All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to The Telegraph, Southampton are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Yangel Herrera this summer.

The Lowdown: Saints prepare for new campaign

Ralph Hasenhuttl is preparing his squad for the new season as the Saints aim to improve on their 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last term.

Only Romain Perraud has been added to their squad so far this summer, though (Transfermarkt), and we are fast approaching the start of the new season.

The Latest: Saints eye Herrera

The Telegraph reported that Southampton are interested in Herrera, who spent last season on loan at Granada in Spain.

West Ham United and Crystal Palace are also in pursuit of the 23-year-old, but the Hammers have the advantage of being able to offer European football to the Venezuela international.

The Verdict: Emerging talent

While Herrera is yet to make a single appearance for the Citizens, he has already proven himself elsewhere throughout his career, right from when 2010 World Cup winner David Villa said that he was “the best player in the 2018 season in Major League Soccer” (The Manchester Evening News).

He has made 82 appearances across two seasons for Granada (Transfermarkt), helping them reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League in the process, and he also has 24 caps for his country.

Valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, it is said that City are looking for up to £20m to part ways with him. That would be a significant outlay for Southampton, but sometimes you must speculate to accumulate. If they don’t take this calculated gamble, they may end up regretting missing out on the 23-year-old.

In other news, Southampton also want to sign this Premier League defender.

Mark Douglas has dropped an update about what Mike Ashley has told the Newcastle United takeover consortium about his arbitration case against the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Arbitration soon

The arbitration case between the St. James’ Park faithful and the English top flight is seemingly not far away at all, as Sky Sports and North-East based journalist Keith Downie has reported that it is expected to start at the end of June.

Ashley has also launched a separate anti-competition claim against the Premier League over their decision-making process in the failed deal between himself and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group, which he is thought to be keeping in his back pocket in case the results of the arbitration hearing do not go in his favour.

The Latest: Ashley briefs consortium

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Tyneside club journalist, and takeover follower Douglas, has shared that Ashley has briefed the consortium to ‘have their ducks in a row’ in case a quick resolution can be reached as a result of arbitration.

The chief executive of Sports Direct feels as if he has a ‘good chance’ of winning the case, and so he wants the consortium to be ready in case the takeover process can be accelerated if the result goes his way.

The Verdict: Arbitration vital

The result of arbitration is vital if there is any hope of the original takeover bid being revived.

If results go in Ashley’s favour, then his separate anti-competition lawsuit would not be needed, and he can fully concentrate on getting his deal with the consortium back on track.

The timing is certainly not ideal, as the summer transfer window has already opened and the new 2021/22 season is set to begin in August, but in theory, a takeover could still be completed not long after arbitration, which would give the Magpies the best possible preparation going into the new campaign.

Nonetheless, the Toon will ideally not want to go into the new term with uncertainty, and so it is vital for them that the arbitration is completed as quickly as possible, with the results hopefully going their way.

In other news, find out the promising insight an arbitration expert has dropped on the potential takeover here!

Paul Robinson has dropped a very worrying transfer claim involving Newcastle United and Joe Willock.

The Lowdown: Bruce wants Willock

As cited by the Evening Standard, Steve Bruce has admitted that he would ‘love’ to sign Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal once the summer transfer window opens.

This comes off of the back of a very successful loan spell in the North East, where the central midfield player scored no fewer than eight goals in 14 games in total in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Robinson on Willock

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson, who is now a pundit after a stellar career playing for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United, has claimed that the Tyneside club will struggle to bring Willock back to St. James’ Park, and thinks that other teams in the top flight will be looking to sign him:

“Willock been absolutely brilliant in a team who, let’s not forget, have been struggling.

“There has been a lot of pressure on the Newcastle team because a lot of fans want Steve Bruce to be sacked. It’s not easy for a player when that’s going on during a relegation battle. Willock has handled that pressure though.

“Even if Arsenal are to let him go this summer I think they would struggle to sign him.

“His performance over the past few weeks have been fantastic and they have put him in the shop window. I think Premier League clubs will be queuing up to sign him.”

The Verdict: Newcastle may struggle

If other sides in the division come in to try and sign Willock, the Magpies may struggle to compete financially.

It has already been reported that they may have as little as £8-10m to spend on transfers once the market opens, which would not be enough to sign the 21-year-old, unless they can raise enough money from player sales.

Nonetheless, the Toon must try and break the bank if possible in order to bring Willock in permanently, given the impact that he had in his loan spell, which effectively saved them from relegation.

In other news, find out what ‘fascinating’ takeover insight a sports lawyer has dropped on arbitration here!

Mark Douglas has dropped some insight from those close to the potential takeover of Newcastle United on the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Arbitration looming

The arbitration case between the St. James’ Park faithful and the Premier League is set to take place in July, as the separate anti-competition lawsuit could also be launched after, depending on the results of the hearing.

