All posts by n8rngtd.top

Newcastle United are absolutely flying under the tutelage of Eddie Howe, who has orchestrated a masterful turnaround of the club's fortunes since his arrival at the backend of 2021.

The former Bournemouth boss assumed the reins in November 2021, replacing Steve Bruce one month after the completion of the Saudi-led takeover.

While the Magpies now boast affluence to rival the riches of any outfit on the globe, the work plied on the transfer front has been nothing but shrewdly done, and there is a clear emphasis on effectively managing the club and steering towards prominence

One way to do this is by providing the club's youth ranks with a license to flourish, with Howe's personal belief in entrusting the academy's most promising talents with opportunities clear to see.

Elliott Anderson is the salient example, the 20-year-old midfielder making 22 appearances across all competitions this season, with Sean Longstaff also a regular for the outfit after rising from youth level several years ago.

The latest prospect to capture the attention of Howe and co is dynamic defender Matty Bondswell, who has been making waves for the U21s and could feature for the first team next term, adding depth to the expanding pool of talent at St. James's Park.

Who is Matty Bondswell?

The 21-year-old has been an ever-present for his outfit in the Premier League 2 this year, making 17 appearances from left-back and registering one assist, also hailed as "highly rated" by reporter Sarah Clapton.

Likened to distinguished dynamo David Alaba and praised for his 'God-given athleticism, cultured left foot and … malleability' by the official Bundesliga website when he played for RB Leipzig, signed by the Magpies as an 18-year-old in 2021, Bondswell is blossoming below the surface and is ostensibly inches away from ascending to the next level.

Dubbed "outstanding" by Keiran Trippier in pre-season, Bondswell could even emulate the success of Arsenal's Ben White, who is finding great success out on the right side of the Gunners' defence despite being a natural centre-back. Coincidentally, he also bears semblance to Real Madrid's Alaba, as illustrated by FBref, recording the duo as 'similar players'.

White is more of a traditional full-back, less of a marauder than the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and instead flourishing through his assured passing, ranking among the top 3% of positional peers for progressive passes and the top 13%, as per FBref.

In December, Caught Offside reported that Jamal Lewis, Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie are all deemed expendable by the Newcastle hierarchy, which certainly bodes well for Bondswell – who like White – can also play in more central areas.

With Dan Burn solid and dependable down the defensive left flank, starting 31 of the 33 Premier League matches this term as his side look to complete a sensational return to the Champions League, it's unlikely Bondswell would assume a regular starting berth, but he can softly integrate into senior action as the understudy.

Remarked as "no mug" by Leon Wobschall, Bondswell can continue his progress when possibly offered a shot at senior action on Tyneside, he might just earn an excellent opportunity in starring as a homegrown talent for one of Europe's most emphatically burgeoning sides.

Chelsea had previously considered bringing Mauricio Pochettino to Stamford Bridge as he closes in on being officially unveiled as the Blues' new manager, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest news involving Mauricio Pochettino?

As per 90min, Chelsea are said to be 'inching closer' to appointing Pochettino as their new manager and the two parties only have 'minor details' to iron out before the Argentinian is announced as Graham Potter's permanent successor.

The report also states that Pochettino will be given the freedom to shape his squad appropriately and will have a major say in who is allowed to depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Sky Sports revealed last week that Chelsea have been 'admirers' of the 51-year-old manager in the past and 'enquired about his availability' following their decision to part ways with Thomas Tuchel in 2022.

Pochettino has been out of work since the end of the 2021/22 season after he left Paris Saint-Germain despite leading them to the Ligue 1 title.

Football Insider claims that the former Spurs boss is already getting to work scoping out potential additions for the Blues, with Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane thought to be one of his transfer targets.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Sheth thinks that Pochettino will have been given 'reassurances' by the Chelsea hierarchy that will have given him encouragement as he closes in on returning to management at Stamford Bridge.

