All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United are getting close to securing the appointment of Erik ten Hag to take over at Old Trafford this summer, however their transfer targets are proving more difficult to convince joining the club with a new update on one potential move.

What’s the word?

According to The Mirror, Harry Kane is set to snub Manchester United’s advancements this summer to stay at Tottenham Hotspur with Antonio Conte.

The report suggests that ten Hag has made the England captain his ‘top striker target’ to sign upon his arrival when the transfer window opens on June 10th, but Kane would prefer to remain as the main man under his new Italian manager following their huge chance of Champions League football next season.

ten Hag will be disappointed

As mentioned in the report, ten Hag had set Kane as his top target for the Man United forward line this summer, so to already lose the chance of signing the striker will sure be hugely disappointing to the Dutch coach ahead of his arrival at the club.

The £200k-p/w star who was hailed “world class” by Antonio Conte, had a slow start to his season, only scoring and assisting once in his first 13 Premier League games but has been back to his best since his new Italian manager arrived at the club in November.

Under Conte’s guidance, Kane has been phenomenal scoring 15 goals and contributing eight assists, with his link up play being one of his most commendable attributes in the second half of this season delivering five assists in the last three league games.

This attacking output is something that Manchester United are desperate for, and ten Hag clearly values the impact and quality that the Spurs striker could add to his new squad next season, but with Rangnick failing to secure a comfortable position in the top four this snub could be a common theme for the club during the transfer window.

If Man United don’t qualify for Champions League football it could lead to a major set-back in the 52 year old manager’s ability to build the team he wants to lead at Old Trafford, with top players like Kane preferring to play in the prestigious European competition.

In other news: Imagine him & Ten Hag: Man Utd could unearth Pogba 2.0 in “versatile” £100k-p/w dynamo

Tottenham Hotspur could be gifted a second chance at signing Marco Asensio in January, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Spanish publication Sport claim the 25-year-old midfielder is getting closer to leaving Real Madrid, having been frozen out by their new manager Carlo Ancelotti.

It’s thought that the Spaniard is far from happy with his role under the former Everton boss, who has not afforded him any league starts and a recent appearance on the substitutes bench against Valencia has nudged him towards an exit at the Bernabeu.

Recently, other reports in Spain suggested that Asensio was a ‘big target’ for Nuno Santo and Spurs in the summer, so the door could well open for the north London outfit to seal his signature this time around.

Second chance worth taking?

But is he a player that Spurs need or should want? The short answer is probably not.

There is no denying that Nuno’s squad is starved of creativity and that extra edge in the final third – as per The Athletic, they sit rock-bottom in the Premier League for expected goals (xG), registering a total of just 4.42.

They have also generated the second-fewest number of shots (46) and only created two big chances from their opening five matches.

The only player to be averaging above one key pass per outing, Steven Bergwijn (1.3), is currently out through injury, to make matters worse for the Portuguese head coach.

But going by Asensio’s overall record at the La Liga giants, he does not seem to be the likely solution to their problems, having only provided 37 goals and 22 assists across 198 appearances, via Transfermarkt – prior to his performance on Wednesday night.

That was direct contribution every 172 minutes.

It’s also hard to imagine that a player who has featured for only 140 minutes in 2021/22 will be able to hit the ground running in a completely different country so quickly.

If he did try to sign Asensio, new Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici could make the first major blunder of his Spurs career to date.

AND in other news, Spurs must regret not signing “exceptional” £31.5m-rated speed demon after PL masterclass…

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.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-3/” title=”West Ham latest news…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

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.

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

Newcastle United could now replace Steve Bruce with Chris Wilder, according to journalist Lee Ryder.

The Lowdown: Bruce under pressure

Bruce is certainly under pressure to get some results in the board, as the Magpies currently sit 19th in the Premier League, with no wins and a mere three points from their first seven games (Premier League).

That said, Mike Ashley seems to be sticking by his man for now, and the international break could not come at a better time for the Tyneside club.

The Latest: Bruce replacement?

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder has revealed that Wilder is among a list of names who could replace Bruce should he leave St James’ Park, with both Eddie Howe and Frank Lampard also being mentioned.

Wilder would reportedly ‘love’ to get the Magpies job and would be a contender if the position did become vacant, according to this report.

The Verdict: Wilder in

Given Newcastle’s poor start to the season, and with a lot of fans calling for Bruce to go, the international break seems to present itself with a perfect time to change manager and get prepared for when the squad returns.

In this case, they should look no further than Wilder. Although Sheffield United were relegated in his second top-flight season at Bramall Lane, the 54-year-old guided the Blades to a very impressive ninth-placed finish the previous term, having just been promoted up from the Championship.

