All posts by h716a5.icu

Liverpool are interested in a summer transfer move for Inter Milan maestro Nicolo Barella, with I Nerazzurri reportedly resigned to 'pave the way' if their valuation is met.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella to Liverpool?

That's according to Football Insider, who claim that Barella is a 'top target' for the Reds as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to fortify his midfield engine with iron-clad resolve after an uninspiring season.

Inter have slapped a £61m price tag on their man, the report continues, and with Liverpool indeed noted as front-runners to complete a swoop, a transfer might be forthcoming.

Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport has recently claimed that the 26-year-old is looking for a new footballing project this season after a lucrative stint with his outfit, and with Manchester United also enamoured by his skill set, Klopp and co need to act with swift conviction.

The news comes amid a swoop for Alexis Mac Allister too, with The Daily Mail having reported last week that the Reds are also leading the race for the Brighton midfielder's signature.

Should Liverpool sign Nicolo Barella?

Succinctly, yes. With links surrounding the Anfield outfit's intrigue in forging a deal for the Italian stretching and embedding themselves into the rumour mill, like roots of a tree, clinching Barella's services would only enhance Liverpool's prospects of success.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all departing upon the expiry of their contracts this summer, and while a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is firmly in the works, in Barella, one of the most robust and innately talented ball-players in Europe, Klopp could secure an upgrade of the highest order.

Having forged 181 appearances for Inter, Barella has scored 19 goals and supplied 48 assists, winning the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups and hailed as a "genius" by sports editor Mike Piellucci.

The 26-year-old has been in scintillating form this term and has plundered eight goals and nine assists from 46 displays across all competitions, instrumental in an emphatic Champions League campaign that currently has Simone Inzaghi's men in touching distance of the finale.

Indeed, Inter defeated heated city rivals AC Milan 2-0 in the first leg of their semi-final tie, with Barella pulling the strings with a remarkable all-encompassing performance, completing 84% of his passes, making two key passes, three tackles and winning three of his seven ground duels, as per Sofascore – hailed as "unbelievable" by one podcaster.

As per FBref, the £157k-per-week gem ranks among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe's big five leagues for rate of goals, the top 8% for rate of assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 17% for progressive passes and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90, illustrating his prowess as a superlative creative outlet.

With those numbers in mind, it's hardly a surprise that venerable Real Madrid legend Luka Modric is listed as a similar player to the 43-cap Italy star.

That bodes well for the success of Klopp's midfield if he is indeed triumphant in his pursuit, with the Croatian Ballon d'Or winner one of the very best to have played the game from the centre of the park.

Lauded as a "monster" by Spanish veteran Raul Albiol, the 37-year-old Modric has played 482 matches for Los Blancos and been a key component to illustrious success in gleaning five Champions League trophies, three LaLiga titles and two Copa del Rey cups among a wealth of further honours.

He has been an incredible cog for Madrid and Croatia, and if Barella makes a move to Anfield, he can ramp the club into "different gear", as he was praised by presenter Jack Collins.

Keaton Jennings’ career-best 185 not out – his fourth Championship century of the season – gave Yorkshire a day of frustration at Chester-le-Street

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2016
ScorecardKeaton Jennings’ vigilant career-best continued a prolific season•Stu Forster/Getty ImagesKeaton Jennings’ career-best 185 not out, his fourth century of the season, transformed Durham’s fortunes on the third day of their Specsavers County Championship match at home to Yorkshire.On 105 for 4 when Paul Collingwood joined the left-handed opener, Durham still trailed by 46. But the captain contributed 61 to a stand of 117, then Usman Arshad capitalised on the fatigue of a depleted attack.He helped to put on 156 for the seventh wicket, beating by one his previous best of 83, as Durham reached 452 for 8 at the close, leading by 301.Durham coach Jon Lewis said: “That was an exceptional innings by Keaton. He is very tired but he’ll be raring to go again in the morning. For three years he has been as hard a worker as you would wish to meet. He’s a very focused guy who wants to be the best he can be all the time. But he has found a better work-life balance so he is more comfortable in himself and doesn’t put himself under as much pressure.”Yorkshire had to turn to the occasional off spin of Adam Lyth, Kane Williamson and Jack Leaning, but after Ben Coad brought about an early run-out his maiden first-class wicket came too late for jubilation.Conditions eased throughout the day, but Jennings did well to survive a tricky first half hour, and it was not until the tenth over that Jennings added to his overnight 46.He had to shrug off an early setback when Michael Richardson was run out for 13.A ball from Steve Patterson thudded into his pads and ran off towards square leg. Jennings called him for a single, but he hesitated before responding and was well short when Coad’s throw hit the stumps.The only other risk Jennings took was after driving Tim Bresnan’s first delivery with the second new ball through extra cover. He just scrambled home for the third run, which took him to his century off 228 balls.Despite his vigilance, he did not lose sight of any opportunity to cut and drive through the off side.Collingwood profited from several steers to the third man boundary, although he was fortunate on 19 to survive an upper cut off Josh Shaw, which brushed Andy Hodd’s gloves.Bresnan and Patterson had a huge burden to bear and Patterson looked forlorn when an impassioned lbw appeal against Collingwood was turned down.The home captain added only six before the next appeal was upheld, earning a wicket for Williamson, who was once deemed to have a suspect action.Arshad played some audacious strokes, launching Lyth down the ground for two big sixes and nonchalantly running Bresnan to third man for his seventh four to reach 50 off 66 balls.He was missed by Alex Lees at slip on 33, delaying Coad’s maiden wicket. It came with the total on 408 when Arshad dabbled outside off stump and edged to Hodd.Dealing mainly in singles towards the end of a tiring day, Jennings went past his previous best of 177, made against Durham University at the start of last season. There were no more centuries and he was dropped for the last six games.

