All posts by z3u9t.icu

Referee Artur Soares Dias may have made a big mistake in the Manchester City game last night in the build-up to Kevin De Bruyne’s equaliser.

Why did Man City’s goal not get disallowed vs Real Madrid?

It was a thrilling first-leg encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night as Real Madrid played host to Pep Guardiola and co.

Meeting in the Champions League semi-final, both teams showed flashes of brilliance as the game ended 1-1. Indeed, Vinicius Junior scored a stunner in the first half to fire Madrid into the lead, but City gave their hopes of making the final a massive boost when De Bruyne rifled home an equaliser in the 67th minute of the game.

However, it seems as though that goal should have potentially been disallowed as the ball appeared to have crossed the line shortly before Man City had it in the back of the net.

Indeed, as seen in these images shared on ESPN, it looks as though the ball may have gone out – and so play should have been immediately stopped.

When speaking to the press after the game, Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti seemed furious about the incident as he said: “It was out. It’s not me saying it, the technology does.

“It surprises me. They’re small details, but the referee wasn’t attentive. The players deserved more cards on the pitch, not [me] off the pitch.”

However, it’s since been reasoned that VAR could not actually intervene with this incident as too much time had passed after the incident took place.

Rule expert Christina Unkel explained on CBS Sports: “There’s two points to remember with VAR in the protocol and process on this. Can VAR check for a ball going outside before a goal? The answer is yes. But the most important point here is at what part can VAR become involved?”

“There is no set amount of time before a goal we go back to check. Instead, it’s really predicated by the possession and who has possession of the ball. We can debate, we can have the question to whether the ball left [the field].

The real answer is, this actually would not have been captured in the window and the time frame for when VAR could have gone back to take a look from when De Bruyne scored that goal. Specifically, because there was a turnover in possession.

“Even if this was out, it would not have been reviewed by the VAR leading to the goal.”

And so, while this may not have been an error on behalf of VAR – as Ancelotti suggests – it still doesn’t change the fact that referee Soares Dias and his officials still should have been able to spot the ball going out in the initial passage of play.

With the tie so tight, this mistake could have a huge impact on who makes the Champions League final this year.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has a lot of work to do this summer if he wants his team to challenge for domestic glory next season.

The Ibrox side have finished trophyless for the first time since 2020, and at a club which demands success every single year, the upcoming summer transfer window will be one of the most important in recent memory.

It’s fair to say that some of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s signings haven’t exactly worked out, with defender Ben Davies being particularly underwhelming since his move from Liverpool in 2022.

The Englishman looked extremely out of his depth during the Champions League group stage, averaging a Sofascore rating of just 6.23/10 across his three games (the fifth-lowest in the side) as well as losing possession 10.3 times per match, and although he enjoyed a steady run in the side under Beale, he has still made the odd mistake.

Against Celtic last month, his failed clearance led to Kyogo Furuhashi scoring his second of the afternoon and capped a miserable performance from the £27k-per-week dud. Former Ibrox defender Kirk Broadfoot even described him as being “poor” and that he sometimes gets “bullied” – so Beale may look to sign another centre-back this summer.

Could Rangers sign Auston Trusty from Arsenal?

American defender Auston Trusty has been linked with a move to the Ibrox side recently, with a fee of around £2m being mooted in order for him to move north of the border.

The fee shouldn’t be a problem, with Beale potentially moving a few players on in order to generate funds for signings – and Trusty could be a solid addition, especially after enjoying a decent campaign at Birmingham City.

He even won the fans' Player of the Year award for his impressive performances, and across 44 English Championship appearances, he averaged a Sofascore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the third-best performer in the squad.

The 24-year-old can provide an attacking threat from the back, having scored four goals and grabbed two assists, while also creating three big chances, so this could be an added benefit to Beale.

This doesn’t mean he shirks his defensive responsibilities, however, as he made 2.3 tackles and 4 clearances per game along with winning 6.2 total duels each match – at a success rate of 57% – clearly demonstrating his physicality, which could stand him in good stead if he were to make the switch to Scottish football.

His fellow teammate at Birmingham, George Friend, described Trusty as “incredible” back in October, and for the aforementioned fee of £2m, Beale can lure him to Scotland while having the licence to ditch Davies in the process.

Manchester United are believed to be plotting to sign at least one new centre-forward this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane seemingly at the top of the club's list of targets.

