so the club get a better fee for him.

“If he signs a new contract for four or five years and puts in a release clause of £60million, £50million then he knows Leeds are going to get a good amount of money.

“That’s why he’s probably looking at signing a new contract.”

The Verdict: Strong position

Phillips currently has a deal lasting until 2024 (Transfermarkt), so there is no rush to get him to sign a new deal. However, given the increased interest in his services, Phillips may be looking for new terms that he may feel he deserves, and an extension would put Leeds in a more comfortable position too.

A deal with a release clause would make their situation easier. While they will not want to lose the midfielder, with a release clause everything clear – Phillips would remain at the club unless another outfit matched that sum, whether it be the £60m Agbonlahor suggests or something even more impressive.

In other news, Noel Whelan is delighted by these Leeds plans.

Taking to Twitter, sharing an article he wrote for football.london, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold has namedropped Joe Rodon as a player who could now ‘potentially leave Tottenham’.

The Lowdown: Rodon struggles to break through…

Despite impressing when given the opportunity and becoming a mainstay for Wales on the international stage, Rodon hasn’t exactly been handed opportunities galore under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Signed from Swansea in the summer of 2020, the 23-year-old has been tipped as a real one for the future at Spurs but Gold believes he could be a candidate to ‘potentially leave’ in January due to his lack of game time.

The Latest: Gold makes claim…

Writing for football.london, the reliable reporter says Rodon could now be a candidate to leave mid-season and it is understood that he has grown ‘frustrated’ behind the scenes over his lack of opportunities.

An unfortunately-timed injury at the start of this campaign has only slowed down his progress as he aims to become a regular in the starting eleven.

A loan move away from the club, therefore, could be a solution for the starlet with the versatile Japhet Tanganga able to provide cover at centre-back during Rodon’s possible stint away.

The Verdict: Right move?

If Spurs can find a suitor to take him on loan, of which there should be plenty, we believe a temporary move away from north London could indeed be clever for the player’s development.

Lauded as a ‘special player’ by Welsh reporter Ian Mitchelmore, it is no secret that Rodon has shined on the international stage – with the only task now for Spurs being to nurture that form steadily at club level.

In other news: ‘Crazy’, ‘Get rid’…Sky Sports pundit erupts over dressing room leak involving senior Spurs players, find out more here.

Liverpool are among a number of top clubs interested in a move for USA striking sensation Ricardo Pepi, according to a report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Pepi shines in the states

The 18-year-old is arguably one of the most exciting young players in America, shining for FC Dallas and scoring three goals in just four caps for his country.

He has been hailed as ‘absolutely lethal’ by American soccer legend Landon Donovan and it appears as though he has a very bright future in the game.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The Latest: Liverpool linked with move for Pepi

According to The Mirror, Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Pepi, but they are not alone in showing an interest.

Manchester United are also mentioned in the report, with Brentford and Brighton considered potential suitors among Premier League clubs as well.

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting prospect

Pepi is admittedly still unproven in a top league but he could be an exciting signing by Liverpool given his long-term potential, especially with many of the Reds’ current attacking options either approaching or already beyond their 30th birthdays.

Aside from his quality, the teenager could also be a marketing dream for the Reds, further building their ever-growing fanbase in America.

Pepi has scored 13 goals in 27 MLS appearances this season and that level of ruthlessness could be a welcome addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

In other news, Liverpool reportedly ‘never opened talks’ with one player over a move to Anfield. Find out who it is here.

Keith Downie has revealed that talks between Newcastle United and Eddie Howe over the manager’s position are ‘close’ to completion on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The Lowdown: Changes on Tyneside

In what is a perfect example of how fast things move in football, The Athletic reported just a couple of days ago that Unai Emery was the ‘leading contender’ to take over at St. James’ Park, with Howe named as the ‘alternative’ to the former Arsenal boss.

The Spaniard has since rejected the chance to manage in the North East in favour of staying at Villarreal, meaning that Howe is now the favourite for the role.

Names like Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard have also been thrown about by some reporters, but it certainly seems like the former Bournemouth boss is the next man up.

The Latest: Howe deal nearly complete

Taking to his official Twitter page, Sky Sports journalist Downie shared reports coming in on Thursday evening that a deal is close.

“Eddie Howe is close to taking over at Newcastle,” he relayed on his personal Twitter account from Sky colleague Mark McAdam.

Downie confirmed there is a 2.5-year deal “agreement in principle” before revealing the four coaches Howe is demanding arrive with him: “Howe wants to bring his backroom team of Jason Tindall (assistant), Simon Weatherstone & Stephen Purchess (coaches) and Dan Hodges (sports science) with him to Newcastle. Graeme Jones set to remain at the club.”

The Verdict: Get it done ASAP

With the Magpies currently locked in a relegation battle, they need to bring in a new coach, and fast.

Howe has the experience of fighting down at the bottom of the Premier League table, and although he did bring AFC Bournemouth back down to the Championship after five straight campaigns in the top flight (Transfermarkt), the route he took to get them up to the division in the first place should not be sniffed at.

Known for playing attractive football as well, he should get the Toon Army up off of their seats and, given the minimal resources available on the South coast, fans should certainly be excited about what he may be able to produce with the new owners’ riches.

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Howe has been labelled as ‘fantastic’ by Graham Potter in the build-up to this weekend’s clash with Brighton, and fans surely cannot wait to finally put an end to the chaos in the dugout.

In other news, find out which ‘amazing’ manager has not been ruled out for the NUFC job here!

