All posts by n8rngtd.top

According to reports, Leeds United are interested in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been heavily reliant on Patrick Bamford to fire in the goals this season in the Premier League, and to the 27-year-old’s credit, he’s stepped up to the plate with 13 strikes in the competition.

Now, TEAMtalk claim that the Whites are one of three Premier League sides keen on signing Toney, with Brentford ready to put on a £30m price tag on him this summer.

The report adds that the Bees are hoping to hand the striker a new contract ahead of their own potential Premier League promotion, but they are already being faced with interest in their main man.

The new Mark Viduka

With his 6 foot 2 frame, Toney has got all the physical characteristics to become Leeds’ next Mark Viduka. But, just like the former Whites striker, he’s more than just a massive presence up top as he’s developed into a fine all-round striker.

Speaking earlier last year, Peterborough’s director of football, Barry Fry, said: “He’s turned into a tremendous all-round footballer. It’s important to remember Ivan is not just an exceptional goal-scoring forward, he’s also an outstanding defender.”

Toney himself has the confidence that he could be a top-flight striker, saying back in November: “I’ve always liked Zlatan. I just love his confidence. Some people see it as arrogance but you must be like that to succeed. I’m similar to Zlatan in both my confidence and the way I play. When he wants to do something, he just does it. I have some of that in my game and personality. And I believe I’ll be a Premier League striker.”

That unique blend of natural physical ability, technical quality, and just downright confidence is eerily similar to Viduka. In a piece for Leeds Live, Jon Howe wrote about the Australian: “Combining an arrogant superiority and sublime beauty with questionable attitude and a disgraced finale, Viduka’s Elland Road career succinctly mirrored the four year period where it felt Leeds United had it all but somehow ended up in the gutter.

“He was an ominous physical specimen, an old-fashioned centre forward in many respects, but mixed a formidable presence with a delicate technique that made him the purest example of a ‘good touch for a big fella’ player you are ever likely to see.”

The 25-goal Toney has got a lot of good things going for him in terms of a positive Viduka comparison, and that’s something Victor Orta should be all over in the summer.

Having proved himself in the Championship by leading the line with aplomb for Brentford this season, Toney seems exactly like the kind of all-round striker that would fit in perfectly with Bielsa. A goal-scorer, a defender from the front, and a real live-wire. What more could Leeds want?

Meanwhile, this Leeds man let Bielsa down against West Ham…

It would be fair to say that since his summer move to Liverpool, Thiago Alcantara has received plenty of criticism.

Particularly in the Premier League, the Spaniard has seemingly struggled to get up to speed with the English game and the demands of the reigning champions.

However, that couldn’t have been further from the truth against RB Leipzig in Budapest on Wednesday evening.

As Liverpool secured their place in the competition’s quarter-finals with a 4-0 aggregate success, 29-year-old Thiago quietly turned in an extremely impressive showing.

Partnered with Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum in the centre of the park, the £43.2m-rated former Bayern Munich man was instrumental in limiting the German side throughout the clash.

According to WhoScored, he contributed six tackles, which was more than any other player on the pitch. He also managed one interception and two clearances.

These defensive contributions were key as they helped silence RB Leipzig’s supremely talented midfield trio of Marcel Sabitzer, Kevin Kampl and Dani Olmo.

Thiago wasn’t quite finished there though as he also got involved in the attacking side of the game too, having one shot on target, making one key pass and also completing a dribble.

He was also extremely reliable on the ball, having only been dispossessed once throughout the 90 minutes, an extremely impressive count considering that he was firmly involved in the battle arena of midfield.

Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp was also supremely impressed with Thiago’s showing throughout the game, labelling criticism directed the Spaniard’s way in the first-half of the campaign as “rubbish” as a result.

Considering his somewhat slow start to life at Anfield, Thiago’s display against Leipzig was the type of all-action performance that Liverpool, and the player himself, needed to justify his place in the side.

Klopp has continued to keep faith in Thiago and last night, the Spaniard repaid that faith. If he can replicate that in the league, he will be well on the way to banishing his critics for good.

AND in more news, the Reds must make a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Donyell Malen…

Fans of Glasgow Rangers have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Gers confirmed which of their players have been called up to the Scotland international squad.

According to a post by the Scottish National Team Twitter account, both Jon McLaughlin and Ryan Jack made the cut for Steve Clarke’s squad to face Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands for Scotland’s upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Subsequently, the Rangers Twitter account quote-tweeted this post, adding a message of congratulations to their selected players.

However, in reaction to the news, fans of Rangers flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing baffled by Clarke’s omission of 19-year-old Gers right-back, Nathan Patterson, who has highly impressed over his seven appearances in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League this season, averaging a Sofascore match rating of 6.95 domestically and 7.00 in European competition. One supporter called his omission “hysterical”.

