All posts by h79snht.top

Newcastle United are believed to be in the running to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore, with the player expected to leave Molineux this summer.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Magpies are one of a handful of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing the Spaniard this summer, with the 26-year-old set to leave the Midlands outfit, despite Barcelona snubbing the chance to sign him on a permanent deal.

The former Middlesbrough man – who is out of contract next year – had been on loan at the Nou Camp during the second half of the most recent campaign, although the La Liga side have opted against activating an option-to-buy clause in his temporary deal, with Bruno Lage and co now seeking other potential suitors in order to cash in during the upcoming window.

The Tynesiders are said to have ‘enquired about his services’ in the past, with reports suggesting a €20m (£17m) bid could be enough to get their man, although they will face competition from Tottenham Hotspur with Antonio Conte having been interested back in January.

Imagine him and Ekitike

It may not prove an easy deal to get over the line, amid that rival interest from Spurs, although should PIF manage to snap up the unique talent it would no doubt prove a real coup for manager Eddie Howe.

There are concerns over his attacking output, as the £46k-per-week brute has registered just eight goals and 14 assists in 160 Premier League outings, although that does not tell the full story about his on-field impact, with few players – if any – possessing his rare physical gifts.

Something of a “freak athlete”, in the words of one journalist, the one-time Aston Villa man is able to combine both lightning speed and unrivalled strength to pose a relentless threat to any opposition, with the oiled-up colossus at times almost impossible to contend with.

His knack for driving his side up the pitch in double-quick time is a real gift, with the £25.2m-rated man unsurprisingly ranking in the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 1% for dribbles completed among players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

As mentioned earlier, concerns over his attacking contributions are justified, although his brief return to Catalonia – where he began his career – has illustrated that he does have the capability to make an impact in the final third, recording four assists for Xavi’s side in all competitions during his six-month temporary stint.

There is the prospect of Howe lining up with Traore on one flank and Reims starlet Hugo Ekitike on the other next term, with the teenager believed to be nearing a switch to St James’ Park after reportedly agreeing a five-year deal with the club.

Dubbed “the next Mbappe”, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, the 19-year-old netted ten league goals and registered three assists in a breakout campaign in Ligue 1 during the 2021/22 season, with the expectation being that the versatile forward will only progress further in the coming years.

A partnership with that man Traore could also prove simply mouthwatering, with the young Frenchman also possessing outstanding talent with the ball at his feet, ranking in the top 16% for progressive carries and in the top 3% for dribbles completed, with Newcastle potentially set to have a fearsome threat down either wing.

That would feel like a long way from the drab, dull days under Steve Bruce…

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Leeds United could have their sights set on a ready-made Raphinha replacement…

What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, writing for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool outcast Takumi Minamino could emerge as a potential option for the Yorkshire giants as he is expected to leave Anfield this summer.

Current Whites boss Jesse Marsch coached him at RB Salzburg and knows him very, very well.

If the Japan international does indeed depart the Champions League finalists, it remains to be seen exactly how much he’d command, with Transfermarkt valuing him at just £10.8m having cost £7.25m in December 2019.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Raphinha replacement

In Austria, it was arguably Marsch who got the best out of the 27-year-old winger. Minamino’s fluid attacking role allowed him to ‘unlock doors, pick a pass, and move with an elegant gait.’

Such form led to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp praising the wide man, prior to his switch to England, claiming to reporters: “I’d like to have Minamino in Liverpool. He’s classy. The best talent.”

Minamino has been used sparingly since his move, even being forced out on loan to Southampton at the back end of the 2020/21 campaign, where he delivered two goals across ten appearances.

The arrivals of Diogo Jota and more recently, Luis Diaz, have effectively pushed the Japanese dynamo out the door, though that said, he still managed 11 direct goal contributions this season, including eight in domestic cup competitions, where he regularly started.

It would make sense for Marsch to target his former sensation as Raphinha appears to be on the verge of sealing a move to FC Barcelona, who have been linked with interest all season.

Once lauded as “frightening” by one journalist, Minamino could easily refind his best form under the American after delivering 20 goal contributions in 22 appearances together.

