All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has been offered an apology on talkSPORT from Simon Jordan who had previously doubted the 45-year-old.

Are Newcastle shocking the league?

The arrival of new owners on Tyneside promised a new dawn for the Toon Army, however, the speed in which Newcastle have been able to close the gap on the 'big six' has been staggering.

Granted, they have been helped in some sense by the hugely underwhelming campaigns for Chelsea and Liverpool which has them both well below their expected levels.

But Newcastle have been there to capitalise on the errors of others and that can be seen in recent weeks having leapfrogged the likes of Tottenham Hotspur who are enduring their own issues.

There can be no doubting the levels of the three sides aforementioned have been below par over the course of the 2022/23 campaign, but that is not Newcastle's issue.

Howe has his Newcastle side well-drilled and has been able to extract the best out of the players he has got as well as recruiting players who are proving to be instant hits on Tyneside.

As Newcastle sit in third and open a gap on fifth-spot, Jordan has issued the 45-year-old an apology on Thursday's talkSPORT show for previously doubting him:

"With all due respect to him, I was wrong about his appointment. Because he's gone in there, he's caught this wave, and he's ridden it. And more than ridden it. He's directed it.

"And he's now coming out as a far better manager than I envisaged he was. Now that's great when you're in ascendancy, and we haven't yet seen any kinks or any bumps in the road, but there's nothing to indicate that we're going to right now.

"It's been a direction of travel that's been upward since he's walked through the door. But he's been responsible for that."

How good has the appointment of Howe been?

The Newcastle boss was selected by PIF having previously left his role at Bournemouth after he was unable to keep them afloat in the Premier League.

So it would only be natural to think the 45-year-old's appointment could have been viewed as a short-term option to steady the ship from Steve Bruce's reign.

However, there was an almost instant improvement on Tyneside after Howe's appointment after he took Newcastle from 19th in the table – without a league win – and see them finish in 11th spot last season.

And this season has seen the Magpies continue from where they left off last season and go on to hold the league's best defensive record.

The Toon conceded 62 goals last season, however, this season – with 10 games left – they have allowed in fewer than a third of that total with just 20 goals conceded.

There have been a number of additions to Newcastle's side under PIF's reign, but there has to be a lot of credit given to Howe for the development of some of the players he inherited.

The likes of Miguel Almiron and Joelinton have both been transformed under Howe to become regular starters who have had a huge impact on Howe's Newcastle side.

Newcastle have by no means secured their spot in the top four just yet, but they are certainly heading in that direction and Howe is rightfully getting a lot of the credit for their impressive campaign.

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is still looking for a way out ahead of the season opener against Brighton, Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

Ronaldo wants to leave United, only a year on from his return, in order to play Champions League football.

United are due to compete in the Europa League this season after finishing sixth in 2021/22.

The Red Devils want to hold onto the Portuguese forward, who is still under contract for at least another 12 months.

Manager Erik ten Hag criticised his ‘unacceptable’ behaviour after he left a pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano early last weekend.

United are due to kick off their Premier League campaign against Brighton on Sunday, and it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will be involved.

The latest

Romano told GMS that Mendes is still quietly looking for a ‘solution’ for his client, but it is proving to be difficult because of a lack of viable suitors.

“At the moment, for Cristiano, the situation is still quiet. Jorge Mendes, I’m told, is still working to find a solution, so maybe trying with Atletico Madrid, with Bayern.

“These clubs have stated in public many, many times that they have no intention to go for Cristiano Ronaldo. So it’s not an easy one definitely for Cristiano and Jorge Mendes.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates-5/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The verdict

One of Ronaldo’s biggest problems here is his pay packet.

As per Salary Sport, he earns a whopping £480,000 per week at Old Trafford, and that limits the number of clubs who are able to afford him.

And as Romano alludes to, there are specific issues with Bayern and Atletico too.

Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn has already explained that Ronaldo, who ranks in the bottom percentile among strikers for pressures per 90 minutes, wouldn’t fit the club’s ‘philosophy’.

Atletico, meanwhile, have been warned against the move by a group of their own fans, who voiced their disapproval at the prospect of the former Real Madrid man moving to the Wanda Metropolitano.

Tottenham Hotspur are having ‘ongoing discussions’ with AS Roma over Nicolo Zaniolo, according to journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Spurs vs Roma

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been preparing his squad for the last friendly of their pre-season campaign, with the clash coming tonight against Roma.

Reuniting Jose Mourinho with his former club, the game will also provide the Lilywhites with the opportunity to assess forward target Zaniolo.

Speaking about the rumours linking him with a move away from the Serie A side earlier this year, the player claimed:

“It is pleasing to be the subject of interest from big clubs, as if they think about you, it means you’re good. I train with even more motivation, as I want to prove it’s right that I’ve been linked with these top clubs.”

The Latest: Aouna’s news

Taking to Twitter, the Foot Mercato journalist dropped news on all Roma’s business, including a line of particular interest to Spurs fans: “Ongoing discussions with Tottenham for Zaniolo.”

Relayed by Lilywhites outlet The Spurs Express, Aouna reports that the door is likely to open for the Roma winger by the end of the transfer window, even if that involves a loan deal with an option to buy.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Impact in the final third

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the wide man ranks in the 93rd percentile for shots, in the 90th percentile for progressive passes received, in the 83rd percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the 81st percentile for dribbles completed.

Hailed by former Roma coach Claudio Ranieri as a ‘decisive player’ who has ‘impressive quality and strength’, it is no wonder Conte is so keen on bringing the Italy international to Hotspur Way this summer.

At just 23-years-old, Zaniolo has already made 111 appearances for the Serie A giants – with time on his side, the Italian has a long time left to play at the highest level, so why not do it in north London?

Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in a deal to bring Nicolo Zaniolo to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Tutto Juve (via Sport Witness), who claim that, after reports suggested that Spurs had seen a bid of £25m plus Joe Rodon for the attacking midfielder rejected by AS Roma, Antonio Conte is intent on convincing Fabio Paratici and his Tottenham transfer team to return with a second offer for the 23-year-old.

A further report by fellow Italian publication La Repubblica also claim that Conte is desperate to land the Italy international in the summer transfer window, suggesting that Spurs would have no problem in meeting Jose Mourinho’s €50m (£42.5m) asking price for Zaniolo ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

“One of the best”

Considering the undoubted talent Zaniolo possesses, in addition to it being reported that Conte is hoping to add a new attacking midfielder to his Spurs squad ahead of the new Premier League season, it is not hard to understand why the 52-year-old is targeting a move for the 23-year-old Roma star this summer.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Indeed, the £34m-rated talent highly impressed over his 10 appearances in the Giallorossi’s victorious Europa Conference League campaign last term, bagging five goals, registering four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £75k-per-week midfielder who Paulo Fonseca claimed can become “one of the best” Italian players and Nick Mercadante dubbed “unreal” average an eye-catching SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Mourinho’s sixth-best performer in the competition.

The former Inter Milan starlet also impressed over his 32 appearances in Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Europa Conference League qualifying in 2021/22, adding a further three goals and six assists to his haul – taking his total last season to eight goals and 10 assists in 42 fixtures.

As such, considering his age, attacking talent and positional versatility, it is clear to see that Zaniolo would make an unreal addition to Conte’s options in the middle of the park next season – as the 23-year-old could very easily become one of the best Italian players under the guidance of the 52-year-old manager, as Fonseca prophesied.

AND in other news: Paratici begins talks for “simply amazing” £13m-rated Spurs target, he’s Conte’s dream

Nottingham Forest have wasted no time in getting stuck into the transfer window ahead of their long-awaited return to the Premier League, with 11 signings already secured, and a reliable source has now given an update on the transfer plans ahead.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Nottingham Forest reporter Paul Taylor, Steve Cooper’s side are nowhere near finished in the summer transfer market, with key positions left to fill.

