All posts by z3u9t.icu

Journalist Scott Wilson of The Northern Echo has now shared a promising update as Tottenham Hotspur pursue former star Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Spurs in hunt…

The Lilywhites are reportedly eyeing a reunion with their ex-playmaker who also played under manager Antonio Conte at Inter Milan during the 2020/2021 season.

Having sealed a place in the Premier League top four, qualifying for next season’s Champions League in the process, Spurs could well be an attractive landing spot for the Dane who is out of contract at the end of this month.

Eriksen dazzled under Thomas Frank over 21/22, prompting real interest from the north Londoners, with reporter Wilson now sharing an update.

The Latest: Spurs hold ‘substantive’ talks…

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According to his information, Tottenham have held ‘more substantive talks’ with the player and his representatives alongside Man United – propelling both sides ahead of Newcastle United in the race for his signature.

On Twitter, he also explains the Magpies have conceded that Spurs and United are ‘much likelier destinations’ for Eriksen.

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 30-year-old finished last season as Brentford’s best-performing player by average match rating whilst also racking up the highest number of key passes per 90 in the final third (WhoScored).

Eriksen, still labelled a ‘superstar’ by members of the media (Graeme Bailey, journalist), can clearly still provide that injection of creativity in the Spurs midfield and we believe signing him on a Bosman deal would be incredibly astute business.

For zero initial transfer cost, a potential agreement would be fairly low risk and a real headline-grabber.

In other news: Conte enters pole position to sign ‘excellent’ international defender for Spurs! Find out more here.

West Ham United have looked at Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the word

That is according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, whose report was relayed via YouTube channel The Football Terrace.

On the possibility of Jesus leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer, Jacobs said: “Arsenal are very much interested, there isn’t much substance to the Chelsea links, Newcastle have circled in the past.

“West Ham have looked at him, but they’re more likely to try and get Armando Broja from Chelsea for a lower fee, so Arsenal can consider themselves in the mix for this deal.”

Supporters surely excited

With West Ham’s willingness to let players go this summer, having seen six players depart including the retiring Mark Noble, the Hammers will be looking to make some astute signings to integrate within David Moyes’ tight-knit squad.

Michail Antonio is the only natural centre-forward at the club, which is ironic considering his earlier spell as a wing-back just a few seasons ago. Therefore, more depth is needed in that position, and quality depth at that amidst the Irons’ recent European adventures.

Following the arrival of Erling Haaland, Jesus may have fears over his game-time at City; and with just a year left on his contract, the Premier League champions may decide to cash in this summer whilst they still can.

Whilst Arsenal and Chelsea have been mentioned, the claim that West Ham have also looked at Jesus bodes well for their transfer intentions this summer.

A player of his esteem could come in and operate as an inside forward for Moyes, leaving Antonio as the sole striker. However, it would of course enable the Scotsman to comfortably deploy a strike partnership between the pair in a system which utilises two strikers, effectively offering tactical flexibility to the Irons boss.

With 17 goal returns in 28 appearances this season in the Premier League in the form of eight goals and nine assists, there seems little doubt that Jesus would relish being a talismanic figure in Moyes’ side.

There’s no guarantee that it would work out, of course, but if West Ham are serious about their progression as a club and truly challenging for Champions League football, they must be audacious enough to try and pull off signings of this calibre.

In other news: “Interest unchanged..“: Journalist drops 7-word West Ham claim that’ll leave supporters buzzing

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Maccabi Haifa midfielder Mohammad Abu Fani this summer.

What’s the news?

According to reports in his homeland (via Daily Record), the Hoops are joined by Eintracht Frankfurt, Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp in keeping an eye on the midfielder during Israel’s upcoming Nations League matches.

A product of Maccabi Haifa’s youth academy, the 24-year-old has racked up 99 appearances for the club across all competitions. In that time, the Israel international – who is currently valued at just £810k by Transfermarkt – has scored 10 goals and delivered seven assists along the way.

