All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to a report by Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, a Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has come to light involving Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar.

The Lowdown: Skriniar to Spurs saga…

Back in the summer of 2020, Inter’s colossal centre-back was a serious target for then-manager Jose Mourinho and chairman Daniel Levy – with club chief Steve Hitchen even flying out to Italy for negotiations at one point (Alasdair Gold).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-updates-5/” title=”Spurs latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, it was reported that both Spurs and the Nerazzurri couldn’t agree on a price tag for the player with talks eventually grinding to a halt and the deal collapsing (Fabrizio Romano).

There have been murmurs of Tottenham reigniting their interest since last year but none of which have come to fruition, yet it appears the Lilywhites could now return to the charge.

The Latest: Conte eyeing Skriniar…

As per CDS, via Sport Witness, new Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has now personally put the Slovakia international on his ‘wish list’ for a transfer.

Skriniar was a mainstay under the Italian last season as his Inter side ended Juventus’ stranglehold over the Italian top flight with a Serie A title win.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Despite the great form of Eric Dier, not to mention the summer signing of 2020/2021 Serie A MVP award-winner Cristian Romero, we believe another star central defender would seriously back Conte’s chances of success at N17.

They don’t come more accomplished than Skriniar, either, with only Dier averaging more league clearances per 90 this season than Skriniar out of Tottenham’s current defensive crop (WhoScored).

The Champions League defender has also drawn admiration from Spurs legend Graham Roberts, with the 62-year-old calling Skriniar an ‘absolute banker of a signing’ for the club (This is Futbol).

Also called ‘incredible’ by his former teammate Adam Zilak, signing Skriniar for Conte would certainly be a great move.

In other news: £135,000-per-week man now eyeing move to Spurs after Conte contacted him! Find out more here.

West Ham have joined Tottenham in the race to sign Adama Traore in the January transfer window, according to reliable journalist John Percy.

The Lowdown: Traore on the fringes

The 25-year-old has found himself in and out of Wolves’ team this season, starting 10 Premier League matches overall but only completing a full 90 minutes on five occasions.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Traore has been linked with a move away from Molineux this month, with Liverpool one of the clubs thought to be keeping an eye on the situation.

The speedy winger’s current Wolves deal expires in the summer of 2023 and he doesn’t appear to be close to extending his stay at the club.

The Latest: West Ham linked with move

According to The Telegraph’s Percy, West Ham have now entered the race to sign Traore, who could be available for £20m in January.

Spurs are also mentioned as potential suitors for the Spain international, as the two clubs look to strengthen their squads in the race for Champions League football.

The Verdict: Potential big-money risk?

Traore is a hugely entertaining player to watch – Jurgen Klopp has described him as ‘unplayable’ – with his pace arguably unrivalled and his dribbling ability often a nightmare for defenders to handle – his match average of 4.7 in that respect is the best of any player in the Premier League.

That being said, a lack of end product has long been his downfall, and he is yet to register a single goal or assist in 17 league appearances this season prior to his team’s clash against Manchester United this evening. Ten goals and 18 assists in 150 Wolves appearances overall is also a disappointing return.

David Moyes may believe he can turn Traore into the all-round package, but given the transfer fee being mooted, there would be a clear element of risk behind the prospective signing.

In other news, some West Ham fans have reacted to a fresh transfer claim. Read more here.

Manchester United are close to finalising a move for Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.

That’s according to French football journalist Dominique Severac, as relayed by PSG Talk. As to be expected, the update has resulted in a number of United fans reacting to the news on social media.

Severac has suggested that Pochettino has agreed to take over at Old Trafford from next season, labelling a move as ‘almost done’.

Ralf Rangnick was brought in as interim boss until the end of the campaign back in November and will move into a consultancy role ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Pochettino, who named as United’s top target following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking, now looks set to return to the Premier League, with the Red Devils seemingly closing in on their man.

The Argentine gleaned a positive reputation from his stints at Southampton and Tottenham during his previous spell in England, although his 13-year managerial career has yielded just two domestic cups.

United fans react

Well-known Twitter feed @utdreport shared the claims regarding Pochettino on social media. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with some delighted at the news while others weren’t exactly thrilled.