Manchester City target Florian Wirtz is a 'brilliant footballer', though it may be difficult to secure his services at the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Florian Wirtz?

As per 90min, Manchester City are said to have 'reignited their interest' in Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Wirtz, who has recently overcome a long-term knee ligament issue.

The outlet state that attraction toward the 20-year-old is vast, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and Barcelona are all monitoring his situation.

One report from Spain has signalled that Wirtz will not depart the BayArena in the forthcoming transfer window and it may take up to £88 million for Bayer Leverkusen to sanction his exit.

Capology understands that the Germany international earns around €48,077 (£42,000) on his current terms at Bayer Leverkusen on a contract that runs until June 2027.

Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has suggested that Manchester City could 'mould' Wirtz into a superstar at the Etihad.

Jones wrote: "A brilliant footballer who is just 20-years-old and can be moulded into whatever City would like him to be. There has been a price-tag of £88million put on him which is off-putting though and further than that he is keen to remain at Bayer Leverkusen for one more season."

Would Florian Wirtz be a good signing for Manchester City in the summer?

Wirtz certainly has a lot of potential and could feasibly be developed into a world-class star at Manchester City under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola.

In 2022/23, the 20-year-old has been in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen, registering four goals and eight assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

The Germany international has also illustrated his ingenuity regularly this season, successfully carrying out 79 shot-creating actions for his side, as per FBRef.

His versatility would also make him a handy asset for Guardiola to call upon, given that he can operate in attacking midfield, centre-forward or on the left flank if needed.

WhoScored notes that Wirtz has gained an average match rating of 7.25/10 for his exploits on the field, making him Bayer Leverkusen's most consistent performer this term.

Manchester City could do with a statement signing following the news that they look to have missed out on Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid. Bringing Wirtz in come the summer would certainly appease the Citizens' support.

Liverpool are scouting Orkun Kokcu ahead of a summer move as they look to strengthen their midfield, according to a report.

What's going on with Kokcu?

The Feyenoord star is seemingly attracting interest from a number of clubs, and Liverpool are not the only side to have scouted him recently.

The 22-year-old has been in sensational form for his club this season, scoring 12 and assisting five in 42 appearances from central midfield.

The Turkey international is on the radar for some of the Premier League's biggest clubs, and he could be a solution to Liverpool's midfield problems.

With midfield departures in the offing this summer, he could be a younger option to add attacking threat to their midfield trio.

A report from Sport Witness relayed a story by De Telegraaf journalist Marcel van der Kraan which revealed that Liverpool were amongst the clubs scouting him recently.

“In recent weeks, the stands have been packed with scouts, including from the top six of the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Liverpool; everyone had scouts there," he claimed.

Where would he fit in for Liverpool?

He could slot straight into the midfield three and inject some much-needed creativity into the middle of the park for Jurgen Klopp's side.

No Liverpool central midfielder has more assists than Jordan Henderson this season, who leads the way on a lowly three, whilst he, Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara are yet to contribute a single goal.

Kokcu's impressive output this season suggests that he could provide an upgrade in those central areas, which would make the side less reliant on the full-backs and front three for creativity and goals.

A central midfielder has been a necessity for a while, and whilst a move for Jude Bellingham now looks to be off the cards, Kokcu has been linked alongside Mason Mount and Matheus Nunes.

