All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur left-back Sergio Reguilon is attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), who claim that Barcelona are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 25-year-old ahead of a potential swoop at the end of the current campaign.

The report goes on to state that the Spurs defender has been identified by Xavi as a potential long-term successor to Jordi Alba, however, it is also claimed that the Catalan side may struggle to afford a player the Premier League side spent €27m (£22.5m) on just a year and a half ago.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

Conte must axe Reguilon

While it is true that Reguilon is still young enough to develop into a top-level full-back, the fact cannot be ignored that, since his switch to north London in 2020, the 25-year-old has somewhat struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League.

Indeed, over his 27 league appearances last season, the £25m-rated defender did not exactly set the world alight, helping his side keep seven clean sheets, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 0.6 key passes, 1.2 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, 1.5 clearances and winning 4.3 duels – at a success rate of 48% – per game.

These returns saw the £68k-per-week Spain international average a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.74, ranking him as Tottenham’s tenth-worst player in the English top flight.

And, while Reguilon’s general level of performance has improved over his 23 Premier League fixtures this season, averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.92, the left-back has still looked incredibly shaky at times, coming in for rather strong criticism following certain outings.

One such fixture was the 3-1 win over West Ham United last month, after which Spurs insider John Wenham stated of the 25-year-old:

“He’s so average it’s untrue. I always go back to these constant rumours about Barcelona or Real Madrid being interested in him. There’s always stuff about them paying a premium for him, it’s nonsense. He’s just not that good. Against Manchester United, he didn’t offer anything. Against West Ham was the same.

“For me, he is the worst of the bunch. He wasted so many chances against West Ham. You can absolutely see why Conte kept playing Sessegnon over him until he got injured. He wastes so many good crossing opportunities. He was very, very poor [against West Ham]. It’s probably his worst game for Tottenham.”

As such, should Barcelona indeed be interested in the Spaniard who Tom Young dubbed “pathetic” earlier this season, it would seem a very wise move for Conte to cash in on the defender while he has the chance, as it is clear for all to see that – for around £25m – the 52-year-old could find a much better option in the position this summer.

AND in other news: “We know that…”: Sky Sports man drops big transfer update Spurs supporters will love

Liverpool are interested in a deal to bring Serge Gnabry to Anfield in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Goal, who claim that, with there being no sign of the 26-year-old and Bayern Munich reaching an agreement regarding the extension of the winger’s current contract at the Allianz Arena – with is due to expire in the summer of 2023 – the Germany international is now considering a move away from the Bundesliga side.

The report goes on to state that this has alerted both Liverpool and Real Madrid to the forward’s potential availability this summer, with Jurgen Klopp’s side said to have identified the former Arsenal attacker as a candidate to replace Mohamed Salah – who is himself being linked with a move away from Anfield due to similar contractual issues.

Bye-bye Salah

While it would be an extremely difficult task to find a supporter of Liverpool who would be happy to wave goodbye to Salah at the end of the season, should the £225k-per-week forward go on to secure a move away from the club this summer, Gnabry would very much appear to be a near-perfect replacement for the Egyptian sensation.

Indeed, since making an €8m (£6.5m) move to Bayern back in July of 2017, Gnabry has gone on to establish a reputation as being one of the most deadly wingers currently playing the game – having scored a quite astonishing 61 goals and registered 40 assists over just 163 appearances for Die Roten – averaging 0.62 direct goal contributions per game.

And, while the €70m (£58m) valued German’s record is poorer than Salah’s at Liverpool – with the £90m-rated forward having scored 153 goals and provided 57 assists over his 240 outings for the Reds, averaging 0.89 direct goal contributions per game – it should be pointed out Gnabry’s record is still incredibly impressive, it is just that Salah has been on a different level from almost everyone in world football over the past four years.

Indeed, with the £115k-rated talent who Michael O’Neill dubbed “unplayable” being three years Salah’s junior, it is arguable whether or not the 26-year-old has even entered the prime of his professional career as yet – while the 29-year-old is certainly well into his.

Either way, should the Egypt international move onto pastures new this summer, Klopp could do a great deal worse than signing the Bayern star as his replacement, as Gnabry very much appears to be one of a very select group of players who would be able to soften the blow of losing the Liverpool talisman.

