All posts by n8rngtd.top

Flocking to a Nuno Espirito Santo and Jules Kounde claim made by ABC, via Hotspur Related, many Tottenham fans have shared their views as the Portuguese boss identifies his first summer target.

The 47-year-old’s appointment has finally put an end to Spurs’ long search for a new manager and the Lilywhites can finally now take to the transfer market and start preparing for next season.

Tottenham are said to be eyeing a major defensive overhaul with the club preferably wanting two new signings at the back this summer.

ABC have now come out to reiterate Spurs’ interest in starlet centre-back Kounde, who was targeted by the likes of Manchester City last summer.

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They claim that Nuno has personally identified the Frenchman as his first Tottenham target this summer, and despite the fact he wants a Champions League club, there is still time to convince him.

Many Lilywhites fans have now flocked to this claim, with one supporter even dubbing Kounde a potentially ‘perfect signing’.

Starting 33 La Liga matches for Sevilla over 2020/2021, the rising 22-year-old also managed a composed 90.1% pass accuracy out from the back (WhoScored)- displaying a cool head on young shoulders.

Here’s what Tottenham fans had to say as their club allegedly eye a move.

Spurs fans flock to Kounde claim

“Offer him whatever he wants, he’ll be a game changer for us”

Credit: @thfcmitchell

“Do whatever it takes to get him, he’d be the perfect signing for us”

Credit: @_JoeGTHFC

“YESSSSS”

Credit: @JacobTHFC_

“VAMOS NUNO”

Credit: @THFCenthusiast

“Nuno knows ball”

Credit: @batibat_10

“Apparently we can sign him for around €45 mil so please do for it he’s affordable and he’s his top target so we should try our hardest”

Credit: @ParishLizzie

“Just get him somehow”

Credit: @TopDier

“YESSSS”

Credit: @thfclukas

In other news: ‘I’d be excited, Spurs fans’…Stan Collymore thrilled by major news out of N17, find out more here.

Former Glasgow Rangers cult hero Daniel Candeias has urged Alfredo Morelos to leave Ibrox this summer.

The Verdict: Morelos linked with move

Morelos, who is currently at the Copa America with Colombia, has been heavily linked with a move to Porto this summer.

There have even been reports that the £10.8m-valued (Transfermarkt) 25-year-old has agreed terms with the Portuguese outfit (Antena 1) as the clubs try to sort out a transfer fee.

The Latest: Candeias urges move

Speaking about Morelos’ future, Candeias urged him to depart the 55-time Scottish champions. He said (via The Scottish Sun):

“He loves Rangers and it’s a fantastic club, but after four years I think he’s done his job. He will always be an idol. 

“I think he wants to prove to himself he can now compete and shine at another club. 

“Porto is ideal for him as there are so many attractions. 

“They have direct access to the Champions League and there are the other Colombians in the squad. I think it will also help him play for the national team. 

“I see a change in motivation. I’ve been getting involved with him, telling him that I’m waiting to see him at Porto.”

The Verdict: Time to go?

Morelos has been an inspired signing for the Gers ever since he made the move to Glasgow in 2017. In 182 games for the club, he has found the net 94 times (Transfermarkt), and he has often been the man to whom his manager Steven Gerrard and his teammates have looked to lead them to victory.

However, as Candeias says, his work at Ibrox may be done. Last season, the Gers won the Premiership for the first time in 10 years – it will be hard for Morelos to ever top that if he stays at Rangers. Porto would provide a logical next step in his career.

In other news, this Rangers man has received a four-game ban.

Second chances don’t come around very often, especially at Celtic Football Club.

For a club etched in so much history, it’s a team that will chew you up and spit you back out if disappointing performances arise.

Just ask a certain Leigh Griffiths, a man who’s had several chances to prove his worth at Parkhead.

Considering his record, the 30-year-old deserves to be respected a little bit more. He formed part of the teams that won nine in a row as he scored 123 goals in 262 appearances.

However, after a laborious attacking campaign in 2020/21 for Griffiths, he was called into question.

The Scot scored just seven goals and ended up being left out of Steve Clarke’s for the European Championships. It looked like he wouldn’t sign a new deal with Celtic either.

Though, Ange Postecoglou and Dominic McKay handed him another bite of the cherry by extending his deal by an extra year last week. It’s already started in torrid circumstances for Griffiths who has been sent home from the club’s training camp in Wales.

Griffiths will no doubt receive another opportunity to get into this side but if they sign another forward, he should remain on the sidelines.

The Hoops have been linked with a move for Kevin Nisbet, a man who may cost around the £4m mark this summer.

