All posts by z3u9t.icu

Despite having already completed the signing of Marseille youngster Boubacar Kamara, it would appear that Aston Villa remain set on bringing in a further midfield addition this summer, in order to help bolster Steven Gerrard’s squad.

One name that had been mentioned was Brighton’s Yves Bissouma, although the Mali international looks to be on his way to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, while the Midlands outfit are also expected to face fierce competition from Manchester City in the race to sign Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, having reportedly been keen on the 26-year-old.

All is not lost in Villa’s bid to bring in a quality midfield recruit, however, with journalist Pete O’Rouke – in an interview with GIVEMESPORT – revealing that the club are “keeping tabs” on Chelsea gem, Conor Gallagher.

The 22-year-old – who spent the most recent campaign on loan at Crystal Palace – is set to return to Stamford Bridge this summer in order to take part in pre-season training under Blues boss manager Thomas Tuchel, although Gerrard and co may be able to pounce if it becomes clear that he won’t play a prominent role for the west Londoners next term.

Any deal would likely not come cheap – amid reports that the asking price could be as high as £50m – although the England international has proven in the most recent campaign that he is a genuinely gifted talent and one that would no doubt fit in beautifully at Villa Park.

In what proved to be a breakthrough 2021/22 season at Selhurst Park, the £17k-per-week workhorse netted eight goals and provided three assists for Patrick Vieira’s side, while also averaging 0.9 interceptions and two tackles per 90 in his 34 top-flight outings.

Seemingly an old-school, throwback, box-to-box midfielder, the £22.5m-rated ace is able to combine his attacking intent with a willingness to defend, notably ranking in the top 7% for pressures made among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in the top 8% for dribbles completed, the top 7% for touches in the attacking penalty area and the top 11% for progressive passes received.

That knack for impacting the game in both boxes and his relentless pressing style has seen the youngster compared to one of his Chelsea teammates, with talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino insisting that Gallagher is “like N’Golo Kante with goals” such is his talent.

The statistics would also seemingly back up that claim, with the diminutive Frenchman also ranking highly for dribbles completed (top 7%), touches in the attacking penalty area (top 18%) and progressive passes received (top 10%), although only provided two goals and four assists in his 26 league appearances.

The 30-year-old has dazzled in English football over the last seven years, winning a plethora of major honours for both club and country and rubberstamping his status as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe, with pundit Joleon Lescott dubbing him “the best in that position ever to play the game.”

Reaching such heights may appear impossible for young Gallagher, although the one-time West Bromwich Albion loanee has himself been lauded of late, notably being labelled “outrageous” by one journalist, while another dubbed him a “monster” for his stunning displays.

Villa will no doubt be praying that he does come on the market this summer, as Gerrard will be able to nurture his own Kante to devastating effect.

IN other news, Deal Imminent: AVFC now “set to sign” fifth summer addition, Gerrard will be buzzing

Alan Hutton has lauded Leeds United’s signing of RB Salzburg right-back Rasmus Kristensen, claiming it could help solve a ‘huge’ issue at the club.

The Lowdown: Leeds sign Kristensen

The Whites confirmed the arrival of the 24-year-old on Wednesday, with Jesse Marsch acquiring the services of his former player at Salzburg.

Kristensen was a strong performer for the Austrian side, starting all eight of their Champions League games last season and averaging three aerial duel wins per game.

The hope is that it is the first of several significant arrivals this summer, as Leeds look to go up a level and steer clear of another dreaded battle with the drop.

The Latest: ‘Huge’ problem fixed

Someone who believes Kristensen is a superb signing for Leeds after their defensive injury woes last season is BBC Radio 5 Live‘s Hutton, who waxed lyrical over the move to Football Insider:

“I think injuries have been a huge problem for them over the last couple of seasons. For whatever reason, they seem to pick up big injuries. There have been parts of the season where it’s just been a nightmare for them.

“To bring in reinforcements in the right areas, at the back, where they always seem to pick injuries up, is only going to make them better.”

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The Verdict: Game-changing addition

There is no doubt that defence was an area that desperately needed reinforcements this summer, considering Leeds conceded a whopping 79 goals in 38 Premier League games last season – second only to bottom side Norwich City.

For that reason, Kristensen, who has picked up just two injuries in his professional career, really could be an excellent signing, bringing much-needed consistency, physical dominance and leadership, and even acting as a potential upgrade on the ageing Luke Ayling.

The Dane also adds a goal threat, having contributed to 15 goals in his last spell under Marsch, and this feels like an extremely low risk high reward signing.

In other news, Leeds are believed to have made a bid for one player. Find out who it is here.

After a disappointing Champions League final, Liverpool’s attention now turns to the summer transfer window where Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to limit damages.

That’s because Sadio Mane and Mo Salah are both in danger of leaving Anfield behind.

