All posts by n8rngtd.top

Rangers have suffered a huge blow in their hopes of bringing MK Dons left-back Matthew Sorinola to Ibrox this summer, with recent reports suggesting that he has agreed a move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, which will surely frustrate Steven Gerrard.

According to TEAMtalk, the 20-year-old defender is set to join the Belgian side this summer after announcing that he will depart Stadium MK upon the expiry of his contract.

The report suggests that there was heavy interest from the Premier League, Championship, Rangers and their Old Firm rivals, yet he has made the bold decision to join Union SG, who have just celebrated promotion to the Belgian top-flight.

Sorinola had won a lot of plaudits for his performances with MK Dons this season, making 34 appearances for Russell Martin’s side this season, contributing one goal and four assists in England’s third tier.

Rangers have been forced to deploy Joe Aribo at left-back in recent fixtures following the injury suffered by Borna Barisic and suspension to Calvin Bassey, which perhaps highlights a lack of depth in that area.

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Therefore, Sorinola’s signing would have made a lot of sense for the Ibrox outfit this summer, as he would have been available on a free transfer and would have been a long-term option for the Gers at left-back.

Martin was full of praise for the young defender earlier in the season, saying:

“He’s a fantastic boy with a great attitude whose head has no doubt been turned in the last month, no doubt about it.”

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It is something of a surprise that Sorinola has seemingly turned down interest from the likes of Rangers to make the move to Union SG and given his obvious potential, Gerrard should be fuming that Ross Wilson wasn’t able to convince the youngster to make the move to Ibrox ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Bye-bye Hagi: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for 16 G/A dynamo, Gerrard would love him

Queens Park Rangers have offered midfielder Tom Carroll a new deal at the club.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a statement posted on the QPR website, which confirmed that both Carroll and Charlie Owens have been offered contracts to extend their stays at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

The club also revealed that both Dillon Barnes and Marco Ramkilde will be remaining in west London until June 2022 after exercising extension clauses in the players’ current deals, while Paul Smyth and Aramide Oteh have been released.

Fans must be buzzing

While Carroll has not featured for QPR since mid-January due to a knee injury, the news that Amit Bhatia has offered the 28-year-old a new contract is likely to leave Rs fans buzzing, as the midfielder had started to become an important part of Mark Warburton’s side since joining the club back in September of last year.

Having featured in all but one of the Rs’ Champoinship fixtures prior to his injury, the former Tottenham man proved a very reliable option for QPR in the middle of the park, averaging 0.6 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 1.1 key passes per game over his 22 appearances, culminating in a solid average SofaScore match rating of 6.74.

While it would be fair to say that Carroll has perhaps not lived up to the expectations placed on his shoulders while a youngster at Spurs, if the 58-year-old QPR gaffer can manage to consistently get the best out of the £1.8m-rated midfielder, the Rs could be in possession of a real talent who is in the prime years of his career.

As such, once he has fully recovered from his injury and with a full pre-season behind him, the player who Tim Sherwood once claimed had the ability to play for Barcelona could very much play a huge role in Warburton’s side mounting a push to secure a top six finish next term.

In other news: Warburton drops “staggering” update on £5k-p/w beast which will surely delight QPR fans – opinion

Newcastle United have reportedly made contact to try and sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes once the summer transfer window opens.

The Lowdown: Willock alternative needed

There is no guarantee that the St James’ Park club will be able to sign Joe Willock from Arsenal on a permanent deal, so they must be looking at other targets in the centre of midfield.

Nunes plays in the same position as the Englishman, and so it is not a surprise that the Magpies are reportedly trying to lure him to Tyneside permanently.

The Latest: Newcastle make contact

As per Record (via Sport Witness), Newcastle have included Nunes in their summer transfer target shortlist after failing to sign him in the January window. They made a loan proposal to Sporting Lisbon with a buying option set at €13m (£11.2m), but ultimately the deal never materialised.

The news outlet also reported that ‘contacts’ have already been made, most likely between Nunes’ camp and the newly-crowned Portuguese champions, over his potential sale. However, Sporting would like to be offered at least €20m (£17.2m) in order to start any sort of talks, as the Magpies can sign him if they are willing to pay the requested fee.

