Leeds handed transfer update on Matheus Cunha

Beren Cross has delivered a major transfer update on Leeds United’s pursuit of Hertha BSC star Matheus Cunha.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from German publication Bild (via Sport Witness), Bielsa’s side have already expressed their interest in signing the forward, and that a move could be on the cards after the 22-year-old received approval from Hertha to leave.

And now, speaking on a Facebook Live video, Cross said: “Cunha, yeah I mean I think anybody that’s done a basic level of analysis or read some of the stuff around Cunha will know that he’s a bit like (Rodrigo) De Paul, really, he’s a very exciting footballer – he’s got a lot going for him.  

“There’s a lot in his profile which would suggest he would fit Leeds United’s model. But from what I’ve been told, he’s on a long list rather than a shortlist. He’s somebody that they are aware of and they do like but as I’ve said, I think half of Europe is interested as well, and I think his price, if he does move, will skyrocket.”

Great fit for Leeds

Dubbed as “something special” by former Hertha BSC boss Bruno Labbadia, the £55k-a-week earning Cunha enjoyed a superb campaign in the Bundesliga last season, scoring eight goals and providing another eight assists in all competitions.

At 22, he has still got plenty of time to realise his potential, and Bielsa will likely feel that the versatile forward could thrive under his leadership.

Cunha often found himself either playing as the number ten or out wide on the left, but also had a stint up front too, and saved some of his best performances for Germany’s best sides – he scored and assisted against Bayern, bagged a brace against Borussia Dortmund, and also netted against Bayer Leverkusen too.

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The Brazilian looks every inch a big-game player, and given his performances last season, will surely have Leeds fans buzzing at the prospect of him linking up with the likes of Raphinha at Elland Road in the Premier League.

Given that supporters have already made their feelings clear about just how excited they would be to see Cunha at Leeds, Cross’ latest update about Leeds definitley having him on a list of targets is a promising one, to say the least.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have opened talks with this Premier League star…

Tottenham exit talks for Aurier emerge

According to a report by Foot Mercato, talks between Paris-Saint Germain and Tottenham have been initiated over the sale of defender Serge Aurier – with a four-year deal and salary of around €7 million-per-season (£6 million) already drawn up from their side.

The Lowdown: Aurier linked with exit

The Ivorian has been attracting interest from France in recent weeks with reports detailing interest from PSG.

RMC Sport revealed earlier this month that the Ligue 1 giants hold an interest in Aurier and even touted a possible sale price of around €10 million (£8.6 million).

The 28-year-old, despite enjoying a fine start to the season, hasn’t been at that imperious level since then – resulting in speculation mounting over his future.

The Latest: Contract offer already drawn up

Foot Mercato, bringing an emphatic claim, believe talks are already well underway between PSG and Aurier’s representatives  – so much so that a four-year contract has been drawn up with a wage offer of around £6 million (£125,000-per-week).

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As well as this, talks with Tottenham are said to be ‘initiated’ despite the lack of a real bid – with chairman Daniel Levy now setting the asking price at around €12 million (£10.3 million).

Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is also believed to be in favour of the right-back’s return to Parc des Princes nearly four years after he swapped the French capital for north London.

The Verdict: Aurier make way…

Aurier has just one year left on his Lilywhites contract and Tottenham need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy this summer, making him one of the prime candidates to be sold.

Even though £10.3m seems like a disappointing price for a player with 66 international caps at 28-years-old, this market marred by coronavirus means bumper sales will be made that bit more difficult.

Finding a buyer willing to spend big on Aurier would prove a tough task given his contract situation, and we believe that Spurs need to sell him and bump up Tottenham’s transfer kitty for their next manager – regardless of the price.

In other news: Tottenham eyeing ‘one of the best coaches in Europe’, find out more here.

Everton interested in Danjuma switch

Everton’s season ended in the worst way possible last weekend as they were well and truly battered by the Premier League champions.Their defence was cut open like a knife through butter while they lacked cutting edge and penetration on the counter-attack.

What’s the word?

One way of improving their fluency in the final third would be to sign a winger.

Football FanCast revealed last month that the Toffees were in the market for somebody who could play on the right-hand side. However, we believe Everton should stop at nothing to bolster the other flank as well.

Fortunately, it looks as though they’ll be doing exactly that. Football League World report this week that Carlo Ancelotti’s men are battling for the signature of tricky Bournemouth flanker Arnaut Danjuma.

Everton are looking to take advantage of the south coast side’s failure to get promoted from the Championship.

A number of top-flight sides are now circling with Wolves, West Ham and Brighton also interested in Danjuma’s signature.

Iwobi upgrade

If Everton can lure the attacker to Goodison Park this summer then he’d represent a huge upgrade on Alex Iwobi.

