All posts by h79snht.top

ExWHUemployee has dropped an update on the future of reported West Ham United transfer target Jesse Lingard.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on The West Ham Way Patreon, the Hammers insider revealed that, despite a recent report by the Daily Mail claiming that David Moyes’ side are set to beat Everton in the race for the out-of-contract forward this summer, this is in fact not the case – with talks between the east London side and the 29-year-old set to resume towards the end of the week.

In his post, Ex said: “This story has been verified by two sources – one at West Ham and one close to the player – to be rubbish, again!

“Talks are hoping to take place at the latter end of the week, but yet again another person has jumped the gun with the story. It is best to ignore this story until anything is confirmed as advancing. It seems to be causing a lot of meltdowns in the West Ham fan base.”

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how exciting an addition Lingard would very much look to be to Moyes’ attacking arsenal at the London Stadium next season, Ex’s claim that the 29-year-old is not currently close to agreeing a move to E15 this summer is sure to have left supporters of the Irons gutted.

Indeed, over his 16 Premier League appearances during a loan spell at West Ham in 2020/21, the £16.2m-rated talent proved just how impressive a full-time addition he would be for the club, bagging nine goals, providing five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.6 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the 32-cap international average simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.19, not only ranking him as Moyes’ best performer in the league but also as the 20th-best player in the division as a whole – playing a key role in the Hammers sealing an impressive sixth-place finish that season.

As such, while Lingard’s £150k-per-week wage demands are somewhat on the high side, it is clear to see that, should the former Manchester United forward be able to recreate this level of form in east London next season, he would be well worth it – leading us to believe that Moyes must do everything he can to get a deal over the line for Lingard ahead of the Toffees this summer.

AND in other news: Moyes given green light for “scary” £30m West Ham target, it’d be an “incredible” coup

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has made a claim on the club’s pursuit of Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere.

The Lowdown: De Ketelaere absent from Brugge squad

The Whites have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old in recent weeks, with Phil Hay recently stating that Leeds will step up their interest when Raphinha moves on. However, AC Milan are also extremely keen on the forward, and it looks as if a move to Italy is what De Ketelaere prefers.

Reports over the weekend claimed that De Ketelaere was left out of Brugge’s squad for a match against Copenhagen due to his uncertain future.

The Latest: Robinson reacts

Robinson, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding De Ketelaere after hearing the news on the Belgian’s absence from the Brugge squad.

He said that a move to Elland Road could go through following the update, stating that the 21-year-old’s ‘future lies elsewhere’.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-6/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The former Leeds goalkeeper stated:

“It looks like that deal might be going through.

“You see it a lot now – more than you ever used to – players getting left out of pre-season tours and pre-season friendlies if there’s a potential move for them.

“It doesn’t take an intelligent person to work out that if they’re not part of the squad in pre-season, their future lies elsewhere.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

It looks as if Leeds still feel they can get a deal over the line for De Ketelaere in what you’d expect would be their final piece of major summer business.

He can play anywhere in attack and has just come off the back of an excellent season in front of goal for Brugge, so it would be a real coup if the Whites can pip Milan to his services.

De Ketelaere may need some persuading over a move to Yorkshire, but it looks as if the club feel that a move still has legs; and as Robinson says, his absence from the Brugge squad appears to point towards an exit from the Belgian giants.

Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed a busy summer transfer window as they have moved to strengthen Antonio Conte’s team ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Fabio Paratici has brought in Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Richarlison and Yves Bissouma on permanent deals so far, whilst he is also on the verge of completing a swoop for Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence.

One player who does not appear to be joining the club this summer, however, is Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian international looks set to remain with the Serie A giants, despite interest from the Premier League side.

Dream alternative

It has previously been reported that Spurs have looked at Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt as a potential target in their pursuit of a left-footed centre-back.

Bayern Munich have held talks over a deal for the £67.5m machine and Paratici must now hijack the move in order to land a dream alternative to Bastoni.

