All posts by h716a5.icu

An update has emerged on Kristjaan Speakman’s pursuit of Marlos Moreno as he eyes an attempt to bring him to Sunderland in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to AS Colombia, the Black Cats are one of three Championship teams showing an interest in snapping the 25-year-old up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that Norwich, recently relegated from the Premier League, and Bristol City are also keen on securing his services.

However, it is not stated how much money Manchester City want for the attacker, who has one year left to run on his current contract after they signed him for £4.5m in 2016.

Imagine him & Patrick Roberts

By securing a deal to sign Moreno this summer, Sunderland would be able to form an exciting wing partnership with the Colombian and current Black Cats attacker Patrick Roberts.

The 25-year-old forward was highly-rated at the start of his career, impressing enough to earn him a move to The Etihad.

South American football journalist Tim Vickery previously lauded his talent and compared him to three exceptional players, saying: “There are no guarantees but not since the likes of Sergio Aguero, Alexis Sanchez and Neymar have I been so enthusiastic about a young player.”

Manchester City chief Txiki Begiristain then hailed the attacker upon his arrival in England, telling the club’s official website: 

“Marlos is an excellent prospect who has already broken into his national team.

“He’s a versatile player, still learning, but we believe he has a fantastic future in the game and with City. He makes and scores goals and is an intelligent footballer, we’re delighted to have signed him.”

However, he has not lived up to the likes of Neymar and Aguero and has spent a number of seasons on loan away from Manchester.

Moreno did show signs of promise in the 2020/21 campaign as he scored five goals and set up four in 23 league games for Lommel SK, whilst also scoring once in two cup matches, showing that he has the potential to make a big impact in the final third.

Roberts, meanwhile, managed two goals and one assist – creating 12 chances – in nine League One starts for the Black Cats last term.

Both players are 25 and heading into, what will hopefully be, the prime years of their respective careers. They can hit their stride whilst lining up on both flanks for Sunderland and potentially terrorise defenders in the final third if Neil can unlock the best of their abilities.

AND in other news, Neil can land Doyle 2.0 as SAFC eye move for £2.7m-rated wiz who “never loses control”…

Southampton are set to miss out on signing striker Armando Broja from Chelsea again this summer, with West Ham United close to wrapping up a deal for the player.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist David Orstnein, Broja is moving closer to a move to the London Stadium this summer.

He said: “West Ham close to agreement with Chelsea for Armando Broja. Currently working towards permanent. Personal terms in place but contract length undetermined.”

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at St Mary’s Stadium and Southampton had hoped they would be able to his services again, but it’s looking increasingly likely he will move to the Hammers.

With European football on offer at the London Stadium, it always looked like the more attractive option, and it seems his time on the south coast over the last year hasn’t been enough for him to want to stay.

Supporters will be gutted

The news will leave Saints supporters gutted as he contributed a lot to their success last season, being directly involved in ten goals in 38 appearances in all competitions.

He also impressed in several other areas, showing his presence in the air, ranking in the top 11% for aerials won when compared to positional peers in the Premier League last season.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl will have to look elsewhere for those goals now, and with time running out until the new campaign begins, they’re in a race to sign a new striker.

The club has recently been linked with a bargain move for Lyon forward Moussa Dembele who could be available for £10m and VfB Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic. They are definitely searching, but it might be hard to find someone as proven in the Premier League as Broja.

Ultimately, he will be a huge miss for the Saints, but even if he stayed for one more season, given his talent he would have likely left eventually so maybe it’s best that the club isn’t relying on a loanee for too long.

AND in other news: Saints eyeing deal to sign “lanky” 36-goal machine, he can be Ralph’s own Ibrahimovic…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Youri Tielemans in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that PIF are keen on the gem and are one of a number of teams taking a closer look at the Belgium international, who is said to be interested in leaving the King Power ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “Tielemans’ preference remains to leave this window. Still no formal bids despite growing interest from a number of clubs, including Man United and Newcastle. For now, #AFC focusing on Oleksandr Zinchenko, who can play in midfield. Personal terms expected to be agreed next week.”

The reporter added: “Leicester still anticipating offers between £25-30m before window shuts, and Tielemans would like to move. Ten Hag is a big fan. Tielemans was less convinced when Rangnick made enquiries in January but may reconsider under new boss. Far easier negotiation than with De Jong, too.”

Imagine him & Bruno Guimaraes

If Newcastle can strike a deal to sign the former Monaco man, He can form an exciting pairing with current Toon gem Guimaraes.

