All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Bromwich Albion may have the upper hand in the race for Trevoh Chalobah this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Luke Hatfield, with the Express & Star journalist claiming in an interview with This is Futbol that Albion’s willingness to offer the Chelsea midfielder regular first-team football could see the 22-year-old favour a move to The Hawthorns ahead of a Premier League side.

Interest is thought to be high in the former England U21 international this summer, with Crystal Palace and Brentford, as well as a number of other Premier League clubs, reported to be keeping a very close eye on the situation of Chalobah at Stamford Bridge.

In the interview, Hatfield stated: “It’s going to be tougher for Albion if there is Premier League interest. He’s clearly a player that they like, clearly one that they think will fit in and can do a job for them. But if there’s Premier League interest, it’s going to be tough.

“But if those Premier League teams aren’t guaranteeing him first-team opportunities as much as West Brom are, maybe he thinks development in the Championship might be better for him. He’s certainly a player Albion like and will want.”

Ismael must act

Considering just how short of options Valerien Ismael currently is in the middle of the park, the position is certainly one in which the Frenchman will be looking to strengthen ahead of the new Championship season, with Albion set to kick off their campaign against Bournemouth in a little under two weeks’ time.

And, considering the consistently impressive performances Chalobah churned out while on loan at FC Lorient last term, the 22-year-old would certainly appear to be an impressive addition to the 45-year-old’s squad this summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Ligue 1 appearances for Christophe Pelissier’s side last season, the £3.15m-rated defensive midfielder made an average of 2.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 1.9 clearances and won 5.2 duels per game.

The £12k-per-week man also impressed going forwards, scoring two goals, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.5 shots and making 0.3 key passes per match.

These returns saw the player Paul Lambert dubbed a “complete” midfielder earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as Lorient’s joint fourth-best player in the top flight of French football.

As such, if regular minutes really are top of Chalobah’s list of requirements this summer, Ismael should have no issues with promising the 22-year-old that he would be a key player within the Albion side, as the midfielder very much appears to have the potential to star in the club’s push for promotion next season.

However, with time running out before the new season kicks off, the Frenchman must act sooner rather than later, or else he risks missing out on the youngster to one of the Premier League sides sniffing around the Chelsea man.

In other news: “Vital” £450k-rated starlet completes switch, it’s fantastic news for West Brom

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has been linked with a move to Arsenal after a difficult first season in English football.

What’s the story?

According to 90min.com, the Gunners have made contact with United over the future of the 24-year-old and have asked to be kept updated regarding his situation at the club.

Van de Beek was forced to withdraw from the Netherlands squad with an injury on the eve of the European Championships, topping off a hugely disappointing 2020/21 campaign.

Woodward heading for a mistake

Things didn’t quite go to plan for the Ajax academy graduate last season following his £40m move from Amsterdam to Old Trafford.

Despite arriving with high expectations, Van de Beek only made four Premier League starts for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in the recently concluded campaign, registering a solitary goal and assist in all competitions.

The Dutchman’s underwhelming displays have been enough for some people to write the midfield maestro’s United career off already, but doing so would be a potentially huge error.

Many of the English top-flight’s best foreign imports have taken 12 months to settle into their new surrounding and become accustomed to the unique demands of Premier League football. For example, Nicolas Pepe only scored eight goals last term following a £72m move to Arsenal but ended this term with 16 in all competitions.

The fast-paced, physical nature of the division is in sharp contrast to the technical Eredivisie, and therefore, Van de Beek shouldn’t be judged until he’s had a few more months at United to showcase his true ability and potential.

It’s easy to forget just how impressive the former Ajax ace was at the Johan Cruijff ArenA prior to his exit.

A return of 27 goals and 24 assists from his final two seasons in his homeland highlights Van de Beek’s quality, and he played a pivotal part in his boyhood club’s domestic double in 2018/19 when they also reached the Champions League semi-finals.

He managed to show glimpses of that form at the beginning of 2020/21, combining well with Juan Mata in a 3-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in the EFL Cup back in August.

“It was a very clever assist. He’s a very clever player,” Mata told Sky Sports (as reported by Goal). “I love playing with him because he finds pockets and spaces.

“He understands football in a way that I like, which is playing one-twos, passing and moving, and the goal was like that.”

