All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United have watched Rennes forward Martin Terrier in recent weeks, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ struggles

The Whites have struggled in front of goal in the Premier League this season, with Patrick Bamford’s last goal coming almost 12 months ago against Brentford.

The 29-year-old has made 10 appearances this season and missed nine big chances, with Gabriel Jesus the only top-flight player to miss more. It seems as if Leeds are looking at adding to their attacking ranks in the New Year as a result, with Terrier a potential target.

The Latest: Leeds linked with Terrier

90min journalist Graeme Bailey shared a story on Tuesday regarding Terrier ahead of the January transfer window.

He claimed that Leeds and six other top-flight clubs have watched the forward in action during the past two weeks, with Rennes set to demand a record fee in excess of £30m for their star forward, which would be a record outlay at Elland Road.

Bailey added on Twitter when sharing the link to the update that there are ‘few better players in Europe’ than Terrier at this moment in time.

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The Verdict: Needed?

Jesse Marsch could do with adding to his attacking ranks in the New Year due to the ailing form of Bamford, so Terrier could be a smart target.

The 25-year-old can play anywhere across the front three and has been in fine touch in front of goal, scoring 29 Ligue 1 goals since the start of the 2021/22 season.

Terrier is also valued at a career-high £28.8m by Transfermarkt, so he could be just what Leeds need, although the Yorkshire club may find a deal difficult for Andrea Radrizzani and co to pull off due to their current league position and the huge level of interest in the forward’s services.

Scottish champions Celtic are believed to be eyeing a move for Maccabi Tel Aviv starlet Oscar Gloukh, according to recent reports.

What’s the word?

Rumours back in September suggested that the Glasgow side were keeping tabs on the 18-year-old amid the possibility of losing a handful of their key figures after the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

The exciting teenager – whose current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2025 – is believed to be valued at around £8m, having also been heavily linked with the Hoops’ Old Firm rivals Rangers during the summer window.

Amid such speculation linking the Israeli sensation to Parkhead, journalist Pete O’Rouke – in an interview with Football FanCast – has now provided an update on that potential interest, stating:

“It probably means a January transfer is out of the picture here now for this deal, but I’m sure they might be looking at it in the summer and see what they can do”.

Imagine him and O’Riley

The highly-rated “wonderkid” – as dubbed by Gers podcaster Andy Barnett – has caught the eye as a result of his stunning form for his current side of late, having scored four goals and provided five assists in just 11 league games so far this season.

Despite only making his senior debut back in March, Gloukh is already making waves at first-team level – hence the interest from both the Bhoys and those at Ibrox – with the youngster’s total tally for the club standing at seven goals and five assists in just 25 games thus far.

Such quality has been lauded by Maccabi owner Mitchell Goldhar, who recently said of the emerging prospect: “Gloukh is one of the best players who grew up here in our academy. He has abilities that remind us of the greatest of them all.”

ESPN also notably lauded the promising asset for his form at this summer’s U19 European Championship, stating:

‘Gloukh was already on the radar of many scouts, having impressed at club level and stood out in the qualifying rounds of the Euros, but few expected that the Israeli would make such an impact.

‘A mature, intelligent and technically brilliant attacking midfielder — part No. 8, part No. 10, or creative winger — he has won many admirers with his performances and talk of a €10m move this summer is gathering pace.

‘Hard to dispossess when running at opponents, Gloukh is a brilliant dribbler, who always seems to pick up the ball in the most favourable positions and is able to slide teammates through with perfectly weighted passes.

‘His exquisite touch to set up the 2-1 goal against Austria was nothing short of sublime and he has been unplayable at times, with an intuition and flair in the final third rarely seen from one so young.’

The Israel U21 international may well be an attractive option for Ange Postecoglou as a result of his invaluable versatility, with the 5 foot 7 gem having the ability to feature in a central midfield role, but also in an attacking midfield berth.

