All posts by h79snht.top

Crystal Palace fans’ worst fears could come to fruition if this journalist’s claims are true…

 What’s the word?

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Wilfried Zaha could be tempted to join Premier League giants Chelsea, who have shown an interest.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “Chelsea tried to sign him under the previous ownership and Zaha would welcome a move like this.

“I think it would be exciting to see Sterling and him in the same attack, and I think there are ways Tuchel could get that to open up.”

Vieira would be gutted

Zaha has been a cult hero at Selhurst Park, ever since his youthful heroics helped them return to the Premier League back in 2013. Even after his switch to Manchester United and subsequent return, there has been no love lost.

He is their talisman and has seen potential moves to far bigger clubs beaten away in order to stay and keep Palace in the division.

It will therefore be particularly heart-breaking for Patrick Vieira should the Ivory Coast international choose to leave, as he just seems to be building a team with real promise.

Zaha was comfortably their top scorer again in all competitions last season, bagging 15 times. The closest, with eight, was the departing Conor Gallagher.

If Palace were to lose both of their top scorers, perhaps the bleak prediction of relegation that they faced last summer would quickly become a reality, unless the young talent that Vieira has acquired can make the step up.

Not only would they lose the £130k-per-week magician’s current goals, but the loss of one of the club’s greatest ever players will surely have a hugely detrimental effect on the squad too. He is their top scorer in Premier League history, and this holds massive weight.

Also, his average SofaScore rating of 6.98 marked him out as the Eagles’ third-best performer last season, further outlining how big a miss he would be.

Not only would losing their main man be a huge blow but to a London rival would add insult to injury.

Vieira should be gutted at the prospect and will likely be begging the hierarchy at his club to do all they can to prevent it.

AND, in other news: Vieira could form a “wonderful” CPFC duo with late swoop for “electric” £112k-p/w star.

Leeds United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Arnaud Kalimuendo to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Get French Football News (via The Express), who revealed in a post on Twitter that the Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Antero Henrique is now attempting to offload a number of departures prior to the closure of the summer transfer window on September 1, with the 20-year-old centre-forward believed to be one of the names on Henrique’s list.

This is sure to come as a huge boost to Victor Orta and his Leeds United transfer team, as the Spaniard is believed to be extremely keen on a deal to bring the former France U21 international to Elland Road this summer – with PSG believed to be demanding a figure in the region of £21m in order to part with the striker.

However, the report goes on to state that the Whites are not alone in the race for Kalimuendo, with both OGC Nice and Stade Rennais also believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation of the starlet ahead of launching a potential move of their own in the coming weeks.

Huge boost for Orta

Considering just how exciting a talent Kalimuendo evidently is, the news that PSG are now willing to part with the 20-year-old this summer – with Christophe Galtier previously believed to be keen to keep the striker at the Parc des Princes beyond the summer – is sure to have come as a huge boost to Orta.

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

Indeed, the Whites still appear extremely reliant on the fitness of Patrick Bamford – who featured in just nine Premier League fixtures last season as a result of numerous injuries – with the 2022/23 campaign already underway, leading us to believe that the signing of a new centre-forward is an absolute must for the director of football in the coming weeks.

And, when taking into account the remarkable goalscoring form Kalimuendo was in over a two-year loan spell with RC Lens in 2020/21 and 2021/22, the France U21 international would very much appear to make something of a perfect addition to Jesse Marsch’s attacking options.

Indeed, 0ver his £16.2m-rated talent who Jacek Kulig dubbed “deadly” was exactly this, bagging 19 goals, registering five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates – playing a key role in his side securing extremely impressive back-to-back seventh place finishes in the top flight of French football.