With Fabinho and Henderson ageing, and with Thiago continuing to struggle with injury problems, multiple signings in this area may be necessary, and a younger talent like Kokcu alongside more proven players could be the ideal way to rebuild the squad after a disappointing season.

The Reds are currently in seventh place ahead of their meeting with Tottenham, and a top-four spot looks unlikely. A big summer window awaits Klopp as he aims to build a side that can compete with Manchester City at the top end of the table once again.

Tottenham Hotspur could look at appointing Luis Enrique as their next manager, with the coach among the remaining candidates to take over at the end of the season, according to a recent report from The Athletic.

Who will Tottenham appoint as manager?

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham have compiled a four-man shortlist of managers, with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann said to be their top target, although his wage demands could prove to be a huge obstacle.

However, Spurs are now said to be losing faith they will be able to appoint the German for the 2023/24 campaign, as he wants his next project to have a squad capable of instant success, which he does not believe would be the case in north London.

As such, chairman Daniel Levy may need to turn his attentions elsewhere, having recently been linked with a move for Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou, while Maurizio Sarri has also emerged as a potential option.

Despite the recent setback in Tottenham's pursuit of Nagelsmann, The Athletic report the 35-year-old is among the remaining candidates to take over as manager, alongside Enrique.

The Spaniard has also made it past the first stage, with Spurs recently narrowing down their list of targets, however they are still yet to make a concrete breakthrough in talks with any manager.

Before they appoint a new head coach, it is detailed Levy may be keen to appoint a new director of football to replace the outgoing Fabio Paratici.

Should Tottenham appoint Luis Enrique?

Hailed as a "genius" by members of the media, there are some indications the 52-year-old would be a shrewd appointment for Spurs, given his previous success, winning nine trophies, including the Champions League, as manager of Barcelona.

That said, while winning the Champions League is always a remarkable feat, it must be noted he was in charge of a star-studded Barca side, and he has not enjoyed a great deal of success elsewhere.

The Gijon-born tactician was sacked by Spain after their elimination from the 2022 World Cup at the round of 16 stage, while he has also not managed at club level since 2017, and he's never took charge of a team outside of Spain.

As such, it would be a risk for Tottenham to appoint Enrique, and they could be better off avoiding a big-name manager, given that Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho were both unsuccessful in north London.

As Manchester United booked their place in the FA Cup final with a shootout victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon, a key performer for the Red Devils was resurgent defender, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The Englishman was "superb" in his right-back berth against the Seagulls – as per the Mail on Sunday's Oliver Holt – notably winning seven of his eight total duels and completing all four of his attempted dribbles, memorably surging down the right flank with an impressive driving run in the second half.

That stellar outing saw the 25-year-old hailed as "probably the best in the world" at one on one defending by compatriot James Maddison, with the former Crystal Palace ace having previously produced a "monstrous" display at Wembley in the Carabao Cup triumph over Newcastle, as per Daily Express journalist Alex Turk.

Despite those strong showings on the big occasion, it should not prevent United from strengthening in that full-back role this summer, with The Athletic recently reporting that Wan-Bissaka could be sold if a more 'attacking' option can be found.

There has been talk of a potential new deal for the £90k-per-week machine in the aftermath of yesterday's triumph, although it should not be forgotten that it was only a matter of months ago that Erik ten Hag looked ready to sell the defender in the January window.

It was also just a few days ago that the Croydon native was hooked at half-time amid the grim loss to Sevilla, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst writing of his all-round woes:

'Offered next to nothing in attack for the umpteenth time. There is a reason why Ten Hag wants a new right-back.'

That perfectly summarises just why the Old Trafford outfit should not be clouded by a handful of standout Wembley showings from Wan-Bissaka, with a new recruit still needed ahead of next season.

Who could replace Wan-Bissaka this summer?

One name that has been repeatedly mentioned of late is Bayer Leverkusen ace, Jeremie Frimpong, with Football Insider stating earlier this month that United are in 'pole position' to sign the former Celtic starlet.

The 22-year-old – who could be worth around £40m this summer – has enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Bundesliga side this season, having been hailed as "one of the best wing-backs in Europe", as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.

While largely operating in a more advanced berth in Xabi Alonso's side, the one-time Manchester City man has showcased that he can be the more attack-minded solution for Ten Hag on the right side of the defence, such has been his standout form this season.

The Netherlands international has remarkably chipped in with nine goals and ten assists in 41 games across all fronts this term, while Wan-Bissaka, by contrast, has contributed just one assist in 26 games in all competitions.

