All posts by z3u9t.icu

Southampton took their time confirming the appointment of Russell Martin, but the new Saints manager is seemingly wasting no time in compiling a squad capable of earning an instant promotion from the Championship.

According to The Athletic, Russell is set to make Derrick Abu his first signing at St Mary's following the right-back's release from Chelsea last month.

Who is Derrick Abu?

Abu made headlines for non-footballing reasons last year when pursuing a second career as a rapper with the release of his debut single Life's Changing. Under the moniker 'Cho$en', Abu is hopeful he can continue making music and make it big one day.

The 19-year-old still has a shot at making it at the top as a footballer, even if his career took a setback when being released by his boyhood club after more than a decade in West London.

The German-born England U17 international did not make a senior appearance for Chelsea, but he featured eight times in Premier League 2 for the Blues last season and also had a trial with Crystal Palace.

Could Derrick Abu be the next Tino Livramento?

Southampton have clearly seen enough in Abu to take a low-risk punt on a player on as little as £3.4k per month at Chelsea, as per Salary Sport.

The Saints have a good recent record of signing a right-back from Chelsea, with Tino Livramento arriving at St Mary's for a small fee of £5m in August 2021.

Like Abu, Livramento also spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge without being given a shot at first-team action. However, after impressing for the Saints in his first season, before being restricted to just two outings last season due to injury, the 20-year-old could be on his way back to the Premier League.

Chelsea are one of a handful of big-name sides in the running to sign Livramento, meaning Martin is in need of a new right-back to plug the gap. Besides the fact they are both right-backs with Chelsea roots and a similar age, there are plenty of other similarities between the two players.

For example, Abu – who stands at 5 foot 10, picked up four yellow cards in Premier League 2 last season, matching the number received by Livramento from his 20 appearances in that competition in 2020-21 prior to joining Southampton.

Southampton are hardly signing the youngster based on that disciplinary quirk, of course, but he also shares similarities with Livramento in terms of their attacking nature, with both men just as happy to play as wing-backs.

As pointed out by Daily Echo writer Reece Barrett, Abu is a "brilliant" prospect who shows "lightning-fast acceleration and natural crossing ability". Only two Southampton players crossed the ball more times than Livramento (62) in the 2021-22 Premier League season, so it could be a like-for-like swap in that regard.

Buying a player with no senior experience is always a risk, but if history is anything to go by, Southampton could be about to land themselves another gem at Chelsea's expense. With Championship football on the horizon, there is certainly less pressure than a relegation scrap too.

Liverpool are thought to be leading the race to sign highly-rated Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga this summer, according to a fresh update.

Did Veiga shine last season?

The Spaniard enjoyed an eye-catching season for his current side in 2022/23 and was the club's third-best performer over the course of the previous campaign. Veiga proved to be a reliable source of goals from midfield, scoring 11 times and also chipping in with four assists across 36 appearances in La Liga.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old a number of times in recent months, seeing him as one of their primary midfield targets. The Reds have already brought in Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, but a couple more signings are required in that area and the Celta Vigo gem could be one who comes in.

Now, a new update regarding Veiga's future certainly suggests that the Reds, and by extension new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke, are serious about snapping up the youngster.

Are Liverpool favourites to sign Veiga?

According to The Transfer Room, Liverpool are in fact now the front-runners to sign Veiga before the new Premier League season begins:

"Sources close to The Transfer Room have claimed that Liverpool are well ahead of any club in the race for Veiga. Chelsea, who were pushing hard, have now taken a step back and are assessing other targets. The main 'problem' with the deal for Liverpool is the €40million release clause.

"Despite Chelsea dropping their interest in the Spanish midfielder, two other Premier League sides, Newcastle United & Manchester United are also following his future closely. Even though Liverpool are now leading the race, many twists and turns could still take place as his future will not be decided until he returns back from the U21 Euros which is taking place currently."

This is a very positive update regarding Liverpool's pursuit of Veiga, suggesting that he could well be the next man through the door at Anfield, joining Mac Allister in transforming an ageing Reds midfield.

His performances last season showed exactly what he is capable of – football talent scout Jacek Kulig lauded his "great season" – and he already has 49 appearances to his name in La Liga, showing that he can compete at the highest level.

