All posts by z3u9t.icu

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keen on Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes, although the player’s potential transfer fee could prove a stumbling block.

What’s the word?

As per Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sports Witness), the 23-year-old is believed to be on the club’s radar this summer as Bruno Lage looks to bolster his midfield ranks, with teammate Joao Palhinha having also been heavily tipped for a move to Molineux.

While this latest report suggests that it is a ‘given’ that the latter man will make the switch in the current window, the chances of his colleague and compatriot joining him in the Midlands are much slimmer, with Ruben Amorim’s side set to demand as much €40m (34.1m) for his services.

That fee is seemingly proving a notable obstacle for Wolves at present, with the 6-foot machine currently ‘closer to staying’ with his current side, despite rumoured interest from other Premier League clubs, such as champions Manchester City and newly-promoted Fulham, as per the report.

Imagine him and Palhinha

The desire to add new reinforcements in the centre of the park has been heightened by the speculation surrounding the future of current regular Ruben Neves, while partner-in-crime Joao Moutinho is also facing an uncertain future with his contract set to expire this summer at present.

The pair have been integral for the Old Gold in recent seasons – notably being dubbed “trojans” by pundit Glenn Hoddle back in December for their superb partnership – with the loss of one or both set to leave a notable void in Lage’s side.

Those potential exits may not prove a knockout blow, however, if the club are able to fashion another impressive partnership, with the chance to sign both Palhinha and Nunes offering a ready-made duo who have already shown their worth as a midfield unit in recent times.

The Portuguese pair proved vital in helping the Lisbon outfit progress to the knockout stage of the Champions League last term at the expense of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, before their eventual exit at the hands of City in the last-16.

Dubbed “one of the best players in the world today” by Pep Guardiola despite that defeat, Nunes caught the eye throughout the competition, averaging 1.2 interceptions, 1.5 clearances and two tackles per game in his six outings, while teammate Palhinha also chipped in with 1.2 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and a remarkable 3.7 tackles from his six appearances.

As for their league form, the latter man also averaged one interception and three tackles per 90 from his 23 appearances, while Nunes averaged 1.3 tackles and 0.9 interceptions from his 31 outings, as well as chipping in with five goal contributions.

A formidable and combative pairing, both men would seemingly be able to slot straight in to Lage’s side were they to be plucked this summer, offering a quick and quality replacement to what looks to be the end of the Neves-Moutinho axis.

The club have already struck gold time and again by tapping into the talent market in Portugal, they would be foolish not to do so again.

IN other news: Deal agreed: Big Molineux transfer development emerges, it’s great news for Wolves

Leeds United are acting early to ensure that a relegation dogfight isn’t repeated in 2022/23 and it appears they are close to sealing yet another signing at Elland Road…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants have already secured a move for RB Salzburg duo, midfielder Brenden Aaronson (£25m) and right-back Rasmus Kristensen (£10m), and now are honing in on a third arrival.

That’s according to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth, who delivered a short and snappy five-word update to Twitter, where he said:

“One deal being worked on.”

In an accompanying article, it’s claimed that the Whites are working to complete another signing by the ‘end of next week.’

Busy summer continues

Leeds narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season, thanks to their 2-1 win over Brentford and some fortune as Burnley were defeated. It would have been a gutting twist in their history, having taken 16 years to get back to the big time in 2020.

Evidently, the wretched campaign left a sour taste on those high up in the hierarchy as they have already sanctioned two big-money deals, despite the transfer window only reopening on Friday.

Aaronson is a hugely promising attacking midfielder that fits Jesse Marsch’s system like a glove, whilst Kristensen is another player that has been coached by the American and will offer more threat down that right flank.

The third signing is unknown at this stage but could quite easily emerge to be Bayern Munich’s bit-part midfielder Marc Roca, who is thought to be attracting £10m interest from the Premier League side in a deal that could be a bargain.

Torino wing-back Ola Aina, NYCFC striker Valentin Castellanos, Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino, and long-time target, Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien have all been linked in recent days, too.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

The fact that Victor Orta and co are already lining up another move is certainly thrilling for the Elland Road faithful, any one of those names would add something to Marsch’s squad, on top of the Salzburg duo.

It’s going to make for an exciting summer and one that could see Leeds’ fortunes change drastically heading into the new season.

AND in other news, David Lynch drops Takumi Minamino transfer update…

Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Leicester City defender Ben Nelson this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Nelson profiled

The centre-back has worked his way up through the ranks with the Foxes over the years, having started out in the U18s before making the step up to the U23s, finally taking the huge leap for his first-team debut two years ago in the Premier League club’s UEFA Europa League 3-2 victory against Spanish side Villarreal at the King Power, as per the Foxes’ official website.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the Midlands outfit’s brightest young talents, and despite his age, his performances have earned him a call up to the England U18s squad, where he is set to feature for the Three Lions in their four-nation tournament in Zagreb next week.