Sheth said: “I think he was considered a couple of times before by Chelsea, particularly when they appointed Graham Potter. At the time, it wasn't right for Pochettino.

“Something has changed, and in the discussions that he will have had with the Chelsea owners, he would have probably got the reassurances that he wanted, not only about issues like his backroom staff but also about how he's going to need to trim the squad.

“We know that Pochettino likes to work with a squad that's not inflated.”

What happens now for Chelsea?

In all honestly, Chelsea could do with some positive news in the near future, especially given their current woeful run of form in recent weeks.

Caretaker boss Frank Lampard hasn't been able to get a tune out of his squad, losing six from six since being brought in to steady the ship in west London.

Incredibly, despite their enormous spending power, the Blues lie 12th in the Premier League table with five games left to play and sit nine points above the relegation zone, signifying that they are still not mathematically safe from the drop.

Of course, it is extremely unlikely that Chelsea will suffer such a fate come the end of this term; however, it's an indication of how underwhelming this season has been at Stamford Bridge for all involved.

Pochettino will be keen to establish his vision early on in pre-season at the club to avoid a repeat scenario in 2023/24.

Aston Villa have reportedly begun talks with the representatives of Tottenham Hotspur forward Lucas Moura over a free transfer.

What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news involving Moura?

Attacking reinforcements appear to be high on Unai Emery’s wishlist this summer, with the club seemingly plotting an ambitious double swoop for Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic and Barcelona winger Ferran Torres.

NSWE are ready to back the manager with a “huge” summer budget, however, it doesn’t look as if all of Villa’s targets will command a big transfer fee.

Moura, who has won all five meetings against Aston Villa, was linked with a move to the Midlands on deadline day last summer, and it looks as if a move could materialise almost 12 months on with the Brazilian set to become a free agent at the end of June.

An update from Spain regarding Moura’s future emerged in the last 48 hours, where Villa were named. The report stated that Villa “have started talks with the player's representatives” over a transfer alongside Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Wolves.

Spurs won’t be renewing Moura’s contract, and the forward also has interest from Roma, Lazio and Marseille.

It could be a risky move…

Emery has transformed things at Villa Park since taking over and is leading the club in a late push for European football. He is taking things to the next level both on and off the pitch, whereas Moura has struggled in north London this season. The forward has fallen out of favour with Spurs, playing just 116 minutes of Premier League football this season, failing to score or register an assist.

Now 30 years of age, Moura’s last two top-flight appearances have come on Merseyside as a substitute, receiving a red card against Everton and making a huge error against Liverpool to allow Diogo Jota to score the winner.

He hasn’t had the best of times on the pitch, so you could argue that he could be a risky addition with his Transfermarkt valuation dropping from a career-high €40m to €9m in the space of four years.

However, once labelled as "magic" by The Times' Jonathan Northcroft, Moura has contributed to more than 200 goals in over 500 club appearances, showing he has the quality, although there could be question marks on if he can find that form once again.

Chelsea's vast expenditure has seen almost every area of the first team bolstered, yet startlingly there remain two key positions left untouched.

The need for a starting striker is clear for all to see, whilst between Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy, it seems neither are particularly keen on stamping their claim for the no.1 shirt long-term.

With the Spaniard having been the preferred option this campaign, and reports swirling surrounding an uncertain future of the Senegalese shot-stopper, perhaps this summer could mark a clearout in the goalkeeper department in order to make way for a truly outstanding alternative.

Given their free-spending attitude of late, the reported price tag might prove a minor stumbling block, but one Todd Boehly should not deliberate on for too long given the previous regime saw fit to unload £71.6m to sign the 28-year-old from Athletic Bilbao.

What's the latest with Andre Onana to Chelsea?

As per The Telegraph's Matt Law earlier this month, Inter Milan's Andre Onana is a rumoured target of the west London outfit, who see this summer as an opportunity to plug those aforementioned vacancies.

Then, when speaking to GIVEMESPORT, fellow journalist Rudy Galetti offered his own verdict on the rumours and the likelihood of a deal being struck.

