All posts by z3u9t.icu

An update has emerged on St Johnstone defender Jamie McCart, regarding Sunderland’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Scottish Sun, as transcribed by NotTheOldFirm, Sunderland are one of the clubs showing an interest in signing St Johnstone central defender Jamie McCart this summer.

The report claims Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Barnsley and Hibernian are also tracking the defender following his impressive season up in Scotland. He is said to be in the final 12 months of his contract, with a host of sides looking to pounce on his potential availability, including the Black Cats.

Forget Sanderson

Sunderland were dealt a blow earlier this month as The Athletic revealed that Wolves are planning to keep Dion Sanderson at Molineux this summer. Wolves want to retain the centre-back and loan him out to a Championship side, ruling out any chance of a return to the Stadium of Light.

Kristjaan Speakman was reportedly keen on sealing a deal for the defender, following his loan spell last season, but now appears set to miss out on his signature.

Whilst this is frustrating for the club, it is now time to forget about Sanderson and concentrate on a swoop for McCart. The 24-year-old enjoyed a terrific campaign in the Scottish Premiership for St Johnstone and could be a fantastic, much-needed, addition to Lee Johnson’s squad. The ex-Bristol City coach needs a centre-back to replace Sanderson and McCart could prove to be an upgrade on the loanee, which would soon make supporters forget about the Wolves man.

Earlier this year, St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson heaped praise on his centre-back. He said that he is a great defender and works hard on the pitch.

He told The Courier:

“Jamie brings good balance on the left side, but he is a very good defender, first and foremost.

“Jamie works extremely hard and is very good on the ball, stepping in and playing. That’s something we have been getting him to do more of this season. But I don’t think people realise how good a defender he is.

“He’s defending his box really well.”

The £450k-rated powerhouse averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 6.91 in the Scottish Premiership, winning 5.5 aerial battles per game. Sanderson, meanwhile, averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.72 across 26 appearances for Sunderland in League One, winning 2.3 aerial battles per game. McCart also made more tackles, interceptions and clearances than the Wolves loanee managed in the third tier.

McCart could turn out to be an upgrade on Sanderson and be a top-quality signing for Johnson as he has proven he can perform in the top-flight in Scotland. Dropping down to the third division in England could allow him to thrive even more, so Speakman and Johnson need to do all they can to get this deal over the line in the coming weeks.

AND in other news, Johnson must seal SAFC deal for “outstanding” £9.3k-p/w beast, he won’t cost a penny…

Crystal Palace travel to Milwall tomorrow for their FA Cup third roundc lash, and they look set to be bolstered by the impending return of one crucial player for the south London derby.

What’s the word?

Eagles manager Patrick Vieira held his pre-match press conference this morning and confirmed that Conor Gallagher had returned to training after being missing from the team over the last few weeks.

The 45-year-old spoke briefly about the youngster’s return on Friday, saying: “Some of the players are back in training, Conor is one of them.”

The 21-year-old was absent from the last two Premier League games against Norwich and West Ham, but he has given the Eagles a huge boost by being available for the cup clash tomorrow afternoon.

Vieira will be buzzing

The Chelsea loanee has been a standout performer for Palace this season after joining on a season-long loan deal in the summer, with the midfielder scoring six goals and recording three assists in just 18 games so far, helping the Eagles to 11th place in the Premier League currently.

According to SofaScore, the 21-year-old is by far Palace’s best-performing player this season with an average rating of 7.42. In addition to his goals, he has also chipped in with plenty of work off the ball, winning 51% of his ground duels.

Vieira will be buzzing to bring back the £17k-p/w star for the FA Cup tie this weekend, especially after they missed him in last week’s defeat to another London rival in West Ham. Gallagher’s return to action appears to have come at the perfect time for Eagles fans ahead of Saturday’s trip to The Den.

In other news: Journalist makes this Palace transfer claim involving Eddie Nketiah

A major update has emerged on Rangers defender Calvin Bassey’s availability for the Ibrox giants over the next two months…

What’s the latest?

The Gers beast could have missed a number of games after the winter break due to the African Cup of Nations, but the Glasgow Times reports that he has been left out of the Nigeria squad for the competition.

Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun are both set to jet off to play for their country and will miss, among other games, an Old Firm clash with Celtic at the start of February. Bassey, meanwhile, will now be able to feature in that derby matchup.

Fans will love it

Fans will surely love this news as it could be a major boost to the Gers heading into the Premiership schedule after the break ends. Depending on how far Nigeria go in the competition, Aribo and Balogun look set to miss a few games, but Bassey will now be available for selection barring suspension or injury.

This will delight the supporters as he has been in fine form in recent weeks since moving to centre-back from his more natural left-back role. He has played nine games times Gio van Bronckhorst took over at the club and the Gers have kept seven clean sheets in those matches.

Bassey has recorded one SofaScore rating lower than 6.9 in the last nine outings, which came against Lyon in a 1-1 draw in the Europa League. This shows that he has been consistently delivering excellent performances, as eight of his nine appearances have ended with him putting in an impressive showing.

The Dutch head coach praised the defender towards the start of his reign, saying:

“I’ve been really impressed. Calvin’s a really talented defender. Normally he plays in the left-back position but doesn’t have much experience in the centre back area. So I’m really happy with his performances so far. I think he has the physical ability to play there.

“We will help him a lot in that position, when he has to pass, when he has to dribble, the positioning he has to take when the other defender has got the ball.

“He’s a player who is very open to learning, and he gives a lot of energy to the team.”

These quotes from the retired left-back and Bassey’s statistics in recent weeks show why his availability will be a big boost for the club.

Fans will love to see him in action again after the break as he has been showing that he can be a top player for the side at centre-back and, hopefully, he can continue his form throughout the rest of the season and in the future.

AND in other news, “I’m sure”: Reporter drops exciting Rangers transfer claim that’ll leave fans buzzing…

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to news ahead of the trip to Manchester City this weekend on Twitter.

The Premier League have officially confirmed that Andre Marriner will be the man in the middle for the meeting at the Etihad, while Lee Mason will be in charge of VAR.

Marriner has already taken charge of an Eagles encounter this season in the 1-1 draw with rivals Brighton. His first Palace game as a Premier League referee was actually City v Palace all the way back in 2005, with the hosts running out 3-1 winners.

Meanwhile, Mason, who took charge of the same fixture last season, is now retired as a ref but is still involved with officiating through the use of VAR.

He was the man who ruled out Christian Benteke’s header last weekend against Newcastle, with Marc Guehi adjudged to have fouled Ciaran Clark.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news regarding Marriner and Mason on Twitter on Monday afternoon.

This is what these Eagles fans had to say in reply, with many not happy.

“God help us”

Credit: @jackstacpfc

“Not Lee Mason on VAR duty AGAIN – grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr??!!”

Credit: @MThreadingham

“Don’t turn up and take the 3-0 loss, best for all parties involved”

Credit: @paintaCPFC

“Just play the kids and let’s avoid suspensions”

Credit: @StevofY

“Well that’s that then.”

Credit: @JackkBarton

“Announce defeat.”

Credit: @Georgiecpfc

Eddie Howe must axe Allan Saint-Maximin after a poor showing against Wolves to free up space for several new recruits in the summer.

The Newcastle United star performed disappointingly against Bruno Lage’s side and it has led to discussions around whether now is the time to cash in and let him leave the club.

During that contest, he failed with all three of his dribbles, lost the ball a whopping 23 times and lost a mighty 15 duels. He can be “breathtaking” on his day in the words of Gary Neville but this was fine evidence of why he has the tendency to drive club legend, Alan Shearer, absolutely “mad.”

Also described as the “jewel in Newcastle’s crown” by their former player David Ginola, the Magpies would be looking to get at least £50m for the player who prior to the takeover was a key part in the club’s future.

However, the new owners have shown in January that they have money to spend and want to be in the market for Europe’s best players.

Selling Saint-Maximin would present them with an opportunity to reinvest the profit and put it towards signing a better player, and it would also free up space in the squad.

Even though he’s been involved in more Newcastle goals than any other players this season, if the Toon are serious about competing with the top teams then you have to compare him to the other Premier League players in his position.