The Latest: Magpies keeping tabs on Nelson

Football Insider shared news in the last 48 hours claiming that the Magpies are ‘keeping tabs’ on Nelson with a ‘view’ to a summer deal, but are set to face stiff competition for his signature from fellow top-flight giants Manchester City and Manchester United.

The outlet further state that a recruitment source believes that Eddie Howe’s side, along with their transfer rivals, are ‘sending scouts’ to watch the future prospect in action for England, and that Leicester are ‘braced for offers’ for the teenager as they take on a huge battle to try and keep hold of their man.

The Verdict: One for the future

The Northampton-born starlet signed his first professional contract with Brendan Rodgers’ side back in February and has majorly impressed with the club’s U23s, having made 18 appearances for the Foxes in Premier League 2 this season, netting one goal during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

The colossus was even voted Leicester’s 2020/21 Academy Player of the Season, so it’s no wonder that there are multiple potential suitors out there that are interested in securing his services.

Even though he’s still only 18, if Newcastle were to sign Nelson, whether this be on a temporary or permanent basis, he has bags of potential to give and would be one for the future who has the ability to develop into a first-team talent in the coming years.

In other news… the Magpies are reportedly ready to break their transfer record for one of their main summer targets.

Rangers ended their 2021/22 campaign on a high as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Ibrox side won the Scottish Cup final last weekend in their final game of the season.

Ryan Jack scored a stunning volley from distance and Scott Wright produced a composed finish as two substitutes sealed the win in extra time for Rangers.

It was van Bronckhorst’s first trophy in charge of the Premiership club, and the focus must now turn to what the Gers need to do in the summer transfer window to win multiple competitions in 2022/23.

Ross Wilson and the Dutch coach will be identifying targets to come in and improve the team and/or replace current stars who may be on their way out of Ibrox.

One player for whom the club have been linked with a move is Bolton winger Oladapo Afolayan. Journalist Alan Nixon previously claimed on his Patreon site that the Light Blues are looking at him as a potential £1.5m replacement for Ryan Kent, who may leave the club.

Nixon has since confirmed that the Gers are still eyeing up a potential deal for the attacker, although there were no other updates aside from that.

Dream Kent heir

By signing Afolayan, Rangers can land the dream heir to Kent’s throne at Ibrox, as the 24-year-old is a talented and exciting winger who can contribute in the final third.

He has been dubbed an “asset” by Bolton manager Ian Evatt, who also heaped praise on the winger’s playing style by saying: “The way that Dapo plays out wide is that he’s always drifting inside into pockets of space into half spaces and then looking to thread passes or dribble and drive and shoot, so as a number 10, he can really affect the game from that position.”

In League One this season, he managed 12 goals and four assists in 38 starts for Bolton. Although he only picked up four assists for his efforts, Afolayan was a constant threat when it came to creating chances, as he provided 1.6 key passes per game and created eight ‘big chances’ in total.

The 24-year-old, who completed 1.4 dribbles per game in the recently-concluded campaign, has the ability to have a huge impact in the final third, as he has shown that he can score goals and provide his team-mates with opportunities on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, Kent produced two goals and eight assists in the Premiership for Rangers in 2021/22. He created 10 ‘big chances’ and delivered 1.7 key passes per match as he made himself a reliable, exciting option for Van Bronckhorst on the left flank.

Albeit in a different league, Afolayan’s statistics suggest that he can have a similar – potentially bigger – impact in front of goal if he is able to adapt to Scottish football. They both play out on the left flank and can score and create goals, which is why the Ibrox club must try to strike a deal with Bolton to land the English attacker as Kent’s heir.

AND in other news, Rangers can finally replace Defoe in deal for lethal 29 G/A gem who “never gives up”…

Tottenham Hotspur know a point will secure them a place in the Champions League next season as they travel to Norfolk to face Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Antonio Conte has transformed the north London outfit since arriving in November as Nuno Santo’s replacement and in recent weeks, their hard work on the training pitch has come to fruition.

Last week, Spurs defeated arch-rivals Arsenal and then Burnley to move into that fourth spot with everything in their own control. Now they go up against a side already banished to the Championship.

After an illness scare in midweek, it will be interesting to see what sort of side the Italian head coach names, here’s what we are predicting…

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-hotspur-latest-news-updates-transfer-rumours-gossip-spurs-thfc-conte-paratici” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

In goal, Hugo Lloris is expected to remain, given he is the no.1 choice and the club captain. And with the Lilywhites still without Cristian Romero, there should be no changes to the backline either.

That means Ben Davies, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez continue in a back three, with Ryan Sessegnon and Emerson Royal on either flank as wing-backs. Sergio Reguilon is also still absent through injury.

