All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a shock move for West Ham United skipper, Declan Rice, with the Magpies believed to have joined the battle for the Englishman’s signature.

What’s the word?

According to West Ham insider, Claret and Hugh, PIF are believed to be keen on landing the 23-year-old next summer, with the report suggesting that the northeast side views him as a player who could be the ‘cornerstone of their project’ for the long term.

The report suggests that the Tynesiders could well make a move at the end of the campaign if their stunning early season form continues, with the hope being that the potential prospect of Champions League football could tempt the 34-cap superstar into a move to St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side are certainly not the only suitor for the midfielder, however, with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City having been heavily linked of late, while recent speculation has suggested that the London Stadium outfit would be open to a sale.

Any move for the Hammers academy graduate – whose current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2024 – won’t come cheap, however, with the Three Lions star potentially set to command a fee north of £100m.

“Another level”

At present, Newcastle are seemingly not in major need of additions amid their rampant start to the Premier League season, having lost just once in their opening 15 games to put them firmly in the mix for a top-four berth.

That being said, however, the signing of a player such as Rice could well help take the club to even greater heights, with pundit Paul Parker previously stating that the Irons’ talisman is the type of player who can take a team to “another level”.

Lauded as the “best central midfielder in the country” by Parker, the £60k-per-week sensation has been in truly stunning form in east London in recent years, having developed from being a promising talent into something of a “force of nature”, according to journalist Rob Blanchette.

The mature figure – who has already racked up 215 appearances for his current side to date despite his youth – could well be the answer to Howe’s prayers, with Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope only recently suggesting that a new central midfield asset could be a “priority” for the club.

Slotting in Rice to the base of the midfield would add even greater quality to the Newcastle ranks, with the 6 foot 1 colossus able to offer something of a unique asset as a result of his strength both in and out of possession.

The Kingston-born machine notably ranks in the top 6% in Europe for interceptions made as a sign of his ball-winning knack, while he also possesses a gift for being able to drive his side up the pitch with a surging, line-breaking run, having notably finished first in the division for successful dribbles during the 2020/21 campaign.

With David Moyes’ side currently in a relegation battle after an underwhelming start to the season, Rice could well be tempted to jump ship if things do not improve in the New Year, with the ambitious project on offer at St James’ Park likely to be an attractive prospect.

Indeed, he could just take the Magpies to another level, one West Ham are unlikely to reach anytime soon.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is reportedly looking to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nico Barella for the north London club. 

The Lowdown: Conte’s history with Barella

During his time in charge of Inter, Conte had Barella in his squad and ended up seeing the midfielder make 87 appearances for him. In those games, the Italy international scored seven goals and delivered 21 assists.

With the Spurs boss having a track record when it comes to signing players from Italy, it seems as though he has turned his attention to having a potential reunion with Barella in 2023.

The Latest: Conte eyeing Barella

According to a recent report from Interlive.it, Conte is likely to turn his attention to signing Barella with a potential move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic seemingly unlikely for Spurs as he is looking to join Juventus in the summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”] 

The report also adds that Fabio Paratici could offer the €70m (£60m) that Inter will apparently want for the player, with the promise of €8m-per-year (£6.8m) for the next five seasons.

The Verdict: A great signing for Spurs

With 15 Serie A games under his belt this season, Barella, who journalist Mike Piellucci lauded as a “genius”, has played more minutes than any other Inter player, which highlights how important he is for the club.

Across those games, the 25-year-old has scored five goals, delivered five assists and racked up more progressive passes (67) than any other player at Inter.

Bearing in mind how only three clubs in the Premier League have made more progressive passes than Spurs (456), it’s easy to see why Conte would want to bring Barella, who has been described as a “top-class” player by Jurgen Klopp, to his side.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that the £152k-per-week midfield maestro could be a great signing for Spurs and for Conte.

Glasgow Rangers could reportedly be eyeing up a swoop for out-of-work manager, Sean Dyche, amid the ongoing uncertainty regarding Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s position at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Pete O’Rourke – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – who suggested that he could well be tempted into taking on the top job in Glasgow, with the 51-year-old said to have connections to Gers sporting director, Ross Wilson.

