All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Michy Batshuayi to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that, with the centre-forward’s current contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire in June of 2023, Chelsea have now greenlit the 28-year-old’s departure this summer, in order for Thomas Tuchel’s side to recoup some of the £33m fee they paid for the Belgium international back in 2016.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

The report goes on to state that this has caught the attention of the likes of Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as unnamed teams in Germany, Italy and Spain, who are all said to be plotting moves for the striker at the end of the current campaign.

“Loves scoring goals”

While it is true that, since Batshuayi’s 2016 move to west London, the centre-forward has failed to ever hold down a place as Chelsea’s first-choice number nine – making just 77 appearances over his five and a half year stay at Stamford Bridge – it is undeniable that, when given the opportunity, the 28-year-old is very much a player who knows how to find the back of the net.

This is something he has proven over his 28 Super Lig outings on loan at Besiktas this season, with the £9m-rated forward scoring 14 goals, registering five assists and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.3 shots – the second-most in the league – and making one key pass per game.

The £87k-per-week hitman dubbed a “beast” was also in devastating form over 14 fixtures in a temporary spell with Borussia Dortmund back in 2017/18, bagging nine goals and providing one assist for BVB – a record of a direct goal involvement every 117 minutes of football played.

Indeed, it is clear to see that Batshuayi is a player who loves finding the onion bag, something which the centre-forward’s former manager, Frank Lampard, confirmed back in November of 2019:

“He has been very good for us so far, and that positive spirit when you’re not playing regularly is not just important for him, cause that’s tough sometimes, but it’s important for the group. He deserves extra praise for that.

“He’s positive, hard-working, loves scoring goals. That might sound simple for a striker but I’ve seen some who don’t love it quite as much. He loves scoring in training, he always stays out to do extra practice. I’m thankful to have him in the squad.”

Furthermore, upon Leeds’ links with a move for the Belgian back in 2021, the former Leeds midfielder, David Norris, also stated his belief that the Chelsea striker would make an excellent addition to the Whites’ options up top:

“He’s big, strong, powerful and can score goals but also, anyone coming in is going to have to fit in with the way they play and the dressing room because that seems really close, but I think he’d be a great signing.”

And, with Jesse Marsch known to favour a formation that features two centre-forwards, the prospect of Batshuayi linking up with Patrick Bamford at Elland Road will certainly be a mouthwatering one for Leeds supporters.

Indeed, Victor Orta’s signing of the 28-year-old could easily be the formation of a deadly duo in the Leeds attack, one that could very well fire the Whites back to the top half of the Premier League standings next season.

AND in other news: Marsch could unearth Leeds’ next £60m talent in “wonderful” £1.8m-rated sensation

Middlesbrough have made contact with Celtic-linked free agent Robbie Brady, according to Football League World.

The Lowdown: Celtic links

The 29-year-old, about whom Ange Postecoglou spoke last month, has been linked with a move to Parkhead since February.

Reports over the weekend even claimed that the Hoops were front runners for his services, with nothing coming from other speculation linking the Irishman with moves to Gaziantep and Swansea City.

It now seems as if Celtic have another contender to fend off in their reported attempts to land the versatile wide midfielder.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-13/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Boro contact

Football League World shared a story on Monday morning suggesting that Middlesbrough have been in touch with the 29-year-old, who is still without a club since leaving Burnley in the summer.

The report credits Celtic with interest when discussing the Teessiders’ involvement in the race for Brady’s services.

The Verdict: Time for Nicholson to act?

Michael Nicholson is Celtic’s interim CEO following Dominic McKay’s abrupt departure, so he may have to act fast if Ange Postecoglou wants to bring Brady to Glasgow.

All parties will need to be on board over a possible move, though, with recent reports suggesting that Postecoglou and his scouts didn’t have meaningful input in James McCarthy’s Celtic Park arrival.

If everyone at the club agrees that Brady would be a shrewd signing, now is the time to make a move.

In other news: ‘Brilliant news if true’, ‘Please’ – Lots of Celtic fans buzz at Scott Burns’ ‘great’ update. 

Aston Villa confirmed on Tuesday that winger Tyreik Wright has completed a season-long loan move to League Two side Salford City.

And a number of Villa fans were quick to react to the transfer update on social media.

The 19-year-old was one of seven Under-23’s who signed new deals at Villa Park earlier this summer.

Wright, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Villa, has made over 50 appearances for Villa’s respective youth sides and spent the second half of last season on loan at Walsall.

He’ll now get the chance to add to his 16 League Two appearances with The Ammies, who are co-owned by Gary Neville.

Wright has become the eighth Villa U23 who has left on loan this summer, with the likes of Louie Barry and Brad Young also sealing recent moves to Ipswich Town and Carlisle United respectively.