In midfield, it would be a surprise to see any changes, so Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg partners Rodrigo Bentancur again.

But further up the pitch, we could see the one and only change to the starting XI as Dejan Kulusevski comes in for Lucas Moura.

The £18m-rated Brazilian, described as a “nightmare” by Dier in the past, just hasn’t offered as much threat as the Swede since he arrived on deadline day in January.

He comes back into a front three involving Heung-min Son and Harry Kane, who was a big doubt heading into kickoff due to illness. There’s no way he misses a game of this nature.

Predicted Spurs XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris; Davies, Dier, Sanchez; Sessegnon, Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Emerson; Son, Kulusevski; Kane

AND in other news, Conte must ruthlessly axe Spurs’ £34m-rated liability today, he’s been “horrendous”…

According to a report by The Daily Mail, a major West Ham United transfer update has now come to light involving Man United attacker Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

Since the Englishman’s phenomenal spell on loan in east London, manager David Moyes has been eager to bring him back to West Ham on a permanent deal.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-developments-5/” title=”West Ham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Lingard looks set to leave Old Trafford as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract in June, potentially gifting the Premier League side a chance to re-sign him on a Bosman deal.

Big name players like Lingard and fellow midfielder Paul Pogba are edging closer to the Man United exit door and it is now claimed that Moyes has made an ‘early move’ for his former star.

The Latest: Mokbel shares big Lingard update…

According to The Mail, West Ham’s manager has in fact moved early ahead of the competition to try and seal a summer switch for the 29-year-old.

Indeed, with the Hammers ‘making an offer’ to Lingard, they’re now ‘looking to secure him’ as they seek to get ahead of the competition for his signature.

The Verdict: Promising…

Lauded as a potentially ‘huge’ and ‘massive signing’ at West Ham by pundit Paul Robinson, sealing an agreement for the soon-to-be free agent comes as a no-brainer for the east Londoners.

He is already proven under Moyes and knows the club well having thrived there for the second half of 2020/2021, not to mention the fact Lingard would arrive at zero transfer cost.

Taking all of this into account, agreeing a move for the Red Devils ace should be one of Moyes’ first items on the to-do list as he prepares for a busy window.

In other news: Talks held: West Ham are also pushing to sign £20m ‘beast’ as club green-light summer sale…find out more here.

Wolves could not only sell Ruben Neves to Barcelona this summer but also lose him for a ‘hugely knocked down price’, according to a worrying new transfer report.

The Lowdown: Neves on the move?

The Portuguese has stood out as one of Wanderers’ best players in the Premier League this season, excelling in the middle of the park with his quality and tenacity.

Neves has scored four goals and registered two assists in the league, not to mention enjoying an average pass completion rate of 84.2%.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old has been continually linked with a move away from Wolves this summer, and a new update further suggests that that will happen in the worst way possible.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-the-latest-from-wolves-6/” title=”All the latest from Wolves!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Double blow for Wolves

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Barcelona not only see Neves as their number one midfield target but are also confident of signing him on the cheap compared to others.

It is claimed that they could sign him for a ‘much lower ‘amount than fellow target Martin Zubimendi, who has a €60m (£50.7m) release clause – Transfermarkt value Neves at £36m.

[freshpress-poll id=“388780″]

The Verdict: Cough up the cash Barca

If Wolves are to lose Neves this summer, it is essential that they only sell him for a huge amount of money – frankly, only a club-record exit fee will do, beating the current amount of £40.23million received for Diogo Jota.

Bruno Lage will need the money to bring in a top-quality replacement and not having those funds would feel like a double whammy after losing arguably his star player.

If Barcelona want Neves, they must pay the amount that Wolves are willing to part with, or accept having to look at a different target instead.

In other news, Wolves have been linked with an exciting Premier League signing. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool are believed to be edging closer to the signing of Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay, according to a report from 90min. 

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

A graduate of the youth academy at Pittodrie, the 18-year-old starlet has enjoyed a breakthrough couple of seasons north of the border.

Following a fleeting Scottish Premiership debut in March 2021 against Dundee United, Ramsay has now made 39 appearances for the Aberdeen first-team, racking up nine assists during that time – it is perhaps no surprise to see the team so renowned for using their full-backs as playmakers now on the hunt.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-32/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Albeit only a sample size on which to base an opinion and despite his fledgeling years, a big move may already beckon for the Scottish youth international…

The latest: Liverpool in pole position

As per 90min, Liverpool are said to be ‘confident of winning the race’ to sign Ramsay this summer.

It’s claimed that the Reds will beat interest from Leeds United, West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace in order to land the teenager who was described as being among the ‘elite’ bracket of young talents in Europe by Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack.

