All posts by z3u9t.icu

Southampton will be hoping to make some valuable late improvements to their team whilst they still can with the window being open.

Ralph Hasenhuttl will be very proud with how his players have conducted themselves in recent weeks as Southampton are now moving on up the Premier League table.

There are still plenty of games to go, mind, so Southampton cannot afford to get carried away as they continue their battle to reach the holy 40-point mark.

With the depth of quality Hasenhuttl has available to him, the Austrian coach will be confident of securing Premier League football next season but in the top flight, things never turn out to be that easy.

He needs to make some signings in the little time left but an efficient dealing would be the purchase of Rangers captain James Tavernier.

Tavernier, (who is valued at £1.8 million on Transfermarkt) has the experience and ability to be a big help to Southampton in their bid to avoid relegation this season.

The Rangers captain undoubtedly boasts brilliant leadership qualities, with top-notch commitment and desire to give everything he possibly can.

After leaving England around four years ago, James Tavernier could return with a completely different attitude and readiness to play, having been so vital for Rangers all this time since.

This season alone, the 28-year-old has nine goals and 14 assists all coming from the right-back position, which is incredible really.

Southampton could only dream of their attackers having that much of an impact, let alone one of their defensive players.

With Cedric on his way out – leaving Yan Valery as the only out-and-out right-back – a move for James Tavernier makes perfect sense for Southampton.

Do you agree… Let us know!

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard could be set to face a crisis this summer, with a number of his first-team players and back-up options being linked with moves away from the club at the end of the season.

England international Ollie Watkins has been the subject of interest from Arsenal, who are also keen on Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz – along with Newcastle and Tottenham.

Meanwhile, hot prospect Carney Chukwuemeka has been identified by Borussia Dortmund as their ‘next Jude Bellingham’ – and he might not be the only Villa asset that could be heading overseas in the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Matty Cash is on La Liga giants Atletico Madrid’s shopping list this summer, and they are very keen on taking him from the Midlands to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

“The interest from Atletico Madrid is serious,” said O’Rourke, speaking to GIVEMESPORT. “He is among their top targets to fill the void left by Kieran Trippier’s departure to Newcastle.”

Fabrizio Romano had previously suggested that the Poland international was a transfer target of Diego Simeone on the Here We Go podcast, and now the chances of Villa being able to persuade Cash into staying could be getting slimmer and slimmer, much to fans’ frustrations.

Disaster in-waiting

Cash’s progress as a right-back has been nothing short of exceptional after signing for the club from Nottingham Forest back in 2020 for £14.18m. Thus, O’Rourke’s update will likely scare supporters.

Since making the move, he has made 59 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring three and assisting six, with all of his goals coming in the Premier League this season, as well as three of the assists.

Averaging a 6.98 match rating according to SofaScore in the league, only John McGinn and Philippe Coutinho have performed at a higher level in that respect for the club, and Cash has been a vital part of Gerrard’s opening stage of his rebuild, helping the club to ninth in the table.

It isn’t just his attacking threat that has caught the eye though, as he ranks among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions in the top 6% for blocks per 90 (2.56), top 7% for interceptions per 90 (2.62) and top 15% for tackles per 90 (2.79) – demonstrating how much the defensive areas of his game have improved too.

Valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, Villa could attract a hefty fee for the right-back, but Gerrard will want to keep him for as long as possible, and so will the fans who have been won over by him.

In other news: Sold at £11m, now a 266-goal icon: Villa will rue call on “magnificent” PL legend

Some Everton fans have been left raging over some transfer news that has emerged on Dele Alli.

Speaking on The Athletic’s The View from The Lane Podcast (via Everton Blue Army), journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke has revealed that the Goodison Park faithful could now consider signing the Tottenham Hotspur midfield player on loan towards the end of the January transfer window, but there has not been any progress on that as of yet.

Alli has fallen away from the player he once was at Spurs, where he scored 50 goals and made 36 assists in the Premier League from midfield between the 2015/16 and 2019/20 seasons (regular England international.

However, just one goal and one assist has followed in the top flight over the last two terms (2019.

Nonetheless, it seems strange that the Merseyside club would look to loan him in on this kind of form, and so it is not surprising to see so many Toffees against the idea.

Everton fans on Alli transfer news

These Blues supporters raged as the transfer news was shared on Twitter:

“If this happens I give up”

Credit: @sammykingston7

“If this has a leg, please NO!”

Credit: @objective_KEL

“This club is finished”

Credit: @samwinch98

“Omg when will this hell end?”

Credit: @joeyslittertray

“When will this stuff ever end….it will end…. in the Championship.”

