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Many Sunderland fans were livid with comments from former Black Cats player Liam Bridcutt, who took aim at the fans of the Wearside club.

The last few years have not been pleasant for Black Cats supporters. They hung on to their Premier League status by a thread for a number of years before finally being relegated in 2017, and they immediately found themselves in League One the following year. They are still yet to return to the Championship, and unsurprisingly the fans have often been left frustrated.

Bridcutt, who made just 36 appearances for Sunderland (Transfermarkt), has perhaps gone a little too far with his judgement of the Wearsiders’ support base. Speaking in the Gone off on a Tangent podcast, he blamed the supporters for Sunderland’s poor form and even tried to defend Jack Rodwell, who is far from popular at the Stadium of Light having not taken a pay cut on his £70,000-a-week wages even after relegation to League One.

He also made reference to former Black Cats defender Marcos Alonso, saying that the Spaniard “went to Chelsea and he looked a completely different player just because of the fans” in another dig at the Wearside faithful.

The comments were shared on Twitter by @RokerReport, and they attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. These Sunderland fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts, with one labelling £3.29m signing Bridcutt a “waste of money” at the Stadium of Light.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the comments from Bridcutt

“Some of the ‘lads’ didn’t like playing at home . Have any of those ‘lads’ gone on to better things? I doubt it. Absolute bottle job of a player who couldn’t hack playing for a big club. Makes sense he’s friends with Rodwell.”

Credit: @spizzen

“Another irrelevant ex player that simply wasn’t good enough for the biggest club he played for. A waste of money talking about a bigger waste of money. “But but but .. it was the club & the fans fault!” Yaawwwnnnnn!”

Credit: @DaveBarkel

“Marcos Alonso probably the worst example he could use. Flourished here and publicly known to have wanted to come here permanently. No fans, pandemic, home record also – rubbish point. Maybe he should look at drinking culture & that attitude & then consider fan anger.”

Credit: @CraggsSpeaks

“He realises he’s playing in League 1 as well, right? Says it all about how good he was. The Marcos Alonso comment is just weird too. Alonso was loved here and he’s one of the few players in recent years who actually seemed to care about the fans”

Credit: @crackedoars

“He’s after bites and he’ll get them. But he’s largely clueless on his “facts”. Our L1 home season record without fans this season is worse than the 2 x L1 seasons without. And as for defending his mate Rodwell, it null and voids everything he’s said.”

Credit: @88NTaylor

“Utter garbage”

Credit: @WVintageColours

In other news, many Sunderland fans were delighted with this club announcement.

Manchester United have been widely speculated to be interested in a number of players across Europe as they aim to strengthen the squad this season after appointing Ralf Rangnick just over a month ago.

To that effect, they have now been named as one of the clubs in pursuit of a player who could solve a glaring problem at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

Journalist Jonathan Shrager has taken to Twitter to claim that United have joined Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in the chase to secure the signature of Denis Zakaria.

He tweeted: “I am told that Manchester United, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich have all recently enquired about the possibility of signing Denis Zakaria in January”

The 25-year-old midfielder has been drawing attention to himself at Borussia Mönchengladbach and is currently in the last six months of his contract, with the player available to leave on a free in the summer. However, many clubs are willing to offer a cut-price fee to take the player now; and according to the Daily Mirror, United are tracking the £24.3m-rated player.

Fans will be buzzing

According to SofaScore, United have coughed up possession on average 135.8 times per game over the 2021/22 Premier League season so far, with possession lost an astonishing 167 times against Newcastle last week, and they are losing just over half of their duels (50.1%) across their 19 league games played so far.

Zakaria is a 6 foot 3 defensive midfielder and seemingly fits the bill for exactly what United need to add to their team, with a 90% pass accuracy, 4.9 duels won per game, two goals and one assist, as per SofaScore.

With the rumours circulating about a potential move for the Gladbach star, some supporters have taken to social media to express how keen they are to have him at Old Trafford. For instance, one fan tweeted: “Denis Zakaria is available for 6 million pounds and Kamara is available for 10 million pounds, @ManUtd please have sense this transfer window”

Rangnick did put a dampener on potential winter transfer plans in December, saying: “In my experience, winter is not the best possible time for sustainable transfers and with this quality of players we have here.”

However, he did not rule out the potential of new signings in January, adding: “It would in theory only make sense if you can get players who can almost guarantee you more quality.”

