All posts by n8rngtd.top

Last summer, Wolves signed four first-team players with Marcal being the oldest one at 32-years-old, but others such as Fabio Silva and Ki-Jana Hoever are just 18 and 19-years old respectively, so Steve Bull would like to see more experienced players signed this summer.

Some of Wolves’ most important players over the last few seasons have been Raul Jimenez (30), Rui Patricio (33) and Conor Coady (28), proving that experience can be very handy when the right players have it.

Wolves may be looking for more experience this summer with both Joao Moutinho and Patricio linked with moves away and to lose their mentality and ability to help teach and guide younger players will be a huge blow.

Since winning promotion back into the Premier League, Wolves have brought in a whole host of young foreign players with a lot of them turning out to be good bits of business, however Bull would like to see more experience added to the club’s ranks, something he spoke exclusively to Football FanCast about:

“I don’t care where they come from, but I’m seeing too many youngsters coming in and I just need to see some experienced players come in who’ve done it and have got a track record in the Premier League.”

Bruno Lage will be able to get his feet firmly under the table at Molineux now and begin planning for pre-season and the transfer window but judging by his first signing which he was very much involved in, Yerson Mosquera, he may be looking to add more youth and energy to the side.

Dean Windass is desperate to see Kylian Mbappe move to the Premier League – but he does not think he will be on Liverpool’s books by the time the transfer window slams shut.

Mbappe could be set for a big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain after turning down a number of contract extensions.

If the attacker refuses to commit his future to the French side, PSG would face the prospect of losing their star man as a free agent next summer, when his current deal is set to expire.

Mbappe, who failed to score at Euro 2020 and missed the decisive penalty in France’s last 16 shoot-out defeat to Switzerland, has been gaining interest from the likes of Real Madrid for some time.

Liverpool are also keen on Mbappe, who has scored 132 goals in 171 appearances since joining PSG from French rivals Monaco.

However, Windass is unsure as to whether Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be able to persuade the Parisians to part with their prized asset ahead of the new season.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Windass said: “I’d love to see him play in the Premier League.

“Mbappe is the name on everybody’s lips. He can play anywhere in the front three. Firmino comes short for Liverpool and the two wide boys run in behind. He could play as a number nine, a seven or 11.

“How much would he be worth? That’s the biggest question. Maybe £150million. Would Liverpool pay that sort of money? Out of the three front players, I think Firmino would be the one to come out.”

Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles looks could be on the move this summer, but Marcus Bent doesn’t reckon he’s a player that would appeal to Everton.

The versatile defender, who’s also able to play in midfield, spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom having seen his opportunities decrease under Mikel Arteta.

He took his opportunity, quickly making himself a regular at the Hawthorns, but a permanent deal was quickly ruled out following West Brom’s relegation.

Since his loan spell expired, Maitland-Niles has been linked to Crystal Palace and Leeds, although the Toffees are also reportedly in the race for his signature, according to the Daily Mail.

With Maitland Niles, described by Martin Keown in 2020 as a “Rolls-Royce of a player”, now wanting to play more regularly in midfield, a chance could present itself at Goodison Park, with regulars Tom Davies and Allan linked with moves away from Goodison Park.

However, former Toffees striker Bent exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s not a target Rafa Benitez will consider:

“I’m not sure, he went out to West Brom, did ok. He’s gone back to Arsenal but getting into the team is hard at the best of times, especially at his age.

“I don’t think he’s a player that Everton would be attracted to at this moment.

“He’s definitely a talent, but if you’re going to go to Everton, you’re expected to hit the ground running, so I don’t think inexperienced players will be brought in unless you’re a massive talent.”

Keith Downie has dropped the latest on Newcastle United’s reported pursuit of Will Hughes in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Hughes talks

As per The Sun, Steve Bruce is reportedly in talks with Watford to sign the 26-year-old for a deal which would be worth in the region of £12m.

The Hornets are willing to let him go in order to bring in some new players, and they are interested in a move for Isaac Hayden, who could be used as part of a potential swap deal.

The Latest: Downie on Hughes

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports journalist Downie has dropped the latest on Newcastle’s reported pursuit of Hughes, claiming:

“There’s no Newcastle interest in Watford’s Will Hughes I’m told, and the club have no intention of allowing Isaac Hayden to leave either.”

The Verdict: Blow

It would certainly be a blow for Newcastle if they are not able to sign Hughes, as he could turn out to be a very useful squad player for them.

The midfielder played a big part in Watford getting promoted back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, making 30 Championship appearances last term and scoring two goals (Transfermarkt).

The fact that he is English is a bonus in terms of the Tyneside club filling their homegrown quota, and at 26 years of age, he has probably not reached his peak yet.

