All posts by z3u9t.icu

Johan Lange and Aston Villa are keeping an eye on former Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Guardian, who claimed that Steven Gerrard’s side are among a trio of clubs tipped as possible destinations for the Wales captain.

The soon-to-be free agent is said to be keen on finding a new club to ensure that he is fit for his country’s upcoming World Cup campaign in Qatar later this year.

As such, Villa have competition for his signature in Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Bale’s former club Tottenham Hotspur.

Imagine him and Coutinho

The signing of Bale would represent tremendous ambition for a Villa side who appear to be undergoing a mini-rebuild, with Gerrard putting his mark on the squad in what will be his first full season at the club.

The former Liverpool captain is not messing around this summer, and despite securing permanent deals for four players already, it looks as though he is by no means done there.

Despite Carlo Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid, Bale has hardly been given a chance under the manager who first brought him to the Bernabeu in 2013, making just five appearances in the most recent La Liga campaign, with one goal to show for it.

However, it’s worth noting that, whilst not being given much of a chance, the 32-year-old has still managed to score five La Liga seasons.

A move to an ambitious Villa side under a potentially more trusting manager in Gerrard could be enough to rejuvenate Bale’s passion for the game and would likely help the Villans to make a stronger push for European qualification.

However, it’s the potential partnership between former El Classico duo Bale and Philippe Coutinho which could strike fear into the rest of the Premier League, with both players having found life difficult at times at Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Coutinho has seemingly enjoyed his football under Gerrard, making the move permanent after a respectable return of five goals and three assists in 19 Premier League appearances.

At Villa, it appears that he is playing without pressure, as if a weight has been lifted from him.

This is the effect which could also be had with the “exquisite” Bale, as dubbed by verified journalist Elliot Foster, and a partnership between two serial winners who have suffered subjective mistreatment throughout their careers could well bode for a bond on and off the pitch.

This would be a great move for both club and player.

In other news: AVFC could form an exciting duo as Lange now plots bid to sign £33k-p/w “cat”

Aston Villa are thought to be interested in a move for goalkeeper Ben Foster.

The Lowdown: Foster a free agent

The 39-year-old confirmed last month that he will leave Watford this summer when his Vicarage Road contract expires.

The veteran stopper, who was labelled ‘unbelievable’ by his former manager Nigel Pearson, has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in Premier League history and recently admitted that he would be keen on a move to Villa Park.

Villa have already explored the free-agent market with a move for Boubacar Kamara and are still being linked with Luis Suarez, and Foster appears to be another unattached player of interest to the club.

The Latest: Villa keen on Foster

Spanish outlet Marca shared a Premier League transfer round-up on Wednesday evening, looking at all 20 top-flight clubs.

When it came to Villa, they included Foster among the players of interest alongside Rory Wilson, who looks set to join next month from Rangers.

The Verdict: Is he needed?

Robin Olsen has recently made his loan move to Villa Park permanent to provide cover for first-choice Emiliano Martinez.

Steven Gerrard also has Jed Steer on the books for a further 12 months, so a move for Foster doesn’t seem needed at this moment in time.

Should the rarely-used Steer leave the club on a loan or permanent basis, though, perhaps there could be room for Foster to become the third option for Gerrard, and it looks as if they are keen on a potential move for the 39-year-old.

In other news: ‘Perfect’ – Sky Sports man buzzes as NSWE now enter in-house Villa ‘talks’ for ‘outstanding’ ace

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper turned Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has been left thrilled by the latest transfer news involving Man City forward Gabriel Jesus.

The Lowdown: Spurs make contact…

It is believed that manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici wish to add a striker to their ranks this summer with Sky Blues attacker Jesus among their targets.

Fabrizio Romano, sharing news in the last few days, has revealed that the Lilywhites are now in contact with his representatives over a potential move to north London this summer.

Speaking on Chris Cowlin’s YouTube channel, the transfer journalist states there have been discussions between Jesus’ entourage and Tottenham as Robinson reacts to this promising development.

The Latest: Robinson thrilled…

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-England international claims Jesus would be an ‘ideal’ striker signing for Spurs and Conte – drawing particular attention to his quality.

