All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United are ‘really interested’ in Ajax winger Antony, with Erik ten Hag ‘pushing’ for a deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Still waiting…

Ten Hag was announced as the new Manchester United manager back in April. Since then, the Red Devils have been linked with a plethora of players but are still yet to bring in any for the Dutchman.

The only meaningful business so far is confirming exits for Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata, and it looks as if Ten Hag is taking matters into his own hands when it comes to a potential move for Antony.

The Latest: Antony update

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday evening to provide an update on United and Antony. He revealed United are ‘really interested’ and have already made contact, ‘with Ten Hag pushing’ for a transfer.

The transfer expert’s ‘been told’ that the winger’s camp is ‘now asking Ajax to listen to bids’ this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-3/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done

Antony appears to be keen on leaving Ajax this summer, and a move to Old Trafford could be perfect. The Brazilian starred under Ten Hag last season, contributing to 22 goals in 32 games. United also don’t have a senior recognised right-winger on the books, with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho down as left-wingers.

Therefore, signing an out-and-out right-winger could be handy, and a player who Ten Hag knows how to get the best from, is still just 22 years of age and enjoyed a brilliant campaign last time out is seemingly a no brainer.

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson has urged the club to sign another striker ahead of their hectic schedule next season.

The Lowdown: ‘Critical zone’

As per Sam Dean of The Telegraph, star striker Harry Kane spent over half of the 2021/22 season playing in the ‘critical zone’, which is said to be dangerous for a player’s health and career longevity. A player is considered to be in the ‘critical zone’ when they have made two appearances, lasting at least 45 minutes, within five days of one another.

With Tottenham having secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, worries have arisen regarding a number of Spurs players’ health.

The Latest: Robinson’s claim

Robinson, who works as a pundit for Sky Sports, has spoken about his worries for Kane, asserting that Tottenham need to sign another striker so that the England international can be rotated when he needs to rest.

Speaking with Football Insider, the 42-year-old claimed: “I’ve been saying this for so many windows, they need to sign a solid back-up option. Son [Heung-min] does a great job when he plays there but then you miss him on the left.

“Antonio Conte’s style is so rigid. It doesn’t change. Now more than ever there is a call for a Harry Kane number two if you like.

“This conversation has been had so many times. The problem is, it’s hard sell. How do you tell a top striker that he can play when Harry Kane doesn’t. Tottenham need to find a versatile player who can play wide as well as nine.

“The amount of football Spurs have next season, plus the World Cup, they need someone. Harry Kane cannot physically play all of those games.

“The manager has to have another option. It is glaringly obvious that they need somebody in that area.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Need a back-up

Kane started 36 of this season’s 38 Premier League games for Tottenham, totalling 49 appearances for his club across all competitions. This came after a 49-match campaign in 2020/21, while since the start of Euro 2020 this time last year, he has also played in 19 matches for England.

With Tottenham now preparing for the Champions League next term, Antonio Conte will surely want his star striker to be fit and healthy for both domestic and European duties.

This means that Kane will be expected to be at full fitness for a large chunk of the season. Therefore, it is imperative that Spurs bring in a backup option for matches where the striker can be rotated.

Whilst it may be hard to secure a top-class player with the promise of limited game-time, the lure of the Champions League could certainly help Fabio Paratici’s cause in transfer negotiations this summer.

In other news: Media blown away by ‘massive’ transfer news

Despite the multitude of names that have been tipped to join Celtic this summer, the most pressing issue remains that of a player who has already adorned the famous green and white Hoops, with last season’s loanee, Jota, still yet to complete a much anticipated permanent switch to the Scottish champions.

However, according to the latest reports, the end to that long-running saga could now be in sight…

What’s the word?

As per journalist Mark Hendry, it looks as if the 23-year-old’s long-term future is set to be resolved sooner rather than later, with it now reportedly a “formality” that the Portuguese starlet will make the permanent move from Benfica: “All I know is it’s very close and has been for a wee while. Believe it’s just a formality at this point. When, not if.”

The Lisbon-born ace joined the Old Firm outfit on a season-long loan deal on deadline day last summer, with that move having included an option to buy worth a reported £6.5m.

The Glasgow giants have already wrapped one notable piece of business so far in the current window, bringing in fellow loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers in a £10m permanent swoop from Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange’s best piece of business

Title-winning manager Ange Postecoglou has already proven himself an astute operator in the transfer market in his Hoops tenure thus far, although managing to bring in the former Portugal U21 international would no doubt be his best piece of business yet and a real statement of intent heading into the new season.

