All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Bromwich Albion centre-forward Reyes Cleary is attracting a significant amount of interest from the Bundesliga.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that all of Borussia Dortmund, Schalke and Hoffenheim sent scouts to watch the 17-year-old in action for West Brom’s U18 side against Chelsea U18s back in August, with all three German clubs having maintained their interest in the striker since.

The report goes on to state that the Albion starlet, who is yet to sign a professional contract with the Championship club, is also being monitored by a number of Premier League sides, as well as some from the Italian top flight.

Fans would be livid

While West Brom have developed something of a reputation for producing exciting young talents in recent years, with the likes of Louie Barry and Nathan Ferguson coming through the Albion academy, the Baggies have often been unable to keep hold of their most promising youngsters, with the two aforementioned players leaving the club for Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively.

As such, considering just how much potential Cleary appears to possess, if the 17-year-old were to go down the same route as Barry and Ferguson, it would undoubtedly be something of a nightmare for Valerien Ismael, while also leaving fans of the club fuming.

Indeed, over his three Premier League 2 appearances so far this season, the centre-forward has scored six goals, bagging braces against Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

These performances have led to comparisons with former West Brom loanee Romelu Lukaku, while the Baggies U18 coach, Peter Gilbert, dubbed Cleary a “powerful forward player with an eye for goal and is an excellent finisher.”

So, it would certainly appear as if the West Brom youngster has an extremely bright future in the professional game, however, whether or not this future is at The Hawthorns will likely come down to just how hard Albion fight to keep hold of the centre-forward.

In other news: “Key” £23k-p/w West Brom dynamo who made three key passes stole the show vs Cardiff

Out-of-favour Leeds United winger Helder Costa could leave the Whites on loan after Dan James signs, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Costa out of favour at Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa has many exciting attacking players at his disposal at Elland Road but Costa isn’t currently one of them.

The 27-year-old has played just 20 minutes of Premier League action so far this season so is clearly not an important part of Leeds’ plans moving forward.

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The Latest: Tuesday morning development

According to O’Rourke on Twitter on Tuesday, Costa ‘has been made available’ for a loan move on deadline day, following the signing of Daniel James.

It remains to be seen if a bid will come in for the Portuguese speedster, but getting him off the books is now Victor Orta and co’s next order of business, claims O’Rourke.

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The Verdict: Time to move on

Costa was a promising wide player but he hasn’t offered much for Leeds in a long time, scoring just seven goals in the last two-and-a-bit league seasons.

It is time for him to enjoy a fresh challenge, and if he can get more playing time elsewhere, it will be beneficial for all parties.

It is clear that Bielsa sees no future for Costa at Elland Road and the hope is surely that any potential temporary move becomes permanent with a transfer fee eventually.

In other news, Leeds could make a late move for another player, according to a recent report. Read more here.

Celtic parted ways with attacking midfielder Ryan Christie on deadline day, with the Scotland international completing a move to Bournemouth.

Christie has since posted a farewell message to his followers on social media, which has led to a number of Hoops fans giving their thoughts on Twitter.

The 26-year-old penned a three-year deal on the south coast on Tuesday, with Celtic reportedly receiving up to £3m for his services.

Premier League side Burnley were also keen on Christie, but he decided to join Scott Parker’s Cherries instead.

Christie was into the final six months of his Parkhead contract and could have left the club for nothing in January if he remained in Scotland.

The attacking midfielder posted a message to Celtic fans on his Instagram account thanking fans for their support and everyone associated with the Hoops for his six-year stay at the club.

Celtic fans react

@aboutceltic on Twitter relayed Christie’s social media post on Friday afternoon. Here is what some Hoops supporters had to say in reply, with quite a mixture of views on the 26-year-old’s move.

“New challenge, Bournemouth seriously?”

Credit: @derekkavanagh14

“Enjoy your slog in the Championship. Suppose you can count your money now rather than your medals. ‘New challenge’ don’t make me laugh. Nice big wedge. At least be honest about it ”

Credit: @McalearKevin

“Fantastic send off message. All the best to him.”