The respected insider stated: “Somebody like Sean Dyche who is out of work could be a potential target for Rangers as well, he’s got links with sporting director Ross Wilson from their time together at Watford.

“He’s out of work and looking for a job, and I’m sure Rangers would be an attractive option for someone like Sean Dyche with what they can offer.”

This speculation comes following the mounting scrutiny regarding Van Bronckhorst’s future with the Old Firm outfit, with Football Insider claiming earlier this week that a sacking could be on the cards, albeit with contrary reports suggesting that the former Feyenoord boss is unlikely to be axed during the current World Cup break.

‘Attractive option’

A change at the helm has been mooted amid the Scottish Premiership side’s underwhelming run of form so far this season, having slipped nine points behind bitter rivals Celtic in the title race, as well as suffering the ignominy of recording the worst Champions League group stage performance in history.

For all the goodwill that Van Bronckhorst built up last term – having guided the club to the Europa League final and claimed a Scottish Cup success – the Dutchman will likely be unsurprised to see doubts emerging about his position, with the 47-year-old now set to be anxiously looking over his shoulder at just who could replace him.

Turning to Dyche could well be an astute move as far as the club are concerned, with the Englishman no doubt set to be tempted by working at such a historic club, with Jones stating above that it would be an ‘attractive option.’

The same can be said for those at Ibrox, however, with the former Clarets boss also an ‘attractive’ choice following his remarkable decade-long tenure at Turf Moor, notably guiding the club to two promotions to the top flight in that time, while also enjoying six straight seasons in the Premier League before his departure earlier this year.

The former Watford head coach memorably helped guide the Lancashire outfit to a remarkable seventh-place finish during the 2017/18 campaign to secure a place in Europe, having achieved such success while largely operating on a shoestring budget.

As journalist Daniel Bettridge stated in the summer – amid talk of Dyche potentially moving to Aston Villa – the Kettering-born coach is not necessarily a “sexy appointment”, although would certainly be an “effective” one, having worked wonders during his time at Burnley.

Pundit Noel Whelan also noted that the experienced figure would be a “stunning appointment” were he to make the move north of the border, with Dyche potentially the man who can get the Light Blues out of their current rut.

Liverpool are interested in making what could be a big signing in 2023, with Julian Ward aiming to finish his tenure at Anfield with an almighty bang.

What’s the word?

Jurgen Klopp’s side are significantly off the pace this season and as a result, the addition of fresh and exciting talent in January is much-needed.

Fortunately, that appears to be at the top of the agenda for the Merseysiders with a new transfer target now emerging.

According to Dutch reporter, Mike Verweij, the Reds have entered the race to sign Ajax sensation Mohammed Kudus.

The player was the subject of £15m interest from the club’s rivals, Everton, in the summer but a deal failed to materialise.

Reds insider DaveOCKOP claimed that it was “huge news” with the source seemingly one of the most reliable when it comes to football in the Netherlands.

A World Cup sensation

This was always going to be an exciting World Cup when it came to witnessing young talent and it is hardly a surprise that Kudus is lighting up the competition.

That aforementioned £15m price tag is only set to rise following his displays in Qatar, as he continues his incredible form from 2022/23. For Ajax the winger has already bagged ten times in 21 outings this term with that a clear indication of the attacking threat he can provide.

Blessed with a sensational left foot, the Ghanian certainly evokes memories of an Anfield cult hero in Mo Salah and he is now proving that on the biggest stage of all.

Kudus has been one of the top performers in Qatar this autumn with his heroics ensuring his nation are still in with a shout of reaching the tournament’s knockout stages.

The lowest-ranked country in the entire competition, Kudus became the first Ghanaian to score twice in one World Cup game when he netted a brace against South Korea on Monday afternoon.

He was phenomenal throughout with both goals an indication of what he can bring to the table. The first was a glancing header from close range while the second was a sweeping finish from inside the area.

