All posts by z3u9t.icu

A new dawn is on the horizon for Liverpool. The squad that clinched European glory and a Premier League has been largely separated.Jurgen Klopp must find the antidote to reverse the club’s fortunes and catapult them back into the top four.One of the biggest summers in the Reds’ recent history lies ahead as they must place faith in a new cohort of players.One name that has been mentioned as part of this rebuild is Arda Guler.

What’s the latest on Arda Guler to Liverpool?

According to Aksam (via Sport Witness), Liverpool and Barcelona are interested in signing Fenerbahce Guler this summer.It is understood that both Liverpool and the Blaugrana have 'stepped in' and have 'accelerated their attempts' to secure the signing.However, it could be a complicated deal as Fenerbahce are hoping to keep the youngster for at least one more year.That said, should the youngster leave then it may cost any suitor around £20m.

Who can Arda Guler emulate at Liverpool?

Guler joined the Fenerbache youth ranks in 2019 and signed a professional contract with the club in 2021, making his senior debut as a substitute against Finnish club HJK in the play-offs of the Europa League.Then in August 2021, the "serious talent" – as per Duncan Castles – made his Süper Lig debut, providing the assist for the winning goal to emphatically announce himself into national stardom.Then in March 2022, the playmaker created history as he became the youngest goalscorer in Turkish top-flight history, having only turned 17 three weeks earlier.The youngster was then awarded the club’s number ten shirt and in the first match of the next campaign, he scored twice in 21 minutes.He has continued to excel and has finished the term with 12 goal involvements in 34 appearances in all competitions.During his incredible journey, Erol Tokgolzer, Guler’s former coach, said: “I don't think Arda will stay in Turkey too long. Bids of €20-30m for Arda will become ordinary.”The teen has also been hailed by Andrea Pirlo, who said: “He has the potential to play anywhere in the world. He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique. If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential.”Only standing 5 foot 9, Guler doesn’t possess a dominant, physical frame – his smaller, more nimble, and insanely intricate style mirrors that of a prime Philippe Coutinho.In 201 outings for Liverpool, the Brazilian – who also operates in a playmaking role – registered 54 goals and 45 assists, and Mauricio Pochettino once said he has “special magic in his feet.”

The rebirth of this silky, innovative, diminutive presence on the Anfield pitch could come in the form of Guler, and it makes for an exciting prospect to see what he could achieve under Klopp’s supervision.

Incoming manager Ange Postecoglou is looking to bring his Celtic assistant coach John Kennedy with him to Tottenham Hotspur, according to The Times.

Is Ange Postecoglou coming to Spurs?

After he clinched a domestic treble with Celtic at the weekend, Spurs have now confirmed that Postcoglou is on his way to north London, and will commence work on July 1.

The Australian, following their 3-1 Scottish Cup victory over Inverness at Hampden Park on Saturday, has agreed to become Spurs' next manager after Antonio Conte.

"Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play," said chairman Daniel Levy upon his appointment."He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our Club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead."

The former Celtic boss will join Tottenham and reports have already started coming out suggesting that he is set to be backed by Spurs with additions this summer.

Leicester City star James Maddison is among the targets on Tottenham's radar and it appears they can now focus on the looming transfer market.

Postecoglou will also be looking to shape the backroom in his own image as he attempts to reinstall a brand of attacking football and positivity at N17.

According to a report by The Times, he already has plans in that regard, with the Australian "keen" on stealing away his assistant manager Kennedy down south.

Spurs let go of a lot of their staff when Cristian Stellini left as interim boss, and Postecoglou will need to replace them. He apparently doesn't usually take his assistants between jobs, with Kennedy being the obvious exception.

Ryan Mason may well also decide he wants his own gig elsewhere after chairman Daniel Levy opted not to take a chance on him as permanent manager.

Despite Postecoglou wanting to bring Kennedy to Tottenham, he may well have a hard time in doing so, with Celtic eager to hang on to their 39-year-old who is highly thought of.