What’s the word?

Just how much Liverpool plan to spend this summer remains to be seen but their coffers will certainly be bolstered if the likes of Mane and Salah do indeed head for the departure lounge.

Moves for the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Jonathan David have been touted by The Athletic’s James Pearce but there is another name on the shortlist at Anfield according to the reputable journalist.

Writing in his latest column, Pearce revealed that the club is interested in Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.

He wrote: “Jude Bellingham is widely admired but there’s an acceptance that it might be tough to land the 18-year-old England international this summer given that Dortmund are already losing Haaland. It would take in excess of £80 million. Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni, 22, has been widely scouted but Liverpool believe he’s destined to join Real Madrid, with PSG also keen.”

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Liverpool’s very own Pogba

Bellingham is the very definition of a wonderkid with the 18-year-old already reaching 12 caps for England and becoming the youngest player to ever appear in a European Championships.

Furthermore, his shirt number has been retired at Birmingham City and he has played 90 times for one of the finest sides in Europe; Borussia Dortmund.

His performances continue to impress with the teenager scoring six times in 44 outings this term while also registering an eye-catching 14 assists.

An all-round asset in the middle of the park, his technical ability and reading of the game are second to very few in the modern game despite his tender age.

He is capable in possession while his ability to score and create evokes memories of Paul Pogba who will be leaving Manchester United on a free transfer this summer.

Over the last 365 days, Bellingham ranks in the top 3% in Europe’s top five leagues for dribbles, making 1.87 per 90. By comparison, Pogba ranks in the best 1% among players in the same position with 2.28 dribbles completed per 90.

They also rank similarly when it comes to progressive carries with the Dortmund sensation ranking in the 17% with 5.5 per 90 compared to the outgoing Manchester United midfielder’s 5.79 which puts him in the best 15% across Europe.

When it comes to shot-creating actions, Bellingham comes out on top with 3.16 per 90 (the best 9%) while Pogba registers 2.97 (the top 15%).

With that in mind, it’s clear to see why the Englishman could emulate the divisive World Cup winner if he comes to the Premier League, and why Roy Keane once described him as “scary.”

Already an elite ball carrier at such a young age, he’d be a phenomenal signing for Liverpool, particularly when you keep in mind their ageing midfield trio of Thiago, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

AND in other news, Liverpool could sign their very own Haaland in “unstoppable” 34-goal “nightmare”…

Newcastle United have reportedly now ‘watched’ Brennan Johnson ahead of a potential move this summer.

The Lowdown: Play-off final day

The Toon Army can catch a glimpse of what Johnson can offer at St. James’ Park as he features for Nottingham Forest in the Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town this afternoon.

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The Wales international has had an outstanding season, scoring 19 goals and making a further nine assists in total over all competitions, and has featured across the whole of the forward line for Steve Cooper’s team (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Newcastle watch

Taking to Twitter, The Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope has revealed that the North East club are one of a number of sides to have ‘watched’ Johnson, but a lot ‘hinges’ on whether Forest can beat Huddersfield:

“Everton eye move for Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson, but a lot hinges on Forest fate in play-off final. Newcastle, Leicester, Brentford have also watched 21-yr-old.”

Expanding in his article, Hope added that he is likelier to leave if Forest lose the game, with a £20m fee being mooted.

The Verdict: Sign

Eddie Howe will be hoping for more options in attack come the start of the new campaign, and Johnson would certainly be a valuable addition to his squad.

Dubbed a ‘different animal‘ on the pitch by Paul Bodin, who worked with him when in charge of Wales’ U19s and later with the U21s, and a player who makes defenders ‘panic’ by former Premier League manager Alex McLeish, the 21-year-old could provide the same threat on the opposite wing as Allan Saint-Maximin does on the left.

Nonetheless, they could form a deadly duo capable of truly terrorising any top-flight side’s backline.

In other news, find out who PIF are now ‘ready’ to sign for NUFC here!

Liverpool may have suffered disappointment in the Premier League on the final day of the season after losing out on the title to Manchester City by one point but will now look ahead to the Champions League final with a new injury update revealed by a reliable source.

What’s the latest?

Northern Football Correspondent for The Times and Liverpool journalist Paul Joyce, has given an important update on Fabinho’s recovery from a hamstring injury he sustained against Aston Villa last week.

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Joyce indicated in his article (via The Times) that the midfielder is continuing his recovery but faces a race against time to be fit for the final in Paris on Saturday evening. He has not returned to full training as of yet and could miss the clash in Paris.

As per the report, Fabinho will intensify his training at the end of the week with the hope that he will be ready to play against Real Madrid, but there is still no confirmation that he will be 100% fit for the important clash.

