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The most likely Premier League transfers to happen before Thursday's deadline

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

The clock’s ticking and as always at this time of year, clubs are rushing around like headless chickens looking for last minute deals.

There isn’t a single club who isn’t being tipped to complete some late January business before the window slams shut on Thursday evening, with so many managers still desperate to strengthen their squads ahead of the final run-in of fixtures this season.

You’ve only got to look at any of the live transfer feeds around the internet to know that we haven’t seen the last of the business being done this month, with a number of huge deals touted to go through.

Will Solskjaer dip in to the market to make his United team even more unbeatable? Can Sarri bring in another attacker to complement Higuain in Chelsea’s attack?

Will West Ham go ahead of break another club-record transfer before the weekend? Here’s a look at the most likely deals expected to go through before Thursday’s deadline, and some of them will get fans very, very excited…

Vincent Janssen – Cardiff, Boro, Wolves, Burnley

A switch to China is currently the most likely of destinations for the Dutch striker, who is hoping to bring an end to a nightmare spell at Tottenham. Cardiff (9/1), Middlesbrough (12/1), Wolves (2/1) and Burnley (4/1) are currently the leading favourite English clubs, according to the bookies.

Youri Tielemans – Leicester City

Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – Monaco vs Montpellier – Stade Louis II, Monaco – December 1, 2018 AS Monaco’s Youri Tielemans celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

Reports this week have linked Leicester with a move for Belgian wonderkid Tielemans. It’s believed, with a number of midfielders being allowed to leave the King Power Stadium this month, funds have been freed up in order for Puel to make a move for the youngster.

Gelson Martins- Newcastle

Newcastle being linked with anyone these days doesn’t normally lead to a deal being done but reports over the last few days suggest Rafa Benitez may just be able to secure a few deals before the window shuts. Gelson Martins is one of the favourites to sign for the Magpies before Thursday. Watch this space.

Adrien Rabiot – Spurs

The Frenchman is in to the final six months of his PSG contract and therefore is able to start discussing personal terms with other clubs. Tottenham have reportedly already made an offer to Rabiot and we wouldn’t be surprised to see him being brought in to replace the departed Mousa Dembele. He’s as short as 3/1 with some bookies to agree a move to North London.

Nathan Ake – Chelsea

This would be classic Chelsea, but it does seem as though Sarri is interested in bringing Nathan Ake to Stamford Bridge. He’d cost a fair whack financially but it’s no secret the Blues need to tighten up defensively and it’s believed they’re lining up a huge bid before the window closes.

Michy Batshuayi – Crystal Palace, Everton

Higuain’s arrival last weekend has all but ended the Belgium international’s Stamford Bridge career, but there shouldn’t be a shortage of suitors ready to offer him a way out. Crystal Palace (4/1) and Everton (2/1 are currently the favourites among the English clubs interested in him, but Spurs, West Ham, Watford, Southampton and Fulham are all considering late moves.

Bradley Dack – West Ham, Burnley

Bradley Dack has been smashing it in the Championship for Blackburn, so it’s no surprise to see him being linked with a move to the Premier League. It’s widely expected that he’ll be rocking up in Stratford before the month is out, with the Hammers the bookies’ favourites to sign him at 4/1, while Burnley are priced at 10/1 to complete a deal.

Gary Cahill – Crystal Palace, Fulham, Arsenal

Gary Cahill, once a mainstay stalwart of dominant Chelsea teams gone by, is widely expected to leave the Blues in January and despite his age, there does seem to be some concrete interest in his signature. Crystal Palace (9/4), Fulham (3/1), Arsenal (10/3) and even Aston Villa (4/1) are all battling for his signature this week.

Nicolo Barella – Man United, Chelsea

The 21-year-old Cagliari midfielder is quite rightly attracting interest in some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but it’s Man United and Chelsea who are both leading the chase to sign him this week. The bookies currently have Chelsea down as the favourites at 4/1 but reports suggest the youngster would prefer a move to Old Trafford. Keep an eye on this one!

Che Adams – Southampton, Burnley

Che Adams can’t stop scoring for Birmingham in the Championship, so it’s little wonder Southampton and Burnley have been keeping close tabs on him this month. Both Premier League clubs have struggled for goals this term so expect Adams to be rocking up at one of these clubs come Thursday evening.

