All posts by z3u9t.icu

With less than a month to go until the Scottish Premiership season kicks off, Heart of Midlothian have failed to make one signing during the transfer window.

The club have already lost winger Josh Ginnelly, midfielder Orestis Kiomourtzoglou and Michael Smith among others as Steven Naismith’s squad has been weakened with these departures.

The Jambos also failed to lure winger Sammy Silvera to the club, as he eventually joined Middlesborough, while Japanese defender Riku Handa was thought of as a target, however, talks broke down with the youngster and he won't be moving to Scotland this summer.

It isn’t just domestic football that Naismith has to get his side ready for, with the qualifiers for the Europa Conference League taking place in a few weeks and if the Tynecastle outfit holds any ambitions of reaching the group stages for the second year in a row, a few players will need to be signed.

One player who has been linked with the club is Wigan Athletic attacking midfielder Jamie McGrath, as Hearts look to lure the player to Edinburgh on a permanent deal. The 26-year-old has just one year left on his Latics contract and this could allow Naismith to come in with a knockdown fee for the player, especially if he doesn’t feature in their plans next season.

Will Jamie McGrath be Hearts' first summer signing?

The Republic of Ireland international has made just four appearances for Wigan, failing to make an impact at the club since joining from St Mirren back in 2022, yet his spell at Dundee United last term indicates that he could solve Naismith’s key problem at Hearts.

With goals mainly coming from Lawrence Shankland (28) and Ginnelly (ten) last season, the loss of the latter, plus the fact the manager has just two attacking midfielders to choose from, clearly suggests McGrath would slot nicely into that slot in the first team.

McGrath was in stunning form for the Arabs last term, registering 12 goal contributions across all competitions – nine goals and three assists – which is made even more impressive considering they were relegated to the Championship and his statistics over a number of metrics proved he was a highly influential member of the side.

He ranked first for big chances created (five), key passes per game (1.6) and overall Sofascore rating (7.08/10), while finishing in second place for goals scored (eight) and there is no doubt he could solve their attacking problems ahead of next season.

Upon joining the Arabs last summer, journalist Josh Bunting lauded the Irishman as a “quality addition back into the league” and he was certainly proven correct judging by his statistics from the 2022/23 campaign.

The eight-cap midfielder won't be wanting to occupy the bench at Wigan next season and a chance to move to Hearts could see him gain regular game time at a club who will be looking to finish the season behind Rangers and Celtic in third spot. With European football taking place at Tynecastle once again, it should prove an opportunity too good to turn down.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping their options open in the bid to bolster the backline, with manager Ange Postecoglou having seemingly identified a worthy alternative to Wolsburg's Micky van de Ven.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

According to various reports, the Lilywhites are said to be interested in signing Van de Ven – as well as fellow Bundesliga star, Edmond Tapsoba – in the search to find a new recruit in the centre of defence, with the likes of Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tangana all looking set to be on their way.

As per the Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella, the north Londoners have now also joined the race for Chelsea starlet, Levi Colwill, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City also seemingly showing an interest in the England youth star.

While the report suggests that the Blues are reluctant to sell the 20-year-old and have even offered him a new long-term deal, the youngster has been reluctant to put pen to paper thus far amid possible concerns over his game time at Stamford Bridge.

That fact could allow Spurs the chance to pounce, albeit with any deal likely to cost more than the £40m bid that was lodged by Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this summer, following the defender's impressive loan stint with the Seagulls last term.

Who is Levi Colwill?

The 6 foot 2 titan has put himself on the radar of the Premier League's elite clubs following his breakthrough campaign on the south coast last time out, with the Southampton-born sensation making 17 league outings as Roberto De Zerbi's side clinched a Europa League berth.

The left-footed gem – who had spent the previous season on loan at Huddersfield Town in the second tier – also caught the eye due to his dominant displays during England's recent U21 European Championship triumph, having started five of the Three Lions' six games in the competition.

Lauded as a player of "immense potential" by talent scout Jacek Kulig amid that tournament run, the elegant ace was part of a backline that didn't concede a single goal, while he also showcased his class by winning a staggering 83% of his aerial duels, as well 71% of his total duels.

That standout form – which also earned the youngster an average match rating of 7.40, as per Sofascore – saw Colwill named as one of six England players in the team of the tournament, epitomising just what a "Rolls-Royce" he is at the back, as per Kulig.