At 21, Veiga, labelled as a "very electric player" by Fabrizio Romano, would be considered both an immediate key squad player and a future star – he may have to accept not being a guaranteed starter from the off, especially given Curtis Jones' end-of-season form – and if he came in along with either Khephren Thuram or Romeo Lavia, it could continue a highly productive summer.

Tottenham Hotspur could sign Harry Maguire from Manchester United this summer and club talisman Harry Kane wouldn't 'be too concerned' over the 30-year-old joining him in N17, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Maguire?

As per The Evening Standard, Tottenham are keen on signing Maguire from Manchester United this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets to work regarding potential additions in north London.

The report states that Spurs may be reticent to move due to Maguire's £190,000 per week salary at the Red Devils; however, a loan move may emerge as a potential option for the 30-year-old in the transfer window.

ESPN understand that both Tottenham and West Ham United have been offered the chance to acquire Maguire, with Erik Ten Hag said to be open to letting go of his club captain.

Ten Hag has also spoken about the future of Maguire in a recent interview, stating: "I'm happy he's here… it's also a decision he has to make [because] nobody would be happy with this situation."

CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs told The United Stand YouTube channel that Wolverhampton Wanderers could also become a contender to tempt Maguire with a fresh challenge elsewhere.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has suggested that Spurs marksman Kane would be content if his international teammate Maguire was to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Jones told FFC: "He's a total professional, he's come through some really tough times if you think of the mental challenges that he's faced on the back of some of his performances. I think if Tottenham were to ask Harry Kane for his views on it, I don't think he would be too concerned about Maguire coming."

Would Harry Maguire be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?

Maguire has his critics, it is fair to say; nevertheless, he has shown impressive mental resilience over the last year or so and would offer an experienced head in the Spurs backline if he was to move to the Lilywhites.

In 2022/23, the Red Devils' captain made 31 appearances in all competitions for his current employers in total, as per Transfermarkt.

The 30-year-old has shown his awareness to dangerous attacking situations efficiently in the season just gone, making an average of 2.6 clearances per match in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.

FBRef also note that Maguire has excelled compared to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions in the art of aerial duels, winning around 3.01 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the top 12% for this metric.

Of course, some Tottenham fans would have doubts over the signing of Maguire due to his underwhelming time at Old Trafford, though he can still be a competent defender and has proved his worth at times for Manchester United over the last year.

Manchester United's proposed new contract for their goalkeeper David de Gea is ready to go but just waiting on the club to make their final decision.

How much does David de Gea earn?

There were a lot of positives to take from Erik ten Hag's first campaign at Old Trafford after the Red Devils lifted the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League football.

However, the Premier League giants go into the summer transfer window with a lot of significant questions still lingering over the club.

Of course, the future of the current ownership will remain the biggest concern for most fans at Old Trafford with still no real indication as to whether the Glazers will stay or sell.

But another question will remain whether De Gea will be provided with a new deal following the conclusion of his contract at Old Trafford which is set to expire at the end of the month.

It is believed the Spain goalkeeper has been earning in the region of £375k-per-week on his current deal which is set to expire.

However, a potential new deal for the 32-year-old is expected to see him take a significant pay cut which would still see him take home around £200k-per-week.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the proposed contract is ready to go but United are still deciding on whether to stick with the Spaniard:

"I told you guys, the situation looks strange around De Gea because the agreement between De Ge and Man United is almost done; it's about the final details since the end of March.

"But it's also real that at the moment they are not signing the contract and so De Ge is a potential free agent. But at the moment the situation looks really strange more on the club's side than the player's side. De Gea will be ready to sign but at the moment it still doesn't have the final green light from Man United."

What goalkeeper could Man United sign?

Although the Red Devils are said to have this proposed contract at the ready for De Gea this summer, they have been linked with a number of potential options.

Indeed, reports have suggested Ten Hag holds a keen interest in the England and Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford this summer.

The report claims the former Sunderland goalkeeper could be made available over the coming weeks for a fee in the region of £30m given the Toffees financial issues.

But it is not just Pickford who has been linked with a potential move to Old Trafford this summer.

Indeed, talkSPORT's report has suggested there is an interest in the 34-year-old Yann Sommer and Inter Milan's Andre Onana.

