All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton have reportedly now sent officials to watch Gleison Bremer ahead of a potential move in the summer.

The Lowdown: Standout season

Bremer is currently having a standout individual season at Torino, where he has been part of a defence who have conceded just 30 goals in the Serie A, with only the top four having better defensive records.

Recently dubbed ‘out of this world’ by Eurosport journalist Siavoush Fallahi, he was the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to make 100 or more interceptions this term.

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Italian football journalist Maxi Angelo believes that he should be a contender for Serie A defender of the season, and also claims that it is only a matter of time before he is called up by Brazil.

Nonetheless, the centre-back will surely have a lot of clubs lining up for his signature this summer. The Latest: In contact

As per Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Goodison Park faithful have been ‘in contact’ with Torino over Bremer, and have sent ‘observers’ to watch him in action.

However, the number of his potential suitors is ‘growing’, as Arsenal, Leicester City, Newcastle United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also ‘fans’.

He is thought to cost in the region of €50m (£41.4m), but if Bremer were to force through a move, that could fall to as little as €25m (£20.7m).

The Verdict: Difficult

Given the calibre of teams in the race, it would seem very difficult for the Merseyside club to persuade Bremer to join them.

After all, there is still a possibility that they could be relegated from the Premier League, which would almost certainly rule out any deal.

However, given that he shares the same agent as Toffees manager Frank Lampard, perhaps this is one that they can negotiate in their favour, providing they are still in the top flight.

In other news, find out which Blues talent is now in talks over a new contract here!

Ally McCoist expected better from Rangers right-back James Tavernier against Motherwell on Saturday. 

The lowdown

Rangers survived an early red card for centre-back Leon Balogun in their 3-1 win at Fir Park, closing the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership to three points ahead of Celtic’s trip to Ross County on Sunday afternoon.

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It was Tavernier who effectively sealed the victory when he converted a penalty on 62 minutes to establish a two-goal cushion.

Even as Giovanni van Bronckhorst rang the changes ahead of Thursday’s trip to RB Leipzig for the Europa League semi-final first leg, the skipper played the full 90 minutes for the 32nd time in 34 SPFL matches this season.

The latest

Speaking live on Sky Sports during the match, the Gers’ all-time leading goalscorer McCoist expressed his frustration at a Tavernier cross that was easily dealt with by Motherwell.

“It’s a really poor delivery from someone whose delivery is usually really good,” he said, as quoted by Ibrox News.

The verdict

Even though he scored, it’s fair to say that Tavernier could have played better.

The £6.3million-rated star is perhaps his side’s foremost creator, with a team-high 14 assists under his belt this season.

But even though he swung in seven crosses, he failed to create a chance on Saturday. Indeed, only two of his deliveries found a team-mate (via SofaScore).

Overall, 17 of his 51 passes (equating to 33%) and seven of his eight long balls, went astray.

He lost possession more than any other player on the pitch (29 times, two more than next-worst Borna Barisic).

The £24,000-per-week man may hope to be more effective when Rangers travel to Germany for perhaps the biggest game of their season so far.

In other news, the stats showed that this trio struggled most vs Motherwell.

Reliable journalist Dominic King has provided a fresh update regarding a Liverpool move to sign AS Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, confirming Reds chiefs are eyeing the player. 

The lowdown: Frenzy of speculation

This all comes following a report from Santi Aouna of reputable French otulet Foot Mercato, claiming that the Reds have initiated contact over a possible move for the 22-year-old.

Whilst the Anfield club have been tentatively linked previously, this was the first suggestion of a tangible pursuit as Liverpool seemingly moved into the front of the queue to sign Tchouameni.

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However, things may not be that straightforward just yet, with King sharing who the favourites to lock up a deal actually are…

The latest: King delivers reality check

Taking to Twitter, King, the Northern Football Correspondent for the Daily Mail, had this to say when confirming the Reds’ interest in the formidable Ligue 1 talent.

“Lots of stuff around about Liverpool and Aurelien Tchouameni. No question he is a player they are looking at but other clubs in frame, too, most notably Real Madrid, who are favourites. Liverpool, however, most definitely looking for a midfielder with his qualities.”

Elsewhere, Manchester United have also been extensively indexed with a move for the eight-cap France star who has been dubbed as an ‘octopus’ for his unwavering ability to control the game from midfield.