He was the second top scorer in the Premiership last term and made three substitute appearances at Euro 2020.

Improving all the time, the striker has been described as a “wonderful player” by pundit Frank McAvennie.

He scored 18 goals last term and if Celtic are able to lure him to Paradise, he could be another Griffiths.

Nisbet isn’t as hot-headed as the Hoops forward but his ability to find the back of the net is remarkably similar. They also both proved themselves with Hibs before being linked with pastures new.

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Celtic’s current number nine spent two years on loan at Easter Road from Wolves where he was in the form of his life.

The experienced attacker beat the goalkeeper on 38 occasions in 78 times for the Edinburgh club before earning his move to one of the biggest clubs in Scotland.

That meant he scored a goal every 164 minutes. Compare that to Nisbet and he has found the net on 18 occasions in 45 outings for Hibs; a goal every 197 minutes.

The Celtic target’s record might not be quite as impressive but he is still young at the age of 24, meaning he has plenty of time to develop and improve on that tally.

Postecoglou’s side have already proven in the past that luring the best forward players in Scotland to the club is a successful recipe.

Scott McDonald proved that by moving from Motherwell to the Hoops and scoring 59 times in 117 appearances.

They must use their experience there and with Griffiths to weigh up the pros and cons of landing Nisbet.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers exciting Celtic transfer update, fans should be buzzing…

Derby County have recently been credited with interest in signing free-agent Richard Stearman, according to journalist Alan Nixon. 

What’s the story?

Stearman spent the 2020/21 season with Huddersfield Town, and it appears as though he’s a wanted man heading into the new league campaign.

The defender’s contract with the Yorkshire-based side reached a conclusion at the end of June, and Carlos Corberan’s side opted to not extend that deal into next season.

This has resulted in Derby County being one of the teams to push ahead with their negotiations to strike an agreement to sign Stearman this summer, although it remains to be seen as to what stage they’re at in their efforts to land his signature.

Nixon has also reported that the Rams are targeting a deal for former Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka, as well as Stearman this summer.

Better options out there for the Rams

Stearman has a considerable amount of experience under his belt in the EFL, with his most recent spell before his time with Huddersfield Town being with Sheffield United.

The experienced centre-back made 17 appearances for the Blades in the 2018/19 campaign, where they won promotion into the Premier League whilst under the management of Chris Wilder.

But Stearman found game time hard to come by with Sheffield United towards the end of his time at Bramall Lane, which resulted in him making the move to the John Smith’s Stadium in January 2020.

His spell with the Terriers wasn’t the most memorable though, with Stearman making 38 appearances for Carlos Corberan’s team, as they finished 20th in the Championship table.

However, Huddersfield can count themselves lucky that other teams struggled for a positive run of results towards the end of that campaign.

They conceded 71 goals in total during the 2020/21 league season, which is the worst defensive record out of all of the teams in the second tier, which doesn’t make for the best of reading.

Derby only retained their status as a Championship team on the final day of the 2020/21 season, as they drew 3-3 with Sheffield Wednesday.

Reinforcements are certainly needed in defence this summer, especially an experienced head to help aid the development of some of the younger members of Wayne Rooney’s squad. Andre Wisdom was one of those to depart the club permanently in the summer, whilst George Edmundson, Matt Clarke and Teden Mengi returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells at Pride Park.

But the Rams could do far better than signing Stearman, and it’s pleasing to see the club reportedly edging closer to reaching an agreement to signing Manchester United youngster Teden Mengi on loan for the upcoming season, as he’s already shown glimpses of his potential in a brief loan spell with Derby last term.

At the age of 33, some might question whether Stearman is a good enough option to have in the Championship, especially after a forgetful recent season with Huddersfield Town, where he won an average of 3.4 aerial duels, and just one tackle per game, whilst on reported wages of £15,000 per-week (according to Salary Sport).

A move for Stearman would be a real disaster for Derby given his wages, age and the fact he isn’t a real improvement on what they’ve already go.

Manchester City’s hopes of signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer have been handed a boost, with the Mali international reportedly excited about a move to Pep Guardiola’s side.

What’s the word?

According to the often reliable outlet Blue Moon, Manchester City and Arsenal are keen on a move for the 24-year-old ahead of next season, and he is excited about the possibility of a move to the Etihad.

It is also suggested that a potential transfer could happen very quickly, with Graham Potter’s side having already signed a replacement for Bissouma in the form of RB Leipzig midfielder Enock Mwepu.

Should Man City sign Bissouma?

Bissouma has been a mainstay for Brighton since signing from LOSC Lille in 2018, going on to make 96 appearances for the Seagulls, in which he has contributed four goals and one assist.