It was not a season which De Gea will look back on as one of his best – ironically despite winning the Premier League Golden Glove – given some of the criticism he received.

However, it does seem as if he could still be set to ink a big-money deal to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

Manchester United appear to be stepping up their interest in Atalanta sensation, Rasmus Hojlund, according to the latest reports.

What's the latest on Hojlund to Man United?

As per one Italian journalist, writing on Twitter: "#ManchesterUnited will present a first offer of 60 million, today is the first choice. #Atalanta's request will be higher, but the negotiation can get underway."

While it is not stated whether that potential fee is in pounds or euros, Football Transfers have previously suggested that the Serie A side are likely to demand in the region of £60m if they are to part ways with the 20-year-old this summer.

The Red Devils are seemingly looking for suitable striking alternatives to that of England skipper, Harry Kane, amid reports that the Old Trafford outfit are unlikely to make a bid for the 29-year-old due to Tottenham Hotspur's unwillingness to sell.

Would Hojlund be a good signing for Man United?

On the face of it, the signing of a player who scored just nine league goals last season may not appear particularly exciting, although all the signs point to Hojlund simply being a "monster in the making", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Also lauded as "remarkable" by current boss Gian Piero Gasperini – who has likened the Denmark international to fellow Scandinavian striker, Erling Haaland – the former Sturm Graz ace could be the man to lead the line for Erik ten Hag's side over the next decade or so.

The explosive marksman – who has been lauded as "scary quick" by journalist Sacha Pisani – could well be able to form a devastating attacking partnership with fellow youngster, Alejandro Garnacho at the Theatre of Dreams in the long-term, with the teenage Argentine having enjoyed a stellar breakout campaign last season.

Having scored seven goals during United's FA Youth Cup triumph in the 2021/22 campaign – including bagging twice in the final – the 18-year-old has since gone on to make his presence felt in the first-team, racking up ten goals and assists in all competitions.

Lauded as a "game changer" by Manchester Evening News correspondent, Samuel Luckhurst, Garnacho's rapid rise was notably laid bare following his standout cameo in the FA Cup showpiece defeat to rivals Manchester City, having made a 'real impact off the bench', in the words of the Evening Standard's Dom Smith.

Much like Hojlund, the winger's youth would suggest that he still has a way to go to truly reach his full potential, although again – like the Atalanta marksman – the early signs are so very exciting and promising for those at United.

The hope will be that if Ten Hag is to get his man this summer, the former Ajax boss can build his side around both Hojlund and Garnacho over the coming years…

Chelsea getting rid of several experienced senior players this summer, especially in midfield, is 'inconceivable', according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Chelsea?

As per Football Insider, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has agreed personal terms with Manchester United and looks set for a move to Old Trafford as long as both clubs can come to an agreement over a fee for the player.

Mateo Kovacic could also be set to depart Stamford Bridge and is said to be in talks with Manchester City over a transfer to the Etihad Stadium, according to talkSPORT.

Cobham academy product Conor Gallagher is being eyed by West Ham United as David Moyes looks to add some depth to his midfield at the London Stadium ahead of next term, as per FootballTransfers.

Talks are also progressing between AC Milan and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as he enters the final year of his deal at Chelsea, as per Football Insider.

The Guardian report that N'Golo Kante is also set to leave the Blues and had completed a medical ahead of a high-profile transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones is surprised that Chelsea are open to the possibility of inviting on a midfield exodus this summer.

Jones told FFC: "It's strange at a time when you're hearing Mason Mount could leave, Kovacic could leave, Conor Gallagher could leave, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could leave, Kante could leave. That's five midfielders, it's inconceivable that they can all just leave and also you need to open the door to see what else could happen. I think it'd be a blow if Kante left now as well as all those other players because you need some experience and stability and that."

Who else could leave Chelsea this summer?

Chelsea don't seem to be hanging around in identifying who they are happy to move on this summer as Mauricio Pochettino looks to stamp his authority on things in SW6.

Saudi outfits Al Ahli and Al Shabab have both approached Blues striker Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang over a potential move to the Middle East, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Brighton & Hove Albion are also readying up a club-record bid for Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill, who could also leave Stamford Bridge permanently despite showing promise on the South Coast, as per The Daily Mail.