Everton have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Stoke City defender Harry Souttar as they prepare for Yerry Mina’s potential departure.

The Toffees were first linked with the highly-rated 23-year-old after it was revealed Duncan Ferguson had personally scouted the youngster ahead of a possible move.

And now, with Mina believed to be keen on a transfer to Serie A next summer and Inter amongst the clubs interested in his services, it appears Everton have already begun making plans to bring in his successor.

Spanish outlet Fichajes reported towards the end of last month that the Merseyside outfit are keeping a £20m sum aside as the January window approaches in order to convince Stoke to part ways with their prized asset as Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his defensive ranks.

Heir to Yerry Mina

Standing at a whopping 6 foot 7, Souttar certainly has the stature and physical prowess to replace the sizeable Mina in Everton’s backline.

But despite his imposing frame, the Australia international is also capable of carrying out the expectations placed upon a modern-day centre-back.

Potters boss Michael O’Neill has been quick to get this point across in the opening weeks of the campaign, praising Souttar’s ability on the ball in a post-match interview.

“I think Harry’s got a lot to offer,” he said. “The most pleasing thing for me is that Harry has made us better in terms of starting games from the back.

“People might just see 6ft 7in and think it’s all about the aerial side of the game but if anything it’s not like that for Harry. He’s a quality footballer, and I think he’s adapted to the Championship really well.”

After spending 2019/20 on loan at Fleetwood Town, Souttar has since established himself as a regular starter at the heart of Stoke’s defence over the last 18 months, and he’s currently enjoying a stellar campaign.

As per WhoScored, he’s averaged a whopping 5.8 clearances per league game this term – the highest total amongst his teammates – and also managed 1.9 tackles and 1.9 interceptions – the fourth-highest tallies compared to his colleagues.

Whether he’s able to make the step up to the Premier League remains to be seen, but the Everton supporters would surely love to see another promising young talent take to the Goodison Park pitch, especially if he possesses similar qualities to Mina.

And, in other news…Everton could replace James with “dynamic” £25.2m-rated “playmaker” who fans will love 

Steven Gerrard will formally begin his new job as Aston Villa manager on Monday.

That’s according to reliable reporter Ashley Preece, who also shared news on the backroom staff that Gerrard will bring with him to the Midlands.

The 41-year-old is set to be joined by assistant Gary McAllister, first-team coach Michael Beale, head of fitness Jordan Milshom, set-piece coach Tom Culshaw and first-team performance analyst Scott Mason.

He is also set to keep hold of Villa goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, and a number of the club’s supporters have been reacting to that specific piece of news on social media.

The 45-year-old made the move to Villa back in 2018 from West Brom and has worked with numerous shot-stoppers at Bodymoor Heath. The latest is Emiliano Martinez, with the Argentine keeping 18 clean sheets in 48 appearances for the club.

Cutler looks set to work under Gerrard, with Rangers’ goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart definitely staying at Ibrox.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful shared the news about Cutler on Twitter on Thursday. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with many excited at the update.

“The news all Villa fans wanted to see”

Credit: @MalachiObrey

“Get in @Bigcuts”

Credit: @AverageBaz

“Best news of the day saved for last”

Credit: @UpTheDeano

“This is fantastic news”

Credit: @AvfcU

“Yesssss! The only one remaining who deserved to stay”

Credit: @andrewstone85

“YYYYYEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS”

Credit: @maxavfclove

In other news: Villa could now swoop for Rangers beast who Gerrard called a ‘Rolls Royce’

Sunderland play host to Ipswich Town on Saturday at the Stadium of Light as they attempt to end a run of three straight defeats in League One.

It was recently reported that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is unhappy with the club’s management at this current juncture and the pressure is mounting on Lee Johnson to turn things around in the coming matches.

Their last performance did little to help matters as they lost on penalties to Bradford after a 1-1 draw in normal time in the EFL Trophy. They were also dumped out of the FA Cup at home to Mansfield for the second season in a row at the start of the month.

How many changes will Johnson make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make seven alterations to the side from the Bradford game, with Carl Winchester, Dennis Cirkin, Tom Flanagan, Callum Doyle, Aiden McGeady, Dan Neil and Ross Stewart all coming in.

Hoffmann could keep his place between the sticks, but we are predicting an entirely new back four to the one which faced Bradford. Flanagan and Doyle missed out due to international duty, with the pair now available to return, whilst Winchester and Cirkin could come in for Lynden Gooch and Kenton Richardson.

We recently published an article explaining why Gooch has let Johnson down this season and that is part of the reason why he should be axed from the side, along with him playing out of position at left-back. Meanwhile, Richardson did not do enough against Bradford to warrant another start, as he lost possession a whopping 27 times that night.

In midfield, Dan Neil could come in for Harrison Sohna. The youngster received a SofaScore rating of 6.6 as he won two of his four duels in the match against the Bantams, whilst Neil has averaged a rating of 6.86 in League One this season and chipped in with one goal and five assists.

Finally, Stewart and McGeady could replace Leon Dajaku and Elliot Embleton, with Nathan Broadhead being moved into a wide right position following his goal against Bradford.

Stewart has 10 goals in 15 League One matches this season and has shown that he has the ability to be a match-winner for the Black Cats, which is why he could be relied upon from the start at centre-forward. McGeady has two goals and four assists in 12 league appearances and has averaged a superb rating of 7.11, making a strong argument for his place in the team today.

AND in other news, Possession lost 135x: Sunderland lightweight with zero goals has let Johnson down badly…