With 44 appearances and 12 goal contributions this season across all competitions, this highlights just how important he is for his club and why they may be reluctant to let him leave this summer.

On the international stage, the midfielder has made 45 appearances for his country across their youth and senior teams, scoring six goals in the process.

In January, journalist Sanny Rudravajhala quote-tweeted a now-deleted clip of Abu Fani keeping possession of the ball during a game against Maccabi Tel Aviv when his side won 3-2 having been 2-0 down, with the journalist describing the passage of play as a “thing of beauty”.

Bye-bye Soro

In terms of a potential move to Celtic for the Israeli gem, this could potentially bring Ismaila Soro’s time at Parkhead to an end.

Signed from Israeli outfit Bnei Yehuda in January 2020 in a four-and-a-half-year deal worth around £2m, the Ivorian has made just 43 appearances for the Bhoys.

Taking into account how the 24-year-old only started six of the 19 games in which he appeared for Ange Postecoglou’s side this season (and none since December), it’s safe to say that he is not particularly high in the pecking order at Parkhead.

Also, with a report from The Athletic claiming that the Bhoys intend moving the midfielder out of the club this summer, this could pave the way for Abu Fani to come in and take the Ivorian’s place in Postecoglou’s squad.

Should the Hoops finally manage to get rid of Soro in the coming weeks and months, adding a player like Abu Fani to their ranks, who has experience of playing as an attacking and defensive midfielder at times, could be the best option for the club.

In other news: Ange can finally axe “unbelievable” Celtic flop by signing “feisty” 19-goal sensation

Journalist Rudy Galetti has shared a Tottenham Hotspur transfer update from ‘sources close’ to star Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new striker…

After last week’s meeting in Turin with club chief Fabio Paratici, it is believed that an alternative frontman to Harry Kane is on manager Antonio Conte’s agenda for this summer window (The Telegraph).

The Lilywhites are on for a really interesting few months, already confirming the signing of free agent Ivan Perisic, and there is no sign Spurs are finished after their £150 million equity increase.

Conte has set his sights on a major overhaul after guiding his side to a Premier League top-four finish with Man City forward Gabriel Jesus among the strikers he is interested in.

Nunez is another, with Galetti sharing what he knows – ‘according to sources close’ to the Uruguay sensation.

The Latest: Galetti shares update…

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According to the Sport Italia TV reporter (via Twitter), while the north Londoners are still firmly ‘in the race’ for Nunez, it is believed that his favourite club is actually Man United.

Indeed, he says that Tottenham and Newcastle could still sign the 22-year-old but United have swooped in first to make ‘constant contact’ with his entourage.

The Verdict: Take action?

Reportedly valued at around £100 million, Nunez could be just out of Spurs’ reach given his price and all the competition.

Called a ‘superb’ striker by ex-Arsenal star Kevin Campbell, his phenomenal 34 goals in 41 appearances over 2021/2022 certainly back up his potential, but alternative options like Jesus or Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez could be more attainable.

Jesus, valued at £55m, and Martinez (£67.3m) could prove more realistic options for Conte in terms of price and both men have proved they’re capable of finding the net in recent years.

In other news: Alasdair Gold now suggests £122,000-per-week ‘genius’ is open to joining Spurs! Find out more here.

Reports emerged last week suggesting that Newcastle United were “closing in” on a deal for Manchester United stopper Dean Henderson, with talks believed to be taking place regarding a possible loan deal, albeit with a permanent move not off the table.

The 25-year-old had come close to a deadline day switch to St James’ Park back in the winter window, although the loan deal ultimately collapsed with current number one Martin Dubravka rejecting the chance to head in the other direction.

Although the deal is not yet confirmed, it would appear that the Englishman is edging ever closer towards a move away from Old Trafford, having failed to usurp teammate David De Gea as the Red Devils’ first-choice stopper.