AND in other news: Source: Klopp now wants Liverpool to sign £150m “explosion”, he’s better than Thiago

[ad_pod ]

Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to react after it was revealed that Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Adrien Rabiot would prefer a move to Liverpool over their club, according to Paris United.

As mentioned in the article, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has allegedly spoken to the French international in a bid to convince him to swap Paris for north London.

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin may be out for the season but it’s given him a chance to show off his new accesory. Check out the video below to see for yourself…

However it is understood that the 23-year-old would prefer to team up with Jurgen Klopp and league leaders Liverpool, if he were to move to England.

Tottenham have lost Mousa Dembele this month as he was sold to Guangzhou R&F (as per the BBC), so the north London-based side need a new face in midfield to replace the imposing Belgian international.

Let’s see how Spurs supporters reacted on Twitter amid claims the Frenchman is far more keen on a move to Anfield…

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that Celtic have held talks over a move for Bayern Munich youngster Christopher Scott.

The Lowdown: Scott profiled

The 19-year-old is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play as a central midfielder or second striker.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-23/” title=”Celtic updates!!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

A Germany under-20 international, Scott is out of contract with Bayern in the summer. He joined them from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 and has made two senior appearances for the Munich giants.

His appearances this season have been for the reserve side, for whom he has contributed to eight goals in 13 games.

The Latest: Celtic in talks

Sky Sports reporter Plettenberg took to Twitter on Monday evening to provide an update on Scott.

He claimed that the midfielder’s agent has recently met with Bayern, while there have also been talks with Celtic and Premier League side Brentford, stating:

“News Christopher Scott: His agent met FCB officials a few days ago. Bayern want to extend beyond 2022, club can pull an option but he wants to play regularly. Talks with Brentford & Celtic!”

The Verdict: First summer deal?

Celtic can secure a pre-contract agreement with Scott right now, which means he could be the club’s first summer signing for 2022.

It appears as if Parkhead CEO Michael Nicholson has already been in contact over a possible move to Glasgow for the 19-year-old, which could be a shrewd one if the Hoops manage to secure his services.

He is still rated by Bayern as they want to extend his contract, so you’d expect that Celtic will need to guarantee Champions League football next season to have a genuine chance of signing the talented teenager.

In other news: Update emerges for Ange on Celtic ace stretchered off on international duty

Mohamed Salah is increasingly close to signing a new deal with Liverpool in a potentially huge boost for the Reds, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: Salah saga continues

The future of Liverpool’s Egyptian superstar has dominated the headlines of late, with it unknown if he will sign a new contract or not.

Salah’s current deal expires at the end of next season and his representatives have struggled to agree with the club’s current offer, leading to an impasse.

Now, a big update has emerged regarding the situation, perhaps a timely boost for the club ahead of Sunday’s game of the season against Manchester City.

The Latest: Massive update emerges

According to Football Insider, a ‘source close to Liverpool’ has informed them that Salah is increasingly likely to extend his stay at Anfield, with talks now ‘close to a breakthrough’.

He is ‘willing to compromise’ on the £500,000-a-week wage demands that have been rumoured, still signing a ‘huge’ deal but earning slightly less than he wants.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-27/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Huge, if true

FSG are stubborn owners, so it was always going to be up to Salah to change his demands and it looks as though that is the case currently, in what a massive positive boost for Liverpool.

Despite a dip in form of late – the 29-year-old hasn’t scored in open play since February – he is arguably still the most important player the Reds have and he has many years left in him at the top, such is his incredible level of fitness, missing just three games through illness or injury in his entire Liverpool career.

For that reason, the idea of him leaving, either this summer or next, doesn’t even bear thinking about and this update suggests he could remain on Merseyside well into his 30s.

In other news, Liverpool are ‘convinced’ they should sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in signing Cardiff City defender Aden Flint in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football League World, the Black Cats are eyeing up a swoop for the centre-back as Lee Johnson looks to improve his squad at the Stadium of Light.

The report does not reveal whether they are looking into a loan or permanent switch for the giant enforcer, or whether or not Cardiff are willing to part ways with the 32-year-old.

Imagine him & Doyle

Johnson must ensure that he is able to get a deal over the line for Flint, as he could seal a dream partnership for Sunderland by starting him alongside youngster Callum Doyle at the back.