That phrasing has also been used by pundit Anton Ferdinand, with the ex-West Ham United man stating that the Chelsea ace has "similar attributes" to his brother, Rio, while also going on to add:

"He's very good on the ball, very calm on the ball and collected. He's assertive with his passes and can start attacks, so when you look at a modern-day centre-back, he has everything to go back to the top."

To be likened to the Manchester United legend is hefty praised indeed, with the now-retired ace having won six league titles during his lengthy stay at Old Trafford, while also being named as the Premier League's greatest ever defender by Liverpool colossus, Virgil van Dijk.

A graduate of a London-based academy – like Colwill – the one-time West Ham youth star was also renowned for his composure and ease when playing out from the back, with his place in the top-flight's Hall of Fame an indication of his longevity and quality.

For Postecoglou to then be able to find the next Ferdinand with the signing of Colwill would undoubtedly be a dream scenario, with the aim now to try and do the unthinkable and poach the emerging superstar from under Mauricio Pochettino's nose.

Leeds United have finalised their new regime. The 49ers enterprises will fund and support the recently appointed Daniel Farke, who has been tasked with guiding Leeds back into the Premier League.

The German has already suggested that the current squad is set to go undergo major changes and said: “We’ve spoken intensively about the squad. It’s a huge task for us. The group right now will not be the group at the end of August. We need good decisions with outgoings and incomings.

“Probably it won’t be everything perfect in just four weeks. You can’t create this. But we need to create a solid foundation and make sure that the longer the season lasts, the better we’ll be.”

It has placed Leeds on a strict and unwanted timer to prepare a muddled squad for the ruthless Championship schedule.

Farke is on the hunt for reliable and trustworthy additions to Elland Road, and he should look no further than the imperious Charlie Taylor.

What’s the latest on Charlie Taylor to Leeds United?

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the Yorkshire are 'pondering bidding' for the Englishman, who came through the academy at the club.

Why does Leeds United want to sign Charlie Taylor?

Last season, the left-back made 33 Championship appearances for Burnley as his side cantered towards the title in Vicent Kompany’s first season in English management.

The 29-year-old was a consistent pillar of stability, ranking within the top 20% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for aerials won per 90, passes attempted per 90, and assists per 90.

Furthermore, he became a particularly useful asset for his Belgian manager due to his magnificent versatility. Whilst predominantly appearing in his preferred left-back role, he also featured at centre half on occasion and was lauded for his competence in both positions by Kompany, who said: “I have been in the position for a few years of my life, and I saw a centre half.”

His former boss Sean Dyche has also hailed Taylor’s defensive acumen, adding: “Since we’ve had Charlie here, we’ve been impressed with his defending, his physicality. He’s quick and strong.”

This type of profile is what Leeds has desperately lacked, especially when you analyse Junior Firpo and his calamitous defensive traits.

In 19 Premier League outings last term, the 26-year-old managed just one clean sheet, was dribbled past 1.2 times per game, won just 50% of his dribbles, and only forged a 40% dribble success rate.

His lack of competence on the ball has been an obvious negative feature of his game as the full-back dismally ranks in the bottom 26% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for pass completion, progressive carries per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

The former Barcelona man has been a bitter disappointment since his transfer as Joe Cole feels he is a “nervous and anxious” defender, who was part of a setup that conceded the most goals in the division last campaign (78).

The arrival of the £25k-per-week man would ease these defensive concerns and give Farke a chance of rectifying this damaging issue.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to improve the quality of their wide options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Reiss Nelson to Newcastle United?

According to Football Transfers, the Magpies are eyeing a swoop to sign out-of-contract forward Reiss Nelson ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club have made contact with the player's representatives to gauge any potential interest from the winger in a move to St. James' Park.

His contract with Arsenal expired on Monday and the Premier League giants are said to have made an offer to stay at The Emirates, although Eddie Howe is now looking to tempt him into making the switch to Tyneside on a free transfer.

Would Reiss Nelson be a good signing for Newcastle?

The 23-year-old could be an excellent bargain addition for the club this summer as he has the potential to be the dream heir to Allan Saint-Maximin on the left wing.

It was recently reported that Serie A side Atalanta have enquired about a potential deal to sign the French wizard from the Magpies, which could open the door for Howe to ditch the former Nice forward before replacing him with Nelson.

The 26-year-old attacker averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.02 across 25 Premier League appearances last season and contributed with one goal to go along with five assists, which works out as an involvement every 4.17 matches on average.

Nelson averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.07 across 11 league outings for Arsenal, which would have placed him fifth on Newcastle's roster, while making an impact in the final third with three goals and two assists, a contribution every 2.2 games on average.

