All posts by z3u9t.icu

[ad_pod ]According to Bleacher Report Football Insider Dean Jones on his Twitter account, West Brom are hopeful of securing a double deal for Fulham pair Stefan Johansen and Aboubakar Kamara, who both look surplus to requirements at Craven Cottage following the Londoners’ huge summer spending spree.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Dean Jones of Bleacher Report states that the promotion-chasing Baggies are keen to wrap up a deal for Norwegian international midfielder Johansen, who played a huge role in helping Fulham win promotion via the play-offs last season.

The 28-year-old recorded eight goals and nine assists, as per Transfermarkt, as Slavisa Jokanovic’s Fulham impressed in the second tier last year, with Johansen a huge player in the engine room of the now-departed manager’s team.

Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video below…

However, since the club spent almost £100m on new faces in the summer (as per the BBC), including huge competition for Johansen in Jean Michael Seri and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, the Norwegian has made just four league starts.

In Kamara’s case, he had been more involved under new boss Claudio Ranieri, scoring three goals in five league games, but his unbelievably poor disciplinary problems have led him to the exit door – he has even been arrested recently, as reported by The Daily Mail.

Would they be good signings for West Brom?

Undoubtedly so. Darren Moore could do with a few new faces this month having lost in-form Harvey Barnes back to his parent club Leicester, as reported by the BBC. The Midlands-based side have also lost Oliver Burke to Celtic on a loan deal (as per the BBC), whilst Bakary Sako looks set to move back to Crystal Palace (as reported by The Guardian’s Dominic Fifield).

The Fulham duo have fantastic Championship experience, and have the know-how of two players who have enjoyed a successful promotion campaign, so their input both on and off the field could be vital to Moore, who could do with some fresh impetus.

Leeds United have been handed a major boost over Joe Gelhardt ahead of their Premier League clash against Watford.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has revealed that the Whites starlet is all set to feature at Vicarage Road despite limping out of the under-23s’ victory over Crystal Palace last Monday, handing Jesse Marsch a late boost for the clash against the relegation battlers.

On Thursday, the journalist tweeted: “Gelhardt is yet to train this week but he’s due to train tomorrow and is expected to be available for the Watford game. Marsch says he felt Gelhardt needed game time in the 23s, which is why he played on Monday.”

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Great news for Leeds

Having seen Patrick Bamford go down with injury against Wolves, Marsch had the big decision to make as to who would lead the line against Southampton last time out.

The Whites earned a 1-1 draw against the Saints, but it really showcased why Gelhardt should really be in contention to start up front.

Dan James showed why his lack of natural striking instincts can let him down, with Leeds Live’s Beren Cross giving him a six in his post-match player ratings and saying: “Ran the channels and with the space Leeds had in the first half, James had the pace to get sights of goal. Fraser Forster equal to the lot though. Lacking that composure and close control around the box to keep chances alive for the team. Easily smothered by defenders.”

On the other hand, Gelhardt’s introduction as a substitute gave Leeds a bit more threat and impetus, with Cross noting of the teenager: “Again showed immediately why he’s a natural at the head of the attack. Knows where to place himself, draws fouls, carries the ball, goes past people and gets in the box.”

It was no surprise that Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has been hugely impressed in what limited game-time the 19-year-old has had so far at Elland Road, saying: “He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage.”

The news that Gelhardt is expected to be available for the game against Watford is sure to have fans buzzing.

AND in other news – Signed for £5m, now worth 700% more: Orta struck dream Leeds deal with “quality” 22-year-old

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans for Allan Saint-Maximin… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Daily Mail, the Magpies are prepared to cash in on the Frenchman at the end of the season to increase the transfer pot that Eddie Howe is able to utilise.

The report claims that PIF will be willing to sell him in the summer if a club matches their £50m valuation of the former Nice man.

Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are one of the sides eyeing up a potential swoop for the mercurial winger, who is said to be one of ten players the Toon want to let go ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Disasterclass

PIF are now heading for a major Newcastle disaster-class over Saint-Maximin and must nip this idea in the bud before it comes to fruition.

Unless a ridiculous transfer offer – Jack Grealish’s £100m move to Manchester City for example – comes in, then they must keep hold of him. He is crucial to Howe’s attacking set-up and selling him this summer would be a huge error by the club.

The idea of selling him for £50m and replacing him with two or three new additions is all well and good in theory but Magpies fans know more than most that not every transfer works out, particularly when it comes to attackers.

Newcastle reportedly paid £40m for Joelinton and £20m for Miguel Almiron – both record deals at the time – and they have scored two goals in 49 appearances between them in the Premier League this season.

Therefore, the club spent £10m more than they want for Saint-Maximin on two players who are three goals behind him combined. The French winger has produced five strikes and three assists in the top-flight, whilst averaging an impressive SofaScore rating of 6.94.