United suffered their sixth league defeat of the season last night at Old Trafford against Wolves, who won 1-0 with a comfortable performance, whilst Rangnick’s side lacked confidence yet again as his unbeaten run at the club came to an end.

Morale among the Red Devils faithful may well be low after that poor result and some iffy performances, but if they can win the race for Zakaria’s signature, that could inject a much-needed buzz among the fan base.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist makes this claim on Paul Pogba’s future

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos this summer as David Moyes plans to strengthen his squad during the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Hammers – alongside Premier League rivals Wolves – are keen to bring the 27-year-old to England.

The Argentine has two years left on his contract with the La Liga outfit and played the entire first leg of the two teams’ Europa League round of 16 tie last month, missing the trip to the London Stadium.

Valued by Transfermarkt at £27m, Ocampos has scored nine goals and registered four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season and could be an intriguing addition to the Irons’ squad.

Moyes should sign Ocampos

It’s no secret that, despite another successful season, West Ham need a reshape of their playing personnel this summer. The average age of Moyes’ squad is 28.8 and consists of just 24 players, a low tally considering that they’ve played in four different competitions this term.

Reinforcements in every position are likely to be needed, including in the wide attacking positions.

Although at 27 he wouldn’t bring the average squad age down considerably, Ocampos is at a prime age where he can still improve whilst already having huge experience, something which could potentially shift out the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals or Andriy Yarmolenko.

Most importantly, though, he’s certainly an improvement on some of the Hammers’ current options.

Bowen is arguably an exception, with the Englishman currently West Ham’s top scorer this season with 14 goals. However, the 25-year-old is the only Irons winger who has scored more than Ocampos in 2021/22, with Benrahma scoring nine and Pablo Fornals six, and the ex-Hull City star has been linked with a possible move to Newcastle in recent days.

Moreover, Yarmolenko is expected to depart this summer upon the expiration of his contract, further highlighting the necessity of a winger being on West Ham’s wishlist this summer.

Described as “electric” by journalist Fede Praml, the tricky Sevilla winger currently averages 1.9 shots per game whilst enjoying an 83% passing accuracy and 40% dribbling success. The 27-year-old’s defensive contribution is satisfactory too, with 1.4 tackles and 0.6 clearances per match.

It may take time for the Argentine to adapt to the Premier League and West Ham’s style of play if he moves to east London, but it is crucial that the Hammers finish the next transfer window with a bigger squad than what Moyes current has, especially if they succeed in qualifying for Europe and if Bowen is tempted to Tyneside.

In other news – Imagine him & Zouma: Moyes could unearth West Ham’s next Rio Ferdinand in “clever” £12k-p/w gem

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered a damning verdict on Leeds United star Tyler Roberts and suggested an exit from Elland Road could well be the best for him.

What’s the story?

He said: “To be completely honest, I feel like a move elsewhere would do him good. To repeat myself, the season so far isn’t down to him. He hasn’t made much impact and that’s why I think Leeds need better but he attracts a lot of criticism in a situation which is much bigger than him.

“A fair few players have struggled for form – the problem for Roberts is that he has no credit in the bank. He ran hard last night and made the effort but I’m not sure this period and the way he’s been used is doing him or the team a great deal of good. It is fascinating to see how much Bielsa trusts him though.”

He’s not been good enough for Leeds

While at 22, Roberts is hardly an ageing footballer in the declining years of his career, it remains to be seen just how better he can get given how disappointing he has been since the step-up to the Premier League in particular.

The Wales international has endured a nightmare start to the campaign thus far, scoring no goals and providing no assists, and has quite an unbelievable record of just eight goals in 99 games for the club.

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has previously insisted that the £12.6m-rated forward hasn’t shown enough in the Premier League to convince Bielsa that he’s cut out for this level – he managed just one goal in 27 top-flight appearances all of last season, and even that came in the penultimate game against Southampton.

Whelan added: “Is he good enough? In my opinion he isn’t. I would love him to go out there and prove me wrong because I want everyone to succeed. I need him to show me more. He needs to show more fight and desire. I just do not see that.”

Hay’s verdict that Roberts should look to leave is sure to intrigue fans about how the Welshman’s career can be turned around, whether it be at Elland Road or elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped a major claim on Bielsa’s Leeds future…

Aston Villa are once again targeting Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara after the appointment of Steven Gerrard, according to The Daily Record.

The lowdown

The 26-year-old was nearly the subject of a £6m bid from the Villans during the most recent transfer window and the Birmingham outfit have now successfully lured Gerrard south of the border after sacking Dean Smith last weekend.