What's the latest on Kane to Man United?

According to transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils could look to bring in two new strikers ahead of next season in order to ease their goalscoring woes, with the England captain said to be the standout pick – despite concerns over whether the Old Trafford outfit will be able to prise the 29-year-old from north London.

Writing on Twitter, the journalist stated: "Man Utd exploring signing two centre forwards this summer. Harry Kane is preferred option, but within Old Trafford there is a real feeling that Daniel Levy is not willing to do business."

In his attached piece for 90min, Bailey states that the long-serving Spurs man is United's 'top transfer target' for the summer and is among those who the club would consider as a 'ready-made' option, albeit with the report outlining that the experienced marksman could still command a fee of around £100m despite having just 12 months remaining on his existing deal.

What impact could Kane make at Man United?

It is seemingly evident that Erik ten Hag is in need of a centre-forward upgrade this summer, with the club's attacking woes laid bare by the fact that they have netted just 52 goals in the Premier League this season – 41 goals less than champions, Manchester City.

That gulf has not been aided by the persistent injury woes of Anthony Martial, with the 27-year-old – who has been linked with an exit at the end of the season – having missed 27 games so far this term.

Equally, the January arrival of Wout Weghorst has failed to have the desired effect with the towering Dutchman netting just twice in all competitions so far, with doubts emerging as to whether the loan signing will be snapped up on a permanent contract.

With United likely to be harbouring ambitions of competing with the likes of City for the title next term, the addition of Kane, therefore, could potentially be a "guarantee" of that success, as talkSPORT pundit Jamie O'Hara previously claimed.

While that statement came prior to the Etihad outfit recruiting goalscoring machine Erling Haaland – who fired Pep Guardiola's men to the title with 36 league goals to date – Kane has proven that he could be the only answer to the prolific Norwegian, having scored 28 league goals himself this term.

That stellar individual record has come as part of a struggling Spurs side that have already parted ways with both Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini this term, with the £200k-per-week ace also now the leading scorer for the Lilywhites, as well as for his country.

Evidently something of a "machine" in front of goal – as per teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Match of the Day, BBC One, 26/12/2022, 23:25) – Kane would certainly provide United with a better chance of ending their now decade-long wait for the title, hence the need for the Red Devils to do all they can to seal the deal.

Aston Villa are "quietly confident" of completing the signing of Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Barnes leaving Leicester?

The Foxes have had an extremely tough season in the Premier League, with a number of key players underperforming compared to their previous level.

Barnes is arguably one of the few who has remained at a high standard, however, scoring 12 times in the league, despite Leicester's struggles in the relegation battles. It looks unlikely that the £40,000-a-week Englishman will stay put at the King Power Stadium beyond the summer, with a new challenge coming his way.

Villa have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old, whose current deal expires in 2025, and he is someone who could prove to be a shrewd acquisition, ahead of what could be a pivotal transfer window at the club.

Could Villa seal Barnes signing?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs gave an update on the situation, saying that Villa believe they could seal a move for Barnes this summer:

"Aston Villa, I think, are the most aggressive of the Premier League suitors at this point. Spurs have taken a look in the past as well.

"I think there's going to be a fair amount of competition for Barnes. I think that Villa are quietly confident that if they advance things at the end of the season, they will stand a very realistic chance of getting Barnes. Also, the asking price will be very beneficial to them if Leicester go down."

Barnes could be a really strong signing for Villa before the start of next season, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once describing him as an "unbelievable" footballer, which says a lot about his ability.

He possesses the speed, direct running out wide and end product in the final third that could all help take Villa up a gear, having racked up a total of 59 goal contributions (34 goals and 25 assists) in the Premier League. The player himself would surely jump at the chance to move to Villa Park, considering what a healthy situation they find themselves in, so it could be a match made in heaven.

At 25, Barnes is in the sweet spot in his career where he is now an experienced top-level player, but also someone who should only mature further over the next five years or so, potentially pushing himself into the England reckoning even more.

Heart of Midlothian are keeping tabs on defender Morgan Feeney as they look to strengthen their defence ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Morgan Feeney to Hearts?

According to the Daily Record, Hearts are eyeing up a move for Feeney, who is set to become available on a free transfer after his current contract at Carlisle expires this summer.

They could face stiff competition from League One teams along with Premiership outfits Hibernian and Aberdeen in order to secure the former Everton youth starlet.

