All posts by n8rngtd.top

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that “top” Premier League clubs have been watching Brentford striker Ivan Toney this season.

Toney, who has been the subject of interest from Leeds United, West Ham and Arsenal, is the top scorer in the second-tier having netted 28 times for the Bees following his move Peterborough last summer.

Brentford currently sit fourth in the Championship standings, although their automatic promotion bid has tailed off in recent weeks, but that hasn’t affected Toney, whose netted 12 goals in his last 12 matches.

With a number of clubs keen on him this summer, it appears that the former Posh frontman will be playing his football in the Premier League one way or another next season.

And whilst Fry echoes those thoughts, he revealed that Toney already has a host of Premier League sides that are watching his exploits at Brentford with a keen interest.

He exclusively revealed to Football FanCast:

“He loves it at Brentford, he loves the lads, he’s a leader. I should imagine Brentford will have to sit him down and offer him a lot more of a lucrative that what he’s on now. I still think they will struggle to keep him.

“He could finish up with 30 league goals this year. All the Premier League clubs that I spoke to last year are regretting not signing him.

“There’s only a few that will be able to afford him, but I know for a fact that top clubs in the Premier League are watching him with interest for what he does. I’m sure he will be playing in the Premier League next year for somebody.”

Toney has taken the Championship by storm this season, and is already on course to break the record for the most goals in a single campaign, so whether it’s with Brentford or someone else, he looks destined for the Premier League.

After Aston Villa’s youngsters stole the show in the FA Cup defeat to Liverpool earlier this year, naturally, attentions have been firmly centred on which one of the club’s brightest academy talents could be set for a break through.

One of those whose star is burning brighter than most, is Carney Chukwuemeka.

The 17-year-old has yet to make his senior debut for Dean Smith’s side, but is already making waves behind the scenes.

One scout told The Athletic: “He’s the best player Villa have got coming through. He can do everything in the midfield area and there are a lot of clubs monitoring his situation at Villa.”

And just recently on the 1874 podcast, Gregg Evans spoke about just how highly thought of he is in and around the club, revealing that “he’s the one everybody’s talking about” – the journalist even went so far as to describe him as “the real deal”.

The crucial point of note for Smith is the considerable transfer interest that Chukwuemeka is generating from rival clubs, with reports just last month suggesting that the likes of Manchester United and Bayern Munich, among some other European elites, are keen on making a move for the teenager.

The modern young player knows that they no longer have to stay put at their clubs and just wait patiently for a chance to play first-team football. The likes of Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund and more recently Jamal Musiala at Bayern Munich have shown talented English starlets that they can enjoy a far quicker path-way to senior football by moving abroad.

It’s exactly why Villa should seriously consider giving Chukwuemeka a chance to shine in the first-team, and prove to him that he doesn’t have to leave the club to be playing at a senior level.

Meanwhile, Villa could find a new Gareth Barry in this man…

Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League campaign came to an end on Wednesday evening at the hands of Real Madrid.

The Reds were not able to overturn their 3-1 deficit from the first-leg, eventually earning a stalemate against Los Blancos at Anfield.

We take a look at how Jurgen Klopp’s men rated:

Starting XI

Alisson – 7/10: Whilst not forced into too many saves by Zinedine Zidane’s men, the Brazilian performed at exactly the right time for Liverpool by denying both Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema in quick succession in the second-half.

Andrew Robertson  – 6/10: It was a solid if unspectacular night from the left-back. He coped well with the threats of Ferland Mendy and Marco Asensio down the Real Madrid right but his final product ended up disappointing on one too many occasions.

Ozan Kabak – 6/10: The Turk did not do all too much wrong having kept Los Blancos quiet in his time on the pitch. He was replaced somewhat out of consequence with Liverpool pushing for a couple of goals after a steady hour.

Nathaniel Phillips – 7/10: The 24-year-old produced what was arguably one of his most impressive performances in a Reds’ shirt by keeping the likes of Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio and Vincius Jr. quiet. He was evaded late on by the French striker but in the end was not punished for that. Phillips eventually produced a team-high four interceptions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8/10: By far the best of Liverpool’s defence, the Reds’ academy graduate was hugely impressive going forwards and in defence. According to WhoScored, he produced two tackles and three interceptions, whilst also contributing a huge six key passes. Alexander-Arnold will certainly have felt unfortunate to have not at least notched a couple of assists.