Supporters will be worried

Fabinho has been instrumental in Liverpool’s successful season and plays a key role in the midfield for the side, so supporters will be severely worried that his presence in Paris hangs in the balance, with the player still not back in full training.

The 28-year-old has scored eight goals and contributed one assist for the Reds this season in all competitions, whilst being a dominant force in his defensive midfield role guiding his team to two trophies already with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup already under their belts this season.

In his 29 Premier League appearances Fabinho has created two big chances, has been successful in the majority of his dribbles (73%), winning the majority of his aerial duels (65%), making 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and taking 63.7 touches on average per game this season. That proves that he plays an important role in dictating play from midfield, which would be sorely missed in the Champions League final.

Liverpool supporters suffered further heartbreak as Thiago Alcantara hobbled off the pitch at half-time on the final day of the season with an Achilles problem.

Joyce confirmed the Spaniard has undergone a scan and the problem is not serious but will need to respond well to his treatment and recovery plan to be in contention for the game on Saturday alongside Fabinho.

With that being said, Klopp will need to prepare for the worst outcome by leaning on Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and James Milner to fill the boots of the players should they be unable to recover in time, all of whom should be more than capable of using their experience to offer a high-quality performance.

AND in other news: Liverpool handed the perfect chance to sign “extraordinary” £60m brute, Klopp needs him

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Piotr Zielinski to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a number of recent reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), who claim that both Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are known to be big fans of the Napoli midfielder, with Spurs said to have already approached the Serie A side concerning a move for the 28-year-old.

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However, the report goes on to state that Aurelio de Laurentiis informed the Tottenham transfer team that it would require a fee of around €50m (£43m) in order for him to sanction the sale of the Poland international this summer.

“Out of the ordinary”

Considering how impressive Zielinski was for Napoli this season, in addition to the signing of a new central midfielder being reported to be one of Conte’s priorities in the summer market, it is unsurprising to learn of Tottenham’s interest in a move for the 28-year-old.

Indeed, over his 35 Serie A appearances this term, the £45m-rated talent was in sensational form in the heart of Luciano Spalletti’s side, scoring six goals, registering five assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 0.5 dribbles per game.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the £106k-per-week Pole also ranks in the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for shots, the top 9% for xG, the top 12% for assists, the top 4% for progressive passes received and the top 19 % for progressive carries.

The midfielder’s impressive returns during his six-year stay in Naples have also seen him come in for a considerable amount of praise, none more so than from Pepe Reina, who stated of the playmaker back in 2020:

“There is a player who I fell in love with from the first time I saw him – the Napoli midfielder Zielinski. He’s a Real Madrid or Barcelona player. He is out of the ordinary. He is higher than Serie A.”

As such, with the likes of Harry Winks, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso all looking as if they could be moving on this summer, Zielinski would very much appear to be an ideal replacement for any of this trio, as the Napoli star would evidently be a much better fit for the 52-year-old Italian’s setup in north London.

AND in other news: Conte now plotting £50m offer for “frightening” £200k-p/w Spurs target, he’s Salah 2.0

Wolves are plotting a bid for 19-year-old Argentinian sensation, Carlos Alcaraz, as Bruno Lage plans a summer rebuild at the club.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Spanish outlet Marca, who claims that Wolves are one of the many sides that are chasing the Racing Club youngster, alongside Juventus, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.

A release clause of €20m (£17m) is reportedly in the 19-year-old’s contract and this could tempt a range of clubs to make a bid.

The next Lautaro Martinez?

With the news that Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves might be on his way out of the club following links to Barcelona, replacements will be needed ahead of next season.

Alcaraz looks like he has an excellent future ahead of him in the game. With five goals and two assists already this season for Racing Club, he is establishing himself at such a young age.

Despite playing in a different position, these early performances have led many, including journalist Kostas Lianos to claim that Alcaraz could be the “next Lautaro Martinez.”

Martinez started off at Racing Club before making the move to Europe and the striker is now in major demand having suitably impressed at Inter Milan

Alcaraz, with youth behind him, might well get the chance to push further forward as time progresses, and signing him would be a shrewd move for Lage.

Of course, the inexperienced tag might be a detrimental factor, but if the move works out, they could have a real diamond on their hands, and one that could net them a significant profit in the future.

Martinez cost Inter Milan €20m (£17m) and he is now valued at £63m, proving that branching out to South America is a resourceful way to conduct transfer business.

It could well be an exciting time ahead for the Wolves faithful.

AND in other news, Forget Neto: Lage must now unleash Wolves £26k-p/w “top player” who’s “got everything”

On-loan Nottingham Forest striker Keinan Davis has been ruled out of this afternoon’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg against Sheffield United.

What’s the latest?

As per Nottinghamshire Live, the 24-year-old Aston Villa loanee will miss today’s crunch match with a hamstring injury.

