All posts by z3u9t.icu

An update has emerged on Tottenham and their interest in signing Udinese forward Gerard Deulofeu in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Spurs are one of the clubs interested in the winger as Fabio Paratici eyes a swoop for the Spaniard.

The report claims that Real Sociedad and Napoli are also keen on the ex-Watford man, who is said to be available for a fee in the region of €20m (£17m).

At this point, it remains to be seen who is leading the race for his signature and how much Paratici is willing to spend to get the deal done.

Antonio Conte’s own Paulo Dybala

If the Italian chief is able to secure a move for the 28-year-old then he will be landing Antonio Conte his own version of Paulo Dybala.

Spurs were reportedly keen on the current free agent before moving on and they can now bring in an alternative, yet similar, option in the wide areas in the form of Deulofeu.

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Both players are silky, talented, attackers who are capable of making a big impact in the final third in the Serie A for their respective teams, with FBRef listing them as similar players based on their statistics.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Dybala produced ten goals and five assists in 29 games for Juventus whilst creating 1.3 chances per game. The 28-year-old Argentine international showcased his quality on a regular basis for the Old Lady and would have been an excellent signing because of his knack for chipping in at the top end of the pitch.

However, Deulofeu also caught the eye with 13 goals and five assists whilst creating 2.4 chances per game for Udinese in the same division.

Reporter Anthony Lopopolo once dubbed the Spaniard “unstoppable” whilst the wizard was at Watford and his form in Italy suggests that he has carried his talent over to the Serie A.

He has shown that he can create chances on a regular basis whilst also carrying a goal threat. This means that he has the potential to be a match-winner for the club next season.

Conte would surely love to have a player of his quality to call upon as an alternative to the likes of Heung-min Son and Dejan Kulusevski out wide. He can join as the Italian’s own version of Dybala and improve the depth of Tottenham’s options in the final third.

AND in other news, Paratici now given green light to seal “outstanding” Spurs signing, he’d be “clinical”…

Tottenham Hotspur could make an important player announcement ‘in the coming days’, according to one ‘insider’.

The Lowdown: Busy few months?

Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici reportedly want the majority of business done early this transfer window ahead of a first full season in charge for manager Antonio Conte.

The Lilywhites are gearing up for what will be a very interesting 2022/2023 season in the Premier League and have already confirmed the signing of veteran Croatia star Ivan Perisic on a Bosman deal.

This comes after Tottenham also announced a £150 million equity injection which will be used to back Conte in the market and provide the 52-year-old with necessary additions.

The Latest: Insider says Spurs could make announcement ‘in the coming days’…

Before bringing in anymore fresh faces, the north Londoners could finally announce their deal to make star defender Cristian Romero’s stay a permanent one.

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Spurs have been tipped by reliable journalists to activate the Argentine’s obligation-to-buy clause over this last fortnight with Romero apparently already signing (Fabrizio Romano).

Club ‘insider’ Wenham, who regularly breaks news on his Lilywhite Rose channels, claims Conte’s side could make the agreement official in an announcement imminently.

He explained to Football Insider:

“I expect Tottenham to confirm in the coming days that Tottenham are signing him on a permanent basis,”

“They will take up that £42million option and hopefully sign him on a deal until 2027.

“I just see him getting better and better and better. I noticed at the end of the season he has strong ties with Bentancur and also Sonny.

“I think that settling in period will help him go from strength to strength next season.

“It could have been hard for him to settle because of Lo Celso and Lamela, fellow Argentinians, leaving the club.

“But he’s done well and I’m looking forward to seeing his progress next season.”

The Verdict: Announce it…

While you could argue that Romero’s permanent deal looks like a formality, kicking off the looming start of this summer window by announcing his permanent deal would be fitting.

The South American colossus was, statistically, Conte’s best defender over 2021/2022 – averaging more tackles and interceptions per 90 than any other Spurs player whilst also making the most blocks (WhoScored).

In what would be a bit of brilliant of news for supporters, letting them know of Romero’s indefinite stay would certainly be a bright beginning to transfer season.

In other news: Paratici opens talks to sign ‘scary’ £183,000-per-week star once worth £130m, find out more here.

Malik Ouzia of The Evening Standard has now shared an exciting West Ham United transfer update as manager David Moyes edges closer to a signing.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing moves…

The Scotsman, after just missing out on a 2022/2023 Europa League place, has set his sights on improving West Ham’s squad as he steps up talks.

Having already announced four departures, the Premier League side could be on for a real overhaul this summer window as the Irons reportedly chase a left-back, central midfielder and striker (The Evening Standard).