As such, considering his efficiency in the final third, his potential for future development and his availability on the transfer market, Kalimuendo would very much appear to be something of a perfect fit for Leeds’ requirements this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a move in their bid to bring James Garner to north London this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Alan Nixon, with The Sun journalist revealing in a recent post on his Patreon page that, following reports on Monday morning suggesting that Fabio Paratici has been keeping a close eye on the situation of the Manchester United midfielder, the Italian sporting director has now submitted an opening bid for the 21-year-old.

However, it is suggested that this offer does not meet United’s reported £14m asking price for the England U21 international – who Nixon claims Tottenham view as a long-term project in the middle of the park, as well as one who will help the club with their issues regarding the number of homegrown players in their first team squad.

Smart move

Considering just how talented a young midfielder Garner undoubtedly is, coupled with the youngster’s signing helping Spurs with their aforementioned homegrown player issue, it is not difficult to see why Paratici would be keen on a move to bring the United starlet to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium prior to September’s transfer deadline.

Indeed, over his 41 Championship appearances throughout a year-long loan spell at Nottingham Forest in 2021/22, the £6.3m-rated prospect proved to be one of the stories of the season, bagging four goals, providing eight assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.0 key passes – the joint sixth-most in the league – per game.

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

The youngster who Josh Wright dubbed “unreal” also impressed in metrics more typical of his central midfield position, making an average of 1.8 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 1.5 long balls and winning 3.9 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per fixture.

These metrics saw the £20k-per-week prospect average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.26, ranking him not only as Forest’s best player in the division but also as the joint third-best performer in the second-tier as a whole – playing a key role in Steve Cooper’s side’s promotion to the top flight.

In terms of how Garner’s returns stack up against Antonio Conte’s current options in the middle of the park, the 21-year-old’s four goals would have ranked him as Spurs’ highest-scoring midfielder, his eight assists would have seen him rank as the club’s highest-assisting midfielder and his seven big chances created would have ranked him as Tottenham’s most frequent big chance creator in the Premier League last season.

And, while the argument could be made that the step up to the top flight would see Garner’s numbers reduce, a counter to this suggestion would be that, with the quality of Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison on the end of the 21-year-old’s deliveries, the youngster could actually see an increase to his creative output on his returns in the Championship.

As such, considering his undoubted talent, his extremely reasonable asking price and his suitability in terms of his homegrown status, signing Garner would very much appear an incredibly smart move for Paratici to make this summer.

Everton return to Premier League action this afternoon as they host Nottingham Forest in a 3pm kick-off.

Having lost their opening two games of the season and with their own players yet to score, Frank Lampard will be keen to get things right today at Goodison Park. 

Last week’s defeat to Aston Villa will sting given the chances they spurned as the match drew to its conclusion. The Toffees are still lacking a reliable starting striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still out, and it is showing.

The 44-year-old may spring a surprise or two going into this fixture, but he will largely be forced to keep the spine of the team similar due to injury enforcements.

The question remains, will he persist without a recognised striker? And will we see their big-money signing handed his full debut?

Here’s how we think Everton might line up against Nottingham Forest today…

Jordan Pickford remains in goal, having been one of Everton’s best-performing players in the last couple of games (as per WhoScored) despite conceding three goals.

The back three is also unlikely to be altered, with Yerry Mina and Ben Godfrey both ruled out for the foreseeable future.

Conor Coady is set to make his home debut in front of the Goodison Park crowd and will be flanked by James Tarkowski and Mason Holgate.

Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson are also expected to continue at wing-back as they look to impress down the flanks. However, many will be hoping for better offensive output for them, given Everton’s toothless start to the season.

In midfield, we can expect to see a full debut for Amadou Onana as he displaces the injured Abdoulaye Doucoure. The summer signing impressed last week in his cameo off the bench, especially with his powerful run and wonderful cutback to force the own goal. He will partner Alex Iwobi, ever-present so far this season.

We also expect the front three to remain the same as Salomon Rondon is clearly not favoured up front – not even Calvert-Lewin’s injury and the absence of any centre-forward alternative has enabled the Venezuelan to play more than 26 minutes over the last two games.