Could Morgan Feeney sign for Hearts?

They will need to beat off competition from their arch-rivals, however, with the club aiming to get their managerial appointment spot on, his signing could very well depend on who becomes permanent manager.

The Tynecastle side had the fourth-best defensive record in the Premiership last season, conceding 57 goals in 38 matches, however, improvement will need to be made if they are to finish higher than fourth next term.

The club are currently thin at the back, with Kye Rowles, Tony Sibbick and Craig Halkett their only senior centre-backs, and Feeney could give them a boost in that area.

Having played over 60 matches for the youth sides at Everton, the 6 foot 3 gem made his senior debut aged just 17 back in 2017, however, he failed to make the grade at Goodison Park, turning out for Tranmere Rovers and Sunderland before finally establishing himself at Carlisle.

Across two seasons with the club, Feeney has featured 76 times, and despite missing the playoff victory that saw them win promotion to League One through injury, he was solid throughout the 2022/2022 campaign.

The 24-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96/10 across 31 games in League Two, helping his team keep 13 clean sheets while winning 62% of his total duels, making 2.8 clearances, 1.3 interceptions and 0.6 tackles per game, showcasing his defensive abilities.

Following his season-ending injury in April, the Bootle-born ace was praised by journalist Nathan Ridley, who said: “A real shame if Morgan Feeney's time at Carlisle ends like this. He's more than capable of playing in League One.”

The defensive titan could be an ideal signing for Hearts as they head into pre-season looking at reclaiming third spot next season. They wouldn’t have to spend a penny on the centre-back, and it could represent a solid investment from the club as they look to also improve other areas of the side in what could be a busy summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur might well have established a frontrunner for their managerial vacancy, but one respected journalist suggests that the race is far from over.

What's the latest on Luis Enrique to Tottenham Hotspur?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano suggested that despite Ange Postecoglou emerging as a fine option for Daniel Levy, Luis Enrique is not one to be discounted.

He claimed:

"I think we have to keep an eye on the situation of Luis Enrique because Enrique is in conversation with Napoli. But the Napoli president confirmed that he has a feeling that, for Enrique, the priority is the Premier League.

"So he is maybe waiting for Tottenham's decision before he keeps going in the conversations with Napoli. Luis Enrique's name is one we have to follow."

With the Spaniard seemingly waiting for a top-flight job in England before confirming his role at Napoli, it seems an opportunity remains for the Lilywhites to hijack this move.

Would Luis Enrique be an upgrade on Ange Postecoglou?

The Spaniard boasts pedigree beyond most who have been linked with the post, namely due to his exploits in Barcelona, as he oversaw one of the greatest club sides in recent history.

With a front three of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, the Catalan giants were led to an unprecedented treble, adding to the numerous other titles he holds.

His counter-attacking 4-3-3 system might not exert the same control over a game that Postecoglou has done in Scotland, but it cannot be faulted for its effectiveness.

Whilst his most recent venture with the Spanish national team was not as successful as he would have hoped, his exit still led writer Muhammed Butt to brand him a "world-class coach", suggesting they were worse off without him.

The same could not be said for the Australian, who could quite easily be replaced at Celtic Park given the ease with which the Scottish giants often dominate their division. Of the last 12 seasons, they have only been dethroned on one occasion.

Across the sprawling 431-game career of the 53-year-old, including spells at AS Roma and Celta de Vigo as well as the two aforementioned, he has lost just 89 games, scoring 935 in the process.

His teams pride themselves on a quick, vertical style that exploits defensive frailties. With the pace at the disposal of the Spurs squad, this also seems far more likely to reap immediate rewards, rather than the many years it would take to convey Postecoglou's convoluted style.

Whether it be the standard of their careers, the trophy cabinet they boast or the aura they command, Enrique stands as a marked upgrade to Levy's current first-choice candidate.

Celtic are keeping a close eye on Kwadwo Opoku this summer over a potential transfer deal, according to a report from Fussball Transfers via Sport Witness.

Who will Celtic sign this summer?

The forward is only 21-years-old but is already making waves in the MLS with Los Angeles FC, with the player having bagged nine goals over the course of his time in the first-team at the club. This year, the player has bagged two goals in 13 league outings so far, with his best rate coming last season when he managed seven in total.

