All posts by n8rngtd.top

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston is out injured again, according to reliable reporter Alison Conroy.

The Lowdown: Johnston’s injury woes

The 22-year-old has struggled with various injuries in recent years at Parkhead, missing over 50 games for the club due to a number of problems.

He is yet to start in a competitive match under Ange Postecoglou after suffering an injury in the Hoops’ pre-season training camp in Wales.

It seemed as if he was on the right track in regards to his return, however, he didn’t feature for Celtic in their 3-0 win over Raith Rovers on Thursday.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-14/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Conroy’s tweet

Conroy took to Twitter following Celtic’s quarter-final victory to share two injury updates on Johnston and Giorgos Giakoumakis.

The summer signing injured himself in the warm up, whereas Johnston suffered a fresh knock in training.

“Ange Postecoglou says Giakoumakis will have a scan after injuring his calf in Celtic’s warm up tonight. Mikey Johnston out again after picking up an injury in training. Outside chance of Callum McGregor being back for next Thursday’s Europa League tie.”

The Verdict: Troubling

Johnston made just two league starts last season and is yet to turn out during the current campaign, so his injury history may start to become a bit of a concern for Celtic chiefs.

It could have been his chance to feature heavily with Kyogo Furuhashi sidelined, but he’s failed to take that chance with issues of his own.

The attacker still has just under four years remaining on his Parkhead deal, but should his absence continue, the Hoops may decide to take drastic action in regards to his Celtic Park future.

In other news: ‘Hopefully’ – Kieran Devlin shares ‘important’ area Celtic may add to next after McElhone. 

Rangers suffered their second successive defeat of the Europa League group stage as they went down 1-0 to Sparta Prague on Thursday night.

Steven Gerrard’s side went behind to David Hancko’s first half header and Glen Kamara was harshly sent off for a second bookable offence after the break.

While the Finland international’s dismissal certainly didn’t help the Gers in their quest to find a potential equaliser, James Tavernier’s performance at the back was nowhere near the standard that Gerrard needed in a tough European game away from home.

The club captain was his usual adventurous self going forward, but that lack of discipline in knowing when to stay and when to advance saw the Gers full-back get caught out time and time again on his flank.

As per Sofascore, he lost possession 36 times over the course of the game, which was by far the highest of any player on the pitch, while his crossing radar was woefully off the mark too – none of his seven attempts found their intended target.

Tavernier was also dribbled past three times, the most out of any of his Rangers teammates, while he made only one tackle as his lack of defensive responsibility came back to haunt him.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for the Glasgow Times, Ewan Patton gave him a six, saying: “Looked good going forward as per, but, particularly in the second half, was caught out of position defensively. This allowed Sparta’s attackers in behind on too many occasions. But for good goalkeeping and poor finishing – including a sitter from Pesek, Sparta could’ve won by more.”

Those sentiments were echoed by the Daily Record’s Andrew Newport, who also gave him a six, adding: “Got forward plenty in the early stages but found himself pinned down in the second half as his centre-backs wobbled.”

While the big talking point after the game might be Kamara’s controversial sending-off, Tavernier let his manager down with a really poor display.

Meanwhile, Rangers could find another Kamara in this star…

Reliable Arsenal reporter Charles Watts shared a post on midfielder Matteo Guendouzi on Tuesday lunchtime.

And a number of Gunners fans have been interacting with the news that the 22-year-old could make his France debut this week.

Guendouzi sealed a move to Marseille during the recent transfer window, joining on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy next summer.

That means the midfielder is still technically a Gunners player until the end of the campaign. Guendouzi has been a regular for Marseille in a number of different positions, captaining the Ligue 1 side prior to the international break.

He’s now away with France ahead of a UEFA Nations League semi-final against Belgium on Thursday evening.

Arsenal fans react

Watts quoted a tweet from Guendouzi, claiming he could make his senior debut for his country this week.

This is what these Arsenal supporters had to say in reply, with one believing it is ‘criminal’ the midfielder didn’t remain in north London.

“Wow finally some positive Guendouzi news from Charles”

Credit: @hawt_red

“His what? Hmm”

Credit: @Matteo_Olie

“Cue meltdown in 3…2…1….”