In truth, however, had it not been for an unfortunate absence due to the pandemic at the start of the season, it may have been the one-time Sheffield United loanee keeping his place in between the sticks under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, having ended the previous campaign with a string of league starts.

After two almost wasted years back at his parent club, some on Tyneside may have doubts over whether the £40m man is the right fit to be their starting stopper moving forwards, although the Whitehaven-born star’s form at Bramall Lane is seemingly enough evidence to calm those nerves.

In his two year stint with the Blades, Henderson helped Chris Wilder’s side to promotion to the top flight, before impressing in his debut campaign at the top level, conceding just 33 goals in 36 games and making 13 clean sheets – the fourth-highest in the division.

Dubbed “insane” by former teammate Sander Berge, the one-cap international is a player tipped to go right to the very top of the game, with it seemingly not too much of a risk should Howe and co secure his services.

His arrival would also allow the northeast side to part ways with not one, but two of their current assets, with the aforementioned Dubravka and his understudy Karl Darlow in need of a fresh start.

Darlow, in particular, appears in desperate need of regular game time having failed to nail a regular starting berth since joining the club in 2014, with his 25 Premier League starts in the 2020/21 campaign something of an anomaly owing to an injury to Dubravka.

He also failed to take his chance earlier this campaign, with club legend Alan Shearer insisting he looked “really nervous” following the 3-3 draw with Brentford on home soil.

As for the Slovakian stopper, he has largely been Eddie Howe’s first choice since replacing Steve Bruce, making 26 starts this term and shipping just 35 goals, although has been known to drop the odd clanger or two, notably being dubbed “poor” by pundit Tim Sherwood for an error against Brighton a few months ago.

Equally, at 33, the £4.5m-rated ‘keeper is perhaps not the long-term fit that PIF are after, with Henderson offering both potential longevity and quality to Howe’s ranks.

It may be a bold move to dispense with two stoppers this summer, although the club can get their combined £63k-per-week wages off their books, as well as offering the pair the chance at more regular minutes elsewhere.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Wolves are still battling Tottenham for the potential summer signing of Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to the latest transfer update from Portugal.

The Lowdown: Palhinha a primary target?

With Ruben Neves seemingly leaving Wanderers at the end of the season – his waves to the crowd last weekend suggested as much – Bruno Lage will need to make a key midfield addition.

It looks as though Palhinha is Wolves’ No.1 target in that area of the pitch, having emerged as one of the Sporting’s most influential players in recent years and constantly drawing links to the Black Country.

The 26-year-old as enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga this season, also winning 1.5 aerial duels per game.

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The Latest: Offers ready

According to Jornal de Noticias [via Sport Witness], the Premier League is still the ‘most attractive’ proposition for Palhinha, with Wolves and Spurs leading the way in pole position.

Wanderers ‘want to reinforce their midfield’ and ‘initial offers’ are expected to be made imminently, with Sporting wanting at least €30million (£25.4m) for the Portuguese.

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The Verdict: Tough to beat Spurs

It seems clear that Wolves see Palhinha as one of their main summer transfer targets but the main thing holding back a possible deal is the presence of Spurs.

In Antonio Conte, the north Londoners have one of the world’s best managers and they are also on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League – a competition that appeals greatly to most top players.

Both of those things arguably make Spurs the front-runners, although Wolves’ Portuguese connection can always be helpful in these situations, with Palhinha hailed as a ‘special player’ by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an interesting Wolves transfer claim. Read more here.

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has implored Raphinha to come good for the team’s final Premier League game of the season. 

The lowdown: Treacherous times for Leeds

As things stand, the Whites are one point outside the relegation zone, having played a game more than Burnley in 18th.

Therefore, the Whites could conceivably be in the bottom three when Jesse Marsch’s side travel to west London to take on Brentford on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign next Sunday, should the Clarets avoid defeat to Aston Villa on Thursday.