Last season was arguably his best in a Brighton shirt, as he averaged an impressive 6.98 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which is comfortably the best he has managed in the Premier League in his career thus far.

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He also averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in the top-flight, which is more than the 1.8 tackles and 1.1 interceptions averaged by Fernandinho last season, which suggests that he could be an excellent long-term replacement for the Brazilian once he retires.

The £22.5m-rated midfielder, who was dubbed “exceptional” by Gary Lineker last season, has clearly established himself as one of the top defensive midfielders outside the top six, and therefore it seems only a matter of time before he leaves Brighton, especially now they have brought in a replacement.

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If the reports are true and he does favour a move to the Etihad this summer, then this is undoubtedly a huge boost to City’s hopes of signing him, and sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely look to sign him for Guardiola’s side, as the Spaniard will need a solid midfielder to step up when Fernandinho eventually leaves the Etihad.

And, in other news… Sam Lee shares huge Man City update on “outstanding” PL star, fans will be buzzing

Arsenal are interested in bringing James Maddison to the Emirates Stadium this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london, who claimed that the Gunners could consider a move for the Leicester City star before next month’s transfer deadline, although they may be priced out of a move.

It has previously been suggested that the Arsenal hierarchy are confident that a £60m deal would be enough to tempt the Foxes into a sale, despite them rejecting a £70m offer last summer, as per the Daily Mail.

Reliable journalist Chris Wheatley tweeted last month that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta “is a huge fan of Maddison and he’s certainly a target”.

Ozil’s true successor?

If Gunners technical director Edu Gaspar can indeed seal a move for the England international, then the north London giants could finally have replaced Mesut Ozil.

The German left behind a considerable void in attacking midfield and one which has only ever been temporarily filled, with Real Madrid duo Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard joining the club on loan across the last two seasons.

It’s time for Arsenal to secure a permanent option in the role and there cannot be many better candidates out there than Maddison, especially as he would also kill two birds with one stone thanks to his homegrown status.

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Injuries somewhat curtailed the 24-year-old’s impressive progress last season but that didn’t stop him from providing Brendan Rodgers with 11 goals and ten assists across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

These returns were better than each of Arteta’s current attacking midfield options combined, which speaks volumes, whereas Ozil regularly delivered for the club until his final campaign, including a peak return of eight goals and 20 assists in 2015/16.

It’s that sort of presence which Arteta should be craving in the number 10 role once again. Further evidence from last term suggests that he could well do exactly that with the Leicester playmaker.

Maddison averaged 1.7 key passes per game across the Premier League and Europa League, which was 0.3 more than Arsenal’s most creative options in Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe.

Back in April, The Times’ chief football writer Henry Winter described the Leicester man as having a “special talent”, whilst Rodgers has frequently waxed lyrical over the “sensational” 24-year-old maestro.

Valued at £49.5m by Transfermarkt, it’s evident that Maddison would be a perfect upgrade to Arteta’s lacklustre attacking midfield department, and whilst £60m may seem like a lot to play, it’s a deal that KSE should absolutely look to sanction.

AND in other news, Arsenal can sign a new Alexis Sanchez in £34m-rated “phenomenal talent”…

Football.London journalist Sam Inkersole believes that West Ham United should consider a swoop for Roman Yaremchuk this summer as they look to strengthen their forward line, with Eurosport reporting earlier this month that they were considering a bid.

The Hammers have made just one permanent signing this summer, bringing in Craig Dawson on a permanent deal after his initial loan move from Watford last season.

The season kicks off in just three weeks, and the Hammers will also be playing Europa League football after their sixth-placed finish last term.

Moyes’ side will surely be keen to bring a striker into the club this summer, given that Michail Antonio is their only current senior forward.

6 ft 3 Yaremchuk currently plays for KAA Gent in Belgium and impressed at Euro 2020, scoring twice for Ukraine as they reached the quarter-finals, where they were ultimately beaten by England.

Last season, the 25-year-old scored 17 goals and laid on six assists in 28 league games, and he is valued at £15.75m by Transfermarkt.

Inkersole previously covered the Irons for Football.London before moving on to cover Chelsea, and he believes that a swoop for Yaremchuk would be ideal for David Moyes’ side, though he wonders if they would prefer a deal to bring in an experienced Premier League striker.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, he said: “I really like the look of Yaremchuk from Ukraine, I thought he played very well at the Euros. England did a good job on him in that quarter-final but he did get a couple of decent opportunities, Pickford made one good save from him.

“It’s a gamble because he’s not played in the Premier League.”