They’re also tipped to strengthen in other areas as they eye a permanent deal for loanee shot stopper Alphonse Areola, all while having their eyes on a central defensive addition in Rennes star Nayef Aguerd.

The Latest: Hammers closing in…

According to Ouzia, writing on Twitter, the Irons are now ‘confident’ of sealing a deal for the Morocco international as a ‘key priority’ for Moyes.

He explained:

“West Ham confident of sealing €15m deal for Nayef Aguerd of Rennes. Highly-rated in France, left-sided centre-back a key priority for Moyes this summer.”

The Verdict: Exciting…

The 26-year-old has been a phenomenal player in Ligue 1 for Rennes over the last season, being described as one of the division’s best in his position and a real bargain.

According to WhoScored, he ranks in Rennes’ top ten for most minutes played over 2021/2022 whilst averaging more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates – backing his obvious ability.

€15 million (£13m) is certainly an absolute snip for a player of Aguerd’s age and class defensively.

In other news: West Ham talks imminent as Moyes steps up chase to sign 6 foot 4 powerhouse, find out more here.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita is a target for Paris Saint-Germain and could follow Sadio Mane out the Anfield exit door, according to a report from Guinean outlet Imedias.net.

The lowdown: High expectations

Signed for a then club-record £48million from RB Leipzig in 2017 (BBC), Keita arrived on Merseyside 12 months later with a weight of expectation to impress from the outset.

Despite showing fleeting glimpses of his first-class ability, the Guinean struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League and picked up regular injuries throughout his first three seasons at Anfield.

However, having made 40 appearances across all competitions in 2021/22, Keita had appeared to turn a corner in terms of fitness and availability.

The latest: PSG keen

As per Imedias.net, an outlet in the player’s homeland, French Ligue 1 winners PSG are ‘ready to welcome’ Keita to their ranks this summer with an offer in the region of €50million (£42.5million) expected.

It’s claimed that ‘sources’ have informed the outlet that the Parisien club ‘respectfully follows his situation’ and have placed the 48-cap Guinea captain on the ‘short list’ as incoming Sporting Director Luis Campos weighs up possible targets.

Ironically, the report goes on to say that the man hailed as ‘outstanding by Jurgen Klopp and ‘one of the best midfielders’ he’s ever seen could be lined up as a successor to former Anfield favourite Gini Wijnaldum.

The player shares an agent with Mane, so perhaps the Reds are not on the best of terms with the duo’s representatives.

The verdict: Tough call

Deciding what should happen with Keita is a difficult judgement to make for the Reds and in particular Klopp.

Starting on 25 occasions out of those aforementioned 40 outings, the dynamic maestro is clearly a preferred option of the German boss, but there can be no guarantees that the injury issues that plagued the 27-year-old’s early career at Liverpool won’t return in the future.

With the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain already reportedly on the way out, at the mooted price, there will undoubtedly be a temptation to cash in on Keita and spend the combined funds on a more reliable midfield option to bolster the options at Klopp’s disposal.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Manchester United are lining up a bid for Brazilian talent Joao Gomes as Erik ten Hag aims to start the club’s summer transfer business early.

What’s the news?

South American news outlet BolaVIP have reported that the Red Devils are sending scouts to watch Flamengo star Joao Gomes in action as they appear keen to bring him to England.

It was originally TNTSports which linked United with the 21-year-old in March, and it looks like Ten Hag is about to get a closer look at the player.

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A fee of around R$200m (£33m) is what the Manchester club are willing to pay for the defensive midfielder, according to journalist Gustavo Henrique, and this seems a reasonable fee for someone of Gomes’s talent and age.

Imagine him and Bruno

One of Ten Hag’s main priorities at Old Trafford will surely be to rejuvenate the midfield. With the future of Paul Pogba still hanging in the air and Nemanja Matic leaving, there will be a need to bolster United’s options in this area.

Gomes could well be an ideal signing and he has a respectable WhoScored average rating of 6.85 this season. His pass success rate is an excellent 88.4%, and a player with such impressive passing ability is one that the Dutchman will surely want in his team.

Having a holding midfielder of his ball distribution in the team would allow more creative freedom to the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo. Knowing that they have a solid midfielder behind them with the attributes to break up play and potentially build attacks from the base of midfield could be a game-changer going into next season.

Gomes has been described in the past as the “great ball thief”, and this quote perfectly summarises his qualities. The 21-year-old makes 4.1 tackles per game and wins back possession 0.4 times per 90 minutes.

For a reported fee of £33m, Ten Hag should be making Gomes one of his first summer signings at Old Trafford.

