All posts by n8rngtd.top

This post led to Bournemouth striker Joshua King commenting.

The two spent their early careers in Manchester, Boyata with City from 2009-15 and King with United from 2009-13.

Both were young players at the time, at big clubs, in a fantastic city and with newly found wealth, so it is no wonder that, despite playing for rival clubs, they became close with one another.

In their time at both City and United they made 13 league appearances between them, and they were all Boyata’s.

Several loan-moves for both happened before King made the move to Blackburn in 2013 and then Bournemouth in 2015.

King, now 27-years-old, has had a superb time at Bournemouth, scoring 44 goals in 143 games.

He has finally converted his natural talent into goals for The Cherries and has now cemented himself as a solid Premier League striker.

Boyata, on the other hand, joined The Bhoys in 2015 for £1.5m and has gone on to make 135 appearances and contributed with a handy 15 goals.

During his time in Glasgow he has won nine trophies and established himself as one of the best defenders in the SPFL.

Contract negotiations, however, fell through last season and the 28-year-old has decided to move to Berlin.

Boyata, though, picked up one last SPFL Title and, on Saturday, he has the chance of picking up the Scottish Cup once again.

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Arjen Robben will be available on a free transfer this summer.

Indeed, the 35-year-old is leaving Bayern Munich following the expiration of his contract at the end of June.

Robben joined Bayern from Real Madrid in 2009 and went on to make 309 appearances for the German giants – scoring 144 times and contributing 101 assists.

The Dutchman has won eight Bundesliga titles, five DFB-Pokal crowns and the Champions League during his time at the Allianz Arena.

Meanwhile, the attacker has also lifted league titles with PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Real Madrid during a quite wonderful career.

Injuries have harmed Robben in recent seasons but the winger is not hanging up his boots and there will not be a shortage of interest this summer.

A few Everton fans have been on social media discussing a potential move for the 96-time Netherlands international.

However, it seems that the club’s supporters are not interested in a swoop – a selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

Coventry City have had a knack of promoting and developing promising talent to their first-team, in which time numerous prodigies of the Sky Blues have gone onto play Premier League football. Although it may be frustrating to see some talents move on, Coventry fans should be able to look back at their time at the club with fondness.

That certainly applies to Callum Wilson, who is the latest protagonist in our Look at him now feature, where we analyse his journey. The local lad spent his youthful years with the club and it is not far off ten years ago that he made his first-team debut for the Sky Blues. Loans at National League outfits Kettering Town and Tamworth followed which may have both been short-term deals, but they will have particularly helped him to mature as a player.

It was in the latter stage of the 2012/13 season that Wilson’s breakthrough at Coventry came. He was provided game time in each of the last nine games and although he only had one goal to show for it, within that time he will have shown Steven Pressley what he offers off the ball too in terms of a tireless work-rate and giving his all for the side.

Pressley stuck with Wilson the following season and his faith in the then-youngster paid dividends. Wilson began providing in front of goal and became a viable option for punters utilising a Paddy Power new customer offer, having scored 22 goals and assisted seven times across all competitions. His goals proved vital in keeping Coventry in the division as who knows how much further down than 18th they could have finished without Wilson’s contributions.

His form that season earned him a move to Bournemouth where he made the step up from League One to the Championship. Like the previous season, Wilson just took it in his stride as the Cherries topped the table with Wilson finishing on a remarkable 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.

During the 27-year-old’s recent campaigns in the Premier League, it seemed whenever he would get some consistency in his performances and therefore be more confident in front of goal, he would suffer from an injury. Even still, Bournemouth have stayed loyal to Wilson knowing that if he could get through a large chunk of the season injury-free, he could perform remarkably.

And so he has. On a personal note, this has been Wilson’s most rewarding in the Premier League. His early season form earned him a call-up to the England squad, in which he scored on his debut. Wilson’s 14 goals and 10 assists in just 30 games in the Premier League have now earned him a deserved call up to the England squad for the UEFA Nations League.

Wilson may have reached these incredible heights now and although his days at Coventry seem a long time ago, he should never forget the integral role they have played in his development and helping him be the player he is today.

What were your standout memories of Wilson during his time as a Sky Blue? Join the discussion by commenting below… 

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Speaking to Football Insider, Danny Mills has urged Leeds to fund a loan for Harry Wilson by selling Jack Clarke this summer.

Wilson was of course incredible for Derby last term, and he would undoubtedly improve the United squad, but is that a deal worth doing?

What’s been said then?

The former England international urged his former club to do whatever it takes to get Wilson in for next season.

“Leeds were third in the league, they were not far off automatic promotion,” Mills told Football Insider. “They can go one step further by spending £10million and bringing three quality players in.

“They have to spend money, unless they have someone from the academy who is a creative midfielder who can score 15 goals next season, or a striker who can score 25.

“If there is no money to spend, they could sell Jack Clarke for £12m and use the proceeds to bring in Harry Wilson on loan and a couple of others.

