All posts by n8rngtd.top

Many Liverpool fans were left stunned by reports regarding Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

According to the Mirror, the 28-year-old is beyond the Reds’ reach as far as finances are concerned despite the Austrian centre-back due to be out of contract in the summer, news which some fans found ’embarrassing’.

Alaba is deemed to be too expensive for Liverpool due to his wages, while Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano are also out of reach.

The nine-time Bundesliga champion has scored 32 goals from 405 appearances for Bayern over the course of 10 seasons, which included a brief loan spell at Hoffenheim in 2011 (TransferMarkt).

With the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out for the season due to knee injuries, supporters were livid with this update. With Joel Matip unable to stay fit, some supporters felt humiliated about the fact their side couldn’t afford a player of Alaba’s calibre.

Fans in shock by Alaba update

“That’s literally not possible. We are one of the wealthiest clubs in the world. I could understand if he wanted £1m a week but he is not out of reach at all.”

Credit: @ronakricky

“embarrassing if true.. getting him in a free, wages should not be a problem!”

Credit: @RyanKeyo

“Wow. Financially out of reach in signing or wages, I don’t get.”

Credit: @Alexand36742345

“Embarrassing owners how are we so poor when we are champions”

Credit: @jmwLFC2000

“This is where FSG let themselves down and invite scrutiny on themselves. We clearly aren’t poor but they make out like they are so they don’t have to spend money.”

Credit: @Braden_Simmonds

“FSG out”

Credit: @SeanMG_

In other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer provides viewpoint on potential Georginio Wojnaldum replacements.

According to a report by Football Insider, West Ham United and GSB have made an approach to sign Liverpool attacker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – with the club ultimately assessing his availability this summer. 

The Lowdown: Oxlade-Chamberlain emerges as target?

Links to the Liverpool midfielder have emerged as fairly new, with the wider consensus being manager David Moyes’ top priorities are both a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard and a new striker.

However, ExWHUemployee did recently claim that Moyes will look to strengthen at left-back, centre-back and in central midfield once he has acquired a new forward in particular (Patreon).

The Latest: GSB make approach…

Now, a West Ham United source has told Football Insider that GSB could look at Oxlade-Chamberlain as an option to bolster their midfield options.

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It is said that the club have made an approach to ultimately assess his availability whilst also making third party contact over the possibility of signing Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.

The Anfield club, however, value him at around £22 million and West Ham will have to invest considerably if they wish to bring him to the London Stadium.

He comes as a possible alternative to Lingard with the Irons loanee attracting plenty of suitors after a stellar few months in Claret and Blue.

The Verdict: Avoid…

On a reported £120,000-per-week, if Oxlade-Chamberlain were to command a similar salary in east London, it would make him the highest paid player at West Ham (spotrac.com).

Blighted by a serious knee injury this season, the 27-year-old missed 20 matches for Liverpool over 2020/2021 (Transfermarkt) and the last thing West Ham need is an injury prone signing.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking on Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of last year, was adamant that the Englishman is still an ‘outstanding player’ despite his fitness issues (The Guardian).

However, with the £22m price tag and salary, we believe that he is simply not worth the price for West Ham.

In other news: West Ham fans blast this ace who lost the ball 17 times against WBA,  find out more here.

Southampton face Leicester City at St Mary’s on Friday night and will be hoping to earn three points which would ease any lingering relegation fears this season.

Ralph Hasenhuttl spoke in midweek about how youngsters should be given time to develop, and therefore it seems likely that plenty of Southampton’s academy graduates will be given opportunities to impress in the final few weeks of the season.

One youngster who has established himself in the first team fold this season is Nathan Tella. The 21-year-old, who joined from Arsenal’s academy, was excelling with David Horseman’s B team earlier in the season and was promoted to the senior side as a result.

He has now made 18 senior appearances for the Saints and, whilst he is yet to find the elusive first goal, he did pick up an assist in the FA Cup win against Wolves.

However, these 18 appearances have totalled just 627 minutes, with the majority of his game-time coming as a late substitute, and it is time that Hasenhuttl trusted him to start more often.

The forward impressed in a 2-0 win against Sheffield United earlier in the season and could perhaps be utilised in a number nine role again against Leicester, especially with Danny Ings sidelined through injury.

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Hasenhuttl was full of praise for Tella after he did well in Southampton’s 2-1 defeat against Spurs last time out as he said: “He also showed he can be a threat for the opponent. This is what we need in front.

