Liverpool fans erupt over FSG development

Writing for the Telegraph, journalist Chris Bascombe has lifted the lid on why Fenway Sports Group won’t be changing their approach to Liverpool despite being set to receive a $750 million (£539 million) investment from RedBird Capital Partners – which has prompted Reds to erupt on social media.

It has been reported over the last two days that, alongside LeBron James becoming an FSG partner, Liverpool are set to receive a significant cash injection after approving the £539m investment by RedBird.

However, Bascombe has warned Liverpool supporters to not get too overly excited in regards to how this effects issues like transfer policy – saying the approach from FSG will be no different and this news should not signal the start of a new era.

As a result, many Reds erupted on social media in response to the insight – find all of their verdicts down below, look away now John W. Henry…

Liverpool fans erupt over FSG claim

“Lol we are finished had fun for 3 years it’s over now teams have gotten way better dead owners no investment”

Credit: @NabyDazzler

“FSG out”

Credit: @Is_Alive101

“Disgraceful owners”

Credit: @DJ08_

“Sell to buy merchants living off Klopps genius”

Credit: @Corballyred

“FSG out asap”

Credit: @DavidVaughan5

“We’re done for. SELL UP!”

Credit: @_jms98

“Absolute joke”

Credit: @Tjtrxcxy10

“Why am I not surprised? Absolute parasites”

Credit: @Hendoshuffle1

In other news: Liverpool fans also want this player signed, find out more here.

Wolves: Aaron Ramsey heading to Molineux?

The transfer window slammed shut on Monday evening but that hasn’t stopped Wolves from drawing up plans ahead of the summer market.

What’s the word?

According to TuttoJuve, Aaron Ramsey’s future at Juventus currently hangs in the balance.

With that in mind, it’s thought that both Tottenham and Wolves are interested in bringing the Welshman back to the Premier League.

The midfielder swapped Arsenal for Juve in 2019 but his exit from Turin is already being considered. It’s understood that a fee of around €10m-€15m (£9m-£13m) could be enough to tempt the Italian giants into selling.

Whether Wolves can afford a deal remains to be seen. Ramsey currently earns a mighty £300,000 a week so would undoubtedly have to take a wage cut.

Move over Moutinho

One of Wolves’ biggest issues this term has been their midfield. They lack mobility and they lack runners from deep.

Joao Moutinho has scored just once this season – a stunner against Arsenal – but has been miles off the pace creatively.

For someone who usually assists so regularly, he is yet to provide a solitary pass that’s led to a goal in 2020/21. It’s been a dismal campaign for the Portuguese and if you believe the words of Tim Spiers, this could be his final season as a regular in the starting XI.

Thus, the addition of Ramsey would be incredibly beneficial and it could give Nuno the ammunition to finally axe Moutinho from his plans once and for all.

The Juventus star was described as “intelligent” by Robert Pires in a recent interview, which is one of the primary attributes that defines Moutinho. Though, critically, Ramsey is a willing runner and has energy to burn in the middle of the park.

The Wales international has five goal contributions this term and unlike Moutinho, is providing assists. He has supplied 1.4 key passes for Juventus in 2020/21 compared to the 1.1 managed by Wolves’ current midfield architect.

It’s safe to say that Ramsey has come a long way since he was dominated by a Wolves midfield in the Championship. He played against them for Cardiff in the 2007/08 campaign and was on the end of a 3-0 defeat. Andy Keogh gave the midfielder and his teammates the run-around, not only assisting a goal, but also scoring himself.

Ramsey was a mere boy when that happened, and had a such a difficult day that he hooked by the Cardiff boss after just an hour in that game at Molineux. Since then, he has become a Premier League stalwart, scoring 40 top-flight goals in England and picking up 51 assists.

If the experienced midfielder can agree to a wage cut, this would be an inspired signing from Jeff Shi. With Moutinho’s performances dwindling as the months go by, it would certainly be timely.

AND in other news, Forget Marcal: Nuno must unshackle rarely-seen 18 y/o, he’s a “perfect fit” for Wolves…

Kamara tipped for Rangers exit

Glasgow Rangers star man Glen Kamara could leave the Scottish giants in the near future in a bid to make a move south of the border, according to one pundit.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been in imperious form for Steven Gerrard’s side so far this season and was linked to Premier League sides Everton and Newcastle last year.

