Tag Futebol

Leeds United are still working on a last-gasp deadline day move for PSV Eindhoven star Cody Gakpo, according to owner and chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

The Lowdown: Gakpo on Leeds’ radar

The Whites have enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, bringing in a host of players to help make up for the loss of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

They are still in need of more firepower up front however, especially after Rodrigo was ruled out for around a month, and Gakpo is one player who has been linked with a move to Leeds.

The 23-year-old, described as the ‘King of Eindhoven’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, is attracting massive interest from all over the Premier League.

Now, in a social media post all but confirming the arrival of Bamba Dieng, Radrizzani has suggested work is still going to get Gakpo over the line.

The Latest: Radz makes last-gasp claim

Taking to Twitter, the club chief teased Leeds fans by saying he, Victor Orta and co. are still working on a deal to bring in Gakpo:

“Let’s welcome Bamba Dieng and we will continue to work on Gapko. Now it’s time to focus on the pitch and support our new project and the great job Jesse and the staff are doing.”

Whether the Gakpo deal can still happen before 11pm today or if it will have to wait until January remains to be seen.

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The Verdict: Perfect final signing?

Gakpo could be the icing on the cake for Leeds this summer, bringing in an added wow factor to the attack, having matured into arguably PSV’s best player.

The Netherlands international has already scored six goals in just four Eredivisie appearances this season, not to mention chipping in with three assists for good measure, highlighting the amount of end product he has in his armoury.

Gakpo could make Leeds that extra bit special in the final third, proving to be the difference in tight games when a moment of individual genius is required.

Journalist and broadcaster Andy Sixsmith has praised the potential signing of Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: In talks

As per Italian football journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the St. James’ Park outfit are preparing an offer for Ramos, and talks are ongoing with him and Benfica over a potential move.

PSG are also thought to be interested in signing him, but the North East club have made him their ‘top target’.

The Latest: Sixsmith reacts

Taking to Twitter, Sixsmith, a broadcaster for BBC Sport and Radio 5 Live, gave his instant reaction to the news, praising Ramos’ qualities and claiming that he would be the ‘perfect fit’ on Tyneside:

“Talk really building on Goncalo Ramos to NUFC – what a smart signing this would be. Brilliant in the air, a real clever finisher & a proper grafter up front – all for a manageable fee. He’d bring goals, quality & competition. Perfect fit.”

The Verdict: No time to waste

With the likes of PSG. who can offer him UEFA Champions League football, interested in Ramos, there is no time to waste for Eddie Howe’s side to get this deal over the line.

He has started the season very well, scoring a hat-trick in Benfica’s 4-1 home win over FC Midtjylland in their Champions League qualifier, while he’s also registered three assists this term already (Transfermarkt).

The 21-year-old had a breakthrough season last campaign, when he managed eight goals and four assists in 46 matches in total across all competitions (Transfermarkt), and is really starting to make a name for himself around Europe.

Nonetheless, Ramos would provide the perfect competition to both Callum Wilson and Chris Wood up top.

CBS Sports Golazo journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Newcastle United do hold an ‘interest’ in signing Youri Tielemans.

The Lowdown: Leicester raid?

Sky Sports journalist and North East reporter Keith Downie revealed on Tuesday afternoon that the St. James’ Park outfit have had a second offer for James Maddison rejected by Leicester City.

Given that they also look to be in for Harvey Barnes and now Tielemans too, they could well be plotting a massive raid of the Foxes in order to really push for a European spot for next season.

The Latest: Tielemans ‘interest’

Taking to Twitter, Jacobs has revealed that Brendan Rodgers’ side are expecting an offer for Tielemans ‘soon’, with £30m the asking price set and both Arsenal and Manchester United lurking:

“Leicester also expect an offer soon for Youri Tielemans. An Arsenal move still very possible despite the lack of offer to date. It’s £30m Leicester now need. Tielemans wants the uncertainty over his future resolved. #MUFC also still interested.”

When asked by a Magpies fan if they will make a late move for him as well, Jacobs added:

“Newcastle interest does indeed have some substance to it, although they haven’t advanced it to date.”

The Verdict: Great coup

Even if they miss out on Maddison, signing Tielemans would feel like a great coup for the Tynesiders.

The fact that big clubs like Arsenal and United, who can also offer him European football, are in for him is testament to the calibre of player that he is – Rodgers called his displays last season ‘outstanding’.

The Belgium international is currently rated at £49.5m by Transfermarkt, and so snapping him up for £30m thanks to his contract situation would be a real bargain.

Nonetheless, Tielemans already has the Premier League experience, and so should be able to settle in fairly quickly if he makes the move to the Toon.

West Ham United are increasingly confident that Jesse Lingard will sign for the club, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

The Lowdown: Lingard links

According to a report by ESPN, the 29-year-old flew out to the USA last week in order to entertain any offers emerging from the MLS.

However, the same article suggests that there is still interest coming from the Premier League, with the Hammers and Everton both interested in securing the former Manchester United man’s signature.