The verdict: Make it happen

As King rightly alludes to, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and new transfer chief Julian Ward should be in the market for an addition to the engine room during the summer transfer window.

Whilst current frontline incumbents Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago and Naby Keita continue to more than hold their own, all four have faced their battles with fitness in the past and with James Milner out of contract at the end of the season, a fresh face is required.

So far this season the £36million-rated (Transfermarkt) ace has earned an outstanding 7.27 rating from 32 Ligue 1 outings, completing 2.5 tackles, 2.8 interceptions and 51.5 passes on average per game (Sofascore).

In fact, he leads the French top flight in winning possession back, puts up great pressing numbers and even wins over 70 per cent of his aerial duels (MaaxiAngelo). Perhaps, then, it is no surprise to see Paul Pogba label his young compatriot as ‘extraordinary’.

Tchouameni’s ability to operate at the base of the midfield as well as in a box-to-box role would make the French youngster an invaluable addition to the Anfield squad and one the board should be pulling out all the stops to get over the line.

In other news, David Ornstein has confirmed some key Liverpool news. Read more here.

Aston Villa are weeks away from being able to once again dive into the transfer market and make whatever changes to their squad they see fit.

However, even before the current season has drawn to a close, it seems as though the Villans have been handed a boost regarding one deal they’ve been looking to complete.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Times, Villa full-back Ashley Young is open to extending his contract at the Midlands club, with talks between the two parties underway.

The report also adds that Young is understood to be keen on staying at Villa, with sources saying he has “enormous respect” for Steven Gerrard and an affinity for the club and its fans.

Villa re-signed the Englishman on a one-year deal back in the previous summer window on a free transfer from Inter Milan.

Gerrard will be thrilled

With 22 league appearances to his name in this campaign, the 36-year-old has proved to be a very useful figure for the Villans having played in numerous positions across the pitch.

In those appearances, the veteran has made 29 crosses in total, which is more than the likes of Leon Bailey, Emi Buendia and Jacob Ramsey among others.

The fact that the versatile figure has racked up a total of 391 appearances in the Premier League throughout his career, his experience and knowledge can make him someone for the younger players at Villa to look up to.

Having shared his wish to see the former Manchester United star sign a new deal at Villa Park, this claim suggesting that Young would be open to doing that will be great news for Gerrard.

For the time being, with Lucas Digne in danger of not being able to play again this season due to an injury he picked up against Tottenham Hotspur, it seems as though Young could be a regular figure in the team from now until the end of the campaign.

If the Englishman can then help his side end the season as strongly as possible, this could sway him into eventually putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Villans, which would surely delight Gerrard.

In other news: Gerrard must finally axe “frustrating” £59k-p/w Smith flop as big Villa update emerges

Steven Davis’ performance for Rangers in their Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon has come in for high praise from some members of the media.

The Lowdown: Must-win game for Rangers

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men knew that only a victory would keep their slim title hopes alive, with literally no room for breathing space.

It wasn’t a straightforward afternoon for Rangers, though, with the hosts having to wait until the 50th minute for James Tavernier’s penalty to give them the lead against a resolute Dundee United outfit.

Amad Diallo doubled the lead on 78 minutes to secure the victory, duly preventing Celtic from being mathematically confirmed as champions today.

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The Latest: Davis’ performance praised

One player who clearly caught the eye was Davis, with Rangers’ official media partners Heart & Hand Podcast taking to Twitter to laud the midfielder’s brilliance on show at Ibrox:

“Davis running the show.”

Meanwhile, radio presenter Bill Young was similarly impressed, giving his assessment of the midfielder via Twitter:

“Davis majestic as always, overall good display.”

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The Verdict: Masterclass from Davis

At 37, there is no denying that Davis’ best years are behind him, but he remains a hugely talented footballer who is capable of running matches from the middle of the park.

That was certainly the case against Dundee United today, with the Northern Irishman enjoying an 88% pass completion rate, making four key passes and winning five duels and two tackles, as per Sofascore.

Davis’ current Ibrox deal expires at the end of this season, and if he is to move on over the summer, he will be remembered as a hero for the Light Blues, having won last season’s SFWA Player of the Year award.

If this is to be his final season in blue, at least he is going out with a bang with performances such as this.

