All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool are battling Tottenham to complete the signing of VfL Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven this summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Are Liverpool signing a centre-back?

The Reds' squad needs some significant transfer surgery before the start of next season, with midfield the particularly pressing area of the pitch – although they have of course already added Alexis Mac Allister there.

It could also be that a new centre-back is required to provide stiff competition for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, with both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez arguably not at the level required anymore.

One player who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Van de Ven, who has impressed in a Wolfsburg shirt, starting 33 Bundesliga matches last season. The £20,000-a-week defender could well move on this summer, finding it hard to turn down strong interest from the Premier League, with Spurs also in the hunt to sign him.

Could Van de Ven be off to Anfield this summer?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are "prepared to battle" the north Londoners for Van de Ven's signature, having identified him as a "key target" in the summer transfer window.

The Reds have reportedly "begun laying the groundwork" for a defensive signing behind the scenes, with Jurgen Klopp "eager to bolster his backline". The Wolfsburg man appears to be at the front of the queue with Reds recruitment chiefs marking him out as the perfect fit.

Van de Ven could be precisely what Liverpool are after this summer, coming in as someone who can thrive at both centre-back and left-back, also meaning he can dovetail with Andy Robertson and be an upgrade on Kostas Tsimikas.

With Klopp tweaking his system late last season and moving Trent Alexander-Arnold into a roaming midfield role from right-back, Van de Ven's ability to play across those two positions could be perfect.

It would mean he could play at left-back and shuffle across to a more central position when Alexander-Arnold vacates space in defence, while his left foot would bring a balance that is currently lacking in Liverpool's squad. At 22, he would also very much be a long-term signing who could potentially be an eventual replacement for Van Dijk, although the hope is that his Dutch compatriot remains at a high level for a number of years still.

It is a move that ticks so many boxes – Niko Kovac has said the young defender has "great potential" as a player – and the fact that the Reds can offer Van de Ven European football next season surely gives them the edge over Spurs.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Fenerbahce starlet Arda Guler, as Unai Emery bids to take his side to the next level over the summer break.

With Monchi on side as president of football operations, the Spanish duo could pull off a marquee signing by snatching the 18-year-old talent from Turkey, who has caught the eye of some of Europe's top clubs already this transfer window.

A report from TEAMtalk stated that Premier League clubs Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle are eyeing the talent, however, Villa were named as one of the clubs that have scouted the player.

The report claims that their sources revealed that Villa were named as one of the clubs with representatives in attendance as Turkey defeated Wales last week in the Euro qualifiers.

Guler scored after being introduced in the second half, showing the array of Premier League club representatives in attendance just what he’s capable of.

Villa could pull off a steal with the teen sensation’s release clause currently standing at just €17.5m (£15m) with a contract running until 2025.

What could Arda Guler offer to Aston Villa?

Dubbed the “golden boy of Turkish football” by journalist Tom Maston, the 18-year-old ended the season as The Yellow Canaries’ best performer as per Sofascore.

With an average match rating of 7.48 in the Super Lig, the teen made 11 starts and 20 total appearances in his breakthrough campaign for Fenerbahce, scoring four goals and assisting three in the process, via Sofascore.

The youngster is deployed primarily as a central attacking midfielder, however, has the ability to play on the right wing with a tendency to cut in on his favoured left foot to add a punch in the final third.

Monchi could deliver Villa one of the continent's most encouraging young talents in Guler, and could provide Emery with the essence of one of his former players and a former Premier League talent.

Described as being “continuously compared” to ex-Arsenal creative genius Mesut Ozil, the Ankara-born gem could provide the Spaniard with shades of his former player from a time when he dominated the midfield.

Praised as “phenomenal” by Jose Mourinho, Ozil was integral to the Gunners’ attack when playing his best football during his time in the Premier League.

In his recorded career appearances, the German registered 222 assists throughout his domestic exploits, as well as 23 assists for the national team in which he was a member of the World Cup-winning squad, as per Transfermarkt.

At just 18, Guler could gift Villa shades of the creative know-how of the retired gem, as highlighted by his impressive average of two key passes per game, similar to the number recorded by Ozil in his final Premier League campaign where he averaged 2.2.

Lauded as a “sensation” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Fenerbahce gem has been tipped by Ozil himself to become a “world star” as relayed by football.london.

