All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has now shared an update on the Lilywhites’ pursuit of Championship starlet Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Tottenham eye Spence move…

According to recent reports, Spurs are still well and truly in contention to sign the 21-year-old, who dazzled on loan at Nottingham Forest from Middlesbrough over 2021/22.

Spence was a key figure and mainstay in Forest’s push for Premier League promotion, making a ‘significant’ contribution for manager Steve Cooper as he started 41 league matches and earned the squad’s sixth-highest rating from WhoScored.

As such, the north Londoners are reliably believed to be keen on signing him for Antonio Conte, and while some reports suggest that a fee has been agreed, Gold has come out with a claim to the contrary.

The Latest: Gold shares Spence update…

The football.london journalist took to Twitter after seeing ‘confirmation’ from the Boro side that no club is in advanced talks to sign Spence just yet.

However, Gold did go on to say that ‘early’ developments are expected this coming week.

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The Verdict: Make the move…

Homegrown and possessing bags of potential as an attack-minded wing-back -he was included in the EFL Championship Team of the Season – we believe that signing Spence should come as a no-brainer for Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici.

Described by ex-Spurs full-back Alan Hutton as an ‘incredible’ player who ‘massively fits the bill’ for Conte (Football Insider), the possible arrival of the 21-year-old could also help to fix a glaring issue with Spurs’ unbalanced homegrown quota.

Reports suggest that he is valued at around £20m, and while that could be viewed as a considerable investment for someone so young, we believe that a defender of his ilk may well be worth the gamble.

In other news: ‘What is this witchcraft?’ – Media thrilled by ‘great’ transfer news out of Tottenham! Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been approached by agents as they offer out Brighton star Yves Bissouma, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Conte prepares…

After his summit in Italy with club chief Fabio Paratici, Spurs head coach Antonio Conte has identified key positions to strengthen ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge in N17.

The Lilywhites have already confirmed the signings of both Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster on Bosman deals as their transfer window well and truly gets underway.

Midfield is an area of the squad where Conte allegedly wishes to make new additions, and according to a report by Claret & Hugh, they have been offered Bissouma.

The Latest: Agents approach Spurs over Bissouma…

Claret & Hugh now claim that the north Londoners are one of three clubs to have been ‘approached’ by agents over the possibility of signing the Brighton midfielder.

The Seagulls have apparently now placed a £25m price tag on the Malian’s head as the 25-year-old enters the final year of his contract, although the report doesn’t go into further detail over Spurs’ response to the intermediary contact.

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The Verdict: Seize the chance?

According to WhoScored, Bissouma finished 2021/22 as one of Graham Potter’s standout men, making more tackles and interceptions per 90 than any Brighton player.

The Mali international has received numerous plaudits for his top-flight performances over the last two seasons, with members of the media even hailing Bissouma as an ‘absolute monster’ (Aaron Stokes, The Chronicle).

Gary Lineker is another pundit to have sung the praises of the Brighton gem, labelling him ‘exceptional’, and we believe that £25m could be a very reasonable price to pay for the player.

In other news: ‘What is this witchcraft?’ – Media blown away by ‘great’ transfer news out of Tottenham! Find out more here.

Nottingham Forest have been linked with a move for Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles ahead of the upcoming summer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Yorkshire Post, Forest, alongside a range of other Premier League clubs as well as Hungarian side Ferencvaros are interested in signing the player this summer after he recently appeared for Hungary against England.

It’s reported that the recently promoted side had their eye on him in the past and they are now expected to revive their interest in the player.

Massive talent on his way to the City Ground?

After joining the Yorkshire club back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Bury, the 22-year-old has gone on to make 121 appearances for Barnsley across all competitions.

In those appearances, Styles has scored nine goals and delivered six assists along the way.

This season saw the player rack up more minutes in the Championship than any other outfield Barnsley player, highlighting just how important he is for them.

In those 43 league appearances, the Barnsley star racked up the third-highest number of shots at goal (52) and the second-highest number of crosses delivered (80) out of all of his current teammates.

Labelled a “massive talent” by Cauley Woodrow, the £3.15m-rated ace also had one of his goals last August described as a “rocket” by journalist Sanny Rudravajhala, suggesting that he’s got a powerful shot in him.

Meanwhile, from a defensive point of view, no other player at the club managed to equal the number of successful tackles (51)  that Styles made for his side, proving how much of an all-around midfielder he is.

The fact that he played in almost every midfield and attacking position possible this season also suggests that his versatility could make him a very useful addition to Steve Cooper’s squad as they prepare to immerse themselves in the Premier League. With that in mind, he appears to be a complete player, one that really does live up to Woodrow’s billing.

Taking into account how the Yorkshire club failed to avoid getting relegated from the Championship this term and the fact that their star midfielder will be entering the final year of his contract in the coming weeks, this could give Forest an advantage when it comes to getting Barnsley to sell.

