All posts by n8rngtd.top

Alex McLeish has been left lauding the new deal that has been given to Son Heung-Min from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Son contract

As confirmed on their official website, Son has signed a new four-year contract at Spurs, which will keep him at the North London club until 2025.

Fabio Paratici is ‘delighted‘ with the deal, and the South Korea international himself claimed that it was ‘easy’ to sign a new contract with Nuno Espirito Santo’s team.

The Latest: McLeish lauds Son deal

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, a pundit who has previously been a manager in the Premier League, has lauded the new contract given to Son, and even admitted that he had doubts that he would sign on:

“I think that’s a brilliant re-signing.

“I had my doubts that Son would stay but that is brilliant news for Tottenham fans.

“He’s been an integral part of any of the marginal success Spurs have had over the past few years. Champions League finals and all that stuff.

“He’s shown some fantastic, world-class performances against top-class clubs. I remember the Man United 6-1 game a couple of years ago.

“He’s just a dream of a footballer, a dream of a player to have in your squad.”

The Verdict: Brilliant news

As McLeish rightfully puts it, Son signing a new deal is brilliant news for the Lilywhites.

The winger had such a good individual 2020/21 term, scoring no fewer than 22 goals and supplying a further 17 assists in 51 matches in total across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

He has shown on countless occasions how reliable of a player he is in the final third, and has been rightfully rewarded with a new bumper contract.

Nonetheless, it is so important for THFC to keep their best players at the club for as along as possible, and Son certainly fits into that category.

In other news, find out what transfer claim has left Lilywhites erupting here!

Former Nottingham Forest striker Nigel Jemson has urged Lyle Taylor to show his true quality and win over the City Ground faithful this season.

Taylor arrived from Charlton on a free transfer 12 months ago but failed to replicate his previous goalscoring exploits in south London – scoring just five goals in 42 appearances in all competitions.

He had previously proved himself as one of the most lethal frontmen in the second and third-tier with both Charlton and AFC Wimbledon, reaching double figures in five consecutive campaigns.

But keeping in line with Forest’s shocking season, Taylor himself struggled to showcase his talent, and heads into the new campaign on a 28-match goal drought in the Championship since scoring twice against Wycombe back in November.

Chris Hughton hasn’t yet added any strikers to his Forest squad this window, which would suggest that Taylor is going to get his fare share of opportunities in the coming weeks.

And Jemson exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that he must prove his worth:

“He has come from Charlton, has moved out of London, new club, new surroundings, but I expect a little bit more.

“I was excited when he came because I thought he would be a fantastic signing, but I think he’s got a bit to prove to win the supporters over now.”

Leeds United have agreed a deal with Celtic for defender Leo Hjelde, according to journalist Stian Andre de Wahl.

The Lowdown: Hjelde’s Celtic career

Hjelde arrived at Celtic Park in 2019 on a three-year deal from Rosenborg.

The Norwegian, described as ‘composed’ by Callum Morris, is yet to make a senior appearance for the Hoops but has some Scottish Premiership experience after going out on loan to Ross County last season.

Leeds were monitoring Hjelde before his loan move to Ross County, and it seems as if an Elland Road switch may now go through.

The Latest: Price agreed

According to Andre de Wahl, the Whites and the Hoops have agreed on a price for Hjelde.

Personal terms have already been agreed, so all that appears to be in the way over a move to Yorkshire is passing a medical.

Football Insider were informed by a Leeds source on Thursday that a medical has been booked for Hjelde.

The Verdict: Not ideal

Former Ross County manager John Hughes tipped Hjelde to become ‘the next Virgil van Dijk’, so a Parkhead exit could be a blow in the long run.

Celtic appear to be building for the future with summer signings Liel Abada, Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide all under 21 years of age, so Hjelde could have been in the club’s plans for the future.

However, it seems as if he may not be around at Parkhead for much longer, so it’ll be interesting to see if Celtic look to replace the 17-year-old before the end of the window.

In other news: Celtic submit offer to sign 6 ft 3 powerhouse for Ange, claims journalist. 

Shamrock Rovers defender Liam Scales is set to complete a transfer to Celtic by the end of the month, as reported by the Irish Mirror.

The Lowdown: Celtic eye defensive reinforcements

Starting to string together impressive consistency levels after four wins on the trot, Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou will be keen to recruit further reinforcements in key areas to ensure that his squad has sufficient depth to challenge for the Premiership title.

Centre-back has been an area of particular concern for the Celts, with Ko Itakura and and Cameron Carter-Vickers pursued in recent weeks [Daily Record].

However, Scales seems to be the most likely defender to become the latest Parkhead import, owing to recent claims in the Irish media.

The Latest: Scales said to be Parkhead-bound by the end of the month

After impressing in Shamrock Rovers’ 1-0 victory over Drogheda United, the Irish Mirror has claimed that the 23-year-old is preparing to finalise his move to Celtic imminently.