Who is John Kennedy?

The coach has worked his way up the ladder at Parkhead, having been under the tutelage of many previous Hoops bosses like Ronny Deila, Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon.

Kennedy briefly served as interim Celtic manager when Lennon resigned in 2021 and Celtic's board apparently rate him a lot.

The former Scotland international, who was forced to retire from playing at the age of just 26, has also been called a "world-class" coach by former Chelsea star Damien Duff.

With the FA Cup final looming large, Manchester United have been dealt a frustrating setback following the loss of Anthony Martial to injury, with the long-serving Frenchman having been ruled out of the trip to Wembley due to a hamstring issue.

Having already missed 27 games this season through injury, the 27-year-old will yet again be restricted to watching brief on Saturday, leaving manager Erik ten Hag with only Wout Weghorst as a genuine, centre-forward option.

That inability to remain fit and firing in recent years is no doubt a factor in the reports that United are believed to be open to selling Martial this summer, with the former Monaco man having now scored just 11 Premier League goals since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

The £36m addition has also gone over two years without completing 90 minutes in the top-flight, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst revealing that the misfiring marksman last achieved that feat back in January 2021.

To think that the £250k-per-week asset remains United's main centre-forward pick despite those woes is a poor reflection on the club's recruitment, with the 30-cap dud simply unable to take the club where they want to go, as treble winner Teddy Sheringham summated back in 2020:

"Manchester United won’t win the title with Anthony Martial as their number nine."

With that in mind, speculation is rife that Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is the leading target to ease the Old Trafford outfit's striking woes, albeit with MEN reporting that the club have also identified alternative targets to the England skipper, such as Benfica's Goncalo Ramos.

This follows a report from Football Insider that claimed Ten Hag and co were 'plotting' a move for the Portuguese sensation, with a fee of around £70m having been mooted.

Should Man United sign Goncalo Ramos?

While Ten Hag has repeatedly stated that United play their "best football" with Martial in the side, the problem has been actually having the 5 foot 11 dynamo available for selection, hence the need to acquire a suitable replacement.

In Ramos then, the former Ajax boss would be able to find just that, with the 21-year-old having showcased his goalscoring prowess for both club and country in his recent years.

After previously posting "outrageous" numbers for Benfica's 'B' team – as per talent scout Jacek Kulig – the 6 foot 1 machine went on to score eight goals in what was a breakout 2021/22 campaign.

Following that respectable tally, the emerging superstar has since caught the eye after contributing 39 goals and assists in 47 games across all fronts – a far superior record to what Martial has achieved (12 goal contributions in 29 outings).

The youngster has also made his mark on the international scene after scoring four goals in just seven appearances for his country to date, notably bagging a hat-trick against Switzerland at the World Cup back in December after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting lineup.

While his tally of 12 assists this season would suggest that Ramos is also a creative outlet, the Olhao native's real asset is his ability to come alive inside the 18-yard box, as he has averaged 6.31 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 across the last 365 days, while Martial, by contrast, has averaged just 4.65 in that regard.

With United evidently in need of a more clinical attacking presence – having only been the eighth-highest scorers in the Premier League with 58 goals – the addition of Ramos could be just what Ten Hag is after.

If that deal can be pulled off over the coming weeks and months, it really could be bye bye Martial…

Arsenal officials have “monitored” Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba in recent weeks ahead of a potential move, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Edmond Tapsoba?

The Burkina Faso international made the move to Germany from Vitoria Guimaraes back in 2020 and has since gone on to make 136 appearances to date, becoming a regular feature of Xabi Alonso’s first-team recording 31 starts from 33 Bundesliga games this season.

The 6 foot 4 centre-back still has another three years remaining on his contract at the BayArena, but that hasn’t stopped Edu and Mikel Arteta from wanting to bring him to the Premier League, and not for the first time.

Back in February, Rudy Galetti, reliable journalist, reported that the Gunners have followed the 24-year-old for a “long time”, and the upcoming window might finally be the opportunity that they successfully secure their target’s services.

