All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham fans are ecstatic at the news that Armstrong Okoflex scored a hat-trick for the U23s in the young Hammers’ 4-2 win over Crystal Palace, putting them top of the Premier League 2 table.

Irish teenager Okoflex won and converted the penalty that saw West Ham bring back the lead after initially going 2-1 down to Palace, rounding off his hat-trick early on in the second half.

Kamarai Swyer then put the game to bed after left-back Jayden Fevrier fed the ball through to the attacking midfielder, who was able to lash in a near-post finish.

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West Ham fans have been extremely impressed with Okoflex this season, who has totalled 10 goals and one assist in 13 Premier League 2 appearances.

This wasn’t even his first hat-trick of the 2021/22 campaign, as the left winger netted three times in the U23’s 6-1 victory against Arsenal.

Okoflex has proved that he can perform at the senior level too, as he scored in West Ham U23’s EFL Trophy tie against Ipswich, which they won 2-1.

Fans erupt at Okoflex’s hat-trick

Fans have flocked to West Ham’s tweet, which announces the teenager’s third goal, with amazement. They even call for him to be promoted to the first-team, following his fine form.

“Get him on the bench for Thursday – the kid clearly has talent!”

Credit: @KDGAMING1996

“put him innnnnn Moyes”

Credit: @wideasIeep

“this man is a beast”

Credit: @IdkWhat51466692

“serious baller”

Credit: @Big_Ety

“The future is bright”

Credit: @LewisDowling7

“Literally sell Yarmo put this man on the bench”

Credit: @baphap01

Taking to Twitter, these West Ham United fans have been left excited by an ExWHUemployee transfer update involving Sparta Prague striker Adam Hlozek.

Manager David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman have set their sights on a forward signing before January 31 with Hlozek one of the many names recently linked.

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Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s recent purchase of a 27% stake in West Ham has only accelerated reports of the 19-year-old potentially moving to east London, with 90min reporter Toby Cudworth saying his influence could ‘sway’ an agreement (Twitter).

GSB, as a result, may have the opportunity to back Moyes with Hlozek’s acquisition and this is reiterated by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee.

He claims that West Ham could sign the prolific teenager and a ‘deal is there to be done’ (via West Ham Views) if Newman and Moyes opt take it further.

West Ham fans excited…

Reacting with their opinions on Twitter, these Irons supporters have been left excited by the fact an agreement to sign Hlozek is indeed possible this month.

He has been making waves for Sparta, notching an impressive 21 goals and 24 assists since the start of 2020/2021 and earning call-ups to the Czech Republic national team so early in his career.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder these Hammers fans believe he could be a ‘quality’ addition – find all of their best reactions down below:

“Get him to the bowl”

Credit: @Adamsoitis

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Hlozek and David up top together would be deadly, add Kamara to that and we’d be set for a decade”

Credit: @arrrrrrrchie

“So doooooo itttttt”

Credit: @NStampar

“PLEASEEE!”

Credit: @WestHamNRU

“Get it done West Ham.”

Credit: @PakistanHammers

“Absolutely get it done. Quality striker.”

Credit: @chris31demons

In other news: ‘I know for a fact’ – talkSPORT reporter makes on air West Ham transfer claim involving £17m ace, find out more here.

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer, along with a host of other clubs.

While much of the focus has been on the Reds’ defensive struggles this season, mainly due to injuries, their attack has also been a big problem. Mohamed Salah has done his best, scoring 28 goals, and Diogo Jota has been an excellent signing, but Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have looked shadows of their former selves.

Jurgen Klopp may feel the need to add more competition for places in attacking areas this summer, with a fresh report suggesting that this may be the case.

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Liverpool interested in signing Vlahovic

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Milan Live], Liverpool are among a number of clubs keen on signing Vlahovic in the summer, along with the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, Roma and Real Madrid.

The 21-year-old has scored 15 goals in Serie A so far this season, with only four players ahead of him in the standings, including Cristiano Ronaldo (25) and Romelu Lukaku (21).