Credit: @Abelsouthall

“Please no. This would do me in”

Credit: @hado72

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians fuming here!

Tottenham insider John Wenham believes the club could seal the signing of AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in a number of days, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Talks at an advanced stage

Managing director at Spurs Fabio Paratici has been linked with a move for Kessie for a number of months now.

The Ivorian, capable of playing as a central or defensive midfielder, has just six months remaining on his AC Milan contract.

That means Tottenham will have the chance to seal pre-contract terms in the January transfer window, with The Daily Express reporting in recent days that talks are at an advanced stage.

Arsenal and Manchester United are also keen, but it’s believed Antonio Conte’s side are at the front of the queue for the 25-year-old’s signature.

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

The Latest: Wenham’s comments

Spurs insider Wenham was talking to Football Insider in a story on Thursday evening regarding Kessie.

He feels that a move could be finalised in ‘days’, labelling Paratici as a ‘specialist’.

“The Franck Kessie stuff is still going on.

“The opportunity to get him on a pre-contract is coming up in a few days and I think that’s one to keep an eye on.

“I’ve mentioned before about Paratici’s links with Serie A and how he is a specialist at getting these deals done.

“That one would not surprise me. There are reportedly a lot of clubs interested in him.

“But now we have the pulling power of Antonio Conte, which could give us an edge.”

The Verdict: Brilliant…

Should Spurs land Kessie on a pre-contract agreement over the coming days, it could turn out to be an excellent piece of business both in the short and long term, with Paratici then able to look at immediate January additions.

Tottenham would be getting a £43.2m-rated midfielder seemingly in his prime for nothing, with Kessie bringing a wealth of international and European experience to north London.

There could also be a number of midfield departures at Spurs over the next few weeks, with Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso linked with exits. Should the pair move on, that would leave Conte with just four senior midfield options, so bringing in Kessie would help bolster the numbers in the middle of the pitch.

In other news: ‘I’m hearing’ – talkSPORT drop Spurs transfer update live on-air; Conte wants ‘world class’ ace. 

A journalist has revealed that Newcastle United are now in talks to sign Ludovic Blas in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The 24-year-old is enjoying a standout season at Nantes at the moment, scoring seven goals and supplying one assist in 19 games in Ligue 1 from midfield and currently ranking as the club’s fourth-best player (WhoScored).

He is averaging more shots and dribbles per match than any of his teammates, and he could be one for France national team coach Didier Deschamps to consider ahead of the World Cup in Qatar next winter.

The Latest: Newcastle talks

As per The Daily Star journalist Jacque Talbot on Friday evening, Newcastle and Watford are both in talks to sign Blas this month, while there is also interest in the player from Lille and from abroad. He revealed on Twitter:

“Understand Newcastle and Watford are in discussions to sign Ligue 1 star Ludovic Blas.

“The 24-year-old is talking to the Premier League relegation rivals who are set to play tomorrow, while there is also interest from Lille and in the Bundesliga.”

Of course, the two English clubs vying for Blas played out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, so talks may now intensify in the coming days.

Intriguingly, the Nantes maestro is represented by the same agency as Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood, both of whom have signed for the Magpies since the start of the month.

The Verdict: Get it done

Newcastle are severely lacking in goals from the middle of the park, and Blas could certainly provide that given his record this season.

Nantes teammate and former Liverpool player Pedro Chirivella has previously described the 24-year-old as a ‘pure talent’, as well as an ‘incredible’ and ‘spectacular’ player. The Spaniard has even compared him to former Anfield teammates Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho (So Foot), which is very high praise indeed.

At 24 years of age, Blas still has such a high ceiling, and he could provide that extra bit of quality that the Tynesiders need in order to avoid relegation to the Championship.

In other news, find out who else is now ‘keen’ on signing for NUFC

Aston Villa’s recent upturn in form continued as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Norwich City in the Premier League on Tuesday evening.

Steven Gerrard’s side came into the game off the back of a narrow defeat at the hands of Liverpool, but got back to winning ways thanks to goals from Jacob Ramsey and Ollie Watkins.

And while the former took his goal well, it was Emi Buendia’s performance that really caught the eye for Villa.

The Argentine star of course was back on his old stomping ground at Carrow Road following his summer move from the Canaries, and it certainly felt like he was keen on reminding his former club just what they are now missing out on.

The little play-maker relished being a key part of the Villa attack, playing some superb one-touch passes and being a constant menace for the Norwich City defence.

As per Sofascore, only Douglas Luiz boasted a better passing accuracy than him among those players who started, while he provided the second-most key passes and crosses on the night too.