What’s the word?

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has delivered his verdict and claims a transfer could be on the cards.

“I think they might,” McAvennie told Football Insider when asked if Rangers might struggle to keep hold of Kamara in the summer.

“No disrespect to Celtic and Rangers but if you go to the Premier League you’re made for life. You’re set for life money-wise. You’re secure and if he goes down there and signs a four-year deal then he’s set.

“Unfortunately, as Steven Gerrard has found out, if you start winning games then teams start looking at your players. That’s a good thing. It means that they’re doing the right things and I’m sure Stevie will see it that way as well.

“I don’t think he’ll stand in the boy’s way if he’s got a big offer and everyone’s for sale. But he’ll not let him go if it’s not right for Rangers. He’ll not be going anywhere unless there’s a good offer on the table that satisfies Kamara and satisfies Rangers.”

Stand firm

Originally signed from Dundee in 2019, the in-form Finnish central midfielder – who earns £6,200-per-week at Ibrox – has established himself as one of the top players in the Scottish Premiership, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 90 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

While Kamara is one of five central midfield options currently available to Gerrard at the moment, it’s telling that he has made more appearances than any of his closest rivals, which once again highlights his importance to the league leaders.

It is evident, therefore, that he has become an integral part of Gerrard’s Gers that have stormed to the summit of the Premiership and after such an impressive run of form, Wilson shouldn’t think twice about offering him a new contract to convince him to stay at the club.

Gerrard is clearly a big fan of Kamara, too, as he made it clear he wants him to sign a new deal. He said: “‘I don’t know’ is the answer to your question. If it was my decision, the answer would be yes.

“I’ve made my feelings known to Ross (Wilson, sporting director) and the board on that situation.

“Glen has been fantastic for me since day one. He’s grown and he’s evolved. He’s improved and he’s listened.”

Wilson and the rest of the Ibrox hierarchy now must work hard to ensure that Kamara is rewarded for his services with a lucrative new contract, otherwise they may risk losing him in the summer when foreign clubs will be on the lookout to strengthen their squads before the start of next season.

AND in other news, Cedric Itten didn’t make the most of Alfredo Morelos’ absence against Kilmarnock…

Man City could spend £200m this summer

According to a report from the Daily Telegraph and reliable journalist Mike McGrath, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is set to receive significant backing this summer with the club willing to spend £200 million on the right players to bolster his squad – with many Citizens buzzing as this ‘great news’ emerges.

The Sky Blues are ticking back into full gear following a slow start to the Premier League campaign, with Guardiola’s side now reigning victorious in seven of their last nine league encounters.

Investment in their backline over 2020 appears to have paid dividends as summer signing Ruben Dias continues to form a stellar partnership with the rejuvenated John Stones, backed up by the pair keeping seven clean sheets in City’s last nine in all competitions among the plethora of victories.

Now, as per the Telegraph, City are willing to spend a further £200m in the summer to further reinforce the squad if primed targets are made available – coming as the Sky Blues are heavily linked with the likes of Erling Haaland. 

In reaction to this development, as relayed on social media by Man City Xtra and Man City Report, it’s safe to say plenty of fans are overjoyed – find all of their best verdicts down below.

Man City fans buzz as £200m transfer kitty touted

“Rival tears incoming”

Credit: @mcfcadam_

“I love this club”

Credit: @trendz_football

“Great news”

Credit: @AdamKDB123

“I CANNOT WAIT”

Credit: @mxnciteh

“OIL MONEY BUYING THE LEAGUE AGAIN!!!

I LOVE IT!!!!!”

Credit: @bruynedekevin17

“The fume this is gonna cause, it’s beautiful”

Credit: @olicoulsxn

“Music to my ears”

Credit: @tristangwade

In other news: Man City fans didn’t like this alleged decision from Txiki Begiristain, find out more here.

Sunderland could have their new Bailey Wright in Morgan Feeney

Sunderland’s summer transfer window was an unfortunate affair.