Transfer Tavern take

Vlahovic would represent a long-term signing for Liverpool, perhaps coming in as a squad player initially before maturing under the tutelage of Klopp. He has won an impressive 2.7 aerial duels per game in the league this season, compared to Firmino’s 0.6, suggesting that he could offer something different to the Reds’ attack.

It is crucial that Klopp starts to look towards the future, making sure that his squad don’t grow old together without having sufficient replacements.

Vlahovic could be someone to take the team forward in the next few years, as well as being an immediate option if there is a need to call upon him.

In other news, Liverpool reportedly want to sign a player who was once valued at £108m. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham have a ‘pronounced interest’ in Juventus attacker Paulo Dybala ahead of a possible summer move and even hold one major advantage in the race.

The Lowdown: Juve icon on the way out

The 28-year-old has been a great player for Juve over the years, standing out as one of Serie A’s premier attacking players.

Dybala has scored 113 goals in 287 appearances for the Turin giants, not to mention chipping in with 48 assists, outlining the creative side of his game, all while racking up an incredible five league titles and seven domestic cups.

The Argentine’s Juve deal expires at the end of this season, however, and it looks highly likely that he will enjoy a fresh challenge after Fabrizio Romano revealed he is not expected to pen new terms.

The Latest: Spurs eye up summer move

According to But! Football Club [via Sport Witness], both Spurs and Atletico Madrid have a ‘pronounced interest’ in signing Dybala this summer.

While it is also stated that Inter Milan are the current favourites to sign him instead, the article says the fact that Fabio Paratici signed Dybala for Juve ‘could give them (Spurs) an advantage in any race, as would the presence of Antonio Conte as manager’.

The Verdict: Is he worth it?

Dybala has enjoyed an outstanding career – he was once described as a ‘great player’ by Lionel Messi, which speaks volumes – and he would be an exciting, high-profile arrival at Spurs, called a ‘world class’ and ‘massive’ would-be signing by former Lilywhite Paul Robinson.

Admittedly, the Argentina international turns 29 later this year and has had injury problems throughout his career, but he can be a sprinkling of stardust for Antonio Conte, providing match-winning moments when Harry Kane and Son Heung-min cannot.

His ability to thrive in a No.10 role could even help Son and Kane become even more potent, with his pedigree at a top European club proven over an extended period of time.

In other news, Tottenham have reportedly sent officials to watch two players. Find out who they are here.

Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling has suggested that Steve Bruce could be in big trouble due to the struggles of Newcastle striker Joelinton.

Joelinton causing Bruce problems

Stelling was speaking on Soccer Saturday after the Magpies had drawn 1-1 with Aston Villa on Friday night, when the £18m-valued Brazilian played the full 90 minutes but failed to get a shot on target.

The broadcaster believes Bruce has a big problem with the former Hoffenheim forward, saying (via Sunderland Echo):

“Steve Bruce afterwards said you’re only as good as your strikers, in which case he’s in big trouble, isn’t he?

“I thought Joelinton actually did have a decent game but he’s afraid to pull the trigger. He’s afraid to shoot.

“He’s so lacking in confidence.”

Needs Wilson back soonIt is still incredible to think that Newcastle parted with £40m to take the Brazilian to the Premier League, smashing their transfer record in the process (The Guardian). In 71 games for the Toon, he has managed just seven goals (Transfermarkt) and, as Stelling said, he has regularly looked devoid of confidence.In the aftermath of the Villa clash, Bruce revealed that Callum Wilson will not be available for next weekend’s game against Brighton (Shields Gazette). With 10 goals to his name this term, the England international has twice as many strikes as Newcastle’s second-top goalscorer Miguel Almiron (BBC). As the Toon fight for survival, there is no doubt they need the former Bournemouth striker back as soon as possible.Otherwise, as Stelling has warned, the Newcastle boss could be in for some sleepless nights over the next two months.In other news, Newcastle face competition to sign this Europa League star.

Celtic are expected to come in with an offer for Exeter City ace Joel Randall this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ previous links

Celtic were actually linked with a move for the 21-year-old back in the January window when Neil Lennon was still in charge.

Reports then claimed the Hoops were set to come in with a £1m-plus offer, with officials at Celtic believing Randall has the ability to play at a higher level.

