Category Uncategorized

Many West Ham United fans have taken to Twitter to praise new signing Kurt Zouma for his performance against Manchester United on Sunday.

The French defender, who joined the Hammers from Chelsea three weeks ago in a £29.8m deal, made his Irons debut in last week’s 2-0 win away to Dinamo Zagreb before his home debut for the club in yesterday’s defeat to the Red Devils.

He partnered Angelo Ogbonna in a back four which also included Aaron Cresswell and Vladimir Coufal, and the 26-year-old put in an impressive display against the title contenders at the London Stadium.

As per Sofascore, Zouma made 12 clearances, won all of his ground duels and three of his four aerial duels, and completed 93% of his passes against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. He also made a last-ditch challenge to stop the ball from reaching Cristiano Ronaldo in the second half, a tackle which received a standing ovation from the home supporters.

The performance from the Frenchman captures the strength in depth that West Ham now have in the centre of defence, with Craig Dawson and Issa Diop available as backup to Zouma and Ogbonna.

West Hams buzzing with Zouma

These Hammers fans took to Twitter to praise their new centre-back after his ‘incredible’ performance on Sunday, with one supporter claiming he is the best player the club have signed in a ‘very long time’.

“Absolutely an Incredible Player What A Signing!”

Credit: @X3Number1

“@KurtZouma you are total star, 100%”

Credit: @_samhowell

“Best player we have bought in a very long time but unless we get a lot better players to play with him don’t think he will stay long”

Credit: @scottyboy1552

“Played a good game today. Solid performance”

Credit: @hillbound1490

“Zouma The Rock”

Credit: @CHTillidie1

“Can he take penalties?”

Credit: @JayneJon

In other news, West Hams are excited about a new figure at the London Stadium. Find out more here.

As per Martyn Ziegler, chief sports reporter for The Times, some news has just dropped which may excite Tottenham Hotspur fans.

The Lowdown: Safe standing debate…

It has long been debated whether safe standing should be re-introduced for atmospheric and general matchday experience purposes.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-developments/” title=”Spurs developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

25 years ago, a blanket ban was introduced on standing in football stadiums across England’s top two divisions with recent murmurs indicating it could now be brought back after all this time.

Sharing a big development on the matter, The Times have just dropped some interesting news.

The Latest: Exciting news for Spurs fans?

Now, it appears safe standing will be in the Premier League this season as reporter Ziegler shares the news on his social media and in a column for The Times. 

Indeed, the initiative is set to be trialled and Tottenham are one of the clubs who can safely integrate safe standing for home and away supporters.

“Update: Safe standing to be in Premier League and Championship this season,” Ziegler explained.

“Spurs, Man City, Chelsea and West Ham all have necessary facilities already in place for home & away fans.

“Wolves, Man Utd, Liverpool would need to add to existing home fan areas.”

The Verdict: About time?

While some issues come with safe standing, like the health and safety requirements of all supporters which will need to be figured out carefully, there are also immense benefits.

In terms of atmosphere at Premier League grounds, safe standing will arguably improve it vastly as certain clubs in Germany have already proved over the last few years.

For one, Borussia Dortmund are famous for their ‘Yellow Wall’ at Signal Iduna Park and it’s little wonder the English top flight wants to replicate that kind of electric matchday experience.

It will certainly be intriguing to see if the trial proves successful, not just for Spurs supporters, but for fans up and down the country.

In other news: Medical was done: Source reveals player’s summer move from Spurs fell apart at the very last minute, find out more here.

After a contrasting week which saw West Ham trade wins with Manchester United across two different competitions, the Irons now return to Premier League action looking to build on their fine form in 2021/22.

David Moyes will want to bounce back from Sunday’s defeat as they head to Yorkshire to face an injury-ravaged Leeds United at Elland Road.

Having rested several of his key players for the win over the Red Devils on Wednesday night, the 58-year-old could well return to his full-strength starting XI today.

Here’s the lineup Football FanCast are predicting this afternoon…

There could be as many as nine changes from the side which won at Old Trafford this week.

Between the sticks, we’re backing Alphonse Areola to keep his place after a very impressive outing. The 6 foot 5 shot-stopper was a commanding presence in goal and it’s believed that he will eventually become Moyes’ permanent no.1 over Lukas Fabianski before the end of the season – perhaps that begins now.