He was always looking to drive forward with the ball and that was unsurprisingly reflected by the fact he attempted seven dribbles – more than four of the man in second, Watkins.

During the game, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans simply tweeted: “Buendia is in the mood tonight. Rolls it through Cantwell’s legs, draws a huge cheer from the away end and helps win a corner. #AVFC looking good…”

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for The Birmingham Mail, Ashley Preece gave him an eight, saying: “Started well and really entertained, popping first-time passes into his teammates and flicking little ones around the corner. Buendia strutted his stuff out there and even nut-megged his pal Cantwell which he enjoyed.

“The only gripe is that Buendia doesn’t carry much of a goal threat with his best work coming outside of the 18-yard box. Enjoyed himself out there. The Argentinian had a couple of efforts blocked in the second half as Norwich made sure he didn’t score. A majestic performance nonetheless.”

While Ramsey will no doubt steal the headlines for his excellent finish and his continued improvement this season, Buendia put in the kind of statement-making performance that surely had Gerrard purring about what’s to come.

Meanwhile, Villa have been offered this European star…

Earlier this week an old tweet was shared from the Leeds United Twitter account from a time when Pascal Struijk was signed by the Whites.

Outrage poured out on social media as the Yorkshire side decided to spend their money on yet another U23s player, rather than on faces ready to help them achieve promotion.

As it happens, Leeds have signed plenty of young individuals in the last few years, something that has coincided by not only reaching the promised lands of the Premier League but the rapid development of Struijk.

The Dutchman is now one of the key cogs in Marcelo Bielsa’s wheel, boasting great versatility as a defender and midfielder.

He has been joined in the first-team by the likes of Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville this term, but arguably, no young player at Elland Road has more talent than Joe Gelhardt.

Affectionately known as Joffy, the teenager is a hot topic of debate at the moment, but after breaking into the senior set up in recent weeks, has sadly been dealt an injury.

That said, his progression this term has been wonderful, winning the Man of the Match award after featuring as a late substitute against Wolves and winning a decisive penalty.

Gelhardt hasn’t been seen since but there is a great sense that he’ll have a huge role to play under Bielsa in the coming years.

One player he’d surely relish linking up with at LS11 is Stuart McKinstry. Like Joffy, he was brought into the club externally and has been rapidly rising through the ranks.

He made his senior debut in the EFL Cup this term, even scoring a penalty in the second-round shoot victory over Fulham.

That appeared to be a landmark moment for the 19-year-old who the manager hailed for his “personality and character.”

Bielsa doesn’t hand opportunities out lightly and the very fact he’s not been seen since is a reflection of that.

Yet, like Gelhardt, he could save the club millions in potential transfer fees. McKinstry is capable of not only playing out on the flanks but also through the middle as an attacking midfielder.

It’s safe to say that Leeds are particularly light on options in the middle of the park with Adam Forshaw, Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips their only natural central players.

However, with Klich now aged 31, a replacement will be needed before too long.

McKinstry could be their man, especially when you consider the traits at his disposal. Speaking of his qualities, Phil Hay once commented: “He’s a very confident ball carrier, he’s physically strong, good upper body strength, excellent feet, good at beating his man and creative. In his head, he probably feels he can play in other positions up front as well.”

A stunning review from Motherwell academy director Steven Hammel perhaps paints an even vivid picture of the young Scot.

He said: “I’m sure Stuart will do wonderful things and become a household name in the next three or four years – but I don’t want to put too much pressure on the young man!”

With that in mind, the teenager and Gelhardt very much feel like two players who could be unleashed together in the not too distant future. Providing the former delivers the goods, he could dissuade the club’s hierarchy from spending money in the window too.

AND in other news, Graham Smyth drops major 49ers claim that’ll leave Leeds fans buzzing with excitement…

Wolves winger Francisco Trincao is unlikely to sign a permanent deal this summer with the Barcelona loanee reportedly unhappy at Molineux.

What’s the latest?

According to O Jogo (via Sport Witness), the Portuguese wide man ‘is not satisfied’ at the Black Country club and will look to return to Barcelona this summer. However, the 22-year-old is also seeking a move away from the La Liga giants.

There have also been talks of a potential swap deal involving the loanee and Adama Traore, who is currently on loan at the Catalan club. Although, this now seems unlikely if Trincao is unwilling to extend his stay in the West Midlands.

Wolves must part ways with Trincao

In all honesty, it’s no major loss for Wolves if Trincao objects to joining the club on a permanent basis. The winger has struggled to win over the Molineux faithful with just one Premier League goal in 24 appearances this term, a disappointing return.