“They could get Wilson for £4m for the season if Liverpool don’t want to sell him, and he is someone proven in the Championship who will get you goals, take brilliant set pieces and create chances.”

Shrewd move

Selling Clarke to loan Wilson is inevitably something of a gamble, but it’s one that could pay off handsomely.

The attacking midfielder was incredible for Derby in 2018/19, and he almost helped them get promoted to the Premier League.

Leeds finished third last season, and the feeling is that they were only one or two players away from automatic promotion. The addition of Wilson could be what makes all the difference – instantly adding goals and assists to the side.

Of course, the sacrifice is selling the hugely promising Clarke. Who knows what levels his talents will reach in the coming years? But that question works both ways; there is no guarantee he’ll ascend to the heights heralded of him and he could become one of countless youngsters who struggles under the weight of a big price-tag.

With that in mind, perhaps the level of risk in the gamble is a lot smaller than some Leeds fans might think. And if selling Clarke allows Leeds to firstly bring in an attacking midfielder proven to be at the top end of the Championship in terms of quality, but secondly leave plenty of change to make further additions to a squad that was stretched to the limit last season, Mills’ suggestion could prove to be a very wise move indeed.

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According to Express & Star, West Brom are keen to speak to Charlton boss Lee Bowyer as they again step up their approach for a new manager.

What’s the word?

It’s now been almost three months since the Baggies sacked Darren Moore from his managerial role with the club and they’re still yet to find a replacement.

Jimmy Shan did a solid job but Albion missed out on promotion and were left to potentially rue the mistake of not finding a permanent successor.

This week West Brom have held talks with Slaven Bilic per Express & Star, but the same publication now claim that they’re keen to speak to Bowyer.

The Charlton boss worked wonders with the Addicks in 2018/19, leading them to a League One play-off final victory over Sunderland.

One major problem

The fact Albion supporters are still waiting for a manager to be confirmed is incredibly baffling. The likes of Chris Hughton, Bruno Labbadia and Chris Wilder have all been touted as candidates but Technical Director Luke Dowling appears to be stalling on a decision.

Moving for Bowyer shows that the Baggies are potentially looking at something different and if so much wasn’t on the line it would be a refreshing choice.

However, with a significant rebuild on the cards you feel as though West Brom will need someone with far greater experience.

The 42-year-old only has one full season of managerial work under his belt and although it was an impressive term, making the step up to the higher echelons of the Championship will be a task.

At the Hawthorns there would be far greater pressure to succeed, especially given one of the club’s main targets will surely be to achieve promotion.

As another cracking Championship season draws to a close, check out the top 5 fan chants from 2018/19 in the video below…

West Brom’s last two appointments have seen them opt for inexperience, something that simply didn’t work.

Moore oversaw their relegation in 2017/18, despite some brilliant performances, and wasn’t particularly convincing last season despite guiding the team to fourth. Meanwhile giving Shan the reins until the end of the campaign didn’t pay off either.

Bowyer’s appointment would be of a similar ilk – it’s time for West Brom to get someone in with proven know-how at the top end of the second tier.

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It seems there’s trouble brewing in paradise over at Atletico Madrid, ESPN suggest, as star goalkeeper Jan Oblak wants a move away from the Spanish capital this summer. It’s further added that he’d favour a move to Manchester United over PSG, having been a boyhood Red Devil.

United already have one outstanding goalie between the sticks, but Oblak would be a perfect replacement for David De Gea, whose future is also not exactly set in stone. Here are two main reasons why we think United won’t find a better replacement for the Spaniard than Oblak…

Oblak is the best of the best

Oblak hardly needs an introduction at all, considering all of his past accolades and achievements that are borderline sci-fi. Last season saw him win his fourth Zamora trophy in a row, an award given to the best goalkeeper in Spain or rather, the one with the lowest goals-to-games ratio at the end of their respective campaign. If you’re looking for one of the world’s best or even the very best goalkeeper on the planet, Oblak is your man.

Just the thought that he might be available had United pondering activating his €120m release clause (£106.7m) back in April, in an attempt to get ahead of the curve in case something happens with De Gea. If the Red Devils are truly looking for someone who could fill their goalie’s shoes, they should look no further than Oblak.

Could Harry Maguire be on his way to Old Trafford? Check out the video below to see why it would make so much sense…

The market lacks other world-class shot-stoppers

Outside of Oblak, there simply aren’t too many good options for United to choose from. The Red Devils have missed the boat a little bit on this one; over the last two years, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have invested big money in some of the best goalkeepers around, leaving the remaining pool a little shallow. The Sun claim United’s main alternative to Oblak is Hugo Lloris – suspect, to say the least.

Sure, the proposed £106.7m release clause is no pocket money but it is the right price considering the quality of the player they are getting in return. On top of that, since it’s a release clause, Atletico would have no say in the matter and if Oblak truly wants to leave, United might actually stand a pretty good chance pulling this deal off.