Journalist Jaquob Crooke previously dubbed the Belgian “divine” and his statistics in the Premier League in recent seasons suggest that he deserves to be praised. 

Since moving to England in January 2019, Tielemans has never averaged a SofaScore rating lower than 7.00 across a top-flight campaign. He has played in four seasons for the Foxes and maintained a sublime level of form throughout that time, proving that he has the quality and consistency to be an excellent midfielder in the division.

Newcastle would be signing a player who knows the league and would come with a degree of certainty, as he is not a young player coming to a new country and experiencing the Premier League for the first time. He is settled in England and a proven performer on the pitch.

Guimaraes, meanwhile, has made a stunning start to his career with Newcastle. The Brazil international averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.25 in 11 starts for the club last term – scoring five goals and assisting one.

He hit the ground running for Howe’s side and can now form a dream partnership with Tielemans in the middle of the park. Both players have shown that they can consistently produce brilliant displays in the Premier League and this means that they could run games for the Toon with their combined abilities.

AND in other news, Howe can finally axe “struggling” flop with Newcastle bid for “humble” £30m “lion”…

Rangers striker Kemar Roofe is attracting interest from Derby County, according to The Sunday Mirror.

The lowdown

Rangers paid £4.5million to sign Roofe from Anderlecht in the 2020 summer transfer window.

The £26,000-per-week man has gone on to make 72 appearances for the Glasgow outfit, scoring 34 times.

But there’s greater competition for the striker roles at Ibrox now following the £1.9million arrival of Antonio Colak from PAOK.

Derby have been relegated to League One, but the takeover of the club is now finally complete after 20 months of uncertainty.

The latest

The Mirror reports (via Rangers News) that Derby are keen on signing Roofe on loan for the 2022/23 season.

They want him to front their attack as they seek to regain their place in their Championship.

It remains to be seen whether Rangers sanction the move, or whether Roofe himself is interested.

The verdict

After agreeing to sell Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo, should Rangers be receptive to an approach from the Rams for Roofe?

Well, first and foremost, the 29-year-old is prolific. He scored 15 goals for the Gers last season, beaten only by joint-leaders Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier (16 apiece). Owen Hargreaves has described him as ‘lethal’, and it’s hard to argue.

He also produced some big moments, netting in extra time against Braga to send Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side into the Europa League semifinals and providing an assist in the last four of the Scottish Cup against Celtic. Indeed, sports journalist Josh Bunting has called him a ‘massive’ figure for the Light Blues.

But there are question marks over the player’s fitness record. Since he joined, he’s missed a whopping 27 games as a result of five different issues.

Perhaps Van Bronckhorst recognises his quality but will simply value availability higher.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi on his transfer ‘wish list’, says reliable journalist Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Conte’s centre-back pursuit

Before the summer transfer window opened, the Lilywhites boss was touted with an interest in a whole host of different central defenders.

According to The Athletic, Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig and Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan were the Italian’s top choices; two players who are among Europe’s best on the left side of a back three.

However, Spurs are still yet to bring in a left-sided centre-back on a permanent deal. Instead, they seem to have momentarily settled on Clement Lenglet, who arrived at Hotspur Way on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The Latest: Gold’s claim

In a QnA for football.london, Gold was asked whether Spurs have ever been interested in Guehi from Palace. In response, the journalist claimed:

“Spurs absolutely love him and I reported earlier in the summer that the 22-year-old was one of the names on their centre-back wish list. He plays mainly on the left of central defence where Tottenham now have Davies and Lenglet, although the latter can play in the centre if required.

“I just wonder whether the price that Palace would ask for the England international, who has a deal until 2026, would prove to be prohibitive and whether they’d even allow him to leave this year.

“Spurs will look for another centre-back if Rodon and/or Tanganga depart in the weeks ahead but I wonder if Guehi would may be one for next summer when I’m sure a number of teams will look at him after the World Cup.”

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The Verdict: Great potential

When looking at the 22-year-old’s underlying stats, his huge potential is clear to see.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Guehi ranks in the top 22 percent for passes and dribbles (via FBRef), displaying the type of ball-playing abilities the elite clubs expect from their defenders.

He has also been hailed as ‘an absolute tank’ by England U21 teammate Josef Bursik, so would seemingly have no trouble with the physical demands Conte places upon his squad.