Credit: @TheCelticBook

“Great servant of the club. Wish him luck everywhere he goes.”

Credit: @je_melendez96

“’Unconditional love’ might be stretching it but awrabest anyway Ryan”

Credit: @DanielMooney27

“To have stayed and played for 8 seasons against the same teams some four times a season, I think he has every right to look at a new challenge”

Credit: @Dannyleeo4Lee

In other news: McKay eyes record-breaking ace for Celtic and Ange; could be available for cut-price fee

Former Everton player Michael Ball believes that Rafa Benitez wants competition in the wide areas of his team. 

Everton have completed the signings of both Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend already this summer and, in the last couple of days, have been linked with a move for Napoli player Lorenzo Insigne.

Calciomercato.com reported that the first steps were taken by Everton to evaluate the feasibility to bring the Italy international to the Premier League.

Insigne featured 48 times for Napoli last season, scoring 19 goals and providing eleven assists for his teammates. Out of the 48 matches he appeared in, Insigne featured off the left wing in 39 of them, where he was most prolific, scoring 15 from that position.

And former Toffees defender Michael Ball believes Rafa Benitez wants competition on the wing, exclusively telling Transfer Tavern: “I think with Rafa, the players who he’s already bought in, the players who he’s sort of still linked with, are on the wing and that could obviously be a strong indication of how Rafa wants to play going forward, that he wants a lot of wingers in his squad.

“If the wingers aren’t putting the crosses in, you can bring them off and bring someone fresh in the last fifteen/twenty minutes, so he wants competition in those areas.”

Both of Everton’s new summer signings, Gray and Townsend, featured in the Toffees’ 3-1 victory against Southampton over the weekend.

It does not make sense for West Brom star Matheus Pereira to join Al-Hilal this summer, reporter Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast.

Pereira has been linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian side, with journalist Ekrem Konur claiming earlier this month that an initial offer for the player has already been made.

The 25-year-old attacker was arguably West Brom’s best performer last season. He was directly involved in 17 Premier League goals, making interest from other clubs no surprise following the Baggies’ relegation to the Championship.

For Hatfield, though, a move to the Saudi Professional League lacks logic. On the recent speculation, the Express & Star reporter said:

“The question as well for Pereira is does he want to be playing in the Saudi Arabian league?

“That’s no disrespect to the league. But if you’ve got the option of playing in a top league in Europe, or in the Premier League, or the Saudi league, unless you’re very financially driven, I don’t think it really makes sense.”

According to the Daily Express, West Ham have held talks with Pereira’s representatives, so a move to a Premier League club still looks like the most likely option for the Brazilian this transfer window.

All things considered, at this stage of his career, it would be a surprise to see Pereira swap English football for the Saudi Professional League.

Nottingham Forest are interested in a deal to bring Milad Mohammadi to The City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim Forest are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Gent left-back ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

The report continues by stating that West Bromwich Albion and Watford are also thought to be interested in a deal for the 27-year-old, who is available to sign on a free transfer as the Jupiler Pro League side would like to get the defender’s £8.9k-per-week wages off of their books.

Finally, it is claimed that the Iran international has already turned down offers from AEK Athens and Ferencvaros so far this summer, however, the report does not mention whether or not the defender would be open to a switch to the Championship.

Murphy must move

With it being reported that Chris Hughton has informed Gaetan Bong that he is free to find a new club this summer, and with Yuri Ribeiro having already left The City Ground upon the expiry of his contract at the end of last season, left-back is certainly a position in which Dane Murphy will be looking to bring reinforcements in ahead of the new Championship season.

And, considering how impressive Mohammadi has been during his time at Gent, the defender would certainly appear to be a prime candidate to improve Hughton’s options in the position this summer.

Indeed, over his 32 Jupiler Pro League appearances last time out, the £2.25m-rated man helped his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.8 interceptions, two tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 4.3 duels per game.

The Iranian also impressed for his side in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal, providing five assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of one key pass and taking 0.9 shots per match.

These returns saw the defender earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Hein Vanhaezebrouck’s 11th-best performer in the top flight of Belgian football.