Callum Hudson-Odoi has also been touted with a switch to Nottingham Forest by the same outlet, showing that change is definitely in the winds at Chelsea this off-season.

Arsenal have not made an official proposal for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Ivan Fresneda?

Fresneda was a key target for the Gunners during the January transfer window, but he turned down a move to the Emirates Stadium, in order to ensure he received regular game time with Real Valladolid.

The 18-year-old has emerged as a key player for the Spanish club this season, after graduating from the youth academy, making 22 appearances in La Liga, and there are a number of top clubs now vying for his signature.

Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in the Spaniard, with the same report from Football Insider claiming that Borussia Dortmund have held talks, while a recent report from Germany indicated that Arsenal have made an offer.

According to BILD (via Football London), a lucrative offer was made for the youngster, with Dortmund also said to be monitoring the situation, however, Romano has since claimed that update was false.

Taking to Twitter, the transfer guru confirmed the Gunners are interested in the right-back, but claimed they are yet to make an offer, saying:

"Arsenal appreciate Ivan Fresneda since January but told they have NOT sent any official proposal, despite reports.

"No concrete negotiation at this stage, race remains open – with Borussia Dortmund interested."

How did Fresneda perform last season?

The starlet has adapted very well to men's football, playing a key role for Valladolid defensively, averaging 2.2 tackles per game, the fourth-highest figure in the squad, while he also ranks very highly for blocks and clearances per 90 over the past year.

Not only is he competent defensively, the Valladolid academy graduate can also pose a threat on the front foot, as highlighted by the La Liga Lowdown's Matt Clark, who said:

"He is a remarkably complete right back despite his young age, balancing his defensive duties with the odd attack too."

Although he has exhibited some very promising signs, the £2.6k-per-week defender is not yet the finished article, and he has struggled in recent weeks, being ranked by SofaScore as the joint-worst performing starter in his side's 0-0 draw against Almeria last time out.

As such, it is vital that Fresneda continues to get consistent game time, and so if Arsenal decide to move for him this summer, it may be wise for Mikel Arteta to send him out on loan in order to continue his development.

Rangers are showing an interest in signing attacking pair Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Have Rangers had a successful season?

Michael Beale's side had big hopes at the beginning of the season, as they looked to wrestle some silverware away from rivals Celtic, but it has proven to be a frustrating campaign. While there have been some positive moments thrown in, trophies have completely deserted them, as was the case in last season's Europa League final.

Rangers finished second behind the Hoops in the Scottish Premiership title race, and were beaten in both domestic cup competitions – the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and the final of the Scottish League Cup – as their adversaries' extra quality ultimately shone through.

It has highlighted the need for the Gers to have a hugely productive time of things in the transfer market this summer, with additions required all over the pitch. Added attacking quality is certainly a must, and a fresh transfer claim suggests that the club are already focusing on strengthening there.

Could Gers make key attacking signings?

According to Monday's edition of The Scottish Daily Mail [via Ibrox News], Rangers are eyeing up Lammers and Dessers as potential signings, as they look to fill the likely void left by Ryan Kent and Alfedo Morelos, who are expected to leave for free this summer:

“Sportsmail understands Atalanta-owned Lammers and Cremonese forward Dessers are tow further names on a list of possibilities given consideration."

It is encouraging to see Rangers seemingly working on transfer business so quickly, and both Lammers and Dessers could represent strong option for them ahead of next season.

The former is out of contract at Sampdoria next month, meaning he would arrive for free, and while he has admittedly only scored once in 19 Serie A appearances for them this season, he could be good target man, winning an average of 1.6 aerial duels per game.

Meanwhile, Dessers looks like the more prolific option of the two, having netted seven times and registered two assists for Cremonese in 2022/23, although his contract doesn't expire until 2027, meaning he would be a more expensive option.

Whether Rangers would be attempting to sign both Lammers and Dessers remains to be seen, but either way, it is essential that genuine firepower is acquired, considering how influential Kent and Morelos have been down the years.

The wheels have come off at Leeds United and they are now the favourites to be relegated from the Premier League in that final spot in the relegation zone.