Were the diminutive speedster to be deployed in that latter role, he could well form an exciting, creative partnership with current Celtic star Matt O’Riley in the centre of the park, with the former MK Dons man currently thriving at Paradise following his January arrival.

While the London-born menace has taken on a deeper role in the absence of skipper Callum McGregor of late, the Denmark youth international has largely shone in a more advanced position in 2022 thus far, with 12 goal contributions in 40 games for the club to date across all fronts.

To have such a youthful duo working in tandem could well be a mouthwatering prospect for Postecoglou and co, with the title-winning coach likely hoping he could build his side around such dynamic individuals in the years to come.

While Gloukh may be a relative unknown to most in Scotland, as the case of O’Riley has shown, the former Yokohama boss appears to have delivered a knack for uncovering hidden gems in the market.

Although he has endured a relatively tough start to life at Aston Villa, it seems that there is no other option but to return Lucas Digne to the starting side for today’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion.

On the road anywhere in the Premier League boasts different trials and tribulations, but perhaps few places at the moment will be as tough as the Amex given the Seagulls’ current form.

It seems that under Roberto De Zerbi things finally start to be falling into place, as they have won all of their last three games including results against Arsenal and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, under Unai Emery, there have already been glimpses of the promise his tenure might hold after the miserable reign of Steven Gerrard.

Their impressive victory against Manchester United in the Premier League was followed up by another battling display in the EFL Cup against the same opposition, although there was one standout villain: Ludwig Augustinsson.

Enduring a 5.9 SofaScore rating, the £7.5m-rated dud was given the worst score of anyone on the pitch.

Meanwhile, the French full-back scored his second-ever goal for the Villans with a pinpoint free kick to double his side’s lead.

Perhaps under the Spaniard, he could finally start to recapture the form that saw him lauded for his performances at Everton.

Boasting 20 assists for the Merseyside club as well as six goals, journalist Paddy Boyland labelled him the “perfect Baines replacement” – high praise indeed.

The £160k-per-week defender has boasted a 6.86 average SofaScore this season despite his side’s poor form, maintaining 1.9 tackles, 2.1 clearances and 1.1 interceptions per game throughout that period.

With his form finally picking up in recent weeks, with ratings of 7.2 or higher in three of his last five games, it marks the perfect time to ditch Augustinsson and see Digne return to the lineup.

Boasting a wicked left foot and improving defensive credentials, perhaps even his absence from the France World Cup squad could add another layer of intrigue in the final clash before the break commences.

Either way, he must start today.

Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich could leave Elland Road after the World Cup…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who delivered an update on the 32-year-old’s situation in west Yorkshire to GIVEMESPORT, where he said:

“It makes sense that he would probably be annoyed at the moment, particularly over the fact that he hasn’t made it to the World Cup with Poland.

“That’ll be playing on his mind once they return to action too.

“I think Klich could be one that goes in January.”

Time’s up for Klich

Klich has been a long-serving stalwart for the Whites over the years and was a key member of Marcelo Bielsa’s Championship-winning squad in 2019/20 but it does appear as if he has run his course at the club.

Over the course of nearly five years, the Polish midfielder has racked up 192 appearances for Leeds but only 25 of those have come under manager Jesse Marsch, with 11 of those being from the bench in the Premier League this term.

Summer signings Marc Roca and Tyler Adams have usurped him in the pecking order and that’s pretty just because his performances had started to slip last season.

The £34k-per-week star is expected to seek a departure in January, having missed out on Poland’s squad for the World Cup this month, something that journalist Graeme Bailey claimed would have “hurt” him to TEAMtalk.

Victor Orta, Marsch and the club should not stand in his way either and whilst he’s unlikely to garner much of an incoming fee, it would be best for all parties to go their own ways.

Back in the summer, Mirror reporter David Anderson suggested that Klich was “not really delivering” despite his valiant attempts, whilst some of his performances during the 2021/22 campaign were lambasted as “non-existent” by Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison.