Remarakbly, those were the only two times he touched the ball inside the area with the player’s xG of 0.4 suggesting he seriously outperformed what was expected of him from his influence in the game.

Kudus, who can also play in a central area whether it be in midfield or up front, is blessed with an incredible array of attributes.

Possessing pace, power, grace and technical elegance, he is a lively threat in the final third and for those of a Liverpool persuasion, they may be wondering how he stacks again up against his competitors.

Well, football writer Rahman Osman reserved fine praise for the 22-year-old after his two goals on Monday, suggesting he was “alongside Bellingham and Musiala as the stars of the World Cup.”

Both Liverpool targets, Bellingham netted his first England goal in the rout over Iran while Musiala has been equally as impressive, registering an assist in the 1-1 draw with Spain.

Such acclaim will no doubt pique the interest of those at Anfield with Kudus’ performances in the Middle East every reason they have to complete a deal in January.

If they could beat Everton to his signing too, it will only serve to elate supporters even more.

Indeed, competition is set to be fierce but with an ageing squad, he would be the perfect addition in January for Liverpool.

Newcastle United’s untold riches are no secret to the rest of the world, with their takeover arguably one of the news stories of last year.

However, as is often the way with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, when the world knows how rich you are, you are forced to pay a premium price.

This seemed to be the case in the summer, where the Magpies had two bids for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison knocked back before the Whites slapped a £35m price tag on him.

They have now been backed to finalise this move using the promise this project brings, with Alan Hutton speaking to Football Insider just last week: “I think if Newcastle come calling, somewhere that you can see what they are doing they are trying to build something, you would definitely want to be a part of that”.

Should this move become a reality, the Toon Army could be treated to two industrious and electric wingers by placing the 26-year-old on the opposite flank to Miguel Almiron.

A man reborn this season, the Paraguayan has already surpassed any of his previous three-goal tallies in the Premier League, and has nearly scored more league goals in one season than in his whole career at St James’ Park.

Having always been workmanlike, as noted by Noel Whelan, it seems the added proficiency has taken his game to new heights.

He claimed: “We always knew he was a hard-working player, but it was just the end product which always let him down.

“But looking at the goals he’s scored this season – and the goal he scored on Saturday, latching on and taking advantage of poor defending – it seems he’s finally added that.”

His sum of eight goals has equalled Harrison’s tally from last season’s relegation dogfight, who too has been praised for his relentlessness in the tackle.

Former footballer David Prutton claimed back in September that “he is good going forward but he works his socks off going back too.”

This is further outlined in his four goal contributions this season, whilst also ranking in the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers for tackles per 90 over the last 365 days.

Eddie Howe could craft himself a perfect scenario of wide men, blending proficiency with a tireless attitude that truly could see Newcastle maintain their sensational form this season.

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Boulaye Dia is someone who could excel in the Premier League, according to reliable journalist Ed Aarons.

The Lowdown: Dia linked with Leeds move

In recent times, the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to the Whites, having scored once in four appearances for Senegal at the 2022 World Cup.

Dia is currently plying his trade on loan at Salernitana on loan from Villarreal, where he is in form, netting six times in just 10 Serie A starts so far this season.

A move to England now feels likely, however, and Leeds will certainly be hopeful – with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) recently claiming Jesse Marsch’s side are in the running to sign him.

The Latest: Attacker backed to excel in PL

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Aarons, reacting to Leeds’ recent contention for the player, claimed that Dia could take to English football like a duck to water – further adding credence to the idea of him moving to Elland Road:

“He’s on loan in Serie A this season with Salernitana from Villarreal.

“And he made a bit of an impression in Spain last year as well, but I think he’s the sort of player that could do well in the Premier League. He’s 26 now, perhaps it’s time for him to make the move.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-12/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Exactly what Whites need

Dia has been predominantly used as a centre forward this season and that is an area where Leeds have looked weak, with Patrick Bamford struggling with injuries and Joe Gelhardt still a raw footballer.