Joe Cole has noted the ‘fantastic’ brand of football that Wilder’s teams often play, and given that his preferred formation is to play with three central defenders like Bruce does, the players should not find it too difficult to adapt to his system and tactics.

He is currently out of the job at the moment, so Newcastle should look to get him in before another club beats them to the chase.

In other news, find out what ‘massive boost’ Newcastle have received

West Brom manager Valerien Ismael has hinted that striker Kenneth Zohore could stay at the club beyond this summer, having impressed of late.

The Lowdown: Zohore sent out on loan

The Baggies were relegated from the Premier League last season, but one player who played no part in their struggles was Zohore.

The 27-year-old spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Millwall, but he didn’t impress overall, scoring just twice in 17 Championship appearances.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Striker could stay put

Zohore has arguably been expected to leave West Brom this summer, but speaking to Birmingham Live, Ismael has suggested that the attacker may be given another chance to prove his worth:

“Ken I have to say, over the last two weeks, has raised his intensity for sure.

“At the beginning we had some concerns about whether he can play at that intensity and buy in, but the last two weeks and the game against Birmingham show that we are on the right way with him.

“Strikers of that type you will need in the Championship, he can help us. He can score goals. He has the quality and he is part of the process.

“It’s up to him now to put the performances in on the pitch. My job, with the staff, is to make sure that he has the clarity in his head to know exactly what he has to do. I hope he can confirm what we have seen over the last two weeks.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-12/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: New signing still needed

If Zohore does end up staying with the Baggies, it is vital that another striker is brought in, regardless of the Dane’s future.

They have been linked with moves for the likes of Daryl Dike and Andre Gray, and the former in particular would represent an upgrade on current options having shone on loan for Ismael at Barnsley.

Zohore has shown that he is not good enough to lead the line regularly for a Championship side, and while Karlan Grant is also ahead of him in the pecking order, more depth is required.

In other news, West Brom are reportedly in talks to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Everton have reportedly entered the race to sign wantaway Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Gini Wijnaldum ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to 90min, the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs interested in securing the 31-year-old’s signature over the coming months, with Newcastle United, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Leicester and Aston Villa all listed as potential suitors.

The report stated: “Gini Wijnaldum’s representatives have sounded out several Premier League and European clubs with a view to a loan move in January, 90min understands.”

It added that a move to England over Germany and Spain is most likely due to his hefty £300,000-per-week wages, but PSG are far from guaranteed to let Wijnaldum leave halfway through the campaign, with a hectic schedule still to play out.

Rafa Benitez can seal big Everton coup

Wijnaldum briefly played under Rafael Benitez during their time together at Newcastle, and bringing him to Goodison Park would be a significant coup for the 61-year-old.

That’s because the Dutch international established himself as one of European football’s elite midfielders during his five-year stint at Everton’s local rivals Liverpool, scoring 22 goals and providing 16 assists in 237 appearances.

The £27m-rated gem also played a pivotal part as the Reds secured their maiden Premier League title back in 2019/20 and their Champions League success the season before, with his eye-catching performances across Stanley Park earning praise from several impressed onlookers.

“I have no words for Gini’s performances and quality,” former Liverpool and Netherlands forward Ryan Babel told Liverpoolfc.com. “He’s an incredible person. His energy is incredible, he has lungs for days. You can tell when he has the confidence, he’s really unbeatable and very hard to play against.”

However, things have not worked out as planned for Wijnaldum since he swapped Merseyside for Paris over the summer.

So far this season, the creative talent has started only seven Ligue 1 fixtures, completing the full 90 minutes on just four occasions in all competitions as Mauricio Pochettino has regularly picked the likes of Ander Herrara and Idrissa Gueye ahead of him.

With Wijnaldum’s growing frustration at his lack of action appearing to open the door to an imminent exit, Benitez could be reunited with the dynamic midfielder, adding some much-needed star quality to his struggling side.

In other news… Patrick Boyland issues behind-the-scenes Everton claim which should leave fans buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has claimed that Fabio Paratici could complete a swap deal with Villarreal for Pau Torres, with Giovani Lo Celso going the other way.

The Lowdown: Lo Celso impressing at Villarreal

After joining the La Liga outfit on loan in January, the 26-year-old has gone on to make a great impression with his new side, having been awarded player of the match in Villarreal’s shock 1-0 win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last week.

As a result, a number of rumours have arisen linking the Argentina international with a permanent move to the Spanish club.

This comes amid Spurs’ interest in Torres, after the north London club failed in their pursuit of signing the centre-back last summer.

A recruitment source recently revealed to Football Insider that, once again, the 25-year-old is on Tottenham’s radar ahead of a potential summer swoop.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-copy/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Wenham’s claim…

Wenham has suggested that Tottenham and Villarreal could come to an agreement over a swap deal for the two players.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed: “I think Villarreal are likely to agree a deal for Lo Celso. They actually have several players who are of interest to Tottenham.