It’s a big call to make but the 28-year-old PSG loanee has to be given a proper run in the team sooner rather than later. He’ll be joined by an entirely new back four this time around, though.

Vladimir Coufal will start, having replaced Ryan Fredericks early in the first half on Wednesday, whilst Aaron Cresswell returns over Ben Johnson on the other flank. Summer signing Kurt Zouma should continue his partnership with Angelo Ogbonna in the heart of defence.

In midfield, both Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek will feel well rested ahead of kick-off as they were not even named in the matchday squad against Manchester United on Wednesday, though they did travel to support the squad.

The only other player to remain from the victory is Jarrod Bowen, but with Michail Antonio available following his one-game suspension, the 24-year-old likely to go back to the right flank, with the Premier League’s joint-leading scorer back up top.

They will be accompanied by Pablo Fornals in the no.10 role and Said Benrahma out wide.

AND in other news, Moyes could find West Ham’s next Tevez in Jan swoop for “magical” £18m-rated marksman…

Despite signing on a free transfer recently, Josh King is regarded as one of the most valuable players in Watford’s squad, which suggests that it might prove to be a masterclass by Cristiano Giaretta.

After a less than successful spell with Everton, Watford worked quickly to bring the former Bournemouth man to Vicarage Road this summer, with the 29-year-old joining on a free transfer in July.

Although he is yet to score or assist in any of his three appearances for the Hornets thus far, it seems likely that he will be a prominent part of Xisco Munoz’s side this season, especially with Troy Deeney and Andre Gray both departing the club.

King will likely compete with Emmanuel Dennis and Joao Pedro for the starting spot up front in Xisco’s team this season, and if he can rediscover the form he showed during his time at Bournemouth, he could prove to be vital in Watford’s hopes of avoiding relegation.

Even if he doesn’t prove to be a hit at Vicarage Road, the fact that he signed on a free transfer suggests that the move could still be considered good business from a financial perspective, especially if they can sell him for a fee in the future.

According to Transfermarkt, King is the seventh-most valuable player in the current Watford squad, holding a market value of £7.2m.

It is also notable that four of the players in the top eight most valuable players at Watford have been permanent signings this summer, with Imran Louza, Moussa Sissoko and Dennis also making the list.

This suggests that sporting director Giaretta deserves a lot of credit for the Hornets’ summer transfer business and also puts them in a strong position to stay in the Premier League this season, potentially also making a profit on those players should they leave.

King represents especially good business from Watford’s perspective as he has plenty of experience in the English top flight, with 48 Premier League goals to his name. If he can find the back of the net on a fairly regular basis for the Hornets this season, then his signing should surely go down as a superb piece of business by Giaretta.

In other news… Watford may have made a huge mistake in the summer transfer window

Queens Park Rangers are reportedly interested in signing Watford striker Andre Gray on loan this window, via Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Much changed QPR make strong start to 2021/22

Enjoying an unbeaten start to 2021/22 life with three wins and a draw, R’s manager Mark Warburton will be keen to build on this momentum and table a play-off push this campaign.

Making inroads in terms of recruitment, the West Londoners have signed no fewer than nine players in the form of Stefan Johansen, Andre Dozzell, Moses Odubajo, Charlie Austin, Jordan Archer, Jordy De Wijs, Sam Field, Sam McCallum and Jimmy Dunne respectively [Transfermarkt].

Now, they look to have turned their attention to a proven Sky Bet Championship goalscorer.

The Latest: R’s keen on loan move for Gray

Per a recruitment source at Football Insider, the Hoops are interested on bringing Jamaica international Gray to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on a loan deal.

Watford are open to letting the 30-year-old leave Vicarage Road ahead of the transfer window cut-off at the end of August.

Middlesbrough, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City are also keen on his services.

The Verdict: Intelligent signing

Possessing a killer instinct in-front of goal, 5 foot 10 ace Gray would be an intelligent signing for Warburton’s men.

In 118 outings at Sky Bet Championship level, the frontman has registered 65 goal contributions; 46 goals and 19 assists [Transfermarkt].