Fabinho – 6/10: Whilst the former Monaco man was an ever-solid presence in the Liverpool midfield, he did not stand out too much. His defensive awareness was probably not what the Reds needed.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more-gravenberch-keita-mane-williams-kabak” title=”Read the latest Liverpool news, transfer rumours and more…”]

James Milner – 5/10: Retaining his spot in place of Thiago Alcantara, the veteran midfielder did not contribute all too much but for a booming effort from range that was well tipped over from range. He was the victim of a crunching challenge from Casemiro in the first-half and did not appear to regain his footing, eventually being replaced by Thiago.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 6/10: Having previously starred against another Spanish club in the form of Barcelona a few seasons ago, the Dutchman could not replicate that performance against Real. Wijnaldum was tidy on the ball with his 87.9% pass accuracy but simply did not threaten enough going forwards.

Sadio Mane – 5/10: Another hugely quiet evening for the Senegalese as his inconsistent run in front of goal continues. Mane certainly looked off-colour again versus Real having had just one shot and lost the ball on five occasions with poor touches. The £90m-rated star was eventually replaced late on after his shocker.

Mo Salah – 6/10: His impressive Champions League record has finally come to an end. Having scored in each of his last four games in the competition, he looked the most likely to find the net having had three shots but he was not accurate enough. His evening was summed up with a second-half left-footed effort that drifted harmlessly over.

Roberto Firmino – 6/10: Another of the Liverpool attack to have an under-par evening, Firmino also did not seem to have his shooting boots on. He really should have scored midway through the second-half but was replaced by Xherdan Shaqiri.

Substitutes

Thiago Alcantara – 5/10: As has been seen in the past, the Spaniard really did not affect the game all too much against Real Madrid. He played some nice cross-field passes but that was the limit of his contribution after he replaced Milner.

Diogo Jota – 6/10: Initially looked a threat after his introduction with his pace and was somewhat unfortunate to maybe not have scored but faded towards the closing stages.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 6/10: Despite not being on the pitch for long enough to really get a fair rating, the former Arsenal man turned one of his typical performances, being full of effort and endeavour.

Xherdan Shaqiri – 5/10: Did not have enough time on the pitch to have a contribution.

AND in more news, Liverpool made the wrong choice in signing Kostas Tsimikas last summer…

Cristiano Ronaldo has warned his rivals that there will be “no stopping” from him after taking his Al-Nassr goal tally for the season to 34.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• All-time great showing no sign of slowing down
• Boats remarkable strike rate in current campaign
• Looking to land domestic & continental honours

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  That haul has been achieved in just 35 appearances, with the evergreen frontman still going strong at 39 years of age. He was the world’s leading marksman across the calendar year of 2023, as he found the target on 54 occasions, and is already flying for 2024.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ronaldo was among the goals once again as Al-Nassr edged out Al-Shabab 3-2 in their latest Saudi Pro League fixture, with the Portuguese superstar keeping his cool to convert from the penalty spot. He was targeted by more ‘Messi’ taunts from the stands, but continues to do his talking on the field.

• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  Ronaldo has scored in all four of Al-Nassr’s competitive fixtures since the mid-season break and is helping to keep them on course for a domestic title challenge and AFC Champions League glory. He has vowed to keep on pushing, posting on social media: “Until the very end! We keep going, no stopping!”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Al-Nassr required an 86th-minute winner from Talisca to get them over the line against Al-Shabab, which proves that everybody on their books is buying into Ronaldo’s way of thinking. They will be back in action on Thursday when playing host to Al-Hazm.

Leeds United have been handed a major boost in their chase to sign MK Dons starlet Matthew Sorinola.

What’s the story?

Reports back in December suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side were one of a number of Premier League teams interested in signing the 20-year-old, whose contract with the Dons comes to an end this summer.

Now, the club’s manager, Russell Martin, has delivered a major update on his situation, admitting that Sorinola has still yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, and seemingly opened the door to a potential summer exit.

The MK Dons boss said: “The situation with him hasn’t changed. He got offered a contract a long time ago, one which we consider fair and fits in with the structure of our club and for a young player but he hasn’t signed it. There has been no real discussion from his end.

“He has a decision to make at some point, but I cannot let it rumble on to the end of the season – that’s not ideal for anyone.”