AND in other news, Bid incoming: Sky Sports journalist drops MUFC transfer update, Ten Hag will be thrilled

West Ham United are set to miss out on Burnley defender James Tarkowski and have started to turn to other options, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Moyes’ target

The 29-year-old has been a long-term target of Hammers boss David Moyes. According to The Guardian, West Ham had multiple bids rejected by Burnley for the defender in summer 2020.

Astonishingly, it is reported that the east London club’s final offer amounted to a staggering £30m.

However, with the Burnley man’s contract set to expire at the end of June, Tarkowski will leave Turf Moor on a free transfer this summer.

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The Latest: Jones’ claim

According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham have cooled their interest in Tarkowski because they expect him to sign for Newcastle.

Whilst Jones is unsure about the validity of that report, the transfer insider has asserted that the Irons aren’t confident in their chances of signing the defender.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he claimed:

“I’m not sure that’s the reason necessarily, but I don’t think West Ham have had positive feelings that they’ve got a good chance of signing Tarkowski, and that’s why they’re starting to turn towards other options in case it can’t happen.”

The Verdict: Would be a great signing on a free

As a proven Premier League defender with almost 200 top-flight appearances under his belt, Tarkowski has been hailed as “outstanding” by former Clarets manager Sean Dyche.

With such a wealth of experience and available for zero initial cost, it is certainly no surprise to see a whole host of clubs lining up for the centre-back’s signature.

And if the likes of Newcastle decide to offer the 29-year-old a huge salary, this deal may prove difficult for West Ham to get over the line.

Either way, whichever team ends up signing him will be receiving a great player on a free transfer, and Moyes may well be gutted to miss out given his long-term interest.

In other news: West Ham nearing agreement with Rennes for Nayef Aguerd!

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce recently hinted at the possibility of a significant transfer overhaul taking place at The Hawthorns during the summer.

Having failed to get near a promotion place by the end of the campaign, it’s easy to see why the Baggies manager thinks that some changes to the squad need to be made to put them in good shape to go again next season.

One area of the squad that the club could look to strengthen is their attack, especially after the news that Andy Carroll will not be with them for the 2022/23 campaign.

However, rather than dive into the transfer market and potentially spend millions of pounds on bringing in a new striker, one player to whom Bruce could turn and who wouldn’t cost the club a penny to unleash is Mo Faal.

After joining West Brom’s under-18 back in November 2019, the 19-year-old has gone on to make 50 appearances across the club’s under-18 and under-23 sides. In that time, the young striker has scored 16 goals in total, providing five assists along the way, showing just how much of a danger he is up front.

His latest appearance saw him play an integral role in the recent win over Wolves’ under-23 side in the Premier League Cup final, where he scored an acrobatic equaliser to take the match to penalties.

The teenager has made just one senior appearance for the Baggies, which came back in August during their disheartening 6-0 defeat against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. In his 26 minutes on the pitch against the Gunners that night, the centre-forward made one key pass and one tackle and won two duels.

Hailed by Baggies under-18 boss Peter Gilbert as a player with a “physical presence” who “links the game up well, scores goals and is an aerial threat”, this is the sort of thing that the teenage prodigy could offer to Bruce’s side should he find himself getting a chance to shine on a regular basis in the first team.

Regardless of what transfer business Albion get done in the summer, giving Faal some regular game-time next season should definitely be in the manager’s plans.

In other news – Imagine him & O’Shea: Bruce can form powerful WBA duo by signing “immense” machine

Injury expert Ben Dinnery believes Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford will have a ‘special role from the bench’ in the club’s final two Premier League fixtures, Football Insider report. 

The Lowdown: Back in team training?

Bamford has had a season to forget, as have the Whites, and have just two games remaining against Brighton and Brentford to avoid relegation.

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The 28-year-old has been out since March with a foot problem but appears to be on track for a possible return on Sunday.

Jesse Marsch revealed earlier in the week that he expects Bamford to be involved in team training ahead of the weekend, which could put him in the picture for a place in the match-day squad at Elland Road.

The Latest: Bamford return is ‘huge’

Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI about that news of a possible Bamford return.

He labelled the forward as a ‘huge’ part of the Whites squad and feels the striker will play a key role from the bench.

“With a fully fit Patrick Bamford, Leeds would be nowhere near where they are currently.

“They don’t really have a natural goalscorer at the moment. They have tried a few up there but no one has got anywhere near his goal return.

“It depends on results elsewhere. I certainly think there is a special role from the bench to be had for Bamford.

