All posts by z3u9t.icu

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.

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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. 

Rangers face Motherwell at Ibrox in the Premiership today as they attempt to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Ligue 1 side Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The loss ended a run of six games without defeat in all competitions, with Steven Gerrard’s team having won five of their last six going into the match.

They now come up against a strong Motherwell outfit who have started the season well. Graham Alexander has led his men to three wins, one draw and one defeat in five league matches thus far.

Gerrard lined up with Joe Aribo out on the right wing against Lyon and the change in personnel did not work in his favour. The former Charlton man gave away possession 12 times, lost seven of his 10 ground duels and only completed one key pass all game.

This is why the Rangers head coach must now drop Aribo in order to unleash ex-Leeds forward Kemar Roofe on Motherwell.

The 28-year-old has already scored two goals from two starts in the Premiership this season and netted 14 goals from 18 starts last term. This shows that he is a proven goalscorer at this level and is a player who can be relied upon in front of goal.

Aside from being a threat with the ball, Gerrard also once said that Roofe is a handful for opponents to deal with when fit due to his exceptional work rate out of possession.

The manager said: “Touch wood he stays fit and if he does then he will be a real handful at this level. He works his socks off, he does everything out of possession that you ask of him, he is clever and bright and he can create and score. He has got the mentality that I really like.”

This shows how the £26k-per-week attacker can be a match-winner for Rangers. He can hassle defenders and force turnovers with his work rate, whilst also providing a regular supply of goals, as shown by his league record for the club. At the end of the day, goals win you games and Roofe has shown that he can score them regularly in the Premiership – making him a potential match-winner for the Gers.

Gerrard must now unleash him against Motherwell and demote Aribo to the bench if he is not going to move him back into central midfield. Hopefully Roofe will be able to showcase his quality and help the Gers to the three points today.

AND in other news, Premier League side are eyeing up swoop for 28y/o Rangers beast

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans are pleading for the club to sign Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car as a transfer claim emerges from France.

Irons boss David Moyes is well known to be in the market for a top centre-half as club insider ExWHUemployee details that is his top priority, even before bringing in any attackers.

Currently, West Ham have just Angelo Ogbonna, Issa Diop and Craig Dawson as senior options for the first team and their involvement in the Europa League could only stretch their squad thinner.

The club have made just one major summer signing so far in landing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris-Saint Germain, and with just under a fortnight of the window left, time is running out for Moyes to make much-needed additions.

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Now, a claim has emerged from France which involves centre-back Caleta-Car – with big news outlet L’Equipe sharing some interesting news.

They believe that Marseille are currently waiting for West Ham to make an official offer and they’d even be willing to do a deal for around £14 million.

As this update surfaces, many Hammers supporters are now pleading for their club to make a move and bag the would-be ‘top signing’.

Find all of their best verdicts down below after West Ham Central shared the update on Twitter.

West Ham fans plead for Caleta-Car as news emerges

“This is the guy we need”

Credit: @Tommb22

“Bring him home”

Credit: @Fornals_dor

“Honestly would be a top signing”

Credit: @1bbyWHU

“Please.”

Credit: @pablofornalsfan

“surely this is a no brainer for moyes over zouma, saves around £10m and lower wages which can spend on lingard or a st”

Credit: @Sebibbotson

“We should be all over this”

Credit: @tlcontractors1

“Sign him quick”

Credit: @steveprior90

In other news: ExWHUemployee drops behind-scenes West Ham transfer claim involving 86-goal forward, find out more here.

Lee Johnson could not have asked for much of a better start to the 2021/22 campaign. The Black Cats ended the fifth matchday top of the League One table with 12 points, winning four of their first five games.

The Black Cats came out on top against Wigan, AFC Wimbledon, MK Dons and Wycombe, with their solitary defeat in August coming away to Burton Albion.

Many plaudits will rightly go to Scottish striker Ross Stewart as he found the back of the net four times in five matches. However, one player who perhaps stole the show from the big Scot is Elliot Embleton.

The Sunderland academy product, who was on loan at Blackpool last season, has made the number 10 position his own and kept summer signing Alex Pritchard out of the team with his terrific performances in August.

He averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.22 across his five starts in League One, scoring two goals and creating another two for his teammates. His excellent displays in midfield have helped string together some superb team performances from the Black Cats.

In terms of his finishing, Embleton has been fairly efficient in front of goal. The midfielder has scored two goals from eight shots and missed one big chance, compared to Stewart’s four goals from 15 shots and two big chances missed this season. This shows that he could have the potential to end the campaign with a respectable, potentially double-figure return in the goals column.

However, it was creatively where Embleton displayed his best qualities. As per SofaScore, he created 11 chances in five games (2.2 per match) and set up one key opening, highlighting the quality of his passes in the final third. This resulted in him picking up two assists, with the midfielder ending the month with four direct goal involvements in five matches.

This shows that the 22-year-old was key to much of what Sunderland did in attack during August as he was at the heart of the action in terms of scoring and creating goals for Johnson’s side. This is why he perhaps stole the show from Stewart, as he coupled scoring with creativity, something the Scot was unable to do with zero assists.

It is now up to Embleton to show that he can be consistent over a longer period of time, but for now we can appreciate the excellence he displayed during August.

AND in other news, Possession lost 89x: Sunderland disaster with 0 goals let Johnson down badly in August…

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!

Tottenham Hotspur face rival interest from Atletico Madrid in the race for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer [Gianluca Di Marzio].

The Lowdown: Tottenham search for reinforcements amid Kane uncertainty

With Spurs set to kick off their 2021/22 season at home to Manchester City on Sunday, speculation about star man Harry Kane continues to rumble on amid links to the Premier League holders.

Even despite this, depth up front has been a concern of Lilywhites supporters for a number of years now.