Furthermore, the report states that ‘sources close to the Reds now believe a deal is close’ as Jurgen Klopp and new sporting director Julian Ward look to kickstart their summer transfer window early.

The verdict: Smart move

Although it’s currently nigh on impossible to envisage a world in which Ramsay can usurp Trent Alexander-Arnold, the ability to rest and rotate the three-cap Scottish Under 21 ace’s compatriot Andy Robertson with Kostas Tsimikas has proven invaluable this term.

Following a successful loan spell at Fulham it’s expected Neco Williams could look to move onto pastures new and as such Klopp will want an immediate replacement.

So far this season Ramsay – who boasts very strong crossing, key passes and set-piece ability (WhoScored) – has scored once and provided nine assists in 33 appearances, highlighting similarities with Alexander-Arnold that make it clear to see why Liverpool and Klopp would be keen on bringing the youngster to Anfield.

In other news, Liverpool have been boosted by a fresh transfer update. Read more here.

Graham Smyth has dropped a promising injury update on Leeds United centre-back Liam Cooper ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal.

What’s the latest?

In a recent article for the Yorkshire Evening Post, the journalist revealed that Jesse Marsch is optimistic the sensation the defender felt in his knee ahead of the Manchester City loss last weekend is not a serious injury, before going on to state that it is possible the Scotland international plays against Arsenal on Sunday.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds United news and rumours!”]

Smyth went on to write in his piece: “Cooper has been described at Leeds as the master of getting himself right for matchdays even after a disrupted week of training and if he’s in any way close to contention, he’ll push to be involved in such a big game.”

Marsch will be buzzing

Should Cooper indeed be deemed fit enough to feature at The Emirates this weekend, it would certainly be an outcome that will have Jesse Marsch and the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, while injury has severely limited the 30-year-old’s game time this term, the £6.3m-rated Scot has nevertheless proven his importance to the Whites over his 18 Premier League appearances, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.1 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 3.4 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

These returns have seen the £35k-per-week defender average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him as Leeds’ best performing outfielder in the top flight.

As such, considering just how important the Arsenal fixture is in Leeds’ season – with the Whites currently sitting just two points above the relegation zone – Cooper’s return would undoubtedly come as a huge boost for Marsch, something the 48-year-old manager desperately needs at present.

AND in other news: Sources: Orta eyeing Leeds bid for £19.8m-rated ace, he’s like “Messi inside the area”

Aston Villa forward Leon Bailey has been dealt a blow after picking up another injury in the win over Norwich City on Saturday.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his post-match press conference following the 2-0 victory over Dean Smith’s side, manager Steven Gerrard revealed that the Jamaican speedster faces a race to be fit for next week’s trip to Turf Moor, having been withdrawn just 40 minutes into the clash with the Canaries.

Asked about the summer signing’s status, the Villa boss said: “It’s an ankle issue. In terms of the extent and the damage I’m sure he’ll be MRI scanned in the next 24 to 48 hours. I’m really disappointed and frustrated for him because he’s worked really hard to get back, he’s been training ever so well.”

The Englishman then went on to add: “He said there was a bit of a twist after the contact so we’ll get him looked at. He’s obviously going to be a major doubt for the next game against Burnley because it’s very rare that you come off the pitch and you’re available for the next game, so we are concerned about it.”

Huge Blow

That frustration for all concerned stems from the fact that it has been a disrupted debut campaign for the 24-year-old since his £25m move from Bayer Leverkusen, having been restricted to just seven Premier League starts for the Midlands side.

The £27m-rated man had missed a fair portion of the season over the festive period with a thigh injury, although since his return to action in February he has failed to nail down a regular starting berth, despite the club’s inconsistent form.

He had arrived last summer with a big reputation after providing 65 goal contributions in 156 games in all competitions for the Bundesliga side, although has since chipped in with just one goal and two assists in the top-flight during his brief stint at Villa Park.

Nevertheless, he had begun to show signs of life in his recent outings, notably going close to scoring early on in Saturday’s win, only to be denied by a fine save from opposition stopper Tim Krul, while Birmingham Mail writer John Townley wrote that he looked “lively in spells” prior to his withdrawal.

With Gerrard’s men still not certain of survival – despite reaching the ‘magic’ 40 point mark with that latest victory – they are still in need of all the help they can get, with Bailey’s potential absence in the coming weeks far from an ideal situation.

Yes, it has not gone to plan so far, but there is certainly an immense talent in there somewhere, with his former coach Heiko Herrlich previously suggesting that he “can do anything” such is his undoubted quality.

He looked as if he had begun to build some rhythm in recent weeks, although this latest setback is set to be a huge blow for both his manager, the supporters and the player himself.

In other news, “I’m told”: Journo gives huge Aston Villa transfer boost, Gerrard will be delighted…