“With his work against the ball in combination with his quality with the ball – he can be in the future a good alternative for us in the attacking stuff.

“For me, at the moment, he is the guy in the youth that is the furthest in his development so far.”

He also described the youngster as one of the “jewels” of Southampton’s academy earlier in the season, which suggests that he rates him highly and sees him as a big part of the Saints’ future.

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Therefore, Tella deserves to keep his place in the side against Leicester on Friday night, as he deserves a run of games in the Premier League to show what he can do ahead of next season, when he will no doubt be targeting a regular starting berth.

In other news… Semmens headed for transfer disaster over £2.25m-rated target, he’s scraping the barrel 

David Moyes has confirmed that Jesse Lingard will be available to start when West Ham United host Chelsea on Saturday evening.

The Manchester United loanee was a potential doubt for the visit of Thomas Tuchel’s Blues to the London Stadium, having been taken off with cramp against Newcastle last weekend.

Lingard opened the action at St. James’ Park but was unable to help the Irons avoid a 3-2 defeat, despite thumping home a second-half penalty to continue his incredible run of form in claret and blue.

No West Ham player has been involved in as many Premier League goals since Lingard’s arrival in east London, with the 28-year-old striking home a now joint team-high nine times in just 10 appearances while offering three assists.

Moyes would have feared facing top-four rivals Chelsea without Lingard as he strives to put West Ham back on track for a European berth, with Michail Antonio one of four players he is due to be without.

“Jesse had a bit of cramp at Newcastle, which at the time we didn’t see as being too big a problem and he’s fine,” Moyes said on Friday.

“I’m hoping that somewhere along the line we can get Micky, Declan [Rice], Aaron Cresswell and Arthur [Masuaku] back in amongst it because they’ve been important players for us throughout the year.

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“We’re aware that if we can get them back it would help us. Aaron is getting closer, we’ll monitor it, see how he feels tomorrow [Saturday] and see how we think.”

Lingard has only failed to feature once for West Ham since his arrival on a half-season loan from Manchester United during the January transfer window, when eligible to face his parent side in the Hammers’ 1-0 loss at Old Trafford last month.

The 27-cap England international has also only failed to have a direct influence on the scoring twice, coming in the second and third of his Irons appearances as West Ham were held to a goalless draw with Fulham and a 3-0 win over Sheffield United when he won the penalty for the opener.

Moyes will no doubt be buzzing to have such an influential weapon available for Chelsea’s visit to the London Stadium, the team he has faced more than any other in his managerial career (41) but only beaten on six occasions – losing 23.

Lingard’s influence has also stemmed beyond his end product, with the £13.5m-rated maestro – who Glenn Hoddle believes has been “playing exceedingly well” – ranking first among the West Ham squad for shots taken per game with an average of three.

He exceeded that average at Newcastle last weekend with four efforts on Martin Dubravka’s net plus February’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, hit six on debut against Aston Villa and five against Sheffield United, while matching it during the Irons’ 3-2 win over Leicester City and 2-0 win at home to Leeds United, per WhoScored.

With Antonio – who ranks second with 2.4 shots per game – unavailable due to his hamstring injury, Lingard will likely have to step up once again to potentially fire West Ham to victory in the London derby this Saturday.

AND in other news, a £34.5m West Ham target has confirmed clubs are in contact with his agent over a summer switch…

Steve Bruce has dropped an injury blow for Newcastle United ahead of their game at home to West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against David Moyes’ team, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss confirmed: “Ryan’s not fit. He’s got a groin problem that he picked up when he was with Scotland. It’s been frustrating for him and we’ve never really got him up to speed. It’s been stop start and we’ve not seen the best of him with the problems he’s had.”

Newcastle will miss Fraser

The North East club will certainly miss Fraser when they take on the Hammers, who are chasing a spot in the UEFA Champions League for the 2021/22 term, at St. James’ Park.

The pace and directness that the former AFC Bournemouth ace possessed could have caused the East London club a lot of trouble down the wing, and with his former Cherries teammate Callum Wilson back from injury, he would have been able to feed off of Fraser’s supply.

The Scotland international has averaged more key passes per game (1.4) than any of his teammates in the top flight so far in the 2020/21 season (Whoscored).

With Allan Saint-Maximin back as well along with Miguel Almiron, the link-up play with Fraser could have caused the Irons lots of problems, especially on the counter attack.