The Senegalese could be a brilliant signing to add quality and depth in attack for the Whites, with Sadio Mane once saying he was ‘really impressed’ by his compatriot.

It’s also very worth noting that the former Ligue 1 star has broken records at club level, becoming former side Reims’ record top flight goalscorer this century back in 2020.

Dia’s record of 24 goals in 78 games in France in the past shows he can do it in a top European league, and if Leeds could beat others to his signature, it would feel like a coup.

Aston Villaare transitioning since the autumn managerial appointment of Unai Emery, with the Spaniard targeting his former starlet Nicolas Jackson to bolster the forward ranks. 

Having enjoyed a fruitful few years with Villarreal, winning the 2020/21 Europa League final against Manchester United, Emery is seemingly desperate to sprinkle some of the talent from the Spanish club over Villa Park, with Jackson viewed as an heir to the talismanic throne in the Midlands.

The Mirrorreported earlier this month that the Senegal forward was accompanied by Yellow Submarine team-mate Arnaut Danjuma in being of interest to Villa, with the wide attacking positions identified by NSWE as areas in need of swift reinforcement.

Reportedly possessing a£27mrelease clause, Jackson could be a shrewd signing should the pieces fall into place over the coming weeks, with his technical prowess hinting at a promising future at the top level. 

Emery’s next Aubameyang

A budding phenomenon who Emery already knows well, having promoted him to the Villarreal first-team, Jackson could prove to be a star-studded predator wreaking havoc on Premier League defences for years to come. 

Currently thriving in his breakout season, the 21-year-old has scored three goals and two assists fromtenstarts (and 21 appearances in total) this term, having had just a handful of games in 2021/22. 

As perFBref, the dynamic forward has started to earn his stripes with some impressive metrics which belie his inexperience; he ranks within the top 22% for rate of assists, the top 18% for progressive passes and 17% for blocks when compared to forwards across Europe’s top five leagues this past year. 

He is at the outset of a potentially impressive career, and he could soar under Emery’s wing if he comes to Aston Villa.. 

Indeed, under the tutelage of his former boss, the 21-year-old could emulate the success of a former Premier League star in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who enjoyed much success while playing for Arsenal under Emery.

Aubameyang scored 41 goals from67appearances under the 51-year-old’s management and stood out as perhaps one of Europe’s most formidable forwards during that time. 

The Villa boss has nurtured an abundance of attacking talent over his career and can back up his man management with a CV boasting plenty of silverware, something that the Villa faithful will be desperately hoping will rub off on their club. 

Lauded as “exciting” by journalist Josh Bunting, Jackson can continue his rise, building on his striking skills, and using the likes of the veteran Aubamaeyang as an inspiration for the trajectory of his own career. 

Aston Villa must strike a deal for the Senegalese prodigy possessing “bags of potential”, as branded by journalist Ashley Preece, and unleash a refined and devastating young talent on their opposition.

Aston Villa are holding ‘conversations’ about the possibility of signing Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Mendes pushing move

The Portuguese is set for a move away from the Metropolitano Stadium in January after Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin admitted that an exit is on the cards following a falling out with manager Diego Simeone.

Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest, though Jorge Mendes, the 23-year-old’s agent, is allegedly pushing for a move to the Midlands due to his existing strong relationship with the hierarchy.

The Latest: Jones’ update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones revealed that NSWE are currently in talks regarding a potential approach for Felix, but insisted that their target won’t come cheap.

“You have to consider Aston Villa as being genuinely in the picture here because he has been pushed in their direction and there are conversations being had about it.

“I just think it’s unclear at the moment over whether that is genuinely doable from a financial standpoint mainly.

“Even if he is available on loan, there are still going to be payments to be made which are seriously significant. There’s a lot to be taken into account.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/aston-villa-latest-updates-5/” title=”Aston Villa latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Massive coup

Felix has been described as a ‘beautiful’ player to watch by Jacek Kulig and it would be a massive coup for Villa should they be able to beat their competitors to his signature.

