All posts by z3u9t.icu

A twist in the ongoing saga of West Ham United star midfielder Declan Rice has now been backed by reliable club insider ExWHUemployee.

The Lowdown: Rice twist reported…

There have been numerous claims over Rice and whether or not he could depart the London Stadium this summer.

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While journalists Dean Jones and Scott Saunders first claimed that the 23-year-old is more open than ever to a Rush Green exit, Hammers insider Claret & Hugh stated that David Moyes’ star man is committed to the cause for 2022/2023 at least.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared another twist on Friday evening – breaking news that Rice has turned down a third contract offer and is ‘now open to a move this summer’ (Twitter).

The Latest: Ex backs development…

Now, backing this big update on the England international, West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has dropped a three-word message – simply stating ‘yes it is’ when asked if the rumour was true.

The Verdict: Blow for Moyes?

While this doesn’t come as the best news for Irons supporters, GSB’s unwavering stance that he is ‘untouchable’ has been backed by Sky Sports – who claim that West Ham will not budge in the next window.

This provides a glimmer of assurance for Moyes and co as they gear up for what will be a very interesting Premier League campaign next year.

West Ham will apparently be backed with a £150 million kitty in the summer and intend to show Rice their ambition, so it remains to be seen whether the starlet could eventually change his stance depending on developments, and even if he doesn’t it is clear at this point GSB will only sell for a colossal figure.

In other news: Agreement reached: ExWHUemployee also has some promising player news for West Ham supporters! Find out more here.

West Brom are reportedly interested in signing Blackburn Rovers duo Joe Rothwell and Darragh Lenihan in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Big summer ahead

It has been a hugely disappointing season for the Baggies, who were considered one of the Championship’s main promotion contenders back in August.

Instead, they find themselves languishing in 10th place in the table, with Valerien Ismael long gone and Steve Bruce also struggling for consistency since replacing him as manager.

There is no doubt that a big summer is required at The Hawthorns in terms of signings, and a fresh report suggests that the Albion hierarchy are wasting little time in trying to strengthen the squad for next term.

The Latest: Baggies eye double deal

According to journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon [via Football League World], West Brom want to sign Blackburn duo Rothwell and Lenihan in the summer.

Both players see their current deals at Ewood Park expire at the end of the season, at which point they would be available on free transfers.

The Verdict: Strong additions

Rothwell and Lenihan have both been key players for Blackburn throughout this season, aiding their promotion push and showing why they could be exciting signings for the Baggies.

Rothwell has registered 10 assists in the Championship, outlining his creative quality in midfield and being hailed as “amazing” by his manager Tony Mowbray. Meanwhile, the latter has excelled in defensive midfield, winning 5.1 aerial duels per game and lauded by Mowbray as a “special footballer”.

At 27 and 28 respectively, they are also at an ideal age to come in and add experience to the squad, while also be young enough to hopefully continue playing at a high level for another few years.

In other news, West Brom are interested in signing another player, too. Find out who it is here.

According to a report from Football Insider, Crystal Palace are among the clubs interested in signing FC Koln defender Timo Hubers. 

The lowdown: Hubers’ rise to prominence

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a gradual upwards trajectory in Germany, having made the move from Hannover 96 to Koln in 2021 as a free agent.

Hubers has since established himself as a regular presence in Steffen Baumgart’s side, making 18 Bundesliga starts this season as Die Geißböcke make a surprise push for Champions League football.

A move to the Premier League could now be a possibility in the upcoming summer transfer window…

The latest: Palace interested in Hubers

As per a recruitment source at Football Insider, Palace – along with Leeds United, Watford and Fulham – are keen on Hubers.

The report claimed that the Eagles are ‘keeping close tabs’ on the player who Hannover sporting director Gerhard Zuber hailed as an ‘exemplary’ professional.

It is also stated that the powerful defender has a £6.7m release clause in his contract and is therefore viewed as an ‘affordable option’ by Patrick Vieira as the Frenchman attempts to strengthen the Selhurst Park ranks.

The verdict: Make it happen

So far this season, Hubers has earned an outstanding 7.17 Sofascore rating whilst winning 6.3 duels and making 4.7 clearances, 2.2 tackles and 2.7 interceptions on average per game from his 18 Bundesliga outings.

Vieira has a well-established centre-back partnership at Selhurst Park, with Joachim Andersen and Marc Guehi performing admirably at the heart of the defence. However, beyond the first-choice duo, the Eagles’ squad is not blessed with an abundance of options in that regard.

Signing the German for the mooted £6.7m fee would add some welcome centre-back depth and competition, whilst also leaving money in the budget to strengthen the squad elsewhere.

In other news, Palace eyeing a reunion with Eagles’ favourite. Read more here.

