All posts by h716a5.icu

According to journalist Robin Bairner, Glasgow Rangers prospect Nathan Young-Coombes is on the verge of joining English Championship club Brentford.

What’s the word?

The 18-year-old Rangers youngster made the move north of the border from Chelsea for a two-year deal in 2019 and has since made quite the impression among the academy ranks.

However, he has yet to make the jump to the first team, and seems destined for the Ibrox exit in January or the next transfer window.

And now, it’s claimed Brentford have reportedly won the race to sign Young-Coombes from Rangers, who has entered the final six months of his contract. Premier League giants West Ham were also previously credited with an interest in the teenager in the summer, but a move failed to materialise.

Stand firm

Whilst Kai Kennedy was linked with a move away from Rangers in recent months – only for the highly-rated teenager to pen a new deal – the seemingly imminent departure of Young-Coombes would arguably be just as significant.

With Jermain Defoe and Greg Stewart having entered the twilight of their careers, the England U17 international could have been the perfect homegrown replacement with an eye on the future.

The former Chelsea and Crystal Palace academy prospect has left quite the lasting impression – smashing home five goals in nine appearances across all competitions for the development squad, per Transfermarkt. There aren’t many players in the academy ranks that can boast these kinds of numbers.

It’s no wonder, then, that coaches like David McCallum, Graeme Murty and Peter Lovenkrands have all swooned over the young English ace, with the former even saying he was part of a “fantastic” side that defeated Celtic 5-0 in the Scottish Youth Cup.

If Rangers have a legitimate interest in re-establishing themselves as one of the biggest clubs in Europe, keeping hold of one of their hottest prospects would be a good place to start. This is exactly why Ross Wilson simply can’t afford to lose the young prodigy.

AND in other news, Glasgow Rangers dealt Wigan Athletic striker Kyle Joseph transfer blow…

According to The Daily Record, Glasgow Rangers are reportedly tracking Maccabi Haifa midfielder, Dolev Haziza, ahead of a possible move in the summer.

What’s the word?

The former Israeli international is enjoying a prolific campaign in the Ligat ha’Al, having fired home seven goals and four assists in 19 games so far this season.

Haziza has attracted interest from clubs across Europe while The Record claim he was heavily linked with a move to Ferencvaros last year only for the Hungarians to baulk at their asking price.

However, the player’s agent Adam Kidan has previously worked with Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson during his time at Southampton, which could pave the way for a summer move.

Joe Aribo 2.0?

Rangers need another versatile forward given Gerrard’s shortage of options out wide. The underwhelming displays of Brandon Barker and Jordan Jones means Gerrard remains in the market for another wide option, which has seen Rangers linked with a move for Haziza.

A relative lack of experience shouldn’t deter any potential suitors. Yes, it means that Haziza doesn’t have the luxury of playing at the highest levels of the game, but if he is able to hit the ground running, then the 25-year-old could prove to be a shrewd addition for any side.

His stats suggest that he should be able to do this, given his impressive form for the Greens, as he is scoring 0.4 goals per game this season, which is slightly better than Joe Aribo’s goal-scoring rate of 0.2.

It’s no surprise that some are beginning to compare him to the Nigeria international based on his exciting style of play with Glasgow Live insisting he also shares certain similarities with Ryan Kent.

For context, Haziza has scored the same amount of goals as Kent and two more than Aribo across all competitions this season.

Not only would he be a useful option out wide, he can also play in the midfield, and his versatility would no doubt be an added bonus for Gerrard as he could offer an alternative threat in attack as well.

With that in mind, Wilson would be wise to sanction such a move for Haziza, who likes to cut inside from the flanks onto his right foot, as he could add something different to the Gers attack.

AND in other news, Rangers struck by cruel Nikola Katic injury blow ruling him out for rest of the season…

Following GSB’s failed attempt to bring in a striker for West Ham United during the January transfer window, plenty of Hammers have pleaded with their club to sign Southampton star Danny Ings. 

Ings, who has scored 8 goals this season under Ralph Hasenhuttl (Transfermarkt), starring for the Saints as their arguable best player, is currently at the centre of contract disputes as the Englishman currently stalls on signing a new deal at St Mary’s.

The club and player are still in negotiations over an agreement to tie him down (The Daily Mail), and this situation has prompted interest from some Premier League clubs, including West Ham.

ExWHUemployee revealed at the beginning of this month that David Moyes and GSB could try to sign Ings in the summer (West Ham Way Podcast), and while there have been no fresh links, Irons are clearly eager to see him at the London Stadium, especially after seeing his wonder goal against Wolves on Sunday afternoon.