The Nigerian signed for £28m in the summer of 2019 but his arrival on Merseyside hasn’t been greeted particularly positively.

On his day, he can frighten the opposition with his dribbling but very rarely does he combine that with end product.

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Iwobi has scored just twice this term, taking his tally in the royal blue of Everton to four strikes in 65 appearances.

Those numbers aren’t strong enough whatsoever for a side challenging for a place in European football so improvement is need.

Danjuma would provide Ancelotti with the ability to beat a man but also provide goals and assists.

The Dutchman was in inspired form for the Cherries this term, racking up a mightily impressive haul of 17 goals. Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, it was on the left where he truly stood out.

The 24-year-old was impressive when it came to creating chances for his teammates as well, providing eight assists in all competitions.

He claimed the award for the EFL Championship Player of the Month in April and has gone from strength to strength this season, particularly under Jonathan Woodgate.

With the former defender at the helm, Danjuma totted up ten goals and six assists in just 18 league outings.

It’s hardly a surprise that Woodgate’s found the time to wax lyrical about his abilities: “I know last season that he didn’t really get a run in the Premier League and he maybe found it a bit difficult to get game time, but this season he’s been outstanding.â€

The Bournemouth boss continued: “I can only talk of what he’s done under my reign, but at the minute, he’s playing some exceptional football, and what else he is doing is working for the team.â€

Capable of producing moments of magic from nowhere, he’s the type of player you’d always love to have in your team.

Against Norwich he showed exactly what he’s capable of, skipping past two Canaries players before rifling a bullet right into the top corner.

It showcased his scintillating dribbling skills too, an area of his game that usurps nearly every player at Everton. Danjuma managed 1.8 dribbles per game this season, a number that only Richarlison can replicate.

This would be a top drawer signing from Ancelotti and Marcel Brands.

AND in other news, Everton can begin the transfer window with a bang by signing “dangerous” 16-goal beast…

Newcastle eye Will Vaulks transfer

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a summer transfer move for Will Vaulks, according to Wales Online.

The Lowdown: Newcastle need Willock back-up

Given that Joe Willock signing from Arsenal on a permanent deal is not guaranteed after his loan spell ends, the St. James’ Park faithful may be looking at alternative options in the centre of midfield, potentially at a cheaper price.

Jonjo Shelvey has often been criticised this term and will turn 30 next season, while neither of the Longstaff brothers have really kicked on, so midfield reinforcements could be necessary.

The Latest: Newcastle eye Vaulks

As per Wales Online, the Tyneside club are eyeing a potential move for Vaulks to swap Cardiff City for the North East.

Valued at £7m by the Bluebirds, he could be a cheaper alternative to that of Willock, should Steve Bruce’s team fail to sign him permanently.

The news outlet highlights one of his ‘trademark’ skills that the Magpies may be interested in, a long throw-in that has been a ‘potent weapon’ for the EFL Championship side.

The Verdict: Newcastle should not sleep on Vaulks

The Toon should certainly not sleep on a potential move for Vaulks, especially if a deal for Willock fails to go through.

His manager Mick McCarthy, who is also very experienced in the Premier League, described him as a ‘brilliant’ player and a ‘leader’ back in February (Wales Online), the latter being a quality that can be very useful not just on the pitch but off of it as well.

Nonetheless, considering the financial impact of the global pandemic, £7m could be a snip for the 27-year-old as he enters his prime.

In other news, find out what big transfer boost NUFC have received here!

Celtic should unleash Ismaila Soro tonight

Celtic’s break of over a week since they last played has been a welcome one.

Following a 4-1 drubbing against their biggest rivals, the last thing the Hoops will have wanted was another humiliation during a catastrophic season.

This will have been a chance for the Bhoys to reflect and evaluate what went wrong last time out, while it will also have done the playing staff some good to get away from the limelight for a while.

On the chalkboard

Celtic now have two games left before their season climaxes but they will be without Callum McGregor when they face St Johnstone on Wednesday evening.

Tipped to become the Celtic captain when Scott Brown departs Paradise, the midfielder was particularly poor in the hammering against Rangers.

He did his side no favours with a succession of poor tackles that eventually led to a red card being shown.

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Already cautioned and in the referee’s notebook, McGregor went sliding in on Glen Kamara and caught him late. The result of which was an early bath and a premature end to his Old Firm derby.

The 27-year-old won’t be available for selection this week but there is a simple solution to John Kennedy’s problems.

Sublime Soro

Ismaila Soro has had a topsy-turvy campaign at Parkhead but it’s hard to deny he doesn’t deserve more opportunities in the middle of the park.

He may well earn more minutes when Brown heads to Aberdeen but this should represent the ideal time to audition for a permanent role in the starting XI.