There’s no reason why Van de Beek can’t get back to his old self at Old Trafford, and United will need significant strength in depth in order to compete for major honours next term.

Therefore, departing chief executive Ed Woodward would be heading for a sizeable mistake if he sanctioned the sale of the Red Devils ace to a domestic rival.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Maguire: Woodward must sanction Man Utd swoop for “complete defender” 

The curtain will come down on a wonderful four years in charge for Nuno Santo on Sunday.

He has changed the face of Wolverhampton Wanderers, turning them into an established Premier League outfit.

Unfortunately, their clash with Manchester United this afternoon will represent his final in the Molineux dugout.

He surprisingly announced the decision to resign on Friday, leaving the Old Gold’s future well and truly up in the air.

Wolves will be aiming to send Nuno off with an almighty bang but it won’t be easy against one of the best sides in the top-flight.

Though, with nothing to play for, the Midlands outfit can kick back and relax on the final day of the season.

Thus, how will their final ever team selection under the Portuguese look? Here’s what we’re predicting…

We’re tipping Nuno to make three changes from the team that lost to Everton last time out.

John Ruddy continues in goal but there are changes to the backline in front of him with Max Kilman dropping out.

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The Englishman is replaced by 18-year-old Christian Marques, someone we’ve raved about on Football FanCast this weekend.

The centre-back has never been seen in the first-team but with nothing riding on the match, this feels like as good a time as any to hand him his Premier League debut.

Another change is at right wing-back where Ki-Jana Hoever is given a chance ahead of Nelson Semedo, something that occurred in the 2-1 win over Brighton.

The third and final change is in the middle of the park where Joao Moutinho is axed from the starting XI in favour of the young Vitinha.

If Wolves don’t exercise the option to buy clause in his loan contract then this could be the 21-year-old’s final outing in the Old Gold.

There is no room for Willian Jose while Raul Jimenez won’t be fit to play despite his promising recovery from a fractured skull.

Marcal has returned from injury but Rayan Ait-Nouri gets the nod on the left-hand side.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Silva: Wolves should replace Nuno with “spectacular” 44y/o Mendes client…

Southampton fans are far from happy after it was revealed Josh Sims has been placed on the club’s released list following the end of the 2020/21 Premier League season.

The Saints experienced a mixed season last time out. While they started the campaign well and even reached the F.A Cup semi-finals, they produced a lacklustre display against Leicester City at Wembley, and they could only end up 15th in the table after going on a poor run of form. As such, there is likely to be a shake-up at the club this summer.

That will include several outgoings. As confirmed on the Premier League website, 11 players will depart the club on a free transfer, one of which is 24-year-old Sims. There had been high hopes for the midfielder, but he ended up making just 27 appearances for the club before departing (Transfermarkt).

However, it seems his departure has upset a number of the club’s supporters. The news was shared on Southampton’s official Twitter account, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Sims news below

“Shame to see Sims go, always looked dangerous when he played”

Credit: @IngsIsKing

“Gutted about @simsjosh12”

Credit: @SFC_Debs

“crazy to let Josh Sims go, good little player on his day”

Credit: @HarryGeddess

“Always rated Josh Sims and Jake Hesketh, shame to see them go”

Credit: @BraddersKitch19

“Dropped the ball with Sims! Anyone that picks him up has an absolute steal”

Credit: @Jack_Gladman

“Sims is a mistake IMHO, Jake also had something about him.”

Credit: @pstewartgallery

In other news, Southampton are interested in this midfielder compared to Steven Gerrard.

Sheffield Wednesday have been handed a potential transfer boost, regarding their pursuit of Josh Griffiths.

What’s the talk?

Cheltenham Town have officially confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Owen Evans from Wigan on a two-year deal this week. This could come as a boost to Sheffield Wednesday, as Cheltenham were thought to be pursuing a deal for West Brom goalkeeper Josh Griffiths following his loan spell with the club in League Two.

The Yorkshire Live have reported that Sheffield Wednesday are looking at Griffiths as a potential signing as Darren Moore looks to bolster his squad. League One rivals Portsmouth and Lincoln are also said to be keen on the young shot-stopper.

Back in March, Cheltenham boss Michael Duff hailed Griffiths as being “vital”, alongside his opposite number during a League Two clash. He told Gloucestershire Live:

“The two keepers have made a good save each.