These statistics suggest that the English dynamo has the potential to provide more quality than Saint-Maximin at the top end of the pitch, while also being three years younger and having more time ahead of himself to improve under Howe's coaching.

Along with his goal contributions, Nelson, who was reportedly on £38k-per-week with the Gunners, could also be a reliable option in the build-up phase.

His Premier League pass success rate of 91% last term would place him top of the Newcastle team, while the current Toon winger only completed 75% of his attempted passes – ranking 21st in the squad in that respect.

Therefore, Howe could land the dream heir to Saint-Maximin on Tyneside by signing the "explosive" – as he was dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – Gunners ace on a free transfer, as his statistics indicate that he has the potential to be an upgrade on the French maestro.

Everton have initiated contact to enquire about a summer deal to sign Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto, according to reports.

Is Wilfried Gnonto leaving Leeds?

The Whites’ left-sided winger only arrived in the Premier League from FC Zurich last summer and showed plenty of promising signs during his 28 appearances in his debut season, but after suffering relegation to the Championship, there’s a chance he could be on the move elsewhere.

The Italy international’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli, has publicly admitted that whilst his client is focusing on his displays for his country at this moment in time, he’s aware that he will have options to leave and is set to "talk" with the hierarchy at the earliest opportunity regarding his future at Elland Road.

Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth recently revealed that the club are yet to receive any bids for the 19-year-old and “hope to keep” him beyond the ongoing transfer window, but it sounds like Sean Dyche might have other ideas to try to entice him to Goodison Park.

Are Everton signing Gnonto?

According to Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Everton have made contact to ask what it would take to complete a summer deal for Gnonto.

Leeds are believed to be demanding a fee of €15-20m (£12-17m) to sanction his sale. The Merseyside outfit have already made “concrete moves” for the teenager, but they aren’t alone in their pursuit, with Bundesliga club Freiburg also chasing him.

Would Gnonto be a good signing for Everton?

Everton have to remember that Gnonto is still only 19 years of age and has just one season of top-flight experience under his belt, but he’s definitely got bags of potential to offer so he could be a wonderful signing for the long-term future of the club.

The Puma-sponsored dynamo clocked up six goal contributions (four assists and two goals) in 24 Premier League outings last season and recorded 50 shot-creating actions, which was the fourth-highest total throughout his squad in LS11, as per FBRef.

Leeds’ “diamond”, as lauded by journalist Antonio Mango, is also a versatile operator having been deployed in seven different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, so he would be an excellent option for the boss to have at his disposal should any unexpected injuries occur, as he’d be able to cover in several other places for his teammates.

Liverpool have made an enquiry to Celta Viga over a potential move for midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds and Jurgen Klopp have made a start on their summer transfer business by agreeing a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for Alexis Mac Allister.

The Argentine midfielder was announced as a new Liverpool player earlier this month in a transfer that looks set to be worth an initial £35m.

However, with the likes of James Miler, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leaving the club as free agents and Arthur Melo ending his loan spell, more midfield additions appear to be on the agenda at Anfield.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone, Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella have all been named as potential targets, with another name being Veiga.

Reports suggested last month that Liverpool were in pole position to sign the player who Klopp viewed as a ‘star in the making’, with Veiga having a €40m (£35m) release clause.

Romano took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share an update on Veiga, claiming that Chelsea have made an enquiry over a move for the Spaniard. The transfer expert said that Liverpool also made an approach of their own earlier in the week and are following his situation.

“Chelsea have inquired on Spanish talent Gabri Veiga's release clause; conditions, payment terms or chance to negotiate with Celta Vigo. No bid or concrete steps as of now.

“Liverpool did exactly the same earlier this week, he's one of the players LFC are following.”

Romano has since added that no bid has been made so far, with the focus on a more physical midfielder at this stage.

Who is Gabri Veiga?

Veiga is just 21 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in defensive or attacking midfield roles, making 40 of his 55 senior appearances for Celta Vigo last season, scoring 11 times and registering four assists.

The player, who has progressed through Celta Vigo’s academy, has seen his Transfermarkt valuation increase from €3m to €30m over the last 12 months.

Hailed as a "very electric player" by Romano and "dangerous" by journalist Euan McTear, Veiga was one of Celta Vigo’s top performers last season, as per WhoScored, outperforming the likes of Liverpool midfielders Fabinho, Curtis Jones, Jordan Henderson and Harvey Elliott.