“Yeah, we are back”

Credit: @__Oyedeji

“WE ARE COMING FOR THE 21STTT”

Credit: @NathaniVedansh

“Yes Yes Yes”

Credit: @RedDevilHarsh28

“I’m crying, how are we downgrading from Rangnick”

Credit: @UtdSamm

“We going to be trophy-less for another decade”

Credit: @abdr3e

“Pochettino out from day 1, ETH or no one!”

Credit: @UtdSaqib

In other news: ‘A joke’ – Many MUFC fans fume at significant January transfer update

Many Glasgow Rangers have been left gushing over some transfer news on John Souttar.

As per The Glasgow Times, the Ibrox faithful now look to have won the race to sign the Hearts central defender, after fighting off interest from the English Championship.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst sees him as one of his ‘priority signings’ amid doubts over the futures of Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun and on-loan Nikola Katic, and they are now ‘in the driving seat’ to sign him on a pre-contract agreement.

Souttar would be an ideal replacement for any of those players, as he is averaging more interceptions, clearances and blocks per game than both Goldson and Balogun in the Scottish Premiership so far this season (WhoScored) – getting him on a free in the summer once he is out of contract is really a no-brainer.

Rangers fans on Souttar transfer news

These Light Blues supporters gushed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Teddy Bear claiming that they were ‘buzzing’, while another said that he would be an ‘excellent’ signing:

“Buzzing with this one”

Credit: @RossClift

“Big John on route”

Credit: @Sharpy1872

“Should be an excellent squad addition if he can stay injury free long term”

Credit: @bigwullie83

“Absolutely love to see it”

Credit: @cameron56689617

“January please!”

Credit: @Stuartie18

“Happy with this if true”

Credit: @AlexanderMcQui4

In other news, find out what exit update has confused Gers here!

Celtic have been dealt a late setback in their bid to secure a deal to bring Matt O’Riley to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Record, who claim that West Bromwich Albion have made an 11th-hour bid for the Milton Keynes Dons central midfielder.

However, the report goes on to state that, at present, it still appears as if the 21-year-old is on course to make a switch to Ange Postecoglou’s side, with the former England U18 international having undergone a medical with the Hoops on Wednesday.

Finally, it is claimed that, unless there is a dramatic last-minute U-turn on the part of the player, Celtic should seal the £1.5m transfer of the midfielder in the coming days.

Postecoglou will be having flashbacks

While, at present, it does seem as if O’Riley’s move to Parkhead is very much still on, the fact that a Championship side have made a late offer in an attempt to thwart Celtic’s deal to sign the midfielder will undoubtedly be giving Postecoglou flashbacks to his failed bid to land Riley McGree earlier this month.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/?post_type=web-story&p=664142″ title=”Check out the latest Celtic news!”]

Indeed, despite having agreed a £3m fee for the FC Charlotte star, with reports suggesting that a deal for the 23-year-old was all but finalised despite the interest of a number of English second-tier sides, the Australian international was made a late offer by Middlesbrough, something which the midfielder went onto accept ahead of the opportunity to join Celtic.

And, while Postecoglou came out on the defensive regarding his failed bid to land McGree, with the 56-year-old claiming that he didn’t care the 23-year-old had opted to join a Championship side ahead of the Bhoys, it is undeniable that missing out on a deal for the Australian would have come as a massive blow to the Hoops boss.

As such, with West Brom now looking as if they are attempting to repeat Middlesbrough’s trick regarding Celtic’s deal to sign O’Riley, the Greek-Australian coach will undoubtedly be sweating while the final touches of his move for the MK Dons starlet – who has scored ten goals and registered eight assists over his 54 appearances for the League One side, as well as being dubbed an “elegant” player by Sam Rourke – are completed.

In other news: Ange can seal biggest Celtic signing since Edouard with “perfect” £12.5m-rated dynamo

Wolves could be set to say goodbye to one of their key players before the end of the January transfer window after a late twist has recently emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to a recent Twitter post from journalist David Ornstein, Barcelona are now working on a deal and in talks with Wolves to bring Adama Traore back to his former club on loan with an option to buy the winger in the summer for a fee of €35m (£29.1m).

Ornstein also revealed that a potential deal with Tottenham Hotspur, who Traore has been heavily linked with over the past few days and weeks is “all-but over” despite talks between the two clubs going positively but with Traore not too keen on playing as a right wing-back.