The Finland international is a key player at Ibrox, having started 11 of Rangers’ 13 league games this season, as well as three of their four Europa League matches (via WhoScored).

Rangers are at least in a strong position contract-wise given that Kamara’s £21,000-per-week deal runs until 2025 after an extension in September.

The latest

According to The Daily Record, Villa’s sporting director Johan Lange apparently remains ‘a big fan’ of Kamara, and Gerrard’s arrival could set a pursuit in motion.

The report claimed that ‘the groundwork has already been put in’ for a potential move from Glasgow to the Midlands for the 26-year-old. Rangers need to sell players due to the financial model under which they operate, and Gerrard could take advantage by swooping for Kamara as well as Ryan Kent.

The verdict

It’s no surprise that Gerrard is keen on a reunion with Kamara, a player he described as ‘excellent’ and with a ‘fantastic attitude’, but this is the scenario that Rangers fans may have feared when it became clear that the 41-year-old was bound for Villa Park.

Replacing him with a figure of similar stature could be crucial to persuading some of the Gers’ biggest players to stay put. Having signed the Finnish midfielder for a paltry £50,000 in 2019, the Scottish champions may need to have a similarly shrewd eye for a bargain if Kamara goes and they want to adequately replace him while not compromising their financial model.

In other news, this controversial figure is keen on the Rangers managerial job

Many Aston Villa fans have been left slamming some news involving changes to their fixture schedule.

As per the official website of the Villa Park faithful, no fewer than six of their games over the busy December and January period have been selected for live TV broadcast, which means that their kick-off times have all changed.

AVFC supporters are particularly unhappy with the new Boxing Day time, with which they will now host Chelsea at 5:30pm – travelling will be difficult around that time in the evening, likely leaving fans with a choice of being able to enjoy family time or attend the match.

Dean Smith’s side also host Manchester City at 8:15pm midweek, which is another awkward time, particularly for fans who have work the next day.

Aston Villa fans on fixture changes

These Villa fans were left slamming the news of the fixture changes as they were shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘disappointing’:

“8:15pm on a weekday and 5:30pm on Boxing Day feels like an attack tbh”

Credit: @victoriaabigail

“Leeds change and Chelsea is a right inconvenience”

Credit: @turland080694

“The fans don’t matter anymore.”

Credit: @Dannybarker1981

“Disappointing changes looks like my seat will be empty for 2 games”

Credit: @spartan888

“Ignorance is bliss”

Credit: @Jannetts_

“Half 5 Boxing Day, getting home last time was crazy…this is going to be a long walk home!”

Credit: @Hotwheels_1978

In other news, find out which Villa talent is set for a new deal here!

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Joe Rothwell looks likely to join Rangers from Blackburn Rovers, acting as a blow for Victor Orta and co.

The Lowdown: Rothwell impresses for Blackburn

The 26-year-old is a key man for Blackburn, already chipping in with four assists in 12 Championship starts this season, as well as scoring once.

Manager Tony Mowbray has hailed Rothwell as a ‘super talent’ in the past and he has made a total of 131 appearances for the club to date.

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The Latest: Rangers to beat Leeds to signature

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are considered a potential suitor for the midfielder but the outlet claim that Rangers are in pole position to sign him.

Rothwell’s current deal expires at the end of this season, at which point midfield legend Steven Gerrard could snap him up on a free transfer.

As well as Leeds, fellow Premier League sides Newcastle United, Burnley, Southampton, Brighton and Crystal Palace have all shown an interest, too.

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The Verdict: Not a disaster

While Rothwell is clearly an influential player at Championship level, losing out to Rangers shouldn’t be considered a disaster for Leeds, even though it could be considered a disappointment.

Much like Lewis O’Brien, he could be an effective squad player for the Whites, improving the depth at Marcelo Bielsa’s disposal, but he is unlikely to be a game-changer.

Leeds needs to be looking at superior midfield options, especially with question marks still surrounding Kalvin Phillips’ future.

In other news, Gary Neville has mocked Leeds United – find out why here.

Leeds United are edging closer to an agreement with Club Brugge over a deal for Noa Lang, according to Voetbal Belgie.

The lowdown

Lang has played all but 12 minutes across Club Brugge’s first four games of the new season. He got off the mark with a goal in their 4-0 rout of Zulte Waregem last weekend, and already has three assists to his name (via WhoScored).