Equally, while the latter man has just two goals and 15 assists to his name in 198 games for both the Red Devils and former club Palace, Frimpong has 14 goals and 27 assists under his belt in 139 games for the Hoops and for Leverkusen.

Frimpomg also impressively ranks in the top 1% in Europe's top five leagues among those in his position for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area, while the current United man ranks in just the top 13%, the top 17% and the top 14% for those same three metrics, respectively.

That should indicate why it would be wise for Ten Hag and co to make the ruthless decision to replace Wan-Bissaka this summer, with the £50m signing – who was previously branded "useless" on the ball by club legend Paul Scholes – having already had four years to impress at the Theatre of Dreams.

Like many others at the club, he may well have now outstayed his welcome.

Liverpool are reportedly keen on signing Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch this summer, even holding talks over a move to Anfield.

How is Gravenberch faring at Bayern?

The 20-year-old has been a highly-rated prospect for some time now, bursting onto the scene as a teenager at Ajax and making 103 appearances for the Eredivisie giants. His performances in his homeland eventually earned him a move to Bayern last summer, with big things expected.

Things haven't quite gone to plan for Gravenberch in Germany, however, with the midfielder finding playing time hard to come by under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel. Before Bayern's match against Hoffenheim yesterday, he had only started once in the Bundesliga all season long, coming on as a substitute 16 times.

For that reason, there is a chance that Bayern could allow the Dutchman to leave before he has even properly gotten started at the club, with the move simply not working out yet. With Liverpool desperately looking for midfield additions, especially after pulling out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham, it looks as though Gravenberch is an alternative.

Could youngster be an option for Liverpool?

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Liverpool's "delegation" have held talks with the youngster's representatives over a potential summer move to the club. More discussions are expected to take place in the coming weeks, with the Reds considering him a strong choice to come in and bolster the midfield.

Jurgen Klopp is believed to be a keen admirer of Gravenberch and thinks he is the type of player he needs at the club, although whether Bayern are willing to sell so soon remains to be seen.

Gravenberch could be a great alternative to Bellingham if Liverpool can get a deal over the line, with the former Ajax man someone who possesses similar attributes to the Englishman. At 6 foot 2, he has a strong physical frame, 25 goal contributions (12 goals and 13 assists) for Ajax shows the box-to-box quality that he also has in his locker.

At 20, the 11-cap Netherlands international is still a work in progress, as his struggles at Bayern highlight, but if he could be one of several midfield signings at Liverpool this summer, along with a few more experienced players, he could be an exciting acquisition with a high ceiling in the years to come. He has been hailed as "fantastic" by Frank De Boer in the past and the Reds should jump at the chance to sign him at the end of the season.

YouTuber Mark Goldbridge has urged Manchester United to be "ruthless" and sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka to make way for Jeremie Frimpong.

What's the latest on Jeremie Frimpong and Man Utd?

Trusted transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that the Bayer Leverkusen right-back could be on his way to the Premier League in the summer.

Indeed, he wrote: "Jeremie Frimpong, keen on Manchester United possible move — not advanced yet as his agent met with MUFC."

While the report also notes that German giants Bayern Munich and Spanish outfit Barcelona are in the race for the defender too.

Having heard these latest rumours, Goldbridge spoke about how Man United should act with aggression in the transfer market to sign Frimpong – even if that means being ruthless and selling Wan-Bissaka.

Speaking on The United Stand, he said (8:10): “We've got to be ruthless and aggressive in our transfer market. Well, aggressive and ruthless would be exactly that, if we did this Frimpong deal.

“Because it's ruthless to remove Wan-Bisska, who has been really well and it's aggressive to go and get a right back that Barca and Bayern are looking at.”

Should Man United sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka?

According to reports, Wan-Bissaka is paid £90k-p/w and while he hasn't always looked like that sort of player in a Man Utd shirt, his recent form has been good.

Indeed, this is reflected in his last two Premier League outings which have seen him pick up 7.3 and 7.8 SofaScore ratings. In particular, his performance against Everton last weekend was impressive.

Wan-Bissaka's rating was only bettered by Bruno Fernandes as the right-back made four clearances, two tackles, delivered two key passes and completed 3/4 attempted dribbles.

However, the defender has long been linked with a move away from Old Trafford and it's fair to say he's failed to truly establish himself as a star within the team, playing just 20 times last term and even less this time around (up to this point in the season).

When it comes to attacking, he's not the best either having scored just two goals in 143 league outings across the span of his career.