Leeds: Harrison’s woes continue vs Spurs

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Leeds United’s woes continued as the Yorkshire giants were defeated by Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday evening.

Marcelo Bielsa and his side were already sat just one place above the relegation zone, just two points adrift, but they were unrewarded in a game that they actually looked quite promising in.

The Argentine was without several key stars, with Raphinha (illness) and Rodrigo (injury) surprise absentees, on top of leading talisman Patrick Bamford and vice-captain Luke Ayling.

Spurs failed to even register a shot on target in the first half as the Whites went into the break one goal to the good after Dan James met Jack Harrison’s low-driven cross.

However, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and then Sergio Reguilon found the net for the home side to seal the come-from-behind victory.

Leeds had more possession and more attempts at goal than Spurs, yet a vast majority of these came from outside the area and it’s yet another cause for concern for Bielsa as his side looked hopeless in the final third.

His two wingers may have combined for their only goal – their 12th in as many games, to be precise – but neither pulled up any trees besides that one moment.

Particularly with Harrison as he looked rather lightweight on the left. He lost possession more times (24) than any other visiting player, meaning he handed possession back to Spurs once every 2.75 minutes across the whole game.

Furthermore, he failed with his six other crosses, managing an accuracy rate of just 14% and similarly, a passing accuracy of 78% was the second-worst of any outfield starter, as per SofaScore.

The former Man City graduate also appeared to be weak in his battles, winning just 27% of his 15 battles, which suggests that, more often than not, he struggled up against Emerson Royal and the home back-three.

On social media, it was 59th-minute substitute Junior Firpo that received plenty of flak from supporters, but given he was thrown on in difficult circumstances and was tasked with defensive duties, rather than forward ones, he cannot garner much of the blame.

Yes, Harrison got the assist for their opener but aside from that, he struggled to combat the Lilywhites’ physical threat and he was rather wasteful too.

The £60k-per-week dynamo could’ve made an even bigger impact had he replicated his actions in the 44th minute with more consistency throughout the game and as such, he will have disappointed Bielsa to not have delivered more.

AND in other news, Beren Cross drops John Swift transfer update…

Man City: Fans react to Sterling report

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Raheem Sterling won’t be leaving Manchester City to join FC Barcelona in January, according to Marca.

City are said to be unwilling to let Sterling leave The Etihad on loan midway through the campaign.

Sterling’s equalising goal in City’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek was his fourth of the season.

The Englishman has now started, and scored, in back-to-back matches but game time has been limited overall.

The £300,000-per-week forward has started only four of City’s first 12 Premier League matches.

Sterling, who’s valued at £81million by Transfermarkt, will be out of contract at the end of next season.

Sterling not the only City player Barca fancy

21-year-old Spaniard Ferran Torres has, according to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, been ‘seduced by the idea of leading the line’ for Barcelona.

City are aware that he’s keen to move to the Camp Nou in January.

Fan feed City Xtra relayed Marca’s Sterling report, and here’s how supporters responded.

City fans celebrate news that Sterling won’t leave in Jan

“Sterling is staying in City no matter what happens go find someone else”

Credit: @Stark03865875

“Good, but Sterling deserves game time then…..”

Credit: @Goatdebruyne

“Super Raz is here to stay”

Credit: @curtis73479941

“Yesss”

Credit: @Mr_Magic_Bryce

“Phewww…”

Credit: @lqmnkhai

“This has been a good day of news”

Credit: @_TJ932O

“Dub”

Credit: @Irish_cityfan

In other news, a Bundesliga target has emerged for the reigning Premier League champs.

Wolves in Traore exit talks with Spurs

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

With only a handful of days left until the latest January transfer window draws to a close, it seems as though this will be a crucial time for Wolves and the future of one of their key players.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent Twitter post from journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to push on and secure a deal for Wolves winger Adama Traore.

Romano also added that “talks will re-start with Wolves to enter into final details & reach the agreement” and that the north London club are “confident” that they will sign the Spaniard.

In full, he said: “Tottenham are prepared to push on Adama Traoré deal starting from today. Talks will re-start with Wolves to enter into final details & reach the agreement. Club confident to complete the new signing.”