It would certainly seem to be a smart buy from the Magpies if they were able to lure Hughes away from Vicarage Road.

In other news, find out what Kieran Maguire has said about the latest takeover development

Any potential Jack Grealish deal this summer will be on Aston Villa’s terms, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

According to Football Insider, the Villa captain’s “head has been turned” by Manchester City as they prepare to launch a £90m bid.

It could see Grealish really push for a move, though it is hard to imagine the 25-year-old attacking midfielder going as far as to hand in a transfer request at his boyhood club.

Hatfield, however, has warned that Villa will not be rolled over and will only do a deal on their terms.

“I think the club are accepting that if he wants to go and the money is right, then they’ll consider it,” the Aston Villa journalist told FFC. “But it will be on their terms, because he’s still got four years of a deal to run.”

Indeed, Villa are certainly in a strong position here after Grealish signed a new five-year contract last September.

So while the England international may want to move on to pastures new this summer, there is certainly no guarantee of that happening.

As for incomings, Villa look set to miss out on Arsenal attacker Emile Smith Rowe, with Mikel Arteta recently confirming that the youngster will be staying at the Emirates.

Former Leeds United player David Norris believes that signing Noni Madueke would offer the club something different.

Marcelo Bielsa has got Leeds playing attractive, high intensity football, with the club reaping the praise of many fans who have watched them.

Despite being easy on the eye to watch, Norris believes that Leeds need other ways of playing, saying: “That high intensity all the time, I don’t always think is going to work because teams will just step off and let them do their thing or play a bit longer and take that out of it.

“Teams are going to know more about them, so they might need a couple of different ways and options of playing.”

Madueke would add to Leeds attacking flair, with the ability to operate both as a winger and also down the middle as a striker. Last season for PSV Eindhoven, Madueke scored nine goals and provided eight assists in all competitions, showing that he will contribute to Leeds attack should he sign for the Elland Road outfit.

When asked by Football FanCast what Madueke will bring to the team, Norris added: “I think his composure is his big thing and he looks like he can play.”

According to Football Insider, the England Under-21 international has been linked with Leeds previously, but the Elland Road outfit were put off by his £25m price tag. That price is now believed to have been reduced to around £20m, which could see Leeds look to prise Madueke away from PSV this summer.

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a major blow in their bid to keep Matheus Pereira at The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Express, who claim that West Ham United have opened talks with the Baggies over a £25m deal for the winger.

The report states that David Moyes has now stepped up his side’s interest in the 25-year-old as the Premier League club’s primary target in the position, Jesse Lingard, now looks as if he is set to stay at Manchester United.

Finally, it is claimed that the deal currently being discussed between the two clubs is initially a season-long loan, with the Hammers having an obligation to buy the Brazilian in 12 months time.

Nightmare for Ismael

With the start of the new Championship season now being just a little over a week away, the fact that it has taken so long for a club to make a move for Pereira is something of a nightmare for Valerien Ismael.

Indeed, aside from the idea of the winger remaining at West Brom beyond the summer, should West Ham go on to complete a move for the 25-year-old in the coming days, the Albion manager does not exactly have a great deal of time to bring in a replacement for the £13.5m-rated man.

The same could also be said for the Frenchman’s other targets in the summer transfer window, as it was common knowledge that, in order for the Baggies to bring in new additions this summer, they would first have to sell one or two of their stars.

However, with it now being relatively late in the transfer window, Ismael could well have already missed out on a number of his first-choice targets in a particular position, something that would undoubtedly have frustrated the 45-year-old.

Furthermore, away from the inconvenience of the timing of West Ham’s swoop, losing a player as talented as the £39k-per-week forward will undoubtedly be a major blow to Albion’s chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League next season.

As such, it would appear this update will be gutting news for fans of West Brom, with the day they have to wave goodbye to Pereira being a day many would have hoped never came.

In other news: Imagine him & Mowatt: West Brom initiate talks for 26y/o, he makes a “big difference”

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Denmark and Sampdoria star Mikkel Damsgaard this summer, in what would represent an exciting move.

The Lowdown: Damsgaard shines at Euros

The 21-year-old was arguably one of the standout players at Euro 2020, shining with his creativity for a popular Denmark side.

Damsgaard scored twice and assisted once at the tournament, including a stunning free-kick in the semi-final defeat to England at Wembley.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to Il Bianconero [via Sport Witness], Leeds are interested in snapping up the attacking midfielder, as Marcelo Bielsa looks at summer additions.

The Whites are thought to be one of several teams keen on the youngster, who is valued at £18million by Transfermarkt.