The attacker has posted an astonishing 102 goal contributions in 216 appearances throughout his career and offers plenty of versatility, having previously operated in three different attacking positions (Transfermarkt).

Atletico are reportedly looking for at least £100m to seal a permanent deal so a loan would be more affordable, though he is definitely a player worth cashing out for if the opportunity was to arise.

Manchester United are one of the elite clubs that have been linked with a move for Joao Felix in 2023 and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Man United are set for “new talks” in their efforts to secure the Atletico Madrid and Portugal forward’s signature.

Romano wrote in his column for CaughtOffside:

“Both Arsenal and Manchester United have had discussions with Jorge Mendes about Joao Felix, also Chelsea and Aston Villa have been approached.”

“They are informed on conditions of the deal, but still waiting to understand final decision by Atletico Madrid on potential loan as they always asked for €100m (£87m) fee. I’m told this week there will be new talks to find a way for Joao Felix.”

Imagine him & Rashford

There is no doubt that Erik ten Hag will be keen to strengthen his forward line following the shock departure of Cristiano Ronaldo earlier this month and Edison Cavani leaving in the summer.

Indeed, the top priority is likely to be a pure number nine but the signing of Felix could offer the Red Devils boss versatility in the final third.

The Atletico Madrid ace has a wealth of experience in many positions in the final third as a second striker, centre forward, and left and right winger, offering Ten Hag a player who can add depth to various roles.

Felix – who was hailed an “immense talent” by Yannick Carrasco – has scored four goals and delivered three assists this season in all competitions with a goal contribution every 116 minutes.

Not only that, the 23-year-old ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers over the top five European leagues for assists and interceptions, as well as ranking in the top 20% for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and dribbles completed.

Ten Hag could form a formidable attacking threat between Felix and Marcus Rashford, as the boyhood Man United star has been in fine form this season already – scoring 10 goals and delivering four assists over 21 appearances so far.

Combining Rashford’s goal-scoring form with Felix’s versatility and talent for moving the ball into dangerous positions could be deadly for opponents over the second half of the season.

With that being said, although Felix is not the traditional striker many will expect Man United to sign in the new year, he could improve the threat in front of goal with both goal contributions and delivering attacking opportunities.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their pursuit of a striker during the current January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Unai Emery is pushing for the club’s board to pursue a deal to sign Vedat Muriqi this month.

The report claims that RCD Mallorca are not eager to sanction an exit for their star striker but the player has a release clause of €38m (£34m) that the Villans could activate if they so choose.

It is stated that they have already had an offer of €20m (£18m) rejected by the Spanish side and that their next offer could go as high as €30m (£27m) after Emery’s insistence on a swoop for the forward.

Imagine him & Emi Buendia

Emery and Villa could provide midfielder Emi Buendia with the prolific striker that he has been missing since he joined the club from Norwich in the summer of 2021 by securing a deal for Muriqi.

The Argentine playmaker created 15 chances and two ‘big chances’ in nine Premier League starts without recording an assist this season. This comes after he provided 49 key passes and eight ‘big chances’ for his teammates in the top-flight last term and was rewarded with just six assists.

These statistics suggest that the former Getafe winger is being let down by the current forwards at the club as they are not making the most of the opportunities that he is creating with impressive regularity.

Muriqi’s form in La Liga for Mallorca this season indicates that he could be the man to make the most of Buendia’s brilliance as he has plundered eight goals in 13 starts for the Spanish outfit.

The striker, who has scored 23 goals in 44 matches for Kosovo at international level, has found the back of the net eight times from 6.89 xG and this shows that he is making the most of the chances that he is being provided with and then some.

Villa need a centre-forward who can finish off the key passes that Buendia is creating for the team on a regular basis and Muriqi, who was once described as “utterly dominant” in the air by smarterscout on Twitter, could fit the bill.

His goalscoring exploits in another major European league in Spain suggest that he could be a fantastic signing for the Villans and NSWE must now back Emery by paying the money required to sign the marksman in the coming weeks in order to bolster the squad.