In other news, Rangers are believed to be ‘keeping tabs’ on one player. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool have been rocked with rumours that Sadio Mane will leave the club this summer after Sky Sports revealed that Bayern Munich were interested in signing the star forward and now an update from a reliable Merseyside source has been revealed.

What’s the latest?

Following the reports of a potential move for Anfield’s number 10, supporters have been keen to know if there were any truth in the rumours and Liverpool’s journalist for The Athletic, James Pearce, has given his input and an update on Mane’s future.

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Pearce responded to a question on the rumours in a Q&A last night via The Athletic saying:

“Been no approach from Bayern at this stage and I’m told the talks that took place in Mallorca between Salihamidzic and Mane’s agent last week were to discuss another Roof client, Gnabry.

“Liverpool will hold talks with Mane about a new contract after the end of the season.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Since the turn of the year, Mane has upped his game following a slow start to the season, and has not only been influential for Liverpool in their pursuit for multiple trophies in the second half of the season but has been breaking records along the way.

The Senegalese winger started his run of impressive form by leading his country to their first ever African Cup of Nations trophy, winning Player of the Tournament and further leading them to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Back in Merseyside, Mane brought the quality he showed in AFCON back with him, playing a key role in the Champions League progression for Liverpool by scoring against Benfica and finding the back of the net in both legs of the semi-final against Unai Emery’s Villareal. That has taken the team to their third Champions League final in five years.

His recent goals in the European competition helped the goal-machine break records with Mane becoming the highest scoring African player in the Champions League knock-out stages, and following his strike in the second leg of the semi-final, joined Frank Lampard as the joint highest scoring player for an English team in the knock-out stages of the competition.

In the Premier League since returning from the African competition, Mane has scored seven goals and bagged two assists, proving that he is an extremely valuable asset to Liverpool that they cannot afford to let go.

Supporters will be buzzing that the star could potentially extend his contract beyond June 2023 as he has become an important player and fan favourite for the Reds, and with the potential of a FA Cup and Champions League trophy on the horizon, the thought of Mane leaving is unimaginable given the position Liverpool are in.

AND in other news: FA Cup final blow: Liverpool rocked by “massive problem” that’ll leave Klopp gutted

West Bromwich Albion have been heavily linked with signing out of contract Reading star John Swift this summer, and a now a new update has emerged on their progress with the player.

What’s the latest?

West Brom reporter for The Athletic Steve Madeley, has given a 10-word update on the club’s pursuit to secure a deal for Swift this summer.

In an article for The Athletic summarising the Baggies transfer plans, the journalist revealed:

“West Brom are firmly in the running for John Swift.”

The report goes on to say that Reading have attempted to extend the future of their player but have been unsuccessful so far.

Supporters will be buzzing

Swift has been one of the best creators in the Championship this season and has clearly caught the eye of the powers at The Hawthorns and when you consider his attacking output this season supporters will surely be excited about the potential signing.

The 26-year-old midfielder has scored 11 goals and contributed 13 assists, creating ten big chances, making 2.7 key passes and 2.1 shots on average per game.

He’s also successful in the majority of his dribbles (58%) and averages an astonishing 66.8 touches per game, proving he could be a massive attacking threat for Steve Bruce’s side.

The Baggies have struggled this season after failing to secure a chance at promotion back into the Premier League this season finishing tenth in the Championship and sacking their manager Valerien Ismael to replace him with Steve Bruce, who will now work to rebuild and challenge for promotion again next season.

One of West Brom’s biggest issues this season has been an inability to convert their chances scoring fewer goals (52) than eight of the teams that finished above them in the Championship table, and if they want to compete next season it is clearly an area that Bruce needs to improve to have a shot at promotion.

With that being said, if Albion could secure the signing of Swift this summer it could drastically improve the team and add a fresh attacking perspective that the side is crying out for to give them a better chance and outcome in their efforts to climb the table in their second season in the second tier.

AND in other news: Bruce can save WBA millions by finally unleashing “aggressive” rarely-seen 19 y/o gem

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a potential injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Norwich City on Sunday.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Tottenham Hostpur account shared images of Antonio Conte’s first-team squad in training ahead of this weekend’s trip to Norwich City, in which left-back Sergio Reguilon – who the Italian manager had tentatively ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury – features.

