All posts by z3u9t.icu

Crystal Palace embarked on a mass overhaul of their first-team squad over the summer, allowing several experienced campaigners to depart before replacing them with exciting, young acquisitions.

And the early indications are that the capital club’s dealings were a huge success. The likes of Marc Guehi, Odsonne Edouard and Conor Gallagher have all hit the ground running at Selhurst Park, propelling Patrick Vieira’s new-look side to a memorable victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, while there can be little doubt over the incomings in south London, the club’s hierarchy arguably made a few mistakes when allowing some seasoned professionals to walk out the exit.

Winger Andros Townsend has been excelling at fellow Premier League club Everton in the opening weeks of the new campaign with five goals for the Toffees already, but defender Patrick van Aanholt is another who Palace chairman Steve Parish may have some regrets over.

After joining the Eagles via a £9.45m move in January 2017, the attacking left-back went on to make 134 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in the process.

His impressive performances for Palace saw him soon became a pivotal part of the English sides system under former manager Roy Hodgson, earning him 19 caps for the Netherlands senior setup as a result.

But while the ex-England boss brought stability to Palace during his tenure, Hodgson has left behind an imbalanced and unstable playing squad, with the Selhurst Park outfit having the oldest squad in the top flight in 2020/21.

Consequently, Van Aanholt was one of the players sacrificed to make way for the new era in south London and was phased out of the Palace starting XI in the final few weeks of last term, allowing promising full-back Tyrick Mitchell a chance to shine.

However, the now 31-year-old still made 22 Premier League appearances for Palace, recording 1.4 interceptions per game and 1.1 defensive dribbles per game, the third-highest totals in the Palace squad for each metric, respectively.

His departure on a free transfer in the previous window has left Mitchell as the only natural left-back in Vieira’s squad, while Van Aanholt’s eye-catching performances for Galatasaray in the Europa League will surely leave Parish and co. lamenting their decision to let the defender go.

And, in other news…Signed for £0, sold for £49.5m: Parish struck gold for Palace over £90k-p/w gem

Former Leeds United star David Norris insists that Conor Gallagher snubbed the club because he wanted to stay in London, and admits that he has been surprised by his form at Crystal Palace.

Gallagher moved to Palace on loan from Chelsea in the summer transfer window despite also being linked with Leeds.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were reportedly rejected by Gallagher, as he looked to link up with Patrick Vieira’s side at Selhurst Park.

Since his arrival, Gallagher has been pulling up trees in the Premier League, making five appearances and scoring two goals, while also laying on an assist.

He has emerged as a key player under Vieira already, with Palace only losing to Chelsea – in a game for which Gallagher was ineligible – and Liverpool.

Norris is not surprised that the midfielder chose to move to Palace because of the locality of the club to Stamford Bridge, and claims he has already been shocked by how good he is turning out to be.

Norris said: “I think he wanted the London move so it was always going to be a little bit more difficult for Leeds in that sense but he’s surprised me, just with the impact that he’s had so far.”

Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s move to join Premier League giants Arsenal has broken down, as reported by the Express.

The Lowdown: Ramsdale looked set for Arsenal as he entered advanced talks over exit

Looking to add to their depth in the goalkeeping department, Arsenal were believed to be close to agreeing a deal for England international Ramsdale for an up-front fee of around £24 million rising to £30 million [Football London].

His homegrown status was said to be an important factor in the prospective deal, as well as providing a competent option to compete with the underperforming Bernd Leno for the number one jersey.

However, the 23-year-old ace now looks set to stay at Bramall Lane for the time being following recent developments.

The Latest: Ramsdale move collapses after breakdown in discussions

Now, it seems no such switch will materialise. Despite player and club engaging in positive discussions, the sides failed to agree a fee for the ex-Bournemouth stopper [Express].

Any notion of Ramsdale moving to the Emirates Stadium this summer looks to now be dead and buried, provoking deep disappointment on his behalf.

The Blades will now keep hold of their top asset, with Arsenal set to move on to a host of other options.

The Verdict: Ramsdale exit would’ve provoked conflicting emotions amongst the Blades support

In 2020/21, Ramsdale registered six clean sheets in 42 appearances within all competitions [Transfermarkt]. Furthermore, he impressed with his distribution across the piece, completing a commendable 281 accurate long balls last year [Premier League].

Once labelled as ‘incredible’ by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, this latest development may stir mixed emotions at Bramall Lane.