Anthony Gordon will therefore continue to deputise in the number nine role in place of the £20k-per-week dud, with Dwight McNeil and Demarai Gray flanking the Everton academy graduate up top.

Everton are reportedly looking to sign former West Bromwich Albion attacker Matheus Pereira before the summer transfer window closes.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Sunday Mirror (via TEAMtalk), the Toffees are keen on bringing the Brazilian back to England in the coming days.

They claim that the Toffees have even made an enquiry to sound out a possible deal.

Lampard needs him

Having played in 34 games for his current club, Al Hilal, last season, the Brazilian only scored three goals but managed to provide a whopping 15 assists along the way.

This shows how dangerous he can be in an attacking sense when it comes to scoring or creating goals for his teammates.

In 77 appearances for West Brom, the 26-year-old found the net 20 times and delivered 26 assists, showing he is more than capable of adapting to the rigours of English football.

Indeed, the 2020/21 season was a superb one for Pereira. In the Premier League with West Brom, he ended the campaign with more goals (11), assists (6), shots at goal (61) and key passes (57) than any other player at the club, highlighting how capable he is of being a consistent attacking threat in the top division.

Described by Micah Richards as a player who is “always looking forward at every opportunity”, the pundit also claimed that Pereira is “an absolute delight to watch.” That should provide fans with a great deal of excitement at what he could bring to Goodison Park.

Only four clubs have produced fewer goal-creating actions than Everton (4) so far in the league this season, so adding a player like Pereira to their ranks could be just what Frank Lampard needs to see his side become a deadlier attacking outfit.

During that aforementioned campaign in the top flight, Pereira showed why he could help in this facet of the game, ranking in the top 34% of players in his position in the Premier League for shot-creating actions and in the best 5% for through balls.

The versatility he has in being able to play across numerous midfield and attacking positions would also make him a very useful figure for the Toffees and Lampard.

Thus, having already proved how effective he can be in the Premier League, securing a late deal for the attacker with 57 career goals should be a no-brainer for the hierarchy at Goodison Park.

If the Merseyside club are able to bring the former West Brom star back to England, this would certainly see them end the summer transfer window on a high note.

West Ham United could still be set to make a move for Chelsea striker Armando Broja before the window closes, having been rebuffed in their approach for the youngster earlier this summer.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Paul Brown – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the Hammers are said to be one of the clubs who are “waiting” to see if the Albania international could become available before deadline day, with there still lingering hope that a deal can be struck for the 20-year-old.

The transfer insider stated: “I’m pretty certain that West Ham, Everton, Southampton, probably some others, are all still waiting to see what happens with Broja.

“There is a little window there, a crack open, for those clubs, and I think they suspect that he might still push to leave before the transfer window shuts.”

The east Londoners are believed to have had a bid of around £30m rejected for the 14-cap menace back in July, with the player having since been integrated into Thomas Tuchel’s first-team plans at Stamford Bridge – making two late cameos off the bench so far this term.

Devastating duo

While it has become something of a saga regarding West Ham’s interest in Broja, manager David Moyes would no doubt be delighted if his side could pull off yet another impressive piece of business to bring the highly-rated talent to the club.

The “devastating” marksman – as dubbed by national team assistant coach Sergio Porrini – caught the eye on loan at Southampton last term, scoring nine goals in all competitions during his stint at St Mary’s.

The £19.8m-rated ace – who previously netted 11 goals during a spell on loan at Vitesse Arnhem – impressed with his impressive strength and finishing prowess, with the 6 foot 3 “superstar”, as described by journalist Dan Sheldon, proving himself a real handful for defences across the division.

His arrival at the London Stadium could well see the formation of a hugely mouthwatering attacking partnership alongside summer signing, Gianluca Scamacca, with the 6 foot 5 titan also offering a real imposing, physical presence in attack.