In the Serie A last term, de Ligt averaged an excellent SofaScore of 7.07 across 31 outings. He won 62% of his individual duels and made 3.1 clearances per match as he helped the Old Lady to keep 11 clean sheets in the Italian top-flight.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Bastoni, meanwhile, averaged a score of 7.10 and won 60% of his battles. The 23-year-old’s team kept eight shutouts as he made 1.8 clearances per game, which suggests that the Juventus man performed to a similar level throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

The late Mino Raiola previously hailed the Dutch international, saying: “Matthijs is becoming like the Night’s Watch, you can see him developing before your eyes. Matthijs is like an oil tanker, you can’t expect him to suddenly turn 90 degrees. He goes steadily. But, once he’s on course, he can’t be stopped.”

At the age of 22, the enforcer still has plenty of time left on his hands to develop and improve. This means that he would be an excellent signing for the future and is a player Conte can work with to help him fulfill his potential in the years to come, whilst also having the quality to make an immediate impact in England.

In the Premier League last term, Ben Davies averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.88 as he won 54% of his duels and made 2.5 clearances per game. This suggests that De Ligt would be an upgrade on the Welsh international if he is able to adapt to the English game, which is why Paratici must now hijack Bayern’s attempts to sign him.

AND in other news: “Contact planned…”: Italian journo drops transfer update, it’s a big boost for Spurs…

Liverpool have completed the signing of three new players to join the squad at Anfield this summer, and now a new update has emerged on a potential fourth signing that could be on the cards before the transfer window closes.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Liverpool are reigniting their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus.

Liverpool were linked with the player 12 months ago in the last summer transfer window when they were looking to sign a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, but did not progress their interest further.

The player is currently rated at £25m by Football Observatory.

Neuhaus would suit Liverpool

There is no doubt there is definitely an opportunity for change in the centre of the pitch at Anfield, and it has been reported that FSG are focusing their efforts on improving the midfield and identifying players for the future.

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will all be out of contract in less than a year, with Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson both coming to the latter stages of their career, proving that it could now be time for the powers at the club to start bringing in the future of the midfield.

Neuhaus who was hailed “clever” by journalist Ronan Murphy, has been impressing in the Bundesliga with Borussia Monchengladbach and is shaping up to be the complete midfielder.

Over 28 league appearances last season, Neuhaus scored four goals, delivered four assists and created four big chances. He also made two tackles, 1.1 interceptions and took 1.6 shots per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels (56%) and successfully completing the majority of his dribbles (69%).

Former Liverpool forward Emile Heskey claimed that the £51k-per-week talent would “suit Liverpool” in an interview last year (via Liverpool Core):

“Someone like (Neuhaus) would suit Liverpool in the way that they play. Someone who can really drive with the ball.

“If you just sit in your zones, then it’s difficult to actually break teams down. If you can have someone with a bit of creativity, who starts pulling players all over the place, that’s what you need.”

With that being said, the signing of Neuhaus could be the perfect opportunity to strengthen the midfield ahead of next season and the German star could become a key player in the heart of the team.

AND in other news: In talks: FSG preparing £60m Liverpool bid for “top player”, imagine him & Nunez

Aston Villa have completed the signing of teenage midfielder Ewan Simpson.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

Villa have been proactive in the transfer market ahead of Steven Gerrard’s first full season in charge with a number of first-team signings at a cost of just under £50m.

More could be on the way before the transfer deadline, with a new midfielder and new forward thought to be on the agenda for Johan Lange.

The club have also bolstered their academy ranks by signing forward Rory Wilson from Rangers, and another exciting talent has now made the move from Scotland to the Midlands.

The Latest: Simpson signs

Birmingham Live shared a story after both Villa and Hearts confirmed a move for Simpson in the last 48 hours.

Villa academy manager Mark Harrison labelled Simpson as an ‘intelligent midfielder’, with the Premier League side paying an undisclosed fee to Hearts.

The Verdict: Good news

The news regarding Simpson’s move may go under the radar with no official confirmation on the club’s main social media channels, however, it looks like a shrewd move by Villa officials.

Simpson was first linked with a move to Villa Park towards the end of April after some outstanding displays for Hearts at U18 level.

He was attracting interest from a number of English sides and is thought to be a ‘potential star-in-the-making’, so it will be interesting to see how he progresses over the coming years.