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He explained:

“There is not a starting spot for him at Spurs but he’d be an ideal signing because of his versatility and quality.

“It is down to the player’s ambitions. He will have no shortage of clubs interested in him.

“It depends on what he is driven by. Is he driven by success or finance?”

The Verdict: Make a move?

While the Brazil international will find it hard to get in ahead of Harry Kane, his brilliant return of Premier League goals and scintillating form towards the end of 2021/2022 perhaps suggests Jesus could give it a real go.

The 25-year-old bagged six goals in his final seven league matches of last season, displaying his true quality when given a chance, and we believe Jesus could perhaps do the same at Tottenham under Conte.

In other news: Conte desperate for Spurs to sign ‘world class’ star who’s now in real danger of being sold, find out more here.

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh has now shared a big six-word update on Declan Rice’s transfer saga in the last 48 hours.

The Lowdown: Rice rumours emerge…

Since Fabrizio Romano broke news of the 23-year-old rejecting a third contract offer from the Irons, rumours have been surrounding Rice and where he could go to next.

Journalist Dean Jones claimed recently that he is more open than ever to leaving West Ham this summer while C&H believe that he is set to stay for at least one more full campaign.

The Premier League side, in their attempts to tie down Rice, were even said to be willing to insert a release clause in any proposed fresh terms at one point – which would potentially offer the England international a route out of Rush Green (90min).

The Latest: C&H share six-word update…

Now, insider C&H have shared a six-word message from one of their sources in regards to the situation surrounding a potential new deal for Rice.

The ‘club insider’, in a big update for supporters, simply stated: “Declan won’t sign a new contract.”

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes?

While there were brief hopes he would commit to a new deal, taking into account the release clause factor, it always seemed unlikely that he would commit long-term.

C&H believe he is ‘more likely than not’ to leave next summer as a result of this update but the good news for supporters is he seems set to stay under Moyes for the 2022/2023 campaign – according to this report.

In other news: CNN journalist: West Ham quoted eight-figure fee as GSB eye ‘exciting’ striker move! Find out more here.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Rasmus Kristensen to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Phil Hay’s latest report for The Athletic, in which the journalist claims that, with Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas both having lengthy spells on the sidelines ahead of them, Jesse Marsch is interested in the signing of a new right-back in the summer market – with Red Bull Salzburg’s Rasmus Kristensen believed to be a top target of the 48-year-old.

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Hay goes on to state that the Whites have been closely following the 24-year-old in recent months ahead of a potential move this summer, while Brentford and Borussia Dortmund are also mentioned as interested parties in the Denmark international – for whom Salzburg are believed to be demanding a £10m fee in order to part with in the coming weeks.

“Absolute leader”

Considering Marsch’s lack of depth on the right of his Leeds backline, coupled with the fact the American has a previous relationship with Kristensen, it is easy to see why the Whites would be interested in a move for the Dane this summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Austrian Bundesliga appearances this season, the £13.5m-rated full-back highly impressed, scoring seven goals, registering four assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

The £14k-per-week defender also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Salzburg keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 1.4 clearances, 36.1 passes, 4.3 long balls and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Matthias Jaissle dubbed an “absolute leader” average a rather breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Salzburg’s second-best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is clear to see just how impressive a signing the former Ajax starlet – who broke Michael Laudrup’s win percentage record during his time in the Netherlands – would be for Orta to get over the line this summer, as Kristensen’s presence on the right of Marsch’s backline would undoubtedly be a terrifying prospect for left-wingers up and down the country.

AND in other news: Leeds eyeing bid for “unreal” £20k-p/w talent, he’d be an “absolutely beauty” for Orta

Liverpool are still in contention to sign AS Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni, according to a report from French outlet L’Equipe (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Familiar rivals

Fresh off the back of falling to defeat in Paris at the hands of Real Madrid, the Reds have seemingly been battling the La Liga giants off the pitch too for the capture of Tchouameni for some time.

Recent reports suggested that Los Blancos were in the box seat to sign the 22-year-old sensation, however, speculation continues to rumble on with Paris Saint-Germain also in the mix.

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Now a fresh report from one reputable French source has shed some light on the situation…

The latest: Reds still in the hunt

As per L’Equipe, translated by SW, Liverpool are believed to be preparing to ‘try their luck again’ following the final heartache.