In addition to this, the prospect of being able to play in the Premier League would undoubtedly be an exciting prospect for the player.

Securing a deal for Styles should definitely be on Cooper’s to-do list this summer and hope that the midfielder has what it takes to make the big step up to England’s first division.

In other news: Bid incoming: Alan Nixon drops big Forest transfer claim, it’s great news for Cooper

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has made it clear that he wants to stay at the club, according to senior Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.

The Lowdown: Man City linked with Phillips

The 26-year-old helped the Whites to remain in the Premier League on the final day of the season with a 2-1 win at Brentford. The boyhood Leeds fan would have more than likely left if the club were relegated but he has still been heavily linked with an Elland Road exit.

Manchester City reportedly have Phillips at the top of their list to replace Fernandinho and believe that the England international possesses the perfect profile to fit in at the Etihad Stadium.

The Latest: Positive update on Phillips

Sky Sports reporter Thornton shared a Leeds transfer update on Monday evening. He said that the biggest question of the summer will be if the club can keep hold of Phillips and Raphinha, stating that the former of the two has ‘made it clear he wants to stay’ at Elland Road – something you’d expect that Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta are aware of.

Phil Hay has also provided a promising update on Phillips, stating that the club are ‘quietly hopeful’ that the midfielder may sign a new deal and remain in Yorkshire for a further 12 months.

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The Verdict: Would be huge

Jesse Marsch is already very short of midfield options, so keeping hold of Phillips would be a major boost.

He has been pivotal for the Whites ever since Marcelo Bielsa took charge in 2018, going from strength to strength as he also picked up England’s 2020/21 Player of the Year award.

You’d expect that Marsch would be desperate for Phillips to stay at Leeds over the coming months and form one half of a two-man midfield in a potential 4-2-2-2 or 4-4-2 system. The early signs are quite positive and hopefully we’ll hear more on a long-awaited new deal soon.

In other news – £34m release clause: Leeds now interested in move for ‘special talent’ who Marsch loves

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Arsenal’s William Saliba heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

French journalist Fabrice Hawkins has claimed that PIF are eyeing up a deal for the £27m defender, whilst Marseille – where he spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan – are also attempting to snap him up.

Hawkins tweeted (translated from French): “Although Arsenal want to keep William #Saliba , Newcastle, Napoli and Atlético Madrid are interested. Pablo Longoria and Jorge Sampaoli have not given up on the idea of bringing him back.” 

Eddie Howe’s own Raphael Varane

The Magpies manager can land his own version of the Manchester United enforcer by securing a deal for Saliba in the coming weeks and months.

Former Liverpool winger Bernard Diomede previously claimed that the defender has “cold blood”, while the 21-year-old’s former coach Fabio Frasconi once claimed: “William Saliba will go far, very far. He reminds me of Raphaël Varane”.

This comment from Frasconi highlights the Frenchman’s potential and suggests that he can be Newcastle’s answer to his compatriot in the English top flight, one year after the 2018 World Cup winner made his switch to Old Trafford.

In the Premier League this season, the Red Devils defender averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.97 as he won 71% of his duels and made 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game.

The former Real Madrid centre-back also completed 88% of his attempted passes as he showcased his ability in possession. He is reliable on the ball and strong in his individual battles, demonstrating that he can excel at both sides of his game.

Meanwhile, Saliba averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.06 in Ligue 1. The 21-year-old won 64% of his duels and made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst completing an eye-catching 93% of his passes.

These statistics show that both centre-backs are quite similar in their actions, defensively and in possession, and that is why the Arsenal tank could be Howe’s own Varane at St James’ Park. He is a quality centre-back with the potential to improve even further, and PIF must now work hard to get a deal over the line.

At the age of 21, Saliba has plenty of time left to hone his skills and develop into a top-quality player at Premier League level. He has already shown that he can produce excellent performances on a consistent basis in Ligue 1, and it is now down to him to prove that he can do the same in England…

AND in other news, PIF could sign Newcastle’s answer to Haaland in “sensational” £60m “monster”…

Aston Villa are once again being linked with a move for Burnley central defender James Tarkowski, according to a report from The Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Growing interest

Recently, Midlands journalist Josh Holland told Give Me Sport that Villa could make a move for Tarkowski as Steven Gerrard looks to add leaders to the squad over the summer.

Set to become a free agent in July (Transfermarkt), the 29-year-old has also been extensively linked with Newcastle United and West Ham previously.

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As the end of a six-year affinity with Turf Moor comes into view, the next move for the twice-capped England international is in the spotlight…

The latest: Villa discuss move

As per reputable journalist John Percy on Twitter and in a more recent report from his colleagues for The Telegraph, it’s suggested that Gerrard wants to bring Tarkowski to Villa Park.