"Onana could leave Inter in the summer if a suitable offer arrives. Chelsea are seriously interested in the Cameroonian goalkeeper. However, the current price at the request of the Italian club is €50 million (£45 million) and is considered too high by the Blues," he claimed.

Although it was under Graham Potter's tenure, Mendy had reportedly been told that he had no future at the club, which now coincides with this newfound interest in Onana and the fact that he has only made one league appearance since mid-December.

Perhaps the exit of one goalkeeper could provide the requisite room for another to be welcomed in.

How has Andre Onana played this season?

Having been brought up through Barcelona's esteemed academy, immediately his footballing education has seen him brought up on ball-playing principles and the notion of beautiful football. Given Mauricio Pochettino's imminent arrival, he would be delighted to have someone of Onana's quality in between his sticks.

Especially given the African alternative in Mendy has fallen wildly out of favour at Stamford Bridge, despite his role in leading the Blues to the most unlikely of Champions League victories back in 2021.

His debut season saw the 31-year-old record a 7.35 average rating in Europe's elite competition, but as his time at the club has gone on he has become more culpable of foolish errors. Just last season in the league he would make three errors leading to a shot, one that led to a goal and also committed a penalty, via Sofascore.

This led Sky Sports co-commentator Don Goodman to suggest he was "beyond crazy" after one major gaffe handed Leeds United their opener earlier in the season, which has resulted in him earning just eight further league starts this season. If Frank Lampard has deemed him not good enough, Pochettino too will likely maintain that stance.

Meanwhile, Onana has been ever-present at the back for the Nerazzurri, maintaining a 7.01 average rating in a league campaign where he concedes just 0.9 goals per game whilst making 2.5 saves and maintaining a 74% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

In the Champions League too, in which the Italian outfit have somehow clambered their way to the final, his 7.45 average rating has already surpassed Mendy's best run in a Chelsea shirt. It is therefore no surprise to see the Cameroon international branded a "hero" by writer Mike Piellucci, who could further endorse this claim on June 10th.

With the 6 foot 4 dud on the way out and Onana now a viable option for Pochettino to build his perfect team around, perhaps this could provide the ideal foundation for a brighter future at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham United are set for a busy summer as the club prepares for the opening of the transfer window, with a number of players already linked to a potential move to the club.

There has been a lot of speculation regarding more than the movements of players as the season nears a close, with the future of manager David Moyes not yet confirmed.

It’s clear that the club’s full focus is on the Europa Conference League final, with just one game remaining of the Premier League campaign, the Hammers are safe and can place all motivation on the historic match-up against Fiorentina.

With the European competition giving the Irons positivity at the end of the season, there is lots the club will require to improve in the summer, after only gaining mathematical safety from relegation last weekend.

West Ham have conceded 53 goals in the league this term, and have been extremely poor defensively as highlighted by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, who criticised the club’s “poor” defensive strategies.

Moyes’ woes in defence could be solved this summer, with a Premier League centre-back linked with a potential move to the London Stadium.

What’s the latest on Harry Maguire to West Ham?

According to Football Transfers’ sources, the Hammers are one of the clubs interested in Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire.

The report states that the Englishman could leave the club for £40m this summer, with the player's price facing a “slash” due to him being out of favour.

The 30-year-old was signed by the club in 2019 from Leicester City for a world-record fee for a defender at £80m.

What could Harry Maguire offer West Ham?

The past few years have been undoubtedly cruel for Maguire, who has suffered reams of criticism for poor performances that have subsequently seen him shunned away from Ten Hag’s team.

Left-back Luke Shaw has replaced the defender’s spot at centre-back in the absence of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, fuelling talks that he will depart Old Trafford in the summer.

In a time of struggle for the England international, it’s easy to forget just how much talent and experience the lauded “dominating” £200k-per-week defender – as per his manager – has in his locker.