Bielsa’s protege

At just 20, but able to play at left-back, left-midfield and right-midfield, Sorinola already has the kind of versatility that would surely make him an immediate Bielsa favourite given the likes of Stuart Dallas, Gjanni Alioski et al.
Martin has made clear just how much he rates his starlet, saying: “I really like him as a player and as a person. He’s technically right up there with anyone in the squad. I love his calmness. He wants to play. For a young lad, he’s so composed and he defended really well tonight.
“People may question his size but when you’re as brave as he is to play with the ball, and get in people’s faces and shut them down, he has so much ability and potential. It’s up to us now to develop him.”
That composure and braveness in possession would be music to Bielsa’s ears, who’s tried to shape this Leeds team in his mould over these past few seasons. Sorinola’s youth and versatility could see him become a protege under the Whites boss, with the Argentine taking the 20-year-old under his wing and giving him a priceless footballing education at such an early age.
Add that to the fact a move won’t cost Andrea Radrizzani a penny in terms of a transfer fee, and it’s all set up for Victor Orta to pounce.
Meanwhile, Leeds could hire Bielsa’s dream successor in this maverick…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer has backed Illan Meslier to play for France in the near future.

Following an impressive display against Chelsea, where Meslier was able to keep a clean sheet, former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino lauded the 21-year-old and tipped him to succeed Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris as France’s No.1 – something Palmer can see happening.

And it appears such performances have not gone unnoticed outside of England, with Meslier now being linked with a return to his homeland.

According to The National, Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain are considering a move for the French youngster as they look to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

Discussing the 6 ft 4 stopper’s chances of becoming a France international in an exclusive interview with FFC, Palmer said:

“If you’re playing in the Premier League and you’re playing well, as he’s doing, of course, of course. It’s all about consistency, it’s all about keep performing and if you’re doing well for your club, then there’s every chance you’re going to play, get picked for the national team.

“And if you’re playing well for your club in the Premier League, there’s always going to be people who are looking to bring quality players into their football club. The key is always performing and performing consistently well, and if you do that, at the highest level, then the rest follows, the rest follows, international honours follow, big moves follow.”

Presently, the goalkeepers in Didier Deschamps France squad are Lloris, Marseille’s Steve Mandanda and Mike Maignan of Lille. But with Lloris 34 years of age and Mandanda now 36, there certainly could be room for Meslier in the France set-up very soon.

According to Football Insider, Bongani Zungu may have played his last game for Glasgow Rangers.

What’s the word?

Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard confirmed that Zungu, 28, Nathan Patterson, 19, Dapo Mebude, 19, Brian Kinnear, 20 and Calvin Bassey, 21, breached coronavirus protocols.

Reports had emerged over the past couple of days that the players had allegedly broken lockdown rules after attending a party in Glasgow in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gerrard has since revealed Rangers are now in talks with the Scottish FA and Scottish government regarding the breach after admitting he is “disappointed” by their actions.

And now, it seems that this could well prove to be the final straw for Zungu, who has endured a tough time at Ibrox.

Get rid of him

Gerrard has said all the right things about building up his confidence, but the 28-year-old has betrayed his trust both on the pitch and off it.

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson signed Zungu on loan from French Ligue 2 side Amiens until the end of the season, and they will reportedly have to part ways with £2.7m should they wish to sign him on a permanent basis. However, he has struggled to justify such a colossal fee after flopping badly at Ibrox.

It’s hard to recall the last time a top-level career at Ibrox has crashed and burned quite so spectacularly as that of Zungu.

Last year, the Scottish giants were involved in a bitter tug-of-war with Olympiacos for his services – both clubs were desperate to land a player who had been solid, if not unspectacular in Ligue 1.

A loan move to Rangers was eventually sanctioned, but it has proven to be a hollow victory, as that loan switch has failed to work out as well as previously hoped.

A measly WhoScored match rating of 6.29 ranks him the third-lowest out of the entire Rangers squad below the likes of Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones, both of whom have since left the club on loan after falling afoul of the coronavirus guidelines.

Along with Steven Davis’ consistency, Ryan Jack’s return has also worsened the situation for the South Africa international.

The Scotland star has fared far better than the Bafana-Bafana midfielder with two goals and one assist in his past five appearances in the Scottish Premiership. For context, that’s more than Zungu has managed to contribute in all competitions this season thus far.

With Rangers well-stocked in his position, perhaps it would be best for Wilson to let the player return to his parent club, as he clearly does not possess the same skillset the aforementioned midfielders carry in their arsenal.