On one hand, losing a talented young stopper so early in a pivotal season would have come as a bitter blow to the Blades’ promotion aspirations.

Conversely, being able to recoup a sizeable amount of money for the 6 foot 2 ace may have gifted boss Slavisa Jokanović with a real opportunity to re-invest in key targets.

In other news, Sheffield United could be set for another prospective departure.

Antonio Conte was given a shock over just how much work he still has to do at Tottenham Hotspur after they lost 2-1 away at NS Mura on Thursday evening.

The Slovenians, who are the lowest-ranked team in the Europa Conference League, took an early lead after a fine curling strike from Tomi Horvat, before Ryan Sessegnon found himself sent off after being given two yellow cards by the referee.

Harry Kane levelled the match in the second half with a delicate chip over the goalkeeper, before a Ben Davies slip proved costly as Amadej Marosa raced through in the last minute of the game to put his shot past Pierluigi Gollini in the Tottenham net.

There were some truly abysmal performances from a lot of Spurs players on the night, and The Transfer Tavern has used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who were the three worst to have played at least 45 minutes:

Dele Alli (6.4)

Admittedly tied with second place with the same SofaScore rating (6.4), Alli sneaks into third given that he had less time on the pitch after being substituted off for Son Heung-Min in the 54th minute.

It was yet another frustrating evening for the Englishman, summed up by getting himself booked for having an argument with a Mura player just before he came off.

Alli lost out on five of his duels and failed to record a single shot or key pass, while only managing 29 touches of the ball in total as he struggled to make any real impact.

Japhet Tanganga (6.4)

Tanganga also received a 6.4 rating from SofaScore after being part of a defence which was nothing short of shambolic at times.

The centre-back lost out on three duels and failed to make a clearance or block any shots on his goal, while he was also guilty of losing possession seven times.

Pierluigi Gollini (6.1)

Perhaps inevitably, Gollini was given a bad rating (6.1) by SofaScore after letting in two goals, and with the second he would have especially felt as if he could have done much better.

The goalkeeper resisted from trying to play out from the back on multiple occasions, yielding just 25 touches of the ball, while he made no saves at all in the entire match.

Sessegnon received a 5.1 rating after getting sent off, but of course played less than 45 minutes after getting sent off just after the half-hour mark.

In other news, Spurs are ‘preparing’ a bid for this ‘monster’

An update has emerged regarding Everton’s interest in Brazilian left-back Guilherme Arana.

What’s the talk?

According to Brazilian outlet Torcedores (via TEAMtalk), Everton are interested in signing Atletico Mineiro full-back Guilherme Arana.

The report claims that the Toffees have been sending scouts to watch him play for Brazil at the Olympics, where he is playing alongside Richarlison. They are in the quarter-finals of the competition, with the Blues continuing to track his progress.

Fans would love him

Marcel Brands must sanction a swoop for the left-back this summer as he could be a quality addition to the squad heading into next season, while the fans would likely love him.

Everton are short on cover in the full-back areas and Arana could be a much-needed signing to bolster the depth of Rafa Benitez’s squad. Lucas Digne is the first-choice on the left-hand side of the defence and there is no need for him to be immediately replaced, but behind him there is little in the way of competition.

Niels Nkounkou is still very raw, while Ben Godfrey was forced to play at left-back at times last season as a right-footed centre-back naturally, and bringing Arana in could alleviate any need to do that again. Not only would Digne have a serious challenger for his place in the team, it would also allow the former Norwich man to focus solely on playing at centre-back instead of filling in at full-back.

André Jardine, Brazil’s coach at the Olympics, heaped praise on the 1.76m (5 foot 9) beast as he said of the 24-year-old: “He is going through a spectacular phase, he was the best full-back at the last Brazilian Championship, with a great resourcefulness, defensively and offensively.

“His big message at the last Championship was that he scored goals, gave assists, he even scored a goal on our last call. I talk to Franco a lot. With his approval on the left-back, he really meets the Brazilian National Team. Arana fills our eyes with us at the club and here.”

This illustrates that Arana bombs up and down the left flank as he is able to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. Everton fans would likely appreciate him working hard to get up the pitch, as Digne does, whilst potentially offering some assists and goals from the back.

He has one assist in three games at the Olympics and has averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 7.10 in Tokyo. Therefore, he could be a quality signing for the Blues in an ideal position, and one who Everton supporters would surely love to see competing with Digne for the left-back spot next season.