The Mackems voted against the new EFL salary cap but their protests fell on deaf ears and failed to achieve anything. The new rules were brought in and thus, a number of loan deals fell through.

This was troublesome when you consider that one of their most impressive captures was ruled out for four months without even making a solitary appearance in League One.

The man in question is someone earning a mere £750-per-week; Morgan Feeney. The 21-year-old still hasn’t made his Black Cats bow in the league but he was held in high esteem by the recently departed Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson.

He was one of the chief suspects in making the deal happen but it hasn’t worked out quite yet. Fortunately, the central defender has enormous potential and most importantly, has similar characteristics to Bailey Wright. The Australian has been well received at the Stadium of Light and is proving pivotal in their bid to be promoted.

We’re not the only ones who think they’re comparable, though. Parkinson said earlier this year: “I felt with Morgan that he had the potential to be a good understudy to Bailey Wright because he has a lot of the same characteristics, albeit at a younger age.”

Although he’s still missing, that quote should be of huge comfort to Sunderland fans. If they have someone already in the mould of Wright coming through, they will be incredibly well prepared for the future.

However, what traits are we specifically talking about here? Well, his leadership certainly stands out for someone that’s still so young.

Everton coach David Unsworth hailed Feeney earlier this year: “I thought he was faultless and led by example. He was stepping in when he could, trying to help the midfield, and it was a great display by the skipper. He got his rewards for his desire to keep going.”

His reading of the game is supreme and he possesses a huge degree of intelligence. It’s remarkable to think that the youngster has only made four senior appearances.

One of those provided a goal, however. Coincidentally, it was on his Sunderland debut in the EFL trophy.

Once Feeney’s sufficiently recovered from his hamstring surgery, he should be a very valuable asset in the north-east.

AND in other news, Speakman must swoop for £6k-p/w SAFC target with 0 goals all season…

Glasgow Rangers star Ianis Hagis is becoming virtually undroppable for Steven Gerrard

Glasgow Rangers inflicted the second Old Firm derby blow of the season to move 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as ten-man Celtic were left to rue their missed chances.

Ianis Hagi, making his 26th appearance of the season, has made himself virtually undroppable after his heroics in the second half.

Celtic were the better side for the most part, but now sit far behind their arch-rivals as the title race starts to look like it is all but over.

Steven Gerrard’s side had made their best start to a domestic campaign since 1928 but started the derby game on the back foot. However, everything changed after Hagi replaced Kemar Roofe at half-time, with the Ibrox boss later confirming that Roofe had suffered a knock.

Undroppable

Hagi, 22, started on the bench but his performances over the past couple of weeks have surely made him impossible to drop for Steven Gerrard.

Roofe’s versatility has proven to be an added bonus – since his arrival in the summer, the 27-year-old has made 12 starts out of his 21 appearances across all competitions on the right-wing. There’s no doubt his absence will be a bitter blow for the Ibrox boss, who already faces the prospect of travelling to Premiership rivals Aberdeen without Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack.

On the right, Hagi has looked pretty comfortable on almost every occasion he’s played, slotting into place alongside the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Jermain Defoe and Cedric Itten over the course of the campaign.

There are some similarities between the two players, with both having a penchant for scoring sensational screamers. But there are also some obvious major differences, with the Romania international demonstrating an ability to dictate play and bring others into the game.

He’s already provided ten assists in all competitions this season, ten more than Roofe so far, and has excelled in the Europa League.

Hagi has scored one goal in four games, while he is averaging two shots per game in comparison to the Jamaican’s 2.3. He has also made more key passes per game – 1.7 to 0.7 – while he’s also produced 31 passes on average.

Once hailed as an “outstanding” player by the Ibrox boss, the Romanian has provided seven goals and 12 assists in 39 appearances for the Gers, via Transfermarkt.

Should Roofe be ruled out for an extended period of time, Hagi has shown that he is more than capable of filling his boots.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers dealt huge injury blow after Old Firm clash with Celtic…

West Brom starlet Aksum White could be their next Nathan Ferguson

West Brom have seen many of their youth products burst onto the scene under Slaven Bilic since his appointment last year.