“They are vital and neither of them had much to do, but it’s big saves at big moments, when called upon. That save gives us the chance to go on and win the game.”

Fans would love him

Sheffield Wednesday fans would love Griffiths if the owner Dejphon Chansiri can get a deal over the line for the young keeper following this boost to their chances. Cheltenham signing Evans could mean that they already have their number one for next season, as they have signed him on a permanent, two-year, contract rather than on a short-term deal to act as cover for a number one – like Griffiths. Evans was on loan to Cheltenham from Wigan as cover for Griffiths last term and it seems unlikely that he would sign permanently if that was going to be the case again.

Moore has a gap to fill in his squad with Keiren Westwood poised to depart from Hillsborough on a free transfer at the end of the month. Westwood has not signed a contract extension with Wednesday and will leave upon the expiry of his deal this summer, which opens up a spot for Griffiths to come in and fill. Moore could be delighted by this move as Griffiths could join the club on loan and be his first-choice for the 2021/22 League One campaign.

The £450k-rated ace proved himself at League Two level in the season just gone for Cheltenham. He played in 44 of their 46 league matches as they won the title and secured promotion to League Two, which proved that he is able to maintain consistency as Duff continually picked him in the side. Griffiths registered an impressive 21 clean sheets and only conceded 37 goals in League Two, which highlights his quality between the sticks and shows that Wednesday fans could enjoy watching him dive between the posts week-in-week-out to help their club.

AND in other news, Chansiri must avoid grave mistake with £10k-p/w SWFC “threat” after news emerges…

Rangers have been linked with America de Cali winger Santiago Moreno recently, and should the youngster make the move to Ibrox this summer, he could be a superb addition to Steven Gerrard’s side.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, both Rangers and Leeds United are keen on the 21-year-old, who has established himself as a regular with the Liga Dimayor side this season.

The report suggests that both clubs have been tracking the winger ahead of a potential summer move and would likely have to shell out £5m in order to prise him away from the Colombian side.

Football Insider added that he is ‘blisteringly quick’ and has been likened to Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane in the past, which certainly suggests that he could be a great player for the future at Ibrox.

Would he be a good signing?

In 48 appearances for America de Cali, Moreno has contributed nine goals and seven assists, which is an impressive return for someone so young, and suggests that he has the potential to be a dangerous goalscoring threat in Gerrard’s side next season.

Both Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi have been linked with moves away from Ibrox ahead of the summer transfer window, which suggests that Gerrard may need to add another winger to his squad ahead of the Gers’ return to Champions League football next season, and Moreno could certainly fit the bill.

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If the Colombian youngster were to reach anywhere near the level of Mane, then he would certainly be a worthwhile addition by Ross Wilson this summer.

The Senegal international has established himself as one of the world’s best wingers since joining Liverpool from Southampton in a £34m deal in 2016, helping Jurgen Klopp’s side to Champions League and Premier League triumphs.

The “unbelievable” 29-year-old, as hailed by Klopp, has contributed an impressive 95 goals and 42 assists in 216 appearances for the Reds, which has seen his market value rise to £90m according to Transfermarkt, and he will also likely be well-known by Gerrard, who is an icon at Anfield.

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Therefore, he would undoubtedly love to have a player similar to Mane in his Rangers squad next season, so Wilson should definitely try and bring the youngster to Ibrox, as he could well become a superstar in the future.

In other news… Rangers dodged a bullet with “outstanding” £3.15m-rated flop, he’s scored 1 in 19

Many Manchester United fans have been left to slam the display of Marcus Rashford despite their 6-2 home win over AS Roma in the UEFA Europa League.

Despite the demolition of the Serie A team in the end, with Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani the star men on show with two goals and two assists each, the England international did not manage to grab himself a goal or an assist in what was a frustrating night for him at Old Trafford.

Rashford lost out on seven of his duels in the game, and also failed to record a single shot on goal, accurate cross or long ball, all while losing possession no fewer than on 17 separate occasions in total, the joint-most out of any of his teammates to played in the match (Sofascore).