Having been something of an unknown quantity upon his arrival at Parkhead just under a year ago, Jota quickly cemented himself as a real key figure for the Scottish Premiership side, proving instrumental in securing a tenth league triumph of the past 11 seasons.

In a stunning campaign both on a collective and individual basis, the £4.95m-rated gem chipped in with 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, proving himself a vital asset both as a goal-getter and a creator.

Dubbed a “terrific player” by BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves for his form both domestically and in Europe, the £7.1k-per-week speedster has dazzled with both his trickery and bravery in possession, offering a relentless attacking threat down either flank.

With a return to the Champions League group stages to come for the first time since 2017, the Celtic Park outfit will be in desperate need of their star asset if they are to put up a real fight against Europe’s elite, while they are likely to once again face intense competition from bitter rivals Rangers on the domestic front.

In truth, the club simply need the fleet-footed winger in tow if they are to be able to kick on again next term, with it set to be Postecoglou’s best transfer deal yet if he can get it over the line.

In other news, Celtic can unearth a new Giakoumakis after submitting bid for “very strong” £2.5m gem

Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay is set to undergo a medical at Liverpool in the coming days after the Reds’ offer was accepted.

The Lowdown: Ramsay profiled

As per the Dons’ official website, the 18-year-old has been at Pittodrie ever since joining the academy at the age of nine. He became a full time professional in 2019, signing a long-term deal in Scotland in 2021 and making his senior first-team debut against Dundee United later the same year.

Even though the right-back still has two years remaining on that contract, his performances caught the eye of the Reds, alongside Premier League rivals Leeds.

Of course, much of the media attention on Merseyside this week is focused on the quest to sign Darwin Nunez, who is believed to be the subject of a huge bid, but it seems Ramsay could be the man to become the club’s second summer signing after Fabio Carvalho.

The Latest: Medical next, announcement soon

In a new article published by Football Insider, it’s claimed that Liverpool are ‘close to securing a full agreement’ for Ramsay, with a recruitment source telling the website that a bid ‘worth £4m including add-ons’ has been accepted by Aberdeen.

The source further states that the defender will now ‘undergo’ a medical with the top-flight giants ‘in the coming days’ after ‘agreeing terms’ on his move to England.

It’s reported that a deal is ‘all but done’, with both parties ‘negotiating the structure of payments’ before the prospect is granted permission to complete his tests.

There could even be an official announcement ‘within the next days’.

The Verdict: One for the future

Trent Alexander-Arnold will probably always be the first-choice right-back in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, but given his age, Ramsay will definitely be one for the future and has plenty of potential to give.

The Scotland U21 international has been in hugely impressive form for the Dons this season, having assisted nine goals and even netting one himself in just 33 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, possessing the same kind of attacking qualities down the wing that the Liverpool number 66 does.

Already establishing himself at a highly competitive level – four of his nine assists came in European games – there’s no doubt that the teenager will be ready to step up when the manager does come calling.

In other news… one of the Reds’ first-team stars is now ‘closing in’ on a summer Anfield exit.

Wolves have been linked with a transfer move for Torino midfielder Matt Garbett.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Sun, Wolves are one of the clubs keeping tabs on the player alongside the likes of Sevilla and fellow Premier League sides Everton and Leicester City.

After starting his career in his home country of New Zealand, the London-born midfielder joined Swedish club Falkenberg in the 2020 January transfer window.

Having made 26 appearances there, the 20-year-old then joined Torino’s U19 squad in the previous summer transfer window.

Since then, the midfielder has made 30 appearances for the Italian club’s youth side, scoring three goals and delivering two goals in the process.

For New Zealand, the youngster has already made nine appearances in which he’s managed to score one goal, which highlights just how highly rated he is at such a young age.

Prior to that, he racked up ten international appearances for New Zealand’s U17 side, scoring four goals in the process.

One of those goals was described as “terrific” on Twitter by presenter Chris Chang, highlighting that he has a talent for scoring goals from midfield.

The next Moutinho

Back in 2020, after previously being linked with a move to Everton, Garbett was described as a “hotshot” by journalist Phil Cadden.

Taking that into account, it seems as though the Old Gold could land a rather exciting and talented young player if they are able to secure the starlet’s signature this summer.

Wolves midfielder Joao Moutinho is set to see his current contract at Molineux run out at the end of the month, so there’s every chance that he could be waving goodbye to the Midlands club in the coming weeks.

With that in mind, a young talent such as Garbett could be their ideal long-term replacement for the 35-year-old veteran.

Having shown an early knack for finding the back of the net throughout his short career, the Torino talent could well end up following in the footsteps of Moutinho, who has scored five goals and provided 23 assists in 176 games.

Even if the Portugal international does end up staying at the club for a bit longer, it could still be worth them signing the New Zealand starlet as give him the chance to develop and grow even further.