Nonetheless, the Tyneside club will have to try and find a way to get something out of the match without the 27-year-old.

In other news, find out what definitive relegation claim Liam Kennedy has dropped on the potential takeover here!

Crystal Palace have been handed a significant defensive injury boost, with left-back Tyrick Mitchell ready to return to action.

The young defender has not played a single minute of Premier League action since the 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in late February.

However, Eagles boss Roy Hodgson revealed the news of his return in a press conference, stating that Mitchell is “fully fit and available to play”.

His return will certainly be welcomed by Palace as the season enters its final stretch. Since breaking into the first team at Selhurst Park, the 21-year-old has developed a reputation as one of the most promising young defenders in the Premier League.

He has gone on to make 18 appearances for the Eagles, with his early performances being labelled as “excellent” by Hodgson.

The left-back has certainly been missed this season, too, having been absent for eight of Palace’s Premier League matches, whilst having been selected on the bench a further nine times (Transfermarkt). In matches where he has played, Hodgson’s troops have racked up a 38% win percentage in the Premier League and conceded on average 1.5 goals per game.

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Meanwhile, when Mitchell has been restricted to the sidelines, whether that be through injury or suspension, that win rate falls dramatically to 29%, with a further 1.6 goals conceded per game.

Even when comparing him to left-back rival and experienced campaigner Patrick van Aanholt, the youngster comes out on top. According to WhoScored, Mitchell produces far more tackles (3.6 to 1.6) and more clearances (2.5 to 1.6) per game in the Premier League this season than the Dutchman.

Judging by his statistics, the youngster’s return to fitness should be a big boost to Crystal Palace as the season enters the final stretch and the Eagles aim to secure a top ten finish.

AND in more news, take a look at which European giant has provided a big clue as to who the next Palace boss could be…

A number of Liverpool fans have been left stunned by an incredible goal by promising Reds youngster Mateusz Musialowski, with some excitedly comparing him to the legendary Lionel Messi.

Jurgen Klopp’s side won 1-0 away to Wolves on Monday evening in what was their final game until next month, with almost three weeks without a match to endure.

Diogo Jota’s strike was enough to earn Liverpool a much-needed victory at Molineux, keeping their chances of a top four finish just about alive.

In many ways, it could be that the Reds will benefit from a rest in the coming weeks, as they look to be in prime condition for an assault on the Champions League.

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Away from first team action, there has been some absolute magic on show in recent days, with Musialowski highlighting why he is so highly-rated at the academy.

The 17-year-old Pole has been earning rave reviews after some influential performances and he was at his brilliant best at the weekend as Liverpool’s under-18s won 3-0 away to Newcastle United’s youngsters.

Musialowski’s wonderful slaloming run and finish was the standout moment of the game and one of the best goals by any Reds player this season.

Liverpool fans laud sensational Musialowski goal

Here’s how some Liverpool fans reacted to Musialowski’s “special” piece of individual brilliance on Twitter, with many left gobsmacked by its quality.

“The Polish Pele”

Credit: @lfcfdan_

“Wow, he might just be a bit special”

Credit: @RleEllis

“You love to see it!!! YNWA”

Credit: @darrenjaxon77

“Messi regen”

Credit: @Nicoroskifte10

“Special”

Credit: @ben_LFC6

“Baller”

Credit: @ftblbeard

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been responding to a shock transfer rumour that has emerged. Read about it here.

Crystal Palace are reportedly lining up a sensational swoop for former Arsenal and current Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

According to journalist Nicolo Schira, the Eagles have enquired about the Welsh international, requesting information about a potential switch to Selhurst Park.

His arrival at the club would certainly be a statement of intent and one which Steve Parish might follow through on.

Owing to his huge Premier League and European experience, Ramsey would almost certainly be one of the first names on the team sheet at Selhurst Park.

The 30-year-old has made 262 appearances in the top flight of English football, scoring 40 goals and providing 51 assists.

Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery praised the midfielder in his final season at the Emirates Stadium, highlighting his “amazing” attitude and performances.

Even though Ramsey has not had the best time of things in Turin, only starting 32 matches in his year-and-a-half with the club, his statistics would still see him rank above any current Crystal Palace midfielder, including captain Luka Milivojevic.