Credit: @therealemjaypea

“Criminal that he isn’t at Arsenal”

Credit: @John3attersby

“Guendouzi is far better than Elneny. And right now he is obviously better than Lokonga. So we gave away a player for almost nothing just because Arteta’s ego can’t stand him. In 2-3 years time Marseille will sell Guendouzi for 50-60mil”

Credit: @luisbunuel3

“Arsenal is cursed I swear as soon as players leave us they’ll get the best for their career”

Credit: @FiliusIllyrico

In other news: ‘What’s wrong with this club?’ – Many Arsenal fans erupt at Ornstein news.

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly eyeing up a move to sign Dejan Kulusevski, who may leave in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: High praise

Kulusevski received high praise from none other than his former teammate and world superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for his performances last season, as the now Manchester United striker described him as an ‘excellent’ player who is a ‘great talent’ with ‘great potential’ (90min).

The Sweden international managed to score seven goals and make a further seven assists in 47 games in total over all competitions last term with Juventus (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: January move?

As per Calciomercato, Kulusevski is ‘very popular’ at Spurs, and Juve are considering selling him in January in order to fund a move for another Lilywhites target in Dusan Vlahovic.

Of course, that means any move from north London to sign the Swedish starlet would be as an alternative to Vlahovic, with whom they have been heavily linked.

There are a number of clubs in Italy also looking at Kulusevski’s signature, and the winger’s priority is to play for a team in the UEFA Champions League.

The Verdict: Sign

If the Lilywhites can fend off the competition, then they must look to do a deal for Kulusevski.

He has already shown that he can perform at the highest level for the Old Lady, and at just 21 years of age, still has so much potential – you don’t play 47 games in a season in Turin if you aren’t ready to compete at the highest level.

Nonetheless, it is pretty rare that a player of his quality becomes available in January, and so THFC should sign him to help push Nuno Espirito Santo’s side up the table in the Premier League.

In other news, find out which £51m-rated colossus Tottenham are eyeing here!

Tottenham Hotspur aim to beat their Premier League rivals to the signing of a promising EFL talent, according to reports this week…

What’s the word?

Football Insider claim that Spurs are keeping tabs on Stoke City centre-back Harry Souttar ahead of the January transfer window, but they are merely one of many top-flight teams eyeing up a move.

It’s thought that the Lilywhites’ recruitment team have sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old defender on several occasions this season.

Aston Villa are one of the teams also mentioned with interest and the Potters are bracing themselves for bids in the coming months.

It remains to be seen how much the five-cap Australian international would cost, especially having signed a new long-term contract extension earlier in the year. Transfermarkt value him at just £3.6m, whilst ex-Stoke man Mike Pejic believes he’s worth more than £20m.

Rodon 2.0

Spurs are no strangers to signing players from the lower divisions, with Dele Alli perhaps being the biggest success story, Ryan Sessegnon and Jack Clarke less so.

However, this potential swoop has all the hallmarks to be a similar one to that of Joe Rodon, who signed for £15m from Swansea City a year ago – almost to the day.

Whilst he is yet to properly break through in the first team, the Welsh international is a very promising talent and one who could play a major part in the club’s future for years to come.

It’s Jose Mourinho who deserves the credit for that, having taken a wild punt on Rodon last year.

Tottenham’s sporting director Fabio Paratici could look to repeat this trick with Souttar, who has been touted for big things by those around him throughout his short career to date.

During a loan spell at Fleetwood Town, his former manager Joey Barton lauded him as “outstanding”, whilst Potters boss Martin O’Neill once described him as a “player blessed with great natural attributes” with “good game intelligence”, via The Stoke Sentinel.

Furthermore, he has also been dubbed a “Rolls-Royce of a defender” by the club’s legendary defender Ryan Shawcross, earning comparisons to the likes of Harry Maguire and Virgil van Dijk.

Rodon, who excelled at Swansea before joining Spurs, was likened to both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, so Souttar would certainly add another interesting element to the future of Tottenham’s backline, especially when considering the pair have been praised ever so highly.

Standing at 6 foot 5, the Stoke man is a colossal aerial presence and he has won an average of 4.6 headers per game in the Championship this term, on top of 2.1 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per match, via WhoScored, which backs up O’Neill’s claims over his football intelligence.

All in all, a move for Souttar would be quite a shrewd one, though Nuno would need to find space for him in the squad.

Paratici must look to repeat Mourinho’s masterstroke with Rodon with a swoop for the Potters giant this January.

