All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former Ibrox star Alan Hutton has now given his reaction to a revelation on record-setting financial figures at Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: ‘Phenomenal’ revenue

As per Football Insider, the Ibrox faithful are now set to record revenues of up to £70m for the season, up from £59m and £47.7m in the past two years.

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Ibrox sources have claimed that it would be a relatively ‘phenomenal’ sum in the context of the club’s recent history, and the final figure could be even higher depending on how far they can go in the Europa League.

The Gers take on Braga tonight in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, and Hutton has been left thrilled by the news in the build-up.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Teddy Bears full-back has now given his reaction to the reveal, claiming that it is ‘huge’ for his old side:

“It’s huge. It just shows you where they’ve come from 10 years ago to where they are at this moment in time.

“I think obviously the Europa League has a lot to do with that, the money that’s coming in. Every round you go through, that money goes up.

“Added on to that, you think of the turnover from the home games, and the money they’ll make. They’re in a good space right now.

“If they can achieve their goals through the season, go as far in Europe as possibly go straight into the Champions League, it’s even more money there to be earned.

“The hierarchy at Rangers will know that and they’ll be desperate for it. I think they’re in a comfortable place. Hopefully, it can just get better.”

The Verdict: Good signs

Despite the 2-1 loss away at city rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership over the weekend, there are still good signs that the club will grow, at least financially.

The Light Blues were given a favourable UEFA Europa League draw against Braga and thus have a real chance of going all the way in the competition – the Portuguese outfit sit fourth in their domestic league, some distance off the Primeira Liga’s big three.

Of course, winning the Europa League gains an automatic spot in the Champions League, and a place in pot one of the draw, meaning that the Gers would also avoid the UCL winners from this campaign, as well as the winners of Europe’s top six leagues, thus giving them a better chance of going through into the knockout stages and earning even more money next season.

Those at the club will not want to think that far ahead though, but the signs are still promising for the Gers.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ wizard RFC are now eyeing this summer here!

Ian Doyle has been left ‘disappointed’ by the display of Curtis Jones as Liverpool hosted Watford in the Premier League at Saturday lunchtime.

The Lowdown: Given chance

Jones was given his chance to impress from the start by Jurgen Klopp, ahead of the likes of Fabinho and James Milner in the centre of midfield.

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It was only his ninth start in the top flight this season, but he did not seem to be able to make the most of his opportunity, despite the Reds moving top of the Premier League with a relatively tame 2-0 victory.

The Latest: Doyle reacts

Taking to Twitter, The Liverpool Echo journalist Doyle slammed Jones’ performance after he shot ‘well over’ the crossbar in the second half of the game:

“Jones has a run and although it opens up a little, he shoots well over. It has been a disappointing afternoon so far for the LFC midfielder.”

The Verdict: Not his day

It was clearly not Jones’ day, as that shot was one of two attempts that he put off target, while he was also wayward with three of his crosses (SofaScore).

Defensively, he lost out on five of his duels, and failed to make a single interception or clearance in the match, while he was also dribbled past and made a foul (SofaScore).

However, Jones was perhaps most ‘disappointing’ in possession, as he was guilty of losing the ball a total of 12 times, and given that he came off on the hour mark for Fabinho, statistically he gave the ball away every five minutes.

The 21-year-old Englishman will know that his starting spot is not guaranteed, and he will have to put in better performances if he is to be a mainstay in the side in the future.

In other news, find out what big transfer update Fabrizio Romano has dropped that affects the Reds here!

According to a recent report from The Daily Mail (via The Sun), Celtic are interested in a January move for defender Jeremy Toljan. The 24-year-old currently plays his football at German giants Borussia Dortmund and has done so since leaving Hoffenheim back in 2017, although struggles for regular game time this time round has called his future at the Bundesliga outfit into question.

And a recent report from The Daily Mail (via The Sun) suggests that Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic are eyeing up a late January move for the right back in a bid to bolster that particular area of the field, with the £2.7 million-rated defender (as per Transfermarkt) the man to finally give Mikael Lustig something to think about down the right-hand-side.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, Sweden international Lustig has been an excellent servant to the Bhoys following his move from Rosenborg back in 2012, with the defender having since then appeared 263 times for the Scottish giants, helping the club win seven successive Scottish Premiership titles in the process.