Despite Lennon leaving Parkhead a month after the initial links to Randall, it seems as if Celtic are still keen on the player who Exeter boss Matt Taylor claimed has ‘phenomenal’ running stats.

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The Latest: Fresh links

According to Football Insider, who have been informed by a recruitment source, Celtic and Premier League side Norwich City are set to come in with bids for Randall.

Peterborough United have had an initial six-figure bid turned down, and Celtic and Norwich’s incoming offers could take the price up to £1m.

The Verdict: Versatility could prove handy

Randall played in four different positions for the Grecians last season, with the majority of those coming as a right-midfielder.

He’s also turned out as a centre-forward, left-winger and left-midfielder in the last 12 months, so his versatility could be handy at Parkhead.

You’d expect new Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou would be after wide additions after Mohamed Elyounoussi returned to Southampton.

Randall, a ‘standout player’ for Exeter, could well be a shrewd acquisition by the Hoops, and with 12 months left on his deal in the south west, Celtic could end up getting themselves a bargain.

In other news: Leeds keen on Celtic ace who Lennon signed, find out more here. 

Everton have landed a huge boost in the race to sign Kalidou Koulibaly, with Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Napoli defender “would be interested” in a reunion with Carlo Ancelotti.

What’s the word?

While speaking with Give Me Sport, transfer guru Romano has claimed that Koulibaly may consider a move to the Premier League this summer.

The Senegalese star has been widely linked with a switch from the Serie A, with Everton said to have marked Koulibaly as their top defensive target and that Ancelotti is willing to sell Yerry Mina to fund a deal.

Napoli are expected to hold out for €50m (£42.5m) to sell Koulibaly, who also has suitors in Bayern Munich and Manchester City, having lowered their £89m asking price from last summer to ward off interest from Manchester United.

Romano notes that Koulibaly was close to joining Manchester City in 2020, but adds that the opportunity to be reunited with Ancelotti may prove more attractive.

“I think he would be interested because he’s always had this attractive situation with the Premier League,” Romano said, when asked if Koulibaly would consider a reunion.

“He’s always been attracted by the Premier League clubs.

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“Also, last summer, he was really close to Manchester City, so his agent is strong with Premier League clubs.”

Should Everton sign Koulibaly?

Romano claiming that Koulibaly would be interested in a move to Goodison Park and being reunited with Ancelotti will come as a huge boost for Everton, given the 29-year-old is noted to be the Toffees’ top defensive target for the summer market.

However, Everton still have a relative mountain to climb in order to obtain the 43-cap enforcer’s services in the off-season due to the rival competition, plus the Merseyside outfit’s need to first sell Mina in order to raise the necessary funds.

Finding a suitor for Mina should now become priority number one for Marcel Brands, so that the Blues’ Director of Football can limit the opportunities for the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City to strike a deal.

Ancelotti was a huge advocate of Koulibaly’s talents during his time in charge of Napoli, so it is no wonder that the Italian is now seemingly keen to acquire the £195,000-per-week titan amid questions over his best defensive pairing.

The Toffees manager described Koulibaly as “the best defender in the world” back in 2019, and strongly believes that the 6 ft 1 centre-back owns a place among the greats of the game.

“Koulibaly belongs to the category of [Paolo] Maldini, [Lilian] Thuram, Thiago Silva and Sergio Ramos. He’s very intelligent,” Ancelotti once told La Stampa, via quotes shared by Football-Italia.

“Usually those who are as strong and quick as him think nothing else is needed to resolve problems. I divide players into optimists and pessimists. He’s a pessimist, he knows that [pace and strength] isn’t enough, so he’s very attentive and he has a strong character.”

It remains to be seen if that character will be on show in the Premier League wearing royal or sky blue next season, but Romano’s comments will undoubtedly come as a boost for Everton.

Click here to see the full interview with Fabrizio Romano.

AND in other news, Everton can potentially save £13m by turning to this Max Aarons alternative…

Leeds United have been dealt a blow in their quest to sign a new left-back, with promising target Matthew Sorinola now agreeing a move elsewhere.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Sorinola signing

The Whites were given an apparent boost regarding the MK Dons defender on Thursday, with a report claiming he had rejected a new deal at the League One club.