AND in other news, 87 touches, 89% duels won: “Phenomenal” Spurs beast has now handed Nuno a huge dilemma…

A number of Liverpool supporters have bemoaned Paul Joyce’s update confirming that Thiago will miss the Premier League clash with Manchester United.

The Reds face one of their most important games of the season on Sunday afternoon, with United awaiting at Old Trafford.

It has been an ideal return for Liverpool since the international break, with Watford thumped at Vicarage Road and Atletico Madrid also beaten away in the Champions League.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

Victory at United this weekend would feel like another major signal of intent, but one player who won’t be available is Thiago, as confirmed by Joyce on Twitter on Friday.

The Spaniard is still missing with a calf injury and Jurgen Klopp has admitted he may not return until after next month’s internationals.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-8/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans bemoan Thiago latest

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the news, with negativity the order of the day.

“Pain”

Credit: @LF_1906

“Thiago takes waaaayy too long to recover from injuries”

Credit: @LastTeetotaler

“Losing patience”

Credit: @CAPETBY

“Our injuries always seem to last longer than average”

Credit: @OwenPainting15

“Paul please”

Credit: @MQUTins

“BOOOOO”

Credit: @azkalibugan

In other news, some Liverpool fans love footage that has emerged of one player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United are unlikely to change their stance on Harry Winks after turning down a move for the midfielder this summer, according to the reliable Phil Hay for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Leeds turn down Winks move

The Whites completed a few pieces of transfer business in the summer but one player they didn’t sign was Winks, who remained at Tottenham instead.

It is believed that Leeds had the opportunity to snap up the 25-year-old but opted against the idea, with Marcelo Bielsa seemingly not seeing him as the right fit.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Hay provides update

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after Leeds’ 1-1 draw at home to Wolves on Saturday, Hay gave an update on the situation, admitting that he doesn’t see the club changing their stance on Winks.

In response to a supporter’s query as to whether the Whites could be interested in a January move for the midfielder, the journalist replied: “He was offered to Leeds in the summer, I was told, but Leeds didn’t want him. I’d be surprised if that’s changed.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-21/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Not worth it

Winks is a capable midfielder but he has flattered to deceive for Spurs for a while now, appearing in the Premier League for just 61 minutes so far this season and failing to convince with his performances.

Given the fact that he is English, his transfer fee could also be bloated, and Leeds should be looking at superior players in the middle of the park, even if former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino once claimed that Winks was a ‘perfect’ midfielder.

If he were to come in as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips, for example, it would feel like a huge step down in quality – Winks averaged a 6.37 match rating in last season’s Premier League from WhoScored, compared to 6.51 for the Leeds maestro, whose rating has risen to a massive 7.93 this term.

In other news, three players disappointed in Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Wolves. Find out who they are here.

Pundit Alan Hutton has been giving his thoughts on Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic and the hamstring injury that will keep him out until after the international break, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Rogic’s influence

Rogic has been a regular for the Hoops this season, missing only his first game of the season on the weekend against Livingston.

He’s netted once and registered four assists, while also leading the way for Celtic in regards to possession won in the final third and successful dribbles per match [Fotmob], showing exactly how crucial he is for implementing the style of play that Ange Postecoglou wants.

However, the Hoops won’t be able to call upon his services against Ferencvaros or Dundee prior to the international break.

The Latest: Ange and Hutton’s comments

Rogic went off injured against Hibernian towards the end of October, with Postecoglou revealing last week that the 28-year-old will be out for two to three weeks.

Hutton, who regularly features on BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider in a story on Wednesday morning, labelling it as ‘very disappointing’.

“Postecoglou will be gutted.

“When he came in, I thought he could get the best out of Rogic. I always thought he was a fantastic player who then went off the boil a little.

“His performances over the past few weeks have been of a high level. I thought Celtic were excellent against Hibs, which was a tough game. Rogic was a big part of that.

“Obviously to lose him is very disappointing because it was hitting those heights he was at a few seasons ago. He was a constant thorn in Rangers’ side every time he played them.

“He was getting back to that. So he’ll be hoping that he’s not out for too long because he’ll be a huge miss and they’ll need him.”