As per Taylor’s report for The Athletic, the 42-year-old still wants to sign at least another midfielder, a striker and another left-back/winger after Omar Richards’ hairline fracture in pre-season training.

Cooper will be buzzing

So far it has been a very positive and promising transfer window for Forest, so there will be no doubt that Cooper will be buzzing to get started in the Premier League next month.

Forest have had to wait 23 years for their return to the top tier, so it is no surprise they are doing everything they can to give themselves the best chance of retaining their top-flight status when they finish their first Premier League campaign since 1998/99.

The signings so far have been a mix of young talent combined with experienced Premier League stars, with former Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard the most recent player to join the squad at the City Ground.

The newly-promoted side have continued to be linked with a number of players, including Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis and Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno. All three are the profile of players that Taylor claims Forest are interested in signing before the transfer window shuts.

Cooper spoke out this week on the busy transfer window following the Reds’ victory over Hertha Berlin in a pre-season friendly (via Nottinghamshire Live).

The Forest manager said: “There’s loads of good players that are available or you can buy or you get offered to you.

“Obviously we want good players, but we want good players who fit our way of playing, fit our culture and fit our atmosphere. There’s lots of things which go into that. It’s like trying to put a jigsaw together, really.”

With that being said, it will be interesting but not surprising to see if Forest sign more players this summer, and Cooper will now have the job of making sure that his squad of fresh faces can work well together.

AND in other news – After Lingard: Paul Taylor drops Forest claim on possible 12th summer signing that’ll delight Cooper

Aston Villa are plotting a bid for Espanyol centre-forward Raul de Tomas.

What’s the word?

That’s according a report from Spain (via TheHardTackle), who claim that Villa are one of four Premier League teams vying for the Spaniard’s signature this summer.

Espanyol are willing to listen to offers for their star man in a bid to gather funds for the manager to spend. The club are hoping for a fee in the region of €35m (£30m).

Other than Steven Gerrard’s side, Everton, West Ham United and Newcastle United are all linked with a move.

 Could spell the end of Danny Ings

Aston Villa have been somewhat cursed over the past couple of years with strikers, as none have managed to set the world alight despite their performances prior to joining.

Perhaps Gerrard could finally get it right with this unflappable Spaniard with an eye for goal, entering the prime of his career.

Last season the 27-year-old notched up 17 league goals as Espanyol faltered to a 14th-place finish. His performances for a lacklustre side have allowed him to become the standout candidate for an upgrade, and he could provide the perfect marriage with Villa.

However, the forward does not bring just goals. The 5-foot-9 striker’s link-up play is also phenomenal, whilst he possesses an incredible desire to do the dirty work. Perhaps this combination is what led to James Dodd labelling the attacker “emphatic”.

De Tomas sits in the 99th percentile for pass completion rate per 90 amongst strikers in Europe’s big five leagues, while he is also in the 94th percentile for clearances over the past 12 months. His passing is close to perfect, but he obviously can provide a fluidity that could work well with Villa’s many attacking options.

It should come as no surprise therefore to see his average SofaScore rating at an impressive 7.09, outlining him as Espanyol’s best performer of those who played over three matches last season.

His introduction could spell the end for Danny Ings, who was only recruited last summer for £25m. Just seven league goals last year was wholly disappointing for a man who clearly has such an eye for goal, and it could suggest the decline of his poacher’s instinct.

He recently admitted that his debut season for the Villains had been “underwhelming” and perhaps now is the best time for Gerrard to cash in on the forward and replace him with a wildcard in De Tomas who could light up the Premier League.

AND in other news: Reliable journo now reveals huge transfer development, Villa supporters will be gutted

Tottenham Hotspur are not close to agreeing on a deal to sign Djed Spence, contrary to reports…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Daily Mail reporter Sami Mokbel, who delivered the claim to the ‘Last Word On Spurs’ podcast earlier this week.

