All posts by n8rngtd.top

Many Wolves supporters have been gushing over news which has emerged on Dexter Lembikisa.

As per the official website of the club’s academy, the 18-year-old has now put pen to paper on his first professional contract at Molineux as a reward for his ‘excellent’ start to the season with the under-23s.

Technical director Scott Sellars claimed that the teenager has ‘really kicked on’ with his development and ‘progressed really well’, adding that his performances at youth level have been ‘excellent’.

He has played in 26 games throughout the youth setup over the last three campaigns, including eight appearances in Premier League 2 and one in the EFL Trophy so far this term (Transfermarkt).

Wolves fans on Lembikisa contract

These Wolves supporters were left gushing over the news of Lembikisa’s contract as it was shared on Twitter, with one saying that he was ‘thunderous’ in a recent match against Midlands rivals West Brom, which ended 1-1:

“Looked good whenever I’ve seen him play”

Credit: @dmarsden1988

“Look how proud his dad looks. That is everything.”

Credit: @GWooldridge5

“Watched him against the Albion in U23s last Friday. Was absolutely thunderous down that left flank, excited to see him push on in the first team”

Credit: @bagnall_brad

“How lovely”

Credit: @carolq59

“Love this!”

Credit: @Annie62916459

“Well done young man”

Credit: @neilcostin

In other news, find out what update involving four loan players has left these Wolves fans buzzing

A number of Wolves supporters have hailed Daniel Podence’s Twitter post following an excellent performance in the 1-0 win over West Ham.

Bruno Lage’s side returned to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, looking to respond from the 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace before the international break.

They came up against an in-form Hammers team sitting third in the table before the game but the hosts came away with all three points at Molineux.

A tight game was eventually decided by a Raul Jimenez goal in the second half and one player who stood out throughout proceedings was Podence.

On his first league start for nearly two months, the Portuguese forward played three key passes, had two shots on target and provided the assist for the goal. After the game he posted on Twitter, simply saying: “Always delivering” followed by emojis including the number 3 and a check mark.

Wolves fans laud Podence

It was a fantastic performance from the winger against West Ham, and these Wolves fans took to Twitter to shower him with praise, with one supporter calling him an “absolute baller” and others imploring Lage to start him consistently.

“I proper love Danny P”

Credit: @GladonK

“Absolute baller today lad”

Credit: @Cal_Wood1990

“Postman Pod”

Credit: @wwfcscott

“Maybe not always but today when it counted. Great to have you back: love to see you at your best. UTW”

Credit: @dobspoon

“Great game lad”

Credit: @jlewwfc

“The most underrated Wolves player. Bruno should start him every match. Oi Oi Podence!”

Credit: @Joeybrainsgood

In other news, some Wolves fans have bemoaned a transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Many Everton fans have been slamming some transfer news involving Dusan Vlahovic.

As per 90min, the Goodison Park outfit are one of seven Premier League clubs who are now eyeing up a move to sign the Fiorentina striker, with the others being Newcastle United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, while Juventus are also named as having an interest.

The player’s agents were in England earlier this month to engage in talks with top-flight clubs, and their client is likely to be available for around £70m.

However, given the Toffees’ problems with Financial Fair Play (FFP), it does seem rather unlikely that they would pay that kind of money for a player.

Vlahovic is also one of the emerging superstars of the beautiful game at just 21 years of age and has scored 12 goals in just 14 matches across all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Therefore, it seems unrealistic that he would move to the Toffees anyway, with the likes of City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Juve, all of whom are currently competing in the Champions League, all likely to be preferred destinations for the Serbia international.

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Everton fans on Vlahovic transfer news

These Everton fans slammed the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter, with one supporter going as far as to claim that it was ‘laughable’:

“In no universe would a lad with this much talent and potential even step foot in Goodison except to put about 5 past us”

Credit: @Jord_Thom00

“More chance of me playing against Brentford”

Credit: @keiranEFC_

“Like he’d ever come to us ahahahh”

Credit: @Jack19EFC

“Laughable to suggest he’ll come. His next destination will likely be an elite club or a German team to prepare him for his big move.”

Credit: @rlfansSaddened

“Why should he sign? There‘re better options for him. No chance imo”

Credit: @timnsno

“So we are completely out the picture, why even bother printing it lol”

Credit: @ianlawton7

In other news, find out what Benitez claim has shocked many Evertonians

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur side return to Premier League action this afternoon as Norwich City visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The 52-year-old’s reign at Spurs has got off to an impressive start – embarrassing UEFA Europa Conference League defeat aside – with the club picking up seven points from the Italian’s first three league games in charge.

