All posts by z3u9t.icu

An update has emerged regarding Sunderland and their interest in signing Robbie Brady in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to TEAMtalk, the Black Cats are one of the clubs eyeing up a deal to sign the Republic of Ireland international on a free transfer.

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman is joined by Middlesbrough and Bournemouth in his pursuit of the winger, who is set to be available after the end of his short-term contract with the Cherries as he helped Scott Parker’s side to finish second in the Championship last season.

Imagine him & Alex Pritchard

Sunderland would complete a trident of former Norwich attackers behind Stewart by signing the winger, as he would join Pritchard and Patrick Roberts in the frontline.

Alex Neil worked with (and signed) both Brady and Pritchard during his time at Carrow Road, and the pair played alongside each other in the 2016/17 campaign in Norfolk.

The Scottish coach previously lauded the Irishman as a “top quality” player, and the 30-year-old’s statistics whilst playing for the Canaries back that up.

In his Championship season under Neil, Brady averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.11 as he managed four goals and four assists in 23 appearances playing at left-back and on the left wing. This came after he played 36 matches under the Scot in the 2015/16 Premier League and averaged an impressive rating of 6.98 in the top flight.

The winger has also shown that he still has what it takes to perform at this level. He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 in six games for Bournemouth as he helped them to get their promotion to the top tier over the line.

In 2016/17, Pritchard produced an eye-catching six goals and seven assists in 19 Championship outings whilst playing alongside the £33k-per-week wizard for half of the campaign before Brady joined Burnley in January 2017.

Both players have therefore proven that they have the quality to make a big impact in the Championship, with both doing so under Neil’s management.

The ex-Norwich boss knows how to get the best out of the pair and will be able to play them alongside each other in attack once again if Speakman can seal a deal for Brady in the coming weeks.

Imagine both of them scoring and setting up goals in the second tier for Sunderland next season, harking back to their days doing just that for the Canaries.

AND in other news, “Only heard…”: Alan Nixon drops big Sunderland transfer claim that’ll deflate supporters…

Leeds United director of football Victor Orta is stepping up attempts to sign Wolves forward Adama Traore, according to TEAMtalk.

The Lowdown: Long-term target

Hailed as a ‘game-changer’ by former Whites striker Noel Whelan, the 26-year-old has been on the radar at Elland Road since 2020. The Spaniard spent last season on loan at Barcelona, who had the option to make the move permanent this summer.

The La Liga giants won’t be exercising that clause, though, and it looks as if Orta is now looking to take advantage after already contacting the player’s representatives.

The Latest: Leeds update

TEAMtalk provided an update regarding the Whites and Traore on Thursday morning.

They claimed that Orta is ready to try and bring the forward to Yorkshire, with a deal potentially costing a maximum of £20m.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-45/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” 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 Verdict: Raphinha replacement?

Traore can play anywhere across the front three but is primarily a right winger, a position that Raphinha currently has nailed down at Elland Road. However, the Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move away from Yorkshire, with Tottenham joining the race in recent days.

Should Raphinha seal a move away from the club over the coming weeks, Orta could then look to bring in the Wolves maestro as a replacement.

The Spain international has contributed to just 29 goals in 154 Old Gold appearances compared to Raphinha’s 29 in 67 games for Leeds, but with Orta a fan of Traore for a number of years now, this one could finally have legs.

In other news: ‘I’m hearing’ – Reporter drops big update on Kalvin Phillips leaving Leeds for Man City

Talks are ‘in progress’ between Manchester City and Leeds United for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Lowdown: Fernandinho’s departure

After nine years in Manchester, Fernandinho is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this month upon the expiry of his contract.

The 37-year-old went on to become a staple in City’s midfield, having amassed a stunning 383 appearances for the club. The former Brazil international helped the Sky Blues to lift a sensational 14 trophies, five of which were Premier League titles.

Given Fernandinho’s imminent departure, Pep Guardiola will be analysing the market in search of an adequate replacement, someone who can take hold of the reins in midfield.

The Latest: Galetti’s news

Leeds stalwart Phillips has previously been reported to be on City’s radar this summer; and taking to Twitter, Galetti has now shared the latest news on the 26-year-old’s proposed move to the Premier League champions.

He outlined: “Contacts between #ManCity and #Leeds for Kalvin #Phillips are in progress. The aim of the [Blues] is to get to the heart of the negotiation soon in order to anticipate the high competition. #Calciomercato #Transfers #MCFC”

The Verdict: Good replacement

With City set to miss Fernandinho’s defensive strengths, the prospective arrival of Phillips could help to fill the void in Guardiola’s midfield.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the England international ranks in the 98th percentile for pressures, the 97th percentile for tackles and the 96th percentile for blocks (via FBRef).

Described by legendary manager Fabio Capello as ‘the best modern midfielder’ he has seen, it is easy to understand why the Citizens are so keen on bringing the Leeds native to the Etihad, as he appears to have the attributes to be their long-term successor to the iconic Fernandinho.

In other news: Sky Sports expert says club could have agreement in place for Kyle Walker

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.

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

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”

West Bromwich Albion suffered a disappointing first season back in the Championship following relegation from the Premier League, and Steve Bruce is on a mission to get the Baggies back where they belong.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to Express & Star, the Baggies boss has made his intentions clear when it comes to the summer transfer window, and big changes are ahead at The Hawthorns.

Bruce revealed: “I think we all understand we weren’t good enough.

“We are in this position. We have to try and generate some income, we won’t be awash with money that is for sure.

“I have got to wheel and deal and beg, borrow and steal and if I have to sell one to make the squad bigger or better then I will do that.

“There is change in the air. There has to be. I think the time is right.”

Supporters will be excited

There is no doubt that supporters will want to see change this summer after the side fell from competing for an automatic promotion spot in the first half of the season to finishing tenth and the fact that Bruce is ready to address these problems and work on improving the squad this summer will excite supporters.

In terms of having what it takes to compete for promotion back into the Premier League next season, West Brom must score more goals as both Bournemouth and Fulham netted far more than the Baggies.

In fact, Marco Silva’s side scored over twice as many this term, and to compete next campaign Bruce must find a way for his team to finish more of their opportunities.

West Brom missed more chances than they scored this season with the fifth most chances missed in the Championship, scoring 52 times and missing 58 opportunities over the season, so the manager will need to identify ways to improve and find players that can be more clinical in front of goal.

With that being said, the club and the boss need to act fast and smart because they will need players to come into the team to make an instant impact and positively influence the team into a better position next season.

AND in other news: Forget Carroll: Bruce must do everything to sign “proven” £37k-p/w, West Brom need him

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.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

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.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

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”…