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Conte will be buzzing

With Spurs needing to get some kind of result at Carrow Road on Sunday in order to secure a top-four this season, should Reguilon be back in contention for the trip to Norwich, it would undoubtedly be a development that will have left Conte buzzing.

Indeed, over his 25 Premier League outings this season, the £25.2m-rated left-back has been a solid option for the 52-year-old at left wing-back, having bagged two goals, registered three assists and created five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.8 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

The £53k-per-week Spain international has also helped his side keep six clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 1.6 clearances and winning 4.6 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the 25-year-old average a decent SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Spurs’ 12th-best player in the English top flight.

As such, while it would appear unlikely that Reguilon will usurp Ryan Sessegnon from his starting berth against the Canaries, having the option of the Spaniard on the bench would undoubtedly come as a huge boost to Conte and his side – particularly considering the magnitude of the final day of the season clash against the bottom of the table side.

AND in other news: Bid made: Paratici in talks for “underrated” £51m signing, he’d be “unreal” for Spurs

Phil Hay has dropped an update on the potential targets of Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Speaking on a recent episode of The Phil Hay Show, The Athletic journalist revealed that Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch are targeting the signing of a Premier League centre-forward ahead of the Whites’ 2022/23 campaign.

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Regarding the Leeds’ potential targets this summer, Hay said: “From what I’m told there is at least one Premier League centre-forward that they’re looking at, and I think they will do a centre-forward – they have to do a centre-forward.”

Supporters will be buzzing

When taking into account just how much Leeds struggled in attack without the services of Patrick Bamford this season, Hay’s claim that the club are looking to sign a proven Premier League striker in the summer transfer window is sure to have left the Elland Road faithful buzzing.

Indeed, with the England international missing 28 league fixtures as a result of injury this term, and – despite being an incredibly exciting prospect for the future – Joe Gelhardt not quite being a top-flight level number nine as yet, the Whites managed to find the back of the net just 42 times this season – 20 fewer than their total of 62 goals scored in 2020/21.

And, with Raphinha’s proposed transfer to Barcelona looking to already be all but be confirmed, Orta and Marsch face the added task of having to replace the Brazilian’s 11 goals and three assists over his 36 appearances next time out, making the signing of a dependable backup to Bamford all the more important ahead of 22/23.

As such, Hay’s suggestion that Orta is already working on the signing of a new striker in the off-season is sure to delight both Marsch and supporters alike, as, if Leeds wish to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding a repeat of their relegation concerns this term, a proven number nine to partner Bamford would indeed appear an absolute must this summer.

AND in other news: Leeds can land “big-time” Phillips heir with £34m bid for “special” £38k-p/w talent

Journalist Pasquale Guarro has made an interesting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Inter Milan star and defensive target Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Bastoni top of Tottenham’s list…

After their summit in Italy last week, Spurs manager Antonio Conte and club chief Fabio Paratici have reportedly listed Bastoni among their top targets for the summer transfer window.

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A left-sided central defender is thought to be of serious interest to Conte, with the Nerazzurri ace said to be valued at around £50m.

Tottenham recently announced a £150m cash injection which will be used to back their manager and ensure that the Lilywhites can seriously compete for the 2022/23 Premier League season.

The Latest: Conte making ‘personal commitment’ to sign Bastoni…

According to Guarro, reiterating the club’s interest in Bastoni ‘firmly’, Conte is apparently making a ‘personal commitment’ to seal the 23-year-old’s signing this summer.

The reporter explained (via Twitter): “I can reiterate this firmly: the #Tottenham is working on the hips for #Bastoni , Conte wants to transfer the left chain of the #Inter to London and is making a personal commitment.”

The Verdict: Promising claim…

There is little denying that Bastoni would seriously upgrade Tottenham’s back-three options and provide Conte with an injection of real class.

Widely tipped as Italy’s next generation defensive answer to legendary Azzurri figurehead Giorgio Chiellini, the 6 foot 2 star has also been called a ‘defensive genius’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy.

Already possessing a glowing reputation, chief Squawka writer Muhammad Butt has called Bastoni a ‘special’ player, which shows why Conte is very eager to bring the Italy international to north London.

If the Lilywhites can back the manager with the 23-year-old’s addition, it could certainly signal the start of a very promising summer.

In other news: Paratici eyeing Spurs move for ‘sensational’ £75m man who Guardiola called ‘quality’…find out more here