Lage will be sweating

In 154 appearances for Wolves across all competitions since joining the Midlands club back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Middlesbrough in a deal worth a reported fee of £18m, Traore has scored 11 goals and provided 18 assists in the process, highlighting his importance to the team with the number of games he’s played for them.

With 20 league appearances under his belt this season and an overall performance rating of 6.94/10 listing him as Wolves’ fifth-highest rated player according to WhoScored, his departure from the Old Gold this month would be a big blow for Lage.

Having entered the final week of the January transfer window, Lage will surely be sweating over whether or not he will have Traore in his squad for the remainder of the season and if he will have to look for a potential replacement before the window closes.

If the winger does leave Molineux in the coming days and Wolves don’t sign another winger before the end of the month, Lage could then have to rely on Pedro Neto being able to hit the ground running and keep his fitness up for the remainder of the season when he eventually recovers from his knee injury.

Or, with Chiquinho coming in earlier this month, Traore’s potential exit could pave the way for him to come into the team and show Lage what he’s made of.

Either way, the best thing Wolves could do if they do sell him this month would be to get at least the £18m they paid for him back from Tottenham and use that money to strengthen their squad.

In other news: Lage offers update on the future of 25-y/o gem, Wolves fans will be delighted

Everton could axe Gomes with Zakaria

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

With Everton having won five, drawn four and lost eight of their 17 Premier League games so far this season, the upcoming January transfer window could provide Rafa Benitez with the opportunity to make some changes to his squad to help them turn their fortunes around and end the season on a high.

In a recent transfer mailbag report on Everton from The Athletic, they claimed that there are “whispers of interest” from the Merseyside club in signing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.

Since joining Monchengladbach back in the 2017 summer transfer window from Young Boys, the 25-year-old, who is currently valued at £24.3m according to Transfermarkt has made a total of 144 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists along the way.

Labelled as a “complete” player by former Monchengladbach manager Marco Rose, Zakaria has been likened to Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos in terms of his playing style by Lothar Matthaus.

If these reported whispers of interest were to come to fruition next month, not only would this give the Toffees the chance to sign a midfielder that has some Champions League experience under his belt, but it could also give them the chance to get rid of current Everton midfielder Andre Gomes at the same time.

With a significant injury record and an uninspiring overall season rating of 6.2/10 according to WhoScored, making him one of Everton’s lowest-rated players in the Premier League this season, it could be time to call an end to his time at Goodison Park, especially if they manage to secure the signing of Zakaria.

It’s not just this season that Gomes has failed to impress at Everton either with journalist Chris Beesley highlighting how much the midfielder was “struggling” in the team last season.

Taking all of this into account, Everton should definitely explore the possibility of signing Zakaria in January to see if he can perform alongside the likes of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in their midfield and possibly bring an end to Gomes’ career with the Toffees if they are able to find a club that would be willing to buy him.

In other news: Big boost: Benitez drops exciting Everton claim that’ll leave fans buzzing – opinion

Sunderland must unleash Nathan Broadhead

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Fresh from a thumping 5-0 win over Morecambe on Tuesday, Sunderland welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their unbeaten run in League One to six matches.

The Black Cats are just two points off of the League One automatic promotion places in fourth, albeit that Wigan have a game in hand, and a victory over Argyle could see Lee Johnson’s side climb into the top two.

On the chalkboard

Just a matter of days on since the thrashing of Morecambe, Johnson will be craving a performance of similar magnitude today against a side one place below and two points behind the Black Cats. Argyle will also be under new management in Steven Schumacher after Ryan Lowe departed for Preston North End in the week.

The Wearside club have an array of youngsters amongst their ranks this season, but one who has particularly stood out of late is Nathan Broadhead.

The striker netted a brace against the Shrimps on Tuesday having scored his first league goal for the club two weeks ago away at Cambridge United. As well as the goals against Morecambe, the Everton loanee scored with 67% of his shots, as well as completing 75% of his passes and making 41 touches. Simply put, he was excellent.

It’s no secret that the start of the campaign didn’t go to plan for the 23-year-old, who has been limited to just ten league appearances so far this season. Five of those have come in the last five games, highlighting his rising value within Johnson’s squad.