Villa fans react

Villa shared the news regarding Wright on their official Twitter page. This is what these supporters had to say in reply, with one labelling a temporary exit as ‘fantastic’.

“Another one – add him to the list! Good move this for Tyreik”Credit: @AVFCLOAN”Great move all round”Credit: @GW_94″Fantastic opportunity, you will smash it Ty, good luck fella”Credit: @CreaneyTom”Jedinak really earning his money. Getting the youngsters some really decent loan moves”Credit: @andrewstone85″Personally think Villa and Salford could be a perfect link up.”Credit: @doc3d”Wanted to see him get first team game time icl”Credit: @AstonWilll

In other news: Exit news: Ashley Preece thinks ‘underrated’ Aston Villa ace will now leave before window shuts. 

Liverpool have suffered an injury blow ahead of their trip to Leeds United next weekend after Takumi Minamino picked up a knock while on national team duty.

The Japan international was forced to withdraw from the squad after picking up an injury and won’t be able to feature in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against China.

What’s the word?

Although the 26-year-old was called up by Hajime Moriyasu last week, he didn’t feature in his nation’s 1-0 defeat to Oman on Thursday.

“Midfielder Takumi Minamino (Liverpool FC) has been withdrawn from the team due to an injury at SAMURAI BLUE, which is active for the Asian final qualifying (Road to Qatar) China national team match,” read a statement from the Japan FA (as relayed by the Liverpool Echo).

It continued: “We will inform you of additional convened players to replace Minamino as soon as they are decided.”

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

Despite Minamino not playing a single minute of Liverpool’s 2021/22 campaign so far, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is still likely to be gutted to learn of the 26-year-old’s recent setback.

The former RB Salzburg forward is set to join Roberto Firmino on the treatment table after the 29-year-old was forced off the field against Chelsea in the first half last weekend.

That leaves just the out-of-form Divock Origi as backup to a front three of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane, meaning that Klopp is desperately short of options in the final third of the pitch.

The Merseysiders will be hoping to maintain their solid start to the new campaign when they travel to Elland Road to face Leeds following the international break, but they’ll have to do so without a selection of their forward players. News of Minamino’s injury will not amuse his club manager.

In other news… Edwards can redeem himself at Liverpool with January move for “devastating” maestro 

West Ham United will throw the chequebook at Declan Rice in a bid to keep him at the London Stadium for the foreseeable future, according to Irons hero Frank McAvennie…

What’s the word?

During an interview with West Ham Zone this week, the former Hammers striker – who enjoyed two spells in east London – claimed the club were prepared to pay “big bucks” to tie him down for the long-term.

“Listen, from what I’m hearing the club want to keep him and they’re willing to pay big bucks.

“Now, I don’t know if he’s wanting to go somewhere. [But] I think this team [and] this squad of players, could be challenging for the Champions League for the next two or three years. I think they’ve got a decent squad, keeping everyone fit. They’ll buy more players in.

“From what I’m hearing, the owners are willing to give Declan pretty much on a par with everyone else in England, so that’s a good thing.”

Encouraging news

The 22-year-old midfielder has been continually linked with a move away in recent transfer windows, with the likes of Chelsea and both Manchester giants mooted with interest.

All three of these teams made a final of last season’s European competitions. The Blues defeating City in the Champions League, whilst United were beaten by Unai Emery’s Villarreal in the Europa League.

They can clearly offer Rice a better chance of achieving silverware sooner than West Ham can, so it would be no surprise to see him keen to join any of these teams.

During the summer, the £63m-rated star was said to have rejected fresh contract advances from the Irons’ hierarchy and according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, this was because his salary was not in line with some of the club’s highest-earners, such as the rarely-seen Andriy Yarmolenko, who is thought to earn a whopping £115k-per–week in east London.

However, offering the England international a new deal that would see him match similar quality players in his position is certainly a positive step in the right direction, especially after Ex’s revelation.

Rice is believed to be on just £60k-per-week at the London Stadium, which is poor considering he has now amassed 26 caps for the Three Lions since his debut in March 2019, whilst he continues to be a major influence for West Ham under David Moyes.

Last season, he ranked amongst the Hammers’ four best performers and he has continued that form into the new campaign, where he has already registered two assists in seven starts and averaged a squad-high two interceptions per game, via WhoScored.

He’s also managing the best passing accuracy in the team (92.7%), by quite some margin, too.

If the club are indeed prepared to pay him what he wants and deserves, then it should leave much of the Irons faithful absolutely buzzing as there is the intention to put right their previous offers.

Whether he wants to stay or go remains to be seen, though given he is under contract until 2024, he’s likely to remain for at least the next season or so.

AND in other news, Newman could become an instant hit at West Ham by signing £36m-rated “world-beater”…

Celtic may have scored ten goals in their last two games but that hasn’t stopped Ange Postecoglou from considering attacking recruits.

