All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘close’ to signing Matt Targett on a permanent deal in the summer.

The Lowdown: Good impression

Targett has certainly made a good impression at St. James’ Park, especially with the supporters, as 97.5% of them have recently claimed that they would like him to sign permanently from Aston Villa.

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He was ‘excellent’ on his debut in the 3-1 win at home to Everton, and has not looked back since, not missing a single minute under Eddie Howe, except when they played his parent club (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Targett ‘close’

Taking to Twitter, iNews journalist Mark Douglas has revealed that a deal to sign Targett permanently is now ‘close’.

Expanding in his article, Douglas added that the North East club ‘have the framework’ of a deal agreed, which could materialise once his loan expires.

The Verdict: Smart move

It would certainly be a smart move by the new owners to sign Targett on a permanent deal, as it means that they will not have to look for another left-back to sign in the summer.

The 26-year-old is clearly popular with the club and the fanbase already, and is at a good age to kick on for the Tyneside outfit.

Nonetheless, with Villa signing Lucas Digne from Everton in the January transfer window, they would likely allow him to go for the right price.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ record-breaker NUFC are now ‘interested’ in signing here!

Liverpool could be set for a huge transfer setback regarding young Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Leeds United have been granted permission to open talks with the 18-year-old, who has recently been crowned the SFWA Young Scottish Player of the Year after an excellent campaign.

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Aberdeen will demand a fee which matches the youngster’s talents, and with Serie A outfit Bologna making a reported £4.8m bid for the defender in January, both Liverpool and Leeds will likely need to surpass that amount to secure his signing.

Liverpool face blow in pursuit of Ramsay

Liverpool have been outstanding this season, with a historic quadruple in their sights, although Jurgen Klopp is still planning for the future.

Ramsay has excelled in the Aberdeen first team this term, clocking the fourth-highest WhoScored rating of anyone to play more than 15 times for them in 2021/22, leaving little wonder as to why multiple Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in him.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold becoming a mainstay at right-back for Liverpool at the tender age of 23, this could give Leeds the edge in the chase for the Scottish starlet, especially if they have been given permission to speak to him over a potential transfer.

The Whites could perhaps offer a more attainable route to first-team football, and Ramsay’s next move will need to be chosen carefully for his career development. Just take a look at Nathan Patterson, who moved from Rangers to Everton and has barely featured for the struggling Toffees.

Ramsay has played 32 times for Aberdeen this season, scoring once and grabbing an impressive nine assists despite his team having a difficult campaign.

As Klopp continues his search for an understudy to Alexander-Arnold, he could well miss the chance to sign Ramsey, as Leeds appear to have edged ahead in the race for him.

If his first season at senior level has told us something, it’s that the 18-year-old looks set to become one of Scotland’s brightest talents over the next few years. Therefore, Klopp may well be fuming if the Reds miss out to their Premier League rivals for the Aberdeen starlet.

AND in other news, FSG masterclass: Liverpool drop major behind-the-scenes news that’ll excite supporters 

Alan Hutton has dropped a Glasgow Rangers claim after what he has heard involving Kemar Roofe ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final.

The Lowdown: Available?

As per The Scottish Sun, Roofe is winning his fitness battle to feature in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final against RB Leipzig at Ibrox, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst is optimistic that he will play a part.

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However, in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, the Dutch manager admitted that he ‘can’t say‘ for sure that the striker will make the squad, casting doubt on the validity of reports suggesting he’ll return.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider after hearing those updates, former Teddy Bears right-back now Rangers TV pundit Hutton has claimed that his old team should play Roofe if he is ready, as it is simply a ‘huge’ game for them: “It’s a difficult one, isn’t it?

“On one side, I’m saying yes, take the gamble. If he’s training and he says he’s ready to go then you play him.

“You have to play them because this is huge. We do say it week after week but this is the next game and it is the biggest game.

“Obviously you’ve got a cup final coming up but I don’t think you can rest somebody just for that. If he’s fit and available, I think you play him.”

The Verdict: Worth the risk

Of course, Roofe may not be fully fit, and may suffer from a lack of match sharpness, but adding him to the squad is surely worth the risk given what is at stake.

The Light Blues trail 1-0 from the first leg, and Roofe is their second-top scorer behind Alfredo Morelos this season, with 16 goals in total over all competitions so far.

Nonetheless, van Bronckhorst would surely want to play with an out-and-out number nine in order to not complicate his tactics or system, and if Roofe is ready, he should be unleashed upon the Leipzig defence.