Moreover, it looks as though the forward could miss Tuesday night’s second leg too, with Forest manager Steve Cooper replying when asked if Davis might make the City Ground clash: “I don’t think so, no. It’s not something we’ve thought about, we take it game by game.

“It would be such a quick turnaround. Normally if you are available for a Tuesday game – unless it’s a really short injury – you are probably available for what would be the Saturday game, and that’s not the case. So no, is the answer.”

Bad news for Forest

If this is how Davis’ loan spell in Nottingham is to end, it will surely be a major disappointment for Forest fans, who will have certainly warmed to the Englishman.

Since joining from Aston Villa in January for the remainder of the season, the forward has netted five goals and registered two assists in 15 Championship appearances, with Cooper’s side enjoying marvellous form since the loanee’s arrival.

Going into the play-offs, the East Midlands outfit have won nine out of their last 12 league matches and boast plenty of momentum which they will hope will prove enough to propel them back into the Premier League for the first time since 1999.

However, without the threat of Davis up front, Forest’s chances of overcoming the Blades will certainly be hindered.

In addition to the 24-year-old, Cooper will also be without Lewis Grabban up front, with Sam Surridge and Brennan Johnson the Reds’ only available forwards going into the first leg of the play-off tie.

Despite Davis’ absence, Forest will still back themselves to make it not only to Wembley but into the top flight too, given their excellent run of form going into the play-offs.

With these two sides perhaps the favourites to take the third promotion place alongside Fulham and Bournemouth, it should be a mouth-watering tie, but Forest’s task has certainly been made harder with Davis ruled out for today at least.

AND in other news: Seven changes: Cooper to unleash £12.7k-p/w “machine” vs Blades: Forest predicted XI

Leeds United are plotting a summer move for Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Daichi Kamada, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Kamada profiled

Kamada, a Japan international, is 25 years of age who plays as an attacking midfielder and second striker.

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He made the move to Frankfurt back in 2017 and has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rocket from £675,000 to £19.8m in the Bundesliga.

Kamada has netted 56 goals and registered 46 assists during his club career so far, with 50 of those goal contributions coming in Germany.

The attacker will be entering the final 12 months of his Frankfurt contract in the summer, and it looks as if he is firmly on Leeds’ radar.

The Latest: Source shares update

FI shared a story early on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Kamada after being informed by a recruitment source.

They claim that the Whites sent club scouts to Germany to watch Kamada in action against West Ham in their Europa League semi-final second leg.

Jesse Marsch is thought to be a big fan of the Frankfurt man, but a summer move hinges on Leeds’ Premier League status.

The Verdict: Needed

The Whites currently don’t have a senior attacking midfielder on the books, while their forward ranks have been hit hard this season due to numerous injuries to Patrick Bamford.

Therefore, providing Leeds remain in the top flight, a move for Kamada appears to be just what Marsch needs ahead of his first full season in charge.

He can play in multiple attacking roles and appears to be approaching his prime at the age of 25. A transfer also appears to be within the club’s reach financially, especially as he’ll be into the final 12 months of his contract in the summer, but first, Leeds need points in their final four Premier League fixtures.

In other news: ‘What’s next?’, ‘Should be punished’ – Sky Sports man fumes after what’s happened at Leeds. 

Reputable Spanish outlet AS have provided an update involving Manchester United and Frenkie de Jong. 

The lowdown: Dutch connection

Following the official announcement from the club that Erik ten Hag would be the man in the Old Trafford hot seat from next season, Sport ran a report claiming that the current Ajax manager was eyeing a reunion with De Jong.

Sold to Barcelona in 2020 for £65m under the stewardship of the 52-year-old (BBC), the Dutch midfielder was hailed as a ‘great player’ by Ten Hag whilst the pair were together in Amsterdam.

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There could now be a reunion on the horizon in Manchester, as Barca have reportedly named their price for De Jong…

The latest: De Jong a ‘wanted’ man

As per AS, United and Bayern Munich are named as the two main protagonists in the pursuit of the 24-year-old.

The report claims that De Jong is ‘mainly wanted’ by the two European giants as the Catalan club put their star ‘up for sale’ for €70m (£58m).

It is also stated that other Premier League clubs have ‘tested’ the situation surrounding the 40-cap Netherlands ace.

The verdict: Value for money

As a matter of course, Ten Hag will need to strengthen the midfield in order to regain poise at United, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic both preparing to leave at the end of the season.

Possessing a variety of impressive attributes including very strong dribbling and passing skills (WhoScored), the talented Dutchman stacks up stylistically alongside star midfielder such as Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Luka Modric when using the detailed FB Ref comparison tool.

So far this season, De Jong has scored four times and registered five assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, and signing him would be a superb place to start for any Old Trafford rebuild under Ten Hag this summer.

In other news: Man Utd star could make sensational summer exit…find out more here