The attacking-midfielder rejected a contract offer from David Moyes’ side last summer as he preferred to fight for his place in the Red Devils’ side, but he has now left Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract, making him available on a free transfer.

The Latest: Sheth’s news

Sheth has now shared the latest news on Lingard’s footballing future. Taking to Twitter, the reporter claimed:

“West Ham United in negotiation with Jesse Lingard’s representatives – growing feeling the player will choose to return to the club. Has other Premier League offers. #Lingard #WHUFC”

The Verdict: Great signing

The former England international excelled in his last stint at the London Stadium; in 16 appearances for the club, Lingard netted nine goals and provided five assists (via Transfermarkt).

As a result, the 29-year-old was rated as West Ham’s best player during his time in East London (via SofaScore), making him a core piece of Moyes’ starting XI.

Therefore, it is no surprise that the Scottish boss is back in for his star man, who has been hailed as “one of the best in terms of making runs off the ball” – he’s not too bad on it either.

This feels like a no brainer signing for the Hammers.

Leeds United are now thought to be in talks with Club Brugge over a move for Charles de Ketelaere.

The Lowdown: Phil Hay update

The Belgium international has been linked with a move to Elland Road over the last seven days, with reports suggesting that Leeds were willing to pay big for the 21-year-old’s services.

Phil Hay provided an update on Saturday, claiming that the Whites are ‘serious’ about signing the Belgian with a view to utilising him as a forward.

The 21-year-old enjoyed his best season in front of goal in 2021/22 with 18 goals and 10 assists in 49 matches, and it looks as if Leeds have now taken the next step in their bid to secure his services.

The Latest: Talks open

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Monday’s print edition of The Daily Mail [27 June, pg. 63].

They claimed that Leeds are now ‘in talks’ with Club Brugge over a move for De Ketelaere, citing a £26m fee.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

De Ketelaere appears to fit the bill at Elland Road and could form a partnership with Patrick Bamford in a 4-2-2-2 system under Jesse Marsch, should a move go through.

He also has experience of playing anywhere in behind, on the wing or in midfield, so his versatility could be a real bonus for the Whites.

A £26m fee could also be a great piece of business when you consider that his Transfermarkt valuation has risen from £4.5m to £27m in just over two years, and with talks now underway, we could see further developments regarding a move this week.

Aston Villa target Calvin Bassey looks set to make a decision on his Rangers future after he returns from international duty.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Daily Record who claim that Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is keen on a reunion with the 22-year-old former Leicester City youth prospect, with the player set to decide before returning to Rangers for pre-season.

Amidst Gerrard’s desire to coax Bassey out of Ibrox, the report states that the Nigerian is attracting interest from across Europe, after what was an impressive end to the season with a stellar performance in the Europa League final.

As per a report from Birmingham Mail, it is said that a £25m asking price could be enough to dissuade Villa from a deal, with the club weighing up other options for the man who is rated at £900k as per Transfermarkt.

Best business of the window

The signing of Bassey could be Aston Villa’s best piece of business of the entire summer window.

He’s an astute and versatile defender who has shared duties as a left-back and a centre-back this season, playing the most vital game in the Europa League final as a left centre-back, and doing so extremely well.

Defensively speaking, he is more than sound, hence being dubbed “The Great Wall”, offering up numbers that place him in and around the elite category amongst positionally similar players, with his average of 2.45 tackles and 8.11 pressures in the defensive third further evidence of the stability he offers.

Whilst he could turn out to be the long-term successor of Tyrone Mings, he will most certainly provide much-needed competition for Lucas Digne at left-back after the sale of Matt Targett to Newcastle.

His versatility is attractive, but his defensive dominance is what has made him the sought after prospect we see today.

The Villans have landed the signings of Boubacar Kamara, Philippe Coutinho and Diego Carlos but such is the potential of Bassey and his familiarity with Gerrard that this could well be their most shrewd deal yet.

In other news: Lange could land the new James Milner as AVFC plot bid for “athletic” £14.4m-rated gem

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid winger Yannick Carrasco recently and the Belgian could be a superb addition to Steven Gerrard’s side.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish news outlet Sport (17:57 in live blog), Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle are all interested in the 28-year-old this summer, with a departure from the Wanda Metropolitano seemingly on the cards.

They claim that Newcastle United see him as their main target this summer but Villa and Spurs are also potential bidders, with all three sides undoubtedly targeting European qualification next season.

Coutinho 2.0?

Carrasco would be another huge name for Villa to bring in this summer, having already secured the permanent signing of Philippe Coutinho following his impressive loan spell last season.

Like the mini-Brazilian, Carrasco has experience at the very top, having regularly appeared for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, while he also has won the Europa League and La Liga during his time with Los Colchoneros.

Last season saw the Belgium international contribute six goals and six assists for Atletico, averaging an impressive 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the top-flight.

