All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Bromwich Albion have learned the latest regarding the future of on-loan striker Jordan Hugill as they look to put together a promotion charge in the second half of the Championship campaign.

What’s the latest?

West Brom will maintain the services of Norwich City loanee Jordan Hugill for the remainder of the season after Canaries manager Dean Smith revealed that there is no recall option in the 29-year-old’s contract at The Hawthorns.

Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, Smith said: “I don’t believe there is a recall option. I’ve spoken to Andy [Hughes], who’s our loans’ manager who keeps in touch with all the loan players. I’m going to be speaking to Jordan over the next 24 hours to see how he is finding it there.

“I don’t believe there’s a release clause but I’ll have a chat and see how he is.”

The Englishman was benched for the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton and then left out of the matchday squad entirely on Saturday as Albion were beaten 1-0 late on at QPR.

After the defeat in West London, Baggies boss Valerien Ismael stated: “Yes it was my decision,” when asked post-match about Hugill’s absence. “I spoke to him about the situation, he came to me. I think now for him it’s a new situation. We spoke openly about the situation.”

However, finding a new situation may not be as straightforward as hoped with the complications regarding Hugill’s recall possibilities.

Ismael will be furious

Naturally, both parties will want the best for Hugill with there still four-and-a-half months of the season to be played. However, it does appear that the 29-year-old’s spell in the West Midlands is up.

The Norwich striker has scored just once in 20 appearances during his loan spell with Ismael’s side and has recently fallen further down the pecking order with the West Brom manager reuniting with former Barnsley loanee Daryl Dike.

The 21-year-old scored nine goals in 22 appearances for the South Yorkshire side last term as they reached the Championship play-off semi-final. However, a permanent move didn’t materialise and the American returned to his parent club MLS outfit Orlando City.

Now, the striker has finally made a permanent move to the Championship, following Ismael from Oakwell to The Hawthorns and signing a four-and-a-half deal with the West Midlands club.

If Hugill is no longer in Ismael’s plans, then West Brom and Norwich City will have to find a solution with the future of the Englishman in their best interest. Ideally, Norwich will recall the striker and send him on loan elsewhere, however, solving the predicament doesn’t appear to be that straightforward.

As a result, Albion are left with a player who clearly adds nothing to their side; an eventuality that won’t suit them at all in the back end of the campaign. Ismael will rightfully be frustrated as a result.

In other news: West Brom handed worrying transfer update that will have fans sweating

Leeds United are reportedly interested in making a move for Reading midfielder John Swift, with a host of other clubs also in the mix.

The Lowdown: Swift impresses for Reading

The 26-year-old has arguably been one of the standout players in the Championship so far this season, despite the Royals sitting 16th in the table. He has scored eight goals and registered seven assists in 17 appearances, bringing a huge amount of end product from the middle of the park.

His performances may soon lead to him getting a move to the Premier League, if a fresh report is to be believed.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to The Sheffield Star, Leeds are one of the clubs who are ‘considering bids’ for Swift, who won 13 caps for England’s under-21s in the past.

Burnley and Wolves are also credited with interest, but Sheffield United have pulled out of the race, acknowledging that interest from the Premier League trio would make it near-impossible for the Blades to capture him.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-24/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Good squad addition

It can be easy to turn your nose up at the thought of Leeds signing a Championship player, but Swift is in a rich vein of form and he could provide Marcelo Bielsa with greater squad depth.

His aforementioned goal and assist contribution is highly impressive and could give the Whites an added threat in the final third, something they have perhaps lacked this season with 2020/21 top scorer Patrick Bamford being laid low with injury. Also, at the age 26, the Reading maestro still has time to improve even further.

Much like Leeds-linked winger Lewis O’Brien, Swift might not necessarily come in as a key player straight away but he could be a handy addition in January, being described as ‘fantastic’ by Veljko Paunovic recently.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly keen on signing a striker – find out who it is here.

Leeds United must bring in new signings in the January transfer window after a poor start to the season, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Another defeat for Leeds

The Whites had another disappointing Premier League outing on Sunday, losing 2-1 to Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Dan James’ opener wasn’t enough to get Marcelo Bielsa’s side a positive result and they now sit 17th in the table, just one place above the relegation zone.

Leeds’ squad has felt stretched at times this season, with key players such as Luke Ayling and Partrick Bamford injured, so January signings wouldn’t go amiss.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Hay calls for January signings

Taking to Twitter on Monday afternoon in sharing an accompanying article for The Athletic, Hay delivered a 13-word verdict calling for the Whites to make mid-season reinforcements.