The Frenchman ranks in the bottom 50% in Europe this season when it comes to goal creating actions compared to others in his position. It does beg the question, is he really the man to take Newcastle to where they want to be?

He’s proved he isn’t an awful player, and he may still be able to play a part if Newcastle becomes more successful, but if it’s as a squad player then his value will lessen which is why Newcastle should sell now.

One player they have been linked with is Jarrod Bowen. The West Ham United star has shone this season and as a result, has attracted interest from big clubs.

Comparing the two shows that the Englishman could be a perfect replacement for Saint-Maximin. He has better goals and assists average per 90 minutes at 0.35 compared to 0.18.

Newcastle could use the money generated from selling the £93k-per-week Saint-Maximin to buy Bowen and improve their side.

IN other news: Downie drops NUFC transfer claim involving “four or five players”, it’s great news – opinion

Former Everton star Michael Ball has lauded Demarai Gray after his fine start to the season at the Toffees.

The club brought the winger in during the summer transfer window, securing his signature from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen.

The deal cost around £1.7m and Gray is already providing to be one of the biggest bargains of the summer transfer window.

He has made a total of six appearances in the Premier League and has already scored three goals, while also registering one assist.

The winger is already one of the first names on the team sheet under manager Rafael Benitez and the Toffees are currently fifth in the Premier League table.

Ball has been mightily impressed with Gray’s first few appearances for the Toffees and believes that the winger operates in such a way that he is constantly trying to make things happen.

He said: “£1.7m, it seems an absolute bargain right now. There were question marks over the signing when we were first interested but he’s proved straight away why.

“It was the type of player we were missing, he’s got energy, he gets the ball, he goes forward, he tries to break the lines, he’s trying to create and scoring goals, he’s making three man runs. He’s doing everything. He looks like a guy who wants to be at the football club and wants to impress every time he’s on that pitch.”

Gray may have something of a chip on his shoulder, having previously played for Leicester City in the Premier League, making 169 appearances for the club.

Former Nottingham Forest striker Nigel Jemson is certain that Harry Kane will be a Manchester City player on September 1, with The Athletic’s Sam Lee claiming the Premier League holders are confident Tottenham will sell.

The England striker’s potential move to the Premier League champions took a major twist last week when he was absent from training.

Kane has already expressed his feelings about wanting to leave to challenge for major trophies and play in the Champions League.

However, chairman Daniel Levy is set to demand a Premier League record fee to prise the 28-year-old away from north London, which will test City’s finances following the £100m signing of Jack Grealish.

Kane is set to report back to Hotspur Way to resume training and undergo all the regular medical tests after returning to the UK following his break from the EUROs.

Daniel Levy could to dig his heels in further to keep Kane at Spurs after the recent events, but Jemson exclusively told Football FanCast that he can only see one outcome:

He said: “Harry Kane has been a great servant for Tottenham, he seems a really popular fella and his record is second to none.

“He wants to win trophies, but something has obviously happened. He’s got a verbal agreement with Daniel Levy about leaving this season. But I think if they can get £120m, that’s good money, and, it’s good for Harry Kane.

“Daniel Levy isn’t going to be a popular man anyway, he’s going to leave it until the last minute, but I can’t see anything else apart from him going to Manchester City.”

West Ham will have to spend around £11m on FC Copenhagen striker Jonas Wind if they want to sign him in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Wind linked with West Ham move

The Hammers may be flourishing in the Premier League currently but that doesn’t mean that new signings aren’t needed to take the team forward.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/” title=”West Ham developments” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

David Moyes’ side have been linked with signing Wind in recent times, with the 22-year-old scoring four times in 12 caps for Denmark at senior level and reportedly impressing West Ham scouts.

Copenhagen are clearly keen to keep hold of one of their most prized assets, however, and a fresh update has emerged regarding his future.

The Latest: Hammers learn Wind asking price

According to Ekstra Bladet [via Sport Witness], West Ham ‘will probably have to go up close to DKK 90-100 million’ to sign Wind, which equates to approximately £11m.

Only Premier League clubs are thought to be able to afford that amount in January, and although a mid-season move is possible, a summer exit looks more likely.