The Black Cats manager labelled the Welshman “flexible”, as well as stating that “he’s a really good finisher”.

Despite being a centre-forward, Broadhead was deployed on the left-hand side of a front three in a 3-4-3 formation on Tuesday, which could be the 23-year-old’s pathway into a regular starting spot.

Ross Stewart is currently the club’s top scorer with 11 goals in 20 league appearances this term, suggesting that the flexibility highlighted by Johnson will be a crucial trait if the Everton loanee is to put together a run of games.

We published a piece on this site in recent days staking the case for Leon Dajaku to also start against Argyle, yet the biggest threat from the left flank could come from Broadhead.

With a hectic run of fixtures coming up for the Black Cats which will be crucial for their promotion push, the 23-year-old could be a crucial asset and should be relied upon to build on his recent goalscoring form.

In other news – Big relief: Sunderland handed major injury boost which will surely have Johnson buzzing

Newcastle eyeing Porto’s Diaz

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

An update has emerged on Porto forward Luis Diaz, regarding Newcastle United’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to A Bola, via Sport Witness, the Magpies are one of the clubs interested in signing the Colombian international in the January window.

The report claims that Porto are expecting a club-record fee, more than £42m (€50m), and Diaz has a release clause of roughly £67m (€80m).

Fans would love it

Newcastle must smash their transfer record and pay the fee required to bring Diaz to St. James’ Park as he could be a terrific signing for the club and fans would love it. The supporters would surely be buzzing to see PIF splash the cash on the forward in an attempt to avoid relegation down to the Championship in the second half of the season.

Diaz has been in sublime form for Porto this season and is showing signs that he could thrive in the Premier League if given the opportunity to do so by Newcastle, which is why fans should love the deal if it goes through.

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In the Primeira Liga, he has produced nine goals and two assists in 11 games for the Portuguese giants, whilst he also has two goals in four Champions League games – in a group with Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.

His Porto teammate Sergio Oliveira once hailed him after their Champions League win over Milan, saying:

“I don’t have to answer, we know his qualities, apart from the human level he is also extraordinary on a technical level. The best for him will also be the best for us as a team.”

This suggests that he has the quality to stand out at Champions League level against huge clubs, including Liverpool from the Premier League, and that indicates that he has the ability to play in England. If he is able to translate his form from Portugal over to the northeast then he could be a top player for the club as he’s shown he can score goals on a consistent basis.

Liverpool’s Alisson also previously heaped praise on the forward, hailing him for the hard work he puts in for his country. He said:

“Luis Diaz is an excellent player, he does a lot of work for the defence, he did it in the goals of Copa America.”

PIF and Eddie Howe must now ensure that they are able to get a deal over the line for Diaz. Not only would it be record-breaking for Porto, but it would also represent a club-record swoop for the Magpies, as their most expensive signing in history stands at £40m for Joelinton.

AND in other news, “They’re not..” – Journo makes NUFC transfer claim that’ll surely leave fans worried…

Victor Orta eyeing Leeds signings

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

There is a willingness to get transfer business done at Leeds United this month, according to reliable journalist Beren Cross.

What’s the word?

The LeedsLive reporter delivered an exciting update to supporters in a recent Q&A on the website, where he was asked about whether the Yorkshire giants were more focused on the summer, rather than now.

“I wouldn’t say more focused on the summer because their focus is on January right now. Victor Orta wants to strengthen at Elland Road this month, as hard as that may be,” he responded.

“The board will always have one eye on the future though and will know there always has to be an element of doubt around Bielsa’s future because of his contract situation.”

Bielsa surely buzzing

It’s certainly going to come as a huge source of encouragement to those around Elland Road that their director of football is keen to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad this month.

The Argentine head coach is in desperate need of additions before deadline day on January 31st.

Despite moving eight points clear of the relegation zone, Leeds are still in a perilous position both on and off the pitch – the two teams below them have games in hand and the injuries are never-ending.

Heading into this weekend’s Premier League encounter with West Ham United, the 66-year-old is set to be without as many as nine first-team stars, including key midfield cog Kalvin Phillips and skipper Liam Cooper.