The fee reported is expected to be €600,000 (£510,000) plus add-ons, whilst a deal is mooted to be on the cards before the close of the Scottish transfer window on 31 August.

Southampton were also linked with a swoop for his services, but he is set to choose the Hoops as a consequence of Postecoglou viewing him as another quality option in the first-team backline [Irish Mirror].

The Verdict: Scales would be a low-risk signing

Scales would be an inexpensive signing who could develop considerably in Scotland. Capable of filling in at centre-back, left-back and left midfield, his versatility and passing ability would be an asset to Celtic moving forward.

He has performed admirably for his current employers so far this season, registering six goal contributions in 26 appearances in all competitions with three goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled as “remarkable” by Irish Examiner writer Graham Cummins [The Celtic Star], Celtic should look to put the finishing touches to the move for the 23-year-old and duly secure another rising talent.

In other news, a Premier League defender has signalled his desire for a Parkhead switch. Read all about it here.

Lots of Wolves fans have been left reacting on social media as a transfer update emerged on Noni Madueke.

As per Sky Sports, the PSV ace is attracting interest from the Midlands club, as well as both Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City.

However, he has a current valuation of between £30-34m, which may prove to be too expensive.

Madueke scored no fewer than nine goals and supplied a further eight assists in 32 matches in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 season, which is very impressive considering that he often operated on the wing (Transfermarkt).

Dubbed a ‘very explosive’ player by former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte, he could certainly add a new dimension to Bruno Lage’s attack, but they may now have to sell a few players first in order to be able to afford him.

Wolves fans on Madueke transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful gave their reactions as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, and while they were generally excited by the link, some feel as if it would be unrealistic to sign him:

“Won’t be this window but that would be amazing”

Credit: @CaritaMejor

“If we pull this off”

Credit: @Wolvoryan04

“Yes yes yes yes”

Credit: @charliewwfc_

“Would be some signing but idk if its worth the risk of selling Adama to afford him”

Credit: @OscarWWFC_

“All good being linked with these class wingers but we still need a CB and CM this window”

Credit: @PedroBackOfNeto

“If we sold Adama his money would be enough but I don’t really wanna sell Adama”

Credit: @Wolvoryan04

In other news, find out what injury news has been bemoaned by Wanderers here!

Leicester City are reportedly pursuing a deal for PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to add further reinforcements to his first-team squad.

What’s the story?

The highly-rated 19-year-old has been linked with a £20m move to various Premier League sides this summer after catching the eye with a string of impressive performances for PSV last season.

However, according to well-known journalist Alan Nixon (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury), the Foxes have been ‘active’ on a deal for ‘3-4 weeks,’ meaning Madueke could be set to arrive at the King Power Stadium before the current transfer window closes.

Brendan Rodgers would love him

Leicester have already pulled off several astute purchases in the shape of Boubakary Soumare, Patson Daka, Jannik Vestergaard and Ryan Bertrand, but Rodgers has hinted that there could yet be more business done before the August 31 deadline.

“We would like to add more if we could and we will see how the market goes. We know what we would like, but whether we can get that type of player or whether we can afford that type of player, we will have to wait,” the Northern Irish tactician said.

One area of Rodgers’ squad that appears to be particularly light is the right-wing position. Since Riyad Mahrez’s departure back in 2018, several players have failed to adequately replace the Algeria international.

The likes of Demarai Gray, Cengiz Under and Rachid Ghezzal have all exited the King Power Stadium in the subsequent years, meaning the former Celtic boss needs more strength in depth if he’s to mount a serious top-four push.

After leaving Tottenham Hotspur back in 2018 in search of regular first-team minutes,  Madueke has established himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting prospects.

The London-born attacker contributed nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances for the Dutch giants last term, earning praise from several plaudits, including former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte.

“He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions,” said Van de Leegte (via Goal).

Rodgers and Leicester fans alike will be hoping the club’s hierarchy can get this deal over the line, completing an exceptional transfer window for the Midlands outfit.

And, in other news…Rodgers must axe “silly” £6.3m-rated Leicester flop this month, he’s not good enough 

Ian Evatt has had a strong start to the campaign with Bolton as they currently sit unbeaten after five competitive matches.

The Trotters have won three and drawn two of their first five games, winning two in League One and progressing through in the Carabao Cup by beating Championship side Barnsley on penalties.

They now travel to fellow League One outfit Wigan in the second round of the Carabao Cup as they attempt to extend their unbeaten run and make their way into the next stage of the competition, which is where the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool enter the draw.

Will Evatt shake things up? Here is our predicted XI for the match tonight:

We are predicting that he will make four changes to the side from Saturday’s win over Oxford, with Matt Gilks, Harry Brockbank, Liam Gordon and Elias Kachunga all coming in.