Flocking to social media, they have begged their side to get a deal done – find all of their best comments down below.

West Ham fans beg GSB to sign Ings

“just get Danny Ings signed. Just what we need. get it done Moysie!”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Ings in claret and blue next season.”

Credit: @westhamtransfer

“Need to do absolutely everything to get Danny Ings at West Ham in the summer”

Credit: @LiamCaseyX

“What a goal by Ings! Come to West Ham please!”

Credit: @Dyer1Adam

“Get Ings to West Ham”

Credit: @ClaireLacey_1

“Danny Ings for me ..proven premier league striker and hasn’t signed a new contract at Southampton…”

Credit: @belly1966

“Ings, El-Nousri, Toney 1 of them 3 in the summer I beg”

Credit: @HarrisonTuckwe1

In other news: West Ham are expected to bid for this 6 foot 3 powerhouse, find out more here.

Diego Llorente hasn’t had the easiest of starts to life at Leeds in the Premier League but Phil Hay has revealed that, behind the scenes, the Spaniard is enjoying life at the club and has impressed staff and team-mates.

Hay discusses Llorente

Writing in The Athletic, Hay said: “On a personal level, he [Llorente] is understood to have settled well in England, a strong and competitive presence in training who, according to sources at Thorp Arch, had the rest of the players sold on him after his first few sessions.” He went on to say that Llorente’s “only blemish on Saturday was an exaggerated reaction to Ollie Watkins fouling him in the first half.”

This should excite Leeds supporters

Llorente has had plenty of injury struggles since he signed for the club six months ago and this has seen the excitement around his signing drop off.

However, he has put in some very good performances in the four appearances he has made. Against Chelsea earlier in the season, the ‘fantastic’ summer signing made five tackles, four clearances and one interception (SofaScore). He also won five ground duels and four aerial duels. Most recently against Aston Villa on Saturday, he won seven ground duels and made four tackles as he picked up a 7.3 rating (SofaScore).

These games have proven to Leeds and their supporters that he has the quality to succeed in the division, and Hay’s comments show that the club are also excited to see him consistently play for the Whites.

With Leeds already battling for a top-half finish without the defender, it is exciting to see how they can perform with him in the side for the rest of the season.

In other news, Noel Whelan has discussed whether Leeds would sell these two players.

According to reports, Leeds United will not be making a move for Adama Traore in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that the Whites were one of the clubs interested in signing the Wolves winger, but that now does not appear to be the case.

According to Football Insider, Marcelo Bielsa has reservations of the Spaniard’s qualities, and that he “does not believe Traore has the technical quality and ability to combine the play that he seeks in his wide attacker.”

The report added that Leeds were not interested in signing him in the January transfer window, and that will remain the case in the summer.

Bielsa making a mistake

The £36m-rated Traore is perhaps the most unique winger in the Premier League, given his incredible combination of speed and strength – in fact, after an impressive performance against Leeds last month, Martin Keown spoke about how “powerful and quick” he is, and that he loves watching him play.

Bielsa himself has recently admitted to how tough a player Traore is to mark, saying: “It’s better to follow the man than leave him to a team-mate. I believe, fundamentally, Traore likes to play out wide on the wings. If he dominates the ball on his side he’s difficult to start, so whoever’s marking him will need some support.”

As per Whoscored, his average of 4.2 successful dribbles per game in the Premier League this season is by far the highest of any player in the division, while he’s also the seventh-most fouled player per game.

That level of directness could’ve been game-changing for Leeds, especially given how the Whites have seen the likes of their own wingers in Jack Harrison and Raphinha thrive this season – they rank second and third for goals for their club with six and five respectively.

Having Traore in the team would force opposition sites into double-teaming him just to try and keep him quiet, and that in turn would open up the game for the rest of Leeds’ attackers.

It could’ve been a real game-changing signing, but instead it appears Bielsa is making a foolish mistake. Having a player who does something ‘different’ in a squad, whether that be a Traore-esque winger or a target man like Olivier Giroud at Chelsea, is key to posing different problems in the Premier League.

Instead, Bielsa appears intent on sticking to his tried-and-trusted system, which may be a bit of an oversight in games which could require a Plan B or something unique.

Meanwhile, Leeds played a blinder over selling this £10m gem…

Aston Villa should make a summer push for Jack Hendry, with the centre-back potentially available for a transfer following a permanent move to Oostende.

What’s the story?