It’s claimed that the Anfield club have ‘followed’ the eight-cap ace for a prolonged period and at one stage Tchouameni was ‘more tempted’ by the prospect of a move to work under Jurgen Klopp.

The report also states that Real Madrid have ‘recently improved’ their offer to sign the French youngster hailed as the ‘complete player’ by France national team manager Didier Deschamps.

The verdict: Statement required

After losing the 2018 Champions League final against the same opposition, Liverpool swiftly secured the capture of a midfield enforcer and now Klopp favourite, Fabinho, from no other than Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

Pulling off a nigh-on identical move some four years later would be just the tonic needed to boost morale amongst Reds fans.

Also predominantly operating as a defensive midfielder, Tchouameni would provide much-needed cover for the Brazilian in a position the Liverpool ranks are currently dangerous light in. Very strong aerially and in the tackle (WhoScored), the French powerhouse shares similar characteristics to Fabinho and would likely be viewed as the long term successor for the role.

Already boasting 17 goal involvements in just 133 domestic career outings, the £36million valued apprentice to be could even present a more well-rounded overall package than his potential Brazilian mentor.

Put simply, this is a battle for a high calibre player that FSG, newly appointed sporting director Julian Ward and Klopp himself should be pulling out all the stops to get over the line and get one over their conquerors in Paris.

In other news, Liverpool ‘willing’ to sanction £42.5million move for La Liga starlet. Find out more here

West Ham United may be one step closer to signing Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis ahead of the summer transfer window, according to journalist Daniel Moroney.

The Lowdown: Hammers plot bid…

Numerous reports have indicated that the Nigeria international is a target for manager David Moyes and the east Londoners ahead of what could be an interesting transfer window.

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Both The Daily Mirror and Football Insider claim West Ham are seriously interested in Dennis with the latter publication stating talks have already been held with the player’s agents in London.

This comes after the Hornets star shone for his relegated side in the Premier League over 2021/2022, but they are now ready to sell him.

The Latest: Moroney makes big West Ham claim…

According to Watford journalist Moroney, who writes for Off The Ball and Back Page Football, the Irons are in talks to sign Dennis with the 24-year-old and his representatives even reaching a ‘verbal agreement’ with West Ham.

He explained (via Twitter):

“Emmanuel Dennis and his representatives have reached a verbal agreement with West Ham.

“West Ham are yet to agree a fee with Watford but discussions are ongoing and an agreement is expected to be met soon.

“Watford FC still waiting for an official bid.”

The Verdict: Exciting?

While it remains to be seen whether West Ham can tie up the deal with an official bid yet to be on the table, Dennis’ allegedly agreeing to join Moyes comes as some good potential news.

The Super Eagles striker was Watford’s standout player over the season, finishing the campaign as their top goal scorer with ten and ranking in as their best all-round performer by average match rating (WhoScored).

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder members of the media called Dennis a ‘superb signing’ at Vicarage Road as it now looks likely he’ll be on the move again.

In other news: Talks held: Club chief flies to London as West Ham eye ‘incredible’ player move…find out more here.

Liverpool have been plagued with injury concerns in the final hurdle of the season ahead of their last game of the Premier League campaign and Champions League final, however, a positive new injury update has emerged from a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

According to the Liverpool reporter for The Athletic James Pearce, Joe Gomez will be fit for the Champions League final.

In an article for The Athletic, Pearce reported that Liverpool are confident that the defender will be ready and available for selection after undergoing a scan on an ankle injury sustained against Southampton earlier this week.

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The report goes on to say that the club are content that there is no serious damage and if the player recovers in the timeline expected he will be available should he be called upon against Real Madrid in 10 days time.

Liverpool fans will love it

Despite struggling for game-time this season through both injury and falling down the pecking order behind Ibrahima Konate who has had an impressive season for the Reds, Liverpool fans will surely love to see Gomez in the match-day squad in Paris.

Gomez played an integral part in the Kopite’s Premier League title win and played in the game against Tottenham Hotspur in the last Champions League win too, so although he may not be the first choice for a place in the centre-back partnership against Real Madrid, he has the necessary experience in big matches.