In other news, find out who Gers could now lose this summer here!

Liverpool could be facing a major departure this summer, according to the latest reports coming out of Germany…

What’s the word?

As per Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Reds could be set to lose influential forward Sadio Mane at the end of the season, with Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich believed to be keen on the Senegalese international.

Writing on Twitter, Plettenberg revealed that Julian Nagelsmann’s side are interested in pursuing a deal for the £72m-rated man: “[sporting director Hasan] Salihamidzic wants him! He is the desired ‘statement transfer’ in summer! No negotiations between Bayern & #LFC so far. [Salihamidzic] met his agent over the weekend. Mané was a topic. Talks about a contract extension between LFC & Mané difficult.”

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This revelation comes amid mounting uncertainty over the future of the 30-year-old with just a year remaining on his existing deal, meaning he could well depart for nothing in a year’s time, or be moved on for a fee in the coming months – if a contract extension with the Anfield outfit cannot be struck.

Klopp will be fuming

Such news will come as a significant blow to the club’s supporters, with the £200k-per-week gem having proven an integral cog in Jurgen Klopp’s relentless machine in recent years, since his £34m arrival from Southampton in 2016.

Over the past six years, Mane has netted 118 goals in 265 games in all competitions for the Merseysiders in all competitions from his left-wing berth, while also playing a key role in the club’s romp to the Premier League title two years ago, as well as their Champions League triumph in 2019.

Dubbed “insane” by his manager earlier this season, the former Red Bull Salzburg gem has been a revelation for the Reds in recent times, forging part of an immense forward line alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

Although the arrivals of both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have helped to shoulder the burden away from that devastating trio, they remain integral members of Klopp’s current squad, hence the imaginable fume amongst the manager at Anfield.

All three of that famed attack are in fact out of contract in 2023, with it unclear as present as to who will be moved on and who will remain at Anfield for the long haul.

With regards to Mane, in particular, his displays this term have illustrated he is not yet on the decline, having chipped in with 21 goals and eight assists across all fronts thus far, while also helping to drag his side to yet another European showpiece.

Winning against 13-time champions Real Madrid in that final could potentially be the perfect end to his time in English football, although Klopp and co would be wise to do all they can to retain his services for the years to come.

Nevertheless, it may prove hard to turn down the serial-winning menace that is Bayern if they do make their interest concrete this summer, with the Bavarian outfit offering an almost guaranteed supply of silverware, having swept the last ten league titles in Germany.

IN other news, Sources: Liverpool register interest in signing “complete” £50m star, Klopp needs him

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly in talks to sign Sporting CP’s 23-year-old midfielder, Matheus Nunes.

That is according to a journalist in Portugal, who claimed earlier this week that the Old Gold were “on the heels” of the midfielder.

Taking to Twitter, the reporter said: “Wolverhampton on the heels of Matheus Nunes. New talks are underway to define the future of the Sporting midfielder, who for months has also been accompanied by Manchester City – remember that Guardiola recently considered the Portuguese-Brazilian one of the best players in the world”

On the chalkboard

As was covered in the initial report, Guardiola is a big fan of the Sporting starlet and for good reason.

When City and Sporting played in the first leg of the Champions League, even though his side were hammered 5-0, Matheus did not put a foot wrong and made the most amount of accurate passes out of the whole Sporting XI with 40 completed at a percentage of 87%.

His total in that game surpassed the likes of Bernardo Silva and saw him fall just eight passes short of Kevin De Bruyne. Even more impressively, Sporting had just 36% possession overall.

The performance against Guardiola’s side is an indicator as to what kind of player he is, covering both sides of the game well and he even had the Spaniard waxing lyrical about him, claiming he is “one of the best players in the world.”

His ability to keep the ball under pressure is one his greatest assets, which was again demonstrative in the aforementioned Champions League performance.

What will intrigue Wolves fans, though, is his ability to operate comfortably in a 3-4-2-1 system that looks to dominate the ball, having averaged 60% possession this season under Ruben Amorim.

Lage plays a similar system and aims to dictate play, but has struggled to do so this season, having averaged 49.9% possession in the Premier League. As such, he could get great use out of a player who is better in possession than the potentially departing Leander Dendoncker.

The Belgium international has struggled to keep the ball this season, averaging just 5.87 passes under pressure per 90, faltering to that of Nunes’ outstanding average of 10.45 per 90.

