All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur do not appear to be finished when it comes to attacking reinforcements…

What’s the word?

According to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, the Premier League outfit are keeping tabs on the progress of RB Salzburg forward Benjamin Sesko ahead of a potential move.

The Slovenia international is thought to be the next big talent to come through the system at the Austria side and is set for further minutes due to Karim Adeyemi’s switch to Borussia Dortmund.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Sesko is widely regarded as the ‘next Erling Haaland,’ as per the report.

AC Milan are also said to be keen and sporting director Fabio Paratici is set to continue to scout him over the coming months.

Next Erling Haaland

If the Italian chief likes what he sees, then he could well secure Spurs a top future talent, one to rival Manchester City’s move for the aforementioned Norwegian colossus.

Valued at just £9m by Transfermarkt, Sesko is already thought to be a serious player, having provided ten goals and seven assists in 36 appearances last season, in which only 15 were starts.

At 6 foot 4, he is certainly in the Haaland mould but he’s also quick on his feed, registering speeds similar to that of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe (36.1km/h), who is some five inches shorter.

“My teammates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him!” the striker himself once told reporters in his home country (via Goal).

With his towering frame and explosive pace, there’s no denying that Sesko is a mouthwatering prospect and one that Spurs should really try to secure for their long-term ambitions.

Harry Kane, whilst still at his peak, isn’t going to be around forever and the Salzburg gem could well be the ideal candidate to take his place one day.

It’s easy to see why scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed the 19-year-old as “the new Erling Haaland” and a “killer in the making,” given his attacking exploits and physical attributes.

Spurs fans may have to wait a while for this transfer to come to fruition but it’s surely one that leaves many around N17 absolutely excited. Sesko would be a top acquisition for the north Londoners.

Paratici can certainly seal the new Haaland with a move for Sesko.

AND in other news, Paratici in talks to sign “extraordinary” £17m Spurs target, it’d be an “unreal” coup…

Crystal Palace look to be closing in on Swansea’s young midfielder Flynn Downes.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football.London, who notes that Patrick Vieira seems to have beaten out the competition to secure his signature.

Both Wolves and Southampton are referenced as potential suitors, but Palace was the only option.

They had tried to sign him back when he played for Ipswich, noting their long-time interest in the player. Swansea are reportedly demanding £12m for the player.

Vieira will love him

Vieira appears to be crafting quite the versatile midfield, having already secured the signing of Cheick Doucoure, and constantly linked to several other midfielders all with different profiles.

However, with Downes, he is guaranteed a workmanlike midfielder who can graft alongside another of his new signings.

One benefit to signing this Swansea youngster is his reliability, as he featured in 37 Championship games last season. Despite being more of a ball-winning midfielder, he still managed to chip in with a goal and two assists.

This led to his solid SofaScore rating of 6.83, which given the context of his long season and Swansea’s sub-par 15th placed finish, is not bad at all.

Both fans and manager alike have been quick to praise his intelligence and hard work, with Russell Martin claiming: “Flynn was incredible, it’s difficult to single people out, but he does the dirty work perfectly well”, after a man of the match display early in the season.

This dirty work and his overall play is best exemplified in his defensive actions, where he averages 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per game.

Downes is everywhere on the pitch, and in his quest to cover every blade of grass he loves to get stuck into opposition attackers.

With him, Vieira can further bolster his options as the new Premier League season draws near.

After what was a surprisingly impressive season last year, the French boss will want to continue moving forward, and signing young hungry Championship talent is a move proven to work for this club.

He will love it if they can tie down the midfielder and have a repeat of their previous successes.

AND, in other news: Vieira can unearth his next Gallagher as Palace plot bid for “sensational” £20m talent.

Liverpool have made three signings so far in the transfer window with Calvin Ramsey, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho all joining the Anfield outfit, but they have in an equal measure lost a number of players this summer.

Divock Origi, Taki Minamino and Sadio Mane have all left the club to take on new challenges elsewhere, with Mane’s unexpected exit the most likely to cause disruption in the team following his fantastic number of goal contributions.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

The Senegalese winger made the decision to leave the Reds just 12 months before his contract was due to expire with Mane joining Bayern Munich on a permanent move. Now, Liverpool could ask a favour of the Bundesliga champions in return.

The Merseyside club has been linked with a move for Serge Gnabry this summer, and despite playing predominantly as a right winger he can offer the goal contributions and attacking capabilities needed to replace Mane.

Gnabry has scored 64 times and delivered 40 assists in 171 appearances, impressively with a goal contribution every 105 minutes for Bayern, but it’s not just his goals and assists that have been attracting the attention of the powers at Anfield over the last season.

