All posts by z3u9t.icu

Lots of Everton fans have been left gushing over some news that has emerged involving Andros Townsend.

As per the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, his stunning strike from outside of the box at home to Burnley has now been nominated for September’s Goal of the Month (GOTM) award.

Supporters of the Merseyside club can now vote for Townsend’s goal on the Premier League’s website, as he is nominated alongside Bruno Fernandes, Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku, Naby Keita, Matty Cash and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The goal encapsulates a great start to life at the Toffees for Townsend, who has scored four goals in total and made a further three assists in eight games over all competitions since his arrival (Transfermarkt), and will no doubt be hoping to bag more screamers as the campaign progresses.

Everton fans on Townsend news

These Blues fans gushed as the news of Townsend’s nomination was shared on Twitter:

“Never fails to make me grin from ear to ear”

Credit: @ellieq

“We cannot understate how good @andros_townsend has been for us so far this season! Whether starting or not, he has a big role to play in the next couple of years”

Credit: @DaAlexJohnson

“Cracking goal that really should win”

Credit: @Adamefc95

“Booooooooooooom”

Credit: @Georgie_Redman

“Belter”

Credit: @Bigpoppa1878

“Was an absolutely sensational 10 minutes I thought Gwladys Street Stand was gonna collapse loved absolutely every second”

Credit: @RDW_Engineering

In other news, find out what contract talks have Evertonians buzzing here!

Journalist Luke Hatfield has been reacting to reports linking Aston Villa with a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, as per GIVEMESPORT.

The Lowdown: Villa offered Wijnaldum on loan

Wijnaldum has struggled in France since leaving Liverpool over the summer. The 31-year-old, who is thought to be earning more than £300,000 per week at the Parc des Princes, has made just 11 starts in all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino.

The midfielder’s representatives are looking at a possible loan exit in the New Year, with Aston Villa one of several clubs who have been approached.

It is believed that Villa are yet to dismiss the idea of signing Wijnaldum, with NSWE promising Steven Gerrard a big January transfer kitty.

The Latest: Hatfield’s comments

Express & Star journalist Hatfield was giving his thoughts to GIVEMESPORT over the reports linking Wijnaldum with a move to Villa Park.

This is what he had to say in reply, describing it as a ‘huge statement’ and labelling the midfielder as a player with ‘boundless quality’:

“That would be a huge statement signing, for sure.

“Obviously, it hasn’t really worked for him at PSG since leaving Liverpool but he’s someone who has got boundless quality and energy in midfield.”

The Verdict: Avoid

Although Villa’s owners may well be able to afford to sign Wijnaldum on a temporary basis, it could be wise for sporting director Johan Lange to snub a winter deal for the 31-year-old.

Villa’s highest earner is Danny Ings on £120,000 per week and there’s no guarantee that splashing the cash on Wijnaldum’s wage would instantly make Gerrard’s side better. He has struggled in France and has failed to become a regular in PSG’s starting line-up, with Villa having a number of central midfield options already in any case.

Prioritising an out-and-out defensive midfielder could be a smarter idea, with Marvelous Nakamba set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Wijnaldum has occupied a defensive role on just 38 occasions during his career compared to 250 appearances as a central midfielder, so perhaps it’s best to skip a January move for him and look at the long-term project by signing a player under the age of 30.

In other news: ‘On my knees’ – Many Aston Villa fans erupt as Lange makes ‘bold’ January transfer bid

Leeds reporter Conor McGilligan has reacted to suggestions of the Whites bringing in Jesse Lingard this summer.  

The Lowdown: Lingard’s situation

Lingard looks set to leave Manchester United at the end of June when his Old Trafford contract expires.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The versatile attacker, who has contributed to 56 goals in 229 games for Leeds’ rivals, is currently exploring and considering his options.

The 29-year-old has recently been linked with Newcastle, West Ham and Roma, but a claim has now been made over a potential move to Elland Road.

The Latest: McGilligan reacts

LeedsLive shared a story on Thursday morning, looking at five possible summer targets for Victor Orta on free transfers.

One of those is Lingard, who the report describes as ‘perfect’ in Jesse Marsch’s 4-2-2-2 system.

LeedsLive posted their suggestion on Twitter regarding Lingard, to which McGilligan responded:

“Could be a decent move!”

The Verdict: Decent indeed…

Lingard showed with West Ham last season that he can be a major asset in the Premier League, contributing to 14 goals in just 16 appearances for the Hammers.