Who is signing Tapsoba?

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Arsenal are still keeping tabs on Tapsoba ahead of the 2023/24 term. He wrote:

“Premier League clubs are now tracking Edmond Tapsoba ahead of the summer transfer window — he’s one of the CBs to keep an eye on. Arsenal and Tottenham scouts have monitored Tapsoba in recent games but the race is absolutely open — Bayer will only sell for [a] huge bid.”

Arsenal are clearly serious about signing Tapsoba having attempted to recruit him more than once, and after being dubbed as “solid as a rock” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the centre-back would be a fantastic acquisition for the outfit at the Emirates Stadium.

The Champions League participant, who pockets £37k-per-week, currently averages three clearances, 1.6 tackles and the same number of aerial wins per league game, via WhoScored, so is commanding at the heart of the backline, but is also capable of contributing to his team’s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch.

The Bayer colossus has posted four goal contributions across all competitions this season and ranks in the 96th percentile for progressive passes so is strong in playing out from the back and is constantly looking to push his side as high up the field as possible.

Whilst Tapsoba’s specific price tag remains to be seen, Arsenal will know that the only way of getting a deal over the line is by tabling a sizable offer, so the hierarchy may look to test the waters to see if an agreement can be reached this summer.

Journalist Matt Maher is expecting Aston Villa to make more signings this summer, but not at centre-back.

The Lowdown: Olsen signed permanently

Villa have already secured permanent deals for deals for Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, and they have now added a fourth in Robin Olsen.

Like Coutinho, the Sweden international has made his temporary stay in the Midlands a full-time move following an initial loan spell, with Villa announcing the news on Saturday.

It is believed that the goalkeeper, who made his debut for the club on the final day of the Premier League season against Manchester City, has cost Villa around €3.5m (£3m).

The Latest: Maher’s Villa transfer claim

Maher, chief writer at The Express and Star, took to Twitter on Friday evening to report the imminent move for Olsen.

He added that Villa supporters should ‘expect more incomings’ this summer, but he claimed that another new ‘centre-back isn’t on the agenda’ at Villa Park.

The Verdict: Time to look elsewhere…

It was reported that Villa held talks with Burnley centre-back James Tarkowski towards the end of May ahead of a possible free transfer.

Carlos has since made the move to the Midlands and will become the fifth senior centre-back available to Steven Gerrard, which means that the Clarets defender probably won’t be following suit.

Therefore, provided that Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, Calum Chambers and Kortney Hause all remain at the club, Villa chiefs may be better off looking at other areas of the pitch, with a new striker seemingly on the radar after links with Luis Suarez.

In other news: Sky Sports pundit now drops ‘crazy’ Luis Suarez claim after what he’s heard from Villa Park

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

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by TEAMtalk, who claim that Victor Orta has now added the Barcelona right-back to his list of transfer targets ahead of the Whites’ 2022/23 Premier League campaign, with the Spanish sporting director believed to have identified the signing of a new full-back as one of Leeds’ priorities this summer.

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The report goes on to state that, while the 21-year-old – who has been made surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou by Xavi – has been offered to Manchester United, Orta is looking to make a move of his own for the USA international in the coming weeks.

Alphonso Davies 2.0

Considering just how exciting a talent Dest evidently is, it is not difficult to see why Orta and Jesse Marsch would be keen on a deal to bring the defender to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, according to FBref data, the £59.5m-rated talent ranks in the top 9% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for npxG per 90, as well as the top 31% for shots, the top 30% for assists, the top 26% for xA, the top 15% for npxG+xA and the top 30% for shot-creating actions over the last 365 days.

The £99k-per-week American also ranks in the top 29% for passes attempted per 90, in addition to the top 3% for passes completed, the top 31% for progressive passes, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 2% for dribbles completed, the top 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 14% for progressive passes received, the top 31% for pressures and the top 36% for tackles over the last year.