The Portuguese starlet’s match average of 0.53 goal-creating actions sees him achieve elite status, considering his position in comparison to similar players across the last year, with Dendoncker also registering a highly respectable 0.42 goal-creating actions per 90, with the caveat that he has functioned as an attacking midfielder on a few occasions this season.

£34m Nunes could well be the answer to Lage’s new look engine room, though the Old Gold will need to move quick amidst interest from Pep’s side.

In other news: Wolves now plot bid for “flourishing” £20m gem, he’s better than Moutinho

Transfer insider Dean Jones has been discussing the prospect of ongoing problems at Manchester United ahead of the arrival of Erik ten Hag. 

The lowdown: Carrington bust-up

This comes following a report from the Manchester Evening News confirming that there had been a clash during training last week.

You can see with the paddy power promo code what effect all this upheaval is having on the Bookies thoughts for the Reds, for next season.  Not what the new manager would want to come in to find is it really?

The two players involved haven’t been named and the in-fighting symbolises wider issues faced at Old Trafford during the 2021/22 campaign as the club faces another season without silverware and without the prospect of elite European football at Old Trafford next term.

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Having appointed Ten Hag from Ajax, United will be hoping this summer can spell somewhat of a new dawn as the Red Devils attempt to return to the glory days.

The latest: Jones on ongoing ‘issues’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones shed some light on the grievances, which he says ought to have to been ironed out before the 52-year-old takes over from Ralf Rangnick.

He said: “If there were issues, then they should have been sorted out before now, and probably not in this manner. I know some United fans were like: ‘finally, some passion in this team’, but it probably just means that there are rifts there. That’s just another issue for ten Hag to fix.”

The verdict: Clean slate

In this instance, it truly is apt that a change is as good as a rest for United as the European superpower attempts to arrest an alarming slide away from the top table.

Albeit Ten Hag certainly appears to have his work cut out in order to address the long list of problems at the club, with as many as 12 players expected to leave there is certainly potential for the Dutchman to install a whole new culture from the outset.

After adding a third Eredivisie title to his already impressive CV, Ten Hag’s success in management coupled with a penchant for developing young prospects certainly fits in with the previously successful mantra under Sir Alex Ferguson and should see the Dutchman given time in the role once the current problems in the Red Devils camp can be resolved.

In other news: Ten Hag loves him: Man Utd now ‘pressing’ to sign transfer listed Italian after agent meeting. 

Photo by Unsplash

Former Premier League manager now Sky Sports pundit Alex McLeish has been reacting to Manchester City’s interest in Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips.

The Lowdown: City make Phillips priority

Phillips helped the Whites secure their Premier League status on what was a dramatic final day at the top and bottom.

The 26-year-old played the entirety of the 2-1 win at Brentford, while Pep Guardiola’s side staged an incredible comeback against Aston Villa to lift a fourth title in five years.

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City have now turned their attention to summer signings, and in a big update from The Times, apparently have Phillips at the top of their list to replace Fernandinho.

The Latest: McLeish reacts

McLeish, 63, was talking to Football Insider regarding Phillips and the update on a possible move to the Etihad.

He believes the Premier League champions would need to pay a ‘hefty’ fee to have any chance of a move materialising.

“Wow, there will have to be a hell of a fee for him. I don’t see him leaving quite at this moment.

“I don’t know Kalvin, I don’t know his team. The one thing you can’t stop is a juggernaut coming for you. I mean one of the giant teams coming for you and paying the money that you just can’t refuse.

“That is possible. It would need to be hefty, he’s kind of at that status now.”

The Verdict: £50m?

Reports last month suggested that Phillips was ready to sign a new deal at Elland Road. Journalist David Anderson recently backed up that claim, however, City’s interest may well scupper those positive plans.

The Premier League champions would be able to offer Champions League football, something other interested sides Aston Villa, Newcastle or West Ham can’t at this moment in time, as well as inevitably huge wages.

Leeds now have a decision to make but should be able to bring in a ‘hefty’ fee, should they decide to cash in over the coming months. Phillips is entering the final two years of his current contract, so a £50m fee could be enough, as reports have claimed.

In other news: Leeds and Orta ask about signing ‘extraordinary’ talent for Marsch. 

The Chronicle journalist Charlie Bennett has revealed what he has now been ‘told’ from Newcastle United in relation to Dean Henderson.

The Lowdown: One to watch

With the Premier League season now completed, transfer rumours are already heating up for the summer, none more so than at St James’ Park.

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One player who has been strongly linked with a move to the northeast recently is Manchester United goalkeeper Henderson, and an update has now been given on that situation.

