All posts by n8rngtd.top

The Southampton hierarchy have now identified a 3-4-3 specialist, as their search for Russell Martin’s replacement continues, according to a recent report.

Latest on Southampton’s manager search

The Saints have won just one game in the Premier League all season, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that a decision was made to relieve Martin of his duties, as his possession-based style of play didn’t have the same effect this season as it did in the Championship.

Southampton will be hoping they can get a new manager through the door as soon as possible, ideally before their game against Fulham on Sunday. There have already been a few names linked to the vacancy; Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl was the first manager to be mentioned as a candidate. The German is said to be under consideration, but his compensation fee may be too much for Saints to pay now.

Southampton now eyeing mystery new manager to replace Russell Martin

They are keeping it all under wraps at St Mary’s.

By
Ben Browning

Dec 18, 2024

Meanwhile, former Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has been admired by Southampton for a while, and he is another option that is being considered by the Premier League side. The Saints are looking at the overseas free-agent market to replace Martin, and Hjulmand is a realistic option. Former Roma boss Ivan Juric has also been identified as a potential option, as they would rather hire a manager who is out of work than risk paying a substantial compensation fee.

Southampton are now eyeing a 3-4-3 specialist

As Southampton look at overseas manager targets, a new name has emerged on their radar, but surprisingly, he is someone who is currently in work. According to TBR Football, Southampton have placed Santa Clara manager Vasco Matos on their list of potential managers to replace Martin.

Matos, who likes to play a 3-4-3 formation, is currently in charge of Santa Clara, who are a Portuguese team in Liga Portugal. The 44-year-old joined the club in July 2023, and it was a first season to remember, as he guided the club to the Liga Portugal 2 title, and they are now sitting in fourth place in the top tier. Before joining Santa Clara, he was an assistant manager at Casa Pia for three years but has now made a name for himself as an impressive manager.

The job he has done in Portugal has not gone unnoticed, as this report states that Matos is now a “genuine” option for the Saints. The Portuguese has guided his side to nine wins from their opening 14 league games, five points adrift of third-place Benfica.

Matos has made Santa Clara a team that is hard to beat, as last season they lost just three games, and they have only conceded 19 goals in 34 matches. His ability to make his teams defensively sound and make a limited squad overachieve appeals to Southampton, as they look to get off the bottom of the table. However, Matos is said to not be at the top of Southampton’s managerial wishlist, although it could still be one to watch.

Sergio Aguero is set to come out of his retirement to play in a one-off game for boyhood club Independiente.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Aguero set to come out of retirement
• Will feature for Independiente against Racing
• Retired from professional football in 2021

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City legend Aguero decided to hang up his boots in December 2021 while at Barcelona after being diagnosed with a heart condition. But he is ready to come out of retirement to play in a competitive match for Argentine side Independiente against their arch-rivals Racing on Monday, reports .

Advertisement

• TST
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In February, there was speculation over the 36-year-old making a return to professional football, but the ex-striker was quick to shoot down those rumours. Speaking to reporters, he said: "It's totally a lie, I'm not going to train with Independiente. Sometimes things are invented. I reiterate that the cardiologist said that I am well and that it is important that I am in good health. But to return to training at the First Division level, I would need to undergo a lot of tests."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The former Argentina international briefly returned for a legends match last year, but his time on the pitch was limited as he dislocated his shoulder. Aguero also appeared in a seven-a-side soccer tournament in the US in June 2024.

• (C)GettyImages
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Aguero's return to professional football will just be for this one-off game, as he is now looking forward to his new venture of club ownership. He is also monitoring the progress of his 16-year-old son Benjamin, who plies trade in Independiente's youth team.