“He is not a purely explosive player like Sadio Mane or Mo Salah – he has physical qualities, but he is a really intelligent footballer. It may take time for everyone to fully appreciate his qualities, but it will come,” Marsch once claimed to the ECHO.

If Leeds want to seal a perfect replacement for Raphinha, then they should look no further than the Liverpool man. He’ll need little time to adapt to the Premier League.

AND in other news, “I think they will..”: Journo drops big 49ers claim, Leeds supporters will be buzzing…

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has provided an update on the fitness of Patrick Bamford ahead of the final Premier League game of the season. 

The lowdown: Final day showdown

The Whites head into the last day of the 2021/22 campaign with their top-flight status on the line at Brentford.

As things stand Jesse Marsch’s side sit within the relegation zone in 18th position and must pick up a positive result in London and hope Burnley cannot match their outcome to avoid the drop.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-3/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Ahead of the match and after what has been a gruelling season with injuries to key players, there has been some positive news…

The latest: Last-minute meeting

Having been present at Thorp Arch for Marsch’s final press conference of the campaign, Hay relayed the important pre-match fitness news surrounding Bamford on Twitter, as the player is set to hold a meeting on Saturday to make a last-minute decision.

He shared the manager’s comments: “In training he’s looked quite good. He feels very different to how he did six weeks ago.”

The Athletic journalist added: “At the moment, Marsch feels like using Bamford wouldn’t be a risk to him. But they’ll have another meeting about it tomorrow (Saturday).”

The verdict: Welcome boost

Adding Bamford – who was praised in 2020 for his ‘superb’ form by talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent – to the match-day squad for this crucial match is an undoubted and much needed positive for Leeds as the Yorkshire giants attempt to get out of their plight at the last possible opportunity.

Last term, the 28-year-old netted 17 goals and provided eight assists whilst appearing in all 38 Premier League games. Compare that to this season, where the England striker has only managed five direct goal contributions in ten senior appearances across all competitions, and it’s not hard to understand the side’s struggles in front of goal.

After missing the last seven fixtures through a foot injury it seems unlikely Bamford will be called upon from the outset by Marsch, however, having the option to bring a once-capped England international from the bench is a luxury Leeds cannot afford to pass up in their current predicament.

In other news: Orta now eyeing transfer move for exciting winger even if Leeds are in the Championship. 

Everton will host Brentford at Goodison Park this afternoon in their penultimate Premier League home match of the season, and although the Toffees’ home record is much better than when they play away, there has been some disappointing injury news which could be a huge blow for Frank Lampard.

What’s the latest?

The Toffees manager took to his pre-match press conference to deliver the bad news that Fabian Delph will not be available for selection after sustaining an injury.

Lampard told the press (via Liverpool Echo): “Fabian won’t be fit for the game against Brentford, we’ll see for the rest of the season. It’s a small injury, a muscle injury, but it’s an injury and enough to keep him out of this game.”

Lampard will be gutted

There is no doubt that Delph has made a huge difference since he returned to the team following a long-term injury which kept him out of the side for most of the season, and his influence will surely be sorely missed in midfield when you consider how his impact aligns with the team’s recent results.

After suffering a hamstring injury in January and missing 12 games for Everton, the 32-year-old returned to action just in time to make a crucial impact for his team in the middle of the park last month, and Lampard’s selection of the experienced midfielder seriously paid off.

In their last six games, Everton have won three, drawn two and lost one, with Delph featuring in every match apart from the one they lost, illustrating that he has become a real leader and a hugely positive influence for the team since his return.

That being said, it will be interesting to see how the Toffees manage without him against Brentford today. However, they have had a potential boost in midfield with Donny Van de Beek available for selection either today or against Crystal Palace on Thursday.

If Everton can take all three points from their clash on Merseyside this afternoon, it will take a lot of pressure off them in their final two games, especially if Tottenham can take all three points against the Toffees’ relegation rivals Burnley in the early kick-off. However, a win for Lampard’s men may be harder to come by without Delph to call upon, which will leave the 43-year-old gutted.