Therefore, you could argue that the Spanish talent could be a shrewd signing bot in the short and long run, but with Premier League rivals Chelsea circling, FSG may need to act fast if they wish to bring him to Anfield after making a first approach.

West Ham United are set to add another striker to their ranks this summer, with a report from Romagiallorossa via Sport Witness stating that Armando Broja is set to seal a move to the club.

Are West Ham signing Armando Broja?

Since returning to Chelsea for the 2022/23 and being involved in their first-team squad, the forward has struggled to establish himself and to get regular minutes in the Premier League for the Blues. With his side struggling, he was turned to on just 12 occasions in total and bagged only one goal – the worst return yet of his senior career. However, only two of those 12 appearances were starts and he managed just 3.3 lots of 90 minutes in total.

With Southampton, when given the opportunity to play more frequently, the 21-year-old showcased what he could do. That loan spell produced six goals in 21 league starts and proved that he could take on and handle the top flight. Prior to that, his spell with Vitesse also amounted to ten goals and two assists in 21 top flight starts.

The Albanian could now be set for a reprieve following a difficult campaign with the Blues. That's because according to a report from Romagiallorossa via Sport Witness, West Ham are believed to be keen to bring in Broja as a replacement for outgoing Gianluca Scamacca, and a deal is not only likely but is close to being done too.

It adds that they want to tie up a deal for the 21-year-old as a replacement for the Italian, who will head to Roma on an "expensive" loan deal.

What is Armando Broja's value?

No potential fee for the player is mentioned, but CIES Football Observatory suggests that his worth could be around the 20 million Euros mark (or £17m). It means that a deal may not entirely break the bank for West Ham when you consider the current market and yet they would be getting a Premier League proven player.

It would also be a good fee, if that was the case, for a player that has been described as "sensational" by Francis Benali. Benali was a fan of the youngster during his time at former club Southampton and was quick to heap the praise on Broja. If West Ham can get a deal done for the player then, and give him the gametime he craves, then he could reach those same heights that he did with the Saints.

There is a possibility of Arsenal "revisiting talks" to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners are currently seeking to reinforce their central midfield area, and it seems like a major priority for manager Mikel Arteta. West Ham star Declan Rice, who has been subject to a rejected opening bid from Arsenal, is firmly in their thinking.

Meanwhile, as his Man City contract runs down, treble-winning captain and Germany international veteran Ilkay Gundogan is also a player attracting interest from sporting director Edu.

Caicedo, who starred for Brighton over the 2022/2023 Premier League season, was being heavily courted by Arsenal in January with the player even releasing a statement of his intention to leave the Amex.

The 21-year-old instead went on to pen a new deal at Brighton, putting them in a strong position this summer transfer window as big clubs, including Chelsea, register a real interest.

Arsenal have also been tipped to re-launch a move for Caicedo, with reporter Jones saying they could do exactly that in a column for GiveMeSport.

The journalist, when discussing their transfer targets, claimed Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan are early targets for the centre-back area too – with Torino's Perr Schurrs also one to watch.

Expanding further, Jones claims there is a real "possiblity" of Arsenal "revisiting talks" to sign Caicedo as well, even despite their push to sign Rice from West Ham.

Who is Moises Caicedo?

Averaging more tackles and interceptions per 90 than any other Brighton player last season, it's safe to say the South American ace has marked himself out as a real defensive midfield gem.

He is also revered in his homeland, with Ecuadorian critics seeing him as their nation's "crown jewel" and great hope for a new era of football nationally.

Enrico Castro-Montes, a football historian of Ecuador, went into great detail on Caicedo's potential in an interview with Het Niuewsblad (via Sport Witness).

Castro-Montes even said he has been described as a cross between N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba

"Caicedo covers the whole field. He is much more eye-catching," said the historian.

“There will be a lot of pressure on Caicedo’s shoulders. His nickname in Ecuador is ‘La Joya’, the jewel. In his own country, he is really seen as the crown jewel of a new generation.

“Caicedo really has everything to become the best Ecuadorian footballer of all time. I think that off the ball, he is indeed somewhat reminiscent of Kante, but on the ball, he resembles Paul Pogba with his flair and his technique.

“That’s also how they describe him in Ecuador: a cross between Kanté and Pogba.”

As Manchester United look to strengthen this summer, the major priorities for manager Erik ten Hag appear to be the signing of a new number nine and central midfielder, with the Dutchman seemingly hoping to improve the spine of his team ahead of next season.