The winger was given the nod to start on Friday night against Newcastle United, a game in which Wolves as a collective were poor, losing 1-0.

Although, the 22-year-old particularly struggled with Wolves journalist Tim Spiers labelling the Portuguese as “anonymous” in what could prove to be one of the final opportunities the Barcelona loanee gets in the famous amber.

Indeed, according to SofaScore, he managed just 13 passes in the entire game and none of them were key either.

Bruno Lage may inevitably opt to move Adama Traore on this summer too given his goal-shy first half of the season, but it now appears as though that deal will be separate.

The Portuguese manager still has a decent amount of options on the flanks with Daniel Podence as well as Pedro Neto, who is now back from injury, and the recently recruited Chiquinho.

However, there may still be a desire to recruit wide players in the summer with goals from wingers a rare spectacle this season for the West Midlands outfit.

Podence has netted just twice in the top-flight this season whilst Neto is still readjusting after a lengthy spell out and Chiquinho is slowly being integrated into the side.

It’s certainly an area for concern and fresh faces may be the necessary solution making it vital for Wolves to axe Trincao this summer with his loan spell ultimately proving to be a waste of time.

In other news: Disaster: Lage sleepwalking into huge Wolves error that could have dire consequences

Many Everton fans have been left wowed by some footage that has emerged of a goal scored by youngster Stanley Mills.

As per footage shared by the official Twitter page of the Goodison Park faithful, the midfielder, playing for the U23s against Sheffield United, picked up the ball from his own half, before driving at the defence and unleashing a venomous shot into the top corner from outside of the box.

U23s manager David Unsworth hailed his ‘fantastic finishing ability’ after the match, as that strike was one of two that he scored on the night.

Given that the Merseyside club are due to play Hull City in the FA Cup this weekend, Mills may have grabbed the attention of Rafa Benitez with his goals, especially the one he put in the top corner, and so the 18-year-old Englishman could perhaps now get an opportunity to shine with the first team off the back of it.

Everton fans on Mills goal

These Toffees were left wowed by the goal as it was shared on Twitter, with plenty of Blues supporters pointing to the chance to involve him in the cup fixture:

“Quality that call him up to the first team”

Credit: @Gwedlid

“What a finish”

Credit: @EFCOliver7

“Hearing good things about this lad. Super strike too.”

Credit: @toffee18781

“Oh my word!”

Credit: @objective_KEL

“Get him in the squad for tomorrow”

Credit: @Abb2289

“Great finish by the lad. Now sack Benitez”

Credit: @gaino92

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians buzzing here!

Aston Villa took their first win in five under new manager, Steven Gerrard on Saturday afternoon, with an attacking masterclass that enabled the side to bag two goals against Graham Potter’s Brighton.

Gerrard spoke out after the game to give his analysis on the game and explained why despite having less possession than the Seagulls, they were able to win the game comfortably with two goals in the last ten minutes of the game.

The Villa manager said;

“We wanted to block the middle of the pitch and when our moments came we wanted to semi-counter and full counter and wanted to hurt the opposition.

“It took until the last ten or 15 for us to look like a real threat but we have a lot of attacking players in squad who can run and who are dangerous.

“We allowed them to have the ball in certain areas of the pitch and when Brighton tried to win it from us, we made them pay.”

Despite winning the game with attacking tactics, Emi Buendia struggled to make a credible impact on the game, which is something he has been unable to do in his short time at Villa Park.

Buendia struggled to command the ball and be present in the final third, with a heavy touch that cost a potential big chance for Danny Ings during the game.

One player who didn’t start in Gerrard’s first game in charge was Anwar El Ghazi.

El Ghazi had a poor game against Southampton but has been known to offer moments of magic in his link up play with Ollie Watkins, scoring 26 goals and 15 assists since joining the club in 2018.

The winger came on moments before Watkins opened up the scoring for Villa in the 84th minute, with the player making a run outside so that the striker could move into the space to score the goal.

The £11.7m-rated gem has been in and out of the team for a while now but has proven on occasion that he is experienced in finding goal-scoring opportunities and assisting his teammates in the past, something Buendia is struggling to do for Villa, with just one assist in the league.

Gerrard will need to make a decision on whether he wants to include the 26-year-old in his future plans at the club, as he has been linked with a move away from the club, and on the radar of many clubs, who are keeping an eye on his situation at Villa.

The Villans will be pleased to have taken three points from the game this weekend as they plan to move away from a potential relegation battle but El Ghazi is somebody who must receive more game time.

In other news: Jacob Ramsey could be Steven Gerrard’s Grealish…