Following an injury to Ezri Konsa, the Burnley man ‘has been discussed’ at Villa as a possible target in order to address a problem area in Gerrard’s squad.

Now safe from relegation, Everton have also been linked with the man hailed as ‘outstanding’ by former Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

The verdict: No brainer

Boasting 193 Premier League appearances and a no-nonsense approach to defending, adding a player of the £19.8million valued Tarkowski’s vast experience to the squad without the need for a transfer fee would be a masterstroke from Aston Villa.

This season, the combative Englishman has earned a superb 7.17 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.8 duels and making 5.3 clearances per game and helping Burnley towards seven clean sheets, further proof of a well-rounded defensive acumen.

Prominent aerially (WhoScored), Tarkowski would provide an added weapon to Gerrard’s ranks, particularly for a manager who has developed an early reputation for allowing defenders the opportunity to score an abundance of goals.

Furthermore, adding someone of the ace’s know-how to the Midlands squad will only help bring on the likes of Konsa and Kourtney Hause.

In other news: Journo reveals Villa now eyeing ‘surprise’ move for 201-goal attacking midfielder 

Celtic made no mistake when it came to reclaiming the Premiership title in Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge of the Hoops.

The Bhoys won 29, drew six and lost just three of their 38 league matches, ending the campaign four point ahead of their Glasgow arch-rivals.

However, one man in Postecoglou’s squad who didn’t play much of a part in Celtic’s title charge was left-back Boli Bolingoli.

With just two league appearances to his name in 2021/22 (in September and October), the Belgian only featured in a league matchday squad on one other occasion.

Now that the summer transfer window is on the horizon, it seems as though the Hoops have identified one potential transfer they could make which could push the 26-year-old outcast out of the club for good.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail (via Daily Record), Celtic are exploring the option of signing Velez Sarsfield left-back Francisco Ortega.

A product of the Argentina club’s youth system, the defender has gone on to make 97 appearances for the club across all competitions. In that time, the 23-year-old has scored one goal and provided 10 assists for his teammates along the way.

With 20 league appearances last season, the £3.78m-rated Argentine racked up the second-highest number of crosses (59) and tackles (31) at his club. This shows how dangerous an attacking figure he can be, as well as a capable defender without the ball.

Taking into account how Bolingoli has been away training on his own and how Celtic will reportedly be looking to get rid of him this summer, securing a deal for Ortega could be the best way to replace the unwanted Belgian.

Slammed by Neil Lennon for his “incredibly selfish” actions when he broke the government’s guidelines during the pandemic, Bolingoli’s next step would ideally be one which would see him leave the Scottish champions and join another club where he would be playing regularly again.

If Celtic find themselves calling time on the Belgian’s period at the club, going in for Ortega should definitely be in their plans before the next campaign kicks off.

In other news – Signed for £4.5m, now worth 70% less: Celtic had a huge howler on £9k-p/w “disaster”

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…

Wolves could have winger Daniel Podence available for the final three Premier League matches of the season.

What’s the latest?

According to goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts, as quoted by Birmingham Live, “Daniel has been doing a bit of training so we will see what happens with him.”

That was stated before yesterday’s thrilling 2-2 draw away at Chelsea with manager Bruno Lage unable to take the press conference nor travel to the capital following a positive virus test.

The Portuguese was absent from the matchday squad at Stamford Bridge and hasn’t featured for Lage’s side since the 2-1 win against Aston Villa over a month ago whilst nursing a foot injury.

However, his return will be incredibly timely with Wolves targeting a third seventh-place finish in four seasons.

Lage will be buzzing

It could definitely be argued that it’s no coincidence that Wolves had lost three games in a row without scoring whilst without Podence before yesterday’s draw.

Moreover, the West Midlands outfit had gone 2-0 down at Stamford Bridge before Chelsea crumbled and conceded two goals late on.

The 26-year-old has scored six times and registered three assists in 29 appearances across all competitions this term with goals a rarity for the Old Gold this season.

Only Burnley, Watford and Norwich have scored fewer Premier League goals than the Golden Boys’ 35, with the latter two now relegated.

Moreover, Podence’s tally is an improvement on the three goals and two assists last year, although the winger did score all three in the league whilst his tally in the top-flight currently stands at two this term.

With Wolves sat in eighth, there’s still a chance that the Black Country club secures European football for next season with seventh place West Ham just two points ahead whilst sixth-place Manchester United have an eight-point gap but have played two extra games.

Although it’s not in his side’s hands, Lage will be keen to have as many of his key players available for the final three games as possible as they look to make a late climb up the table.

If Podence can return to fitness in time for the final matches, it will certainly boost his side’s chances of securing European football.

AND in other news: Forget Coady: “Ridiculous” Wolves dynamo who won 71% duels saved the day vs Chelsea