The likes of Kyle Edwards, Rekeem Harper and Dara O’Shea are all extremely well thought of by the Baggies boss, as was Nathan Ferguson before he swapped the Hawthorns for Crystal Palace, who he is yet to feature for.

But forget about all those for just one second, there’s one player who could be the next to breakthrough at Albion.

The Midlands outfit recently named an exceedingly strong side to face Sunderland in the Premier League 2 this week, giving game time to Charlie Austin, Kamil Grosicki and Matty Phillips, who would all be considered experienced first-team pros.

Despite the heavy-influence of many of Bilic’s senior squad, U23 boss Richard Stevens was still able to name some of his promising prospects, namely Aksum White, who delivered at right-back once again.

The 20-year-old provided the assist for the first strike of Grosicki’s brace, making it two from six starts in the youth competition.

Intriguingly, he’s showing major characteristics of the aforementioned Ferguson as he has also featured in central defence, the position at which the fellow 20-year-old began his career in before moving to the right.

White was also part of the squad that made history by making the FA Youth Cup semi-finals last season. He even lauded following their season-opener against arch-rivals Villa earlier in the season.

BirminghamLive graded his display 7/10, and claimed: “A very disciplined showing, in terms of his positioning. No nonsense tackling on the right side of defence to avert the danger.”

This merely reinforces how the West Brom staff rate him as he’s described as a “strong full-back” and “is a hard-working player who loves defending,” as per the official website.

The very fact that he has been given a senior squad number for the season (#47) tells you that there’s a chance he could feature in the first-team at some point.

White could well be the second-coming of Ferguson, no one knew who he was until Bilic handed him his debut, so you can forget about O’Shea on the right. Let him play through the middle with the marauding U23 workhorse there to battle Darnell Furlong instead.

AND in other news, West Brom nightmare over ex-academy sensation made worse by Aston Villa…

Ryan Fraser: Steve Bruce must unleash Newcastle winger on Leeds United

Steve Bruce must unleash Ryan Fraser from the start when Newcastle United visit Leeds on Wednesday night with the winger back ready for action after a hamstring injury.

The ex-Bournemouth attacker has missed the Magpies’ last four Premier League fixtures but has battled to overcome the issue and be passed fit for the midweek trip to Elland Road.

Bruce is yet to be given the chance to truly rely on Fraser since his arrival at St. James’ Park as a free agent in the summer, having only begun a strict training regime after signing with the Magpies.

Bruce felt Fraser’s Bournemouth exit played a role in his slow start to life on Tyneside, with the 26-year-old’s decision to reject a short-term contract extension to cover the delayed end of the season seeing him last step on the pitch in March.

“Considering he hasn’t played since March, his effort, endeavour and enthusiasm was there for everybody to see,” Bruce said of Fraser, via quotes by the Independent, after the Scotland international scored on his debut against Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

“The only bit of quality we showed all night was the goal. It was a great ball, a great run and Ryan stuck it in well.”

Bruce now sees Fraser like a new signing after his rehabilitation was uninterrupted by the closure of Newcastle’s training ground following an outbreak of Covid-19, and has confirmed the £14.4m-rated forward will be in the squad to face Leeds on Wednesday.

“Fraser is OK. It has just been injury and he has trained for the past week and a bit,” Bruce said, via quotes by the Chronicle. “He has been interrupted because of the training ground closure.

“He is fully fit and like a new signing for us.”

But Fraser is only expected to be named among the substitutes at Elland Road, which would be a mistake by Bruce who should be handing the Aberdeen-born maestro only his second Premier League start in black and white.

Bruce lauds Fraser for being a “very, very meticulous” player who was “champing at the bit” to get started for Newcastle, only to see that option taken away through injury. But his desire to get going will simply have grown whilst out for the past month.

In that time, Toon fans have often seen their side struggle for creativity in midfield with Sean Longstaff the only one to provide a key ball in defeat to Southampton, no single player proving multiple key balls against Chelsea, Jonjo Shelvey the sole midfielder to create chances at Crystal Palace while neither Longstaff nor Miguel Almiron provided a key ball in Saturday’s win over West Brom.