His nine goal contributions in 2022 helped his side to finish second in the division and his performances have also led to him standing out as one of the best players in his position when it comes to comparing him against others in the Men's 'Next Eight' Competitions (MLS, Brazil Serie A, Eredivisie, Championship, Liga MX, Portuguese Primera Liga, Copa Libertadores and the Europa Conference League). He has one of the best non-penalty xG rates, sitting in the top eight percent with 0.34, and his passing rate is also extraordinary, with his 83% per 90 sitting him in the 96th percentile (or top four percent of players in those leagues).

It means that Opoku is standing out as one of the most exciting forward options amongst those leagues for his ability to not only generate and score chances but to help out his teammates and get the ball around the field too. It is these showings that have now led to interest in his services from elsewhere.

According to a report from Fussball Transfers via Sport Witness, Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are one of a number of sides who have him on their radar this summer. There are plenty of teams all queuing up for his services, with teams like Nice and Bordeaux having already made contact according to this report and Stuttgart in Germany doing the same. Even rivals Rangers have registered their interest. Celtic have now also thrown their name into the hat for his signature and are keeping tabs on the situation, with the player potentially only costing 3.7 million Euros (or just £3.1m).

Who is Kwadwo Opoku?

The forward predominantly plays on the right wing for Los Angeles FC, although he has had just as much success on the opposite flank too. He's also versatile in the respect that he can feature as a centre-forward too, although the goals and assists tend to start flowing when he is deployed on either flank.

He's also been picked for his country in the past too, having played for Ghana Under-17's side because of his talents. However, he has yet to have a full international call-up – and a move to a side like Celtic, where he could showcase his talents in Europe, might get him into that fold. If the Scottish side did sign him, they would be adding a goal-scoring and exciting winger who is capable of getting even better as he plays more football.

Manchester United are admirers of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka as Erik Ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield with some quality additions this summer, journalist Dean Jones has suggested.

What's the latest transfer news involving Manchester United and Leon Goretzka?

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are monitoring Goretzka as a potential alternative to Declan Rice, who has also been a target for the Red Devils this window.

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg stated: "News Goretzka: Man Utd is monitoring his situation! MUFC is aware of the fact that his future his uncertain because of Rice. But no concrete talks or negotiations yet. Goretzka is staying calm and his position is clear: He definitely wants to stay as he identifies 100 % with FC Bayern! And: Rummenigge supports him."

As per The Daily Mail, Bayern Munich are also keen suitors in the hunt for West Ham United midfielder Rice, potentially creating a transfer domino effect; however, The Guardian have since revealed that the 24-year-old could be en route to Arsenal in a deal worth a fee in the region of £100 million.

In 2022/23, Goretzka, who has been hailed as a "chameleon" by Bundesliga and an "incredible goal threat", made 40 appearances for Bayern Munich across all competitions and managed to notch six goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Salary Sport understand that the Germany international earns around £231k-a-week on a contract that runs until the summer of 2026.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has indicated that Goretzka is definitely a player that is liked by chiefs at Old Trafford.

Jones suggested: They also need to sort the midfield, where Marcel Sabitzer was on loan last season and Fred and Scott McTominay prepare to have their partnership broken up once and for all. We have seen them make early strides for Mason Mount but look out for the likes of Romeo Lavia. Other players they admire are £230,000-a-week star Leon Goretzka – described as being an "extraordinary" player – Declan Rice and Adrien Rabiot but top target Frenkie De Jong is off limits.

Who else have Manchester United been linked with?

Manchester United have been linked with several players this summer as their hunt for signings gets underway and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has emerged as a key target, with a bid expected to be formalised for the England international, as per Sky Sports.

Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is also on the radar at Old Trafford and has been earmarked as a priority target this off-season, according to Foot Mercato via ESPN.

Sky Sports also claim that Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is someone who has been identified to spearhead Manchester United's attack, though a bid for Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane is unlikely.

Ten Hag will be keen to see if he can build a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season and Manchester United fans will be pleased to see that their club are taking a proactive approach in the transfer market.

Aston Villa are ready to discuss a summer deal to sign Galatasaray star Nicolo Zaniolo, according to reports.

Where is Nicolo Zaniolo?

Zaniolo was linked with all sorts of clubs before he left AS Roma, but currently plays his football at the Nef Stadium having joined from the Italian capital back in February. He’s since gone on to make 11 appearances for Gala, but his game time has been far from regular.