Ozil's performance levels may have dipped under Emery, contributing to ten goals in 42 outings under the Spaniard, but the German was still a creative marvel on his day.

To be compared to such a player is impressive and Emery’s side could be taken to the next level by procuring the youthful energy of Guler, who has displayed more attacking threat than the Spaniard’s current attacking midfield option of Emiliano Buendia, who averaged just 1.1 key passes per game last season.

With the likes of Real Madrid swarming the movements of the teenager, Monchi could pull off a huge feat in capturing the teen.

Manchester United have had a slow start to the summer market, but Fabrizio Romano has told fans to keep an eye on one potential signing.

Andre Onana is the latest goalkeeper to be linked with a move to Old Trafford as the uncertainty surrounding whether David De Gea will sign a new contract continues.

Romano states that United have already made contact with Onana’s representatives about a potential reunification with Erik ten Hag, who coached the Cameroon goalkeeper at Ajax.

Who will be goalkeeper at Man Utd?

David de Gea has received plenty of criticism for his performances this season at Old Trafford.

The Spanish keeper’s contract ends this summer, and no news of an agreed new contract has come out.

If De Gea does leave the club, United will have to source a new number one keeper.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Andre Onana signing for Manchester United?

On his Youtube channel, Romano gave fans an update on Man United's potential search for a new goalkeeper.

Romano said: "There is the possibility for United to keep the De Gea and sign a second goalkeeper to create competition or maybe to sign a new first choice goalkeeper.

"It's also true that Manchester United have explored the conditions of the Andre Onana deal on the player side. So Man United are informed on the situation and Onana has always has a with Erik ten Hag. Inter are looking for around €60m (£51m) for Onana."

Would Onana be a good signing for Man Utd?

Man City boss Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Onana recently ahead of the Champions League final.

Pep branded Onana as Inter’s most important player due to his abilities with his feet, something that could fit well into a system Erik ten Hag wants to play.

Guardiola stated: "For the way they play, with the high press, Onana is an exceptional goalkeeper to take the position to build-up. Really, really good,"

If United want to nail down the signing of Onana, they must act quickly. Premier League rivals Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing the goalkeeper as part of their summer rebuild.

Onana had an excellent season for Inter, conceding just 24 goals in as many games in Serie A last season. If De Gea does leave Old Trafford, he could be a worthy replacement.

Leeds United have been a side never shy in front of goal, whether it be under the exceptional Marcelo Bielsa or even the struggling Jesse Marsch.

Even when trundling towards the drop last term, the Whites still managed to notch 48 goals, outscoring most of their relegation competition. This does mark a far cry from the 62 they scored during that imperious return to the top flight though.

However, recent reports have emerged suggesting that Rodrigo, their top scorer from that torrid later campaign, has a release clause of just €3.5m (£3m), making the Spaniard ripe for the plucking from Elland Road.

A huge chunk of that aforementioned figure could be set to depart.

Given he was initially bought for £27m, the club are set to make a monumental loss on the 32-year-old who offered a brief glimmer of hope throughout a dark and depressing year in Yorkshire.

To offset such financial failures, the 49ers will have to be shrewd in this summer window, likely scouring from within the Championship or the free-agent market to find their deals.

Fortunately, an option within the latter has come to light, with soon-to-be departing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele free from his £51k-per-week contract this summer, and reportedly on the list of Leeds' new ownership.

Could Moussa Dembele replace Rodrigo at Leeds United?

Having scored 13 league goals for a relegated side, Rodrigo has already proven himself a fine asset more than capable of starring in the top flight. His exit is almost a guarantee given the tiny fee attached to him.

However, this French forward could perhaps pose a fine alternative, despite the statistics of late suggesting a recent loss of form.

Just three goals in 23 Ligue 1 showings are a harsh indicator, given the form of Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him. The 26-year-old has only started eight games in the league.

As the machine-like striker in the season prior, he showcased his true talents by finding the net on 21 occasions, proving himself more than capable of leading the line. When handed confidence and a run of games, the former Celtic man has proven his talent in front of goal.

That spell in Scotland, where he would score 51 goals in just 94 games, saw Brendan Rodgers rush to praise him. The currently out-of-work manager claimed:

"Moussa has everything with his power and pace. It was a different sort of system and the boys looked a real threat and linked up really well.