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Ahead of the potential showdown, one former Elland Road player has urged a modern-day icon to stand up and be counted…

The latest: Raphinha told to ‘step up’

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT pundit Mills called upon Raphinha to live up to his ‘top class’ billing when the stakes are at their highest.

The 44-year-old said of the Brazilian: “I keep hearing that he’s a top-class player. He’s got to start doing it and it’s games like these where you have to step up.

“I was in a Leeds side that went to Arsenal on the penultimate day of the season and we needed to win to stay up, not dissimilar to the position Leeds were in at home to Brighton.

“We went to Arsenal, if they won they were still in the title race. We went there and won because Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka stepped up that day.

“They were top-quality players who maybe hadn’t performed as you’d expect through the season but they turned up that day and were sensational. That’s the sort of performance you need from Raphinha.

“When games are tight you need your star players to shine and I don’t think we’ve really seen it in the past few weeks.”

The verdict: Big-game players needed

There can be no doubt that Marsch will be looking to the likes of Raphinha to earn what could be a crucial three points in the final game of the season.

Despite the struggles across the board at Elland Road this term, the 25-year-old Brazilian has managed eight goals and registered 11 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

However, the seven-cap Brazil ace is now without a direct goal contribution in five games at the most pivotal time of the campaign – missing one big chance in a 7.5-rated Sofascore performance against Brighton – and Mills is right to deliver such a call-to-arms of someone with Raphinha’s unquestioned ability who has had some tame performances of late.

Moreover, should the £40.5m-valued winger fail to deliver on Sunday and Leeds suffer the indignity of relegation as a consequence, then a long-mooted move away from Yorkshire could loom closer on the horizon for the Samba star.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be monitoring Atalanta left-back Joakim Maehle and have identified him as a potential transfer target ahead of the summer, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Maehle in demand

The 24-year-old first made the switch to Serie A from Genk in 2020 and has made 59 appearances to date for his current club, scoring three goals and providing four assists during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

The £15.3m-rated maestro is regarded as one of the world’s foremost attacking defenders right now, and with Antonio Conte being unable to nail down a regular left-sided player this season as a result of the injuries to both Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon, it’s no surprise that the north London giants are on the hunt for a suitable replacement.

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The Latest: Paratici eyeing another Serie A raid

In a report published by The Daily Mail, it is claimed that Tottenham are ‘looking at’ Maehle, who has been ‘viewed as ideal’ for the manager’s 3-4-3 formation.

Spurs’ director of football Fabio Paratici already has established connections to Serie A, having signed Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from his former club Juventus in January, and this report has suggested that he will ‘return there’ to try and complete the signing of the 25-cap Denmark international.

The Verdict: An all-round player

The full-back will have no doubt gained plenty of interest from possible suitors thanks to his impressive performances for Denmark throughout Euro 2020 last summer, where they managed to reach the semi-final stage.

Maehle currently averages 2.21 blocks and 4.33 progressive passes per 90 minutes, via FBRef, showing his ability to impact a game at both ends of the pitch, and he was once hailed as a “fantastic” player by ITV pundit Ian Wright.

If Conte wants to assemble a new squad which has the potential to push for a Champions League place next season – and reports of the Italian wanting six new summer signings hints as such – the defender could prove to be a great addition, and one who could easily slot into that required wing-back position if Spurs can entice him to north London.

In other news… one Sky Sports pundit has urged Spurs to keep Antonio Conte at the end of the campaign

Ex-BBC pundit turned Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan has backed defender Stuart Dallas to make a return from his serious injury sooner rather than later.

The Lowdown: Dallas out for the foreseeable

The 31-year-old’s season came to a premature end after a horrific leg injury in the Whites’ 4-0 defeat against Manchester City back in April, and he has since undergone surgery.

Despite a successful operation though, there are still plenty of fears surrounding the player’s future after a Leeds source revealed to Football Insider just last week that the Northern Irishman could miss the entirety of next season as a result of a femoral fracture.