A “fantastic” Liverpool player has no plans to leave the club, despite “rumours” suggesting otherwise, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Liverpool contract saga ongoing

The Reds couldn’t be faring much better under Arne Slot if they tried, with the Dutchman making an incredible start to life in charge at Anfield. His side are top of the Premier League heading into the New Year, but there is the distraction of sorting the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

It is well-documented that all three are out of contract at Liverpool at the end of this season, and as things stand, none have signed extensions, acting as a huge concern. All three once again showed how priceless they are in Sunday’s 6-3 win away to Tottenham, all playing a key role in the victory.

At this point, Van Dijk and Salah arguably feel most likely to sign new Reds contracts, with the pair possibly content to see out the remaining best years of their career at Anfield.

The same cannot quite be said of Alexander-Arnold, however, with the 26-year-old continually linked with a move to Real Madrid. It is easy to see his head being turned by the reigning European champions, with Liverpool’s vice-captain wanting to build a great legacy, although that’s not to say he won’t decide to stay put instead. Now, a new update has emerged regarding another player.

"Fantastic" Liverpool ace won't be leaving

Taking to X, Plettenberg claimed that Luis Diaz isn’t planning to leave Liverpool any time soon, even though an exit has been mooted in some quarters:

Diaz is enjoying a brilliant season for Liverpool, scoring seven goals in 11 starts in the Premier League and proving to be one of the most dangerous attacking players in the country.

The 27-year-old has not only shone in his customary left-sided role but also leading the line centrally, and Emile Heskey has heaped praise on him, saying:

“After the issues he’s had to deal with off the field, he deserves so much credit, because he’s been fantastic. He had big boots to fill when Sadio Mane left, because Mane was such a brilliant player for Liverpool, and had such a crucial role. For me, Mane was arguably the best player at Liverpool during his time at the club – Mo Salah has been amazing, but for work rate and overall output, I think Mane was slightly ahead of him.”

Liverpool could lose "world-class" star to Spurs in awful Sterling repeat

Tottenham could be interested in signing one of Liverpool’s key players in 2025.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 23, 2024

This is, therefore, great news for Liverpool, with Diaz potentially coming into his very best years now and still being contracted until the summer of 2027. Having been doubted by some, in terms of his lack of end product, he has silenced his critics emphatically this season.

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has questioned the club's stance on maintaining secrecy over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Hamann questions Liverpool's secrecy over Trent
• Urges club to sign Frimpong
• Reds face Fulham on Sunday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Reports emerged earlier this week that Real Madrid are nearing a free transfer agreement for Alexander-Arnold as his contract with the Reds runs out this summer. Despite strong rumours of the player's possible move to Madrid doing the rounds, neither the Merseyside club nor the full-back has addressed the issue yet. Ex-Anfield star Hamann has questioned Liverpool's secrecy around the matter while backing the England international's decision to head to Santiago Bernabeu.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  WHAT DIETMAR HAMANN SAID

  Speaking to , Hamann said: "If Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to leave Liverpool, I don’t know why he and the club haven’t come out to explain the situation. I'd be very surprised if he hadn't made his mind up by now. I think that because he could get another injury, which rules him out for the season, and that will impact contract talks with both Liverpool and Real Madrid.

  "I don’t think there is any reason to keep his plans a secret. He looks the most likely to go, and you might only get a chance to join Real Madrid once in your career, so I don’t think you can blame him. Real Madrid like to have the ball, and I think Trent Alexander-Arnold fits into any team, lots has been made of his defensive deficiencies, but his passing range is incredible, and that would suit their forwards perfectly. He gives you so much going forward so."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 51-year-old also advised his former club to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong as he considers the Dutchman to be an ideal replacement for Alexander-Arnold. Hamann added: "I was surprised that nobody signed Jeremie Frimpong last summer for around £40 million, there was an option and nobody took it, but he is a brilliant player. He has lots of pace, he scores and sets up goals, he is a very modern player and he would do a great job in the Premier League.