The Verdict: Ange must find a way…

The Hoops only managed to create three big chances at home to Livingston last time out, with a measly 0.26 xG in the first 45 minutes. [Fotmob]

Nir Bitton was the man to come in for Rogic, so Postecoglou may need to test a new approach in midfield against Ferencvaros or Dundee prior to the international break.

Rogic, Callum McGregor and David Turnbull have been the three midfielders Postecoglou has relied heavily on from the off this season, but he won’t be able to call upon his fellow Aussie, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Hoops cope over the coming weeks. Bitton is much more defensive-minded, managing just half of the key passes per game that Rogic does.

Postecoglou admitted that winger Jota could occupy a central role as a number eight, as mentioned by Kieran Devlin, so perhaps that could be an option for more attacking impetus.

In other news: £6.8m: McKay missed out on ‘extraordinary’ ace who’s ‘like Busquets’ before he left Celtic. 

According to SportBILD, as shared by Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur made a recent enquiry to appoint PSV Eindhoven manager Roger Schmidt.

The Lowdown: Spurs bring in Conte…

After originally sacking Jose Mourinho at the end of last season, Tottenham’s managerial search lasted two whole months before they elected to hire Nuno Espirito Santo as the Portuguese’ direct heir.

Not fairing any better, the former Wolves boss’ reign lasted just four months before he too was shown the N17 exit door – coming after he attracted criticism for his style of football and lack of intensity.

Over what has been a torrid few months for Spurs as they try to get back fighting among the Premier League’s biggest sides, they have now managed to appoint serial winner Antonio Conte in what is a very exciting move by the club.

However, as reported by SportBILD (via Sport Witness), Tottenham also made a recent enquiry for another title-winner.

The Latest: Spurs made recent Schmidt enquiry…

Indeed, as per the German news source, Tottenham and Everton both made approaches for the PSV boss who is apparently a man in demand – especially given the fact his contract is up at the end of this season.

An Austrian league title-winning coach with RB Salzburg, there is no mention on how recently the Lilywhites lodged an enquiry, but is claimed they were interested as Schmidt eyes a possible move to England or Spain.

The Verdict: Interesting claim…

The 54-year-old wasn’t a bad candidate taking into account his solid points per game tally of 1.84 and the fact Pep Guardiola is an admirer.

During his time at Bayern Munich, the Man City boss heaped praise on Schmidt and admitted that he is a ‘big fan’ of both him and his playing style at former club Bayer Leverkusen (ESPN).

However, Spurs eventually managed to secure the right man for their tough job in Conte, who has a glittering CV and spotless record almost everywhere he goes.

The Italian was certainly worth the wait and Lilywhites supporters may well be glad they didn’t go any further with Schmidt as a result.

In other news: ‘Close agreement’…Journalist drops exciting Tottenham transfer claim on Twitter, find out more here.

A number of Manchester City supporters absolutely loved Kevin De Bruyne’s comments which seemed to mock Manchester United’s quality.

Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed a superb derby win last weekend, cruising to a 2-0 victory away to their bitter rivals at Old Trafford.

The gulf in quality between the two sides was enormous for much of the game, and in truth, City could easily have won by more if they had wanted to.

It was the latest proof of how superior City are to United currently, and some fresh comments from De Bruyne suggested that Guardiola thinks very little of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Speaking to the MIDMID Podcast [via City Xtra on Twitter], the Belgian admitted that City trained for just 10 minutes in the lead-up to the game – far less than they normally to do in preparation to face an opponent. He said:

“The day before a game we usually train tactically, based on how the opponent plays. But before United, Pep said: ‘We don’t know how they are going to play. We shall see’. And we stopped training after 10 minutes or so.
“Often Pep knows how the opponent is going to play. This time he didn’t know, so he didn’t know what to do.”

Man City fans react to De Bruyne comments

These City fans took to Twitter to show their love for De Bruyne’s comments, with one supporter lapping up the “disrespect” shown to United.

“Hahahahaha 10 minutes though. Manchester City I love you more and more by the day”

Credit: @CorrinneStanley

“My club”

Credit: @Dido_Mcfc

“Demolished them piece by piece after 10 minutes tactical training”

Credit: @fodenscity

“The disrespect”

Credit: @Mtamandeni_

“The pride of Manchester”

Credit: @thegoat10

“Mad, this is how United train every week”

Credit: @LordAtrexia

In other news, some Man City fans have erupted over an update on one player. Find out who it is here.