These metrics see the 21-year-old who Gregg Berhalter dubbed an “unreal” talent earn comparisons to some of the most prestigious full-backs in world football, with FBref statistics showing that the player Dest is most comparable to is none other than Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies.

As such, should the Barca defender indeed be available for a €25m (£21m) fee this summer, it would appear an extremely wise move for Orta to do everything he can to convince the former Ajax starlet of a move to Elland Road, as Dest quite clearly has the potential to develop into one of the leading players in his position in European football – something that Marsch and his side would undoubtedly benefit from on the pitch.

AND in other news: Orta can seal Leeds’ next £60m talent in bid for “exciting” £20k-p/w “assist machine”

Aston Villa are said to be interested in signing Brentford midfielder Christian Eriksen, whose six-month contract expires in the summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail, who claimed that the 30-year-old’s future is to be decided in the coming weeks, with Villa Park named as a potential destination for the Denmark international.

Villa manager Steven Gerrard is reportedly looking to make further signings, following Villa’s £17m procurement of Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

However, Villa may be left with egg on their face in their attempts to sign the former Inter and Tottenham star.

According to a report from BBC, Brentford manager Thomas Frank is “convinced” that Eriksen will stay with the Bees beyond this summer.

In Thursday’s news conference, the 48-year-old said (as per BBC Sport): “I know I am optimistic but I also picked up the phone and said, ‘Hey, do you want to come to Brentford?’

“No-one thought about that six months ago. I would love to say 100 per cent, but I am convinced there is a good chance he can wear the Brentford shirt.”Frank claimed that the situation surrounding Eriksen is win-win for the west London club, saying: “Either he signs with us and everyone is going to be happy and the fans will build a statue of him outside the stadium in two or three years’ time, or he goes to a bigger level and fans will applaud him and we will all say, ‘Thank you for this time, go forward’.”Gerrard risking disaster over EriksenGiven Gerrard’s intent in strengthening the Villa squad, he will surely be gutted over the latest developments surrounding the 30-year-old, who has registered five attacking returns in the form of one goal and four assists in ten appearances for Brentford this season.After his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, there were doubts as to whether Eriksen would ever play again, let alone return to his scintillating best. He has done exactly that, registering a match average of 7.29 passes into the final third, with 2.8 key passes per game.Eriksen’s 4.69 shot-creating actions are greater than Villa’s primary playmaker Emi Buendia, who has maintained a respectable 3.68 shot-creating actions per match. It’s worth noting that the Argentine falters in comparison to the aforementioned metrics from the Danish star, averaging 3.08 passes into the final third and 2.24 key passes per game.The £13.5m-rated Eriksen, who has been described as a “magician” by his former Tottenham team-mate Dele Alli, would most certainly enhance Villa’s attacking potency with his creativity. However, with Frank confident that he can keep him at Brentford, it’s a move which looks to be in doubt for Gerrard’s side, which would represent a disastrous missed opportunity for the 41-year-old.In other news – “Gerrard wants”: John Percy drops big Villa transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Newcastle United reportedly ‘remain keen’ on signing Sven Botman in the summer, despite a ‘sensational twist’ that has now emerged.

The Lowdown: Milan bound?

It has been reported that the St. James’ Park faithful have ‘not given up hope’ of signing Botman in the summer, despite AC Milan already verbally agreeing personal terms with the Lille central defender.

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After failing to sign him in the January transfer window, the North East club have continually held ‘extensive negotiations’ over the potential signing, but it looks like Milan could be the favourites for his signature.

The Latest: Remain keen

As per Football Insider, the Tyneside outfit ‘remain keen’ on signing Botman, even though a ‘sensational twist’ has now emerged in the form of a new suitor.

According to a source from Manchester United, the Red Devils are now ‘exploring a move’ for the Dutchman, with ‘preliminary talks’ set to take place after a board meeting involving new manager Erik ten Hag.

The Verdict: Get it done

With Manchester United, who can offer Botman European football just like Milan, now entering the frame, the Magpies need to act fast to get this deal done.