Could more worry now be induced in regard to the problem position following recent developments?

The Latest: Atletico Madrid close to submitting Vlahovic offer

Atletico Madrid are said to have a firm interest in the 6 foot 3 goalscorer, and could offer around €60 million plus centre-back Nehuen Perez in exchange for the clinical Vlahovic [Gianluca Di Marzio].

A formalised offer is said to be imminent, with a tabled effort to acquire the Serbian colossus from the Spanish giants looking likely to be submitted within the next 48 hours.

London rivals Arsenal are also believed to be ready to join the race for his signature [Guardian].

The Verdict: Losing out on Vlahovic would be a bitter blow for Spurs

In the interest of bringing in quality to contribute this campaign, the rival attention being thrust upon a reported target will come as a bitter blow to the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy.

In 2020/21, the Serie A frontman enjoyed a fantastic 2020/21, registering 23 goal contributions in 40 appearances; 21 goals and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, his constant appetite to get involved in attacking play was a menace to opposition defences, notching an average of 2.3 shots per game across the piece [WhoScored].

Once labelled as ‘incredible’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy, Spurs should look to close a deal before more sides like Atletico take notice [This is Futbol].

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur table a bid for a Sky Bet Championship star.

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…

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.

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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

Everton could be about to add another exciting option to their attacking talents after it was revealed they are currently monitoring the situation of Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson.

What’s the story?

According to Football League World, the Toffees are one of several Premier League clubs hoping to capitalise on the 20-year-old’s ongoing contract dispute.

Johnson’s current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2023, but Forest boss Steve Cooper is now believed to be taking on an active role in the negotiations in an attempt to convince the youngster to commit his long-term future to the club.

However, with Johnson still undecided over his next step, an extensive list of potential suitors are keeping a close eye over proceedings.

The report states that: “There is Premier League interest still in the forward, though, after Brentford’s failed attempts to sign him in the summer. Everton, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Southampton and Brighton and Hove Albion are keeping close tabs on him.”

Imagine him and Dominic Calvert-Lewin

New manager Rafa Benitez already boasts a talented first-choice forward line at Goodison Park, but the Spanish tactician has found the strength in depth lacking in recent weeks.

With injuries to key men Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the opening weeks of the current campaign, the likes of Alex Iwobi and Salomon Rondon have filled in with little success.

Therefore, director of football Marcel Brands must seal a move for Johnson ahead of his domestic rivals over the coming months, adding another exciting, talented, young English forward to Everton’s squad alongside the likes of Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray.

During his season-long loan spell with Lincoln City throughout 2020/21, Johnson played a crucial role as Michael Appleton’s Imps reached the League One play-off final, bagging 13 goals and providing a further 14 assists in 48 appearances.

And the youngster has carried that eye-catching form into the Championship this term. In 16 outings for Steve Cooper’s charges, he’s notched up three goals and three assists, impressing former striker Glenn Murray along the way.

“For me, Brennan, he just looks special. He just looks a cut above, and he’s destined for the top,” Murray told Sky Sports (as relayed by Nottingham Forest News).

“Yes, he’s not getting everything right at the moment, but he looks at the top-level easily. I expect a really big future from him.”

Therefore, a move for Johnson over the winter window could made sense for Everton for several reasons. His price tag is unlikely to break the bank, and the potential for him to form a formidable partnership with the club’s existing attacking options, particularly star man Calvert-Lewin, is a mouth-watering prospect.

It remains to be seen whether the Merseyside outfit follow up their interest with a concrete offer, but he’s certainly someone who would bring some excitement back to Goodison Park.

And, in other news…Heir to Mina: Everton plot £20m move for 6ft7 “quality footballer”, fans will love him 

If Leeds United fans were keeping an eye on the academy during the mid 2000s, then seeing James Tavernier’s name on the books may not be too much of a shock to the system reading it now.

The full-back was a part of the club’s youth system from the age of nine after being picked up from local side Farsley Celtic.

The Bradford-born ace would then spend six seasons at Leeds, predominantly playing in a central midfield role, before eventually making the switch to Tyneside to join Newcastle for nothing.

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While Tavernier has since gone to be a star north of the border at Rangers, he admitted that growing up, his biggest Leeds icon was a certain Lucas Radebe.

He revealed: “My idol would be Lucas Radebe. The captain of Leeds, ‘The chief’ as he is known at Leeds. He was a great leader back in the glory days of Leeds and I just remembered him being such a figure at the club.”

But while Radebe may be his inspiration, Tavernier has carved out a real reputation as being one of the most productive full-backs in Europe, boasting an impressive goal record that even puts to shame someone like Trent Alexander-Arnold.

As per Transfermarkt, the Englishman has bagged himself a career total of 86 goals at senior level, with 77 of them coming with the Gers.

What perhaps makes that record all the more impressive in Tavernier’s case, is that he has also stepped up with a whopping 105 assists for the Ibrox side, while it has only come in 335 games – essentially, even as just a full-back, Tavernier averages more than one goal contribution every other game.

It’s been no surprise then that the defender has earned some high praise, including from former Gers boss and current Aston Villa Steven Gerrard who spoke glowingly about his consistency levels.

He said: “When we turned up we knew we had the best right back in the league, and that’s stayed the same. His consistency has been outrageous really. He’s gotten stronger and stronger as the games go on.

“He’s led his team to three European runs in succession, so he deserves a lot of credit. The good thing is he’s available all the time, he puts himself out there, and the numbers for a full-back, no matter what league or what level you’re playing at, are outstanding.”

All in all, the man with a whopping 204 career goal contributions to his name despite predominantly playing at right-back has surely got Leeds wondering what could have been.

AND in other news – Sold for under £1m, now a PL winner: Leeds suffered embarrassment with “special” star