Manchester City youngster Liam Delap is in ‘advanced talks’ regarding a loan move to Stoke City this summer, according to an update shared by Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Joining the Cityzens’ youth system following a move from Derby County as a fledgeling teenager, the 19-year-old has made 54 appearances for the Sky Blues’ youth teams, directly contributing to a remarkable 61 goals in the process.

The England youth international made his senior debut for Pep Guardiola’s side in September 2020, scoring against Bournemouth in a 2-1 Carabao Cup victory, before getting his Premier League bow just three days later.

Despite having made six outings for City’s first team, Delap is unlikely to force his way into Guardiola’s immediate plans. As such, numerous clubs – including Brighton, with whom City have been in discussions regarding Marc Cucurella – have been linked with the striker, but it appears that Stoke could be about to win the battle for his signature…

The latest: Stoke in ‘advanced talks’ for Delap

Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Romano has relayed an update from The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon that the Championship outfit have beaten off competition from Southampton and Newcastle to land the England under-19 starlet.

The Italian stated: “Stoke City are in advanced talks to sign Liam Delap, favourites to find full agreement with Man City. #MCFC Been told City will only let Delap go on loan. Southampton £16m official bid and Newcastle approaches have been rejected. Stoke, on it – as per @dansheldonsport.”

The verdict: Sensible move

Rejecting permanent approaches and instead opting to send Delap out on loan to further his development must be regarded as a shrewd move from City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain.

Still under contract until 2026 at the Etihad Stadium (Transfermarkt), the talented marksman – who was described as an ‘absolute beast’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – certainly has time on his side to make the grade in Manchester. A loan spell at Stoke, where he should get regular competitive senior action, can only be a positive for the Premier League champions.

Last season, Delap scored eight times and provided two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions for various City teams, proof of a keen eye for making his presence in the final third count which will make the £1.35m-valued starlet one player to keep a close eye on should this loan move indeed be confirmed.

Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters has been identified as a summer target for Premier League rivals Chelsea, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Attracting interest

The 25-year-old still has three years remaining on his contract at the St. Mary’s Stadium, but recent reports have suggested that the Saints would be willing to let him leave this summer if they received an offer in the region of £40m.

The defender has been attracting interest from both Manchester United and Arsenal throughout the transfer window, but another name from the top-flight now appears to have emerged as a new potential suitor, and it comes in the form of the Blues.

The Latest: Chelsea plotting Walker-Peters move

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Chelsea have held talks inside the club regarding a potential move for Walker-Peters. He wrote:

“Chelsea are considering many options for right-back position, to be discussed after Cucurella. Kyle Walker-Peters, one of the options alongside Denzel Dumfries.

“Dumfries top of the list but Inter want to keep him, still no bid.

“Walker-Peters, discussed internally.”

The Verdict: Would be a huge loss

Walker-Peters has been an integral part of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI since arriving from Tottenham Hotspur two years ago, and so it would be a huge loss if the south coast outfit were to lose him now.

The two-cap international, hailed for having an ‘immense’ spirit by sports journalist Josh Bunting, averaged 1.8 tackles and two successful dribbles per league game last season, via WhoScored, highlighting his ability to affect the game at both ends of the pitch.

There’s no doubt that Southampton will want to keep hold of Walker-Peters, hence why they’ve put the £40m price tag on his head, but if an offer in that proximity were to be presented, it might just be too good to turn down.

Everton’s director of football Kevin Thelwell is reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Sheffield United striker Daniel Jebbison.

The Lowdown: Memorable debut

The Canada-born teenager had a memorable full debut for the Blades when they were in the Premier League, in a game that Toffees supporters will want to forget.

The then 17-year-old scored the winner at Goodison Park towards the end of the 2020/21 campaign and received high praise from Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards, who dubbed him a ‘shining light’.

Now 19, it looks as if the Merseyside club may be coming back for a player who once haunted them.

The Latest: Jebbison interest

As per Football League World, Jebbison remains on Everton’s radar, with the Toffees having been linked with a move for him in the past.

They view him as a player for the future, but also someone who could hit the ground running straight away, following the injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin on top of the sale of Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer.