AND in other news: Huge boost as Lampard drops Everton transfer update that’ll delight supporters

Italian newspaper Il Giorno has now shared a significant update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chase for Atalanta defender Joakim Maehle this summer.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes new full-backs…

Spurs manager Antonio Conte has famously earmarked the signing of new right-wing-back with attempts being made to sign Adama Traore as a makeshift option in January.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

When the Spaniard opted to join Barcelona, Tottenham’s boss was left without a desired upgrade in that position, meaning he has had to turn to Emerson Royal since the in-form Matt Doherty was ruled out for the remainder of 2021/2022.

As Conte’s first full Premier League campaign looms, transfer chief Fabio Paratici will be looking to make amends and finally back the Italian with a world class RWB addition.

The Latest: Spurs could bid for Maehle…

Italian newspaper Il Giorno, sharing news, claim Conte now personally wants Denmark international Maehle in north London with the club, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, having followed him since 2019.

The Lilywhites are apparently willing to table a €18 million (£15m) bid for the 24-year-old and will potentially hold talks when they meet with Atalanta ‘in the coming weeks’.

While the summit is set to discuss loanee goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini’s future at Hotspur Way, the report claims Maehle could well become a topic.

The Verdict: Advance…

Denmark goalkeeper and Leicester City number one Kasper Schmeichel has raved over his international teammate, branding the Serie A ace a ‘machine’ who never stops running on the treadmill.

Of course, durability and endurance are traits which could be attractive to the famously demanding Conte, and Maehle’s potential as a fairly young option could also motivate Spurs to make the offer – particularly if Atalanta agree to the £15m terms.

In other news: Reliable source: Tottenham agreement now ‘very likely’ as Conte closes in on ‘top signing’…find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race to sign Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ashley Phillips during the upcoming transfer window, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Phillips attracting interest

The 16-year-old has been a standout performer for Rovers’ youth teams this season, particularly in Premier League 2, where he has made 11 appearances and netted two goals, as per Transfermarkt.

The defender’s impressive performances have earned him the opportunity to spend some time training alongside the first team, and although his current contract at Ewood Park is not set to expire until next summer, such form has already seen him attracting interest from potential suitors – and one of those clubs is believed to be Tottenham.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Tottenham in pole position for Phillips

In a report from The Sun, it is claimed that Spurs are ‘emerging as favourites’ to sign Phillips, with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea also said to be tracking the youngster.

The report added that Antonio Conte’s outfit are ‘ready to get the deal done’ as quickly as possible, for a fee thought to be in the region of approximately £3m.

The Verdict: One for the future

The Spurs manager reportedly wants to bring six new signings into the club ahead of the 2022/23 season, with a new centre-back being among the positions targeted, so it doesn’t come as any shock to see that the north Londoners have been linked with a move for the talented prospect.

Phillips, who has been dubbed a “phenomenal” prospect by Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray, stands at 6 foot 4, which is exactly the kind of height and physical presence that Conte would want to have in his backline.

There’s no doubt that he would be one for the future if he does make the move to Tottenham considering his tender years and lack of any senior match experience, but it’s definitely a promising sign that Paratici appears to be thinking ahead to the future with his transfer strategy.

In other news… Spurs also look set to win the race in the battle to sign a new shot-stopper this summer

Tottenham Hotspur are a team who, in recent years, have reaped the benefits of unleashing home-grown talent in their first team squad, with the likes of Harry Kane, Harry Winks, Kyle Walker-Peters, Japhet Tanganga and Oliver Skipp having all graduated from the Spurs academy before establishing themselves in the senior side.

This is not a trend that looks to slow down anytime soon, with the likes of Harvey White, Troy Parrott, Alfie Devine and Dane Scarlett having also made first-team appearances for the club after coming through the youth ranks at Hotspur Way, while there are also a number of exciting talents currently knocking on the door the senior squad.

One such player is Romaine Mundle, the 19-year-old winger who has been lighting it up for Wayne Burnett’s U21 side this season, with the London-born attacker surely starting to enter into Antonio Conte’s thinking when it comes to the Italian’s matchday planning – having already taken part in first-team training under the 52-year-old manager this season.