Manchester United fans on Rashford display

These Red Devils slammed his performance on Twitter, with one MUFC supporter even going as far as to claim that the 23-year-old is ‘lazy’ and encouraging him to learn from the work rate of Cavani:

“Rashford and Martial will never learn anything from Cavani, they’re so lazy #Mufc #Glazersout”

Credit: @Tetelo40051997

“Negatives were AWB was very poor tonight Rashford was just horrific and I felt awful for poor Chrissy Smalling the penalty against him was harsh and he was easily their best defender #MUFC #EuropaLeague”

Credit: @hanlonstweets

“There is one definite conclusion from today’s match. Rashford should not start for Man United ever. #UEL #MUFC #MUNROM”

Credit: @singharjun011

“Coincidence, Man United started playing well as if they are playing with 11 men instead of 10 since Rashford has been substituted #bbcfootball #mufc #mutv #MUNROM”

Credit: @AshwinR10_

“I can see the reasons for putting Pogba further forward but Rashford is hopeless on the right… He should be left or on the bench… Play Mason right!… #mufc”

Credit: @wilson2604

“Marcus Rashford is the bad apple in that #MUFC #ManUtd Squad. He doesn’t defend or make an effort for the team. Cos he knows Ole will always pick him #Rashford”

Credit: @DBoyT3

In other news, find out what Eric Bailly update has left United fans fuming here!

Reacting to an alleged Tottenham Hotspur managerial development that Fulham boss Scott Parker is emerging as a lead contender for the job (Football Insider), Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has reacted with his take on the report. 

Parker has been linked as an outside candidate from the Premier League in recent weeks alongside the likes of Graham Potter, coming after reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold believed he would be considered as one for the future.

Robinson reacts to alleged Spurs manager development

However, Football Insider recently shared a development that the 40-year-old is now emerging as a lead contender to replace former boss Jose Mourinho in the here and now.

This comes after previous blows involving former top targets Julian Nagelsmann and Erik Ten Hag, with the former agreeing to join Bayern Munich and the latter signing a new deal at Ajax.

Reacting to the alleged Tottenham managerial development involving Parker, Robinson has dropped his take and believes it would be a ‘big gamble’ to appoint the former Lilywhites midfielder.

“It would be a big gamble,” he explained to Football Insider.

“The way that the club, the training ground and the stadium have developed there is a need for Champions League football.

“Scott Parker has done an excellent job at Fulham but they are getting relegated. He did a great job getting them out of the Championship but there is a massive difference between managing Fulham and managing Tottenham.

“Scott is a bright, young, intelligent manager but if he is given the Spurs job it would be a huge risk on Daniel Levy’s part. It could be a risk that pays off though.”

Transfer Tavern take

Given he has just one full season in the English top flight under his belt and is looking likely to be relegated with Fulham, it does look like a risk despite his plaudits in the past.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of Parker, having praised his brand of courageous attacking football earlier this season (mancity.com).

It is also said that Spurs and technical performance director Steve Hitchen are targeting a ‘young’ and ‘dynamic’ manager for the role (The Daily Mail), and on paper, Parker fits that description.

Regardless, what the Lilywhites debatably need is a more experienced head who still encourages an exciting brand of football, so we believe rumoured target Ralf Rangnick should be a top candidate.

He is known as the ‘godfather of gegenpressing’ and has been credited with influencing the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp.

Currently out of work, at least testing the water for the more experienced Rangnick should be a no brainer.

In other news: Tottenham told to target this ‘demon’ boss who Guardiola also praised, find out more here.

Liverpool could land Jurgen Klopp his ideal backup to Fabinho in Wolves star Ruben Neves.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, the 24-year-old midfielder is available for around £35 million this summer as the Midlands outfit prepare for life without Nuno Espirito Santo.

Although the report doesn’t mention the interest of any clubs, in particular, the Reds have been linked with a move for Neves in the past after assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders coached the Portugal international at Porto.

Edwards masterclass

Liverpool suffered from significant injuries to many of their star players throughout 2020/21 but were particularly impacted at centre-back.

Season-ending issues to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip forced defensive midfielder Fabinho to play in the heart of defence on many occasions throughout the recently concluded campaign, and although he coped admirably in his makeshift role, the rest of the team suffered.

His absence from the base of the Liverpool engine room left the more attack-minded Thiago exposed, meaning Klopp’s charges were often overrun in the middle of the park, especially with Jordan Henderson missing game time too.