A little bit rash and naive at times, he needs to discover more maturity in the near future.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast in April, Frank McAvennie said; “He reminds me of Kante when he was at Leicester and also so much of Scott Brown when he came in the team and caused a lot of fouls and got booked a lot, before the maturity came through.

“I think Soro could be a little tenacious player in there, I think he could do a job.”

Soro has certainly shown promising moments in a Celtic shirt.

In the build-up to the Christmas period, the 5 foot 8 midfielder was nothing short of exceptional. The Hoops endured a horrendous European experience this season but when they surprisingly beat Lille, Soro was the beating heart of the performance.

He completed a mighty ten tackles and also won two interceptions during an impressive win for Neil Lennon’s side.

Dominant in the tackle and capable of bursting forward, it’s surely only a matter of time before he becomes a real star in this team.

Linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur last week, he is a player full of energy. Speaking after his initial transfer to Celtic, his former coach Ori Guttman said he possessed “explosive power.”

It’s not easy to find an individual with that in their locker but that’s why the £11k-per-week earner could become so pivotal to the Bhoys in the coming years.

During the 2020/21 campaign, the Ivorian has won 1.9 tackles per match, the highest number of anyone to play more than once for Celtic this season.

With McGregor’s suspension in mind, Kennedy must hand Soro his first start since February. He may well hold the keys to victory on Wednesday evening.

AND in other news, McKay must wield the axe on 5ft9 Celtic dud, Sutton dubbed him the “new Ryan Christie”…

MCFC: Fans react to Aguero’s Chelsea link

Fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter, which relayed a report regarding Chelsea’s interest in signing City centre-forward, Sergio Aguero, this summer. 

Having confirmed in an emotional statement on Twitter that, after 10 years spent with Manchester City, he would be leaving the club upon the end of his current contract this summer, a recent report by the Daily Mail claims that Chelsea are now leading the race for the signing of Aguero in the upcoming transfer window.

Indeed, it has been claimed that the striker is determined to remain in the Premier League after leaving City, and it would seem as if Thomas Tuchel’s side could offer the 32-year-old the chance to do so.

And, after City Xtra relayed this report on Twitter, fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing furious at the prospect of the club legend potentially lining up against them for a rival next season.

So, what exactly did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to the report regarding Chelsea’s interest in Sergio Aguero?

“Nah pls no.”

@vikymcfc

“I knew this was going to happen.”

@ChilloDintoa

“Worst summer ever.”

@BluuMoonRising

“Stop.”

@DeBruyne___

“Bro NGL I’d feel betrayed if he moved to Chelsea.”

@xelifyss

“Nooooo, Chelsea noooo. Stay at City!!!”

@milucas32

In other news: lots of Man City fans ripped into Guardiola as these ‘disrespectful’ talks emerged – find out more here!

Leicester must sign Thauvin over Hazard

Leicester City have been linked with a number of wide options heading into the summer transfer window.

Two of the most prominent names have been Florian Thauvin of Olympique Marseille and Borussia Dortmund’s Thorgan Hazard.

It is certainly key that the Foxes bring in another wide option next season with on-loan Cengiz Under set to return to AS Roma. It should definitely be the former Newcastle United man Thauvin who Brendan Rodgers and Jon Rudkin target.

Both at the same age of 28, albeit Hazard being two months younger, the Frenchman is enjoying a much better season throughout 2020/21.

He has eight goals and nine assists in all competitions for Marseille, whilst the Dortmund man can only boast three goals and four assists, the lowest amount of goal contributions he has racked up in a single season throughout the entirety of his senior top-flight career.

Whilst Thauvin is clearly excelling thanks to his tangible output throughout the current campaign, the £25.2m-rated wideman continues to outperform Hazard in his general play.

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According to WhoScored, he attempts more than double the Belgian’s shots per game in the league, racking up two per match in Ligue 1, compared to the Dortmund man’s 0.7 per game in the Bundeslliga.

Thauvin’s composure and threat on the ball continues when looking at his 1.6 dribbles per game compared to Hazard’s paltry total of just 0.4. For context, even Leicester defender Wesley Fofana has completed more than that with his 0.6 per game according to WhoScored.

Meanwhile, the former Newcastle man is far more of a creative influence too, providing 1.5 key passes compared to Hazard’s 0.8.

So, whilst on paper, both Thauvin and Hazard may seem like extremely similar players, the former is the stand-out right-winger.

He then should certainly be Leicester’s number one priority should they, as is expected, choose to recruit a wideman in the summer transfer window.

AND in more news, the Foxes have been dealt a huge blow in the race for Celtic Odsonne Edouard…

Pundit sends West Ham warning over Abraham

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that his former side West Ham should only sign Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham providing he fits the bill for David Moyes.

Following the January departure of their only recognised striker Sebastien Haller, West Ham are likely to replace the Ivorian this summer following their failed attempts in the winter window.