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The Latest: Whelan backs early return

Whelan admitted that whilst Dallas is set to face plenty of challenges throughout his rehabilitation period, but he is urging the 56-cap international to surprise medics with his recovery and even suspects he is already back in the dressing room.

He told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Any long-term injury is a challenge, more so mentally and emotionally as well. You want to be taking part out there with the lads, fighting with them out on the field, especially with the predicament we’re in.

“It’s something out the blue for Stuart, he’s never really gone through a long-term injury before.

“I’m sure he’ll be in the changing room trying to give his opinions and gee the lads on. That’s fantastic but look, it is demoralising when you get a really long injury. Any injury is hard to take. Whether it’s a hamstring, a tear, a small fracture. Long term, it can take its toll on you mentally.

“But the good thing is that we’re near the end of the season. It gives him that six to eight weeks to kind of get his rehab under his belt. He’s had the operation, it’s now a healing process.

“At the end of the season, it’s nice to be away from the club so you can put your feet up, you can go on holiday. Yes, you’re injured but I think getting away from football at times is not a bad thing when you have a long-term injury, just to clear your mind.”

“Reflect, get your head into a good place and know that you’re gonna be working very hard to get back fitter and stronger like he says. There’s no doubt about it, he will. He’s one of these people that is very honest, he will put the hard work in, the graft.

“Knowing Stuart Dallas he will probably be back sooner rather than later because of that determination that he has in his mind.”

The Verdict: Focusing on the future

The £53k-per-week star having to miss the final three games of the season will come as a huge blow to Jesse Marsch, who will know just how much of an instrumental part Dallas plays in his starting XI.

Prior to picking up his injury, the 5 foot 9 colossus was averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 1.4 dribbles per top-flight game, via WhoScored, showing that he can be effective both defensively and offensively going forward in that wing-back role.

Dallas, who was once dubbed as an “outstanding” player by BBC pundit Alan Shearer, will no doubt be absolutely gutted that he won’t be able to play any further part in trying to help the Whites maintain their Premier League status, but the most important thing for him now is to focus on his recovery so that he can be back fighting fit on that Elland Road pitch again as soon as possible.

In other news… a talkSPORT pundit has claimed that one Leeds ace appears to be ‘losing his head’.

It won’t come as a surprise if West Brom allow Grady Diangana to quit the club this summer, according to Midlands football reporter Josh Holland.

The Lowdown: Limited game time

The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a permanent five-year deal with the Baggies in 2020 following a successful loan spell the season before, but has since failed to reach the expectations set of him and hasn’t really been given a chance under Steve Bruce, having made just 15 Championship appearances for the new boss this season.

Five of those appearances were for just eight minutes or less, and as a result of clearly not being able to impress the Albion manager, Holland believes Diangana could be just one of a handful of senior first-team players to exit the Hawthorns during the upcoming transfer window.

The Latest: Departure on the horizon?

During an interview with Football League World, Holland claimed that the midfielder’s time at West Brom looks like it might be over.

He said: “I think Diangana is a weird one because we all know how good he is, but whether he’s happy at West Brom and whether he wants a move away is another thing.

“I think if Diangana left, not many people would be surprised.”

The Verdict: Great potential with a different team

The Congo-born talent did show plenty of promising signs during his loan spell with the Baggies, making 15 goal contributions in 30 appearances in all competitions, hence why they were keen to retain his services, but unfortunately, it just hasn’t worked out since then.

The maestro was once described as being a “dangerous” player in the final third by Premier League legend Pablo Zabaleta, and still has lots to give to the right team, but it doesn’t seem like that particular club will be the Midlands outfit.

Should the hierarchy be able to sell Diangana and get a good fee for him in the summer, this tasty sum could be put towards some much-needed transfer funds so that Bruce has the chance to rebuild his squad ahead of the start of the new season in a bid to make a serious promotion push next term.