The £34m dynamo created a whopping 17 big chances, making 1.4 key passes, 1.4 tackles and taking two shots on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels combined (51%) and being successful in the majority of his dribbles (61%) over 34 Bundesliga appearances.

This season Gnabry ranked ninth for G/A contributions, shot-creating actions, and ranked seventh in the entire top five European leagues for key passes completed.

The Germany international has been the recipient of high praise, with Rio Ferdinand branding Gnabry “world class” on BT Sport (via Daily Mail);

“His stats are phenomenal. He’s sitting in the top level, world class.

“He’s come to Germany and set the place on fire, he was absolutely stunning tonight. His decision making has been extraordinary.”

With all considered, the former Arsenal man would be a great addition and a valuable asset to the team, especially if Mohamed Salah leaves next summer as he plays mostly on the right wing so it could be a win win situation for FSG ahead of next term.

AND in other news: Offer made: FSG closing in on Liverpool deal for “special” £35m gem, he’s Coutinho 2.0

Leeds United ended their turbulent 2021/22 Premier League season by managing to avoid the drop and keep their place in the top flight.

With 38 games played, the Whites won nine, drew 11 and lost 18, leaving them in 17th place with 38 points on the board, three points above Burnley who were unable to escape the relegation zone.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Another aspect of Leeds’ latest campaign was the number of goals they managed to score compared to their prior season where they finished in ninth place.

Having found the net 62 times in the 2020/21 season, the Yorkshire club only scored 42 goals last time out.

Now with the summer transfer window open, the Whites have already been busy in terms of adding new players to their ranks in the shape of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca.

One other figure that the club have been linked with that could help Jesse Marsch’s side get back to becoming a regular goalscoring side again is Armando Broja.

As a product of Chelsea’s youth system, the striker has scored 41 goals in 126 club appearances across senior and youth levels.

During his recent loan spell with Southampton, the 20-year-old found the net nine times in 38 appearances.

In his 32 Premier League appearances for the Saints, Broja racked up 48 shots at goal, highlighting how dangerous he can be at the top of the pitch.

According to FBref, one other recognisable name that is included on a list of similar players to the Chelsea centre-forward is Richarlison.

Taking into account how the Brazilian has scored 48 goals and delivered 18 assists in 173 Premier League appearances, the possibility of landing his own version of the Everton star in the shape of Broja should be an exciting one for Marsch and Leeds.

Labelled as a “dangerous” player by Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, the Chelsea youngster certainly has what it takes to add a bit of extra firepower to Leeds’ ranks.

With all of this in mind, despite having a rather hefty reported price tag of £58m, securing a move for the striker this summer could be just what the Leeds boss needs to make sure his side aren’t involved in another excruciating relegation battle next time out.

In other news: Victor Orta now plotting Leeds bid for “beautiful” £26m target, he “has everything”

Leeds United will ‘really push’ to sign Wolves forward Adama Traore this summer, according to Dean Jones.  

The Lowdown: Traore linked with Leeds

Hailed as a ‘danger man’ by Noel Whelan, the Spain international has once again been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road this summer.

Leeds appear to be in the market for a new pacey forward after already making three signings, with Wolves willing to sell the 26-year-old for around £18m.

Reports in recent days have claimed that the Whites have made an approach for Traore, who has 18 senior career goals, and Jones has shared what he knows regarding the situation.

The Latest: Jones’ comments on Traore

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist said that Leeds are looking to make a ‘breakthrough’ in their pursuit of Traore after going back in for the Spaniard.

Jones outlined:

“One of the things I have heard is that Leeds are back in for Adama Traore and they’re going to really push to see if they can get a breakthrough on this one.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-45/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: A gamble?

Jesse Marsch already has a quick forward at Elland Road in Dan James, who has question marks when it comes to his end product, so looking to sign Traore could be a gamble by Leeds officials.

Despite his searing pace, the Spain international has also struggled in front of goal throughout his career, netting just eight times in 160 Premier League appearances for Wolves, Aston Villa and Middlesborough.

However, Victor Orta is a big admirer of the 26-year-old and signed him for Middlesbrough in 2016. Marcelo Bielsa was a huge fan of James and eventually got a deal over the line last summer, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if Orta gets his way and brings Traore to Yorkshire.

TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has backed Liverpool to sell Roberto Firmino this summer after the new arrival of Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Nunez signs

It was confirmed earlier this week that the Benfica striker has made the move to the Premier League after putting pen to paper on a six-year deal at Anfield, for what could rise to a club-record fee of £85m.