The Verdict: Sign Nunes if Willock falls through

If a deal to bring Willock back to Newcastle falls through, then they should certainly be looking at Nunes as an alternative option.

At 22, he is of a similar age to Willock (21) and still has so much potential to fulfil, which can hopefully be realised at St James’ Park.

Playing in no fewer than 31 Liga NOS games in 2020/21, scoring three goals and supplying a further two assists (Transfermarkt), Nunes was a key player in their title triumph, and his winning mentality would be a valuable asset to have both off the pitch as well as on it.

He certainly seems worth a punt for the Magpies, especially if they fail to get a permanent deal for Willock over the line.

In other news, find out what Mohammed Bin Salman insight Ben Jacobs has dropped on the potential takeover.

A fresh twist has emerged in Tottenham Hotspur’s bid to bring Mauricio Pochettino back to the club…

What’s the word?

As first revealed by The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke, Spurs have held discussions with their former manager about a potential return to the north London side, and it is also thought that the Argentine would be open to leaving Paris Saint-Germain for his old club.

However, a new claim has surfaced suggesting that the 49-year-old is also a target for another European heavyweight.

According to Goal, La Liga giants Real Madrid have made Pochettino their top choice to replace Zinedine Zidane after it was confirmed that the Frenchman would walk away from his contract 12 months early.

Massimiliano Allegri was an early contender for the Bernabeu job but, with his return to Juventus on the cards, the club’s hierarchy have quickly shifted their attention to the ex-Spurs favourite.

Worrying blow

This is potentially a crushing blow to many Spurs fans’ hopes and dreams as the chances of a reunion with Pochettino could appear to be slim.

Indeed, Pitt-Brooke has since rated their chances of sealing him at “less than 50%” when speaking to ‘The Totally Football Shaw’ podcast earlier this week.

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Furthermore, it is no secret that Pochettino would love to manage Real Madrid, having made some intriguing claims back in 2018 after being approached by the Spanish outfit.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever coach Madrid, but of course it’s my dream,” he said (via The Mirror). “If it’s not the best it’s one of the best clubs in the world. I’m no different, everyone has it on their dream list.”

He has since reinforced his desire to one day talk the helm at Madrid as, following his appointment at PSG, he said: “It was always my objective to one day be able to play for Real Madrid and when you don’t realize a dream, you say, ‘Well, look, one day I’d like to coach Real Madrid – after Espanyol’.”

Pochettino has even had to deny that there is a Madrid release clause within his contract at the Parc des Princes.

If he has to pick between his dream club, who will be competing in the Champions League next season, and a Tottenham team staring at a place in the Conference League, then there is surely only one winner.

All in all, the chances of the Argentine returning to Spurs appear rather slim, and that won’t please many in north London, with numerous fans desperate to see Pochettino back at the club.

AND in other news, Forget Martinez: Levy can seal dream Spurs boss in “exciting” 51 y/o with 74% win rate…

After an injury-plagued first half of the campaign, Diego Llorente’s return to fitness coincided with Leeds United tightening up at the back and former midfielder David Norris believes big clubs will now be keeping a close eye on him.

Llorente was signed last summer to help Leeds make the step up into the Premier League but he has missed 121 days and 19 games through injury this season. However, the Spaniard has still managed to rack up a 6.90 WhoScored rating.

It has been reported that Leeds are preparing themselves for several big bids for the dominant centre back and after being picked for Spain ahead of Sergio Ramos, that will have only attracted more attention to him.

When Llorente has played for Leeds this season they have managed to keep five clean sheets in 15 games compared to without him when they have managed seven clean sheets in 21 games, and this is something that other clubs will be looking at as Norris told The Transfer Tavern:

“Just looking at him in the second half of the season, he has done really well because conceding goals really was a big problem for Leeds.

“These big clubs are always looking for that big signing, and because Llorente has proven that he’s done it in the Premier League, they’ll be keeping tabs on him but at this stage, I think it would be too much of a gamble.”

The £22,000-a-week 27-year old arrived for, what could prove to be a bargain price of £18 million and he could well find himself at a bigger club in the coming seasons, especially if other clubs struggle to plug the hole they have at the back.