Reports have suggested that the east London outfit are keen on signing the England frontman – with his long-term future at Chelsea in serious doubt.

Chelsea bought in Timo Werner last summer, whilst Thomas Tuchel’s side are keen on signing Borussia Dortmund star Erlind Haaland, meaning Abraham’s days at Stamford Bridge could be numbered.

The £36m-rated man has scored 12 goals in all competitions for the Blues this season, although he’s started just twice in the Premier League under Tuchel and has been in and out the team since his appointment.

Abraham’s contract talks have stalled in recent months, which could make him available for a transfer this summer, but McAvennie has warned West Ham to avoid another repeat of what happened with Haller.

He told Football FanCast:

“They don’t need someone that is going to be a target man, they don’t need another [Sebastien] Haller that isn’t going to run, they need someone like Antonio, that gives energy and chases people.

“If that isn’t Tammy Abraham, don’t go near him. But I’m not going to question David Moyes because the signings that he’s bought in this year have been different class – Coufal, Soucek, Lingard. Bowen is another example. These are all players that David has bought in and have done very well.

“Tammy Abraham, wonderful striker he might be, if he’s not the mould he wants with energy up front, then he won’t come.”

Liverpool fans laud Jones

Many Liverpool fans have been left to laud the display of Curtis Jones for the England U21s in their 2-1 win over Croatia on Wednesday evening.

The central midfield player put in a solid performance overall, managing to get himself on the scoresheet, although it was not enough for Aidy Boothroyd’s team who were sent crashing out at the group stages of the European Championships.

Jones managed to win three of his duels in the game, as well as completing one successful dribble, one clearance, two key passes, one accurate cross and one long ball, earning him a very decent 7.4 rating on Sofascore, the joint-highest out of any of his teammates to have set foot on the pitch.

The 20-year-old did get himself sent off after the final whistle after a tussle with a Croatian player, but that showed just how much it meant for him to play for his country.

Liverpool fans on Jones display

These members of the Anfield faithful lauded his performance on Twitter, with one Reds supporter even going as far as to call him an ‘absolute baller’:

“Great to see Curtis Jones playing well for the under 21s. I still think he’s a better midfielder than some in England’s first-team squad! #CROENG #LFC”

Credit: @MattGibbsOnAir

“Curtis Jones showing why he’s one of the best young English talents! #CROENG #U21EURO #LFC”

Credit: @BeingSpoken

“Great goal from Curtis Jones for the England U21s #lfc”

Credit: @davidc98

“Curtis Jones is an absolute baller #lfc #EuroU21 #ENGU21”

Credit: @tomalston_

“That’s a brilliant finish from Curtis Jones #CROENG”

Credit: @dbrindle_

“Curtis Jones!!! Get in lad what a hit. Class this is why you start him Aidy #CROENG #U21EURO”

Credit: @Haych_K

In other news, find out what news James Pearce has relayed on one LFC star has left Kopites fuming here!

Jose should unleash Bergwijn vs Dinamo

Tottenham Hotspur take on Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday night, and it could be the ideal opportunity for Jose Mourinho to unleash Steven Bergwijn.

The Dutch winger has found himself on the fringes of Spurs’ squad in recent months, with Gareth Bale’s recent form meaning that he has been rarely seen in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old impressed in his first few performances for Spurs last season after signing from PSV, scoring on his debut in a 2-0 win against Manchester City.

However, he has struggled to impress this season and has endured a torrid time in front of goal, having failed to find the back of the net in 24 appearances for Spurs in all competitions.

He has shown his worth at times as a more defensive-minded winger but considering he has had a number of opportunities to score this season, with his effort at Anfield which hit the post one that will stick in the memory of a lot of Spurs fans, it is disappointing that he hasn’t scored at all.

His last appearance came in the 4-0 win against Wolfsberger in the Europa League and he impressed, earning a solid 7.37 rating from WhoScored for his performance, so he deserves another chance to show what he can do when Spurs take on Dinamo Zagreb.

Unfortunately for the Dutch international, this could well be now or never for the winger, as the impressive form of Bale, combined with Heung-Min Son being virtually undroppable under Jose Mourinho, means that Bergwijn must impress on his rare opportunities, otherwise he is going to struggle to force his way into the Portuguese manager’s Premier League plans.

The £25.2 million-rated winger has also arguably found himself behind the likes of Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela in the pecking order at Spurs, with his last start in the Premier League coming more than a month ago.

Therefore, he deserves another chance to show Mourinho what he can do against Zagreb and hopefully, he can break his goalscoring duck against the Croatian side, but if he struggles to perform once again, you worry that he may never be able to establish himself as a Premier League regular under Mourinho.

And, in other news… Mourinho masterclass: £110k-p/w gem has been revitalised with one simple change at Spurs

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