One game against a relegated side in Watford even had LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross suggest that he got “bullied,” only further indicating that his days are surely done at this level of football.

It’s now becoming increasingly clear that the 41-time international is going to struggle for minutes under the American head coach, so it makes sense that the one-time Bielsa favourite is moved on at the turn of the year.

Klich’s time is up at Elland Road, so the club must bin him when the transfer window reopens for business.

AND in other news, Orta could finally ditch Leeds’ £13m flop in Jan swoop for 19 y/o “exciting prospect”…

One issue that has plagued Leeds United over the past year or so has been the inability to deploy an out-and-out centre forward, with the Elland Road outfit having suffered as a result of the persistent injury woes of striker, Patrick Bamford.

The Englishman – who was signed from Middlesbrough on a £10m deal back in 2018 – had been an integral asset in helping the Yorkshire earn a return to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, scoring 16 league goals during the 2019/20 campaign to end the club’s lengthy stint out of the top-flight.

That sparkling form continued despite the step up to the top tier as the former Chelsea marksman netted 17 league goals in that impressive 2020/21 season, with such form having even led to involvement in the England set-up under Gareth Southgate.

Since then, however, the £35k-per-week man has been something of a bystander to proceedings due to injury, with the 6 foot 1 ace having featured just 19 times since the start of last season, scoring only two goals in that time.

The one-time Nottingham Forest forward has failed to score in ten league outings so far this term – only four of which came from the start – with manager Jesse Marsch having typically deployed Rodrigo or Crysencio Summerville in the striking berth.

While that latter duo have been in prolific form of late – scoring 13 goals between them this season – neither man is a true option as a number nine, with a new addition potentially needed amid Bamford’s continued woes.

The recent suggestion is that one man who could well replace the 29-year-old is Senegal striker, Boulaye Dia, with sporting director Victor Orta believed to be “keeping tabs” on the in-form ace, alongside the likes of Everton, West Ham United and Leicester City.

The Salernitana menace is currently on loan in Italy from Villarreal, with the Serie A side said to have the to option-to-buy the 26-year-old for a fee of around £10m, although CIES Football Observatory values him at closer to £17m.

The France-born machine has been in fine form so far this term with six goals in just 14 league appearances, having previously netted seven times across all competitions at his parent club last term after moving to Spain in the summer of 2021.

The former Reims ace – who previously scored 28 goals in 88 games during his time in France – has carried that sparkling form onto the World Cup stage, having notably netted for his country during the win over hosts Qatar earlier this week.

That strike is now the marksman’s third goal in 21 outings for his national side to date, with the 5 foot 11 star potentially able to go on to add to that tally in his side’s third group game against Ecuador on Tuesday evening.

With the addition of a centre-forward potentially set to be vital for Marsch’s men moving forward, Orta must seemingly do all he can to win the race for Dia’s signature.

Arsenal can seal a bargain January transfer deal as an update has emerged on a Bundesliga target that sporting director Edu Gaspar has been eyeing for a while…

What’s the news?

According to German outlet Sport Bild, Gunners target Marcus Thuram is set to be available for as little as £6m in the January transfer window.

The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of the season and Fabrizio Romano told GIVEMESPORT last month that the 25-year-old is “not going to extend the contract”, leaving the door open for Edu to make a dream January move for the forward.

Ideal January signing

The 25-year-old is currently participating in the World Cup with France and he will be hoping to emulate his father (Lilian) in winning the competition.

Thuram has been in excellent form so far this season, scoring 13 goals and registering four assists in all competitions for Borussia Monchengladbach.

His Bundesliga performances in particular have been excellent this season and the forward has an average rating of 7.19 as per Sofascore while contributing with a further three big chances, 0.9 key passes per match, and completing 61% of his attempted dribbles, showing he is more than just an out and out goal scorer.

Gabriel Jesus, the north London side’s main centre forward, has netted just five times this season and it’s clear bolstering his forward options remains a priority going forward for Arteta.