With regard to midfield additions, Manchester Evening News reported earlier this season that the Red Devils were considering a fresh approach for Borussia Dortmund starlet, Jude Bellingham, with the England international having previously snubbed United's advances back in 2020.

Any potential move for the 19-year-old now appears almost impossible following the news that Real Madrid have reached an agreement with the Bundesliga side regarding a €100m (£86m) deal for the teenager, with the former Birmingham City man looking all but set to be plying his trade in the Spanish capital next season.

To have missed out on a player who is "going to be the best midfielder in the world" – according to Three Lions colleague, Phil Foden – is undoubtedly a blow for the Old Trafford outfit, with Ten Hag needing to find another midfield solution over the coming weeks and months.

The 53-year-old could already be lining up a perfect alternative to the Dortmund ace, however, in the form of Leon Goretzka, with the Bayern Munich machine believed to be a target for the Carabao Cup winners, according to reports in his native Germany.

Should Man United sign Goretzka?

The signing of the £301k-per-week maestro could allow Ten Hag to find his own version of Bellingham, with the two Bundesliga stars said to share a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

That likeness between the 6 foot 2 German and his English counterpart – who is also a towering figure at 6 foot 1 – is not just due to their physical stature, with the pair able to make a stellar impact at both ends of the pitch.

That is showcased by the duo's defensive strength, with Goretzka ranking in the top 3% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for blocks made, while Bellingham ranks in the top 7% in that regard.

Equally, the two men also have the desire to bomb forward and get involved in the final third, with Goretzka averaging 2.2 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 across the last 365 days, while Bellingham is only slightly ahead as he averages 3.6 touches per 90 for the same metric.

With the latter man a player who can "do absolutely everything" – according to United legend Gary Neville – the Bayern ace is also something of an all-action star in his own right, with former boss Julian Nagelsmann describing him as "one of the best box-to-box players in Europe".

Much like Bellingham – who has 24 goals and 25 assists to his name in 132 games for his current side – the former Schalke man also possesses an "incredible goal threat", according to Nagelsmann, having registered 34 goals and 35 assists in 179 games for the Bavarian giants.

While the Bochum native is less of a long-term option having turned 28 earlier this year – in contrast to the teenage Bellingham – his similar attributes to that of the Madrid-bound superstar should make him a perfect fit for Ten Hag at the Theatre of Dreams.

Everton chiefs are keeping tabs on Sunderland forward Jack Clarke ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Who is Jack Clarke?

Clarke is naturally a left-sided winger who completed his permanent move to the Stadium of Light last summer from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, following a successful loan spell the season before. As per Transfermarkt, across both periods up north, he's made a total of 70 appearances to date, scoring 12 times.

In the Championship, the 22-year-old started all 46 games last season and firmly established himself as Tony Mowbray’s second overall best-performing player with a WhoScored match rating of 7.11, and this impressive form has been catching the eye outside of the northeast.

Football League World previously credited Glasgow Rangers, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Toffees all with an interest in the forward who is, as stated by the outlet, expected to be sold during the upcoming window, and Sean Dyche’s admiration has now once again been brought to the surface.

Are Everton signing Clarke?

According to iNews, Everton scouts are “paying attention” to Clarke’s situation and there is a definite “interest” in signing him ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Sunderland are, of course, reluctant to lose their prized asset, but it’s stated that offers of around £15m could “prompt a conversation”.

The Black Cats attacker’s agent Ian Harte, however, has claimed that his client is “happy” where he is and currently has “no intention” of pushing for an exit. The one thing worth noting though is that “every player has a price” and neither the talented prospect, nor his representatives, have “any control” over whether the club decide to accept any offers that arrive at their door.

Should Moshiri splash the cash on Clarke?

Everton should be focusing on signing an out-and-out centre-forward this summer but any kind of positive attacking reinforcement can’t be turned down, and having been dubbed “unplayable” by journalist Josh Bunting, Farhad Moshiri should definitely empty his pockets to bring Clarke to Goodison Park.

The York-born talent racked up 20 goal contributions (11 assists and nine goals) in 45 Championship appearances last season, form which saw him collect six man-of-the-match awards, and even his displays were outstanding when he wasn’t on the scoresheet.

As per FBRef, the SMI Sports Management client recorded a total of 147 shot-creating actions which was more than any other of his fellow teammates, and whipped 96 crosses into the box which was the second-highest number, so he’s always looking to pose a threat in the final third and is a player that would make a significant difference for Dyche on Merseyside.