Instead of letting their top players leave after a great season back in the Premier League, Leeds will be looking to build on a top-half finish and add more quality all over the pitch to potentially challenge for Europe next season.

According to a report by the Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur held a video call with Ajax boss Erik ten Hag before he signed a new contract and he could yet come back on to the club’s radar.

The Lowdown: Spurs manager chase…

Spurs have suffered repeated managerial blows over this last fortnight.

Firstly, the Athletic broke news of Tottenham and their talks with former boss Mauricio Pochettino – but his current club PSG refused to budge on their stance of letting the Argentine leave.

Afterwards, Spurs turned their focus to former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte, but those talks eventually broke down – leaving the Lilywhites back at square one.

The Latest: Spurs could turn to ten Hag…

Now, the Telegraph claim that Erik ten Hag could still come back into focus amid Fabio Paratici’s impending appointment as sporting director/general manager.

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Indeed, Spurs will apparently be starting fresh with a new shortlist and the Italian is said to be overseeing it.

One man who could retain his place as a Tottenham managerial target, though, is ten Hag – with journalist Matt Law stating that Spurs held a video call with the Dutchman before he signed his new deal at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Even though a new candidate list will need to be drawn up amid Paratici’s arrival, it is believed ten Hag could still come back on to Tottenham’s radar.

However, if they are to make a move for him, Spurs would now be forced to pay compensation.

The Verdict: Do it Paratici…

After blows involving Conte and Pochettino, you could make the argument that ten Hag is now Tottenham’s best possible managerial solution factoring in chairman Daniel Levy’s requirements. 

Even though pundit Kevin Campbell has doubts over whether he would succeed in the Premier League, despite calling him ‘brilliant’ in his role at Ajax, ten Hag does have one big admirer in Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Indeed, Klopp dubbed him ‘one of the most exciting coaching talents in world football’ (Planet Football), and it’s hard to argue given his impressive career average of 2.07 points per match (Transfermarkt).

He may just be Tottenham’s best hope.

In other news: Tottenham ‘monster’ now ‘open’ to north London exit this summer, find out more here.

Everton target Denzel Dumfries starred for the Netherlands in their opening game of EURO 2020, scoring the winner in a 3-2 win over Ukraine [BBC].

Seemingly snatching a draw from the jaws of victory, up stepped the 25-year-old at the back post to nod home a priceless winner for the Dutch national side.

Reported to be an Everton target as they look to build towards 2021/22 [90MIN], the marauding full-back has pretty much been ever-present for current employers PSV Eindhoven, making 41 appearances across 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].

Within that time frame, he has chipped in with four goals and nine assists, eventually helping his side to finish runners-up in the Eredivisie table [Infogol].

Making a lasting impression, the PSV captain has now taken his exploits one step further and onto a global stage. In light of last night’s performance from Dumfries,it was  no wonder that loads of Everton diehards took to Twitter to drool over his potential signing.

Everton fans react:

Here is what some of the Everton support had to say surrounding Dumfries’ display against the Ukraine:

“Has to be Denzel Dumfries. The lad is a monster. Really would love him at Everton”

Credit: @PaulMoorcroft9

“Denzel Dumfries will be an Everton player”

Credit: @RobMDK

“Denzel Dumfries to Everton, who says no?”

Credit: @evertonhub

“Everton legend Denzel Dumfries”

Credit: @MerseyBIue

“Denzel Dumfries is a baller. Have him at Everton any day. Perfect replacement for Coleman.”

Credit: @LifterUnknown

“I would like Denzel Dumfries in an Everton shirt by next week thank you”

credit: @aperhacs76

In other news, Everton are eyeing a move for an international goalkeeper.

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones has been nominated for the 2021 European Golden Boy Award, as reported by The Liverpool Echo.

Enjoying an outstanding 2020/21 season, the 20-year-old registered nine goal contributions from 34 fixtures in all competitions; four goals and five assists [Transfermarkt].

The playmaker joins England internationals Bukayo Saka, Mason Greenwood and Jude Bellingham on the 100-man shortlist for the accolade [Liverpool Echo].