The Hoops have already signed Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada who have hit the ground running at Parkhead but there is further work required in the transfer window.

What’s the word?

A player that Celtic have considered signing for a while now is Gorica forward Kristijan Lovric.

The Bhoys were interested in recruiting him during the winter window of 2019/20 but nothing materialised.

A further attraction in the player has been registered this summer but they may have to pay in the region of £4.2m to prise him away from Croatian shores.

Now, according to the Daily Record, they understand that Lovric is indeed on Celtic’s radar ahead of a possible switch.

Must sign him

Postecoglou’s side hasn’t struggled for goals this season but with the threat of Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard departing still hovering over their shoulders, they must consider adding Lovric to their ranks.

Possessing tricks, creativity and more importantly goals, he’d be an excellent signing for the Australian if the manager can secure a deal.

He already has two goals in four appearances for Gorica this term, taking his tally for the club to 46 strikes in just 100 outings.

On top of that, the winger has racked up a haul of 24 assists on his way to being linked with Celtic.

Speaking about Lovric’s style of play, HNTV commentator Damir Petravic once said: “He dribbles and scores in the style of Robben, shoots free throws like Pirlo or Pjanic, and knows how to sprint like Mbappe.”

That’s a particularly glowing review for a player who has been capped just once by his country.

At the age of 25, he is rapidly approaching his prime and if he can show this type of form in Scotland, he’d be a roaring success.

Abada has hit the ground running with two goals and two assists in five outings while Furuhashi already has a hat-trick to his name since signing.

Add a player with Lovric’s qualities to the equation and they’d surely be in the conversation to win the Premiership crown again.

After all, Postecoglou loves an attacking brand of football and the Croat would undoubtedly improve Celtic’s ability to play that in that manner.

AND in other news, Celtic prepare bid to sign “very gifted” £4.5m beast, fans must be buzzing…

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Newcastle United have now ‘started’ contacts over a potential move for Jesse Lingard in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Developing story…

The Times claimed last week that the St James’ Park club have offered a record deal to the 28-year-old would make him the highest earner in their history and have duly made the Manchester United midfielder their priority signing next month.

His current contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in the summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent in just a few months’ time.

As such, January may present the perfect opportunity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium to pounce, as the Red Devils will surely want to cash in at the risk of losing him for nothing.

The Latest: Contacts have ‘started’

As per Italian football journalist and transfer expert Romano, contacts have now ‘started’ with Newcastle over a potential move for Lingard, although ‘nothing’ has been agreed as of yet.

They are ‘seriously interested’ in bringing him to Tyneside, although it is an ‘open race’ for his signature.

The Verdict: Get it done

The fact that Lingard can leave for free in the summer means that the Magpies could get him on the cheap in the winter window, and he could seriously help in their push to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Described in complimentary fashion as a ‘joke’ and a player who ‘has four lungs’ by former United youngster Angel Gomes recently, his energy and work rate would be much appreciated among the Toon Army as they bid to avoid the drop. The 28-year-old has also shown his quality on the ball, with nine goals and a further five assists during a very successful loan spell at West Ham United last season (Transfermarkt).

With Newcastle needing to get out of trouble and Lingard not getting much of a look-in at Old Trafford, failing to start a Premier League game this season, it seems like a move which would suit all parties involved.

In other news, find out which Premier League ‘huge talent’ NUFC are eyeing

Sunderland boss Alex Neil picked up another win in the third tier over the weekend as his side beat Gillingham 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Nathan Broadhead’s diving header in the last minute sealed the three points to keep the Black Cats in the race to land a play-off spot.

They are currently two points behind 5th-placed Sheffield Wednesday in the table as they attempt to land a top-six place between now and the end of the regular season.

If the Black Cats end up in the play-offs and Neil is able to guide them to the Championship this term, Kristjaan Speakman will be facing the daunting prospect of sorting out the club’s striking options heading into next season.

Ross Stewart has been linked with a move to Premier League side Norwich and Nathan Broadhead is set to return to Everton this summer. They have scored 28 goals between them in League One and losing both of them ahead of a campaign in the second tier would be a disaster, especially if they fail to bring in a player of the requisite quality to replace them.

One striker they have been credited with an interest in is 18-year-old Guiseley forward Josh Stones. The youngster has caught the eye this season with his goals at youth level and Sunderland are one of the clubs keen on a deal for him.

However, Football Insider recently reported that Wigan have agreed terms with the striker ahead of a summer switch to the DW Stadium. This means that, as it stands, Speakman is set to miss out on a deal for the teen as Wigan have swooped in ahead of them.