Firmino has been one of the Reds’ longest-serving players, having joined the Merseyside outfit in 2015, but he, alongside his strike partners Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, are all set to be out of contract with the top-flight giants next year, creating plenty of speculation surrounding their individual futures.

The Latest: Agbonlahor makes Firmino claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor insisted that Liverpool had to sign a new forward as a result of Manchester City securing Erling Haaland, but it leaves Firmino out in the cold:

“They needed to do it. Regardless of whether Mane stays or goes, they needed another attacker.

“Firmino is not good enough. He’s done well for Liverpool over the years but it’s time for him to go.

“You’ve got to keep up with other teams, you can’t stay still. It’s a big statement signing.

“I’m sure Man City were buzzing when they signed Haaland and now they’ve seen Liverpool get Nunez they will think it’s going to be a hard season and it’s hard to call.”

The Verdict: Ideal backup option

Firmino was definitely unlucky when it came injuries last season, having missed a total of 25 matches as a result of sustaining four separate problems, something which contributed to him slightly falling down the pecking order under Jurgen Klopp.

However, the Brazilian still managed to make 20 top-flight appearances and recorded nine goal contributions during that time, as per Transfermarkt, showing that he is still very much capable of producing the goods when given the chance.

There’s no way that the 30-year-old will consistently be chosen to be in the Liverpool starting XI ahead of Nunez or Diogo Jota for that matter, but he’s still a player who is good to have around the building and can make a hugely positive impact from the bench, so there would be no harm in keeping him around for a little bit longer.

In other news… a reliable journalist has dropped a Sadio Mane transfer twist.

Everton’s interest in Harry Winks could play a part in negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur over Richarlison, according to The Telegraph’s Matt Law.

The lowdown

Tottenham have expressed an interest in signing the 25-year-old, but the Toffees are driving a hard bargain. They believe he’s worth ‘well over’ £50m, having paid an initial £35m (potentially rising to £50m with add-ons) for the Brazilian in 2018.

Winks, who can play as both a defensive midfielder and a number eight, has two years remaining on his contract with the Lilywhites. The 26-year-old only started nine Premier League matches last season, and may therefore be open to making a move in pursuit of additional game time.

The latest

In The Telegraph, Law explained that Everton are admirers of Winks, who could consequently be included as part of a deal which would see Richarlison going in the opposite direction.

Alternatively, he and the Brazil international could move in separate transfers.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-7/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The verdict

Transfermarkt value Winks at £15.3m, so that’s roughly the figure that we may see knocked off Richarlison’s price tag if he becomes part of the package. Would this be a smart business decision from Everton?

Winks is an accomplished distributor, ranking in the 76th percentile among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues for passing accuracy (86.6%) and the 98th percentile for progressive passes, as per FBRef. Also, he is capable of ‘dictating the game’, in the words of former Spurs striker Robbie Keane.

In this respect, the Englishman – who is similar in profile to Chelsea’s Jorginho – could be a real asset if he is added to Frank Lampard’s midfield.

He has earned praise from Pep Guardiola in the past, with the City manager noting after a 1-0 win for his team against Spurs at Wembley in 2018 that Winks ‘changed the game’ as a substitute, while the 26-year-old’s former boss Mauricio Pochettino likened him to Xavi and Iniesta.

Just imagine seeing a player of that ilk strutting his stuff at Goodison Park every other week…

In other news, David Ornstein has shared some big Everton news.

Pod On The Tyne host Taylor Payne has been left buzzing as Sven Botman could now sign for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Closing in

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, reliable journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now ‘closing in’ on a deal to sign Botman.

Sources have indicated that they are close to a breakthrough for the central defender, after holding talks with Lille following their failed swoop in January.

The Latest: Payne buzzing

Taking to Twitter, Payne, who hosts The Athletic’s regular Magpies show, was left buzzing after hearing that the North East club are close to signing Botman:

“Massive signing if we can get this done. One of the best young defenders in Europe.”

The Verdict: Big coup

Signing Botman would certainly be a big coup for the Tynesiders, especially considering the fact that Serie A champions AC Milan are also in contention for his signature.

Of course, the Italian outfit can offer him UEFA Champions League football, so getting one over on them will feel huge for the Magpies in terms of their lure for top players.

Botman was Lille’s third-best performing player in Ligue 1 last season, and averaged more clearances and passes per game than any of his teammates (WhoScored), showing that he is equally as comfortable at playing out from the back as he is at getting stuck in to challenges.