However, at the age of 32, it does appear as though things are beginning to catch up with the right back given he hasn’t always convinced down the Celtic right-hand-side this season – but with Cristian Gamboa struggling for game time under Rodgers as well, the Northern Irishman clearly doesn’t fancy the Costa Rica international as Lustig’s regular deputy.

As such, it seems pretty clear that not only is a right back needed in the long-term for life after Lustig, but the 32-year-old may need fresh competition this term to improve his form for the Bhoys – the arrival of Dortmund’s Toljan would surely do just that.

The 24-year-old made the move to the Bundesliga outfit from fellow German side Hoffenheim in 2017 after impressing at the latter, and while he appeared 16 times in the league for Dortmund last time round under a combination of Peter Bosz and Peter Stoger, he has struggled to convince new boss Lucien Favre of his capabilities.

In fact, the Germany Under-21 international has failed to appear even once in the Bundesliga for the current table-toppers to underline just how far down the pecking order he is under Favre – a move away clearly appears to be in Toljan’s best interests if he is serious about playing regularly.

And with a couple of assists for Dortmund last time round, as well as a goal in their 2-2 draw with Freiburg back in January 2018, the 24-year-old clearly has pedigree in the more attacking areas of the pitch in seeking to get forward and create opportunities – and with Kieran Tierney able to do the same down the Celtic left, the duo could be a constant thorn in opposition’s sides.

Importantly though, the arrival of Toljan might just be what Lustig needs to rediscover his best form for the Bhoys, as the lack of competition in that right back ranks may well be playing a part in his struggles this term – quite simply, he isn’t really being pushed.

But the arrival of the younger and arguably more dynamic Toljan would give him that competition, and thus very much something to think about in the second half of the campaign.

Celtic fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks is not a part of Antonio Conte’s long-term plans, according to a fresh report by the Daily Star.

The Lowdown: Winks’ limited playing time

Since he was promoted to the first team in 2016, the 26-year-old has amassed 198 appearances for the north London club.

However, since the arrival of Conte at Hotspur Way, the defensive midfielder has struggled to maintain a regular run of game-time. Out of a possible 19 Premier League appearances under the Italian, Winks has only featured 12 times, coming off the bench for the final few minutes in four of those.

Consequently, a number of rumours have arisen surrounding his potential exit from Tottenham.

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The Latest: Transfer interest in Winks

According to the Daily Star, Conte does not see Winks in his long-term future at the Lilywhites. As a result, Southampton and Crystal Palace are now eyeing a move for the midfielder.

It is understood that Spurs will listen to sensible offers for the 26-year-old in the summer.

The Verdict: Won’t be getting game-time

With the upcoming return of young starlet Oliver Skipp, Winks’ place in the Tottenham team seems even less secure than it had been.

When combined with the arrival of Rodrigo Bentancur, the 10-cap England midfielder will need to look elsewhere if he is to secure regular first-team minutes.

Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, who hailed Winks as an “amazing player”, even grouped his style of play with the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta, so it will be a waste to see the former England international rot on Conte’s bench for another number of months.

In other news: Conte wants to keep one of Winks’ team-mates at Tottenham

Liverpool are interested in a deal to bring Gavi to Anfield in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Catalan media outlet El Nacional, who claim that, with the 17-year-old demanding a significant pay rise in his contract negotiations with Barcelona – something that the LaLiga side cannot afford – Liverpool have already contacted the midfielder’s entourage informing them the Reds are willing to pay his €50m (£42m) release clause.

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A further report by the same publication revealed that the Premier League side would be willing to offer the Spain international a salary of around €4m-per-year (£3.4m-per-year), which works out at around £65k-per-week – a figure that is much greater than Barcelona could offer the teenager.

It could be bye-bye Salah

With Mohamed Salah’s own contract situation at Liverpool still appearing rather unclear at present – the 29-year-old is yet to put pen to paper on an extension at Anfield, with his current deal set to expire next summer – should Liverpool indeed go on to make a move for Gavi this summer, it could well be a clear indication that the Egypt international will be on the move.