The 25-year-old currently plays on loan for the Belgian side, with the club having an option to sign him on a more permanent basis from Scottish giants Celtic for less than £2m.

Now, 90min claim that Oostende are “well aware” of the interest being generated from Premier League sides, including the likes of Villa, Brighton, Wolves, West Ham and others.

It’s suggested that “Oostende feel they may be able to sell Hendry on to one of the English sides for a fee of around £10m”, and that “there is a big chance to Hendry will end up in England next season”.

Built for the Premier League

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 4, Hendry looks like he’s perfectly built for the Premier League in terms of his sheer size and presence, but according to his manager at Oostende, Alexander Blessin, he’s also very much a leader in the mould of a Tyrone Mings.

He said: “He’s a great talker in defence. He makes the people he’s playing with better. You can see them listening to him. He’s been a tower of experience for us.”

“Jack’s the most important member of the team this season and he’s one of the best defenders in the league. He can defend, he’s fast and he’s also a useful weapon at attacks because of his height.”

That leadership quality and ability to rally those around him is something Villa have been seeing with Mings and his progression over the past couple of seasons into an established England international.

At 25, Hendry’s no longer a young talent waiting for his break. But his performances at Oostende this season show he could still be a very shrewd signing from Johan Lange.

As per Whoscored, he averages 1.2 tackles and 2.9 aerial duels won per game in the Belgian top-flight, which are both better than what Mings has managed in the Premier League (0.6 and 2.8 respectively) – the duo’s height certainly a major factor in why they are so successful in the air.

While, of course, Hendry’s been playing in a far less competitive league, his previous experience with Celtic, and the way Blessin has raved about his leadership skills, makes him a potentially good signing for Smith at Villa.

Meanwhile, this Villa target is perfect for Dean Smith…

In what was only their third draw of the Premier League season, Leeds earned a creditable point at home to a rejuvenated Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.

Thomas Tuchel’s men have been on a roll since the German’s arrival at Stamford Bridge and came into the game off the back of a couple of impressive wins against Liverpool and Everton respectively.

However, despite a couple of scary moments – not least when a ball ricocheted off a Leeds defender and hit the crossbar in the first half – the Whites came through it unscathed and kept things tight at the back.

While he wasn’t able to break the deadlock, Tyler Roberts was a standout performer for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

The £9m-rated dynamo delivered one of his more impressive displays of the Premier League season, and what a time to do it given some of the speculation over his long-term future at the club.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay revealed in the last few days that, depending on the Whites’ summer activity, both the 22-year-old and Helder Costa could be one of the fall guys of the club’s revamp.

However, on the basis of Roberts’ display against Chelsea, Bielsa may start to have second thoughts – although of course, one good performance doesn’t automatically change everything.

It was his goal which was ruled out for offside in the opening period after Patrick Bamford had strayed off earlier in the move, while his stunning effort took some heroics from Edouard Mendy to deny him from opening the scoring.

He was a real livewire for Leeds, with most of the Whites’ best attacking play coming through him. He completed three of his four attempted dribbles, which was the most of any player on the pitch, and considerably more than his season average of 0.6 per match in the Premier League.

As well as being more direct in his play, Roberts didn’t shirk his defensive responsibilities either, winning five of his duels on the day – again, far more than his season average of 2.9 per match.

Writing in his post-match player ratings for Leeds Live, Beren Cross gave him a seven, adding: “Had his moments of frustration, but did serve up some quality in the second half as Chelsea’s defence splintered. Forced a fingertip stop out of Edouard Mendy in the first half.”

Hay dubbed Roberts’ performance as “impressive” on Twitter after the match, and it was a display which sent a reminder to Bielsa perhaps there is still a quality player there to be nurtured and developed.

Meanwhile, this Leeds man let Bielsa down with a shocking display vs Chelsea…

West Brom’s survival bid was dealt a bitter blow on Saturday afternoon as they slumped to a disappointing defeat at the hands of former Baggies boss Roy Hodgson, but it was an all too familiar story.

Albion just cannot find the back of the net.

Their defensive fortunes have drastically changed for the better in recent weeks, going from the Premier League’s leakiest backline to conceding just three goals in their last six outings.

But in that run, they have scored just twice – Big Sam will not pick up many points if his team cannot stick it in the goal. Only one side – rock-bottom Sheffield United – have found the net fewer times.

And with the Baggies now eight points adrift, something has to change otherwise it’s an instant return to the second flight.

On the Chalkboard

In simple terms, Allardyce must provide new target man striker Mbaye Diagne sufficient service, something that has been lacking big time.