It should give a much clearer picture over the direction of where the proposed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group is heading, but until the results are found out there is still uncertainty surrounding the North East, especially considering its timing in relation to the transfer window and the start of the new season.

The Latest: Insight from sources close to takeover

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Douglas has shared that close sources to the takeover bid who are familiar with the approach to the Tyneside club think that there is little prospect of anything happening in time to impact the transfer window.

The journalist adds that even with a successful separation argument, it could lead into further questions from the top flight, which could delay the deal even further.

The Verdict: Transfer window blow

It would certainly be a blow if nothing on the takeover front could be completed in time for it to have an impact on the Magpies’ business in the transfer window.

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The Toon would have likely be hoping for a quick spike in cash at their disposal should their arbitration case prove successful, but it looks as if they may have to deal with a tight budget once more, especially due to the financial impact that the global pandemic has had.

Nonetheless, if a takeover is completed over the next few months, then it may be January that we could see NUFC looking at buying a much higher calibre of player, and then next summer where we would likely see some very interesting business being done.

In other news, find out what big claim Ben Jacobs has dropped on the potential takeover after KSA news emerged here!

Manchester United have had a bid rejected for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane as the race for his signature hots up this summer.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with a move for the 28-year-old in recent weeks as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bolster his first-team squad, and now they’ve made their first move.

A £50m offer was tabled for Varane, but Los Blancos are holding out for closer to £80m despite the World Cup winner only having one year remaining on his current contract, according to the Manchester Evening News.

United must swoop

United are reportedly still in contact with the Spanish giants over a potential deal, as they hope to reach a compromise over Madrid’s asking price.

However, they remain reluctant to match the capital club’s £80m valuation, with Varane set to become a free agent next summer.

The France international has been courted by United for many years now, and it seems as though a transfer could finally be on the cards for the 6 ft 2 centre-back.

David Alaba’s arrival at the Bernabeu means a replacement is already in place, and Madrid’s spiralling debts mean the club’s hierarchy are willing to sell one of their prized assets.

A new partner for Harry Maguire at the heart of defence is thought to be high up on Solskjaer’s wish list for this summer’s transfer window.

Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have failed to prove their long-term suitability as United aim to challenge for football’s top prizes, meaning Ed Woodward and co. must swoop for Varane this summer.

During his decade-long stint in Spain, the former Lens ace has won four Champions League crowns, three La Liga titles, and one Copa del Rey.

His formidable partnership alongside Sergio Ramos led to ex-Real manager Zinedine Zidane hailing Varane as a “leader”, while Gary Neville labeled him an “amazing player.”

It’s clear that Varane’s addition would strengthen United considerably and edge them closer to an elusive 21st top-flight title, and the supporters will surely be hoping that the club’s hierarchy can get this deal over the line.

The club’s hierarchy simply cannot allow a transfer saga to develop and after failing to secure Jadon Sancho last year, they would risk upsetting the Old Trafford faithful even more.

And, in other news…Woodward heading for huge MUFC transfer mistake over £500k-p/w monster, Ole must avoid 

West Brom welcome back their supporters to the Hawthorns as they host Sam Allardyce’s former club West Ham this evening.

The Baggies’ relegation back to the Championship was confirmed last week but for the first time in over a year, approximately 6,000 fans will be in attendance.

Big Sam will want to give them something to shout about as it’s the only Premier League game the lucky few will be able to witness for quite some time.

Last time out, the Midlands outfit were sensationally beaten by Liverpool after goalkeeper Alisson headed home in injury time, but what sort of side will we see this evening?

Here’s our predicted Albion XI as well as the latest team and injury news…

There could be as many as four changes from Sunday’s agonising defeat as Big Sam keeps one eye on next season.

Sam Johnstone could play his final home game for the club amid interest in his signature from many of the Baggies’ current top-flight rivals, whilst the defence could largely remain the same barring one switch at right-back as 25-year-old Darnell Furlong is replaced by academy gem Dara O’Shea.

The Irishman could play a bit part next season and he will need to cement down a firm position, either at centre-back or on the right.

In midfield, we could see club captain Jake Livermore start, having come off the bench at the weekend, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles being preferred to fellow loanee Conor Gallagher next to him.

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After giving a runout to Hal Robson-Kanu, who is out of contract in the summer, we may well see Karlan Grant given a rare start – just like Grady Diangana’s surprise return to the starting XI.

He should remain with Matheus Pereira joining them in attack, whilst Okay Yokuslu continues in the anchorman role in front of Conor Townsend, Kyle Bartley and Semi Ajayi.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges over West Brom job amid Allardyce claim, it’s bad news for fans…

Newcastle United’s prospective owners ‘would almost certainly have been less interested’ in a takeover had the European Super League (ESL) plans been realised.

That’s according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, who was speaking to Football Insider.

Super League would have ‘endangered the essence of the game’, says takeover figure

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal had agreed in principle to become founding members of the new European competition for which they would have qualified automatically every year and whose fixtures would have been a highlight of your sports events betting guide.