Matt Ritchie may have fashioned a joint-game high three key balls against Slaven Bilic’s Baggies, per WhoScored, but also failed to register a single successful dribble while Almiron lost two of his three and accounted for 42% of the Magpies’ total seven shots on target.

Bruce can solve his need for consistent creativity in midfield on both fronts by starting Fraser, not by introducing the £41.8k-p/w attacker from the bench when chances to influence proceedings are far slimmer.

AND in other news, Lee Charnley must secure a January loan exit for an in-demand Toon gem Steve Bruce takes for granted.

Everton: Fans blast Lucas Digne after red card v Southampton

Many Everton fans have slammed Lucas Digne after the France international got himself sent off with a straight red card against Southampton this afternoon.

Digne was sent off in the 72nd minute for a foul on Kyle Walker-Peters, with the Merseysiders already 2-0 down in the match.

The 27-year-old did not have a good game in general, failing to make a single tackle, interception, key pass or accurate cross, earning him a rather poor 5.1 overall rating, the worst score out of anyone on the pitch (Sofascore).

The Toffees ended up losing the match 2-0 thanks to first half goals from James Ward-Prowse and Che Adams in what was a pretty disappointing display overall from Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Everton fan reaction to Digne performance

These Everton supporters blasted Digne for getting himself a red card as well as the left-back’s overall poor performance, with a couple of Blues even branding him as ‘stupid’:

Evertonians, find out why some fans were unhappy with the starting line-up here and don’t forget to comment below with your views!

Newcastle United: Steve Bruce highlights major issue with potential Magpies’ January transfer window business

Steve Bruce has suggested that Newcastle have already begun the process of scouting potential targets ahead of the January transfer window, but he also revealed that scouts not being able to view targets live is an issue.

The Magpies invested around £35M in the squad over the summer, and it is thought that Mike Ashley will make funds available for Bruce again in January irrespective of what happens surrounding the takeover saga, per Chronicle Live. That assurance comes after Newcastle opted not to invest in the squad during last season’s winter window.

Scouting challenges for Newcastle revealed

It has been reported that Newcastle have been preparing to operate ‘business as usual’ behind the scenes in January, with the likes of Ashley, Bruce and head of recruitment Steve Nickson drawing up plans for potential targets, per Chronicle Live. However, those plans would be subject to change were any developments over the takeover to emerge.

In the absence of any such developments, Newcastle will continue to identify and scout the targets that Bruce is seeking in January. In the summer the Magpies boss was insistent on ensuring that players brought in would arrive with prior Premier League experience, in order to avoid having to wait for players to settle into English football, per Chronicle Live. He may opt for the same approach this coming window.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of Newcastle’s meeting with Everton, Bruce revealed that the lack of access scouts have into grounds at the moment makes signing players more challenging. He also admitted signing players without having viewed them is not something he wants to do.

He said: “The scouting team have set themselves up at St James’ Park. They’re there for three days a week.

“The difficulty is, of course, it’s never quite the same so it’s very difficult just to watch a video and I think I’ve seen something like 10, 12 games this week. We’ve got to be careful we don’t over saturate that but that’s a different story.

“On the scouting ones, they are doing a lot by video and a lot with the technology we’ve got where we can watch any game in the world.

“The technology today is quite remarkable but it’s not quite the same as seeing people live so we’re identifying the targets that we would look at and hopefully get the chance to see them live because buying someone without seeing them live is certainly not my cup of tea and it’s certainly not Steve Nickson’s, either.”

Steve Bruce might have take transfer gambles to strengthen his squad

Newcastle were looking to add further to their squad before the summer window closed, but they missed out on both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley. The need to add more bodies in midfield has only been heightened by the recent hernia injury for Jonjo Shelvey, while there are also other areas of the squad which need addressing during the winter window.

Whilst the current situation of scouts not being able to view players firsthand is challenging, the Magpies could negate that somewhat by looking for readymade Premier League players as they had done in the summer. That would enable the Magpies to have more faith in the players being signed, but what they cannot do is use it as an excuse not to add to their squad at all.

In other news, find out what this club’s stance is over a £23m-rated rising star is amid Newcastle’s interested here.

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