Belgian sports journalist Peter Vandenbempt rates Lang very highly indeed, labelling the 22-year-old Dutch winger a ‘phenomenon’.

Lang only moved to Brugge permanently this summer after joining on an initial loan from Ajax, and has three years to run on his contract. He’s valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt.

Leeds have already encountered frustration in their efforts to sign a winger, with Manchester United deciding that long-term target Dan James will remain at Old Trafford (via The Athletic).

The latest

The report states that after a lengthy period of ‘no movement’, Brugge fans now fear that Lang is headed for the exit door.

The player has apparently agreed personal terms with Leeds already, meaning the onus is on the two clubs to agree a fee. Those talks are said to be ‘progressing well’.

The verdict

Lang looks to be an excellent alternative to James and, if signed, will provide strong cover and competition for Raphinha and Jack Harrison.

He would represent an upgrade on Helder Costa and Ian Poveda, Leeds’ existing deputies, who have both been linked with exits.

Lang’s age, end product and contract situation could force the Whites into shelling out a significant sum, but it’s a long-term investment. If Raphinha was to be lured away by a Champions League club, for example, he could be the man to step up.

In other news, Leeds are planning to offload these three players.

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans have been blasting the performance of Barry Bannan in their 0-0 draw away at Portsmouth in League One on Tuesday night.

It was a game which very quickly turned into a ‘take a point and run’ scenario for Darren Moore and his men after Massimo Luongo was shown a straight red card just shy of the 70-minute mark at Fratton Park.

Nonetheless, Wednesday did well to hold out despite an unorthodox makeshift defence, although they could have done better in possession and when the ball was in the attacking third of the pitch.

Bannan was particularly guilty of giving the ball away far too often – 14 times in total, the fourth-most out of his teammates (SofaScore) – while some Owls supporters were critical of his set pieces.

Indeed, the midfielder misplaced six of his crosses, by far the most out of anyone on the pitch, as he also lost out on four of his duels, and failed to score with either of his shots on goal (SofaScore).

Sheff Wed fans on Bannan display

These Wednesday supporters blasted the Scot’s performance on Twitter, with one going as far as to claim that he was a ‘liability’ against Pompey:

“Bannan is a liability.”

Credit: @electricgiblets

“Barry Bannan’s set pieces are on par with mine on a Sunday. Shocking.”

Credit: @bnewton99

“Bannan has been absolutely abysmal”

Credit: @Ellsjr1992

“Bannan is genuinely the worst corner-kick taker on this planet”

Credit: @JosephO__

“Bannan is just a passenger at the moment. Terrible”

Credit: @_oswfc

“Can someone else please take the Sheffield Wednesday corners. Even the tea lady must be better than Bannan for God’s sake”

Credit: @intelligenceme2

In other news, find out whose display against Pompey was also slammed by many Owls fans

Celtic were in discussions over a deal for Royal Antwerp right-back Aurelio Buta on Tuesday, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Buta links

Romano was the man who shared the initial links to Buta back in July. Since then, reports have suggested that the 24-year-old was closing in on a £3m move to Glasgow, but as we know, a move is yet to be confirmed.

Buta, who is on £4,500 per week with his current employers, has just 12 months left on his Antwerp deal, and it seems as if the Hoops are still chasing him after they announced the signings of Joe Hart and James McCarthy on Tuesday.

The Latest: Update emerges

Romano posted on Twitter on Tuesday evening, confirming Hart’s move to Scotland before adding that negotiations have been ‘ongoing in the last hours’ between Celtic and Antwerp for Buta.

Another reliable reporter, Scott Burns, also took to Twitter on Tuesday, with his morning post suggesting that the Hoops have actually agreed on a deal with the Belgian club for the 24-year-old.

Burns added that personal terms have actually been the main issue, even though the right-back is not looking for ‘bank-breaking money’.

The Verdict: Contrasting reports

Even though Romano and Burns’ posts were different, one thing we know for sure now is that Celtic’s interest in Buta is well and truly alive.

A new right-back appears to be next on the agenda following the confirmation of Hart and McCarthy’s moves, as Ange Postecoglou has just Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor as options on the right-hand side of defence at this moment in time.

Should a move for Buta go through, Celtic will be getting themselves a right-back who has Europa League experience and can play further forward if required, so it may turn out to be a shrewd piece of business in the long run.

In other news: Celtic now ‘in talks’ for ‘really, really good’ 6ft 3 ace; may cost ‘significant’ fee.