Described as a ‘golden boy‘ by his agent Francesco Miniero, he is one of the most promising up-and-coming players in the game at just 22 years of age, having already played regularly at the highest level.

Nonetheless, at six-foot-five, he is an imposing centre-back, and could form a truly scary partnership with the six-foot-seven Dan Burn.

In other news, find out which ‘terrifying’ star NUFC are now eyeing here!

There is ‘lots of interest’ in Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson, according to The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder.

The lowdown

Anderson sealed a loan move from Newcastle to Bristol Rovers in the January transfer window.

He went on to play 21 League Two matches, scoring eight goals and providing five assists.

And the 19-year-old played a vital role as they dramatically secured promotion on the final day of the season by putting seven past Scunthorpe United.

Andersen scored one and set up two more to help Joey Barton’s side pip Northampton to third on goals scored.

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The latest

Ryder tweeted on Monday afternoon that Rovers are ‘eager to re-sign’ Anderson on a further loan.

He’s highly coveted with ‘lots of interest’ from elsewhere, but Barton has been ‘brilliant’ for his development so far, and that could be key.

In the attached story, he explains that Barton and Anderson have a great ‘rapport’ and that the player would be ‘assured’ of game time at Rovers.

They’re hoping that will be enough to see off competition from the Championship, but there’s also a chance that Eddie Howe will consider integrating him on Tyneside.

The verdict

Anderson’s loan move has been a resounding success, and Newcastle’s academy boss Steve Harper should be very satisfied.

The teenager has scored or assisted every 135 minutes from a midfield berth and been labelled the ‘stand-out player on the pitch’ by Barton, who regards him as a ‘huge talent’, while Gary Lineker was even stunned by his ‘amazing’ goal at the weekend.

But his strong performances do present the club with a dilemma.

Do they favour enquiries from the Championship in the belief that playing at a higher level will better prepare Anderson for the first team? Or do they keep him a lower-level environment where he’s already comfortable, and may be better-placed to thrive?

Howe may even decide that he’s most valuable as a squad player, though he might still be a year or two away from that kind of status.

In other news, read this insider’s key Jamaal Lascelles claim.  

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United transfer target Alex Lowry and Rangers’ plans for him…

What’s the talk?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Gers are trying to ward off interest from Premier League duo Manchester City and the Magpies as they look to retain their academy prospect.

The report claims that they are set to offer him a ‘bumper’ new contract to try and tempt him to commit his future to Ibrox, with his current deal due to expire next summer.

However, Lowry is not going to make a decision on his future until the end of the season later this month as he mulls over the next step in his career.

PIF must get it done

PIF must pounce on the Rangers gem to make him their first signing of the summer for Newcastle. They must attempt to convince him this month that a move to St James’ Park is the best call he can make out of the options that he has on the table.

Whilst supporters may be excited by the prospect of big-name signings, with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Kalvin Phillips touted with the Magpies, it is also important to focus on the future. Lowry is 18 and a player who would not make an immediate impact on the first-team squad but has the potential to do just that in the future.

He has made four senior appearances for Rangers this season, scoring once and setting up another goal in that time, which shows that Gio van Bronckhorst has put trust in him at such a young age.

The gem has also been lauded for his performances in the youth team. Graeme Murty, his former coach at Ibrox, previously showered the midfielder with praise, saying: “Alex is unlike anyone else at Rangers I would suggest in terms of his technical ability, the range of passing that he sees and executes, his individual ability to go past people and he has a remarkable degree of self-confidence.”

These comments, and Lowry’s involvement in the first-team, suggest that he boasts the potential to make it at the top, as he has the attributes required to break through at senior level. The apparent interest of Manchester City and Newcastle in him suggests that they believe as such, which is why the Toon must now bring him in to bolster their academy with a view to him improving Howe’s first team in the future.

AND in other news, Imagine him & ASM: Howe can leave supporters buzzing if NUFC sign “rapid” £40m “freak”…