AND in other news, Brands must “raise the bar” by landing “phenomenal” £195k-p/w colossus for Everton…

A major update has emerged on Celtic’s pursuit of Charlie Wyke, it could affect Ipswich’s transfer plans this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to the Northern Echo, Scottish Premiership side Celtic are growing increasingly confident of landing Charlie Wyke from Sunderland this summer. Wyke is out of contract at the end of the month and the Hoops believe that they will be able to prise him away from the Stadium of Light ahead of other interested parties, with an offer set to be lodged by the club in the coming days.

Last month, Football Insider claimed Ipswich are interested in a deal to sign Wyke on a free transfer. The Tractor Boys are reportedly ready to offer Wyke a lucrative contract to come to Portman Road, but now look set to miss out on his signature as Celtic close in.

Earlier this year, Sunderland’s assistant manager Jamie McAllister lauded the “brilliant” centre-forward. He told Chronicle Live:

“The big man has been brilliant.

“He gives us a lot, a platform to play off, he can run in behind, he has good touch, and he is dangerous in the box.

“His all-round game is good, but he has now added goals to it. He’s full of confidence and he’s scored 25 goals this season now.”

Cook will be livid

Ipswich manager Paul Cook will be livid with this update as it means that he now looks set to miss out on a deal for Wyke this summer.

This could be a major blow to Ipswich’s transfer plans, as Football Insider claimed they were ready to drop a hefty sum of money on a contract for the striker – suggesting that he is, or was, high up on Cook’s list of transfer targets. Therefore, the boss will not be best pleased if Wyke ends up crossing the border to sign for Celtic in the coming weeks.

Ipswich have a goalscoring problem that they need to deal with in the window. James Norwood ended the campaign as Ipswich’s top goalscorer on nine goals, with no player managing to hit double figures. Alan Judge (four) and Gwion Edwards (six) were the club’s next two highest scorers and both players have since departed Portman Road. This shows that Ipswich desperately need to bring in added firepower in the summer and Wyke could have been the forward they need.

The £6.4k-per-week goal machine, Wyke, scored 26 goals in League One for Sunderland. He also averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.35, with 4.8 aerial battles won per game for the Black Cats.

The tall forward scored 17 more than any Ipswich player managed throughout the entire campaign, highlighting how he could take Cook’s side to the next level with his ability up front. This is why the manager will be devastated at this latest development.

AND in other news, Cook heading for disaster with “outstanding” £2.3k-p/w ace, Ipswich fans will be livid…

As per Bundesliga journalist Shark Gutierrez, Greuther Furth have a €3.5m (£3m) purchase option to sign Glasgow Rangers’ Cedric Itten permanently.

The Lowdown: Itten leaves for Furth

On Transfer Deadline Day, Itten departed Rangers for Germany, where he joined Furth on loan.

He will spend the rest of the season with the newly-promoted Bundesliga side, but there has now been an update on his long-term future.

The Latest: Option to buy

As per Gutierrez, there is a potential agreement with Furth in regards to the Switzerland international’s long-term future.

He said there is a €3.5m (£3m) purchase option available for Furth at the end of the campaign.

The Verdict: Not worked out

After scoring 36 goals in 63 games for St. Gallen (Transfermarkt), the Gers decided to snap up 24-year-old Itten 12 months ago. However, it is a deal that didn’t really work out at Ibrox. In 42 games for the club, he found the back of the net just six times, and failed to hit the heights of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.

Now, a move to Furth has arisen, but his future is now on the line. If he enjoys a fantastic campaign, Furth will now doubt look to exercise that option. But if he fails to impress, then he may not have a future at Ibrox either. It promises to be an interesting term for all involved.

In other news, Rangers fans reacted to Itten’s departure.

Former Sheffield United hero Paddy Kenny has urged the Blades to complete a summer loan move for Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo.

The Lowdown: Diallo shines for Man United

Diallo made the move to Old Trafford back in January, joining from Serie A side Atalanta and scoring once in eight appearances.

The 19-year-old has impressed when given the chance – his goal was a superb headed effort against AC Milan in the Europa League –  but he has been linked with a loan move to Bramall Lane this summer.

The Latest: Blades urged to sign youngster

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny talked up the idea of Diallo joining the Blades over a Premier League club, saying it is a deal that could suit all parties:

“It would be a big mistake. He’s 19 years old and he hasn’t played many games at a senior level. Why not go out and ply your trade at a massive club like Sheffield United?