Toon icon David Ginola recently dubbed him the club’s “jewel” and Danny Mills showered him with praise earlier this year, saying:

“He picks the ball up, runs with the ball, makes things happen and is exciting. All those types of things.

“One week you will think ‘Wow, sensational’ but then he might be quiet for two or three games.”

This highlights why the fans enjoy watching him play as he gets them out of their seats in excitement with his play on the ball. He averages 4.3 dribbles per game as he consistently beats opposition players down the wing, which shows that he is direct and likes to be a difference-maker in the final third.

In conclusion, it would be a disaster-class because there is no guarantee that PIF will be able to find players for £50m to replace what he gives to the team. The club would also be selling a fan favourite, given how exciting he is to watch, and that may not go down well at St. James’ Park, which is another reason why they must avoid making this mistake.

AND in other news, Less touches than Dubravka: “Struggling” NUFC flop with 6 passes was useless yesterday…

West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin with the Hammers in desperate need of reinforcements up front.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, West Ham are looking to purchase the England striker after David Moyes was alerted that the Toffees may be forced to sell their prized asset to regain funds after years of over-spending.

However, the report suggests that the Hammers would have to pay their Premier League rivals £60m in order to lure the 24-year-old to east London, a fee that Moyes’ side wouldn’t be able to currently afford.

Although, if the price tag changes, the Irons will jump to the front of the queue in an attempt to sign the striker.

Calvert-Lewin’s season has been halted by a toe injury that has limited the Englishman to just six Premier League appearances this season, with the striker only recently returning from a three-month spell on the sidelines.

Despite his lay-off, the Evertonian is still one of England’s hottest talents and has the potential to evolve into a Premier League great.

West Ham must swoop for Calvert-Lewin

Granted, the price tag is steep, but Calvert-Lewin could prove to be exactly what West Ham are missing.

David Moyes has one senior striker in his squad in Michail Antonio, who has blown hot and cold this campaign. The Jamaica international has scored eight league goals this campaign, however, five of them came in the first six games of the Premier League season.

Those sorts of numbers aren’t reliable for a side aiming to secure Champions League qualification, particularly if the player in question is the only one of his position in the squad.

Moreover, should Antonio miss a run of games through injury or suspension before the end of the season, the Hammers would suddenly be faced with a major predicament.

Prior to Calvert-Lewin’s injury, the 24-year-old also started the 2021/22 campaign in red hot form, scoring in all three of the Toffees’ opening games.

The striker has played three full games since returning from injury, with fitness still being regained slowly, and is yet to score.

Last season really saw the Englishman, described as a “special talent” by a former youth coach, come of age. The striker netted 21 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions, scoring once every 157.8 minutes. Evidently, that is considerably better than Antonio who is rather less potent.

It also saw Calvert-Lewin make an impact on the international stage, scoring on his senior England debut in a 3-0 romp of Wales. The striker went on to receive another ten caps, appearing off of the bench at the European Championship twice.

Rated at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, £60m is arguably a steep price for the Hammers to pay. However, if they were to pay it and secure a top-four finish with the help of the striker, West Hams would believe the deal to be worth every single penny.

Meanwhile, West Ham target is made available for sale…

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte may now be faced with a big transfer decision this summer as he sets his sights on a key summer signing.

The Lowdown: Conte set for meeting…

The Italian, as he seeks to build upon Spurs’ promising end to 2021/2022. will reportedly demand sufficient backing this summer.

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Reliable journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, sharing news in mid-week, claims that the former Chelsea boss is set to demand as many as six fresh faces in the next window.

The 52-year-old, according to Law’s information, has his sights on a reserve goalkeeper, centre-back, right wing-back, two midfielders and a forward.

Conte is also set for crunch talks over transfers with chairman Daniel Levy and managing director Fabio Paratici, but if he wants to seal the major signing of a forward, it is believed he will have a big decision to make – potentially involving Steven Bergwijn.

The Latest: Conte may have to sell Bergwijn…

As per The Telegraph, Tottenham’s homegrown quota presents a complication to Conte’s transfer plans, so much so that Law states he is ‘likely to need to offload’ one of Bergwijn or Lucas Moura if he wishes to seal the signing of an overseas forward.

Indeed, if the head coach wants to sign a back-up for star man Harry Kane, he may now have to part company with Lucas or Bergwijn – with Conte calling the latter man ‘important’.

The Verdict: Big decision…

Deciding which player out of Bergwijn or Lucas to sell could be a tough decision, especially considering both men have their merits as back-up stars.

The latter man enjoyed some brilliant outings for Spurs earlier in 2021/2022, coming as a real regular until the last couple of months, meanwhile the same can be said of Bergwijn.

Tottenham’s international winger most notably won an away game at Leicester single-handed, turning the 2-1 score line on it’s head with an added time brace and clinching a 3-2 victory for Conte at the King Power Stadium.