Steven Gerrard has revealed Alfredo Morelos is unavailable for Glasgow Rangers’ Premiership opener against Livingston on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Gers to kick off season

The Gers will kick off their title defence on Saturday with a match against Livingston at Ibrox.

23,000 fans will be able to attend the stadium (The Herald) – the first time supporters have been allowed into Rangers’ home for a competitive match since before the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Latest: Gerrard provides Morelos update

Speaking ahead of the clash, Gerrard provided an update on the status of his squad (via The Daily Record). He said:

“We have a fully fit squad. The only absentee is Alfredo Morelos. Obviously Ryan Jack can’t be selected. We have two or three players that we are going to make late decisions on, whether they are ready for the squad just now. They have had slightly different programmes because they arrived late, but I will make a decision on them. The likes of Helander, Barisic and Kamara. In terms of training, we are 99 per cent fit and ready to go.”

The Verdict: Not too surprising

This, of course, is not too unsurprising. £10.8m-valued Morelos (Transfermarkt) only returned to Glasgow earlier this week after travelling to his homeland for a break following the end of the Copa America, and he therefore is still in quarantine as per the latest regulations.

However, it is no less of a blow to Gerrard that he will be without his star striker. Even despite the speculation linking him with a move away from the 55-time Scottish champions, he remains the best forward the Gers have at their disposal, as his record of 94 goals in 182 games illustrates (Transfermarkt).

Of course, Gerrard does have other options in the form of Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten and Fashion Sakala – he will be hoping that trio can get the job done for him.

In other news, Rangers fans slam this club update.

Aston Villa journalist Luke Hatfield insists that there is no shame in the club missing out on the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal as they continue their aggressive recruitment this summer.

The Gunners rejected a £30m bid for Smith Rowe from Villa, having previously seen a £25m offer knocked back.

He has subsequently signed a new contract at the Emirates, penning a long-term deal that will tie him to his boyhood club for the foreseeable future.

Smith Rowe can play in a variety of positions and has been deployed as an attacking midfield, on both wings, or in central midfield.

The 21-year-old has made a total of 45 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side, scoring seven goals and registering seven assists.

He is also a former England U21 international, winning two caps for his country, and Hatfield insists that Villa should feel no shame in failing to extricate him from north London.

They have already signed Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City this summer and are on the verge of completing a deal for Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen too, per reports.

He said: “For now, I think it’s one where they’ve kind of admitted defeat there. There’s no shame in that, Smith Rowe is an Arsenal boy, it’s been his boyhood club, so there’s no shame in missing out on that one but for them, it’s just now focusing on other targets.”

An update has emerged regarding Leeds United’s interest in PSV Eindhoven forward Noni Madueke.

What’s the talk?

According to the Evening Standard, the Whites are among a number of clubs interested in signing the 19-year-old this summer.

The report claims that Tottenham, Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich are also chasing the England under-21 international, who left Spurs to join PSV in 2018.

Costa replacement

Last month, Football Insider reported that Jorge Mendes is working on a potential transfer for Leeds winger Helder Costa. The former Wolves man is now surplus to requirements at Elland Road, with Marcelo Bielsa ready to green-light a deal and Mendes eyeing up a La Liga switch for Costa.

He managed three goals and three assists in 23 appearances for the club last term, with two goals and one assist coming in the first two matches. This suggests that Leeds will need a player to come in and replace him this summer, as he was unable to provide consistent quality in the top flight.

Madueke could be that player. Victor Orta must secure a deal for the flyer in the coming weeks as he could be a terrific addition to the squad and add more goals and assists than Costa was able to provide. In the 2020/21 campaign, Madueke was directly involved in 14 goals in 11 starts for PSV, with 10 goals and four assists to his name.

Former England under-21 head coach Aidy Boothroyd called him a “powerhouse” and highlighted his ability to score and create goals. The 50-year-old said: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link.

“He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”
This shows that he could have the potential to come in and make an impact in the Premier League for Leeds. Although it is difficult to judge the bridge in quality between England and the Netherlands, Boothroyd clearly feels that the winger has the quality to make it at the top, and he still has time on his side to improve further.
Madueke is eight years younger than Costa, so he has the potential to develop as he gains more experience in his career, whereas the current Leeds forward should be in his prime years and is not delivering the goods. Therefore, Bielsa could work with the 19-year-old PSV talent on the training ground to mould him into the perfect winger for his system.
This is why the teenager could be the perfect replacement for Costa, as he has shown that he has the potential to improve upon his goals and assists tallies. He could also have long-term value for the club, as he could be sold on for a profit in the future if Bielsa is able to help him take his game to the next level.
AND in other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer refuses to rule out Leeds move for speed demon amid Phil Hay claim…