Labelled as ‘sensational’ following his loan spell at the London Stadium, the Englishman can play anywhere in attack, versatility which could be handy under Marsch.

The Leeds boss doesn’t actually have a natural attacking midfielder to choose from at this moment in time, so if he wants to put his stamp on the side using a 4-2-2-2 system, signings like Lingard could be shrewd moves.

You’d expect that he’ll have plenty of offers on the table over the coming months, though, but it could still possibly be one to watch.

In other news: ‘They’re going to…’ – Insider now drops Orta and Marsch’s plans after Leeds transfer meeting. 

Dele Alli’s time at Tottenham Hotspur could soon be coming to an end after the club were linked with a move for a new attacking midfielder…

What’s the word?

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia), Spurs will battle their north London rivals Arsenal to sign the Juventus outcast during the January transfer window.

It was the Lilywhites’ sporting director Fabio Paratici who signed him for the Serie A giants, so they could well be leading the race to seal his signature, in which Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also keen.

The Bianconeri appear to be willing to sell the 20-cap Sweden international for a minimum of €35m (£30m) to €40m (£34m) next month.

Bye-bye Alli?

The 21-year-old dynamo, who is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline, has dropped down the pecking order at the Allianz Stadium under Massimiliano Allegri this season.

Just four of his 21 appearances this term have been starts, whilst he has provided one goal and four assists from just 724 minutes of action, per Transfermarkt.

Last season, he enjoyed a lot of success as he delivered 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches. What made that even more impressive was the fact that he did so whilst playing in at least seven different roles. A very versatile talent, indeed.

If that isn’t enough to suggest that he’s a perfect fit for Antonio Conte and his system, then perhaps praise from others in and around the game is.

“Kulusevski is an explosive player who likes to challenge his direct opponent,” once claimed ex-Sweden striker Marcus Allback to The Sun. “He likes to dribble with the ball, play the short passes and he is very good on the through balls. He’s quick and would cause a lot of trouble for most of the teams he plays.”

Whilst experienced Italian coach Pierpaolo Bisoli believes there are shades of Mohamed Salah about him “He has incredible physical strength. He reminds me of a young Salah for the way he shakes off opponents in the first ten metres,” he said.

On the above evidence, the fact that he is versatile and hugely dynamic, Kulusevski could well be a better fit for Conte at Spurs than Alli, whose best position is still undetermined.

Furthermore, there have been reports suggesting that Tottenham could finally be open to selling the 25-year-old amid his long-term struggles on the pitch.

Once dubbed a “freak of a talent” by former Lilywhites star Darren Anderton, Alli has failed to hit the heights of his past glory, managing only one goal and one assist this season.

Therefore, the £27m-rated dynamo could offer Conte and co a lot more than the Englishman, so if they are able to secure a move for him in January, then the club absolutely must do all they can to pull it over the line.

Spurs’ new boss could finally bin Alli with a move for the exciting Swedish sensation.

AND in other news, “Serious chance”: Romano drops teasing Spurs transfer update that’ll have fans buzzing…

While Aston Villa have been busy getting some new players to join the club during the current January transfer window, it seems as though they could have a challenge on their hands to keep one of their current squad members at Villa Park before the end of the month.

What’s the latest?

According to West Ham United insider @ExWHUemployee on his Patreon page (via Birmingham Live) Villa defender Kortney Hause is apparently one of a number of potential centre-back targets for the east London club.

Hause originally joined Villa on a loan deal from fellow Premier League side Wolves in the 2019 January transfer window before the Villans secured him on a permanent basis in the following summer in a deal worth a reported fee of £3m.

Overall, the 26-year-old, who is currently valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, has made 54 appearances for Steven Gerrard’s team across all competitions, scoring four goals in the process, showing what a danger he can be in front of goal at times.

Gerrard would be livid

Given how Villa only have three centre-backs in their squad at the moment including Hause after Axel Tuanzebe had his loan spell brought to an end earlier this month, it wouldn’t be wise for Johan Lange to allow Hause to leave the Midlands club this month.

That’s especially when you consider that Ezri Konsa picked up an injury in Villa’s recent 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

While a move to West Ham could be tempting for Hause given how David Moyes’ side are on the hunt to secure a Champions League place this season, Villa have their own aspirations of securing European football in the near future.

Therefore, it could persuade the defender to not only stay at Villa this month but also to sign a new deal with them before his current one expires at the end of the campaign.