Having featured in 36 Premier League games last season, Patrick Vieira’s immense trust in the youngster should also say a lot – Wwth such great potential, it’s easy to see why this would be a brilliant long-term signing for Conte.

Reports in France have claimed that West Ham United have joined the race to land Paris Saint-Germain starlet, Arnaud Kalimuendo, with the 20-year-old having caught the eye out on loan in recent seasons.

The suggestion is that the Frenchman is keen for a move in order to secure more regular game time next season, with fellow Premier League side Leeds United also believed to be firmly interested in securing his signature.

Additional reports have claimed that the 5 foot 9 menace could cost in the region of €25m (£21m) if he is to be sold this summer, with two years remaining on his existing deal at the Parc des Princes.

According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, that fee would represent something of a “bargain” for a player who he described as “technically gifted”, with it no real surprise that there is such clamour to secure his services.

The £13k-per-week prospect scored 12 goals in 32 Ligue 1 appearances last term during his second successive temporary spell in Lens, having previously netted seven goals and provided five assists in 28 league games the year prior.

While yet to truly break into the first-team at his parent club, where he has made just five senior appearances thus far, the signs are that the France U21 international is only set to explode in the coming years, having been described as “absolutely deadly” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past.

His arrival at the London Stadium could also prove the perfect alternative to another reported West Ham target in Arnaut Danjuma, with the pair sharing a number of stylistic and statistical similarities, as per FBref.

Links to the Netherlands international have gone cold of late after it had appeared an audacious move was on the cards, with the 25-year-old having dazzled in his debut campaign at Villarreal last term, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in all competitions.

That form – which included six goals in the La Liga side’s surge to the Champions League semi-finals – has unsurprisingly caught the attention of those back in east London, albeit with the former Bournemouth man believed to have turned down an offer to join the Irons.

That could prove a blessing in disguise if a deal for Kalimuendo is secured, with the younger man set to prove a far more affordable alternative, amid reports that Danjuma has a £40m release clause in his existing deal.

Having only recently splashed the cash to sign Gianluca Scamacca, such an outlay appears unlikely, hence turning to the PSG youth product as a younger and cheaper option who can potentially be nurtured by Moyes over the coming years.

Danjuma may have been the name on everyone’s lips earlier this summer, but it would do no harm to consider Kalimuendo as another, immensely talented and versatile forward solution.

Crystal Palace are reportedly looking to raid a Premier League giant…

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Eagles have shown a liking to Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, with the Blues similarly interested in Wilfried Zaha.

The English winger is aware his first-team chances will be limited this season, and as he is fully fit, wants to ensure that elsewhere.

A whole host of clubs are said to be interested, such as Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Leicester City, Southampton and Everton.

Zaha heir?

With Zaha linked the other way, perhaps Hudson-Odoi could be a direct replacement for the Ivorian talisman who has been Palace’s main man for their stay in the Premier League.

Although he has not managed to truly explode, fitness issues and a lack of opportunities could explain why the Chelsea man is yet to announce himself on the world stage.

There must be something that makes him the “special” player – in the words of journalist Liam Canning –  that led Bayern Munich to offer a deal including an option to buy for £70m.

Having featured a respectable 28 times last season for Chelsea, he managed nine goal contributions across Premier League, domestic and Champions League competitions.

A respectable return for the 21-year-old who has seemingly been around the game forever, this is not a far cry from Zaha’s 15 goal contributions across 33 league games.

At this age, he can still be regarded as a “talent”, and with a run in a side and the backing of a manager like Patrick Vieira, who has already proven he puts his faith in the youth, could truly see him explode.

The £120k-per-week star has all the ability to become a world-class talent, a viewpoint that Frank Lampard shares, and with the recent history that Palace and Chelsea share with regards to loaning young English talent, they must be considered frontrunners.

It would prove to be a huge coup, and perhaps this time they could enamour themselves enough to this tricky forward to convince him to stay at Selhurst Park and be Zaha’s long-term successor.

He has all the ability to do so, he just needs some faith and to find some consistency.

Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on a deal to bring Nicolo Zaniolo to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Il Tempo (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite contrasting reports over the weekend suggesting that AS Roma would not be willing to part with the 23-year-old this summer, the Italy international’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli, remains in talks with Fabio Paratici regarding a switch to north London.

The report goes on to state that Zaniolo’s representative is attempting to discover whether or not Antonio Conte’s side would be willing to match the Serie A outfit’s demands of €50m (£42m) cash for the playmaker – a deal that does not include any player trades.