Leeds will likely have to pay more than €30million (£25.6m) to sign Damsgaard, however, with Sampdoria unlikely to accept anything less.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-10/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Outstanding potential signing

Damsgaard looks like a player of big potential, possessing great technical ability but also working hard off the ball, average 1.2 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game at the Euros.

That work ethic is something that could appeal to Bielsa, who demands relentless pressing from his Leeds side, as well quality on the ball.

A club-record fee could be needed for the Whites to sign Damsgaard, but over time, he could prove to be worth every penny, with his best years still some time away and his ability to shine on the biggest stage already evident.

In other news, one Leeds player has reportedly passed a medical at another club – find out who it is here.

An update has emerged regarding Peterborough’s valuation of reported Celtic transfer target Siriki Dembele.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, a number of English Championship clubs are refusing to meet Peterborough’s valuation of the 24-year-old. The Posh want £4m for the attacker, with Fulham, Bournemouth and Stoke only willing to pay £2.5m.

Earlier this summer, both Rangers and Celtic were touted with an interest in the youngster. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are able to meet the £4m price tag.

Could strike gold

Ange Postecoglou must ensure that the Hoops can get a deal over the line for Dembele this summer, as the Australian could strike gold by bringing the 24-year-old to Parkhead. Celtic did not have a single player who managed double figures for both goals and assists last season, which means that they could be bolstered by someone who is able to offer a threat on both fronts.

Dembele was directly involved in 23 goals for Peterborough in all competitions in the 2020/21 campaign, scoring 13 goals and setting up ten as they earned promotion from League One. This shows that he can be a regular contributor in terms of both goals and assists, which is a quality Celtic did not possess in any one player last term. Therefore, he could be a superb addition to Postecoglou’s side.

Earlier this year, Peterborough chief Barry Fry lauded the forward and said that he has a dazzling ability with the ball at his feet.

He told Football FanCast: “Siriki can get the ball in his own half and with dazzling dribbling ability, he can beat four or five players and score a wonder goal or cross it for somebody else to score.

“He’s very, very exciting. He’s got the best stats outside the [English] Premier League, I think. We’ll try to keep hold of him if we go up, and we’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse! So watch this space.”

The Championship clubs’ baulking at his price should spring Celtic into action as they could swoop in to secure a deal whilst other suitors continue to dally over a possible move. Postecoglou needs to make the most of such indecision and snap him up now whilst the Hoops may be the only team in the running, as Dembele’s goals and assists could be a sizeable boost to the Australian’s attacking arsenal as the Bhoys seek to reclaim domestic superiority.

AND in other news, Celtic dealt transfer setback over “solid” target, Postecoglou will be frustrated

174 league goals in just 217 outings for Celtic tell the quite incredible story of Henrik Larsson’s career in Glasgow.

The Swede is a certified Hoops legend, scoring goals on a remarkably frequent basis and leading them to four Premiership crowns and a UEFA Cup final.

Such success can’t be considered with the current Bhoys team, however. They were dumped out of Europe last week and were left chasing shadows domestically last term.

They could also lose their current top scorer, Odsonne Edouard.

The Frenchman has been linked with the exit door on a regular basis but is a proven finisher, someone who’s topped their scoring charts ever since he first walked through the doors of Lennoxtown.

That being said, he won’t be remembered as fondly as Larsson. He’s been criticised of downing tools this year as he aims for a Premier League move.

Who replaces him remains to be seen but they could find a bona fide Larsson replacement in Diego Costa.

The Spain international was touted with an eye-catching swoop to Paradise last week and if Postecoglou was able to bring him to Parkhead, he’d be an excellent signing.

Like Larsson proved throughout his career, he is an elite centre-forward, someone capable of dominating opponents and scaring defenders to death.

He is a Premier League winner and during his stay with Chelsea, he scored an impressive 58 goals in 120 matches.

He has also triumphed in Spanish football, just as Larsson did when at Barcelona. Costa left Atletico Madrid back in January following a second spell at the club, eventually netting 83 times in 216 outings.

The Brazilian-born striker might not have the charisma of the Celtic hero but his presence on the pitch is just as big, if not even greater. In the perfect words of Jose Mourinho, he is an “animal” when he turns out for his respective club.

Described as “outstanding” by Brendan Rodgers, the 32-year-old is someone who houses the ability to get supporters off their feet.

Larsson achieved that multiple times during his time in the famous green and white hoops but they have not found an attacking individual as marvellous as him since. The likes of Edouard and Moussa Dembele have pushed him hard but they are not in the same breath as the great Swede.

Costa, however, is a very different breed. He is their true Larsson heir.

AND in other news, Celtic in talks to sign “incredible” £20k-p/w tank, Ange desperately needs him…