“His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate. He was excellent. I am very pleased to have him back and his contribution."

With the 49ers having inherited something of a mess in this Leeds team, still licking their wounds from a relegation that three different managers could not halt, they could offer some clarity by making a confident first foray into the market.

Not only would it mark a huge statement of intent, but it would also offer an immediate replacement should Rodrigo exit Elland Road.

Arsenal have been linked with a host of players ahead of the transfer window, with the latest news suggesting that the Gunners are eyeing a fellow Premier League ace.

Mikel Arteta will hope to arm his squad with the necessary depth to challenge once more for the league title, after falling short this season to treble-winners Manchester City.

What’s the latest on Timothy Castagne to Arsenal?

As reported by Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg – relayed by Sport Witness – Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne has been eyed by Arsenal.

The report runs off the narrative of Belgium’s match-ups against Austria and Estonia, stating that the ties will be a chance for players to show their worth ahead of the transfer window.

It’s suggested that Castagne could have a potential suitor in Arsenal, following his relegation to the Championship with the Foxes.

The full-back is currently valued at £26m as per Football Transfers.

What could Timothy Castagne bring to Arsenal?

Lauded as “brilliant” by teammate Jamie Vardy, the Belgian has been a revelation since trading Serie A for the Premier League, signing from Atalanta for £21.5m in 2020.

A flock of players have been linked with moves away from the Foxes following their relegation, with movements starting with Youri Tielemans who has made the switch to Aston Villa.

Arsenal could land themselves added defensive quality in moving for the 27-year-old, in a move that could finally see Cedric Soares depart.

The Portuguese defender went on loan to Fulham in January with his place in Arteta’s squad out of reach, however the 31-year-old only made six appearances at Craven Cottage, failing to make an impact this campaign.

Arsenal are in need of defensive depth, after a double blow to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu back in March left Arteta with minimal options for quality cover, having a significant impact on the Gunners’ season.

Based upon Castagne’s statistics from this season, and Cedric’s last term at the Emirates, the Belgian could prove to be an upgrade in depth on the out-of-favour right-back.

As per FBref, the £67k-per-week ace averages better than the German-born Portugal international over a range of defensive attributes.

The Leicester defender averaged 2.41 tackles and 1.19 interceptions per 90 this season in the league, as well as winning 51% of his total duels with an average of 4.5 won per game.

Last season, the Arsenal right-back averaged 2.30 tackles and 0.97 interceptions per 90 as per FBref, and won 49% of his total duels with three won per game on average, showing that the Gunners could land a worthy upgrade in the newly relegated gem.

Another area that suggests that Castagne could be a good fit for north London, is his ability to get forward, most prominently identified through his average of progressive passes he received per 90 this campaign with 4.12, via FBref. It's that sort of performance level that's seen him dubbed a "constant threat" by journalist Josh Bunting.

Arsenal whiz Ben White scored 3.65 in this area this season, showing the ability the Belgian has in getting into attacking positions considering the success of the Englishman in the defensive flank role under Arteta.

With no moves made yet ahead of the window, only time will tell if rumours are to be believed, however, the Gunners could finally wave goodbye to Cedric to make way for the FA Cup-winning defender.

Tottenham are “already pushing to seal a deal” for Leicester City star James Maddison, despite there currently being no manager.

Who could Tottenham sign this summer?

Spurs are in dire need of a new head coach to replace the departed Antonio Conte, who left north London over two months ago.

The Lilywhites are also thought to be chasing a new sporting director to succeed Fabio Paratici, but the club haven’t yet announced a new name for either role.

Amid all of this chaos, Spurs are worryingly flirting with being left behind in the summer transfer market, as other clubs are believed to be well ahead of them in preparations.

However, that isn’t to say Tottenham haven’t been linked with fresh faces, as chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly earmarked the signing of a new goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris.

Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes has also been tipped as a target in recent days, not to mention Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.

Spurs are targeting attacking players, with Hee-chan Hwang of Wolves mentioned and another key player for Leicester in Maddison.

Sharing news on the latter man, reporter Pete O’Rourke has an update for Tottenham supporters.

Writing for Football Insider, the journalist claims Tottenham are “already pushing to seal a deal” for the England international, and have made him their priority summer target.