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It has already been one year since the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia and for Harry Maguire, it was a truly special one.

Leicester City’s star defender was mostly unknown to the bigger fish of the footballing pond until Gareth Southgate miraculously introduced him to the world on the biggest stage of them all.

18 June was the one-year anniversary of the start of a journey that would change his life and bring massive joy to all of England and he took to

/By2eD3JJJvZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->Instagram to pay tribute to it.

Unfortunately, football didn’t really come home to England as the Three Lions crashed out of the World Cup after their defeat to the eventual finalists, Croatia, but that fantastic run did put the spotlight on Maguire, who has been in demand ever since.

Could Harry Maguire be on his way to Old Trafford? Check out the video below to see why it would make so much sense…

Manchester United are the team most intrigued by the defender’s skill set and their transfer drama is yet to come to its conclusion.

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Lots of Manchester United fans have taken to Twitter to react to Harry Maguire’s Twitter post.

The England international moved to quash rumours of a move to Old Trafford after he himself ignited them by liking an Instagram post tipping him to become a fan favourite at United if he makes the move.

Watch a Man Utd fan’s epic Ed Woodward rant in the video below…

United tried to sign the former Hull man after last summer’s World Cup, in which the 6 ft 4 colossus starred for his country on their way to making the semi-finals of the tournament.

The Leicester centre-back has been linked with a move to both the Red Devils and their rivals Manchester City, with a switch to the Etihad looking the more likely.

Maguire tweeted: “I didn’t mean to guys… we’ve all been there,” as he moved to put the rumours to bed, although all he managed to do was get the United fans talking about him even more in the comments section.

By no means has the 26-year-old done anything to help fizzle the rumours out, so let’s take a look at what some of the United fans on Twitter have been saying about his tweet…

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Southampton are on the verge of selling Matt Targett to Aston Villa, according to The Daily Echo.

The paper say that Saints have managed to negotiate a fee double what Villa originally wanted to pay for the player.

He is now expected to complete a medical and be unveiled at the Villans next week.

Southampton’s new man Moussa Djenepo divides opinion amongst fans in the video below…

The report suggests that the fee will now go towards funding a move for Che Adams from Birmingham City.

Considering Targett made just 13 Premier League starts last season, it’s quite the deal, especially if it can be used to secure an exciting talent such as Adams, who scored 22 goals in the Championship in 2018/19.

Ryan Bertrand is the first-choice pick in Targett’s position and with a youngster like Jake Vokins in reserve they can afford to let the 23-year-old leave.

Cashing in on homegrown talent is always a positive if they’re not going to make it at the club and Saints fans are understandably buoyant at the news of Targett’s sale.

These supporters have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all…

Manchester United are chasing Real Betis full-back Junior Firpo, according to Spanish outlet Marca.

The £22.5million-rated (per Transfermarkt) 22-year-old is also reportedly drawing interest from some of the top sides in Europe, including Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid, though United should make his signing a priority.

Manchester United are clearly in need of a defensive overhaul. The recently completed season saw them concede 54 goals in 38 Premier League games; the tenth weakest record in the competition, which includes just two home clean sheets.

As it stands, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s back line currently consists of Ashley Young, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelöf, Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, Diogo Dalot, Matteo Darmian and the recently returned Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe.

It’s a line-up that, with all due respect to the current players, has seen pundits such as Lee Dixon call for reinforcement when talking to Premier League Today via the Daily Star back in March.

At the time of writing, a move for Aaron Wan-Bissaka draws ever closer with the Crystal Palace man pictured in a United shirt as the club aim to strengthen the right-hand side of the defence. And now it seems fans might have something else to look forward to, with Ed Woodward and company keen on the reinforcing the left-hand side of the pitch (if the rumours are true).

Firpo has been likened to full-back legend Roberto Carlos by the good people over at La Liga analysis. Indeed, according to WhoScored, he produced on average 1.6 tackles, 1 interception and 1.4 clearances while current starter Luke Shaw managed 1.8 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 2.6 clearances, respectively. In attack, the Spanish under-21 international provided three goals and five assists while Shaw returned one goal and five assists.

While not a huge amount of difference based off of those statistics, Firpo does appear to be making a name for himself. Aside from the Marca links, ESPN reported in March that the Spanish U21 ace was on Real Madrid’s radar and the previously mentioned La Liga analysis do report his defensive contributions were higher than that of big names such as Jordi Alba and Marcelo.

United’s current starter, whose only real competition appears to be an ageing Ashley Young, showed that he’s capable of making errors last season; his latest coming against an already-relegated Huddersfield Town, which left sections of the support fuming online, as you can see in this article by the Daily Express.

Firpo, then, could potentially give Solskjaer at least another option on the left-flank if he were to join.

Manchester United fans, would you like to see Firpo challenge Shaw for the starting spot?