Traore joined Wolves from Championship club Middlesbrough back in the 2018 summer transfer window in a deal worth a reported fee of £18m.

Since then, the Spaniard has gone on to make 154 appearances for the Midlands club across all competitions, racking up 11 goals and 18 assists in the process.

Fans will be buzzing

Given how the 26-year-old has only managed to score one goal in 23 appearances for Wolves so far this season across all competitions, it’s safe to say that some Old Gold supporters may not see Traore’s potential exit as a big miss for the team and might be rather pleased to see him leave.

However, there is a key point to be made, something that will ultimately leave supporters rather pleased. It would be better for the club to keep him away from a Premier League team such as Tottenham given how close the two sides are in the league table, even despite his lack of goal contributions this term.

With Wolves apparently rejecting a £15m bid for Traore from Spurs earlier in the month, this apparent deal to see the winger go back to Barcelona, where he worked his way through the youth ranks before moving to Aston Villa in 2015, would also be a considerably better deal for Wolves in a financial regard as well.

Moving forward, allowing Traore to leave on loan this month and then pick up a hefty transfer fee for him in the summer which they can then use on strengthening their squad, would be a good piece of business for Wolves, putting to bed any further speculation about his future at Molineux.

In other news: Wolves now eyeing late swoop for “special” £23.4m-rated beast, Lage would love him – opinion

Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani could walk away from Elland Road by the end of this year, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Leeds’ glorious period under Radrizzani

The Italian bought 50% of the Yorkshire club back in January 2017 before eventually taking sole ownership in May of the same year.

Under Radrizzani, Leeds have enjoyed a tremendous period of success, with Marcelo Bielsa a superb appointment as manager and promotion to the Premier League achieved, followed by a top-half finish upon their return to the top flight.

Howerver, with 49ers Enterprises’ influence at Elland Road now growing, it feels as though his time as Leeds owner could be slowly coming to an end.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Latest: Journalist expects change soon

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that there could be different owners at Leeds United by the end of 2022. He has predicted:

“I think we’ll start to see more investment start to come into the club from the following January transfer window.

“I’m not sure exactly with Radrizzani, but look out for it on the back of the summer because I think we should hopefully be a little clearer by the end of the year.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-39/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: New era dawning at Elland Road

With Jesse Marsch replacing Bielsa as manager last month, it does feel as though a new era is dawning at Leeds – one which looks set to be American-driven in the coming years.

Under 49ers Enterprises, the Whites could have more financial power, allowing more signings to come in and ensuring that the club continues to grow into the future.

That being said, the short-term importance of Leeds remaining in the Premier League is the priority, with relegation potentially setting them back years. In that respect, the next few months are massive for the club’s future.

In other news, a journalist has talked up one forgotten Leeds player leaving this summer. Find out who it is here.

Wolves saw some big changes take place at Molineux during the previous summer transfer window.

As well as seeing Bruno Lage replace Nuno Espirito Santo in the dugout, a number of players were moved in and out of the Midlands club.

Looking ahead to what could happen once the upcoming summer transfer opens, it seems as though some details have emerged regarding the situation around one key Old Gold figure.

What’s the news?

In response to a recent report from The Athletic that Wolves have identified Sporting Lisbon duo Matheus Nunes and Joao Palhinha as potential replacements for current Old Gold midfielders Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, Tim Spiers had this to say about Neves’ situation.

He commented: “Neves was close to leaving last summer, there’s been interest from big clubs for years, so this is nothing new and he may stay.

“Clearly belongs in the Champions League but he also loves Wolves and is settled. Will only move for the right club.

“Key for Wolves is succession plan.”

Will Neves stay at Wolves?

Wolves signed the midfielder from Porto back in the 2017 summer window in what was the most expensive transfer deal the Championship had seen.

Since then, the Portugal international has become a vital cog for the Midlands club by racking up 207 appearances across all competitions.

In those appearances, the 25-year-old has scored 24 goals and provided 12 assists along the way.

To further highlight the £36m-rated star’s importance to Lage’s side, no other Wolves player has made more passes (1385) than the former Porto ace.