However, while Newcastle United’s win over Burnley on Saturday means that the Canaries come into the fixture as the 20th placed side in the top flight, Dean Smith’s men are currently on a run of four games without defeat in the league, with Conte undoubtedly being well aware that Spurs will have to be at their best if they are to pick up all three points in North London.

So, will the 52-year-old make any changes to the side that started the 2-0 win over Brentford on Thursday evening? Here’s how we’re predicting Tottenham will line up against City, along with the latest team and injury news.

With Antonio Conte recently confirming that Giovani Lo Celso – as well as long-term absentee Cristian Romero – will once again miss out on Sunday’s fixture due to injury, we expect the Spurs coach to make two changes to his starting XI against Norwich.

Indeed, as previously mentioned, Conte will know that Norwich can pose something of a threat despite their lowly league standing, leading us to believe the Italian will not rotate his squad too much – something which will likely be saved for Thursday evening’s European fixture against Stade Rennais.

As such, the back six of Hugo Lloris, Ben Davies, Eric Dier, Davison Sanchez, Sergio Reguilon and Emerson remains unchanged from midweek.

The first alteration comes in the middle of the park, with Tanguy Ndombele – who Noel Whelan dubbed a “frustrating” player – taking the place of 21-year-old Oliver Skipp, in a bid to increase the fluidity of the Tottenham attack.

The second change comes in the front three, with the £80k-per-week Lucas Moura dropping to the bench after a disappointing performance against Brentford, being replaced by Steven Bergwijn – who Conte recently took the time to praise.

Speaking about the potential of the 24-year-old winger, the former Inter Milan boss said: “I think Steven could also be a good option. We have a world-class striker as a number nine in Harry [Kane]… but in the past, I have seen that Son played in this position. Honestly, I prefer Son to play as a number 10 that he is now playing.

“I like to have a point of reference as a number nine. Steven is working and we are utilising him also in this position, in the three positions of the striker. Steven could be a good option on the day that I want to give a rest to Harry.”

With that in mind, it must be the Dutchman’s chance to shine in attack for the Lilywhites.

In other news: Conte offered £157k-p/w beast who’s “impossible to mark”, he’d solve a huge THFC issue

Galatasaray are keen to bring Aston Villa winger Trezeguet back to the Turkish Super Lig, according to Takvim.

The lowdown

Villa signed the 27-year-old from Kasimpasa back in 2019 for a fee of £8.75m. He had been directly involved in 38 goals in 65 games in the Turkish top-flight, scoring 22 and setting up another 16.

The ‘incredible’ Egypt international -as hailed by Gregg Evans – has played 63 times for Aston Villa, but his last action came back in April. He sustained a knee ligament injury in a Premier League clash with Liverpool and had to undergo surgery (via The Athletic).

The latest

As per Takvim, Galatasaray have learned that Trezeguet isn’t part of Steven Gerrard’s plans at Villa Park, and his representative has held talks with the Europa League club.

Off the back of those discussions, the Istanbul outfit’s manager Fatih Terim has approved a move for the 27-year-old.

The verdict

Intriguingly, Football Insider reported last month that Steven Gerrard had come to the conclusion that he had too many wide attacking players in his squad. Even though he’s not had a chance to impress the new boss yet, it seems that the Egyptian could be shown the door in order to redress the balance.

Trezeguet featured in 21 league matches in 2020/21 but Villa signed Leon Bailey and Emiliano Buendia in the summer, and that appears to have hurt his starting prospects.

Villa could bank decent money from the sale of the 27-year-old, who is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, and put it towards recruitment for Gerrard.

In other news, lots of Villa fans were reacting to this Premier League decision.

Following Newcastle United’s first league win of the season last weekend against Burnley, Magpies boss Eddie Howe will be keen to have a fresh bill of health as they travel to face a Leicester City side who may be short on confidence on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle defender Fabian Schär set up Callum Wilson’s winner against the Clarets as well as keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory. However, the 29-year-old required treatment during the game and missed training earlier in the week.

What’s the latest?

When speaking ahead of the trip to the King Power Stadium, Howe stated that there were a “couple of knocks and niggles” in the squad and that Schär “had a rib problem earlier in the week and missed a bit of training” but “hopefully he’ll be ok.”

The Swiss international has started all four of Howe’s games in charge of the Toon Army thus far, having previously not featured since late August, and has already proved to be a key asset for the new manager.