He said that it “no longer feels like they have the luxury of sitting this window out”, adding that “Full-strength Leeds have ample quality but they rarely are full strength, to the point where it seems as if they are being compromised.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-25/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Makes perfect sense

While there is no need for Leeds to go overboard in January – the return of key figures will bolster Bielsa’s options – it is important that a new face or two comes in to supplement the existing squad, as Hay has understandably pleaded.

It would bring a much-needed freshness to the playing pick at a time when a relegation fight is becoming increasingly likely, allowing for rotation between January and May and hopefully leading to a rise up the table.

Failure to make any signings could threaten to make things become even more stagnant, potentially leading to the threat of a return to the Championship, at a time when the expansion of Elland Road could be impacted negatively.

In other news, three Leeds players struggled in the defeat to Spurs. Find out who they are here.

Celtic have been linked with a move for Union Berlin’s Niko Gießelmann, according to German newspaper Sports Bild, relayed by 67 Hail Hail.

The Lowdown: Gießelmann profiled

Gießelmann is 30 years of age and is primarily a left-back who can also turn out at centre-back or even as a left-midfielder. [Transfermarkt]

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-18/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He’s been with the Bundesliga side for 18 months and has made 37 appearances for the club, 22 of which have come this season.

Gießelmann has registered 34 assists during his career and is valued at £1.62m by Transfermarkt, making him the biggest star of his agency, GMBH, who will no doubt want to extract every penny out of any possible deal.

The Latest: Hoops interest

67 Hail Hail relayed a report from Wednesday’s print edition of Sports Bild, who claimed that Celtic and a number of unnamed English sides are keen on Gießelmann.

The German is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, meaning the Hoops could look to secure a pre-contract agreement in the New Year, while it also puts the player and his representatives in a strong negotiating position.

The Verdict: Left-back competition?

Celtic have been heavily linked with Reo Hatate, who can also play as a left-back, however, the Hoops reportedly see him as a midfielder.

In that case, bringing in Gießelmann could be a smart idea to rival Greg Taylor at left-back. Ange Postecoglou had to use right-back Josip Juranovic, youngster Adam Montgomery and even outcast Boli Bolingoli during Taylor’s absence earlier in the season.

Bringing Gießelmann in who has plenty of experience to challenge Taylor may be a masterstroke by Postecoglou, so this link could be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news: Possession lost 40x, 21 duels lost: Celtic’s 3 worst players v Betis who didn’t take Ange chance. 

The latest instalment of the Manchester derby is not quite the title clash that Manchester United would have envisaged.

The Red Devils can cut the gap to Manchester City at the top of the table with a win but only to 11 points, perhaps merely delaying the precession to the title of Pep Guardiola and his men.

However, bragging rights are certainly up for offer and a key to United getting a result will be the performance of Bruno Fernandes.

As has been the case for many games since the Portuguese arrived from Sporting Clube de Portugal, he is set to be the Red Devils’ main hope.

In his time at Old Trafford so far, he has contributed 34 goals and 21 assists in just 62 matches – some seriously impressive numbers.

His contribution has even increased this season with Fernandes contributing to 49% of United’s 53 Premier League goals throughout the campaign.

He is also by far and away the most creative player in the entire Red Devils’ squad. According to WhoScored, he is averaging 2.8 key passes per match. His nearest midfield competitor is the lesser-spotted Juan Mata at just 1.1.

Even his teammates are aware of his immense influence since his arrival. Brazilian Fred has suggested that Fernandes “took over” the Manchester United midfield as soon as the ink dried on his contract at Old Trafford.

His creativity, dynamism and leadership are going to be even more important against such a good Manchester City side.

After a relatively poor start to the campaign, Guardiola has created a formidable team. The Citizens can boast the best defensive record in the Premier League having shipped just 17 goals throughout the entire season so far.

That stubbornness could suffocate United’s attacking players throughout the match, meaning Fernandes will have to be on top form if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aspires to take anything from the Etihad Stadium.

In the melting pot of the Manchester derby, Fernandes once again has to show his immense quality and display exactly why he has become the main star, not just in the United midfield, but the entire team.

If the Portuguese star struggles, it’s hard to see a way how United can penetrate what has been a fantastic City back line. If he plays well, however, then the visitors have a chance to leave the Etihad with a positive result.