The potential signing of the centre-back could repeat the success of the club’s former swipe from the Red Devils, as Jesse Lingard faced similar criticism to the 30-year-old and shone when given the confidence in claret and blue.

Praised as making a “big difference” to the squad by Moyes in 2021, Lingard had fallen out of favour at United but rediscovered his form at West Ham to the delight of all involved, scoring nine and assisting five in 16 outings.

There was no denying the quality that the winger had in his locker, which is similar to Maguire, who could have a likeminded impact to his former teammate.

In the Englishman’s final season at Leicester before moving to Manchester, he averaged a 7.01 match rating, as well as a huge 4.9 clearances and 1.2 interceptions per game, showing his composure and dominance in defence – as per WhoScored.

His statistics in that season were comparable to that of Premier League winner Ruben Dias for Manchester City this campaign, who averages four clearances per game and a 7.16 WhoScored match rating, highlighting the heights Maguire has previously consistently reached.

Confidence has undeniably played a contributing role to the centre-back’s lack of form, which could be restored in a change of scenery, as the London Stadium has seen before which resulted in boosting their performance as a squad.

Moyes could make a clever move in signing the out-of-favour defender this summer.

Manchester City could potentially make a future move for Evan Ferguson, with Sky Sports reporting that the striker has been mentioned as a potential Erling Haaland replacement.

Who is Evan Ferguson signing for this summer?

The Brighton striker has been in scintillating form so far this season for his club, becoming a pivotal member of the first-team squad despite being just 18 years old. Having fired in six goals and two assists, his efforts have helped the Seagulls climb into the top six in the Premier League and begin to dream of European football in the next campaign.

With his performances impressing, it has understandably led to interest from other top-flight clubs. City's rivals Man United, for example, have previously been linked with a potential move for the forward. However, a new contract with Brighton has led to some of that interest waning for the time being. He has now committed his future to the Seagulls until 2028 as part of this new deal.

However, a new report from Sky Sports has revealed that Man City could potentially launch a future bid to sign the player. It states that Pep Guardiola's side have already "discussed" who could potentially replace Erling Haaland should the player decide to leave the Etihad Stadium.

Ferguson was one of the names that was thrown out as a potential successor for the former Borussia Dortmund man – implying that should Haaland move on, a swoop for the Brighton striker could be launched.

Will Evan Ferguson join Man City?

The striker could certainly slot into the City lineup based on his showings in the Premier League so far.

Considering that he is just 18 years old, what he has already achieved is superb. It means he surely has the potential to get even better in the future. As a forward with six goals in the league this campaign – and managing 1.9 shots per game, too (the fourth-highest tally at the club this term) – he is a striker that plays without fear and is not afraid to get into advanced positions and test the opposition goalkeeper. That's the kind of play you want from a poacher; someone who can get into the goalscoring areas and isn't afraid to have a shot at goal.

In addition, he's been called "incredible" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig following his displays in the Premier League this year. Ferguson is catching the eyes of plenty – and if City did make a move for him, it could be a shrewd addition to their frontline.

Glasgow Rangers are interested in signing defender Archie Brown this summer as Michael Beale aims to continue his rebuild at the Ibrox side.

What’s the latest on Archie Brown to Rangers?

According to the Scottish Daily Mail (page 79, May 26), Rangers are interested in making a move for the Lausanne left-back this summer, and he could cost the Gers a fee in the excess of £2m in order to prise him away from the Swiss club.

The report also goes on to state that Celtic have also run 'checks' on the Englishman ahead of the summer transfer window, and there could be a battle over the coming weeks.

Who is Archie Brown?

The 20-year-old graduated from Derby County’s academy before making the move to the continent in 2021 for a fresh challenge, and Beale could potentially uncover an ideal Borna Barisic heir.

The Croatian defender is entering the final year of his current contract and will turn 31 a few months into the forthcoming campaign, suggesting that the future lies with someone younger – and it looks as though Beale is planning ahead.