According to WhoScored, the Welshman is averaging 1.3 shots, 1.3 key passes and 0.6 dribbles per match. This is considerably higher than the Serbian’s 0.6, 0.6 and 0.3 respectively for those metrics. Ramsey also keeps the ball far better than his opposite number, averaging an 85.8% pass completion rate to Milivojevic’s 82.5%.

It makes a lot of sense, therefore, for the Welsh ace to replace the former Olympiakos man in the heart of the Crystal Palace midfield. With James McArthur and James McCarthy also set to depart Selhurst Park come the end of their deals this summer, the arrival of Ramsey would certainly compensate for their losses and more.

Rated at just £18m and with only two years remaining on the big-money deal he signed at the Juventus Stadium, Palace might well be able to afford bringing the midfielder back to London.

It would certainly be a sensational move from Parish and the Eagles, and one which they must prioritise.

AND in more news, read why Palace must avoid signing an alternative midfielder currently plying his trade in Serie A…

Manchester City have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak recently, and he could be a serious upgrade on Gabriel Jesus in Pep Guardiola’s squad if he were to join.

What’s the word?

According to the Mirror, City are keeping close tabs on the 21-year-old forward after his impressive run of form with the Spanish side, and they could make a move for him in the summer.

Whilst Borussia Dortmund have an option to re-sign him for just £25 million, it is suggested that he doesn’t want to return to Signal Iduna Park anytime soon, which could open the door for City to bring him to the Premier League.

More clinical than Gabriel Jesus?

Whilst City have been unbelievably good at times this season, winning their last 20 fixtures in all competitions, there have been times where you feel they could have been a lot more comfortable if they possessed a quality finisher up front.

Sergio Aguero made his return from injury against West Ham at the weekend but struggled to have any real impact on the game, and with his contract up in the summer, it is still up in the air as to whether he will still be a City player next season.

Despite City’s dominance in league and cup competitions this season, Jesus has just nine goals and three assists in 26 appearances and has been guilty of being wasteful in front of goal on a number of occasions.

Isak, meanwhile, has 12 goals and two assists in just 20 La Liga appearances this season and has averaged an impressive 7.22 rating for his performances in the Spanish top-flight.

The Swedish forward, who is valued at £19.8 million by Transfermarkt, also averages more shots per game than Jesus (2.5 compared to 1.7), suggesting that he is more goal-hungry than the Brazilian, which is a trait City arguably lack, as sometimes it is better for a striker to be greedy and shoot rather than looking for the pass.

The football scouting website FBref suggests that Isak has scored more goals than his expected goals rate, and is expected to score 0.51 goals per game, whereas Jesus has scored fewer goals than expected, and is expected to score 0.48 goals per game.

Therefore, you could definitely argue that Isak is much more clinical than the 24-year-old, despite being just 21-years-old, and therefore, sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely consider him as an option for the summer transfer window.

And, in other news… Fewer passes than Ederson: £45m-rated City ace failed to seize rare opportunity vs WHU

West Ham United have confirmed on their official Twitter channel that they will freeze 2021/22 season ticket prices for both the men and women’s campaigns among other initiatives – prompting many Irons fans to have their say.

This comes after the government announced a four-step plan to progressively ease England’s national lockdown with the goal of removing all legal limits on contact by late June 2021.

As a result, the return of football fans in stadia nationwide looks set for next season – with it being around a year since maximum capacity crowds have been allowed to watch their side in action.

West Ham have now announced that, for the 2021/22 campaign, season ticket prices for both the men and women’s sides will be frozen in a bid to aid the return of supporters to the London Stadium.

Flocking to this update by the club, it’s safe to say many Hammers fans praised the “excellent” decision from owners GSB – find some of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans delighted by 2021/2022 season ticket announcement

“Absolutely cannot contain my excitement at the Block 103 Row 1 Reunion!”

Credit: @brendontschurch

“Very clear and concise and fair. I’ve often criticised the club for the way they do things, but this is excellent.”

Credit: @andyaustin67

“Let’s ensure we all get behind the team, we now know the team we have is capable of some big things, I would love to see the London Stadium become atmospheric, and West Ham push on even further, COYI.”

Credit: @darrenallix

“BRINGGG ME TO THE BOWL”

Credit: @JackkWHU

“Thank you GSB, more excellent work”

Credit: @JimmyMundee

“OMG”

Credit: @whugrace

“Can’t wait to get back next season roll on August”

Credit: @jackcwhufc21

In other news: West Ham are eyeing this £10.8m-valued starlet, find out more here.