In 2020/21, he played an important part in his current employers’ successful promotion bid, notching five goals and one assist in 31 appearances [Transfermarkt] – he may not be a golden boot candidate level player anymore, but he certainly knows where the back of the net is.

Providing a different option to the likes of Charlie Austin and Lyndon Dykes, Gray’s speed could be used to cut open opposition backlines when needed.

Once labelled as ‘powerful’ by ex-England star Kevin Phillips, QPR should look to tie up a deal for Wolverhampton-born Gray ahead of rival competition for his signature [West Brom News].

In other news, a QPR stalwart has been linked with a Premier League move. Find out more here.

Thierry Small has terminated his scholarship with Everton, according to the Liverpool Echo. 

The Blues offered Small a professional deal, but he’s rebuffed their overtures and is intent on leaving Goodison Park.

Small went as far as refusing to turn up for training earlier in the summer.

In more positive news, Everton will receive compensation when the player leaves.

The exact figure will be decided by a tribunal, but Football Insider report that it could be as much as £5million.

They also say that Southampton have become the first side to make an approach to Small in light of the developments.

Left-back Small became Everton’s youngest-ever player back in January when he came on as a substitute in an FA Cup fourth round tie against Sheffield Wednesday.

He also made 13 appearances for David Unsworth’s Under-23s last season.

Fan feed Toffee TV relayed the Echo’s report, and here’s what supporters made of it.

These Everton fans unfazed by impending Small exit

“3 years time he’ll be on one of the where are they now lists and you’ll find he’s playing for some obscure non league team”

Credit: @hugodrax0077

“The ballad of Royston Drenthe”

Credit: @RayMazen

“Got promised bayern and arsenal, clubs linked leeds and southampton”

Credit: @CragOnTour

“He will soon find out the grass isnt always greener elsewhere and you have to earn your place by hardwork”

Credit: @DJC1953

“That’s fine… see if you can get better than Everton”

Credit: @Layliffe1878

“I’m sure we’ll survive”

Credit: @leecoalbourne

In other news, Kevin Phillips has urged Everton to make this move.

Leeds United are in the race to sign Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio, as reported by Fichajes.

The Lowdown: Leeds United prepare for the 2021/22 campaign

With Premier League action just around the corner in Yorkshire, Marcelo Bielsa will be desperate to get his ducks in a row by suitably bolstering positions weak on numbers.

Making progress in terms of recruitment, the Argentinian has sanctioned deals for trio Jack Harrison, Kristoffer Klaesoon and Junior Firpo [Transfermarkt].

Now, the Elland Road men could be set to fight it out for a two-time UEFA Champions League winner owing to recent reports.

The Latest: Leeds keen on Asensio if primary target Traore falls through

Despite his contribution in a Real Madrid shirt over the years, newly crowned Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti is said to be looking to offload his services [Fichajes].

Leeds United are believed to be in pursuit of the Spanish international, as a cheaper alternative to Adama Traore who is their primary target in the wide areas.

Top-flight rivals Everton and Leicester City are also keen on the 25-year-old due to his considerable pedigree.

The Verdict: Asensio would be a great piece of business by Bielsa

Cultivating a strong squad ahead of the new season kick-off, Asensio would only add to the impressive attacking arsenal Leeds United have at their disposal.

In 2020/21, he enjoyed a commendable season at the heart of the Madrid attack, registering nine goal contributions in 48 appearances; seven goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Possessing a threat in-front of goal, Asensio managed to record around 1.1 shots per fixture across the piece [WhoScored].

Once compared to Lionel Messi by former manager Zinedine Zidane, Leeds United should pursue the Real Madrid maestro as a matter of priority [Dream Team].

In other news, Leeds United have been tipped to acquire a Scottish Premiership ace.

Crystal Palace confirmed Osian Roberts as the club’s new assistant manager on Friday afternoon.

As to be expected, a number of Eagles supporters were quick to give their thoughts to the news via social media.

Roberts, who was described as ‘the most influential man in Welsh football’, becomes Patrick Vieira’s newest backroom staff addition after Kristian Wilson arrived as first-team coach and Said Aigoun as development coach.