The clubs were threatened with expulsion from the Premier League and would have been immune from the consequences of finishing outside the top four until the ESL was disbanded amid multiple withdrawals from the clubs involved.

Mehrdad Ghodoussi, a partner in the firm looking to buy Newcastle, accused the six English clubs of ‘endangering the essence of the game and its competitive nature’.

‘The Premier League as a product would have been significantly devalued’

The plans ended last Tuesday after Chelsea pulled out and their rivals followed suit. According to Maguire, that may just have kept hopes of the £300m Newcastle takeover alive.

“The rewards would have been substantially less for a club not in the franchise league,” he told Football Insider.

“We’re not sure what the vehicle for qualification to the Super League would have been in terms of the five extra spaces.

“But in any case, the Premier League as a product would have been significantly devalued.

“It’s a mess that decreases the incentives for anyone looking to buy a club.”

Newcastle have taken legal action against the Premier League in a bid to resurrect the deal.

Transfer Tavern verdict

The concern for the would-be buyers would be getting a return on their investment. Had the six clubs been kicked out, the value of the Premier League TV deal would surely have plummeted.

Although the remaining clubs would have a better chance of qualifying for the Champions League, the UEFA competition would have been reduced to a pale, far less lucrative, imitation. Therefore, Newcastle fans ought to be hugely relieved that the ESL has been shelved.

In other news, could this be a transfer deal made possible by a takeover?

According to the Daily Mail, the new permanent Tottenham manager will have the final say on whether the club extends Gareth Bale’s loan.

New boss to decide Bale future

As it stands, the Welshman is set to return to Real Madrid at the end of the season following the culmination of his one-year loan spell.

However, Spurs have an option for a second term and, although it is not yet certain who will take over the reins from former manager Jose Mourinho, the new boss will decide whether or not Bale stays in north London for another year. The Daily Mail claimed that chairman Daniel Levy will present the next manager with the option of re-signing the 31-year-old for next season.

Keep him

While Bale has not been at his best this term, he has been far from a disappointment overall. He has managed 14 goals in all competitions, with only Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son scoring more for Tottenham (Transfermarkt), and he even picked up a hat-trick in the 4-0 win over Sheffield United last weekend.

Spurs would need to pay Bale’s £240,000-a-week (£12.5m per year) wages for another season, but he is a top-class player with plenty of experience who still has a lot to offer, and to sign another player of his quality would cost an awful lot more. Whoever ends up as Mourinho’s long-term successor, they should do all they can to hold on to the Wales international.

In other news, Steve Hitchen has suggested this man become the new Tottenham manager.

Tottenham Hotspur legend Graham Roberts has told Football FanCast he is “99% sure” Harry Kane will not join Chelsea this summer.

The Blues have been linked with an astonishing swoop for the Spurs striker, amid a number of reports surrounding his future.

It has been claimed by various media outlets that Kane has asked to leave the club this summer, firstly by Sky Sports News, and that the Blues have registered their interest in securing his signature, as have Manchester United and Manchester City.

A move to west London would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the Premier League, and would perhaps rival Sol Campbell’s move from Spurs to Arsenal.

Roberts, though, insists there is next to no chance that Kane will end up at Stamford Bridge, regardless of the kind of bid they can table, as chairman Daniel Levy simply will not sanction such a transfer.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Roberts said: “I’m 99% sure he won’t go to Chelsea. Because that will ruin all of the good things he’s ever done at Tottenham.

“And I don’t think Daniel Levy will sell him to Chelsea Football Club.”

Roberts also believes that both United and City will struggle to extricate Kane from north London, given that Levy would surely prefer to sell the England skipper abroad, if he were left with no other choice.

He added: “I’m not sure he’ll sell him to Man City or Man United.

“If he wants him to go, he wants him to go abroad but Harry wants to play in the Premier League. So that’s an issue.”

Leeds United hero Stuart Dallas is expected to be offered a new contract at the club, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.

The Whites enjoyed one of their greatest Premier League wins on Saturday, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory away to Manchester City. Leeds managed to win at the league leaders despite having Liam Cooper sent off before half-time in what was a sensational team performance.

It was Dallas who was the hero for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, scoring both goals including the last-gasp winner on the counterattack.

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Hay tips Dallas to sign new Leeds deal

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after the game, with quotes provided by MOT Leeds News, Hay responded positively to a question about when Dallas will extend his stay at Elland Road:

“I don’t think it’ll be long.”

Transfer Tavern take

Dallas is such an integral part of this Leeds side, with his versatility, work rate and team ethic making him priceless for Bielsa.

Surprisingly, the Northern Irishman currently earns just £8,000 per week, which doesn’t feel like much given his influence at Elland Road and is among the lower end of the squad’s pay scale.

Saturday’s performance shows that he warrants improved terms and it looks as though his wish will be granted, even though his current deal runs until 2023.

In other news, one Leeds star has received high praise after his performance against Manchester City. Find out who it is here.