Indeed, it is not difficult to understand why Mundle is beginning to push for a place in the senior side, as the teenager has been a constant source of both goals and assists throughout his time spent in the Spurs academy.

Over his 35 appearances for Tottenham’s U18s, the winger scored four goals and registered nine assists, while, over his 27 fixtures for the U21s, the forward has notched one further goal and provided his teammates with two assists.

The 19-year-old particularly impressed in the U19’s 3-0 UEFA Youth League victory over Olympique de Marseille earlier this month, setting up Jaden Williams for Spurs’ second of the game – with his performance being dubbed “brilliant” by football.london’s Rob Guest, before the journalist awarded the forward a match-topping nine in his player ratings for the fixture.

Regarding Mundle’s display, Guest wrote: “Utilised his pace early on and created a chance for himself with some persistent play but saw his effort go wide of the target.

“However, was at the heart of Tottenham’s second goal as he checked inside, went back on the outside and then teed up Jaden Williams for a simple finish. Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici would have been impressed as both were watching on in the far corner when Spurs netted their second. Very impressive performance.”

This is not the first time the attacker has caught the eye, with Josh Holland claiming that Mundle was causing Leicester City’s U21s “many problems” in a 2-2 draw with the Foxes earlier this season, while Alasdair Gold stated his belief that the winger “looked bright” in a 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion’s U23s towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Furthermore, with Mundle being a player who is capable of operating from either flank, as a central midfielder or in the number 10 role, the teenager’s impressive positional versatility would also appear to be a huge plus for Conte – who is well-known to favour players who can be deployed in a number of different positions across the pitch.

As such, with Mundle evidently being a creative, deadly and versatile attacker, Conte could very well unearth a real gem by unleashing the 19-year-old in his first-team squad – with the youngster certainly being a talent who the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful should be incredibly excited about.

Burnley boss Vincent Kompany has shared a ‘concerning’ injury update on defender Charlie Taylor alongside winger Nathan Tella.

The Lowdown: Clarets share spoils…

The Clarets were forced to share their spoils on Tuesday as Burnley battled to a 1-1 draw away to rivals Preston North End in the Lancashire derby.

Manchester City loanee Taylor Harwood-Bellis opened the scoring for Kompany’s men but it wasn’t long before PNE came back with Jordan Storey netting just five minutes later.

The match finished 1-1, but the result could be drowned out by injuries to both Tella (on loan from Southampton) and Taylor, who were both taken off with problems.

The Latest: Kompany shares ‘concerning’ Taylor update…

Alongside Saints loan starlet Tella, makeshift centre-back Taylor is also a worry for Kompany, with the Man City legend claiming the latter man’s injury is more ‘concerning’.

He explained:

“Nathan Tella and Charlie Taylor, if I have to rank both injuries, I think Charlie Taylor is slightly more concerning than Nathan Tella.”

The Verdict: Burnley worry…

Kompany has seriously taken to the 28-year-old, who has started all nine Championship matches for Burnley so far this campaign.

Called a ‘quick’ and ‘strong’ asset by ex-boss Sean Dyche, Taylor’s new role in the middle of defence as opposed to at left-back has seriously impressed Burnley’s current manager.

What’s more, no Clarets star has averaged more clearances per 90 than Taylor so far this season, so Kompany will not want to lose his arguable best defender for too long.

As Burnley seek to regain promotion at the first time of asking, players like Taylor must be available for the long haul.

A week on from their last outing, Tottenham Hotspur are finally back in action as they head to Portugal to face league runners-up Sporting CP in the Champions League.

Both teams will be looking to continue their hot start to the 2022/23 campaign and for Spurs, who remain unbeaten across all competitions so far this season, they can make it two wins from two with a victory at the Estádio José Alvalade.

Last time out, the Lilywhites defeated Ligue 1 outfit Marseille in a pretty drab affair in north London, where summer signing Richarlison stole the show by bagging a headed brace to secure all three points.

It was also another off-night for Heung-min Son, who must now be in jeopardy of being dropped, particularly given the form of his Brazilian teammate; he has effectively played himself into being undroppable in this current run.

There was also an eye-catching cameo off the bench from Dejan Kulusevski, so it could well be time for manager Antonio Conte to make the bold and ruthless decision to axe the South Korean from his starting lineup.