Granted, the defender had a quiet game against Burnley, making three clearances and blocking one shot according to SofaScore. Schär may have had an assist but also posted a passing accuracy of just 42% and lost possession 20 times in what was a mixed performance.

However, having played just six times this season, Schär is still bound to be rusty and could well be a key player for Howe once he reaches his peak form.

United are also set to welcome back Ciaran Clark from suspension after the Irishman was sent off early in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City, further boosting Howe’s defensive arsenal this weekend.

With Jamaal Lascelles also fit after his recent return from suspension, Howe suddenly has the welcome luxury of deciding which centre-back out of the three now available will be dropped, with the formation of a strong defensive partnership key to United’s survival hopes this season.

Either way, the Toon Army will be surely buzzing to hear that Schär could be good to go this weekend, especially given his recent resurgence under the new manager.

In other news – Forget Fraser: Howe must unleash £74k-p/w Newcastle beast whose energy is “infectious”

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has been reacting to rumours of a permanent swoop from Celtic for loanee Jota, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: January move

Jota has proven to be an inspired signing for the Hoops, contributing to 14 goals in his 18 appearances in green and white.

The 22-year-old is currently out due to a hamstring injury, but as reported by Sky Sports, Celtic are expected to trigger their £6.5m option to make his loan permanent.

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The Hoops are set to do just that before the summer, so a January move is a real possibility.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

McLeish, who regularly contributes for BBC Radio 5 Live, was talking to Football Insider regarding the update on Jota.

Here is what he had to say in reply, admitting that he is ‘very surprised’ about a January move for the winger, who he called a ‘game-changer’:

“When he came in at first, I thought work in progress. Probably a work in progress for the Portuguese team to take him back after the loan spell.

“Very surprised that they’re willing to let him go in January, given the form that he’s been in. He really has expressed himself as a very good technical player. He’s taken people on, scored goals, worked hard.

“These are all the traits a manager loves in individual players, especially when he can change the game with his skills. As we say, a game-changer.

“If Celtic can buy him, he’s a very good, young, potentially great player.”

The Verdict: Celtic making their mark

Should Celtic complete a permanent transfer in the region of £6.5m, it would be the most expensive signing of the Ange Postecoglou era, surpassing Kyogo Furuhashi’s £4.86m move over the summer. However, even though it would take a relatively big fee, it could prove to be a steal in the long run.

You’d expect that Jota is still far from his prime at the age of 22, so a long-term deal could see his valuation increase past the £6.5m mark should he continue to impress in Glasgow.

Celtic could reap the rewards with impressive displays on the pitch and eventually go on to make a big profit on the Portuguese attacker when the time is right, in the likely event that wealthier clubs submit a tempting offer.

In other news: Celtic allegedly now looking at signing 34-assist ace in January; he’s his agency’s biggest star

Leeds United have endured an underwhelming campaign in the Premier League thus far with Marcelo Bielsa’s side sitting in 16th place and in need of some life before the season turns even more torrid.

With the January transfer window set to open in under two weeks, the West Yorkshire side will be eyeing additions with Reading midfielder John Swift once again being linked with a move up to the top-flight.

What’s the story?

The 26-year-old midfielder has been in excellent form in what has been a difficult season for the Royals, who sit 21st in the Championship table after a six-point deduction.

Swift has contributed eight goals and nine assists in 21 league appearances for the Berkshire side and is attracting interest from Premier League outfit Leeds.

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has publicly revealed his admiration for the Englishman back in February 2020, labelling him “a great player” and that “I [he] value a lot.”

However, according to the Reading Chronicle, Swift will opt to remain with the Royals for the remainder of the season as they look to avoid relegation to League One.

A potential move up the English football ladder may be looked at in the summer, but it is believed that Swift has no intention of leaving the club he has been at for over five years mid-campaign.

Leeds should swoop for Swift

With Marcelo Bielsa’s side seriously struggling for form and with a plethora of injuries, the West Yorkshire club will surely be looking to invest in the upcoming transfer window.

Playmaker Raphinha has scored eight of Leeds’ 18 Premier League goals so far and Bielsa could do with extra reinforcements should the Brazilian be unavailable, or worse, sold.

That said, he’d be a pretty huge upgrade on Mateusz Klich. The Pole has found life difficult this term with just a solitary goal and assist in the Premier League.

Swift, by comparison, has already racked up double figures in the second tier this term and with 31 goals for Reading to his name, would prove to be an incredibly shrewd addition by Victor Orta and co.

An eye-catching review from One Leeds Fan YouTuber Conor McGilligan tells you all you need to know about the Royals man, and why he could be such an exciting signing for supporters.