Between the sticks, we are predicting that experienced veteran Gilks will be handed the gloves to give 27-year-old Joel Dixon a rest. The latter has started the last four matches in all competitions, so it could be time to give the 39-year-old a match in goal to prove that he still has it in him to perform at this level.

In defence, we are predicting the two full-backs to switch out. Young prospects Brockbank and Gordon should be given the opportunity to impress, allowing Evatt to omit Gethin Jones and £8.4k-per-week gem Declan John in order to give them a rest.

We believe that the spine of the team will remain the same, though. Ricardo Santos, George Johnston, Jordan Williams, Josh Sheehan and Antoni Sarcevic all registered SofaScore ratings of 6.6 or higher in the 2-1 win over Oxford last weekend, and keeping the core of the team could help to build momentum and confidence moving forward.

This is also why we think that Eoin Doyle and Oladipo Afolayan will keep their places in the team. They both scored in the win against Oxford and will be on a high after their respective performances, so it would be counterproductive to then place them on the bench for this game.

The final change we are predicting is Elias Kachunga coming in for Lloyd Isgrove. The former Southampton winger was given a disappointing SofaScore rating of 6.3 against Oxford, as he lost 10 of his 14 duels on the pitch and relinquished possession 14 times.

This is why we are predicting the Welshman to be dropped, and we have published an article explaining why Kachunga should come in, stating that he could provide quality end product given the impact he has made as a substitute in recent games.

AND in other news, Evatt must unleash “fantastic” £720k-rated Bolton gem vs Wigan, he’s a game-changer…

Norwich City have reportedly made an official bid to sign Schalke 04 centre-back Ozan Kabak this summer as Daniel Farke looks for defensive reinforcements.

The Lowdown: Kabak impressed for Liverpool

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Liverpool in order to help their defensive injury crisis.

Kabak performed well for the Reds, making nine Premier League starts and helping Jurgen Klopp’s side finish an unlikely third in the table.

The Latest: Norwich linked with move

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Norwich have tabled a bid for the 12-cap Turkey international after talks with Torino hit an impasse.

Kabak is expected to leave Schalke on Monday, but it remains to be seen if the Canaries will beat other suitors to his signature.

The Verdict: Great potential signing

Kabak could be a superb signing for Norwich, aiding their Premier League survival chances and acting as a long-term acquisition at Carrow Road given his youth.

He looked the part at Liverpool, catching the eye during a tough period at Anfield and averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the English top flight. The Reds’ assistant manager Pep Lijnders said of the Turkey international: “Ozan is a big talent, so much progression is still possible. He adapted fantastically inside our club from a context like Schalke and had an immediate impact with Liverpool.”

Despite his tender years, Kabak could be a leader at the heart of Norwich’s defence at a time when they are without a point in their opening three league matches.

In other news, Norwich are also reportedly keen on signing an international midfielder. Find out who it is here.

Mark Crossley, the former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper, believes that Gaetan Bong remains a trusted member of Chris Hughton’s squad, despite a mistake at the weekend.

Bong has been seen as a potentially expendable member of the squad at the City Ground.

However, the release of Yuri Ribeiro has seen him given more minutes by Hughton.

The 33-year-old has made three appearances already this season, with his absences coming as a result of a suspension, which was actually celebrated by Forest supporters on Twitter.

He provided an assist in the clash with Derby County, although Crossley believes he was at fault for the Rams’ goal.

Still, Crossley is of the belief that Bong retains the trust of his manager at the City Ground.

He said: “He’s someone the manager trusts, because he brought him in. He’s had him before, at Brighton, so he just looked a little bit out of position for the goal for me.”

Forest have endured a terrible start and their draw with Derby was their first point of the season; their other four results have been 2-1 losses to Coventry City, Bournemouth, and Blackburn Rovers, and a 1-0 loss to Stoke City.

A number of Liverpool supporters are unhappy at a report claiming Adrian will start the Reds’ Premier League clash with Leeds United this weekend.

Jurgen Klopp’s side make the trip to Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, in what promises to be an entertaining contest between two attack-minded sides.

Liverpool have made a good start to the season, picking up seven points from their opening three league games, and another win is essential this weekend.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Unfortunately, the Reds may have to make do without their Brazilian players due to an ongoing dispute with the country’s FA.

According to the Mirror [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Adrian looks set to come in in place of Alisson, assuming the issue isn’t resolved.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Adrian claim

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to show their unhappiness at the news, with the Spaniard not exactly the most popular figure at Anfield these days.

“Hello darkness my old friend…”

Credit: @sky_faz

“Klopp, you will pay for your sins one day”

Credit: @kloppxite

“If Adrian starts, we riot”

Credit: @LFCNani

“Definitely not watching”

Credit: @Bukunyi

“Another 7-2 incoming”

Credit: @JelloBS

“Surely this is not true”

Credit: @LFCPierre

In other news, some Liverpool fans are happy at a rumoured move for one player. Find out who it is here.