A recent report from Football Transfers has claimed that Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign Watford winger Ismaila Sarr, with the player’s representatives having met with the Magpies last month as the 24-year-old seeks an escape route out of Vicarage Road.

The former Rennes man appears to be eyeing a new home as the Hornets ebb towards an inevitable drop back into the second tier, with the report suggesting that a fee of roughly £40m could be enough to snap him up this summer.

Although it remains to be seen if Eddie Howe’s side are actually interested in pursuing the signing of the £71k-per-week speedster, the thought of him lining up at St James’ Park next season truly is a mouthwatering prospect.

The Senegalese sensation has endured a tricky stint back in the top-flight – with just five goals and two assists to his name in the Premier League this season – although he caught the eye during an explosive debut campaign in English football two seasons ago.

Having made the club-record switch to his current side in the summer of 2019, the 39-cap international went on to provide 11 goal contributions in that first season, albeit with that not proving enough to keep the club away from the drop zone.

The subsequent season saw Sarr remain with Watford despite interest from the likes of Manchester United, with the “rapid” ace, as he has been described by Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, bagging 13 goals and registering ten assists as Xisco Munoz’s side secured an instant return back to the top tier.

Dubbed a “freak” by current teammate Ben Foster for his ridiculous talent, the one-time Metz man would offer guaranteed thrills to those in the northeast, with Howe and co already having his perfect partner in crime in Allan Saint-Maximin.

Should the Frenchman stay put – despite reports he is up for sale – he would seemingly be able to dovetail beautifully with Sarr, the duo offering electric speed and undoubted skill down the flank.

While Saint-Maximin often does his damage cutting in off the left, the aforementioned target is at his most potent down the right-wing, offering the Newcastle boss the chance to terrify teams on the counter and remain a threat on both wings.

Although it is not yet known if there is concrete interest in the £24.3m-rated gem, PIF should do the club’s supporters – and the Premier League – a favour by putting the two dynamic stars together.

They would surely be buzzing at the thought of watching the pair play at St James’ Park next term.

IN other news, Newcastle plot bid to sign player with 191 PL apps, he’d be a big upgrade on Lascelles…

Liverpool head to Wembley for their second domestic cup final of the season against Chelsea this afternoon, and all eyes will be on Jurgen Klopp’s team selection for the FA Cup showpiece.

The Reds still have two Premier League games and the Champions League final in Paris left to play this season. They are out again on Tuesday night, so it will be interesting to see how the manager lines up his front three in particular, with the attacking positions becoming even more competitive after the arrival of Luis Diaz in January.

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That being said, Klopp must drop Diogo Jota from the starting line-up this afternoon and look to his other attacking options to secure a second trophy of the season for Liverpool.

Remarkably, the Portuguese forward has been rotating in and out of the team despite scoring 15 goals and contributing three assists in the Premier League this season, but it is his link-up play and ball control which could see the forward losing out when Klopp names his FA Cup final line-up today.

His goal-scoring abilities are undeniable, but when it comes to being effective in other areas of the game, he is underperforming compared to his fellow Liverpool forwards.

According to SofaScore, the 25-year-old has lost possession of the ball every 6.5 minutes in the Premier League this season, has a 75% pass accuracy, is dribbled past 1.2 times on average per match and has been unsuccessful in the majority of his dribbles (62%), which suggests that he could potentially struggle against a very experienced Chelsea defence.

In this particular match, it would be more beneficial to play Roberto Firmino, who has returned to fitness just in time for the final and can offer a more controlled approach to the game than the Portugal forward.

Compared to Jota, the 30-year-old is a bit more reliable in his link-up play and ball control, with an 80% pass accuracy, has only been dribbled past 0.7 times on average per game and is successful in 44% of his dribble attempts.

The Brazilian has been the lynchpin in Liverpool’s forward line for many years working alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, offering a wealth of experience which could be exactly what the Reds need in order to take control of the game early and secure a second trophy of the season.

Ultimately, Klopp will be hoping that he can unlock the formula in claiming victory from Thomas Tuchel’s side within 90 minutes today, as his team has drawn three times with Chelsea this season already.

AND in other news: Liverpool eye summer move for £144m-rated “golden boy”, he’s even better than Haaland

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed details surrounding Pedro Porro’s transfer to Sporting CP from Manchester City.

The Lowdown: Porro’s City career

The 22-year-old joined Man City from sister-club Girona in the summer of 2019 for a reported fee of £10.8m.

However, rather than training with the Sky Blues’ first-team, the right-back was immediately loaned out to La Liga side Real Valladolid.

After spending a season in the Spanish top-flight, Porro was sent out on loan again. This time, he joined Sporting CP in Portugal, where he has remained for nearly two years.