  "He is more of a wing-back than a full-back, but he would be a great player for Liverpool to have, he’d give another option outside of Mohamed Salah who likes to cut in on his left foot. Every team needs pace and he has certainly got it, he would be a good option for Liverpool if Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Arne Slot's men will be back in action in the Premier League on Sunday as they take on Fulham away from home. With Arsenal dropping points against Everton on Saturday, the Reds have a chance to increase their lead to 14 points at the top of the table if they win at Craven Cottage.

Adrien Rabiot was left fuming after Marseille lost crucial ground in the race to qualify for the Champions League as they lost 3-0 to Monaco.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Marseille thumped over the weekend
• Have won one of their last five
• Monaco leapfrogged them into second

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Marseille were beaten 3-0 by Monaco in a huge clash when it came to their Champions League hopes. While PSG have won Ligue 1, the six teams below them are separated by just five points. Monaco's win saw them leapfrog Rabiot and his team-mates, including Mason Greenwood, into second place. The top three teams in Ligue 1 qualify automatically for the Champions League, while the fourth will face a qualifier to reach the league phase.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rabiot was left fuming after the game, storming off the pitch after the full-time whistle and heading straight down the tunnel. Rabiot did not join his team-mates in acknowledging the fans, either, and gave a rather monosyllabic interview when approached by journalists after the defeat. Greenwood was criticised in the French media for his performance.

• WHAT RABIOT SAID

  Asked to give a comment, Rabiot quickly replied: "If I talk, I will say crazy things."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Marseille play Montpellier next. Montpellier have been relegated, so this clash may offer some respite for Roberto De Zerbi's side. Marseille have won just one of their last five fixtures.

Another £820,000-a-week worth of Manchester United players could be cleared off the wage bill alongside Marcus Rashford this month, according to a recent report.

Man Utd transfer news

January could be a very busy period for the Red Devils, as Ruben Amorim and INEOS try to make changes to the squad and look to have a much better second half of the season than the first. Rashford’s future at Old Trafford could decide what United are able to do in this transfer window, as his exit would potentially free up funds for INEOS to enter the market.

But as we wait to see what happens to the Englishman, The Daily Star have reported that Amorim is now demanding that United sign Viktor Gyokeres this month. The United boss has told Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he cannot wait until the summer and wants to reunite with the striker this month, as he looks to improve United’s attack. However, this is not an easy deal to complete, as his £80 million release clause may be too much for the Red Devils at this moment in time.

Amorim demanding Ratcliffe signs £80m "Rolls-Royce" for Man Utd this month

He doesn’t want to wait until the summer.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 1, 2025

One player who is a more realistic target for the Premier League side is Nuno Mendes. United are interested in signing the Portugal international, and Mendes is keen on reuniting with Amorim at Old Trafford. PSG want to extend the left-back’s contract, but talks have broken down, and that has opened the door for United to make a move this month, as signing a new left-back is a high priority.

£820,000-a-week Man Utd quartet could leave Old Trafford

Rashford’s departure from Old Trafford is well talked about now, and from large sections of the club, it is expected, but he may not be the only player to leave this month. According to Sky Sports, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, and Antony could leave Man United, as they are open to offers.

Eriksen, Casemiro and Antony have been at Old Trafford since the summer of 2022, when they arrived in Erik ten Hag’s first transfer window as the club’s manager. Eriksen and Casemiro featured heavily under the Dutchman, as did Antony in his first season, but towards the end of last season and now under Amorim, all three have fallen down the pecking order.

Lindelof is one of United’s longest-serving players in the current squad, having joined in 2017. The Sweden international has struggled to be a regular in the side for a while now, and with his contract expiring in the summer, just like Eriksen’s, a move in January is an option.

This report states that United are open to both permanent and loan offers for all four players, as they don’t have a long-term future at Old Trafford. The four of them are on a combined £820,000-a-week wage, and their exits would ease some of the financial burden on the club.

Arsenal could look to the Parc des Princes for a January attacking reinforcement, with another Paris Saint-Germain regular now considering a mid-season exit alongside exit-bound teammate Randal Kolo Muani.