“He isn’t going to be where they want him in terms of fitness and sharpness but he knows how to score. He will make opportunities for himself and he is huge for that Leeds team.”

The Verdict: Needed

Leeds are down to the bare bones due to injury and suspension as they look to avoid the drop, so having Bamford involved again would be a timely boost.

Marsch’s side haven’t scored from open play in four games and don’t look a threat in attack, managing over 1.0 expected goals (xG) just once in their last five games.

Therefore, Bamford’s possible return to the bench would be a much-needed one, especially as he has scored 19 Premier League goals and registered 10 assists in the last two seasons.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now planning for the Championship as contact made to sign £5k-p/w flop – opinion. 

There are three top clubs interested in securing the services of Leicester City’s star midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from super-journalist Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the Belgian midfielder will leave Brendan Rodgers’ side after turning a new deal down months ago.

The Italian stated: “Arsenal are discussing Tielemans internally since January.”

Though, whilst the 25-year-old is considered “one of the best options”, nothing has been agreed and with Romano iterating that “three top clubs are interested” – Champions League football will be key.

That news was then backed up by David Ornstein who said on Twitter: “AFC decision makers all keen to sign Youri Tielemans + agent dialogue encouraging so far.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Tielemans has been an important piece for a Leicester side who have balanced European football with the Premier League this season.

The Belgian has registered six goals and three assists in the Premier League and has implemented consistency into Rodgers’ side ever since his permanent move from Monaco in the summer of 2019 – having contributed with at least nine goal returns in his last three full seasons for the Foxes.

His Arsenal links date back to his early days at Anderlecht when he was previously scouted by the club, and although he reportedly rejected a move to the Gunners, he has stated his reasoning behind the snub in an interview with Evening Standard back in 2017: “I knew not much was going to change with Arsenal’s squad.

“Their management wanted to keep the same group of players together in order to finish high in the Premier League. I had to be honest with myself and take a look at the midfielders Arsenal have got.

“They are top-class players. I knew that I would not get many first-team chances with them, so I didn’t give any more thought to joining them. I never said no to any club. But I made it clear where I wanted to go.”

Tielemans could offer a lot to Arsenal with his composure in the opponents defensive third, enabling the Gunners to build sustained attacks, with the Belgian averaging 19.86 touches in the attacking third per 90 and maintaining a shot-creating actions average of 2.85 per 90.

Champions League qualification could be the deciding factor, according to Romano. And with Arteta’s side on track to meet this requirement, supporters will be excited with the potential signing of a player who not only fits their style of play, but adds much-needed depth to an engine room that has lacked quality reinforcements this season.

At times this term, Arteta has had to call on the likes of Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga to plug the gaps of injury and suspension but Tielemans would offer a far greater option when needing to refresh the team.

In other news: Forget Saliba: Arsenal must finally unleash their “exciting” rarely-seen Hale End gem

Celtic are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they are set to take on Hearts for their latest test in the Premiership.

Having missed out on the chance to pick up another three points against their Old Firm rivals last weekend, Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to see his team secure victory this time out.

However, heading into tomorrow’s clash, it seems as though the Hoops have been dealt a setback which could hamper their chances of getting the win on this occasion.

What’s the news?

Speaking in his latest press conference ahead of his side’s trip to Parkhead, Hearts manager Robbie Neilson revealed that John Souttar, Cammy Devlin and Michael Smith will be in contention to play tomorrow after being involved in the club’s recent training session.

According to the Daily Record, Souttar has not featured for the club since March after undergoing surgery on an ankle problem, while Smith has been out of action since February. As for Devlin, his hamstring issue kept him out of last weekend’s draw with Ross County, but will now be fit enough for selection against Celtic.

Despite the trio being rather defensive-minded players, all three have found the net at least once in the league this season. In fact, the trio have scored a combined total of seven league goals, showing how much of an attacking threat they can be.

Focusing on Devlin, in particular, the fact that he has the highest number of tackles (50) and interceptions (38) to his name at the club highlights what a difficult figure he is to play against.

Worrying news for Postecoglou

Taking all this into account, it could be worrying for Postecoglou and Celtic to potentially see these players make a return for Hearts tomorrow and possibly hinder his team’s chances of picking up a victory which would take them to the brink of being crowned champions.

With the Bhoys having the best attacking record in the league having scored 81 goals in 35 games, the Hoops management and supporters will be hoping that their players will have what it takes to overcome their Edinburgh opponents and secure a positive result, irrespective of Neilson’s men welcoming back several important players.

In other news – Enquiry made, then joined rivals: Celtic had the last laugh over “huge” 161 G/A dynamo