In the Super Lig last season, the 23-year-old was only handed two starts by Okan Buruk so is significantly out of favour despite being one of his manager’s most recent new signings, meaning that he could be looking to complete a move elsewhere to get more minutes under his belt.

The Italy international has been previously linked with a move to the Premier League after attracting significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur in January, and despite a move failing to come to fruition, it turns out a switch to the top-flight could be on the cards after all.

Are Aston Villa signing Zaniolo?

According to Turkish outlet Takvim (via Sport Witness), who name-check Monchi specifically, Aston Villa are “interested” in signing Zaniolo ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Midlands outfit are one of seven clubs to be “sat at the table” waiting to open talks over a swoop for the midfielder, who has had a €35m (£29m) price tag placed on his head.

Galatasaray “do not consider accepting offers below” the specified fee, though at this stage, the player is “thinking of staying” for one more year due to the fact that his side will be playing in the Champions League.

Aston Villa appointed Monchi as their new President of Football Operations earlier this month and he’s clearly wasting no time in getting to work with Unai Emery by identifying transfer targets.

Zaniolo has been dubbed a “monster” by journalist Nick Mercadante, and it’s no surprise that he’s one of the names under consideration given he seems to be somewhat of a mercurial talent who is yet to find a home where he can reach his true potential.

Sponsored by Nike, the attacking midfielder has posted six goal contributions (five goals and one assist) in 11 Galatasaray outings whilst averaging 2.2 shots per league game since joining, showing how much of a prolific impact he can make even on limited opportunities.

Now a Super Lig champion, Zaniolo would also provide the manager with wonderful versatility having operated in six various positions across the pitch since first bursting onto the scene, including everywhere across the frontline, so should the opportunity present itself for a reasonable price, this really is a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

Aston Villa could “go in” for Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone this summer, as Unai Emery bids to bolster his midfield.

Both Emery and Monchi will hope to take Villa to further heights next season, making this transfer window a crucial one for potential progression.

Villa have been linked to the 22-year-old previously in this window, with a fresh update regarding their stance given this week.

Journalist Dean Jones recently revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the Midlands club could “go in and make an offer” for the French midfielder, who is currently valued at £35m by Borussia.

Earlier this month, a report from the Daily Mail revealed Villa’s interest in the rising talent, with Jones telling GIVEMESPORT:

“There's been a lot of umming and ahhing over targets like Manu Kone, and I feel like at some point Villa are just going to go in there and start making offers for these players to really give them something to think about and see if those other clubs react."

What could Manu Kone offer to Aston Villa?

Emery has unlocked the talents of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara in midfield, possessing two masters of the engine room at Villa who complement each other perfectly.

The Spaniard could take his midfield to the next level by signing Kone, who could be the missing ingredient to unearthing a monstrous trio to contest with opposing midfield combinations in the Premier League.

Dubbed a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman has similar and opposing strengths and weaknesses to the Brazilian and fellow Frenchman at Villa Park, suggesting that they could work efficiently as a trio.

When comparing the three dominating players via FBref based on their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, it’s clear to see their individual strengths and how they could complement one another.

Kamara tops the charts in terms of average number of tackles per 90, with 2.94 to Luiz’s 2.24 and Kone’s 2.55, as well as claiming the top spot for most blocks on average with 1.92 per 90.

Praised as “intelligent” by journalist Zach Lowy, Villa’s Brazilian was their highest-rated performer last season as per Sofascore, and could shine in terms of his reading of the game, scoring highest in terms of interceptions.

The 25-year-old warrior averaged 1.23 interceptions per 90 in the Premier League this term, tipping the Villa target who scored narrowly behind in the Bundesliga making 1.10 per 90, and Kamara who averaged 0.96.

Emery could add a creative spark to his defensive duo in Kone, who prevailed as the best progressive player out of the three last term, as well as averaging the highest pass completion rate with 86.2% per 90.

The Colombes-born midfielder recorded an average of 5.73 progressive passes and 2.04 progressive carries per 90, dominating the Villa duo in this area with Luiz averaging 4.55 passes and 1.48 carries, and Kamara just 0.81 carries and 4.25 progressive passes, as per FBref.

Indeed, this paints the picture that Villa would have every based covered should the big-money signing arrive. A player on the watch list of both Liverpool and Wolves as well as Villa, this would be a big statement of intent from Monchi and Co.