When Sporting drew City in this year’s Champions League, the player annoyed Pep Guardiola by joking that the Spaniard didn’t even know who he is, something which drew a prickly reaction out of the boss.

He is still yet to play a single game for Manchester City.

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The Latest: Romano’s update

After a quiet announcement, Romano has confirmed that Sporting have now signed Porro on a permanent transfer from City, after triggering the £7.2m clause in the loan deal.

Taking to Twitter, Romano leaked more details, including an option for Txiki Begiristain to bring the player back for just £16.9m.

“Official, confirmed. Sporting have now signed Pedro Porro, permanent deal from Man City for €8.5m clause triggered. Contract signed until June 2025.

“Manchester City will have a buy back clause for €20m. Release clause for all the other clubs will be €45m. MCFC”

The Verdict: Good deal for both sides

The highly rated 22-year-old will be a great permanent addition to the Portuguese side.

According to FB Ref, Porro ranks in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals as a full-back and in the 94th percentile for shots totalled, drawing praise as

Thus, this attacking threat would have fit well into Guardiola’s style of play, and perhaps with the implementation of a cheap buy-back clause, City will be able to bring Porro back to Manchester if he continues to perform well

Sporting meanwhile will have a talented player on their hands for the next few years, so this feels like a good move for both sides.

In other news: Manchester City: Kieran Maguire reveals latest twist in FFP saga

The day is Sunday 26th September 2021 and Bukayo Saka has just strolled past the Tottenham defence before sending their north London rivals into a 3-0 goal advantage at the Emirates.

The goal was classic Saka who was truly on fire when the pair met at the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign.

It was a cool and collected finish, something we’d later go on to see from the likes of Heung-min Son throughout the rest of the Premier League campaign.

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Although that strike put a beaming smile on the face of the English teenager, it was Spurs who had the last laugh with Son scoring a vital goal when they met Arsenal a few weeks back, a result that ultimately proved crucial for Antonio Conte’s men in their pursuit of Champions League football.

The goal has now been reached and it may help them sign targets over the Gunners too. Chief among them is Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian is out of contract in the summer of 2023 and providing he does not sign fresh terms at the Etihad they will need to cash in.

A fee of £55m may well do the trick this summer but it will be an intense battle with both Arsenal and Spurs said to be interested.

However, if the latter are the ones who manage to get him to relocate to the capital, it would be a tremendous signing.

Indeed, on the topic of Saka, Conte could unearth his very own version of the England international.

A quick look at Jesus’ FB Ref profile will tell you one thing; he is a similar player to Saka. Of course, the City forward is more of a striker than a winger but their respective metrics are incredibly comparable.

Described as a “monster” by reporter Roberto Rojas and “stunning” by Jack Lang, the numbers are certainly impressive.

They both produce around three shots per 90 minutes while they complete a similar number of passes in the attacking third – between a number of 35.8 and 36.3 per 90.

Furthermore, they both take a similar number of touches of the ball with Jesus registering 49.4 per 90 compared to Saka’s 50.5.

Defensively they are also alike with the Arsenal starlet producing 1.12 tackles, 15 pressures and 1.24 blocks compared to the exit-bound striker’s 1.15 tackles, 14.1 pressures and 1.20 blocks.

Jesus even betters Saka’s goal involvements this term with the former totalling 25 in comparison to the latter’s 19.

With all of the above in mind, it’s clear to see why the Premier League title winner is like Saka. Crucially, however, he has plenty of experience in winning some of the best honours around.

Based on that, Spurs would be fools not to pursue a deal this summer.

AND in other news, Conte now plotting offer for “frightening” £50m Spurs target, he’s Salah 2.0…

Tottenham Hotspur will still be without Cristian Romero for today’s Premier League clash with Norwich City…

What’s the latest?

There was an outside chance that the 24-year-old centre-back was going to be involved at Carrow Road this afternoon as football.london’s Alasdair Gold revealed earlier in the week.

“In terms of team news for Norwich, we’re probably expecting roughly the same team [as the Burnley match],” he said.

“Interestingly, there were [Antonio] Conte quotes that I stuck out there a few days back, where he did admit that Romero – in his mind – was trying to get fit for this Norwich match, trying to put himself into a position to be fit for it. Whether that is wishful thinking, we’ll find out in the days ahead.”

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Wishful thinking indeed as the Italian head coach ruled out the Argentina international in his pre-game press conference.

“Romero had a traumatic injury. He is not available. We have the same players as the last game against Burnley. Not less, not more. We have to be ready to try and fight and get the result,” he told reporters (via football.london).

Gutting setback

Whilst an already relegated Canaries side shouldn’t be much of a threat to Spurs’ top-four chances, it is still a gutting blow to Conte and the squad.