Leeds were mentioned as one of a host of clubs interested in snapping up the exciting 20-year-old, who has made 40 appearances this season and been lauded as ‘excellent’ by manager Russell Martin.

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The Latest: Youngster heading elsewhere

There has been a twist in the saga, however, with TEAMtalk claiming that Sorinola has agreed to join Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise instead, news since confirmed by the club.

It means Leeds will have to continue their search for a new left-back, with Ezgjan Alioski looking certain to leave the club this summer.

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The Verdict: Disappointing

In truth, it is unlikely that Sorinola was going to be seen as a first-choice option for Marcelo Bielsa, considering his lack of experience at the top level.

That said, the youngster’s quick rise in the lower tiers suggests he could be the next Dele Alli – as suggested by ExWHUemployee when his side, West Ham, were linked – in terms of making the jump from MK Dons to top flight stardom, so he could have certainly been an exciting addition for long-term potential.

With Alioski likely leaving, Leeds will need to sign an experienced player of Nicolas Tagliafico, Alex Moreno or Patrick van Aanholt’s ilk, all of whom have been linked with moves to Elland Road, but it couldn’t have hurt to add more young talent either, so this is a blow.

In other news, a pundit has claimed one Leeds player will be moving on this summer. Find out who it is here.

According to a report by Football Insider, former Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho is plotting a summer raid to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for new club AS Roma. 

The Lowdown: More Spurs exits?

Amid the big Harry Kane exit saga surrounding Tottenham, little is mentioned of other star players potentially heading out the exit door in north London.

Spurs, however, have been warned that, as well as Kane, other big name first teamers could contemplate their futures whilst attracting outside interest.

Tottenham have yet to secure a new manager and map out a plan to rebuild the team in time for the 2021/2022 season, and the threat of losing other key players is the last thing they need.

The Latest: Mourinho plotting raid for Hojbjerg

Now, as per Football Insider, ex-Lilywhites coach Mourinho is said to be plotting a move to sign the 25-year-old for his new club this summer.

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Coming just under a year after he signed him for Spurs, a recruitment source has told Football Insider that Hojbjerg is the only player who Mourinho wishes to prise away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The colossal Dane played every minute under the former Spurs manager before his untimely sacking – with Mourinho now planning to contact Spurs in an attempt to lure Hojbjerg away.

The Verdict: Keep at all costs…

Hojbjerg has, arguably, been Spurs’ best signing of the 2020/2021 season – attracting all sorts of acclaim for his performances throughout the campaign.

The 40-cap star has been an imperative figure, and Mourinho himself was very public in his admiration of Hojbjerg – branding the midfield colossus as a ‘phenomenal player’ and ‘physically very, very strong’ (Goal).

Tottenham podcaster Lee McQueen immediately recognised his quality in the first few months of his time in a Lilywhites shirt, calling him ‘magnificent'(Last Word on Spurs Podcast).

One of the shining lights of an otherwise regrettable campaign for Spurs, supporters will be hoping Hojbjerg doesn’t threaten an exit this summer.

In other news: Spurs hold discussions with this Champions League-winning boss, find out more here.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has told Football FanCast there have been murmurings about a possible late deadline day move to Everton for Matt Doherty.

Doherty joined Tottenham from Wolves last summer in a £15m deal, but failed to show the kind of form that made him one of the best attacking full-backs in the Premier League at Molineux.

He did make 13 starts in the league last season but has already slipped behind Japhet Tanganga in the right-back pecking order despite reuniting with Nuno Espirito Santo following his appointment in north London.

Doherty hasn’t started a league game this season, playing just seven minutes overall, with the Conference League likely to be his best pathway for regular minutes.

Emerson Royal’s arrival is expected to reduce Doherty’s chances even further of breaking into Santo’s side, and therefore Bridge revealed that a shock move to Everton could be on the cards.

He told Football FanCast:

“I’ve not heard anything yet, but there have been murmurings of Everton, but I don’t know if there’s anything in it. But I do wonder if he’s been touted about, and a club might go ‘well give him a go’.”