Also, only Moutinho (48) has made more tackles than Neves (41), who also has the second-highest number of live passes that have led to an attempt at goal (37) behind Daniel Podence (47).

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that a lot of Wolves supporters will be delighted to hear what Spiers had to say about Neves’ love for the Midlands club as well as playing down the likelihood of the midfielder actively looking to leave Molineux in the summer.

With his current contract due to expire in the summer of 2024, it should be in the thoughts of the club’s hierarchy to potentially offer the midfield maestro a new deal to ward off any future speculation.

In other news: Wolves eye bid for “one of the best players in the world”, he’s Moutinho’s dream heir

Liverpool are targeting the signing of Benfica star striker Darwin Nunez this summer.

What’s the story?

The Reds are interested in signing Nunez and although he has a release clause in his contract worth £125m, according to journalist Jacque Talbot, the deal could be completed if the club were offered just £66m.

He has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, and it’s unsurprising Liverpool are in the picture having already captured Luis Díaz from the Primeira Liga in January.

With Liverpool’s front three getting older, Klopp has been thinking about how to refresh it and Nunez could be the next forward to come in.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

He’s an upgrade on Firmino

One of Liverpool’s famed front three who he would be competing with is Roberto Firmino. He’s been key to the club’s success under Klopp but has recently been overlooked with Diogo Jota preferred.

Signing Nunez could finally spell the end to Firmino’s time on Merseyside and it will no doubt be hard for some fans to swallow. Of course there’s always going to be nostalgia there with him, but Klopp does at some point have to start planning for life after the 30-year-old.

The Benfica star, who has been dubbed “special”, could be his perfect successor. Over the past year he has ranked in the top 1% for expected non-penalty goals amongst his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues. Firmino ranks outside the top 10%.

His shots on target per 90 minutes is also more than double the Brazilian’s so it’s no surprise to see him called a “monster.”

The 22-year-old also leads the way as the top scorer in the league with 24 goals in as many appearances. With a record like that it won’t be long before he gets a big move.

And with the Reds fighting hard to win every club competition, why wouldn’t he want to choose them over everyone else.

Benfica are currently facing Liverpool in the quarter-final of the Champions League, and in the first-leg Nunez scored despite his team losing 3-1.

When asked about facing the Reds he said he was “not afraid” and that he wasn’t happy that he scored because what he wants is to “win titles”.

He impressed in the game winning four aerial duals and completing two key passes.

If Klopp really wants to make the Uruguayan his first signing of the summer, then he will have to move fast.

IN other news: Liverpool linked with Arda Guler transfer swoop…

Newcastle United have been handed a late boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Leicester City this afternoon.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Foxes’ Europa Conference League quarter-final victory on Thursday night, Brendan Rodgers revealed that Jamie Vardy, who has not featured for Leicester since their 1-0 win over Leeds United back in March, is no closer to making a return from his hamstring injury – with the 35-year-old once again being ruled out for the trip to St. James’ Park later on today.

Speaking about the current condition of the former England international on Thursday, Rodgers said: “He’s not available. It’s hard to put a timeline on it. He can still feel pain in the knee. I’ll have to speak with the medical team to see where that’s at. It doesn’t sound as if he’s too close to being back.”

Huge boost

Despite being well into the twilight years of his professional footballing career, Vardy is quite clearly still a goalscorer of the highest calibre – with his continued absence against Newcastle undoubtedly being something that will have left Eddie Howe buzzing.

Indeed, while his season has been severely hampered by various knocks, the £4.5m-rated hitman has still highly impressed over his 18 Premier League outings this term, scoring 10 goals, registering two assists and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.1 shots and making 0.9 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £160k-per-week forward average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.12, ranking him as Rodgers’ third-best player in the top flight of English football.

Furthermore, with Vardy also having scored five goals and provided three assists over the 13 fixtures in which has faced Newcastle throughout his career, it is clear the 35-year-old often enjoys his clashes with Magpies.

As such, the fact that the Foxes are without Vardy will certainly come as a huge boost to the Magpies’ chances of securing victory this afternoon – with a win against ninth-placed Leicester seeing Newcastle move to within three points of their opposition, an almost unthinkable scenario at the turn of the year.

AND in other news: Howe axes £80k-p/w “monster” & unleashes “remarkable” talent: Newcastle predicted XI