“They haven’t had the best of starts but they will still want to be pushing for promotion. It would be a great opportunity for him and huge for Sheff U.

“They paid ridiculous money for him. He wants to play in the Premier League but he’s only played seven or eight games in his career.

“Get him out there, go an let him express himself and give him a chance to prove himself before he goes back Man United.”

The Verdict: Would be a huge addition

United have made a disappointing start to the season under Slavisa Jokanovic, but Diallo is someone who could help turn their Championship season around.

He has been hailed for playing ‘like Messi’ by former Atalanta teammate Papu Gomez, which speaks volumes about the talent he possesses.

If the Blades could get a deal over the line it could have the potential to ignite their promotion push and help Diallo mature as a player.

In other news, Sheffield United have rejected a bid for one player – find out who it is here.

Many Southampton fans are far from happy after they were linked with a move for out-of-contract midfielder Robbie Brady.

With the Premier League season now over, the Saints can prepare for the 2021/22 campaign. With Ryan Bertrand leaving on a free transfer (southamptonfc.com) and plenty of interest in striker Danny Ings (Sky Sports), it is likely to be a busy summer at St Mary’s as the south coast outfit look to get their squad ready for August.

According to the Daily Mirror (Thursday 15:27 in live blog), [via Football FanCast], Southampton are interested in signing Brady.

The 56-cap Republic of Ireland international has had a solid career but he made just 19 appearances in the Premier League for Burnley last term and managed only one goal and one assist (Transfermarkt), so he would hardly seem an inspired signing. He has also been plagued with injuries in recent years since starring at Euro 2016.

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from Saints supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the transfer speculation, and they were less than impressed.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Brady links

“We really are at a low”

Credit: @saints_josh2

“Oh dear”

Credit: @SfcHarveyy

“Wow, we really are going down aren’t we”

Credit: @OliWren_

“What a tinpot signing that would be. Odds on we go for Danny Rose now he’s been binned by Spurs”

Credit: @James90044529

“I joked to myself today when I saw he was being released and thought I wouldn’t be surprised if we became interested. Laughable”

Credit: @Taylor1993White

“This time last week we were being strongly linked with Thomas Delaney, 1 week down the line and it’s Robbie Brady, this club never fails to amaze me…”

Credit: @MRankin8_

In other news, Southampton are interested in this ace who was previously compared to Lionel Messi.

Leeds United are among the Premier League teams interested in signing Alex Scott this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football League World, who claim that the Yorkshire giants are now facing competition from Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur for the 18-year-old’s signature following his impressive breakthrough at Championship outfit Bristol City.

Earlier this month, the Mirror reported that both the Whites and Spurs had scouts in attendance of the Robin’s Good Friday clash with Stoke City, where the promising teenager played the full game at right wing-back.

He is thought to be valued at around £10m.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

The next Jack Grealish?

The versatile talent is capable of playing in a variety of roles, including out wide as a wing-back or winger, though his best position is thought to be as a creative midfielder or no.10.

Born and signed from Guernsey, Scott has emerged as a key player for former Leicester City and Watford boss Nigel Pearson, having made 36 appearances in the second tier.

He has provided four goals and two assists from those matches, with the bulk coming from an attacking midfield position.

Given his sparkling form and capability to play wide and centrally, it’s no wonder the Bristol City gem has already earned plenty of comparisons to Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish, to who he is thought to be very similar to.

‘The Guernsey Grealish’ could be an intriguing option for Whites boss Jesse Marsch and the squad heading into next season and for just £10m, it could be quite the steal indeed.

Scott has more than held his own at Ashton Gate this term, ranking as Pearson’s seventh-best player in the Championship – an average of 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game suggests he can do some defensive work, just as much as he likes to get forward, having also averaged 0.8 key passes and dribbles per outing too.

“Not only is he a very creative midfielder but he is incredibly hard-working, especially out of possession, and that’s one of his stand-out qualities,” claimed City’s player pathway manager Brian Tinnion to the BBC.

He also added in another interview: “His work rate and his desire to learn has been unbelievable.”

Whether Leeds will make their move for Scott this summer remains to be seen but the prospect of sealing the next Grealish-like talent for such a small figure should be too good to ignore.

AND in other news, Journo reveals where Leeds will look strengthen this summer…