Nonetheless, the six-foot-five colossus could end up forming a truly frightening partnership with the six-foot-six Dan Burn.

In other news, find out what Craig Hope is now ‘hearing’ from NUFC here!

Aston Villa are closing in on the permanent signing of goalkeeper Robin Olsen, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

As per the transfer insider, the Midlands outfit appear keen to exercise the buy option in the Swede’s loan deal, with the 32-year-old having joined the club on a temporary switch from Serie A side AS Roma back in January.

Writing on Twitter about the situation regarding the 56-cap international, Romano revealed that an agreement is close: “Aston Villa are getting closer to find full agreement with AS Roma on Robin Olsen deal. Buy option clause for €3.5m expected to be triggered soon, as Aston Villa want to keep Olsen at the club. Talks in progress, the deal could be completed soon.”

The £1.8m-rated giant had spent the first half of the 2021/22 season on loan at Championship outfit Sheffield United, prior to moving to Villa Park, having also played the role of understudy to Jordan Pickford at Everton the year prior.

Supporters delighted

It may not prove to be quite as exciting as the club’s other summer business – having already snapped up Boubacar Kamara, Diego Carlos and Philippe Coutinho – yet supporters will no doubt be delighted to see the proactive attitude to Steven Gerrard’s squad rebuild, with the former Rangers boss seemingly wanting to get his transfer dealings done swiftly.

With further additions also in the pipeline, amid links to soon-to-be free agent Luis Suarez, the former England skipper appears to be receiving substantial backing in order to put his stamp on the squad, with expectations for next term now likely to have sky-rocketed.

As for Olsen, there may not be too many fireworks over a player who was technically already at the club and had made just a solitary Premier League appearance during his six-month loan stint, although he will no doubt provide quality cover to undisputed first-choice, Emi Martinez.

The 6 foot 5 stopper’s solitary top-flight outing came in that remarkable final-day defeat to eventual champions Manchester City at the Etihad, with the visitors squandering a two-goal to help hand Pep Guardiola’s men the title.

The one-time Malmo man had hardly been culpable for any of City’s excellently crafted goals – nor did he deserve to be on the receiving of an awful, post-match assault from a home supporter – with Villa’s problems this term having largely been among the defence, rather than between the sticks – shipping 54 goals in the most recent campaign.

A veteran at international level, Olsen also provides valuable experience to a dressing room that is beginning to overflow with top-class talent, with his presence in the dressing room potentially set to prove vital next term.

As for supporters, they will likely be glad to see the deal wrapped up quickly, so that the club can prioritise other areas of need.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

The Athletic’s Wolves correspondent Tim Spiers has provided an update on the possibility of the West Midlands club luring Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes to Molineux this summer.

What’s the story?

Speaking on the Talking Wolves YouTube channel, Spiers explained: “So he’s one, again, given who he is and his agency, he’s just constantly on Wolves’ radar, obviously because they know it’s a deal that they can do.

“So that link will perpetually be there, really. If a forward option came up this summer, he’d be right at the top of the list for them.”

The winger has one year left on his current deal with the La Liga outfit and is a client of Jorge Mendes, who represents numerous members of Wolves’ squad.

Therefore, the Portuguese agent’s association with Guedes could seriously increase the likelihood of the 25-year-old signing for Wolves this summer.

Wolves must sign Guedes

If Wolves are to strengthen any position this summer, you would argue that it would have to be in attack, with Bruno Lage’s side ending the campaign with one of the Premier League’s lowest scoring records.

Despite finishing 10th, the Old Gold scored just 38 goals in as many top-flight matches, with only the three relegated clubs scoring fewer goals.

Moreover, creativity from the flanks has been limited in the league this term, with Daniel Podence being Wolves’ most potent winger with two goals and three assists.

Guedes would undoubtedly improve Wolves’ front line, with the 29-cap Portugal international scoring 11 goals and setting up a further six in La Liga this season as Valencia finished ninth in the Spanish top flight.

This campaign has been a major improvement in front of goal for the winger, who scored just five goals in La Liga last season alongside six assists.

Guedes’ strong pedigree is clear to see, making him an excellent prospective signing for Wolves.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old can be accommodated straight into the team, with Francisco Trincao set to return to Barcelona after an unsuccessful loan spell, whilst Adama Traore could still leave despite Barcelona not taking up the option of making his loan deal permanent.

Wolves supporters will want to see intent from the board this summer, particularly after such a poor end to the campaign. With the prospective signing of Guedes, fans would certainly be appeased.

AND in other news: Wolves now closing in on “special” £23.4m-rated signing, it could be bye-bye Neves