“There is no clause in that [Lo Celso] deal but Fabio Paratici likes a swap deal so I’m sure we could work something out there.

“There is previous interest in Pau Torres, he is someone who we have looked at before.

“Danjuma is in great form and they have a good young talent in Yeremi. That is definitely an option we could take.”

The Verdict: Could be a great deal for Spurs

Given Torres’ label as the long-term successor for Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid, it is clear that his arrival at Hotspur Way would be an incredible piece of business for Paratici to pull off.

However, a swap deal between the pair seems unlikely given the differences in their respective transfer values. Torres has a current market value of £45m, whereas Lo Celso is worth just £19.8m.

Therefore, unless Spurs are going to cough up a vast sum alongside the midfielder, the proposed swap deal does not appear feasible.

Either way, it appears that Lo Celso will sign a permanent deal with Villarreal ahead of next season, where he appears to be having a better time of things than he did in north London.

In other news: Tottenham Hotspur: Paratici’s scouting mission to see Djed Spence

Crystal Palace have entered a new chapter in their history under the tutelage of Patrick Vieira, and the Frenchman could oversee a fresh wave of homegrown talent entering the senior ranks.

The Eagles have recently seen their academy facilities upgraded to Category 1 status after significant investment, and the fruits of their labour are already starting to show.

Last season, the under-18s only missed out on the league title to local rivals Fulham on goal difference, with several young stars making a name for themselves through a string of impressive performances.

One of those who caught the eye was 19-year-old midfielder Aiden Steele. The Northern Irishman joined Palace’s youth system in July 2019, but he really burst onto the scene last season.

He started 24 games for the under-18s throughout 2020/21, captaining them on 17 occasions, and was rewarded for his efforts in the engine room with a call-up to Shaun Derry’s under-23 setup.

The teenager has cultivated an enviable reputation for himself within the south London club, with the Eagles’ official website lauding his commitment both on and off the field.

“Steele’s grit and determination in midfield is coupled with professionalism and hard work off it,” his profile reads.

The praise for Steele inside Selhurst Park does not stop there. In a recent interview, youth coach Paddy McCarthy reportedly labelled the engine room operator “an honest and top professional” and someone who is “the first one out and the last one to leave the training pitch.”

His eye-catching displays for the club earned the youngster a call-up to the Northern Ireland under-21s in March for the very first time, but he remains ambitious to go even further in his career.

“I think I probably model myself on Toni Kroos as he has such a great passing range, touch and football brain,” Steele recently admitted. “I love the way he reads the game and can dictate a game with his one and two touch passing.”

With current Palace midfielders Luka Milivojevic, James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate all 30 or over and entering the twilight period of their careers, there could be an opportunity for Vieira to unearth a real gem over the coming years, but only time will tell if Steele gets his opportunity to impress at Selhurst Park.

In other news… Journalist claims “technical” CPFC gem is a “great option” for Vieira, fans will love him 

Arsenal and Barcelona are both interested in signing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

The Lowdown: Neves’ Wolves future in doubt

The 24-year-old has returned to top form for Wanderers this season, standing out as one of the team’s most influential performers throughout the campaign.

Neves has helped Wolves to boss numerous midfield battles in the Premier League, averaging 2.3 tackles per game and registering four goals and two assists.

A plethora of recent links have suggested that the Portuguese midfielder could depart Molineux this summer, with Manchester United among the leading suitors, and a new claim isn’t likely to alter that thought process.

[freshpress-poll id=“388780″]

The Latest: Neves a man in demand

According to Manchester Evening News journalist Luckhurst, Arsenal and Barcelona are both eyeing up summer moves for Neves as they look to strengthen in the middle of the park.

It is stated that Wolves ‘could cash in’ on the Portugal international if he is unwilling his extend his stay at Molineux, with his current deal expiring in 2024.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-the-latest-from-wolves/” title=”All the latest from Wolves!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Matter of time?

Sadly, it does feel inevitable that Neves will be plying his trade elsewhere next season, with a top-four finish arguably the only thing which would have kept him at Wolves.

He may simply feel that he has outgrown Bruno Lage’s side at this point, giving five years of excellent services to the club, including taking home numerous end-of-season awards back in 2017/18 as they regained their top-flight status.

It is hard to begrudge him a move elsewhere, though, especially if Barcelona come calling, with the La Liga giants making impressive strides under new manager Xavi.

There is no absolute guarantee that Neves will leave the Black Country, and it would be an enormous bonus if he stays put, but there seems plenty of evidence to point towards him exiting at the end of the season.

In other news, Tim Spiers has given a double Wolves injury update. Read more here.