The Cardiff monster is as experienced as they come in the EFL and has been playing in the Championship for a number of seasons. He has racked up 242 appearances in the second tier, having played 112 times in League One prior to getting his chance higher up the leagues.

Last year, former Bluebirds boss Mick McCarthy heaped praise on the player, saying: “He has been great, hasn’t he? I always admired him and thought he was a top defender when he got his moves. I was kind of surprised that he had been out on loan. But I had a word with him, the first week I was in and he has been brilliant. I am amazed at his resilience, how he has come back, having been three months off with a hamstring. He has been brilliant.”

He has a career average WhoScored rating of 7.12, winning an impressive 5.7 aerial battles per game throughout his playing days. This suggests that McCarthy’s comments are accurate, as Flint has proven with his performances that he is a top defender at Championship and League One level.

By contrast, Doyle is at the other end of his career and still learning his trade as a defender. The 18-year-old has started 24 games for Sunderland this season and averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.79. This shows that the Manchester City loanee has had a strong start to life at senior level, and playing next to an experienced head in the form of Flint could further aid his development.

This means that they could be the perfect pairing, as Johnson would be mixing Flint’s experience and guile with Doyle’s youthfulness and ability on the ball. They could complement each other well and the latter could benefit greatly from having such an established EFL player alongside him in the second half of the campaign.

AND in other news, Sunderland plotting swoop for 72-goal machine who’s a “real threat”, Johnson would love him…

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch could look to bring Manchester United assistant Chris Armas to Elland Road this summer, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Armas profiled

The 49-year-old worked under Marsch at New York Red Bulls, serving as his assistant for 151 games.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-42/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Armas, labelled as a ‘winner’ with ‘infectious positivity’, has since gone on to manage Toronto and has been at Old Trafford under Ralf Rangnick since December.

His services in Manchester may no longer be needed after Erik ten Hag was announced as Manchester United’s new manager, and it looks as if Marsch could take full advantage ahead of his first full season in charge.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story on The Athletic on Saturday morning, looking at Leeds’ U23s following a record PL2 attendance at Elland Road on Friday night.

Within his report, he claimed that Marsch looks set to make further alterations to his backroom staff this summer, revealing Armas is under consideration for a permanent post.

The Verdict: Makes sense

The pair know each other well following their time back in the USA and Marsch is clearly a fan of Armas, so a reunion in Yorkshire appears to be a shrewd move.

Marsch has already brought Franz Schiemer and Cameron Toshack to Thorp Arch, while Mark Jackson has been promoted from the U23s, so Amas could be the missing piece in the backroom staff jigsaw.

Hopefully, Leeds will be preparing for a first full season under the American as a Premier League side, which could persuade Armas to remain in England.

In other news: Phil Hay: Marsch now eyeing Leeds move for ‘quality’ rising star alongside Aaronson. 

Everton have appointed Duncan Ferguson as their interim manager whilst they search for a candidate to take the permanent role in leading the squad at Goodison Park, and after interviewing Vitor Pereira this week, there has been an update on progress.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports reporter, Vinny O’Connor, was live at Finch Farm yesterday to give an update on the progress on the Everton manager search, and the potential of Pereira being appointed.

O’Connor told Sky Sports News:

“As regards to Vitor Pereira, at this moment, we understand that no appointment is imminent.

“Vitor Pereira, we are told, is one of several candidates in line for the Everton manager’s job.”

Sky Sports have reported a number of candidates who could potentially become the new manager to take on the challenge at Everton, with both Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney being named.

Fans surely buzzing

Everton fans will surely be buzzing that there have been no offers made, already taking to social media to share their thoughts on Pereira being appointed for the managerial role, and he has not had a welcoming reception so far, with one fan tweeting:

“Start worrying, sacked in the Turkish league, the hierarchy of this club is frightening, we are going down!”

Pereira’s recent record after being sacked for the second time by Fenerbahce and relegating 1860 Munich to the German third league is surely the reason fans are uncomfortable with the idea of having the Portuguese manager put in place to try to save Everton’s season, where there is no room for error in the remaining few months as the side is currently only three points off the relegation zone.