One of the site’s well-placed sources has claimed that Spurs are hopeful of winning the race for Maddison, despite there being no manager in place right now.

Newcastle and Arsenal are in the frame too, but it’s Tottenham who think they have the advantage, with the 26-year-old set to become one of this summer’s hottest properties following Leicester’s relegation to the Championship.

Who is James Maddison?

The playmaker, who looks likely to leave the King Power Stadium, has been a pivotal figure for Leicester and star player.

As per WhoScored, he finished the 2022/2023 campaign as their best-performing player by average match rating – having racked up 19 goal contributions in the top flight alone (10 goals, nine assists).

England boss Gareth Southgate has also previously heralded Maddison as a brilliant player.

“He’s a player of outstanding technical ability,” said Southgate to the media back in 2019.

“He has an eye for an incisive pass, his set-play delivery is world class – absolutely top.”

Maddison has long been tipped for greatness, it would seem, and we believe Tottenham could sign a serious upgrade in the former Norwich City star.

Indeed, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has even called Maddison a "really top player".

Manchester United look keen on signing Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer as Erik ten Hag aims to bolster his attacking options ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United?

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell wrote on Twitter:

“MUFC hold detailed talks over Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.

“Erik ten Hag ideally wants a young forward plus an experienced one. Hojlund, 20, falls into former category. Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani also discussed.”

The striker won't come cheap however, with Serie A side Atalanta demanding “north of £60million at the very least this year" according to journalist Jacque Talbot and this is a figure United could afford, especially as Ten Hag will surely move a few players on this summer.

Could Rasmus Hojlund replace Anthony Martial?

The Red Devils only scored 58 Premier League goals during the 2022/23 campaign, and it’s clear they need much greater attacking options ahead of next term in order to mount a serious title challenge.

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes scored 17 and eight of these goals respectively, while Anthony Martial scored only six league goals all season and Hojlund could certainly be an upgrade on the Frenchman.

The “scary quick” sensation – as once described by journalist Sacha Pisani earlier this year – not only has more goals across all competitions this season (15 to nine) than the United striker, but he has also more than double the number of assists (seven to three), albeit he has played 12 games more.

Not only that, but the Dane has also registered more shots on target per 90 (1.34 to 1.1), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.78 to 2.58), touches in the attacking penalty area (124 to 49) and crosses (12 to four), clearly suggesting he’d be way better than Martial for next season, that’s for sure.

Remarkably, the United hitman is still only 27 years old, yet he has never really fulfilled his potential at the Old Trafford side, managing to score over 20 goals across all competitions in just one of his eight seasons in Manchester, a poor showing.

He has just one year remaining on his contract and this summer could be the ideal chance for Ten Hag to cash in on him to raise some funds for signings. Hojlund, meanwhile, is only 20 years of age and there is no doubt that, given the opportunity under the Dutchman, he could thrive in the pressure cooker environment at United next term.

The next few weeks could be very interesting for the Red Devils indeed.

Everton will host Bournemouth at Goodison Park today in their final Premier League clash of the season, with everything still left to play for.

The Toffees are currently two points clear of the relegation zone but will need a victory to comfortably secure top-flight football once again over their competitors Leeds United and Leicester City.

Sean Dyche will be feeling the pressure when he leads his team out in front of the home support this afternoon, as he will know how catastrophic it would be to suffer relegation for the first time since the Premier League began.

Unfortunately for the Everton boss, injury issues have presented themselves once again ahead of the final day, with both Nathan Patterson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to be unavailable for selection.

Dyche took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that the pair are unlikely to feature against the Cherries:

"They won’t be fit."

"We realised when he [Calvert-Lewin] got injured in the first game that it wasn’t going to be a short injury. We knew we would have to find a way of working with that. We have found that way and it’s important we do that."

"Patto has come into the side more latterly and performed well. We lose him as well."

Due to the striker’s absence, the manager will need to find another focal point to secure Everton’s survival, and it could be a great opportunity for Demarai Gray to return to the side.

Will Demarai Gray start vs Bournemouth?

The 26-year-old has been an inconsistent feature since the arrival of the former Burnley boss, but has been a much more reliable provider of goal contributions than some of his positional peers.