AND in more news, read our opinion on why Edmond Tapsoba could be the perfect foil for Harry Maguire…

According to a report by Calciomercato, as also shared and translated by Sport Witness, West Ham United and David Moyes have rekindled their interest in Sevilla powerhouse Youssef En-Nesyri – but Serie A giants Juventus have now entered the fray and could provide signing competition.

West Ham eyeing En-Nesyri

As well as the Old Lady, ‘several’ Premier League clubs are now keen on En-Nesyri according to the Italian news outlet, coming after manager Moyes confirmed a bid to sign him in January (Claret & Hugh).

Indeed, West Ham were very publicly chasing the 6 foot 3 powerhouse and journalist David Ornstein of the Athletic revealed exactly why a move fell through for En-Nesyri.

He explained that GSB’s formal offer of €25 million plus €5 million in add-ons (£21.4m plus £4.2m) was not enough to convince Sevilla over a sale, but Calciomercato provide the latest and reveal that Moyes and West Ham still hold an interest and could return in the summer.

Transfer Tavern take

However, as Juventus now harbour intrigue, as well as ‘several’ Premier League sides, West Ham may now face a battle to sign En-Nesyri as the club continue to eye potential replacements for Sebastien Haller.

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague has made no secret of the player’s quality, calling him ‘excellent’ in an interview with Premier Sports, and that theory is supported by his noteworthy 20 goals in all competitions over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt).

Time will tell whether the Irons will be able to snap up En-Nesyri after failed attempts in January, but it will certainly be an interesting development to watch at the end of the season.

In other news: West Ham fans flocked to this club announcement, find out more here.

Former Aston Villa man Alan Hutton has been reacting to a transfer update regarding Rangers defender Filip Helander, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Helander links

Steven Gerrard is making a head start when it comes to summer transfer activity, watching targets Boubacar Kamara, Duje Caleta-Car and Geoffrey Kondogbia live over recent weeks.

A Villa source has recently shared the club’s interest in Helander, a defender who Gerrard signed for Rangers back in 2019 in a deal worth £3.5m.

The Sweden international will be entering the final 12 months of his Rangers contract in the summer, and it looks as if Villa are keen on a possible cut-price deal.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Talking to FI about that update from a Villa source, Hutton, who contributes for Sky Sports, had this to say regarding the interest in Helander, labelling the pace of the Premier League as a ‘worry’ and labelling the step up to English football as ‘huge’.

“Helander is a player who reads the game and gets himself into good positions.

“Obviously the injuries haven’t helped but the thing I would worry about is the pace side of it. When you go down south in the Premier League, you’re playing against a lot of quick players.

“There’s quick movement round about you, at your feet. It’s whether he can handle that. It’s a huge step up.

“No disrespect to Rangers or anybody in Scotland but the Premier League is arguably the best league in the world. That’s the only thing that I would worry about.

“You look at the centre-halves Villa have got now. Konsa is quick, Mings is quick and they can still get caught out.”

The Verdict: A risk?

Helander has made just 11 appearances this season due to knee and foot problems and has missed a whopping 66 games through injury since moving to Scotland.

Gerrard reportedly has his concerns over Helander’s injury history, so a reunion in the Midlands could bring plenty of risks heading into 2022/23.

Bringing Helander to Villa Park as a potential back up option may well be a wise move, especially if Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings move on, but making him a marquee centre-back signing may not be the best idea given his extensive injury woes and arguably worrying lack of pace.

In other news: Source: Gerrard now happy for ace to leave Villa Park; he’s ‘central to a lot of the problems’. 

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey admits he is baffled by the way Crystal Palace have handled Luka Milivojevic’s breach of Covid rules during the winter break.

Reports have emerged over the past week that Milivojevic breached regulations by attending a New Year’s Eve party alongside Fulham striker Aleksandr Mitrovic.

The pair were filmed by Mitrovic’s partner at a house party in London, and the footage was shared on social media.

Several professional footballers have fallen afoul of coronavirus guidelines over the festive period, including Tottenham Hotspur trio Erik Lamela, Giovanni Lo Celso and Sergio Reguilon, who were spotted together with West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini attending a party over the Christmas period.

Whilst Roy Hodgson criticised the club captain, he defended his decision to hand him the armband against Sheffield United last Saturday.

“We condemn it, we certainly apologise for it,” said Hodgson.

“I’m certain Luka will as well. As far as I’m concerned, he should take responsibility for that.