However, while Salah’s departure would undoubtedly come as a huge blow to everyone involved with Liverpool, considering the sheer amount of potential the young Spaniard quite clearly possesses, there would not seem many better signings Jurgen Klopp’s side could make in order to replace their £90m-rated talisman.

Indeed, despite Gavi’s primary position being that of a central midfielder, the £54m-rated sensation has demonstrated over his 11 of his outings having already come on either the left or right flank.

Furthermore, it is clear from the £2.2k-per-week teenager’s heatmap over his 26 LaLiga outings this season that he had a tendency to drift out wide – something that would suggest the Spaniard’s long-term future could well be as a winger.

Gavi quite clearly possesses all of the attributes to be an extremely successful wide forward in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, with FBref ranking the 17-year-old in the top 7% of all wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for pressures per 90, as well as the top 1% for pass completion, the top 25% for tackles, the top 15% for interceptions and the top 5% for blocks.

However, it is far from just an impressive work rate in the Masia graduate’s wheelhouse, as the player who Pedri recently dubbed an “absolutely crazy” talent also possesses an extremely creative eye – having scored two goals, registered five assists and created six big chances for his teammates in LaLiga this season.

As such, considering his undoubted ability, extremely impressive positional versatility and affordable buy-out clause, should Salah indeed move onto pastures new this summer, Gavi would very much appear to be a near-perfect replacement for the 29-year-old.

AND in other news: LFC now set to launch bid for “faultless” £25m ace, he’d be an “unbelievable” signing

Graeme Bailey says that Newcastle United are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Hugo Ekitike in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Wood on his way…

Sky Sports reported on Tuesday night that the St. James’ Park faithful activated the £20m release clause of Chris Wood, and he is now set to undergo a medical ahead of a move from Burnley.

However, their striker search may not stop there, as The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh has suggested that could go for another one before the window closes.

Nonetheless, with the injury suffered by Callum Wilson, the North East club need all the help that they can get up top if they are to drag themselves out of the relegation zone come the end of the season.

The Latest: Ekitike to follow?

As per 90min journalist Bailey, the Tyneside outfit are now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Ekitike, in what he claims would be a ‘huge signing’ if they can pull a deal off:

“Can reveal that Newcastle United are in advanced talks to sign Reims’ Hugo Ekitike for £30m.

“Outstanding talent – huge signing for Newcastle if they get it done, many in France believe he could be the next Mbappe.”

The Verdict: Worth the risk

With the Wood deal looking all but done, the Magpies have already found a striker with experience in the Premier League.

Thus, they can afford to take more of a punt on a player like Ekitike, and although £30m may be considered excessive considering his current market value, at just 19 years of age, he could easily be worth that in the future.

Any comparison to Kylian Mbappe, who has simply set the world alight since his teenage years at AS Monaco, is obviously welcomed, and highlights just how much potential Ekitike has.

With eight goals and three assists in 18 games in Ligue 1 so far this season (Transfermarkt), he has shown already that he can perform at a high level, and so would certainly be an exciting new addition for the Toon Army.

In other news, find out who NUFC are now set to bid for here!

Leeds United will make a last-ditch attempt to sign Calvin Ramsay, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Sun’s Alan Nixon claims the Yorkshire giants will “battle” Premier League rivals Liverpool over his signature this summer with the Reds eyeing him as cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold, though the Whites could offer a faster track to the first-team.

It’s thought that Aberdeen’s teenage right-back is available for around £3m as interest continues to rise across Europe.

The Dons are understood to have knocked back bids from Leicester City, Bologna and even Leeds in recent times, as per Goal.com.

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Sign him up

If the 18-year-old gem is indeed available for as little as £3m, then his arrival should be an absolute no-brainer for director of Victor Orta and manager Jesse Marsch.

Tapping up a player with big potential like this for a fee as little as that could prove to be a masterclass from the Elland Road hierarchy.

His biggest qualities are those that he can provide in the final third, ranging from his excellent distribution through passes and crosses, his willingness to take on his man and his set-piece ability.