Moshiri has already been advised to pull away from signing the former Porto manager according to reports, with the Everton board worried about making any rash decisions due to the fragile situation at Everton. Indeed, we agree with those sentiments, and so do plenty of fans who will be keen to ensure that Pereira isn’t offered the gig at Goodison Park.

However, a decision will need to be made soon as the Toffees have an important game against Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup, and the Toffees will be hoping they can salvage something from their season by having a good cup run.

In other news: Alan Myers drops claim on Christophe Galtier

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke (via GiveMeSport), West Ham are eyeing a move for Bologna defender Aaron Hickey.

The Lowdown: Irons looking at left-back options

Aaron Cresswell is the first-choice left-back under David Moyes and rightly so; the defender was crucial in the Hammers’ fantastic start to the season, with his consistency an important reliance for the backline.

Unfortunately, his fine form crashed to a halt after he suffered a back injury against Manchester City at the end of November. The injury sidelined him until last week, when he made his return in the Irons’ 2-0 win over Norwich City.

However, Cresswell is now 32 years old and his contract is set to expire in the summer next year. With this in mind, West Ham have begun the search for a replacement, exacerbated by Moyes’ claim that Arthur Masuaku is not suited to playing left-back, despite being happy with his performances overall.

The Latest: West Ham eyeing Hickey

According to O’Rourke (via GiveMeSport), West Ham are keeping an eye on Hickey, with a deal possibly being done for the player in the summer.

The 19-year-old left-back joined Bologna in 2020, after leaving boyhood club Hearts and has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Italy this term. having featured in 19 Serie A league games in the current campaign. As a result of his impressive performances, West Ham are seemingly interested in the youngster.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke asserted: “I can’t see a deal happening this window, but it is maybe one that West Ham are keeping an eye on for the summer.”

The Verdict: Great choice for the Hammers

With Cresswell reaching the final 18 months of his contract and Masuaku’s incompatibility as a proper left-back, West Ham will need to bring in a long-term replacement during the summer window.

Hickey could be the solution to Moyes’ left-back worries. Having scored four goals in Serie A this season, the Scottish teenager is the second-highest scoring defender in Europe’s top five leagues. Consequently, the Bologna gem has drawn comparisons with a young Gareth Bale.

Thinking back to how the Welshman burst onto the scene as a left-back for Spurs in the early 2010s, it is hard to not get excited at the prospect of Hickey doing the same in a West Ham shirt, if the Irons can entice him back to the UK.

In other news: West Ham linked with January move for ‘assured’ Premier League defender who ‘dominates players’

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a huge injury setback over defender Matt Doherty this week…

What’s the latest?

Spurs manager Antonio Conte has revealed that the full-back will miss the remainder of the campaign due to his injury, despite the club hoping that he will be able to return without going under the knife.

The ex-Wolves man was forced off during the first half of the 4-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend and will now have to wait until 2022/23 to play in a competitive match again.

Charlie Eccleshare Tweeted: “Conte says that a doctor has told Doherty that he can recover without surgery, but #THFC are going to get a second opinion. His season is definitely over.”

The head coach also said: “This is really bad news for us. We know very well the improvement in our team and it is a pity because to lose a player like him for the rest of the season. We have to try and cope in the best possible way until the end of the season.”

Supporters will be infuriated

This confirmation from Conte that Doherty will play no further part this term will surely leave the fans furious as it comes as a major blow to the side.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

The Ireland international averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.06 in the Premier League across 15 outings this term. In those matches, he won 56% of his duels, made 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game and created three ‘big chances’, showing off his consistency and ability at both ends of the pitch.

He managed two goals and three assists in his six appearances leading up to the clash with Villa. This shows that he was getting into his full stride and making a huge impact for Conte’s team playing on the right and the left of the defence when needed.

Therefore, losing him is a major blow as they will now be without his attacking talent from wing-back for the final seven matches of the league season. This has come at a terrible moment for the club as they are in a tight battle to finish in the top four, currently sitting three points clear of Arsenal in fifth – who have a game in hand – and six points ahead of West Ham in fifth in the Premier League table.

Fans will be worried with the timing of the blow and will be praying that other players at the back are able to step up in his absence to ensure that the team can secure Champions League football for next season.

AND in other news, “Paratici is crazy…”: Insider delivers big Spurs transfer claim that’ll excite Conte…