“[He’s] an absolute grafter, someone who’s worked his way up the football pyramid, someone who, for me, has the technical ability that would sort of replicate a Pablo Hernandez, a Samuel Saiz in tight pockets,” McGilligan said.

Swift would prove a clever signing and his signature would certainly please Leeds fans as it would add depth to a squad that is significantly suffering.

However, the midfielder is out of contract in the summer and therefore the Whites may have to be patient to secure the services of the 26-year-old who is clearly prioritising loyalty over a big move to the Premier League.

Everton have a number of ageing players in their squad, which has an average age of 28.1, and Rafael Benitez will likely be looking to add new players in the transfer window to build for the future.

There is one player who has been heavily linked with the Toffees who could solve a substantial issue for the manager.

What’s the word?

Rangers youngster Nathan Patterson continues to be linked with a move to Everton, and now former Ibrox defender Alan Hutton has weighed in on the potential signing for the Toffees, telling Football Insider: “We’re talking £10million-plus. He’s not playing, it doesn’t look like Tavernier is going to go anywhere anytime soon.

“I think you’re looking at probably £10million plus add-ons. I know he’s not held down a regular place in the Rangers team but we’ve seen, given the opportunity, he can play at a high level.

“He’s played in European competitions, he’s an international player. Obviously, what he can become in the future, the talent is there for everybody to see.”

The 20-year-old has made 11 appearances for Rangers so far this season across all competitions and has featured in the Scotland national team, scoring his first goal for his country in November against Moldova. He also set up Che Adam’s second goal in the 2-0 win which clinched a place in the World Cup play-offs.

Scotland team-mate Adams showered the defender with praise after the game against Moldova, saying: “Nathan’s an amazing player and a great guy off the pitch so I’m delighted for him.

“He’s a good young prospect coming through for the nation and hopefully he can continue and keep adding goals as well.”

Benitez could solve big issue with Patterson

Everton captain Seamus Coleman is now 33 and will be out of contract in 18 months’ time, so Benitez will be looking for a reliable and consistent right-back who can come into the fold at Goodison Park and take over from the £3.15m-rated Irishman, who has 363 appearances over 13 seasons, with the manager likely to begin phasing the defender out of the starting line-up in the near future.

If Patterson does join in January he would have the perfect opportunity to work with a hugely experienced right-back in Coleman, which could be highly beneficial to his development in succeeding the 33-year-old when he ends his lengthy Merseyside stay.

Signing Patterson would be great for both him and Everton, allowing Benitez to implement a freshness to a crucial area of the pitch, and to replace someone in Coleman who is perhaps turning into a liability given his defensive lapses of late.

In other news: Mykolenko could earn this dizzying sum if he signs

Liverpool will sign a new forward in the January transfer window if the right opportunity comes along, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Reds short in attack

The Reds didn’t sign an attacking player during the summer, with Jurgen Klopp seemingly content with the options at his disposal.

While that hasn’t been an issue yet this season, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are on the verge of departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, at which point Liverpool’s squad depth will be tested.

It remains to be seen if January reinforcements will come in but Romano certainly believes that it shouldn’t be ruled out.

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The Latest: Romano makes transfer claim

Speaking to Anfield Watch, the journalist claimed that a new signing could be made, but only if Liverpool believe it would be a long-term option. He outlined:

“Liverpool will only go into it if they have an opportunity that is also for the future.

“So they don’t want to sign a player just for six months or 3/4 games with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane leaving the club for the African Cup.

“They will jump into it if they find an opportunity like Diogo Jota – a player with a good price with no crazy price tag, and with good skills that match Jurgen Klopp’s ideas.

“So if they are able to find this kind of opportunity, they will do it. Liverpool are looking in the transfer market for that kind of player, a winger – this is the priority.

“They like players like Raphinha from Leeds or Danjuma from Villarreal. But it’s very complicated to sign them in January.”

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The Verdict: No need to panic

While Salah and Mane will clearly be big losses given that they have contributed 31 goals between them already this term, their absences shouldn’t be too lengthy and Liverpool should still be able get by with the likes of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino (18 goals between them in 2021/22).

For that reason, it seems more likely that a summer addition will be made, at which point fresh blood will be required considering that Salah, Mane and Firmino will all be 30 come the start of next season.

That being said, should a prime candidate become available this month, bringing him in certainly wouldn’t do any harm, helping to fill the short-term void left by Liverpool’s departing superstars.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have flocked to a Reds transfer claim. Read more here.