Equally, much like Broja, the Italy international has also proven himself a lethal asset in front of goal, having scored 16 goals in Serie A last term, after netting 12 goals in just 29 games in all competitions the year prior while on loan at Genoa.

While he has been eased into life in the Premier League, the 23-year-old has already showcased his talent in a Hammers shirt on the European stage, scoring in both legs of the club’s Europa Conference League playoff triumph over Viborg FF.

With Moyes having deployed a 3-5-2 formation in Sunday’s much-needed victory over Aston Villa, there is the potential to partner the former Sassuolo man alongside Broja in attack this season, forging what could well be a ‘devastating’ attacking duo.

Sky Sports have shared an update on the ‘fascinating’ story of Fulham potentially singing Wales international Daniel James before the 11pm deadline.

The Lowdown: Cottagers make brilliant start…

Cottagers boss Marco Silva has guided Fulham to a solid start to life back in the Premier League, clinching results against the likes of Liverpool, Brighton, Wolves and Brentford.

Indeed, they’ve lost just one of their opening five league matches this season and it is believed they could even strengthen their squad before tonight’s cut off for summer transfers.

James, who also attracted late interest from Tottenham, is reportedly edging closer to a west London move with Sky Sports News sharing the latest on his potential arrival.

The Latest: Fulham nearing James deal…

According to the broadcast giant, via Football Daily, Silva’s side are indeed getting closer and closer to the signing of Leeds’ winger.

They explained:

“News as well just reaching us, Dan James, this has been a fascinating one hasn’t it – it looks like Fulham have won the race to sign him.

“He’s having a medical, season-long loan, not dependent on whether Leeds get anyone in so looks like James to Fulham is happening.”

The Verdict: Great news…

Called ‘unbelievable’ and ‘talented’ for his performances at international level by Wales boss Robert Page, the attacker will certainly provide Silva with strength in depth.

Lauded for his ‘frightening’ pace also, it appears Fulham are closer to acquiring a brilliant weapon at their disposal – especially given the emphasis on speed and power in the English top flight.

Huddersfield Town head of football operations Leigh Bromby has confirmed he has spoken with reported managerial target David Wagner.

The Lowdown: Wagner links

The Terriers are still on the search for Danny Schofield’s successor, with a number of managers linked with the vacant role over recent days.

One of those has been former boss Wagner, with journalist James Nursey revealing that Huddersfield are ‘keen’ on Wagner, although he added that ‘it is not an easy deal to do’.

Wagner is currently without a job after leaving Young Boys back in March, with Bromby now addressing the rumours.

The Latest: Bromby’s comments

In a story relayed by Yorkshire Live on Thursday, Bromby admitted that Wagner hasn’t been offered the job before added that there has been contact.

“I think David is unbelievably well-respected through everyone at the club, particularly myself, particularly Dean, and he’s held in such high regard in terms of what he put in place at the club, and I was lucky to part of that and work with him as academy manager.

“That interest is naturally going to be there. Now, would David take the job? I don’t know. Have I spoken to him about the job? Have I spoken to him before and during this period while I’ve been in this role? Yes, because he’s someone we’re aware of and obviously there’s a lot of interest, he’s been linked with the job, but I haven’t offered him the job.”

The Verdict: Why not…

Wagner had a hugely successful period in charge at The John Smith’s Stadium, taking the club into the Premier League.

His following stints with both Schalke and Young Boys were short-lived, but he could still be a shrewd appointment back where he did his best work.

The 4-4-2 style manager knows Huddersfield inside out and has plenty of experience, so he could be just what the club need at this moment in time, making this one to keep an eye on.

Arsenal are a side who have reaped the benefits of possessing an impressive academy set up in recent years, with the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka having all graduated from the Gunners’ youth ranks before establishing themselves as regulars in Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad.

However, arguably one of the club’s most talented academy prospects in recent memory, Reiss Nelson, is yet to fulfil his undoubted potential at The Emirates. And, with a matter of months remaining on his current contract in north London, time is running out for the 22-year-old to prove he has what it takes to make it at the club.