“The views I was getting from Tottenham today is that [the Djed Spence] deal wasn’t close at all and there’s still quite a way from coming to an agreement,” he revealed.

It comes after the Telegraph suggested that the north London outfit were ‘poised’ to sign the England U21 international in a £15m deal from Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Conte will be fuming

It is also believed that manager Antonio Conte would like the arrival of Spence sorted by the weekend when Spurs are expected to fly out to South Korea to begin their pre-season preparations for the new Premier League campaign.

The Italian is therefore not likely to be happy to learn that the deal isn’t close at all, especially as there are only a few days left until his squad depart the English capital for Heung-min Son’s home country.

If the move is complete whilst everyone is in Asia, then it seems unlikely that the 21-year-old will be able to sort out everything required to link up with the team out there, only putting a setback in both Conte and the player’s own plans.

Spence’s arrival would go a long way in resolving one of the club’s long-standing issues – that right wing-back spot.

Matt Doherty ended last campaign with a pretty serious injury, whilst reports have always hinted at Conte being unconvinced by Emerson Royal, who was signed by his predecessor Nuno Santo last summer.

Back in January, The Times claimed that the Italian head coach wanted to sign Adama Traore to solve the problem. He went on to join his boyhood club, FC Barcelona, on loan instead.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The young defender, dubbed “combative” and “swashbuckling” by Arsenal legend Ian Wright, would be a decent fix to the issue, especially considering the fact that he made six goal contributions in 41 starts, which suggests he’s a better threat than Emerson in the final third.

Therefore, Conte will surely be raging that a deal for Spence isn’t actually as close as some have made it out to be, even more so heading into Saturday’s departure to South Korea.

AND in other news, Spurs can seal “extraordinary” signing as Conte eyes swoop for Bonucci-like £45m titan…

A journalist has dropped a worrying West Ham transfer claim that will leave David Moyes furious.

What’s the news?

Journalist Ryan Taylor has tweeted regarding West Ham’s proposed move for Arnaut Danjuma, saying:

“No truth in claims Arnaut Danjuma has agreed personal terms with West Ham. In fact, my understanding is deal is totally off the cards. Not happening. Reports regarding player’s ‘temperament’ have not gone down well.”

This news won’t go down well with either Moyes or the supporters, who were looking forward to bringing the player to the Premier League.

Moyes will be fuming

West Ham currently have one senior centre-forward going into next season (Michael Antonio) and this needs to be remedied as soon as possible.

Of course, goals have arrived from the wings, with Jarrod Bowen (17) and Said Benrahma (11) contributing heavily towards the side’s goal tally last season and with Antonio getting 13 too, the frontline was good, but depth is needed.

A move for Danjuma would have proven to be popular, especially since the player has previous Premier League experience with Bournemouth in 2019/2020.

He earned a move to Villarreal and his performances at the La Liga side have gathered interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United prompting Moyes to take action, but it appears he will now have to move on to other targets.

Danjuma would have fitted in well at West Ham and would have been the striker they required to take that next step next season.

The 25-year-old excelled at the highest level in the Champions League last season, scoring six times, averaging 2.3 shots, 0.5 key passes, and winning possession 0.8 times per match, displaying his qualities as his side defeated Bayern Munich on the way to the semi-finals.

Moyes does have other targets, such as Armando Broja, but the signing of Danjuma would have really given defenders nightmares. As such, he’ll be particularly angry to miss out on this addition.

AND in other news: West Ham plotting swoop for “dangerous” £10m “real talent”, just imagine him and Bowen

Leeds United’s list of celebrity fans proves that true supporters always stick around, with the Yorkshire club enduring an era to forget before returning to the Premier League in 2020.

Now back in the top flight, and with an American manager in the form of Jesse Marsch, we may see more Hollywood names emerge in the famous colours of the historic club in the near future.