For £6m, a deal to bring in Thuram should be acted upon as soon as the World Cup is over and this would give the Spaniard more funds to work with in order to strengthen other areas of the team, like the centre of the midfield.

Denis Zakaria waxed lyrical about the Frenchman in the past, lauding him as “crazy” and his stats this season prove that he can succeed at the highest level, and a move to England shouldn’t faze him.

With the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur all eyeing up a move for the forward ahead of the transfer window, Edu could strike a big psychological blow by bringing the player to Arsenal and give the club an added boost in pursuit of their first Premier League title in 19 years.

West Ham United soared high in the 2021/22 campaign, reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League and finishing seventh in the Premier League.

However, this campaign has been rather more difficult for David Moyes’ men who are languishing down in 16th place, just a point above the relegation zone.

A host of their star names have not been up to scratch with Michail Antonio finding the net on just two occasions in the top flight.

As for Jarrod Bowen, his form over the last 12 months or so rather encapsulates the Hammers as a whole.

The winger registered 18 goals and 13 assists in all competitions throughout the last season but in 2022/23, has only scored five times while failing to pick up an assist.

It might be harsh to suggest that Moyes will drop him but in a player they have targeted of late, the Scot could source a tool that gives him the ability to drop Bowen.

That just so happens to be Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian was touted at a price of £15m during the summer but after some sparkling form at the World Cup in Qatar, it’s now thought a fee of £30m will be required.

It’s not astronomical but considering what he was valued at only a few months ago, it’s a big price.

That is warranted though, particularly with the way he’s performed throughout the ongoing term.

For Ajax, the right winger, who like Bowen enjoys cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, has scored ten times and assisted twice.

Capable of playing as a centre forward or out on the right, it’s in that wide area that he’s thrived for his nation in the Middle East this Autumn, rotating with Inaki Williams and Andre Ayew in the forward areas.

Indeed, Kudus has made history in the last few weeks by becoming the first Ghanian to score two goals in a single World Cup match.

Although the African nation were knocked out in the group stages, he more than played his part by racking up some sensational numbers.

The young attacker has been the 11th-best player in the entire tournament according to Sofascore’s average match ratings, for which he has achieved a 7.70 for his displays.

Furthermore, he has been more efficient with his dribbles per match (3.3 at a 71% success rate) than a certain Kylian Mbappe (3.3 at a 50% success rate) and Lionel Messi (2.3 at a 56% success rate).

The term generational might be pushing the boat out a bit but he is clearly on his way to becoming an elite talent and it is only a matter of time before he gets a move to a bigger side.

That may well put West Ham out of the conversation to sign him but what is for certain, is that if Rob Newman was able to persuade him to come to east London, he’d possess the quality to oust Bowen in a wide area.

Fortunately for the Englishman, Kudus’ versatility does mean that they may well still be able to thrive in the same side but either way, Bowen better watch out.

West Ham United have been urged to be patient with Gianluca Scamacca amid a subdued start at the London Stadium by former BBC radio pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Scamacca’s form

Given that the Italian set the Irons back £35.5m in the summer, David Moyes may have expected a little more from the striker, who has netted just twice in 13 Premier League outings so far.

Journalist Ciro Venerato recently reported (via AreaNapoli) that Napoli were monitoring the forward’s situation at the London Stadium over a potential January move.

That has prompted one pundit to have his say on Scamacca following his first few months in east London…

The Latest: Whelan pleads patience

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan urged Moyes to give the 23-year-old more time to prove himself in a West Ham shirt.

The 47-year-old said of Scamacca: “He just needs games. When you come into a new country, a new environment, a new system – you need to persist and stick with players like him.

“It’s the same for most players. Nunez had to find out a little about himself and the Premier League before he really got started.

“I do believe he needs time. I can’t believe they would be considering letting him go already. If they did sell him on, it would make a mockery of their transfer policy. They’ve got to try and make it work.

“That comes from good man management from David Moyes, and putting the faith in him to lead the line.”