Another reason why it could be good to see Gomez in Paris is because he has been linked with moves away from Merseyside this summer following his lack of game time.

Newcastle United, Fulham, West Ham, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing the 24-year-old, so if he was to move on at the end of this season the Champions League final could be a great send-off for the player.

Ultimately, the positive injury update will be a relief for Jurgen Klopp who will now have his entire squad of defenders fit and available to do their part should they be called upon in the important clash with Real Madrid.

AND in other news: Approach made: Liverpool eye move for “wonderful” £50m “winner”, Klopp would love him

Arsenal may have found their next Aaron Ramsey in youngster Charlie Patino.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who is capable of “mazy” runs with the ball, as per The Athletic writer Art de Roche, has impressed for the Gunners’ academy sides and could be set for a first-team breakthrough under Mikel Arteta.

Comfortable operating anywhere along the spine of the team, the teenager bears similarities to Ramsey, who was eased into the first-team during the 2008/09 season. Arsenal will be hoping that Patino can have a similar impact and go on to become a key player for the club over time.

Arteta has shown a willingness to give youth a chance, as evidenced by the frequent inclusions of Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and more recently Eddie Nketiah in his line-ups.

Also, with the Gunners lacking depth across the engine room, amidst links to Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans, Arteta may have an in-house option in Patino from the Hale End production line.

The 18-year-old is clearly on the cusp of first-team action, having been eased in as early as December against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup. In his ten-minute cameo that night, the England under-19 starlet 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Whilst his integration into the first-team has been gradual, it is surely only a matter of time before we see Patino handed his debut in the Premier League.

In 15 appearances for the under-23s this season, the 18-year-old has demonstrated an ability to score and set up goals, having notched one assist in Premier League 2, although his game seems to be much more well-rounded.

It is worth noting that six of those appearances have been from a central midfield position, while three have been as a defensive midfielder.

At this moment, it is difficult to accurately quantify the 18-year-old’s potential based on the lack of availability regarding in-depth statistics, but having featured twice for the senior team this season and demonstrating versatility within his game, it is surely only a matter of time before we see more of the Arsenal youngster, who could be a new version of Ramsey at the Emirates Stadium.

In other news: “Arsenal are..”: Romano drops exciting transfer claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing 

Eddie Howe has dropped a big injury update on Newcastle United duo Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey…

What’s the latest?

The Magpies head coach has explained why both players were left out of the matchday squad for the club’s 5-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday.

Journalist Chris Waugh Tweeted: “Eddie Howe confirms that midfielders Joe Willock (a knee problem) & Jonjo Shelvey (a calf issues) are unlikely to feature in either of NUFC’s final two matches of the season. Both missed the 5-0 defeat to MCFC.”

Supporters will be gutted

The Toon supporters will surely be gutted by this big injury setback as it is a major blow to the club’s hopes of a top-half finish in the Premier League.

Newcastle are one point behind tenth-placed Brighton and have the opportunity to end the campaign in the top ten as they face Arsenal and Burnley in their last two matches.

However, they will need to cope without Willock and Shelvey and this will frustrate the fans as both players have been regulars in the midfield this season. The former has played 29 league matches and this shows that Howe trusts him to perform in the middle of the park, whilst the head coach was let down by his replacement – Sean Longstaff – against Man City.

Shelvey, meanwhile, has been excellent in the top-flight. He has averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 6.93 across 24 appearances as he has chipped in with two goals and one assist. The former Liverpool man has used his sublime range of passing to great effect throughout the campaign as he has completed 4.9 long passes per game, opening up the pitch and sending the likes of Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin into space in wide areas.

Only four players have averaged a higher rating than the Englishman for Newcastle and three of them – Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn – joined the club in the January transfer window.

These statistics illustrate why losing Shelvey is a major blow for the Magpies as they will now be without one of their best players for the remainder of the season. He has shown that he can perform to a high level on a consistent basis and that is why his injury is a tough one to take for the supporters.

Therefore, fans will be gutted by Howe’s update and will be hoping that both players are able to recover in time to be fit for pre-season later this year.

AND in other news, Forget Dubravka: £23k-p/w NUFC lightweight who lost 75% duels let Howe down badly…