As such, it would appear highly advisable for Murphy to do all he can to beat West Brom and Watford to the signing of the Gent left-back this summer, as Mohammadi would very much seem to be a fantastic option to have in the Championship.

In other news: NFFC dealt major transfer blow over “incredible” £16k-p/w ace, Hughton will be fuming

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has dropped a behind the scenes West Ham United update involving Borussia Monchengladbach striker Alassane Plea.

The Lowdown: West Ham in forward hunt?

At the beginning of this transfer window, club insider Claret & Hugh tipped the striker position as a real priority for manager David Moyes this summer alongside the acquisition of a centre-half and Jesse Lingard.

Two weeks of the summer now remain as August 31 fast approaches and West Ham have still been unable to land a new forward as back up to Michail Antonio.

Moyes has been scouring the market for a centre-forward since January, with the Scotsman even confirming bids for the likes of Youssef En-Nesyri.

Now, ExWHUemployee has dropped a behind-scenes claim involving Plea – coming after links emerged to the forward.

The Latest: Ex drops Plea claim…

As per the reliable club source, sharing information on his Patreon, West Ham were offered the chance to sign Plea this summer with agents making an approach behind the scenes.

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A target in previous windows, as claimed by Ex, representatives of the Frenchman gifted Moyes and co the chance to sign him for just £15 million from Monchengladbach.

ExWHUemployee goes on to say that, while he was been watched recently, West Ham have decided not to take those agents up on the Plea offer as it stands as he is a ‘previous target’ who the club do not wish to explore.

Indeed, the insider has appeared to refute claims that he is currently a target.

The Verdict: Right call?

Scoring a career total 86 goals so far since making his Lyon debut way back in 2012/2013, we believe the Irons have made a just call in not signing Plea as Antonio’s alternative.

He hasn’t scored on a prolific basis since the 2019/2020 season when he bagged 10 goals and 10 assists in 27 Bundesliga appearances (Transfermarkt).

Indeed, since the end of that campaign, Plea has managed just seven goals in 30 league appearances – potentially highlighting he is not exactly what West Ham need.

That being said, under a fortnight of the window remains so Moyes needs to decide on his ultimate striker target as soon as possible or concede to waiting until January.

In other news: Sky Sports reporter believes West Ham could swoop for ‘phenomenal’ attacker before deadline day, find out more here.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa target Arnaut Danjuma, regarding Bournemouth’s valuation of the forward.

What’s the talk?

According to the print edition of The Sun, 18/07, p61, (via Football League World) Championship side Bournemouth are demanding £35m for their star forward Arnaut Danjuma this summer. Their valuation is said to be causing a number of sides to cool their interest, although no specific clubs are named.

Aston Villa reportedly made an enquiry over a deal for the Dutch international, although it remains to be seen if they will go any further with their interest.

Fans would be fuming

Johan Lange must avoid making an error with Danjuma this summer. It would leave Villa fans fuming if the club opted to overpay for the attacker given their other transfer business ahead of next season.

Villa snapped up Emi Buendia from Norwich for a club-record £33m earlier this summer. The Argentine was outstanding in the second tier last season and shone for the Canaries as they won the title and he was crowned Player of the Year.

This means that he can be directly compared to Danjuma as they both played in the same division. So, how did the Dutchman compare to Villa’s record purchase? In terms of goals, the Cherries star was ahead with 17 to Buendia’s 15, but that was as good as it got for the 24-year-old.

Per 90, Buendia averaged more tackles, duels won, chances created, forward passes, clearances, interceptions and blocks, whilst also completing a higher percentage of his dribbles attempted in comparison to the Bournemouth forward.

This is not to say that Danjuma is a bad player, it must be stressed. During last season’s Championship campaign, Clinton Morrison was eager to praise the attacker.

He told Quest, via Football League World: “Danjuma is an excellent player. Whatever happens, he will be playing Premier League football next year, whether it’s with Bournemouth or without them. He’s an exceptional talent.”

However, his statistics do not suggest that he is worth the £35m Bournemouth are demanding.