Arsenal targeting new forward for Arteta in January

The north Londoners have lost star winger Bukayo Saka until March, following the England international’s hamstring surgery, and this has left manager Mikel Arteta with a glaring hole in his squad going forward.

Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign £50m Saka replacement in January

The Spaniard is extremely keen.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 8, 2025

Saka’s return, in terms of both goals and assists, is absolutely crucial for Arsenal. The 24-year-old bagged an incredible 20 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last term, and continued in that fine form with nine goals and 13 assists so far this term.

Minus that output, Arsenal are struggling to finish teams off right now – most recently dropping points in a 1-1 draw away to Brighton and wasting a host of chances in their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.

The Gunners are clinging on to this year’s Premier League title race by a thread, and Man United did them a huge favour last weekend by sealing a surprise 2-2 draw away to Liverpool.

Arsenal are arguably in need of a goalscoring winger who can provide that extra injection of threat in the final third, and it is believed that Arteta personally wants Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao in January (The Athletic).

However, Arteta won’t have it all his own way, as the Spain international is not agitating to leave Bilbao. The cost of a winter operation, when taking into account Williams’ salary and £50 million release clause, also makes this possible signing a more feasible one for the summer (The Athletic).

While the 22-year-old would be an exciting addition, there are other options, like PSG forward Lee Kang-in.

Arsenal could make January move for PSG attacker Lee Kang-in

The South Korea star is apparently unsettled and thinking about leaving Luis Enrique’s side before deadline day, according to The Athletic, despite playing regularly.

Kang-in has made 24 appearances in all competitions for the Ligue 1 champions this season, bagging six goals and two assists in that time.

The 23-year-old has featured in a variety of roles under Enrique as well, playing as a right-winger, centre-forward and as a central attacking midfielder – which should make him pretty appealing to Arteta given just how much the tactician is rumoured to value versatility.

It is therefore little surprise that The Athletic and reliable journalist James McNicholas say Arsenal could make a January move for Kang-in. However, this is dependent on PSG being willing to green-light a loan with the option to buy, rather than an outright permanent deal.

The French heavyweights value Kang-in at around £37 million, double what they originally paid for him, and he is quite highly-regarded at the club – both in terms of his ability and personality.

Manchester United are keen on signing Ajax wonderkid Abdellah Ouazane, who has been compared with Jude Bellingham, this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ouazane wanted by United
• Just 16-years-old
• Played at U17 African Cup of Nations

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per the , United are interested in Ajax teenager Ouazane amid a series of fine displays at the Under-17 African Cup of Nations. The Moroccan teenager has shone at the tournament, and United are now considering an approach to the Dutch giants.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The reports that Ouazane has been likened to Bellingham in terms of his playing style, and United are looking for young players this summer as they operate with a limited transfer budget. They will have to sell to buy, but it is unlikely the Ajax star would break the bank.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United are also said to be interested in signing Ryan One from Sheffield United. A Scotland Under-19 international, the striker has made 14 senior appearances for the Blades at the age of 18.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  United are next in action on Thursday against Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

Nottingham Forest’s incredible start to the season is turning into something more than just a fast start. The City Ground faithful dared to dream of European football a few games into the campaign, but perhaps those dreams are well on the way to becoming reality with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sitting third in the Premier League.

Goal difference is the only thing separating the men in Garibaldi Red from second-place Arsenal, with both sides on 40 points. Liverpool who are currently top of the Premier League, have a six-point lead.

Champions League football could become a reality for the East Midlands club at the end of the season. Nuno could look to bring in reinforcements this winter to ensure they get over the line, with Forest linked with a midfielder.

Nottingham Forest’s midfield target

The player in question here is Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz. The Brazilian has been out of favour in Turin since his summer move from Aston Villa, and could now depart the club in the January transfer window.