The lack of midfield numbers was an issue for Liverpool, something that could worsen due to the departure of Gini Wijnaldum, and the arrival of Neves could ensure that issue of a lack of options doesn’t arise again.

He’s been a revelation since arriving in English football, firing Wolves to promotion in his first campaign before becoming a pivotal part of two consecutive seventh-place finishes a run to the Europa League quarter-finals, earning praise from several pundits, including Jamie Redknapp.

“It’s a magnificent pass; he’s a terrific player,’ Redknapp said on Sky Sports (via the Daily Mail) after a particularly impressive performance against Everton. “I’m such a fan of Neves and the way he can just control the midfield.

“He can defend, he can attack, he’s so talented. He can do it at Wolves, but I think he’s going right to the top of the game; it’s effortless for him.”

Klopp will be desperate to add some strength in depth to his relatively thin Liverpool squad this summer in order to mount a title charge, and bringing in Neves to bolster the ranks would be a masterclass from the director of football Michael Edwards.

The £45m-rated (as per Transfermarkt) maestro would take the Reds to another level and could be crucial in their bid to regain their top-flight crown.

And, in other news…Heir to Gini Wijnaldum: Liverpool must swoop for “incredible” £45m-rated maestro 

Reports by Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, earlier this week claimed Everton are monitoring Bologna’s sought-after defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who could emerge as Carlo Ancelotti’s own Virgil Van Dijk if Marcel Brands can seal a deal.

The Toffees are claimed to be keeping track of Tomiyasu’s situation ahead of the summer transfer market, as his services are likely to become available.

Bologna would prefer to retain the 22-year-old but have begun to search for potential replacements, knowing that it will be a challenge to retain the Japan international after his impressive performances under Sinisa Mihajlovic this season.

Bayer Leverkusen have shown a frequent interest in Tomiyasu’s potential as the Bundesliga outfit continue their efforts to bring down the average age of their squad, but they could face competition from AC Milan.

The Rossoneri are believed to have previously lodged a €15m (£13m) offer for the 23-cap centre-half and may return to the negotiating table at the end of the season, with Bologna holding firm at a €20m (£17.5m) asking price.

West Ham and Newcastle United have also previously shown an interest in Tomiyasu due to his ability to play at right-back or in a holding midfield role, and Gazzetta dello Sport noted that it is not out of contention that he moves to the Premier League or the Bundesliga this summer.

Brands meeting Bologna’s valuation and acquiring Tomiyasu ahead of his European suitors could see Everton’s director of football land Ancelotti the Goodison Park natives’ own Van Dijk and reaping similar rewards to their Merseyside neighbours Liverpool.

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Tomiyasu was touted by Football-Italia as a suitable replacement for Van Dijk when it was confirmed that the Dutchman required surgery after damaging anterior cruciate ligaments in October.

The 6 ft 2 Bologna enforcer is regarded as one of the Serie A’s best young players as he is technically gifted and can wisely progress play out from the back, but has the awareness to close down attacking channels without rushing into a challenge.

Tomiyasu also prefers to sit back and assess the opposition’s moves before stepping in as the last man and was backed to become a star when signed from Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truidense for €9m (£8m) in 2019.

“He is a complete player and Bologna got a real bargain with Tomiyasu,” former Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni told TuttoMercatoWEB, via quotes shared by Football-Italia, adding: “He’s a good player and was compared to Maya Yoshida, who has been playing in Europe for a decade. He’s got the quality to be a real star.”

Pressure is no issue for Tomiyasu either, but rather a source of excitement for the Fukuoka native, who has aspirations of being a leader.

“Yuto Nagatomo told me that there’s a lot of pressure playing in Italy, but that excites me, as it means the fans are passionate,” he said. “There are organised defences in Serie A and great strikers. I can play as a full-back or in the centre, but my objective either way is to become a leader at the back.”

Tomiyasu would have years ahead of him to become the leader of Ancelotti’s backline if Brands can seal a deal for the Bologna defender, in a move which would seemingly have plenty of upside for a smaller fee to what Everton paid Norwich City for Ben Godfrey (£20m) last year.

AND in other news, Everton have landed a huge boost in the race to sign an 11-goal striker subject to a potential £21.5m bid…