“It’s an internal matter and we will deal with it, but there’s literally nothing positive I can say on the matter.”

But Howey believes he should have been dropped from the squad and slapped with a huge fine.

He told FFC:

“I don’t agree with it at all. I think he should have been taken out and hit with a huge, huge fine.

“I’m not Roy Hodgson, I’m not Jose Mourinho, that’s up to them. They’ve got to deal with it how they see fit and that’s their prerogative.

“Personally, I disagree with it. I think they should get a lot more than what they have done, because it basically shows other players, the punishment isn’t that bad.”

Milivojevic has become somewhat notorious for his bad behaviour after he was sent off for brawling with Tom Huddlestone in Palace’s FA Cup defeat to Derby County last year.

The £10m-rated 29-year-old has contributed to 32 goals in 139 games during his time at Selhurst Park but has yet to find the back of the net this season.

While we can forgive the odd scuffle here or there, his latest indiscretion should be the final straw as it’s frankly insulting to fans and key workers across the country.

If players can’t understand that this behaviour is unacceptable then it’s time they were taught a lesson in humility.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops fresh update on Wilfried Zaha’s future at Crystal Palace…

Leicester City’s top four chances took a huge blow on Friday night with a 4-2 humbling at the hands of Newcastle United.

Despite having been widely fancied to claim all three points and bolster their bid for a Champions League place, the Foxes turned in a horrendous defensive showing in falling to defeat to the Magpies.

Goals from Joe Willock and Paul Dummett put Newcastle in charge before a brace from Callum Wilson extended the visitors’ advantage. Marc Albrighton and Kelechi Iheanacho managed to reduce the deficit for Brendan Rodgers’ men late on but the damage had already been done.

One of the main culprits for Leicester’s awful defensive showing was Turkish centre-back Caglar Soyuncu.

Starting alongside Wesley Fofana and Timothy Castagne, the 24-year-old was utterly disastrous throughout the game. His match started off horrendously as he almost conceded a penalty by tripping Wilson on the edge of the box in the first few minutes.

It then got even worse in the most harmful way as he attempted a turn in defence, only to be robbed by Willock, who then went on to score past Kasper Schmeichel.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leicester-city-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-abraham-demrial-maddison-rodgers-mckennie” title=”Latest Leicester City news, transfer rumours and more…”]

Soyuncu’s game did not improve, either. Of the seven duels he attempted, he only won one according to SofaScore – a shocking rate considering he was effectively the senior centre-back in the Leicester defence.

Within that, he was extremely rash, conceding three fouls during the game – a number which was not worsened by any player on the pitch.

It was not just in his defensive work that Soyuncu was shocking. He was also routinely guilty of wasting the ball, having lost possession on 12 occasions – only two of his team-mates were more careless on the ball.

Considering that the former Freiburg man is rated at £36m by Transfermarkt, his performance against Newcastle was certainly not befitting of that valuation.

AND in more news, Brendan Rodgers is set to stay at Leicester according to Brian Deane…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were livid at scenes involving some of their supporters during the title celebrations at George Square in Glasgow on Saturday.

This weekend, the Gers completed an unbeaten Premiership season (BBC) with a 4-0 win over Aberdeen. It was also the day that they received the trophy at Ibrox, which was the perfect way to end the campaign. As such, thousands of fans took to the streets outside Rangers’ home ground and across the city of Glasgow to celebrate their 55th league title.

On the whole, the celebrations were peaceful and well-natured, but a minority of fans let the rest down. Twenty arrests were made on the day, while a number of police officers were injured (firstpost.com), and really there is no need for such violence on what should have been an occasion of joy.

It seems that the majority of Rangers supporters were disgusted by those who took to the streets to cause violence. These Ibrox fans took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the Rangers fans had to say below

“What a riddle, honestly disgusting”

Credit: @and_alan

“Disgraceful, unfortunately not surprising”

Credit: @Daniel11Thain

“Totally agree mate, absolutely shocking, obviously can’t handle the drink.”

Credit: @andyb29

“Breaks my heart watching our own scrapping with each other on a day like this. Some unaccustomed to drinking all day and lose all sense of what they are doing”

Credit: @theliftman07

“That’s a showing up!! Never season ticket holders that go week in week out! Embarrassing”

Credit: @AndrewM82406495

“Completely agree. Let the club down. This is not Rangers.”

Credit: @RagingYou

In other news, many Rangers fans lauded this man’s performance against Aberdeen.