According to a report from the highly reputable Fabrizio Romano, Forest “are among the clubs showing interest” in a move for the midfielder this winter. He reports that the former Villa man’s “situation is open” ahead of a busy few weeks in January.

They could well face competition from other sides in the English top flight. According to Italian outlet Tutto Juve, Tottenham Hotspur are also considering doing a deal, with Manchester United and Arsenal also showing interest.

Why Douglas Luiz would be a good signing

Sadly, the Brazil international has not been a regular starter for the Turin giants this season, after his big-money £42.35m move from Villa Park. He has been out of favour under new Juve boss Thiago Motta.

In total, Luiz has managed just 13 appearances across all competitions, with nine of those coming in Serie A. He has featured for just 354 minutes altogether, which equates to a remarkably low 3.93 full 90-minute games.

With that in mind, it is no surprise that he could be searching for an exit from the Old Lady. However, there is no doubting his quality, which he showcased for Villa during his time in England.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

In fact, football statistician Statman Dave previously described him as the “best box-to-box CM in the Premier League”, showing how highly rated he was.

The midfielder was formidable for the Villans. Over the span of five seasons in Claret and Blue, he played 204 games, scoring 22 goals and grabbing 24 assists.

Luiz’s best campaign at Villa Park came in 2023/24, where he scored nine times and registered five assists in 35 Premier League games.

Should Forest get this deal over the line, they could see a fantastic midfield partnership form between Luiz and Elliot Anderson. The Newcastle United academy graduate has been impressive for Forest so far this season, with Nuno describing him as an “amazing talent” earlier in the season.

He has been superb in Garibaldi Red since his move last summer, playing 19 times in the Premier League and registering five assists in that time. His quick feet and creativity have been a breath of fresh air for Forest.

The pair are both more than complimentary of each other in a midfield pivot, although one may have to take up more defensive responsibility. The stats on Squawka suggest it is certainly a duo that could work. It is worth considering that these are from their most recent season in the Premier League.

The Forest star trumps the £134k-per-week Brazilian in many key metrics. That includes the number of duels won per game, with 8.8 compared to 4.5, and the number of chances created per 90 minutes, with 2.1 as opposed to 1.6 for Luiz.

Signing Luiz could be a fantastic piece of business this winter for Forest. He is clearly a superb player, and, as the stats suggest, could work well in a midfield pivot with Anderson.

With Forest chasing a Champions League spot, or maybe more, the Brazilian could make a big difference.

Watch out Wood: Nottingham Forest could land their own Gyokeres in £35m ace

Nottingham Forest could target added attacking reinforcements to bolster their top four hopes.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 8, 2025

Julio Baptista has labelled Manchester City this season's Premier League flops, singling out Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne for their poor form.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• More expected from City
• Baptista criticises star playmakers
• Cityzens currently fifth in EPL

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The ex-Real Madrid and Arsenal attacker didn't hold back his bunches when asked to name this season's Premier League flops, criticising City for their lack of condition. Speaking exclusively to footitalia.com, 'The Beast' name-checked De Bruyne and Foden, both of whom have struggled for form and fitness this term.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City currently sit in fifth, which should be enough to secure Champions League football for next season. Foden is currently nursing an ankle injury he picked up a fortnight ago in the Manchester derby, while De Bruyne overcame his stop-start form and checkered injury history to provide a virtuosic performance against Palace last weekend. Both players will need to chip in with goals and assists for City to cling onto their league position.

• WHAT BAPTISTA SAID

  When asked to name his flops of the season, Baptista said: "Manchester City, they’re having such a difficult season. The players aren’t in good condition. We expect more from them. They have amazing players like Kevin De Bruyne, and Phil Foden, but we expected to see them doing better. This year, they haven’t held my attention, there are teams who are outperforming while City struggle."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  City will make their last ever trip to Goodison Park to take on a resurgent Everton. The Toffees have amassed the sixth most points in the league since David Moyes returned to the club, and will provide stiff competition for Pep Guardiola's men.