The Verdict: Needed

Everton are no doubt in desperate need of a striker, and Jebbison would certainly help to fill the void left by Calvert-Lewin while the former Blades marksman is on the treatment table.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-7/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He already has the experience of playing in the Premier League and has made two appearances for Sheffield United so far this season (Transfermarkt), so he should be fresh and ready to go at top-flight level if he joins the Toffees.

Furthermore, Jebbison has huge potential at just 19, so he would also be a smart investment for the future if Thelwell brings him in.

Aston Villa may have made the wrong decision by sending Kaine Kesler-Hayden out on loan, Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece says. 

The lowdown

It was confirmed on Friday that Villa had sent Kesler-Hayden to Championship outfit Huddersfield Town on a season-long loan deal.

The right-back made two temporary moves last term, spending the first half of the campaign with Swindon Town and the second with MK Dons.

Steven Gerrard has two out-and-out right-backs in his squad – Matty Cash and Frederic Guilbert – but the latter’s day at Villa Park look to be numbered after he was sent to train with the Under-23s.

The latest

Writing on Twitter, Preece said he is ‘disappointed’ that Villa have decided to loan Kesler-Hayden out rather than integrating him into the first-team set-up.

Having ‘watched a lot of him’, he reckons he’s ready ‘to push for game time at AVFC’.

The verdict

Does Preece have a point?

Well, the young starlet did a decent job in League One last season, winning the majority of his ground duels (53%) and creating just under one chance a game (0.8).

He’s earned international recognition too, featuring six times for England at Under-20 level.

Swindon Town reporter Jonny Leighfield has raved about his ‘brilliant turn of pace’ and his ability to ‘do damage’ going forward.

He even went as far as to claim that he has ‘got everything’ to play ‘Premier League football regularly’, including ‘the out-and-out quality’.

Perhaps he viewed the potential departure of Guilbert as a potential opportunity, but clearly Villa don’t see it that way.

The summer transfer window slams shut in less than two weeks and Newcastle United have only brought in three players so far.

Dan Ashworth has snapped up Matt Targett on a permanent deal after his loan spell from Aston Villa and brought in Sven Botman and Nick Pope to bolster the defence.

However, the recruitment chief is yet to sign a midfielder or attacker and has until next Thursday to get any remaining business over the line.

One player who could end up at St. James’ Park before the window slams shut is Ajax defensive midfielder Edson Alvarez.

Former GOAL reporter KeryNews recently claimed that the Magpies made an offer for the Mexican and that they will need to pay roughly £42m (€50m) to sign him.

He Tweeted: “Newcastle is the club most interested in Edson Alvarez. The Magpies were willing to offer 30 million euros and Ajax rejected them. The proposal was verbal. It seems that the negotiations have not completely fallen apart and they will make another more important offer.”

The reporter followed that up by adding: “Ajax does not want Edson Alvarez to leave the team in these last days of the market. After rejecting Newcastle’s first offer, they have valued it at 50 million euros. The reason for the price is to scare away those interested (and a hint of what they hope to get after Qatar).”

By snapping up a deal to sign the Mexico international, Eddie Howe could have his own version of Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

FB Ref lists them as similar players and their respective statistics back that up. They both rank in the top 2% for clearances per 90 among players in their position over the last 365 days in Europe’s top five leagues and European competition, whilst Alvarez’s 2.91 aerial battles won per 90 puts him seven percentiles higher than Ndidi at 2.49 per 90.

This shows that they are two of the best holding midfielders around when it comes to their positioning and strength in the air, which allows them to repel opposition crosses and long balls – providing an excellent shield in front of the back four.

Interestingly, the Ajax man – who was dubbed “tenacious” by scout Jacek Kulig – ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles in the final third per 90 with 0.65, whilst the Leicester enforcer sits in the 39th percentile with 0.21 per 90.

This indicates that he would suit Howe’s pressing style of play as he is one of the best players in his position at pushing high up and attempting to win the ball back off the opposition near their own box.

So, whilst he could be the manager’s own Ndidi in the sense that he is terrific at cutting out balls forward from teams, he could be a better option for the way that Newcastle wants to play.