Meanwhile, other Gers fans claimed they would not be watching the national team in action, as they typically find it a painful experience.

So, what exactly did these Rangers fans have to say in reaction to the announcement?

“Greg Taylor? In a squad that already has Tierney and Robertson? But no place for a right-back playing at a higher level than Taylor, when the squad is crying out for someone who naturally plays right back?! Hysterical.”

@SbudRanger

“Have a word with them for not picking Nathan Patterson.”

@kyleRC_

“Brilliant for Ryan and Jon. On a personal note, I certainly won’t be watching – Scotland are a painful watch.”

@BRENZO12345

“Embarrassed by the selection. The fact Taylor is picked over Patterson when we already have to world-class left-backs Man facepalming and need a good and decent right-back would have dropped a striker (McBurnie) for Gilmour as well.”

@bigsadie84

“It’s a joke to me that Patterson isn’t in there!”

@youboyinblue

“No Patterson or Turnbull?? Bit strange.”

@Cocoajaff

“Shame about Patterson.”

@Robert88md

“Nae McGregor or Patterson?”

@ColinKeicher

In other news: many Rangers fans have slammed this Union Bears statement – find out more here!

Plenty of Aston Villa fans have been giving their thoughts to Dean Smith’s reaction to Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham on social media.

Villa, who were once again without captain Jack Grealish, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Jose Mourinho’s men at Villa Park.

Worrying Villa form without Grealish

Goals from Carlos Vinicius and a Harry Kane penalty proved to be the difference, with the result leaving Smith’s side in 10th place.

In the games for which Grealish has been out injured, Villa have picked up just five points from a possible 18, scoring three times – leaving them in 14th place in the form table.

Villa fans react

The club shared Smith’s post-match thoughts late on Sunday night on their official Twitter page. He addressed his views on the performance, as well as Grealish’s absence in the clip, which has been viewed more than 24,000 times.

The manager insisted that there were some “good bits” from his team and was pleased with their play up to the final third. He added that players “have to look in the mirror” at spurned opportunities and goals conceded, and that he and the coaching team are “always taking lessons” from poor results.

This is what these supporters had to say to the footage, with some not happy with the comments from the Villa boss.

“Broken record…”

Credit: @terryreid2

“Get him out of my club. Poison”

Credit: @villaiiin7

“Sounds defeated to me”

Credit: @SmithLovelace

“Do something different Deano, the fans know your subs before you make them. Surely the opposition are too”

Credit: @liam_avfc2012

“Lampard in before it’s too late”

Credit: @UTVGAVIN1874

“I don’t have to listen to it to know what he said and know I will be bored by what he said. It’s been the same for weeks now.”

Credit: @Bosey82

In other news: Villa handed possible Grealish transfer boost as club eye £50m alternative, find out more here. 

Some Liverpool fans have been reacting positively to rumours linking the Reds with a move for striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer.

Jurgen Klopp may be eyeing up reinforcements ahead of next season, following a campaign to forget so far in 2020/21, and a new name has now emerged.

It is imperative that the Liverpool manager doesn’t allow things to grow stagnant within his squad, bringing in fresh faces and creating a healthy competition for places.

The attack is an area of the pitch Klopp may well look to make an addition to, especially with Roberto Firmino’s struggles well-documented recently.

The Brazilian has been well short of his best for an extended period now and his place in the team is under genuine threat, especially with Diogo Jota now back from injury.

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are interested in signing Fiorentina marksman Vlahovic, with Manchester United also believed to be tracking his progress.

The 21-year-old Serbian has scored 12 goals in 24 starts in Serie A this season and looks like a player with huge potential in the coming years.

Liverpool fans excited by Vlahovic rumour

These Liverpool supporters provided their thoughts on a possible move for Vlahovic on Twitter.

“Watched him three times now and he’s got something about him, Lewandowski like”

Credit: @Anthony29624583

“Gotta be worth a gamble!”

Credit: @9597H

“Would be a player perfect for Klopp”

Credit: @karthik_the_red

“Nice to hear we are targeting players who can actually benefit from the service from our full backs”

Credit: @Chapperz_7

“He’s brilliant”

Credit: @BCarauleanu

“Good to hear”

Credit: @atohenry50

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacting to a potential shock transfer at Anfield this summer. Find out the player in question here.

Some Liverpool fans have been reacting negatively to Mohamed Salah’s comments about his relationship with Jurgen Klopp, fearing that he may leave the club.

The Egyptian has been one of the star players during this wonderful period at Anfield, scoring 119 goals in 192 appearances for the club.

In a season which has seen numerous players struggle, Salah has stood out for Liverpool, not only leading their scoring charts but also topping the pile in the Premier League alongside Harry Kane currently.

There appear to be constant question marks surrounding the 28-year-old’s long-term future at Anfield, however, and in an interview with AS back in December, he flirted with a move to Spain.