They were never expected to beat defending champions Manchester City but two ill-tempered, dire defeats against Arsenal and Chelsea have likely sealed their fate.

And amid injury concerns and suspensions, manager Jesse Marsch has no easy task with Brighton and Hove Albion up next this afternoon.

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If Burnley lose to Tottenham Hotspur in today’s lunchtime kick-off, then a point would be enough to see the Whites lifted out of the drop zone ahead of Brentford next weekend, though the Clarets still have a game in hand.

Given the squad crisis at his hands, it’ll be interesting to see what sort of side the American will name at Elland Road, that’s for sure. Here’s what we are predicting…

Between the sticks, Illan Meslier is likely to remain as the first-choice goalkeeper but there could be some alterations to the backline as Jamie Shackleton comes in at right-back with Luke Ayling suspended.

Skipper Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente could be the central defensive pairing, meaning Robin Koch makes way, whilst on the left, we could see a return for Junior Firpo in what could be a back four.

In midfield, Kalvin Phillips should continue in the engine room and he’s surely going to be joined by Mateusz Klich, who regains his place in the starting XI over U23 gem Lewis Bate.

Further up the pitch, Rodrigo will surely take up a role in the no.10 spot, with Raphinha and Jack Harrison on either flank, The £13.5m-rated winger went off injured at Stamford Bridge but is expected to be fit for this encounter.

Meanwhile, in the absence of Patrick Bamford, we could see Joe Gelhardt gifted a start up top, with Daniel James also suspended. The 20-year-old, described as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, is Marsch’s only available and fit senior striker right now.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Firpo, Cooper, Llorente, Shackleton; Phillips, Klich; Harrison, Rodrigo, Raphinha; Gelhardt

AND in other news, Phil Hay relays Raphinha injury update ahead of Brighton clash…

For the tenth time in 11 seasons, Celtic have done it, they are the Scottish Premiership winners and few can argue that the Hoops don’t deserve it.

When Ange Postecoglou arrived in Glasgow, the Bhoys were in disarray. Their fiercest rivals had won the title and it looked as though a number of players would depart.

Indeed, as the likes of Ryan Christie, Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer all headed for pastures new, the future looked rather bleak.

Yet, Postecoglou’s transfer policy and the way he’s crafted and fine-tuned players this season has been nothing short of sensational.

The rebuild had no right to be this quick but it’s a testament to his hard work at Lennoxtown. He is a Premiership title winner in his first campaign in Scotland and even if they could only muster a 1-1 draw with Dundee United on Wednesday evening, the performance of a certain Anthony Ralston typified the graft that some have put in under Postecoglou’s tutelage.

The full-back only played once in the league throughout the entirety of last season but despite the arrival of Josip Juranovic last summer, Ralston has become vital and is now rather surprisingly one of the most consistent figures at Parkhead.

This term, the Scot has featured on 27 occasions in the Premiership, scoring four times and registering eight assists, the last of which came at Tannadice on Wednesday.

It came from one of the defender’s seven crosses throughout the game as he put in a tantalising ball for Giorgos Giakoumakis to fire home and seal yet another league title.

Throughout the encounter, Ralston took a whopping 130 touches of the ball – the most of anyone on the pitch – and also amassed 87 accurate passes, the third most of any player on Wednesday.

The fact he was so involved is a credit to the confidence he’s taken on this term and as a result, he’s gone from a bit-part player to someone who will only become more important to Celtic as the years go on.

Described as a “ballet dancer” and “superman” by Dominik Diamond, he was also compared to one of the greatest passers of a football in modern football by the Celtic Way’s Tony Haggerty.

Writing in his post-match player ratings, the Celtic blogger said: “The right-back produced a sensational 60-yard Andrea Pirloesque diagonal cross-field pass to Forrest before blasting a left-foot shot over the bar in the opening exchanges. He marauded forward at will and had a lot of joy down the flank. It was no surprise when he stood up a brilliant cross from which Giakoumakis buried a header seven minutes after the interval.”

That typifies his all-action nature and also why he’s one of the manager’s greatest successes since penning terms at Paradise.

Ralston has gone from underused and underappreciated to one of the real heroes of their title success in 2022. What a story.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Jota: Ange can form scary Celtic duo by signing “dangerous” £15m machine…