The Welshman recently stepped down as the Moroccan Football Federation’s technical director and was pictured in Palace colours alongside Shaun Derry in the club’s pre-season friendly with Reading.

Vieira actually gained his coaching badges on a programme overseen by Roberts, with the pair now set to work side by side at Selhurst Park in the Premier League.

Palace fans react

Palace announced the appointment by posting on their official Twitter page and here is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply, with one describing the appointment as ‘fantastic’.

“yeah we’re winning the league”Credit: @bentekefan0″Wow”Credit: @w_cpfc”We’re massive”Credit: @zakksharpe”A fantastic edition to the #cpfcfamily.”Credit: @AmandaClark44″about time. brilliant appointment though”Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_”Another member of the backroom staff confirmed, PV’s team well and truly taking shape.”Credit: @BackOfTheNest

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzzing as transfer news emerges.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension managing director Fabio Paratici, have been in contact to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha as they register their interest.

The Lowdown: Paratici time…

Since the Italian’s appointment, Tottenham have been active in the transfer market in terms of both incomings and outgoings as they aim for a major summer rebuild.

The arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo as new Spurs boss also sets the tone for what will be an interesting 2021/2022 and Paratici’s work has, so far, arguably strengthened the Portuguese’s chances to oversee a successful campaign.

Cristian Romero, Bryan Gil and Pierluigi Gollini have arrived this summer with the likes of Juan Foyth, Joe Hart, Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose, Erik Lamela, Paulo Gazzaniga all departing (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Paratici makes contact for Palhinha…

As per a Spurs source at Football Insider, another target has emerged on Paratici’s radar as Tottenham continue their long overdue rebuild.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-gossip/” title=”Tottenham latest gossip!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Indeed, the Lilywhites have now registered their interest in Palhinha, already making contact with Sporting over his possible signing.

While the 26-year-old has a huge release clause, FI claim that he could leave this summer for as little as £14 million and Nuno is personally a huge admirer of the colossal midfield player.

As Spurs look to strengthen in the final weeks of the window, it appears the Portugal international has emerged as a possible bargain.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Palhinha could be Tottenham’s ideal midfield enforcer signing – especially if they can prise him away for a meagre £14m fee.

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, speaking to MaisFutebol via Manchester News Today, branded the 6 foot 3 powerhouse as a ‘special player’ – as highlighted by his impressive defensive stats.

According to WhoScored, Palhinha averaged a head-turning 3.3 tackles per 90 in the centre of the park over 28 Liga NOS starts last season – more than any Tottenham player managed in the Premier League.

Therefore, we believe he could be a perfect acquisition for Nuno as Spurs aim for a final transfer flurry before August 31.

In other news: ‘Yes yes yes’, ‘Buzzing’, ‘Game changer’…Many Tottenham fans erupt as ‘beautiful’ news confirmed, find out more here.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is known to come up with bizarre decisions and the latest example is the team selection for the third Test against Australia Saturday morning

Special Representative20-Oct-2002Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is known to come up with bizarre decisions and the latest example is the team selection for the third Test against Australia Saturday morning.All-rounder Shahid Afridi was flown in to replace the injured Abdul Razzaq. However the tour management surprised everyone by leaving out both the all-rounders and instead went into the match with four specialist bowlers, two of them still greenhorns and not regular members of the team.What was the logic behind dispatching Shahid for one Test when he was not to be considered is another decision by befuddled PCB officials.According to PCB officials, Shahid was not selected due to shoulder injury and lack of Test cricket. If this was the case then the flamboyant player should not have been flown to Sharjah in the first place.It seems obvious that Shahid was sent against the wishes of the tour selection committee which in fact trying its best to ruin his Test career.The same could also be said about poor Rana Naveed-ul-Hasan. He has been part of the original squad but so far has done nothing but carry drinks and do fielding stint as substitute which shows lack of imagination on part of PCB management.It was time for PCB to explain the cases of Shahid and Rana Naveed and whoever is responsible for this mess should be taken to task so that such blunders are not repeated in the future.Unfortunately nothing will happen, a legacy of our past, and such unfortunate and wasteful exercises will be swept under the carpet with the usual everything was satisfactory and the PCB was doing its best to win the 2003 World Cup.