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The Verdict: He’ll come good

When moving to the Premier League, there is often an initial settling-in period, the duration of which can vary between players, and Whelan is right to call for Scamacca to be given more time to prove his worth.

The £71k-per-week earner has been hailed for his ‘ball-striking ability’ by journalist Joshua Mbu, which was frequently on display in Serie A last season as he weighed in with 16 goals, making him the sixth-highest scorer in the Italian top flight.

With the Hammers not even at the halfway stage of the league season, it would make no sense to ship Scamacca out already, and Moyes should give him at least until the end of the campaign to find his goalscoring form.

Journalist Bruno Andrade has shared an interesting transfer update as Wolves keep pushing to sign Atletico Madrid forward Matheus Cunha.

The Lowdown: Lopetegui era begins…

After the dismissal of former manager Bruno Lage, club owners Fosun International brought in Julen Lopetegui, a manager with proven European experience, to help turn the tide.

Wolves currently sit bottom of the Premier League table, having scored the fewest goals whilst losing the joint-most games.

The Molineux outfit, as things stand, are staring at potential relegation but the January transfer window represents a chance to bring in some much needed firepower.

The Latest: Andrade shares Cunha update for Wolves…

Writing for UOL and on Twitter, Andrade has shared an update on Wolves and Fosun target Cunha as they eye a new forward for Lopetegui.

He says on social media the Brazilian has ‘has ongoing negotiations with Wolverhampton’ and Atletico Madrid initially asks for ’50 million euros (£43m)’.

In his piece, he claims Cunha himself ‘works hard’ to be sold by Atletico in January amid these Wolves talks – potentially giving Lopetegui a slight boost in his pursuit.

The Verdict: Make the move?

His time at Atletico has been one to forget but the 23-year-old did enjoy a productive last season at Hertha Berlin in 2020/2021 – where he stood out as one of their best players.

Former Hertha head coach Bruno Labbadia has waxed lyrical over Cunha’s ability, pointing out his ability and claiming the player has ‘something special’.

If Lopetegui can seal his signing, supporters will be hoping he can rediscover that form at Wolves and help them to fight off relegation.

Wolverhampton Wanderers may renew their interest in West Ham United centre-back Craig Dawson, according to The Athletic’s Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Dawson’s West Ham future

The 32-year-old’s contract with the Irons is set to expire at the end of the season, which would bring the curtain down on a fantastic spell with the club, having being named in the 2021/22 Europa League team of the season for his solid defensive efforts.

The defender does not wish to extend his stay at the London Stadium, as he wants to seal a move to a club situated closer to his family, who all live in Cheshire, duly opening the door for a January move to Wolves.

The Latest: January move on the cards?

According to Madeley for The Athletic, Dawson could come back into the frame in January if West Ham manager David Moyes is able to do some transfer business of his own.

The defender was believed to be keen on moving to Molineux in the summer before Moyes called off the deal, which suggests that the player could be open to completing a move in January.

Earlier this month, West Ham insider Claret & Hugh claimed that the east Londoners would not stand in Dawson’s way if he wants to depart, with the 32-year-old remaining ‘desperate’ for a move further north.

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The Verdict: Make it happen

While scoring goals has been Wolves’ main issue this season, as indicated by their tally of just ten in the Premier League (the lowest of any team), an experienced centre-back would still be a hugely valuable asset to have in a relegation battle.

The 6 foot 2 colossus has been dubbed ‘brilliant’ by journalist Roshane Thomas, and that description sums up many of his performances in a West Ham shirt since arriving on an initial season-long loan in October 2020.

The former Watford man was a vital figure in the Hammers’ Europa League run last season, ranked by SofaScore as their third-best performer in the tournament with an average rating of 7.17, while an average of 1.74 blocks per 90 over the past year puts him in the 94th percentile compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

Given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the season, it is likely that Dawson would be available for considerably less than his estimated market value, so Julen Lopetegui should no doubt look to bring him to Wolves in January.