The Latest: Henderson deal ‘close’

Taking to Twitter, Bennett has revealed that Henderson is ‘keen’ on a move to Tyneside and would ‘prefer’ to sign permanently than on loan. The 25-year-old’s camp believe that a deal is now ‘close’ after meeting representatives of Newcastle in Northumberland last week.

Bennett tweeted: “Understand Dean Henderson is keen on a Newcastle move and has made it known he prefers a permanent transfer to a loan deal.

“Also told player’s camp believe a deal is “close” after meeting club representatives in Northumberland last week.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Given Henderson’s desire to move to the Magpies, and a seemingly positive meeting with their representatives, one would suggest that the Toon shouldn’t have to do too much more to get this deal over the line.

However, given his reputation in the top flight after keeping 13 clean sheets while on loan at Sheffield United in the 2019/20 season, and having played for England at international level, Henderson is likely to be a man in demand this summer.

Therefore, the Newcastle board need to wrap up this deal as soon as possible in order to fend off any other potential suitors.

In other news, Newcastle have now scheduled a meeting over signing this transfer target

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic as a replacement for Sadio Mane this summer.

The Lowdown: Mane on the move?

It looks increasingly as though Mane could leave Anfield this summer, following six years at the club, in which time he has become a Reds legend.

The Senegalese superstar appears likely to join Bayern Munich, enjoying a new challenge while he remains at the peak of his powers.

The 30-year-old could leave a big gap in the Liverpool team, given his brilliance down the years, with a high-profile replacement surely needed to come in and fill the void.

The Latest: Reds linked with Pulisic move

According to The Daily Star, Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Pulisic as a ‘like for like’ Mane replacement, having been heavily linked with him before he joined Chelsea back in 2018.

Klopp was ‘close’ to a reunion with his former Borussia Dortmund student, and it is now claimed that the American could ‘jump ship’ and head to Anfield from Stamford Bridge, as he is ‘disgruntled’ at his current club.

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The Verdict: Exciting target

While Pulisic hasn’t necessarily set the world alight a Chelsea, he is an excellent young player who has huge potential, having been hailed as ‘world-class’ by BBC’s Pat Nevin in the past.

He possesses the pace and trickery to slot into Liverpool’s attack and his versatility means he is capable of thriving on either wing or even in a central role, so he could provide good competition in attacking areas.

Whether or not Chelsea are willing to sell Pulisic to a direct rival is unknown, however, which could act as a possible stumbling block.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Keane Lewis-Potter is one of the hottest properties in the Championship right now and there is no shortage of Premier League sides interested in signing him, with West Ham having reportedly made contact with Hull City over a potential deal.

What’s the word?

The Hammers, alongside Southampton and Brentford, are said to be extremely keen on bringing him to the top flight this summer after an impressive campaign in the second tier.

According to Hull Live, West Ham have already enquired about the 21-year-old, while Brentford saw a bid rejected in January.

Vice-chairman Tan Kesler recently spoke about how they are desperately trying to convince the young winger at Hull next season but also confirmed that they had received three offers from Premier League sides, presumably the above-mentioned teams.

However, considering the winger’s contract with Hull is set to expire at the end of next season, the Championship side may well be forced to cash in on him this summer, and West Ham could once again benefit from the Tigers.

Bowen 2.0?

The comparisons with Jarrod Bowen are to be expected, considering the Hammers signed the England international from Hull in January 2020.

Since then he has gone on to contribute 27 goals and 23 assists in 103 appearances for the Hammers, earning his first England cap last week after some sensational performances for David Moyes’ side last season.

Lewis-Potter and Bowen both enjoyed similar campaigns, as they hit 12 goals apiece and averaged 2.2 shots per game in their respective leagues.

Although Bowen has the edge in terms of creativity at the moment, Lewis-Potter is still just 21 and will only get better should he make the move to the London Stadium this summer, with reports claiming he would cost around £15m.

Former Hull boss Grant McCann was full of praise for the youngster back in 2020, saying:

“The kid’s a special talent. Wherever we play him across that frontline, he’ll create and score goals. He can be anything he wants to be. He’s quick, he’s getting stronger.

“If you see him physically now compared to where he was this time last year, he’s head and shoulders above in terms of his physique. He’s got all the tools to be anything he wants.”

The similarities with Bowen are clear to see and if Moyes can bring him to the London Stadium this summer, he may well have another gem on his hands.

And, in other news… Moyes given green light for “unbelievable” goal-machine