In other news: Wolves eyeing move for £18m star who’s “got all the tools”, he’s better than Podence

Everton are reportedly now in contact over the potential signing of James Tarkowski.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month, meaning that he can leave Burnley on a free transfer once it expires.

Given that they were relegated from the Premier League, it seems very unlikely that he will stay at the Clarets, with a number of clubs in the top flight expected to fight for his signature.

The Latest: Everton in contact over Tarkowski

As per i News, Everton are now hoping that they can wrap up a deal for Tarkowski, although Leeds United, Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also monitoring his situation.

Frank Lampard has promised the defender a platform to regain his place in the England squad before the World Cup starts in November, and the Merseyside club have been in contact over him in recent weeks and submitted a long-term contract offer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-5/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: No-brainer

To sign a player of Tarkowski’s quality and experience for free is surely a no-brainer for the Toffees.

Once dubbed an ‘outstanding‘ defender by his former Burnley boss Sean Dyche, and a ‘real leader‘ at the back by ex-Premier League striker Noel Whelan, he should certainly help with Everton’s defensive problems from the 2021/22 season. They conceded no fewer than 66 times in the league, the fifth-most of any team.

Also, given the strong interest from other top-flight clubs, signing him would be a shrewd and satisfying coup from the Blues.

In other news, find out whose future now lies away from Everton

Manchester United are reportedly looking to make a bid to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku in the coming days.

What’s the news?

A recent tweet from Florian Plettenberg shed some very encouraging light on the matter from a Red Devils perspective.

The Sky Sports journalist said: “Yes, there is a good contact between #MUFC and the player’s management. It is said that an official offer could arrive in Leipzig next week. United bosses rate him as very good. Rangnick recommended his transfer as reported. RB still won’t sell.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

After working his way through Paris Saint-Germain’s youth ranks, the 24-year-old joined RB Leipzig in the summer of 2019 in a deal worth €13m (£11m).

Since then, the Frenchman has grown into one of Europe’s top players by racking up 47 goals and 47 assists in 135 games for the Bundesliga outfit.

The 2021/22 season saw the former PSG youngster score 35 goals and supply 20 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Ten Hag will be thrilled

To further highlight his attacking and creative talents, Nkunku ended up with the joint-highest number of goal-creating actions (28) in the Bundesliga alongside Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller.

With an overall performance rating of 7.64 from WhoScored, only Robert Lewandowski earned a higher rating for the 2021/22 German top-flight season, showing how special a player the Leipzig star is. He also ended the campaign with more man of the match awards from WhoScored (10) than any other player in the Bundesliga.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Nkunku would be a very exciting signing for United, and it would leave Erik Ten Hag thrilled if the Red Devils are able to get the 24-year-old to move to Old Trafford.

However, with Plettenberg claiming that Leipzig won’t be looking to sell him this summer, it could take a substantial offer from the Red Devils to get the Frenchman to make the move to England.

Also, with the prospect of playing in the Champions League not on the table for Nkunku at Old Trafford next season, unlike at Leipzig, this could also be a stumbling block in their efforts to sign the attacker this summer.

In other news: Ten Hag can finally axe MUFC’s big “waste of time” by signing £54m-rated “phenomenon”

Newcastle United are reportedly now ready to sign Lucas Paqueta in what would be a club-record deal this summer.

The Lowdown: Another Bruno…

Paqueta is very much cut from the same cloth as Bruno Guimaraes, in the respect that he is a silky Brazilian midfielder who plays for Lyon, with Bruno since moving to St. James’ Park in the January transfer window.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Magpies fan favourite is a ‘good friend’ of Paqueta’s, and so could play his part in trying to persuade his former teammate to join him in the North East.

The Latest: Deal readied

As per The Times, the Tyneside outfit are now ready to break their transfer record to sign Paqueta, who would cost them in the region of £50m.

He is a ‘major target’ for Eddie Howe, and his side are now ‘weighing up’ an offer for the 24-year-old.

The Verdict: Sign

The prospect of getting Bruno and Paqueta playing on the pitch for the same team again is truly mouth-watering, and adding another Brazilian in Joelinton into the middle of the park is surely something that the Toon Army will want to see.

Hailed as ‘exemplary and a ‘soldier’ by his teammate Karl Toko-Ekambi earlier this season, he is even a player that Arsenal and Premier League legend Thierry Henry loves.

No wonder, as Paqueta managed 11 goals and seven assists from midfield in all competitions this term (Transfermarkt), and so would be an extra deadly weapon for the Magpies should they be able to get this deal over the line.