Moving forward, with the current situation at Villa the way it is in terms of their centre-back options, it would be nothing short of a disaster if Gerrard were to see Hause make a move to West Ham this month, as it would surely leave him livid, specifically if they don’t then manage to bring in any new defensive options before the January window closes.

In other news: “Keen to..” – Ashley Preece drops behind-scenes AVFC update that’ll have fans sweating – opinion

Everton must bring in some fresh talent to strengthen their bid to finish in that elusive seventh position to bring European football back to Goodison Park.

So far, their ambition to get that is failing after a poor Christmas and New Year period compared to the Toffees’ usual high standards.

Many players have lost form and an issue that has been problematic for some time now is that Everton don’t have a proper goal-scoring striker.

Cenk Tosun has just not had the impact many thought he would and Richarlison has been the main source of goals even though he isn’t normally a frontman.

So, to end their wait for a good striker, Everton must look to bring in Willian Jose this window.

Jose, (who is valued at £22.5 million on Transfermarkt) could definitely transpire to be a brilliant signing for Everton, adding significant strength to their arsenal and fire-power in the final third.

The Brazilian forward has scored seven league goals this season and is improving game-by-game to provide more of a presence for his current team Real Sociedad.

Everton have been without a talisman ever since Romelu Lukaku left the club and that is an issue the club must look to solve during this transfer window.

The Toffees have previously been linked (via Mundo Deportivo) with the 27-year-old – understandably so as well. Last season, Willian Jose scored 20 times in 40 outings and the season before was slightly lower with 14.

He really is reaching his peak capacity in the game and could be a brilliant addition for Everton whilst he is in this kind of goal-scoring mood.

Do you agree that Everton should sign Willian Jose… Let us know!

Everton have always produced a steady stream of impressive youngsters down the years, and the next superstar produced in their academy could be ready to come off the conveyor belt.

The likes of Wayne Rooney, Leon Osman and Ross Barkley have all been nurtured in the Toffees’ youth system before going on to carve out impressive careers in the senior ranks.

And now versatile forward Charlie Whitaker could be the next name to join that illustrious list of local lads to wear the famous blue of Everton.

Whitaker joined the Merseyside outfit from Blackburn Rovers aged just 12, but the teenager really started catching the eye with his impressive performances last term.

In the final game of 2020/21, Whitaker bagged a hat-trick in a 4-0 thrashing of Southampton to take his tally to five goals and two assists in just four starts since being handed his full U23s debut by manager David Unsworth.

The youth team boss lauded the attacking talent in an interview with the Liverpool ECHO shortly after, saying: “I’ve watched Charlie for a number of years, and we always knew he had the quality in flashes.

“He has played out wide, he has played up-front….but we have tried to play him as a second striker, not a number 10, a second-striker because his game is naturally dropping into spaces where you want a number 10.

“We have tried to get someone up there with him, and he has been sensational. He is a great trainer, great to work with, and a great lad.”

Despite his promising performances in several positions, the youth team coach was determined not to get too carried away with Whitaker’s contributions since making the step up from U18’s level, though.

Unsworth continued: “I have really enjoyed the last few months working with him! I really have. He does the hardest thing in the game, which is score goals, and he makes it look really easy.

“For the size of him, he is good in the air, he is brave, we just need him to link play, and the future is bright for him. I’m not getting over-excited, because you can’t, it is too early. But the signs are very, very good.”

And Whitaker has picked up where he left off last season in the opening weeks of the current campaign, bagging four goals and providing one assist in just nine appearances.

With Richarlison heavily linked with a move away from Everton over the summer, manager Rafa Benitez could unearth the Brazilian’s natural heir in the shape of 18-year-old Whitaker, someone who can play in a wide array of positions just like their energetic number 7.

However, whether he provides him with the opportunity to showcase his talent in the senior setup remains to be seen.

And, in other news…”Still uncertainty” – Patrick Boyland drops Everton update that should concern fans 

West Bromwich Albion have been heavily speculated to utilise strongly the upcoming winter transfer window, however, Valerien Ismael could make the most of a young player they already have developing in their youth system currently.

Reyes Cleary has been playing for the West Brom U23s in the Premier League 2, and has been putting in performances that should be catching the eye of first-team manager, Ismael, who until last weekend has been struggling to inspire his side to score in the Championship.

The 17-year-old sent a clear message to the senior management at West Brom, when he scored twice in the first 11 minutes of the U23’s fixture against Middlesbrough last weekend leading onto a hat trick by full time, with the youngster scoring a phenomenal 16 goals in just 14 appearances so far this season.