Buendia outshone him in the vast majority of the key categories, whilst they are both the same age and Norwich are in a league above Scott Parker’s side. Therefore, Villa fans would be angered to see their team paying over the odds for a talent when they could look elsewhere in the market for better value.

Lange simply has to avoid this deal.

AND in other news, Lange could strike gold for Smith with swoop for “huge talent”, Villa must act swiftly…

Leeds will ‘make an extra effort’ to sign Marcelo Bielsa target Matheus Cunha from Hertha Berlin in this summer’s transfer window, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.

The lowdown

Former RB Leipzig forward Cunha has been directly involved in 23 goals in his 39 Hertha appearances (13 goals, 10 assists).

Last season, he netted seven times in 27 Bundesliga appearances for a side that only finished two points above the relegation zone.

He still has four years left on his contract in the German capital, having only arrived in 2020.

One of the Brazilian’s former coaches, Maurizio Jaccobacci, has described him as a ‘very fast’ and ‘unpredictable’ player – that unpredictability is evidenced by his stunning goal of the season winner in 2019, spinning past a defender before chipping the goalkeeper in unbelievably cool fashion (Youtube).

The latest

The report states that Leeds won’t give up on their pursuit of Cunha, a player ‘requested’ by Bielsa, despite the ‘high value’ demanded by Hertha.

They’re said to be looking for somewhere between €25million (£21.5million) and €30million (£25.8million) to part with him.

Such a deal could make Cunha the second-most expensive acquisition in Leeds history behind last summer’s £27million arrival Rodrigo.

The verdict

Cunha’s goal tally may not be particularly eye-catching, but clearly Bielsa and Leeds have identified him as a player with a considerably higher ceiling in a team that furnishes him with more opportunities – he managed to stand out in a Hertha team which struggled desperately.

He tended to operate from the left-hand side, but was also used as an attacking midfielder and a centre forward. That versatility makes him a great asset, who could perhaps play on the opposite flank to Raphinha or offer support and depth for his compatriot.

He’s still only 22 years old, and so his improvement might make the transfer fee look pretty modest a couple of years down the line.

In other news, Alex McLeish issues his one-word verdict on this Leeds man.  

Leeds United have confirmed an exciting boost after news emerged from Thorp Arch that Stuart Dallas has signed a new contract at the club.

What’s the story?

The Northern Ireland international played all 38 games in the Premier League last season for Marcelo Bielsa’s side – in fact, the versatile ace only missed nine minutes of action in the top-flight when he came off against Leicester back in early November.

And now, via the club’s official website, the Whites have confirmed that Dallas has put pen to paper on a new three-year contract to extend his stay at Elland Road.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Given just how consistent Dallas was all season, news that he’s been rewarded with a new contract will be music to the ears of both Bielsa and the Leeds fans.

He completed a sweep of the club awards for his performances, winning Goal of the Season, Players’ Player of the Year and the Player of the Year – a real indication of the kind of impressive displays he put in, and the high esteem with which his teammates hold him.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay made it clear just how good he has been, saying: “I went for Dallas as Player of the Year last season as well. I’ve almost run out of things to say about him. He’s like the T-1000 from Terminator. Tell him to be a goalkeeper and he turns himself into one (without indiscriminately killing people at the same time).”

With his ability to play virtually anywhere across the pitch, Dallas is an absolute manager’s dream, and it’s no surprise that Bielsa himself has made it clear just how much he rates him.

He said: “I had a player like Dallas before in Javier Zanetti, and Julio Saldana when I had my first experience of management at Newell’s Old Boys. Those two players are very like Dallas in terms of their versatility.

“Dallas is a very potent, powerful player and can play with either foot. In the majority of the games that the team has played, he has been one of our best players.”

And, former Newcastle man, Rob Lee, added to the list of admirers, saying exclusively to FFC: “He’s been brilliant and he’s not one of their big-name players so he goes under the radar but every time I watch him play, he’s either Man of the Match or not far off it. He’s been different class and he has been scoring goals as well, so a new contract is the least he deserves.”

News of his contract taking him through to the summer of 2024 will have Bielsa absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a massive Helder Costa upgrade in this man…