Fresh comments have now emerged from Salah, in which he discusses his relationship with Klopp, telling Marca:

“It’s a normal relationship between two professionals. That’s how I’d describe it.”

It isn’t exactly the warmest set of comments from Salah, perhaps suggesting he isn’t as close to the Liverpool manager as some of his teammates.

Liverpool fans react to Salah comments

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the matter, with many concerned about what the future could hold.

“I feel Salah is gonna leave anytime soon, wherever he goes, I wish him all the best”

Credit: @oluwadhamendra1

“Yikes”

Credit: @Haashimlfc

“Wow…such love eh. I know which one I’d rather have at my club. Bye bye Mo”

Credit: @moustache_and

“Not exactly the great affection your hear from other players, is it? Wonder if one day we’ll find out that they were never that close. It happens, like Gerrard/Rafa, Fowler/Houllier”

Credit: @HenryJackson87

“Don’t care. Let him leave, we need the cash”

Credit: @RyShah3

“He can leave”

Credit: @DarkW0LF19

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly interested in snapping up a fellow ‘big six’ star this summer – find out who it is here.

David Moyes has been dealt a huge blow in regards to West Ham United’s hopes of retaining Jesse Lingard, with Manchester United ready to take the midfielder back this summer.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Give Me Sport, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils have been pleased with Lingard’s form at West Ham and that they are ready to offer him another shot next season.

Lingard has been a sensation since arriving at the London Stadium on loan in the winter market, with the England international involved in eight goals in seven Premier League games.

Only three players in Tomas Soucek (9), Michail Antonio (7) and Jarrod Bowen (6) have scored more often than Lingard (5) for the Irons in the top-flight all term, while only Aaron Cresswell (7), Antonio (5) and Said Benrahma (4) boast more assists (3).

Manchester United denied West Ham a £15m option to purchase the £100,000-per-week playmaker when negotiating his loan arrival, feeling he could fetch upwards of £20m in the summer.

And Romano believes the Red Devils are now in a win/win situation, as Lingard has proven he can make a difference at Old Trafford next season or help Solskjaer raise more funds.

“At the moment, Manchester United are saying ‘the player is coming back, we are happy for Jesse to perform like this, and we are willing to keep Jesse next season’ so, Manchester United are in a win/win situation.

“I think they can have him stay after this fantastic six-months with West Ham or they could sell the player, to make money and make profit and sign new players. So, at the moment, they are really happy with Lingard and with his performances.

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“It won’t be easy for West Ham to negotiate with Manchester United because now the price is totally different. But, also in this case, I think for West Ham, it would depend on what happens with any Europe situation, you know, to see if there will be a European campaign next season, so (they want to) understand what’s going on, and then they will decide about a striker, Lingard and more.

“So, at the moment, they are really happy with him, but they know that Manchester United are ready for the player back and that’s why it won’t be an easy negotiation this summer.”

A blow for West Ham and Moyes

Romano claiming that Man United are willing to take Lingard back at the end of the season, or use his impressive form in claret and blue to drive up their asking price, will come as a huge blow for Moyes and West Ham.

The Irons boss confirmed recently that he is hopeful of Lingard considering a long-term future at the London Stadium, as he looks to continue adding a higher calibre of player to his dressing room.

Hammers insider Claret & Hugh also note that Moyes has marked Lingard as his top transfer target for the off-season ‘by some distance’, and that West Ham are in discussions about striking a deal as soon as possible.

West Ham may need to act quick and put their money where their mouth is if they are to land Moyes his top target, as an end-of-season run from Lingard like his first months at the club – which have impressed Rio Ferdinand – would surely play into Man United’s favour.

“He could play in any top team because he’s an intelligent footballer. He can play off one-touch or two-touch,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with FIVE podcast. “If you’re looking at him as just a cold footballer, anyone who knows football surely has to see the kid has a talent. Since he’s gone in there, what he’s done is amazing.”

Click here to see the full interview with Fabrizio Romano.

AND in other news, West Ham eye 10-goal livewire who destroyed David Moyes’ side last year…

Rangers set up an Old Firm derby in the fourth round of the cup as they eased past League One side Cove Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, with Jermaine Defoe particularly impressing for Steven Gerrard’s side.

The 38-year-old forward gave Rangers the lead with an excellent long-range strike and looked a quality above as he regularly found space in the area, coming close to further goals on several occasions.

A quickfire Kemar Roofe double, along with a well-taken goal from Nathan Patterson wrapped the win up for Gerrard’s side before half-time, with several youngsters such as Calvin Bassey and Scott Wright impressing.

However, it was arguably Defoe that sent the biggest message to Gerrard with his performance, and the fact that he was selected ahead of Cedric Itten upfront suggests that the 40-year-old manager still sees him as an important member of his squad.