Gray is the second-highest goalscorer in the Everton squad with six goals and one assist delivered in all competitions this season, which has been a far better output than Neal Maupay, Ellis Simms and Calvert-Lewin’s combined.

Not only that, the £25k-per-week ace – hailed "inspirational" by Martin Keown – has undeniable pace and creativity which could cause chaos for Bournemouth, averaging 1.2 key passes, 1.7 shots on goal and one successful dribble per game so far.

Indeed, Gray is most commonly deployed in the wider positions of the forward line, but has often played in the centre-forward role this season to make up for Calvert-Lewin’s absence and had success in the position scoring in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest in March.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Dyche to unleash Gray in the Toffees' attacking threat this afternoon, as a moment of magic from the Everton whiz could be their saving grace at full-time.

Aston Villa have suffered an injury setback heading into their final two Premier League matches of the season.

Defender Ezri Konsa was injured during a tussle with Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta during the 1-1 draw which impacts Villa’s chances of securing a top-half finish this season.

Steven Gerrard will be gutted and he spoke after the match about the injury: “We’re concerned about Ezri, normally, someone like him wouldn’t come off the pitch unless there was a problem,” said the Villa manager.

He added: “We’ll send him for an MRI scan, I’ll be extremely surprised if he plays again this season.”

Bad news for the club, who arguably need all their key players fit and firing to secure that top half finish the manager desperately wants.

Gerrard has played Konsa alongside Tyrone Mings at the heart of the Villa defence since arriving from Rangers in mid-November, however, it is no secret the manager is looking to add some defenders to the squad next season.

Konsa only has an average WhoScored rating of 6.43 this season, ranking him a lowly 18th in the Villa squad. Although he does win on average, two aerial duels per match, placing him fourth on the list whilst also completing 86.4% of his passes, ranking him at seventh.

With that in mind, losing him for the final few weeks of the campaign is likely to represent a significant blow to the manager.

After all, the ex Gers boss said of him earlier this season, saying: “He’s been outstanding for me, obviously the red card [against Leeds] was frustrating for him and us because he is an important players.”

Having been at the club since 2019, the 24-year-old has shown brief glimpses of his potential, although it looks like this may not be enough to convince Gerrard to stick with him next season with the player linked away. An exit, however, would be a surprise given the praise from the Liverpudlian previously.

Hopefully, the injury isn’t as bad as first feared and Konsa can have a solid pre-season ahead of what could be the side’s most important season in years.

AND in other news, Lange plotting Villa swoop for “fearless” 87-goal monster, he’s even better than Watkins

A big Newcastle United transfer claim has been made on their plans for the summer window…

What’s the talk?

Magpies journalist Mark Douglas has revealed the position that PIF are viewing as their biggest area of improvement ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “It’s a striker nufc want this summer as a ‘priority’.”

This comes after the Saudi Arabian consortium splashed the cash in the January window to sign Chris Wood, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes. They are now looking to take the next step and a new number nine is the player they want to bring in to do that.

Eddie Howe will be delighted

The Toon head coach will be delighted with the club prioritising a new number nine as his squad is currently lacking a reliable and consistent striker to find the back of the net in the Premier League.

Callum Wilson scored 12 goals in the 2020/21 campaign and this tally means that you can argue that he is a consistent goalscorer in the top-flight as he hit double figures for the club. However, he has not been reliable in terms of his availability for selection as he started 23 matches that season and has started just 14 times in the current term.

Taking Wilson out of the equation, Allan Saint-Maximin is the club’s top scorer with five goals in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Wood – who joined from Burnley for £25m – has only found the back of the net twice in 15 outings in the black and white shirt.

He has not been able to make an instant impact since joining from the Clarets and no one else has stepped up, consistently, to carry the burden in the final third.

The lack of goalscoring quality in the squad is evident and that is why the head coach will be delighted with the prospect of being given a new player to work with next term. Although, the club will need to ensure that they are able to get the right one in as Wood’s dismal record in front of goal proves that paying a big transfer fee does not guarantee anything.

Howe will be keen to assess the potential options that the club can target this summer with the aim of landing the new goalscoring machine for the Toon army to enjoy. As such, it will now be interesting to see who PIF attempt to bring in over the coming months…

AND in other news, PIF now heading for first major NUFC disaster on £55k-p/w colossus who “eats weights”…