He has also been without leading talisman Patrick Bamford for the majority of the campaign, and though he is set to return this weekend, it’s clear that the England international does not have sufficient backup in attack.

Not only is a forward needed but also a midfielder and perhaps another option at the back. He does only have one senior left-back, for example.

Bielsa should, therefore, be absolutely delighted by this fresh update.

AND in other news, Leeds eye 1st January signing in “dominant” 37-cap titan, he could be another Lasogga…

Spurs table offer Mensah offer

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Speaking to Football Insider, N17 club source and Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ John Wenham, who regularly breaks news on his Lilywhites Rose social media account, has shared his own update on Peterborough defender Benjamin Mensah.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Mensah move…

In the last week, news came to light of Tottenham’s interest in the Posh full-back with Sky Sports (via the72) first lifting the lid on an enquiry from by managing director Fabio Paratici.

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Following on from the story, the Championship side’s own Director of Football, Barry Fry, confirmed that he has ‘talked to Tottenham’ – but the initial approach was swiftly turned down.

The Latest: Insider shares update…

Sharing an update, Wenham has explained that Spurs have indeed made an ‘offer’ to sign Mensah but he is certainly one for the future.

However, the fact Tottenham have tabled a proposal shows how serious the club is about signing the talented teenager.

“He’s very much one for the future,” Wenham explained to Football Insider.

“As I understand it, we have made an offer. He has only made a few appearances for their first team.

“I imagine if he did come this month he would be loaned straight back to Peterborough for the remainder of the season.

“I also imagine many ‘football twitter’ accounts would react to the news of him arriving with something like ‘who is he?’

“This is certainly one for the future and someone our scouts have found on their travels.

“The fact we have made an offer tells me there is a strong interest in getting this deal done before someone else signs him.”

The Verdict: Exciting prospect?Having only just signed his professional contract, Mensah has already earned rave reviews from former Manchester United man and current Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson.The 49-year-old called Mensah ‘aggressive’ and ‘excellent’ in one-vs-one situations and went on to explain that he possesses all the best traits required in a modern-day full-back.This could pinpoint a really promising future player for Spurs and we believe it is a move they should certainly attempt to get over the line as they also work on more key first team additions.In other news: Conte green-lights move for £220,000-per-week ‘jewel’ as he lays out transfer demand for Spurs chiefs, find out more here.

Ben Davies returns early from Wales duty

by z3u9t.icu Uncategorized

Tottenham defender Ben Davies has returned from international duty as a precaution after picking up a minor injury, according to football.london’s Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Davies’ importance to Spurs

The Welshman has become a prominent figure under Antonio Conte’s management, slotting in as the left-sided central defender in Spurs’ back three.

Since the Italian arrived at Hotspur Way in November, the 28-year-old has started all but two matches for the Lilywhites.

Consequently, Davies has been very complimentary of his boss, saying: “To have the opportunity to work under a world class manager is always nice as a player.”

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The Latest: Davies withdraws from Wales squad

Davies withdrew from the Wales squad after playing 90 minutes in his country’s 2-1 win over Austria on Thursday evening. However, Alasdair Gold has now revealed the specifics on his withdrawal, claiming in an article for  football.london that it was due to precautionary measures.

Taking to Twitter, he shared the article and captioned the story: “Good news on Ben Davies it seems.”

In the article, Gold shared that the defender had picked up a minor injury whilst on international duty. Due to feeling tightness in one of his quad muscles, the Wales international returned to Tottenham as a precaution.

As a result, he should be available for Spurs’ upcoming clash against Newcastle on Sunday.

The Verdict: Good news

As Gold put it, this will come as “good news” for Conte, who will presumably slot the left-footer back into that left-sided centre-back position against Newcastle.

In the Lilywhites’ last five Premier League games, Conte’s side have won four and lost one, with the Welshman having nearly played the full 90 minutes on each occasion. To highlight how impressively he has been playing, former Spurs centre-back Michael Dawson said that Davies is “perfect” for the Italian’s system.

Therefore, given his importance to the Tottenham back line, Conte will be relieved to see the 28-year-old come back from international duty relatively unscathed.

In other news: Pete O’Rourke makes Paulo Dybala to Spurs claim

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