What separates them, we believe, is age as Lucas slowly enters the twilight phase of his career at 29-years-old, while Bergwijn still has plenty of years left at 24.

If Conte wants to sign a new striker, parting company with the Brazilian over Bergwijn could be his best bet.

Called a ‘big-game monster’ for ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, Conte’s versatile attacker may well still have a part to play.

In other news: Tottenham in pole position to sign ‘unreal’ 6 foot 3 powerhouse for Conte, find out more here.

Everton are interested in Ajax winger David Neres, according to French outlet Jeunes Footeux. 

The Blues are rivalling fellow Premier League side Newcastle United and Ligue 1 outfit Lyon in the race for his signature. The latter view him as a potential upgrade on former Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri, who has only managed one goal and two assists so far this season.

They may pursue Neres, who is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, on loan with an option to buy.

Why might Everton want Neres?

Neres has only started three of Ajax’s 18 Eredivisie matches so far this season, and in that context, his return of five direct goal contributions (three goals, two assists) is actually quite good. He has also found the net in the Champions League, helping Ajax to a 4-2 victory over Sporting Lisbon in their final group stage match.

In the 2018/19 team which reached the semi-finals of the competition, Neres showed what he was capable of producing, scoring 12 goals and setting up 15 more.

Everton, Lyon and Newcastle may be confident that they can unlock those levels from the seven-cap Brazil international, who’s still just 24 years old.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed the report, and here’s what these supporters had to say about the Brazilian “prince”, with one calling for national team colleague Richarlison to try and entice him to Goodison Park.

These Everton fans swoon over Neres link

“Agent Richarlison, have a word with him”

Credit: @CrazyCraven01

“This would be incredible”

Credit: @Everton_1234

“How have I seen people say no to this, he’d be one of our biggest goal threats instantly. Not saying a lot but still”

Credit: @BibahkV

“Yes”

Credit: @KryptoKing_5L

“Please”

Credit: @Shaunooo12

“One day you’ll be at Goodison my sweet prince”

Credit: @_adamefc_

In other news, many Everton fans were buzzing over this Serie A link

West Ham United’s European quest gets back underway this evening as they welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the London Stadium for a tricky – but historic – Europa League semi-final clash.

The first of two legs takes place in east London, likely to be in front of a near sell-out crowd with a place in the final in Seville the reward.

Irons boss David Moyes is left with plenty of selection decisions to make – last time out, he rested several key stars against Chelsea in what was a bold call indeed, whilst the Hammers breezed past Lyon by a 4-1 aggregate to make it to this stage of the tournament.

Among the surprise names on the bench at the weekend was Jarrod Bowen and he’s surely a shoo-in to start against Die Adler tonight.

The 25-year-old dynamo, who is currently valued at £31.5m, has been one of West Ham’s standout stars in this exciting campaign, where he has provided a whopping 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

These include a pair of strikes against the Ligue 1 outfit in the last round and his importance is signified by the fact that Moyes’ side lost three of five games without him in the squad due to injury.

Bowen is also the Hammers’ highest-rated player in the Premier League, as per WhoScored figures, and has proven to be more than just a creative and goalscoring threat in the final third.

An average of one tackle per game suggests he can trackback and do his defensive duties, something that he may well need to do against the Bundesliga outfit in the absence of a few out-and-out senior centre-backs – Moyes is going to have to do some shifting around indeed.

Meanwhile, no other Irons star has managed more successful dribbles per game in the league (1.4) than Bowen, suggesting that he’s capable of taking on his man, beating him and then delivering with a goal or assist.

This sort of threat is going to be needed against a side that knocked FC Barcelona out in the last round.

The 5 foot 9 machine, previously lauded as “unplayable” by his former Hull City boss Grant McCann and as an “absolute manager’s dream” by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, evidently has all the skills to hurt and terrify Frankfurt, who have leaked more goals than they have scored, at the London Stadium.

As such, Moyes must let Bowen off the leash this evening.

AND in other news, Sources: West Ham eye swoop for “brilliant” 21 y/o, he’s “similar to Eden Hazard”…

When Nuno Santo left Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of last summer there were plenty of questions that needed answering.

Could Wolves ever replicate what they’d achieved under the former goalkeeper and would Jeff Shi find the right manager to lead them forward?

The first question is still unanswered but in Bruno Lage, they’ve found a head coach capable of taking them into Europe.

He has stabilised the defence with the Old Gold conceding the fewest-highest goals in the top-flight and all they need now, are regular goalscorers.

The imminent return of Pedro Neto will no doubt help while luring Hwang Hee-chan to Molineux on a permanent basis would also help.

However, Wolves’ forward line arguably hasn’t been the same devastating machine since Raul Jimenez’s unfortunate injury and Diogo Jota’s departure.