The award was founded by world-renowned Italian sport newspaper Tuttosport, whilst journalists across continental media outlets such as Bild, L’Equipe and A Bola will come together to announce an eventual victor [Liverpool Echo].

Fellow Red Neco Williams made a 40-man select for the prize last year, however the Welshman has not been selected as a 2021 candidate [This is Anfield].

As you can imagine, loads of Liverpool diehards took to Twitter to summarize their feelings upon hearing about these latest developments.

Liverpool fans react:

Replying to Liverpool outlet Anfield Watch, here is what some Reds fans had to say about the latest news, with many seemingly stunned that their local lad has made the list:

“For what exactly…. Harvey Elliot has performed better than him”

Credit: @kryitykal

“So undeserved”

Credit: @lfcmarrk

“Wow. I don’t rate him THAT highly”

Credit: @LukeJones_10

“Rest of the list must be shocking as well?”

Credit: @scouse091014

“Oh behave! I’m not sure if its from being instructed, but the boy has barely made a forward pass this past 12 months. The kid was a true attack minded talent, but for some reason turned into our version of Eric Dier.”

Credit: @MartinCroft18

“How? The European young talent pipeline is seemingly threadbare.”

Credit: @RickDuvenage

In other news, Liverpool fans react to a Donyell Malen update.

Graham Roberts was hugely impressed with the performance of Milan Skriniar for Slovakia against Poland amid links with the Inter Milan defender.

Spurs attempted to sign Skriniar last summer as they looked to reshape their defence.

Transfer supremo Steve Hitchen was even spotted in Italy negotiating with the Italian club as they looked to ensure that the central defender became a Spurs player.

A deal was not done, though, and Skriniar has already impressed during his time at Euro 2020 with Slovakia. He is valued at £54m by Transfermarkt and has been linked again ahead of the summer window.

He scored in the 2-1 win over Poland to kick off their tournament, a shock result that left them in a fine position to reach the knockout stages ahead of the clash with Sweden on Friday.

Roberts believes that the 26-year-old will cost a lot more than he would have if the club had been able to bring him in last year, but he was left in awe of his display, as Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was left struggling to find his way into the game.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Roberts said: “I saw Skriniar, he was brilliant on TV, absolutely brilliant but we never went and got him, now he’ll be worth a lot more.

“Lewandowski didn’t get a kick so there’s your answer.”

Speaking to talkSPORT, reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has dropped a Tottenham Hotspur update involving manager target and current Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

The Lowdown: Tottenham chasing ten Hag?

Since talks with both Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso broke down last week, Tottenham have gone back to square one in their search for an heir to Jose Mourinho.

Indeed, Spurs are now revisiting past targets which include the likes of Ralf Rangnick and ten Hag, with new names also coming into the fray like ex-Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde (talkSPORT).

Tottenham were thought to have held a ten Hag interest early in the search and he was apparently open to joining the club (Alasdair Gold, YouTube).

The Latest: Romano drops ten Hag update…

Speaking to talkSPORT, Romano has now dropped the latest on Spurs’ managerial search and gave a brief mention to ten Hag.

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While the 51-year-old is still present on Tottenham’s managerial shortlist, the reporter explains that it will be difficult to prise the Dutchman away from Amsterdam.

“They have talked to five different managers in the last week. For example, I’m sure they contacted Ernesto Valverde on Friday,” he said to talkSPORT.

“They were also talking with Ralf Rangnick, Ten Hag has always been there but it’s not easy, I’m told that Ajax are convinced that he’s staying.”

The Verdict: Pull out all the stops…

Ten Hag, it would seem, remains the most credible option Tottenham have in terms of appointing the perfect heir to Mourinho.

Encouraging an open, attack-minded style of football at the Johan Cruyff Arena, something Daniel Levy admitted he wants, ten Hag also possesses trophy-winning experience at Ajax and has averaged an impressive 2.07 points per match throughout his managerial career (Transfermarkt).

Lauded as ‘remarkable’ by former Netherlands international Pierre van Hoojidonk (Planet Football), especially for his work with young players, we see no better candidate for Spurs in the manager hunt.

In other news: ‘He has already contacted’…Journalist drops exciting Tottenham claim involving Paratici, find out more here.