This was a better return than any winger in Villa’s squad last season in terms of both goals and assists, so he could definitely add some quality in Gerrard’s side next season.

Diego Simeone was full of praise for the winger after he arrived from AS Monaco, saying:

“Carrasco is growing based on the effort he made to suit the characteristics of the team,” he said. “We’re happy [about] his performance. Goals [are] his speciality.

“He’s a guy who is used to scoring important goals. He is a player that has certain attributes, that [is] why he is at Atletico.”

Previous reports have suggested that Villa will need to spend up to £50m to bring in Carrasco this summer but if he could have a similar impact to Coutinho, who was only behind Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins in terms of goal contributions last season despite joining in January, then he would surely be worth the risk.

And, in other news… Gerrard heading for summer transfer disaster

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins only has an outside chance of featuring against Crystal Palace this afternoon due to injury.

The Lowdown: Injury scare

Watkins, who Gregg Evans labelled as the ‘real deal’ back in 2020, has been a regular this season, missing just one Premier League game under Steven Gerrard.

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The 26-year-old has attracted interest from West Ham as a result of his displays this season, scoring 10 times in 32 top-flight fixtures.

The England international picked up an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday, and it looks as if he may not recover in time for the clash with Patrick Vieira’s side this afternoon.

The Latest: Preece’s post

Villa correspondent Ashley Preece relayed injury updates from Gerrard’s pre-match press conference on Twitter, one of which was on Watkins.

The forward was yet to train as a result of his ankle issue and only has an outside chance of featuring against Palace. However, there was some good news, with Jacob Ramsey set to be back in the squad following a groin problem.

The Verdict: Options

Gerrard has gone with three different systems in Villa’s last four Premier League games, and this update on Watkins could result in more tactical changes.

He stuck with a 4-3-1-2 formation against Liverpool, however, with Watkins a doubt, he may have to resort back to either a 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1, with a winger coming in for Watkins and Danny Ings going as a lone striker.

Club-record signing Emiliano Buendia was on the bench last time out, so perhaps he’ll come back into the XI, or Bertrand Traore is another option after replacing Watkins in the week.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho.  

Nottingham Forest are not interested in a January deal for Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Marinakis plotting late Bakayoko move

The 28-year-old arrived in the Premier League when he joined the Blues back in 2017, but is currently halfway through a two-year loan with Italian giants AC Milan.

The Reds were believed to be eyeing up a shock late move for the Frenchman in the final days of the summer window, but a deal wasn’t agreed before the deadline.

The Latest: Forest don’t want Bakayoko

Taking to Twitter, Romano denied all claims linking Forest to Bakayoko and insisted that Evangelos Marinakis would not be pursuing a deal in the New Year. He wrote:

“Rumours about Tiemoué Bakayoko to Olympiacos and then to Nottingham Forest in January are wide of mark.”

The Verdict: Waste of money

Hearing the news that Bakayoko won’t be joining Forest will no doubt be music to the ears of most supporters.

The ‘different mentality’ ace, as dubbed by former AC Milan star Lucas Biglia, has failed to make a single appearance in the Serie A so far this season and is currently on £93k-per-week, a salary not worth paying for someone who’d be nothing more than a bench warmer.

Steve Cooper already has the likes of Lewis O’Brien and Cheikhou Kouyate at his disposal in midfield, so making the decision not to pursue Bakayoko is almost definitely the right one.

Neil Wagner becomes second-quickest New Zealander to 200 Test wickets

Gaurav Sundararaman28-Dec-201970 – Wickets taken by Pat Cummins between his last lbw dismissal – Quinton de Kock in March 2018 in Johannesburg – and the one of Henry Nicholls today. Cummins has only six lbw dismissals in his career.ESPNcricinfo Ltd2 – Five-wicket hauls for Cummins in Boxing Day Tests. Cummins has taken 18 wickets at an average of 13.55 in four innings at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Cummins took a five-wicket haul against India last year at the same venue.42.9 – Cummins’ strike rate in Tests in 2019 – the second-best for Australia in a calendar year behind Mitchell Starc’s 39.0 in 2016.Cummins now has 59 wickets in 2019 – the most for the year across teams.Cummins’ career strike rate of 46.4 is also the best for any bowler from Australia with a minimum of 100 wickets.319 – Lead taken by Australia at the end of the first innings – the sixth highest for them against New Zealand and highest in Australia since 2004.ESPNcricinfo Ltd46 – Tests taken by Neil Wagner to pick up 200 wickets – the second-quickest for a bowler from New Zealand after Richard Hadlee, who took 44 Tests to get there.1974 – The last time New Zealand were dismissed for less than 148 in the first innings of a Test against Australia. This is New Zealand’s third lowest score against Australia in the first innings of a Test.New Zealand have now made three consecutive scores of less than 200. This is the first time since 2007 when this has happened. The last time was when they toured South Africa in 2007.15.33 – New Zealand’s batting average at the end of the first innings of the Test – the fourth lowest in any Test series for New Zealand.