The latter joined Liverpool in a deal worth £41m and has gone from strength to strength since, now ranking second in the Premier League’s top scorers list.

But how can Wolves finally go about replacing him? Neto has done a solid job of it but sadly, Trincao has struggled to the heir in waiting this term.

The dazzling winger has struggled in English football and is yet to score in 16 Premier League outings. Fortunately, they may have their answer right up their sleeve.

The Midlands outfit have been linked with a rather remarkable swoop for Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele and they could either sign him for free in the summer when his contract expires or at a cut-price fee this winter.

Plagued with inconsistency, he very much looks like a player in the ilk of Adama Traore. Blessed with pace and the ability to beat a player, he has also struggled for regular goals, netting just once this season.

However, it must be remembered that he’s just 24 and has a considerable amount of potential to be extracted from his locker.

After all, this is a player who was not only hailed as “better than Mbappe” by Joan Laporta, but also as a player who is “better than Neymar” according to Josep Maria Bartomeu.

With that in mind, bringing the £27m-rated French flyer to Wolves in 2022 would certainly be a good idea. If he can discover the sort of form that saw him earn a move to Barca in the first place, then he very much has the ability to finally replace Jota at Wolves.

AND in other news, Forget Trincao: Wolves plotting swoop for “the new Iniesta,” he’d be a big upgrade…

Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch will surely be starting to think about what he wants to do with his squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

If the Lillywhites can successfully avoid relegation to the Championship in the final month or so of Premier League action then they will be able to reset and go again next term with the aim of competing higher up in the table.

They are nine points clear of the bottom three as it stands and Marsch can start to plan ahead knowing that it is likely they will be in the top-flight for another year.

Imagine him & Joffy

Part of his planning should include what he wants to do with the talented young players at the club and one player he must have big ideas for is young striker Sam Greenwood.

The 20-year-old forward is a bright young prospect and the American coach must pair him with fellow youngster Joe Gelhardt to form a deadly duo at the top end of the pitch.

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Joffy recently commented on their relationship, saying: 

“We’ve got a really good relationship off the field.

“We’re always together and when we’re walking down people will say ‘ooo friends’ and take the mick out of us. We just get on well together and on the pitch, we’re always looking for each other and passing to each other and helping each other out and trying to score goals together, really.”

This shows that they already have a good link-up on and off the pitch, which should help them to form an exciting duo alongside each other in the first team for years to come.

Greenwood has shown flashes of being able to make the step up to the senior squad. He has two assists in three Premier League matches this season, after managing eight goals and five assists in 17 Premier League 2 outings for the U23s.

He has been lavished with praise by former Leeds player Noel Whelan, with the retired forward previously saying: 

“Another player (Greenwood) who possesses an immense amount of ability. To have a weapon like that in your side is great.

“You can see the ability he has but the free-kicks are about the hard work he puts in on the training ground and for that he deserves to be praised.”

These comments show that he also provides a set-piece threat for Leeds, to go along with his goals and assists from open play. Couple that with Gelhardt’s two goals and one assist in two Premier League starts and you have a promising duo to look foward to watching on the pitch…

AND in other news, Orta can form “incredible” duo as Leeds eye £10m sensation who “does everything right”…

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has made a West Ham United transfer claim involving Liverpool striker Divock Origi.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye striker move…

There is no secret that David Moyes is eyeing a striker as one of his top priorities for January, with the search for an alternative to Michail Antonio and replacement for Sebastien Haller ongoing for a year now.

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Many names have come and gone from West Ham’s agenda, most recently Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, as the club reportedly entered talks to sign him (Sky Sports).

Other more obscure names like Marseille starlet Bamba Dieng have also been mentioned recently, but ExWHUemployee has now revisited a name with whom most Irons supporters may be more familiar.

The Latest: Ex makes Origi claim…

According to the insider, the Liverpool striker is ‘available for a decent fee’ and will ‘certainly tempt’ West Ham into a possible bid this month.

ExWHUemployee added that club chiefs have always admired the Belgium international, unlike Moyes who is believed to have reservations over signing the 26-year-old. The insider went on to say this is certainly one transfer rumour to ‘keep an eye on’.

The Verdict: Ideal…

At a peak age, and as a proven goalscorer and big-game player, Origi actually comes as a very shrewd option for West Ham this month.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has said that the striker could even leave Anfield for ‘less than £10m’, an aspect of his purchase which Moyes must surely consider.

Racking up a career total of 63 senior goals to date, the fact that he is only in his mid-20s and could leave for such a meagre fee must make this a no-brainer move for West Ham.

Hailed as a ‘monster’ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, we strongly advise the Irons and Moyes to swoop before January 31.

In other news: Moyes also eyeing West Ham move for ‘undefendable’ £22m forward as manager greenlights exit, find out more here.