Wind’s current Copenhagen deal expires at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Verdict: Much-needed attacking depth

At 22, Wind is someone who could come in as a squad player at West Ham initially – he has scored 45 goals and chipped in with 25 assists in 111 appearances for Copenhagen – and eventually become a more pivotal figure over time.

He has matched Antonio’s tally of six league goals so far this season and he has 10 goals in all competitions, further highlighting his pedigree.

Moyes’s team sit fourth in the league at the moment, but in order to remain in the thick of the Champions League race, another striker could do with being signed, especially one as prolific as the Danish youngster.

That would help ease the burden on sole centre-forward Michail Antonio, especially with the Hammers battling in the Europa League as well, making for a hectic schedule in the early months of next year.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an exit rumour regarding one West Ham player. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Newcastle target Dean Henderson, regarding Manchester United’s stance on his future.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are willing to allow the shot-stopper to leave on an 18-month loan to stop him from wasting his career on the bench at Old Trafford.

Newcastle are reportedly interested in a January swoop for the England international as they look to bolster their squad in the upcoming transfer window, with United now opening the door to a potential deal.

Get it done

Eddie Howe must sanction a Newcastle deal to sign Henderson following this update on United’s plans for him, as it could be a shrewd piece of business for the club moving forward.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-newcastle-howe-ter-stegen” title= “Read the latest Newcastle news!”]

A loan for 18 months could be an ideal agreement for the Magpies given their current situation in the goalkeeping department. Freddie Woodman, Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow all remain on the books at St. James’ Park and having Henderson on loan for 18 months would provide the club with ample time to shift one or two of them on to fund a permanent move for the young Englishman.

Newcastle could sign him on a permanent deal if he impresses enough in the year-and-a-half, using money they rake in from the potential sales of Woodman, Darlow and/or Dubravka. However, if they paid for Henderson in full straight away instead of landing him on loan, they could have four permanent goalkeepers at the club at the same time.

This could cause issues both in terms of the finances and the mood on the training pitch. A loan deal means that Newcastle can pull the plug on him if they are unable to shift others on, or if his arrival brings the best out of one of the three shot-stoppers already at the club.

In terms of his quality, Toon legend Alan Shearer previously gave a glowing endorsement of the £120k-per-week beast following his spell on loan at Sheffield United, naming him in his Premier League Team of the Season. He said:

“It was tough to leave out Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, but Sheffield United’s season has been one of the best stories of the campaign and Henderson has been key to their success.

“The Manchester United loanee has kept 10 clean sheets and his bravery and confidence beyond his 23 years. He is a star in the making.”

This suggests that he could also have the quality to come in and be a success on the pitch, whilst also helping the club financially, as he impressed Shearer enough to name him as the best goalkeeper in the 2019/20 campaign. Therefore, Howe must ensure that he can seal a loan deal for Henderson when the January window opens in under two months.

AND in other news, Howe could win over NUFC fans by axing £41k-p/w dud and landing “magnificent” beast…

Aston Villa journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast that he can see Jack Grealish signing a new deal at the Villans amid interest from Manchester City.

According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are determined to sign both Grealish and his England team-mate Harry Kane this summer.

Getting him out of Villa Park, though, will not be easy. The Telegraph reports Villa have no intention of selling their captain in this transfer window, while the same outlet also states that the Midlands club are hopeful of him putting pen to paper on fresh terms.

And the longer this saga drags on, the more likely it is that Grealish does indeed sign a new contract, says Hatfield.

“I think the longer it goes on, the more you think that this deal could eventually be signed between Villa and Grealish,” the Express & Star reporter told FFC.

“If I had to put my money on the table now, I’d probably side to him signing a new deal at Villa, but we just don’t know what’s going to happen.

“You never know, in a week’s time, he may end up being signed by City. But I’m certainly kind of tempted toward him sticking around for another season.”

While Grealish does seem to be high on City’s list, if he does sign a new deal and remains at Villa Park for another season, it is not the end of the world.

Depending on whatever agreement Grealish and Villa come to, they could perhaps sign him next summer. In the meantime, Pep Guardiola still has the likes of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as attacking options, so the Spaniard is hardly lacking in that area of the pitch.