Firmpong, on the other hand, has eight goals and five assists in 27 Bundesliga outings this term alone. With that in mind, it's easy to see why he could be viewed as an exciting upgrade.

It will certainly be interesting to see how things play out in the summer.

Relegation strugglers Everton went into the international break in a buoyant mood after a run of three Premier League games unbeaten, with Sean Dyche notably seeing his side claim a draw away to Chelsea at the death last time out.

The arrival of the former Burnley boss looks to have revived hopes regarding the Toffees' bid to stay in the division, with the Merseysiders looking set to pull off yet another survival escape, having previously stayed up by the skin of their teeth last term.

Whether or not the Goodison outfit do eventually secure their place in the top flight, it does appear that a fresh start will be needed if the club are to avoid a repeat scenario occurring next season, with a squad overhaul likely to be required.

One man who should seemingly be moved on ahead of next season is long-serving defender, Mason Holgate, with the versatile centre-back – who can feature at right-back or in midfield – having become something of a spare part in recent times.

The former Barnsley man was notably linked with a move away from the club in January – The Athletic reporting that Everton were 'open' to the Englishman departing on loan – with it set to be no surprise if a departure is also mooted this summer.

With the £70k-per-week dud still having just over two years left to run on his existing deal, it may be an ideal time to sanction an exit this summer, with the Premier League side likely to be hoping to secure a profit on their initial £2m investment.

What is Mason Holgate worth?

As per Football Transfers, the Doncaster-born defender is now said to be worth around £18m, ensuring that the Toffees could be set to make around nine times more than what they originally paid to bring the then-youngster to the club from Oakwell in 2015.

That would provide some much-needed funds for a player who has frankly become something of a forgotten figure of late, with Holgate having made just five league appearances so far this term, with only one of those coming since facing Tottenham Hotspur back in mid-October.

The 6-foot man's solitary outing in recent times came in the thumping, 4-0 defeat away to Arsenal, in which he failed to win a single duel and recorded a pass accuracy rate of just 57%, after entering the fray at the break.

While the one-time West Bromwich Albion loanee has endured injury woes this season, the fact that he has started just three top-flight games this term is a marker of his slide down the pecking order, after previously starting 23 league games last term.

With Dyche currently well stocked for central defenders, having utilised the likes of James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Conor Coady, it is hard to see Holgate forcing his way back into the picture, particularly having been criticised as a player "who makes too many mistakes and doesn’t read the game well enough", as per talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend.

With it looking unlikely that former England U21 international will see a change in fortunes between now and the end of the season, a parting of the ways should seemingly be on the cards.

Leeds United director of football Victor Orta could be set to leave his position at Elland Road if the Whites are able to survive the drop this season.

Could Orta move on sooner rather than later?

The Spaniard has recently spoken to media back in his homeland of his desire to return to Spain at some point in his career:

“Being Monchi’s successor, in any team, I don’t know if it’s something I’m prepared for, but obviously at some point, I want to return to Spain," he said.

This comes at a time when the Whites are fighting for their life at the wrong end of the Premier League table with a potential return to the Championship on the cards.

And speaking on his podcast, journalist Phil Hay has claimed the Spaniard could leave Leeds to join a 'major' Spanish club:

"It wouldn't be any surprise to me if he went from Leeds to see him at a Spanish club – you know, a fairly major Spanish club.

"And I think – I always say this – there are a lot of people in the game who really rate Orta and I don't think he'll be short of offers particularly."

Could Leeds improve on Orta?

Orta's time in Yorkshire has certainly had its ups and downs both on the pitch and off it as the Whites have endured their struggles in the last two league campaigns.

Having survived the drop on the final day of the season last year, Leeds have failed to improve much with three points separating them from the bottom of the table.

And along the way, Orta has found himself in the middle of controversy with sections of the Leeds fans where he has allowed his emotions to get the better of him.

Incidents at Elland Road have seen the Spaniard hit out at the home fans with incidents seeing him shush sections of the home crowd.

In relation to his actual job, the director of football has certainly had his hits and misses since arriving in Yorkshire with the likes of Raphinha proving his best buy.

But there have definitely been some poor additions under his tenure with the likes of the Jean-Kevin Augustin debacle coming under Orta's time at Elland Road.

It has been a difficult last two seasons for Leeds and Orta's managerial decisions may have played into that with the appointment of Jesse Marsch clearly not working out.

But it will be interesting to see whether the potential takeover from 49ers Enterprises could see Orta leave sooner rather than later if it does go ahead over the summer.