A “monster” for Conte

With it being common knowledge that Antonio Conte is hoping to complete the signing of a new attacking midfielder prior to September’s transfer deadline, it is not hard to understand why the 52-year-old is reported to be so keen on a deal to bring Zaniolo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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Indeed, over his ten appearances in Roma’s Europa Conference League campaign last time out, the £34m-rated talent was in breathtaking form, bagging five goals, registering four assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £76k-per-week midfielder average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Jose Mourinho’s sixth-best player in the competition – playing a starring role in the Giallorossi’s triumph in the inaugural tournament.

Furthermore, with the player who Nick Mercadante dubbed both a “monster” and a “nightmare” also being able to operate in attacking midfield, on the right wing and even as a centre-forward, aside from his evident ability in the final third, Zaniolo’s versatility would also appear to make him something of a perfect fit to Conte’s tactical setup in north London.

As such, considering all of the above, it is clear to see that, should Paratici manage to get a £42m deal over the line for the 23-year-old Romanista this summer, the Spurs sporting director could well have landed Conte a player who could develop into a real monster under the leadership of the 52-year-old Italian – a prospect that is sure to delight everyone involved with the club.

Steven Gerrard could be willing to part ways with one of his star forwards, according to transfer insider Dean Jones…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he issued the following update on the future of Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa:

“It’s an interesting story and one thing that has become clear to people close to Aston Villa over the course of this year is that Gerrard has some reservations about Watkins, so it would not be a surprise to see him replaced.”

With three years left on his £75k-per-week contract, he could mark a coup for whoever might snap up the unwanted England international. He could become their eighth departure of the summer.

Watkins is replaceable

Although he promised much after his club-record £28m transfer to Villa under ex-manager Dean Smith, Watkins has struggled to grow into the player many thought he would.

Having scored an astounding 25 Championship goals during the 2019/20 season, and seemingly taken to the Premier League in his debut year scoring 14, reports of a bust-up with his manager could see him exit Villa Park.

With one source claiming the pair “do not see eye to eye”, perhaps Gerrard will look to cash in whilst Watkins is still young and scoring a fair amount of goals.

This however does not make the forward irreplaceable, as despite his 11 league goals last season he still missed a further ten big chances.

He lives up to the notion that he is often a “blunt & disappointing” striker, as Mark Donne labelled him.

Gerrard has often opted for a lone striker backed up by three creative players just behind him, meaning that if Watkins was to leave, he would need only find a direct replacement to battle with Danny Ings for the spot.

Ings himself even managed seven goals and six assists last season, actually equalling the 13 goal contributions of Watkins.

The 26-year-old also does not boast any particular strengths that would make him irreplaceable, ranking in the 54th percentile for dribbles completed, the 42nd percentile for shot-creating actions, and the 76th percentile for pressures.

It would not be tough to replace these stats whilst also improving upon his goalscoring numbers.

Watkins is a solid all-around striker, but perhaps with more of a pure finisher up front, Gerrard could get more out of the likes of Phillipe Coutinho and Emi Buendia’s creativity.

He is far from irreplaceable, and as an English player entering his prime years, Villa would surely be able to earn a substantial fee to fund his successor.

The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that ‘progress’ has been made in Newcastle United’s pursuit of Joao Pedro.

The Lowdown: Final proposal

It has been reported that the St James’ Park outfit have made a ‘final proposal’ for the 20-year-old after having two bids turned down by Watford.

The latest offer is said to be worth £25m plus an extra £5m in add-ons, and it will now be up to the Championship club over whether or not to accept it.

The Latest: ‘Progress’ made

Taking to Twitter, Hope has revealed that ‘progress’ has been made over the weekend in terms of bringing Pedro to Tyneside, and that ‘sources’ close to the deal are ‘more confident’ then they were last week about getting a deal done.

The reporter tweeted: “Newcastle remain in talks with Watford over a deal for Joao Pedro. There is a feeling progress has been made over weekend but no agreement in place (yet). Sources close to deal sound more confident than last week, however.”

The Verdict: Exciting

It is certainly exciting for the Toon Army to hear of progress being made in the Pedro deal after having two bids rejected for the striker.

Hailed as an ‘exciting‘ player by his former Watford manager Xisco Munoz, the 20-year-old is already off the mark for this season, and has a total of 14 goals for his club over the last three campaigns.

The Brazilian is still very young, so Newcastle would be buying into his potential as well as his talent, so this looks like a deal from which they could benefit hugely in the future.