Indeed, former Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, previously stated his belief that Nelson “has shown that he can dribble, go past people and he isn’t fazed by the occasion,” while legendary Gunners centre-back Martin Keown claimed that the winger “showed the sort of touches you often see or associate with a Neymar or a real top player.”

There has been evidence of these claims on the pitch, with the £5.85m-rated talent having impressed during a loan spell at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim back in 2018/19, scoring seven goals and registering one assist over his 23 Bundesliga appearances, with Julian Nagelsmann going as far as to compare the attacker to another of Arsenal’s former academy graduates, Serge Gnabry.

Regarding Nelson, the former Hoffenheim manager said: “Reiss is a player whose qualities can be compared to those of Serge Gnabry, but just not so well developed.”

And, considering the fact that Gnabry now boasts a market valuation of £72m – having scored 67 goals and registered 43 assists over 182 appearances for Bayern Munich – just eight years after he left Arsenal for a measly £4.5m, it would appear extremely wise for the Gunners to learn their lesson from the 27-year-old’s rise and hand Nelson one more chance to impress before the end of his current deal.

Indeed, it is undeniable that the academy prospect possesses the potential to be a massive success in the professional game, perhaps even going on to match the level of the Germany international, but whether or not this development occurs at The Emirates looks to solely depend on whether or not Arteta affords the £15k-per-week starlet a final opportunity in an Arsenal shirt.

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Manuel Locatelli to The Emirates this winter.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Italian media outlet CalcioMercato, who claim that, despite turning down an offer for the midfielder from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, Juventus could still be tempted into parting with the 24-year-old this January, should they receive an offer too good to turn down – with his asking price reported to be in the region of €40m (£35m).

The report goes on to state that, having been linked with Locatelli in the past, Arsenal have now made contact with the Italy international and Juventus in order to determine whether or not the player would be interested in a move to north London this winter, although negotiations between the Serie A side and the Gunners are not believed to have started just yet.

Fabregas 2.0

With holding midfield being something of a weak point in Mikel Arteta’s first team squad – as Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka are the Spaniard’s only available options in the position at present – it is not difficult to understand why the 40-year-old would be interested in a deal to bring Locatelli to The Emirates this winter.

Indeed, the £52m-rated playmaker looks to be a player very much in the mould of Arteta’s particular brand of football, with WhoScored listing two of the 24-year-old’s primary strengths as his blocking of the ball – demonstrating his ability to win possession back for his side – and his range of passing – proving his ability to help his side control the tempo of games.

The King of North London! Honour his most famous goal with this awesome t-shirt! – Click here to buy…

These traits are evident in the breakdown of his statistics, with FBref ranking the Italian in the top 14% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for progressive passes per 90, in addition to the top 16% for passes completed, the top 30% for passes attempted and the top 16% for blocks over the last 365 days.

Furthermore, the £96k-per-week earner has earned praise for his ability to play line-breaking passes, with journalist Raj Chohan stating of the midfielder following his display in a 2-1 victory over Belgium in October of last year:

“Italy played Locatelli at the base instead of Jorginho vs Belgium in the Nations League third-place play-off and looked unreal. He’s got way more line-breaking passes in his locker.”

And, with Arsenal having lacked a player in the mould of a true deep-lying playmaker ever since their £35m sale of Cesc Fabregas back in 2011 – who was known for his ability to “dictate the tempo” and get his team “dominating games through the middle” – the signing of a player with the capability to perform such a role could well prove transformative for Arteta’s side.

As such, not only would Locatelli appear to be a prime candidate to take up this mantle, but should the Italian go on to seal a move to north London this winter, he could well become the Gunners’ next Fabregas-esque dictator in the middle of the park – a prospect that is sure to be an incredibly tantalising one for both Arteta and supporters of the club alike.