Romero has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best defenders this campaign and he has certainly improved the Lilywhites’ previously leaky backline.

“This guy is an animal, I swear. He’s perfect for the Premier League,” teammate at Atalanta and in north London Pierluigi Gollini claimed to the Evening Standard. “He’s played for many years with three at the back and especially when you play with a very aggressive style and play man for man.”

Indeed, the Argentine leads the squad for tackles (2.8) and interceptions (1.5) per game, proving to be an absolute rock at the back. Not only is he reading the opposition and acting upon it but also doing so in an aggressive style.

Not to mention his equally adept skills as a ball-playing option, having also averaged an accuracy rate of 86.7% from nearly 60 passes per outing, via WhoScored.

With Spurs already short on solid central defensive options, his absence will still come as disappointing news to the 52-year-old boss, and perhaps the Lilywhites faithful too.

in other news, Spurs eye next Dele Alli in “unbelievable” 28 G/A prodigy with “remarkable potential”…

Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a double swoop for Brennan Johnson and James Tarkowski this summer.

The Lowdown: Positions identified

With links to the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jack Harrison recently, it is clear that the Goodison Park faithful are now targeting a new central defender and winger this window.

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It has been reported that up to seven first-team players could be allowed to leave, including Michael Keane and Andros Townsend, and so the Merseyside club will need to strengthen if that is to happen.

The Latest: Double swoop

Taking to Twitter, reliable journalist Craig Hope has revealed that the Toffees are now eyeing up moves for Johnson and Tarkowski, with the former depending on how Nottingham Forest get on in their Championship play-off final against Huddersfield Town:

“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. James Tarkowski also near top of Everton list this summer.”

Expanding in his article for The Daily Mail, Hope added that Johnson would likely cost around £20m, and a move away from Forest would be more likely if they lose the final.

The Verdict: Exciting

These are exciting times for Blues supporters given their links to Johnson and Tarkowski, who would both be excellent acquisitions to the team.

The former comes off the back of a standout season in the Championship, where he won the league’s Young Player of the Year award after scoring 19 goals in 50 games over all competitions (The Daily Mail).

Meanwhile, Tarkowski already has that added Premier League experience, and is available on a free transfer with his contract at Burnley set to expire.

Given that he is currently valued at £19.8m on the market, signing him for free would prove to be a real bargain.

In other news, find out which £44,000-per-week star EFC are now showing ‘interest’ in here!

On the 3rd July 2007, Liverpool broke their transfer record at the time to sign a young forward with the world at his feet.

That player was El Nino, better known to an English audience as Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard was a sensational player in his prime and was signed from Atletico Madrid as one of the hottest properties in European football.

A deal of just £26.5m was agreed and the rest, as they say, was history.

Torres would go on to score 81 times in 142 outings for the Reds before joining Chelsea in a remarkable deal.

Why, I hear you ask, is this relevant in the modern-day? Well, it’s because Liverpool are now chasing another of Europe’s hottest properties.

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A record-breaking deal may not be on the cards but with FSG and Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen on signing Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, a potential £68m deal this summer would evoke memories of Torres.

He was just 23 when he joined and in 23 days time, Nunez will turn that age himself.

The parallels are already clear for a player dubbed a “monster” and a “sensational talent” by FOX reporter James Dodd.

Nunez is a young individual who like Torres, has the world at his feet. He is capable of terrorizing defenders and is already one of Virgil van Dijk’s worst nightmares.

Speaking about the Uruguayan after facing him this season, the Dutchman said: “[Sergio] Aguero was obviously unbelievable. [Lionel] Messi, arguably the best player in the history of football in my opinion. [Kylian] Mbappe is different, quick… [Erling] Haaland and also Darwin. He’s a bit similar – very direct, quick, tall, strong and it’s quite difficult to play against him.”

If you trouble van Dijk then you’re clearly good enough to be in Klopp’s side.

With Sadio Mane reportedly leaving it feels essential that Liverpool invest in some new offensive weapons and in Nunez, they’d find the perfect replacement.

This season was a real breakthrough one for the young South American talent who was a ruthless threat in front of goal. He found the net on 34 occasions in 41 matches for Benfica, proving that like the aforementioned Torres, he is deadly inside the penalty area.

The former Liverpool star had the luscious blonde locks to go with it and even if Nunez is of different hair colour, the long locks are there to go with his goals too.

Signing a player from Portugal has gone well in the last six months already with Klopp welcoming Luis Diaz to Merseyside back in January.

If Nunez is anything like that then he’ll be an enormous success. This could just be Torres 2.0 all over again for Liverpool.

AND in other news, LFC set for disaster as “sensational” star close to £25.5m exit, Klopp will be gutted…