The 30-year-old attacker has started all seven of Tottenham’s matches this term but has failed to deliver more than the one goal contribution, with his solitary assist coming on the opening day in a 4-1 rout of Southampton, leading to ex-goalkeeper Paul Robinson describing the winger as “very quiet” earlier this month.

When you compare that to last season, it’s a glaring worry as the Gangwon native was averaging a goal or assist every 104 minutes across all competitions as he scored 24 goals and laid on a further ten assists from 45 outings, as per Transfermarkt.

Against Les Olympiens, he was pretty much rendered anonymous and was ineffective for large parts before being hooked four minutes from time. Even shot-stopper Hugo Lloris (25) had more accurate passes than Son (22) and he had attempted as many as nine long balls from his own net.

Elsewhere, the £192k-per-week star – who was described as an “absolute beast” by AJ Tracey last season – couldn’t manage a single shot on target, whilst he lost possession 17 times from his 47 touches and won just three of his nine duels against the opposition, via SofaScore.

Whether his poor form comes down to fitness or not remains to be seen but given the fact that he’s started 100% of matches in 2022/23, he could be due a rest if his performances weren’t already a sign of why he should be sat on the bench this evening.

As such, Conte must remove him from the XI tonight as his side look to continue their impressive start to the new campaign.

AND in other news, Spurs could cash in on £80k-p/w dud by signing “ingenious” gem who’s “frightening”…

As Celtic brutally dismantled their Old Firm foes Rangers on Saturday afternoon, there was one Hoops player who particularly caught the eye for Ange Postecoglou’s side, with Matt O’Riley having once again stolen the limelight with another breathtaking midfield display.

For all the brilliance of Jota’s delicate dink and Liel Abada’s brutal brace, it was the former MK Dons starlet who appeared to be the man running the show in the centre of the park, with the midfielder only adding to his already growing reputation.

That one-sided affair with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side saw the Denmark U21 international lay on two assists in what was a truly magnificent performance, already taking his total tally to five assists in just six league games so far this season.

Unperturbed by the often volatile nature of a Glasgow derby, the 21-year-old was his typically calm and composed self at Parkhead, with Glasgow Live’s Ben Banks writing that the youngster looked like he ‘was playing the game with a cigar and slippers on’, having been a ‘cut above’ the rest of the midfield.

Not only was it his stunning, defence-splitting pass for teammate Jota that caught attention, but also the manner in which the £2.07m-rated ace glided around the pitch, notably almost teeing up striker Giorgos Giakoumakis with a delightful curling delivery early in the first half.

In truth, such a display will have been unsurprising to many in Scotland, such has been his form since his £1.5m switch back in January – having registered four goals and seven assists in just 26 games in all competitions for the club.

Having more than filled the void left behind by Tom Rogic, the one-time Fulham youth product has quickly cemented himself as a leading figure in Postecoglou’s side, with it having been a truly meteoric rise of late for the highly-rated talent.

The only potential negative of such form, however, has been the deserved attention that the 6-foot-2 starlet is now attracting from rival suitors, with those at Celtic Park no doubt fearing that the playmaker’s stay at the club may well prove to be a brief one.

Reports late in the window had revealed that a host of Europe’s top clubs were keeping tabs on the London-born machine, with the player himself evening admitting that it was pleasing to see his name linked to such elite teams.

Manchester United are reportedly one of those who are scouting the “intelligent” asset at present – as dubbed by former boss Russell Martin – with the suggestion being that he could command a fee in the region of £20m were to depart.

And, while Postecoglou and co have managed to hang on to the emerging star for now, the former Yokohama boss will no doubt fear the worst as January comes around, with clubs likely to be circling once again should the player’s eye-catching displays continue in the coming months.

The club’s upcoming Champions League involvement could also be a platform for O’Riley to inadvertently put himself in the shop window, with strong outings against the likes of Real Madrid and RB Leipzig only set to see his reputation develop even further.

While there is some respite over the next few months with the winter window still firmly in the distance, Celtic may well have to prepare themselves for a departure once the market re-opens.