“His quality of delivery from set-pieces and open play has brought him plenty of assists for Aberdeen. For someone so young to come in and make the impact he has is a great credit to him,” former Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes told The Scotsman (via Goal).

Meanwhile, Dons chairman Dave Cormack believes Ramsay is “in the elite upper bracket, right up there, for a young right-back in Europe” – could the young Scot emerge as a major threat down the right flank for many years to come?

You’d imagine so given Marsch’s high-pressing attacking system.

The emerging sensation, recently dubbed a “wonderkid” by Goal on Twitter, has been likened to Man City’s Joao Cancelo in terms of playing style, largely due to his ambidexterity to play on either foot and thus, on either flank and his attacking prowess.

Further lauded as “so special” by scout Jacek Kulig, Ramsay could well become Leeds’ own Cancelo-like presence at right-back, should Orta and co manage to win the £3m race for his signature.

AND in other news, Scouting mission: Leeds eyeing 6 ft 3 titan who “fits the bill”, Marsch would love him…

A lesser-known fact surrounding the EPL is that there have only ever been a few teams that circulate at the top.

Of course, this is something that doesn’t tend to get a lot of media attention, and if this truth was more well-known, it could lead to a potential decrease in anticipation for certain games (something which would be a nightmare for event organisers).

Despite this, it is true; there are a select few teams in the EPL that tend to dominate all competition.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the top three teams that have won the most games in the EPL, as well as also touching upon a few of the points why this phenomenon tends to take place.

 1. Manchester United

As many of you may have already expected, Manchester United takes the number one spot on this list.

However, even though most people tend to know about United’s notorious reputation, few actually understand the true depths that their talents go to.

As a whole, Manchester United has won an impressive 697 wins.

Even without giving any explanation at all, this is already somewhat mind-blowing.

Although, when you factor in the fact that the trailing Manchester has 100 fewer wins under their belt, this only becomes all the more awe-inspiring.

There are a ton of reasons why people love Manchester United, and United fans are known for being some of the most devout followers out there.

Their impressive win rate is just one of the factors that embolden their fans to such an extent, and out of any of the teams in the EPL, they have the right to call themselves the best club overall.

Moreover, most people who know a thing or two about football know this is the case.

Just try EPL betting at 10bet or your preferred booking hub of choice and you will see for yourself that despite the fact no one likes to admit it, everyone knows Manchester United is king.

2. Arsenal

Taking the number two spot, albeit with a huge margin between the first, is Arsenal.

More so than most other teams, Arsenal is known for being phenomenal at away games, and this is just one of the reasons why they have such a high win percentage.

If Manchester United was to be crowned the best EPL team overall, Arsenal would also have to be titled as the best performer at away games, and it is certainly their redeeming factor.

That’s not to say they are in any way bad when playing from home. On the contrary, they are an amazing side, and they have some of the best football players in the world amongst their ranks.

However, if they are considered a good side while at home, they should be known as being an exceptional team whenever away, and there are few teams out there that are able to perform as well under pressure as Arsenal.

 3. Chelsea

Coming in at number three, we have Chelsea.

It is important to note that number two and number three are pretty much identical in overall wins, with both Chelsea and Arsenal being interchangeable.

Chelsea is an all-around solid team, and they excel in almost every area.

Chelsea truly has it all; world-class players, an insane work ethic, intelligent strategies – they really are an incredibly well-rounded side.

Once again, if you happen to bet on EPL then you will already be accustomed to their high favorability in almost all situations, and it is not very often that Chelsea comes up against a team that is able to deal with them easily.

Chelsea and Arsenal truly are head-to-head in terms of overall wins, with them both sitting at 597. Only time will tell which one of them will pull ahead in the long term.

Either way, they are both incredible teams, and both deserve their impressive reputations.

 If you are an avid fan of football, then you may have already guessed one or two of the entries on our list.

Few people know just how dominant certain teams are within the premier league, and in reality, the teams we listed in this article are leaps and bounds above most of the others.