With that said, we took a look at the most famous celebrity supporters of Leeds United, courtesy of Leeds Live.

Ricky Wilson – Ricky Wilson is such a big Leeds United fan that his band is named after Elland Road icon Lucas Radebe’s former club – Kaiser Chiefs. 

Ralph Ineson – Famous for his time in The Office as Chris Finch, Ralph Ineson is a big Leeds supporter. He also featured in HBO hit Chernobyl, and played Amycus Carrow in the Harry Potter series. 

Sir Nick Faldo – A golf legend, Sir Nick Faldo is a true great of the sport and an avid Leeds follower. 

Jon Richardson – Known for his appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats, comedian Jon Richardson is also a Leeds fan. Leeds probably provide him with much less material these days now that they aren’t wallowing in the Football League under madcap owners. 

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau – Most famous for his time as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is even a member of the Leeds United Supporters Trust.

Colin Montgomerie – Another golfing legend, Colin Montgomerie adds to the list of famous Leeds United fans.

Miniminter (Simon Minter) – With 10 million subscribers on his personal Youtube channel and 15.2 million as 1/7 of The Sidemen, Miniminter is a Leeds fan with a huge following amongst the Gen Z audience. 

Mel B – Though she may be Scary Spice to some, Mel B is just another supporter to those at Elland Road.

Josh Warrington – If you know Josh Warrington, then you’ll know all about his love for Leeds United, which is perhaps only second to his love for boxing.

Russell Crowe – Arguably the most famous Leeds supporter on this list, Oscar winner Russell Crowe is no stranger to the colours of the Yorkshire club. Crowe is a film legend, best known for his roles in Master and Commander, Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Les Miserables and American Gangster.

Leeds United have quite the variation of celebrity supporters. They have enough musical talent to form a makeshift band, whilst also having two golfers at the ready and an Oscar winner. A celebrity party at Elland Road would include some guest list.

Everton have been in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a potential deal for Richarlison, and now a shocking new update has emerged on the ongoing negotiations.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports News, Spurs are now interested in signing Anthony Gordon in a package deal that also includes Richarlison.

In a clip on Twitter from Sky Sports Premier League the news source revealed: “Breaking transfer news this hour coming out of Tottenham involving not one but two Everton players.

“There’s a package deal being discussed between Richarlison and Anthony Gordon, that is a new name for Tottenham Hotspur, that’s a target this summer as well.”

Moshiri will be scrambling

The breaking news that Spurs are now looking to make a move for Richarlison and now Gordon as well will surely leave Farhad Moshiri scrambling as losing two of the most important players at Goodison Park would be an absolute disaster –

Gordon has been a revelation at the club and has been a breakthrough star in the Everton academy, so supporters will likely be furious at the thought of the boyhood Evertonian leaving this summer.

The 21-year-old scored four goals, contributed two assists and created four big chances over his 35 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, as well as making an average of one key pass, 1.5 tackles and winning 4.9 duels per game – proving that he has been an important part of the team at Goodison Park.

Frank Lampard holds the player in high regard, lavishing praise on Gordon upon his managerial appointment at the club:

“I’m really excited. I’ve been watching Anthony this season as an outsider, a neutral, and I love things about his game.

“When you come to see someone you try not to make too many judgments but I’ve seen him first-hand and he loves this club and he has a great attitude and all the attributes to do what he wants in this game.”

To put into perspective the impact on the side both Richarlison and Gordon provide, the pair delivered 15 goals and eight assists last term, with their goal contributions combined playing a huge part in Everton’s securing survival in the top flight – with the Brazilian winger scoring six of his goals in the last 10 games of the season.

With that being said, Moshiri must avoid a complete nightmare this summer, as the club should be looking to strengthen their team not weaken it by losing key players who offer a positive influence on the side.

AND in other news: EFC submit offer for “exceptional” £228k-p/w maestro, he can be Frank’s own de Bruyne