During that aforementioned run of matches, Albion have delivered over six accurate crosses on one occasion, whilst no player is managing more than one attempt per game (Matheus Pereira), as per WhoScored.

At 6 foot 4, Diagne has the capability to mix it with any top-flight central defender, especially as he’s averaging 4.3 aerial duels won per outing, which is more than any other Albion player.

Considering Big Sam deploys two wingers, his service should be far better, though it’s a simple fix and one that could see the creative Pereira (1.7 key passes per game) move back into the middle, where he is most effective.

It would mean that one of Ainsley Maitland-Niles or Conor Gallagher is sacrificed as all these central options cannot fit into the same side, but it’s a risk worth taking given the desperate need to score goals.

Allardyce’s best crosser of the ball is arguably Robert Snodgrass, who joined from West Ham in January yet finds himself out of the starting XI. Putting him back in out wide, with Pereira in the middle, could be exactly what is required to unlock Diagne’s true potential.

You’ve got the Brazilian playmaker feeding balls and dictating play in the no.10 role, and a proven veteran out wide to deliver the service the big target man needs.

Indeed, the 33-year-old has averaged 1.8 crosses per game throughout his long career, including two successive seasons in the top-flight managing 1.6 attempts or better, which is evidently an instant upgrade on the one per game that sits top of West Brom’s charts right now.

The £20k-per-week “whole package” was, at one point, the heartbeat of David Moyes’ Hammers side, according to The Athletic, with Roshane Thomas describing his crossing ability as ‘excellent.’

Similarly, Colin Calderwood told The Athletic: “He’s got crossing ability and is good at either creating or scoring goals,” before dubbing him a “team player.”

Just imagine how good Diagne could be with Pereira and Snodgrass pinging in balls left, right and centre – the Scotsman must start going forward.

AND in other news, West Brom’s Conor Gallagher let Sam Allardyce down vs Crystal Palace

Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly is top of Everton’s list as they look to bring in a top-level centre-back this summer, according to Football Insider.

Ancelotti is said to have identified the heart of the defence as an area which must be improved if his side are to break into the Champions League.

The Toffees have flirted with a top-four finish this season but recent defeats have seen them slip to eighth.

Former target of Manchester City

Koulibaly was pursued by Manchester City last summer. According to The Guardian, City saw a bid of €60m (£51.7m) rejected by Napoli before moving onto an alternative target in the form of Ruben Dias.

Ancelotti managed the Senegalese defender during his stint at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, describing him as the best defender in the world in 2019.

Koulibaly would bring real pedigree to Goodison Park. He has made 71 appearances in European competition, been included in the Serie A team of the year and earned a nomination for the FIFPro World XI two years ago.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Is this deal feasible? Koulibaly turns 30 this summer and has two years left on his contract, while Transfermarkt value him at £54m.

That would make him Everton’s record signing, surpassing the £44.5m outlay for Gylfi Sigurdsson in 2017.

Would he be keen on the move? On the one hand, he could reunite with a world-class manager, and Everton are on an exciting upward trajectory. Let’s not forget that they lured James Rodriguez, formerly of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, to Merseyside last summer.

However, at this fairly advanced stage of his career, perhaps Koulibaly would prefer a team who are already established in the Champions League, rather than an aspirational club such as the Toffees.

In other news, Patrick Boyland names three players who he feels would be a good fit for Everton.

A ‘first teamer’ at Newcastle United has reportedly instructed his agent to go out and find him a new club, according to Football Insider.

As per the news outlet, he is described as being ‘experienced’ and an ‘international star’, and was previously happy to stay at St. James’ Park even if the Tyneside club were to find themselves relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship.

However, a source in the North East has told the publication that he has now set his sights ‘firmly’ on the exit door, and wants to exit regardless of what division the Magpies are playing in come the start of the 2021/22 term.

The player is not being named by the outlet in order to protect his identity, but is believed to still have a number of years left remaining on his current deal at the Toon.

The U-turn has come as a result of the fallout of the 3-0 loss away to Brighton and Hove Albion in the top flight on Saturday night, to which he was reportedly left ‘fuming’ about.

More Newcastle misery

Although the player is not named, the fact that he has been described as a ‘first teamer’ and an ‘international star’ will surely worry many NUFC fans.

It is perhaps not a surprise to hear that he wants to leave given what has been going on at Newcastle lately, as supporters can only hope that he will change his mind again and wish to stay.

In other news, find out how close Newcastle were to signing one global ace here!