AND in other Rangers news, Rangers receive James Tavernier injury boost before Antwerp Europa League clash…

United States coach Gregg Berhalter has indicated that his aim is to guide his team to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• USA to host World Cup with Mexico & Canada
• USMNT boss aiming for historic finish
• Believes they could change football in country

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Along with Canada and Mexico, the USA will host the next World Cup and Berhalter sees it as a great opportunity to impact football in the North American nation. The USMNT have only ever made it to the semi-finals on one occasion – the first ever World Cup in 1930 – and the manager feels going far once again would make their campaign a success.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  WHAT BERHALTER SAID

  He told : "There's varying degrees of success, in my opinion. But I think it starts with going to a round or getting to a place where we haven't been before. I think that's where you start to say: 'Wow, this group really did something with that. The United States would be crazy. It would change soccer in America forever."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  USA's stature in world football has grown over the years, with many top stars now plying their trade across Europe. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah are all performing well in Italy, while striker Folarin Balogun has become a star in France with Reims and now Monaco. Rising star Giovanni Reyna and goalkeeper Matt Turner are now in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest and Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi are playing for PSV in Netherlands. If their top players continue to excel in competitive leagues, USMNT could put together a strong team in upcoming competitions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The Stars and Stripes made it to the final four in 1930 because only 13 teams entered the competition and the group stage was immediately followed by the semi-finals. Since then, the farthest they have gone on the global stage is to the quarter-finals, having done so in 2002. Three round-of-16 finishes have followed since then, most recently at the 2022 competition in Qatar.

England and Bayern striker Harry Kane has been asked to build his perfect striker by choosing players for eight attributes.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Harry Kane builds his perfect striker
• Names Mbappe, Ronaldo, Crouch, Drogba, Rooney and Bellingham
• But wants his own finishing ability

• (C)GettyImages
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  For Kane to choose his perfect striker he was given eight attributes to choose from and could only name a player once for each quality. The eight attributes were movement, speed, heading, finishing, strength, dribbling, link-up play and workrate.

Advertisement

• WHAT KANE SAID

  "[Edinson] Cavani. Speed? [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Heading? I'm gonna go with someone like Peter Crouch. Finishing? Got to put myself in one of these, so I'll go finishing. Strength? Didier Drogba. Dribbling? I'd say [Kylian] Mbappe," he told ESPN.

  Kane was then told that he could choose himself more than once for the categories before the questioning continued.

  "Link-up play? You know I'm not going to go with me, I'm going to go Wayne Rooney. Work rate? I'm going to go, he's kind of played higher up, Jude Bellingham."

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane has had a stellar start to his season with Bayern Munich following his sensational summer move to the German club after having been at Tottenham Hotspur since 2004 when he joined their academy aged 11. The Englishman has scored 21 goals in 15 games in all competitions, he has also garnered seven assists to his name.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?

  The striker is currently with the English national team and will be in action later tonight when the Three Lions take on North Macedonia to conclude their European Championship qualifiers.

Daniel Farke’s Norwich City side should consider making a move for Billy Gilmour this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to former Canaries star ‘Jon Newsome, who, in an interview with This is Futbol, stated his belief that the Chelsea midfielder would be a “fantastic” signing for newly-promoted City.

The former defender’s remarks come following a report by The Athletic, who revealed that Thomas Tuchel’s side will be looking to loan the 19-year-old out this summer in order for him to gain first-team experience.

Newsome said: “What a fantastic signing he would be, and I think it’s good for Billy Gilmour. He needs to get out and play games; he needs football out on the grass. Is he going to break into the side at the moment? I can’t really see it happening. So, yes, he needs to get out and what better place to go than Norwich City?”

Webber must move

Having made his Chelsea debut under Frank Lampard back in 2019, Gilmour has so far gone on to make 22 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.

However, only five of these came in the Premier League last season, something that is not overly surprising when considering that Tuchel has the likes of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic as options in the middle of the park.

And, with it being confirmed that Norwich have released both Alexander Tettey and Mario Vrancic this summer, in addition to Oliver Skipp returning to Tottenham Hotspur and Kenny McLean being ruled out for 12 weeks due to injury, central midfield certainly appears an area in which Daniel Farke needs to strengthen ahead of City’s Premier League campaign.

As such, Newsome’s suggestion of a move for Gilmour would indeed appear to suit both Chelsea and Norwich, as the Blues would be allowing the youngster to gain valuable Premier League experience, while Norwich would gain the services of a highly promising midfielder who was recently credited with bossing the Manchester City midfield in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s side.

Indeed, picking up Gilmour would certainly go a long way in softening Farke’s blow of losing Skipp, meaning that we completely agree with the assessment of Newsome, and believe it would be highly advisable for Stuart Webber to do all he can to convince the £6.3m-rated 19-year-old of a move to Carrow Road this summer.

In other news: Major Norwich City development is revealed that’ll surely have fans buzzing – opinion