Stones has scored nine goals in his last five youth games for Guiseley, whilst he recently scored a hat-trick at youth level for England’s schoolboys team against Scotland. This means that he has found the back of the net 12 times in his last six matches in development football, which highlights his incredible potential as a player.

Therefore, missing out on a deal for him would be a big disaster for Speakman. Not only would it be to a League One rival, but it could also be at the same time they lose both Stewart and Broadhead – leaving Neil’s squad threadbare at the top end of the pitch.

The Stadium of Light supremo must do everything in his power to convince the 18-year-old phenomenon to turn Wigan down and sign a contract with Sunderland. His statistics at youth level suggest that he would be an excellent addition to the club’s ranks and they cannot allow their rivals to snap him up ahead of them.

AND in other news, SAFC made huge £600k blunder over “outstanding” machine who aged like “fine wine”…

Everton have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek.

What’s the story?

According to Dutch publication De Telegraaf (as relayed by Metro), the 24-year-old has decided to change his agent in order to secure an Old Trafford exit ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

Van de Beek was heavily linked with a move to the Toffees over the summer, with director of football Marcel Brands openly admitting that the engine room operator was on his list of potential targets.

“We had him on our list. At the beginning of the transfer window, we enquired at United, then it was impossible,” Brand told Dutch outlet NOS.

“At the end of the window, I received a call from Guido Albers, his agent, that he might be rented out after all. But at the last minute, it was cancelled. Stopped again.”

However, Van de Beek has now replaced Albers with Ali Dursun as he desperately attempts to end his 18-month Manchester nightmare, with Everton, Newcastle United and Juventus all believed to be monitoring the situation.

Rafa Benitez will be buzzing

After scoring 41 goals and laying on a further 34 assists for his teammates in 175 games for Ajax, as well as winning a domestic double in 2018/19 as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, Van de Beek arrived on English shores with an enviable reputation.

However, the physical demands and fast-paced nature of the Premier League often seemed to overwhelm the technically gifted midfielder last season, limiting him to just four starts in the top flight throughout 2020/21.

It was reported that the Netherlands international had bulked up over the summer, though, after missing Euro 2020 through injury, and United teammate Bruno Fernandes lauded Van de Beek’s extra efforts during pre-season.

“As a professional player you always prepare for your season before you come back for training, you always do something before, and I think everyone was doing their jobs at home,” the Portugal star told the official Manchester United website.

“Yes, he’s (Van de Beek) working hard and working hard in the gym. Obviously, he is one of the quality players we know, and now he’s building up,” he added.

Nevertheless, the £22.5m-rated gem has found opportunities hard to come by at the Theatre of Dreams once again in the current campaign, starting just two games in all competitions under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Van de Beek’s current predicament and his desire to depart United will surely leave Everton manager Rafael Benitez buzzing with excitement as he searches for a creative talent to replace James Rodriguez, and he’ll likely be asking Brands to revive his interest in the Dutch midfielder over the winter transfer window. The 24-year-old’s change of agent might help to get a move pushed through.

In other news… Everton receive boost in pursuit of “unique” £75-p/w dynamo, fans will be buzzing

Sunderland have seen plenty of players come and go from the Wearside club over the years during several transfer windows.

However, as has happened with many clubs, they don’t always end up securing every player that they get linked with.

One prime example of a player that the Black Cats were looking to sign and will now be having nightmares over is Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

According to the Sunderland Echo, the striker “was a target of Peter Reid during his formulative years at Ajax.”

However, a deal for the Sweden international “couldn’t be sealed” before he eventually joined Juventus in August 2004.

Throughout an impressive and very long career, Ibrahimovic has played for clubs such as Malmo, Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona and LA Galaxy.

With a total of 811 club appearances under his belt, the 40-year-old has scored 492 goals, provided 201 assists and won numerous team titles and individual awards, highlighting just how much of an icon he is.

On the international stage, Ibrahimovic has been a vital figure for his country by scoring 62 goals in 121 appearances.

This season has seen the veteran score eight goals and provide two assists in 19 Serie A appearances for Milan, showing that despite his advanced age, he still has the knack for finding the back of the net in one of Europe’s top divisions.

Labelled as an “unstoppable” player by Gianfranco Zola, as well as having the “technique of Lionel Messi, the character of Muhammad Ali, and the strength of Mike Tyson,” by Mino Raiola, Ibrahimovic could have been an incredible asset for Sunderland had they been able to strike a deal for him all those years ago.

With the benefit of hindsight, securing a deal for the centre-forward should have been a top priority for the Wearside club, no matter what the cost implications would have been.

While there would have been no guarantee over how long he would have been at Sunderland had they been able to sign him, it still would have been a great sight for the fans to see such an exciting and talented goalscorer in their squad.

In other news: Cost £13.6m, now worth £1.8m: SAFC had a nightmare on dud who “lacked professionalism”