In other news, find out what shock triple raid of one top-flight club NUFC are now eyeing here!

BBC pundit Carlton Palmer has admitted that he remains confident that Sheffield Wednesday captain Barry Bannan will stay at the club next season.

The Lowdown: Missing out on promotion

Despite successfully securing a place in the top six in League One, Darren Moore’s side suffered a heart-breaking 2-1 aggregate defeat at the hands of Sunderland in the play-off semi-final, meaning that they will be playing in the third tier of English football for at least another campaign.

Since the game, this has caused plenty of speculation surrounding the 31-year-old’s future, who might understandably have aspirations to play at a higher level than the club have been resigned to for next term.

The Latest: Palmer makes Bannan transfer claim

Palmer, however, believes that no potential suitor interested would be willing to pay Bannan’s huge wage packet, so therefore thinks he will stay put at Hillsborough. He told Football League World:

“Well, let’s not kid ourselves. Right. Barry. I know Barry, he’s a lovely kid.

“He’s a nice bloke. He’s 100% Sheffield Wednesday, he’s brilliant for Sheffield Wednesday.

“But let’s not kid ourselves, who is going to pay him £27k a week. He isn’t going anywhere.

“So him saying, ‘Oh, I’m going to commit to staying at Sheffield Wednesday.’ Yes, other clubs will be interested in him, but who’s going to pay him 27 grand a week.

“With all due respect, he’s better than the league. He’s miles better. He’s been Sheffield Wednesday’s best performer.

“He’s been brilliant since he came to Sheffield Wednesday, but he’s playing in League one, right. And he’s earning that amount of money. He’s not going anywhere.”

The Verdict: Second time lucky?

It’s no secret that the midfielder was one of the main reasons why the Owls managed to reach the playoffs, having scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in League One this season, as per Transfermarkt.

Once hailed an “incredible” player by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Bannan isn’t getting any younger, and with his age, it’s hard to imagine that any club would want to take him on in any of the divisions above, so his best option would be to remain with Wednesday in the hope that they can earn promotion at the second time of asking.

If the maestro can reach the performance levels that he has over this last year, then that should give his side a strong fighting chance to compete at the top end of the table again next season.

West Ham United are reportedly eyeing a deal for Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, according to trusted Irons insider ExWHUemployee.

What’s the word?

Asked about the Hammers’ possible interest in the Frenchman on Twitter, the respected club source revealed that “he is one” that the east London club are targeting, as David Moyes seeks to bolster his defensive ranks this summer.

The 21-year-old centre-back had been linked with a move to the London Stadium in January, while Premier League rivals Newcastle United also reportedly placed a £33m bid to secure his services in the winter.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news!”]

The 6 foot 4 colossus has recently piqued the interest of any prospective English suitors by insisting that it would be a “dream” to play in the Premier League, with an offer of around £40m likely to be enough to lure him from the Stade Louis II.

In full, Ex said: “I did some of our centre back targets on the podcast this morning and I forgot to mention him but yes I believe he is one.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Signing a new centre-back appears to be high on the priority list for GSB this summer, with West Ham having been caught short in recent weeks due to a lack of depth in the heart of the defence.

Kurt Zouma and Craig Dawson have predominantly been the first-choice pairing this term, although there is little quality in reserve beyond that duo, with 34-year-old Angelo Ogbonna yet to return from long-term injury, while Issa Diop has been linked with a departure after a frustrating last few seasons.

Reinforcements are needed and Badiashile could be the man to do the job, with the starlet having enjoyed another fine campaign in Ligue 1. In the current French top-flight campaing, he has averaged 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game in his 23 outings, while also winning an impressive 77% of his aerial duels and 65% of his duels overall.

No slouch on the ball, the £25.2m-rated gem has also recorded an 88% pass accuracy rate in Ligue 1 this season, while also ranking in the top 6% among centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes.

Despite his youth, the £14k-per-week giant already has 118 senior appearances under his belt for Monaco in all competitions. Also, the club’s vice president Oleg Petrov has tipped the 21-year-old for a bright future, insisting that he is: “very good technically, very humble, very fast, gives a lot of comforts when he plays but still very young.”

Petrov added: “For a player of his age, playing all the games as a starter, it is a huge opportunity for him to develop into a player of the highest calibre.”

Such high praise would indicate that Badiashile is set for a long and successful stint at an elite level, with Moyes and co needing to do all they can to try and bring him to east London this summer.

The Irons’ fan base will surely enjoy hearing of the club’s efforts to bring in such a capable and precocious player in a position which badly needs addressing between now and the end of August.

In other news, 11 games, 0 goals: Bilic made “huge mistake” on West Ham dud who cost £2.5m per yellow card