It is surprising therefore that, as it stands, the former Tottenham Hotspur and England forward will leave Ibrox in the summer when his contract expires.

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His performance against Cove Rangers demonstrated that, no matter what his age, Defoe will always have the ability to pop up with a goal and he can still be an important part of this Rangers squad, even if he is behind the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Roofe in the pecking order.

Earlier in the season, Gerrard was full of praise for the veteran striker, saying:

“He is in incredible shape and he loves coming into work and he is still trying to learn and improve and get better.”

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Therefore, fitness clearly isn’t an issue for Defoe, as he emphasised in Sunday’s game, which will hopefully be enough to convince both Gerrard and Ross Wilson that he is worthy of a new deal at Ibrox, as he clearly still has something to offer in this Rangers side.

And, in other news… Gerrard handed huge Rangers boost with “unstoppable” gem, it’s perfect timing

Liverpool could be missing both Curtis Jones and Divock Origi when they host Real Madrid on Wednesday evening.

According to The Mirror, the duo were absent from training ahead of the tie and both could miss out on the key clash at Anfield as Jurgen Klopp’s men attempt to stage yet another dramatic European recovery.

The Reds find themselves 3-1 down on aggregate following the first-leg of the quarter-final tie in Madrid.

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However, they will have to attempt their comeback without both Jones and Origi and whilst the two have not really found opportunities forthcoming in recent weeks, they could potentially have been useful options for Klopp ahead of the game.

Jones, 20, has not appeared for Liverpool since the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in early March but was in the midst of a quietly impressive breakthrough campaign having scored four goals and notched a further four assists.

For context, none of the Reds’ current central midfield options have provided anywhere near Jones’ eight total goal contributions.

Labelled “exceptional” by Liverpool boss Klopp in the past, the youngster might well have been a clever option from the bench with the hosts chasing a goal.

Elsewhere, whilst Origi is currently in the mire of a dreadful season where he has scored just one goal in 17 appearances, he too could have been a last resort from the substitutes’ bench as the Reds attempt to find a foothold.

After all, the Belgian has stepped up at key times for the club in the past in the UEFA Champions League. He memorably scored a brace in the Merseysiders’ comeback victory against Barcelona, whilst also finding the net in the 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the 2019 final.

With Klopp having the option of using five substitutes, both could have been valid options if the manager found himself chasing goals in the latter stages of  the game.

However, with both players now unavailable this hugely limits Klopp’s options in what is a crucial game for the Reds’ UEFA Champions League hopes, especially the absence of Jones, who has already proven that he has the ability to score and create goals from midfield, something the Reds have lacked all season.

AND in more news, take a look at which Real Madrid star Liverpool will be glad not to see tonight…

According to reports, Leeds are interested in signing Granada midfielder Yangel Herrera, who is currently on loan from fellow Premier League side Manchester City.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for the Spanish side this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 40 games across all competitions.

Now, Leeds United-based podcast Talking Shutt have revealed that Leeds have got their eye on signing the Venezuela international this summer and that he is one of the players they have short-listed.

An earlier report from Goal claimed that the likes of Southampton and West Ham are also keeping a track of Herrera, and are monitoring his situation ahead of a possible move.

Leeds’ new Kalvin Phillips

Given how he’s developed into a full England international now, it’s no surprise that whenever Kalvin Phillips isn’t in the Leeds team, Marcelo Bielsa’s side just don’t look the same – in the eight Premier League games that he has missed this season, the Whites have lost six and won just two.

So, moving for a midfielder like Herrera makes all the sense in the world, with the 6 foot dynamo predominantly a holding midfielder but able to play a more box-to-box role too – hence his impressive tally of eight goals.

Herrera has already been widely praised by some of the biggest and best in the game, including from Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, who coached him when the pair were at New York City together.

He said: “He’s a tactically intelligent midfielder who is strong in the tackle and reads the game well. Yangel also has a good passing range and spatial awareness, which is crucial for a player in his position.”

And that “awareness” and being able to spot danger is clearly seen in his defensive numbers this season – as per Sofascore, he averages almost two tackles and one interception per game, while he’s an absolute monster in the 50/50s, winning a mind-boggling 8.9 duels per match in La Liga. To put that into context, Phillips averages 2.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game, but wins far fewer duels, at 5.6.

The duo are similarly tigerish in midfield, picking up seven yellow cards apiece in the league, while Phillips only commits slightly fewer fouls per match.

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In fact, after covering the first leg of Granada’s Europa League clash against Manchester United, the editor of TEAMtalk, James Marshment, tweeted that the midfielder was “lively” and “energetic” and that he “fits the Bielsa mould”.

If Victor Orta is looking for a player to come in and fill the shoes of Phillips, then Herrera looks to be that man.

Meanwhile, Leeds could form a scary Premier League duo by signing this star…