The EPL is one of the most competitive events there is in sports, and for just a select few teams to push so far ahead of everyone else, it only goes to show the skill and talent they each possess.

Image from: Old Trafford Manchester United – Free photo on Pixabay

Ange Postecoglou has dropped a claim regarding Celtic’s failed bid to bring Riley McGree to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by the Glasgow Evening Times, the Bhoys boss revealed that the former Charlotte FC midfielder, for whom it was reported that Celtic had agreed a £3m deal with the MLS club this month, required convincing of a move to Glasgow – something the 56-year-old was not prepared to do.

The 23-year-old ultimately decided that he would prefer a move to Championship side Middlesbrough ahead of a switch to Parkhead, but from Postecouglou’s recent remarks, it would not appear that the Australia international’s choice is something which will be keeping him awake at night.

Speaking about his negotiations with McGree, the Celtic manager said: “I had a discussion with him and then he obviously decided he wanted to take an opportunity elsewhere, which is fine. It wasn’t really anything too drastic for us.

“It’s an indication for me that this isn’t the right place for him. It works both ways. I only want players who want to be here. I won’t try and convince any player to come and sign for this football club. I won’t. If they can’t see the opportunities that exist here then that’s part of the deal for me. The ones we have signed all wanted to come here.

“It’s an easy decision. Everyone has their own free will to decide what’s best for them. But I’m not going to sell this club to anyone on its attributes or virtues. If they can’t understand that in the first place then they’re probably not worth talking to from my perspective.

“To be honest, I don’t care. I don’t dig that deeply into it. Ultimately they are not rejecting me, they are not rejecting the football club. Everyone has their own free will to make decisions.

“It’s the same for both parties. It’s not just one party who decided not to go ahead. We decided not to go ahead as well. Because for me what’s most important is they want to come here. It’s no big issue for me. There are plenty of footballers who would love to come to this football club. They are the ones I’m looking for.”

Fans will be fuming

While Postecoglou very much seems to be putting on a brave face over McGree’s decision to join Middlesbrough, the fact remains that the midfielder opted to make a move to a club in the second tier of English football ahead of Celtic. That will undoubtedly leave both the 56-year-old and fans of the Hoops fuming.

Indeed, the 23-year-old appeared to be a perfect signing for the Bhoys, with the Australian being left-footed, as well as able to play in a two-man midfield, at number eight, number 10 and even left wing-back – a position in which Celtic lack considerable depth.

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Furthermore, the £540k-rated player had impressed over his 13 Championship appearances while on loan at Birmingham City in the first half of the current campaign. He scored two goals, provided two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as making 1.4 key passes, 1.3 interceptions and 1.2 tackles and winning 4.8 duels per game.

These returns saw the £5.7k-per-week midfielder average an impressive average SofaScore match rating of 7.02, ranking him as the Blues’ sixth-best player in the league.

As such, the fact that McGree has opted to join a Championship club ahead of competing for the league title and playing European football with Celtic will have undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Postecoglou, whether he likes to admit it or not.

In other news: “I do expect…”: Big twist emerges on “outstanding” Celtic-linked gem, Ange must move

Newcastle United are reportedly now targeting a stunning move for Ivan Toney in the summer.

The Lowdown: After Newcastle…

After a few loan spells away from St. James’ Park, Toney was sold to Peterborough United back in 2018 for just £351,000.

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Now, he is currently rated at £31.5m, after banging in 14 goals and making a further five assists in 32 games in total over all competitions for Brentford so far this season (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Newcastle target

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the North East club are now looking to target Toney this summer.

It looks as if they will miss out on Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, as he wants to play for a club in European competition, and so Toney is seen as a good alternative.

The Verdict: Get it done

Although not entirely successful on Tyneside, where he made a mere four senior appearances, Toney is a different animal now, and would certainly be a signing that would excite the Toon Army.

Described as a ‘special, special’ player by his manager Thomas Frank, the Englishman has finally proven that he can perform in the Premier League, after scoring goals for fun in the lower divisions.

At 26 years of age, he is about to enter his prime, and so now is the perfect time for the Magpies to pounce on his signature.

In other news, find out whose agent NUFC have now held talks with here!