Cleary has been doubling up on his duties for West Brom, by also playing in the U18’s Premier League side too, with coach Peter Gilbery hailing the young player as “powerful” recently.

“Reyes is a powerful forward player with an eye for goal and is an excellent finisher.”

The young goal scorer is yet to secure a professional contract with the club but has reportedly already caught the eye of many big clubs who are poised to offer him his next challenge, including Newcastle United and Bayern Munich.

With the possibility of the teenager being snapped up by another club, West Brom need to act fast in offering him a contract as he continues to develop and become more attractive to clubs in positions of power to offer him the opportunity to play European football.

The Baggies are crying out for a creative goal scorer who will put them in a position to be promoted back into the Premier League next season, and Cleary could be their golden ticket right under their nose to succeeding that.

It would save Ismael not only the headache of finding a goal scorer in the upcoming transfer window but would also save the club millions in transfer fees as he strives to do so.

West Brom fans have already taken to social media to express their desire to see the youngster in the first team, with one fan tweeting;

“Can’t ignore him anymore Val. He needs to be on the bench at least!”

The Baggies have a long way to go in their Championship campaign and will be hoping to close the gap on Bournemouth and Fulham who are currently sitting the automatic promotion spots in first and second place in the league.

In other news: Jordan Hugill set for January exit

This forms part of our Transfer Watch series, where The Transfer Tavern analyse whether a club should sign a transfer target based on a recent performance.

The Lowdown: Newcastle lurking for Osimhen

It has been widely reported that Newcastle will now look to battle a number of big European clubs to try and sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli in the summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-5/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, St James’ Park is not thought to be his preferred destination in the Premier League, and with the likes of top-four chasers Tottenham Hotspur reportedly joining the race, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) may face an uphill battle to try and bring the Nigeria striker to Tyneside.

The Latest: Great individual performance from Osimhen

Even though Napoli lost 3-2 at home to Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, Osimhen put in a great individual performance, scoring one goal and supplying an assist as he ranked as their best player on SofaScore.

The Nigeria international won five of his individual duels, bettered only by two of his team-mates, while he also completed one successful dribble and a team-high three key passes (SofaScore).

The Verdict: Sign him

Given Callum Wilson’s injury problems this season, and the fact that Chris Wood has only managed two goals since arriving from Burnley in the January transfer window, the Magpies should be looking to bring in an elite forward to complete their attack for next term.

Described as a ‘perfect’ striker by journalist Aaron West after Sunday’s display, Osimhen would bring Newcastle’s attack to another level. After all, he has now scored 16 goals and provided five assists in total so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Also, he is still only 23 years of age, so he coukd spearhead Eddie Howe’s side for many years to come.

In other news, NUFC are now eyeing this shock transfer

Celtic have cashed in on a number of players over the past few years such as Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer, Moussa Dembele and Kieran Tierney, to name but a few.

One other player that the Hoops sold in recent memory but they may now be regretting is full-back Jeremie Frimpong, who moved to Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021 in a deal worth a reported £11.5m.

After joining from Manchester City’s youth ranks in 2019, the defender went on to make 51 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing eight assists along the way.

Since moving to Germany, the 21-year-old – who is currently picking up £25k-per-week according to Salary Sport – has racked up 47 appearances for Leverkusen in total, finding the back of the net twice and delivering nine assists in the process.

With 25 Bundesliga appearances under his belt this season, the right-back has scored one goal and set up another six, earning himself an overall performance rating of 6.88/10 from WhoScored. That makes him Leverkusen’s sixth-highest rated outfield player, showing how important a figure he is for his current club.

To highlight just how much of an attacking threat he has been this term, no other Leverkusen defender has made more key passes per game (1.2) than the former Hoops youngster, who also has his team’s joint-second highest number of dribbles per game (1.9).

In January 2021, shortly before calling an end to his Celtic career, Transfermarkt had Frimpong’s market value listed as £3.6m. It now stands at a massive £18m, highlighting a significant increase of 400%, which shows just how much of a boost his career has enjoyed since waving goodbye to the Parkhead club.

This current value would comfortably make him Celtic’s most valuable player, eclipsing Callum McGregor’s current value of £6.75m at the top of the tree. Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that the Hoops lost a valuable asset when they sold Frimpong.

However, with the player reportedly adamant that he wanted to leave the club, perhaps they should have done more to try and convince him to stay where he was, even if they still managed to accrue a decent transfer fee for him.

In other news: Ange can axe “infectious” ace as Celtic become “serious contenders” for “massive” deal