Across 29 Premiership matches this term, the 30-year-old has demonstrated his attacking qualities, registering nine assists, creating 12 big chances and playing 2.4 key passes per game as he clearly loves to get forward as much as possible and create plenty of chances from the left wing.

Defensively, he isn’t quite as effective, losing possession 19.4 times per game and keeping nine clean sheets. Beale may therefore be willing to sacrifice attacking intent for someone who is slightly more stable defensively.

Brown does still offer an attacking threat for the Swiss side, registering nine goal contributions – five goals and four assists – across 33 games in the Swiss Challenge League.

He also shone during his spell in the youth academy at Derby, recording 18 goals and 14 assists throughout the various age groups, and his positional versatility could also be a major bonus for Beale heading into next season, as the youngster is equally adept at playing further up the field at left-midfield or even at the heart of the defence, which could be beneficial if there are any injury problems.

The 42-year-old will need to start thinking about a future without Barisic sooner rather than later, and with Ridvan Yilmaz not exactly setting Ibrox alight so far following his £5m move due to various injury and form issues, Brown could be an interesting signing that may get a chance in the first team if he signs.

Celtic's outstanding 2022/23 campaign draws to a close this evening as they take on Inverness at Hampden in the final of the Scottish FA Cup.

The Hoops can secure the domestic treble, after winning the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup earlier this term, with a victory today.

Ange Postecoglou is tasked with picking the side to go out and achieve their aim and the head coach could make one key change to his team from the one that faced Aberdeen last weekend.

Will Daizen Maeda start against Inverness?

Celtic winger Daizen Maeda should come back in from the start after serving his suspension – from a red card in the loss to Hibernian – against the Dons and replace Israel international Liel Abada out wide.

The youngster started in place of the 25-year-old last time out and was hooked at half-time after he created one chance and failed to register an effort on goal.

Maeda must now return to the XI as the Japanese dynamo has proven that he has what it takes to step up and perform in the big matches in the cup.

In the semi-finals of this competition, the forward was selected from the start in the Old Firm clash and registered an assist for the winning goal from Jota.

He also started the semi-final and final of the League Cup earlier this season and chipped in with a goal against Kilmarnock and an assist against Rangers to win the trophy.

Abada, meanwhile, has not started a match in the FA Cup since the round of 16 against St Mirren and did not start the last two matches of League Cup run.

This suggests that Postecoglou trusts the Japan international more than the 21-year-old when it comes to the high-pressure games in cup competitions as the boss has consistently selected him ahead of the young talent in the latter stages.

The £18k-per-week whiz has repaid the manager's faith in him by being directly involved in three goals in three semi-finals and finals combined this season in the domestic cup outings.

Maeda, who has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 25 Premiership starts, is a player who works his socks off for the team and can provide endless running out wide.

Postecglou has described him as a "selfless" player with "outstanding" effort on two different occasions and this, along with his inclusion in the team's big games, shows how highly the head coach rates him.

Therefore, the wing wizard should be unleashed from the start against Inverness this evening ahead of Abada, who has not been trusted in the latter stages of the cup competitions this season.

Manchester City are considering signing Nicolò Barella to replace Ilkay Gundogan this summer.

The German is out of contract at the end of the month yet is contributing as much value to Pep Guardiola's side as he did throughout his time at the Etihad.

The midfielder has 11 goals and seven assists this season, bagging three doubles in his last six games. Gundogan put Manchester United to the sword in the FA Cup final, scoring from outside the 18-yard box twice.

So, how can Manchester City replace such a clutch player?

Is Nicolo Barella joining Manchester City?

According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), Pep Guardiola wants Barella at Man City to replace the Barcelona-bound Gundogan and could have a very opportune chance to speak to him this weekend.

Inter and City lock horns in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday (8PM BST) but following the match, there could be the chance to discuss Man City signing Barella this summer.

Guardiola "dotes" on the Italian maestro and could present a "mind-boggling offer to snatch him from Inzaghi". While the report doesn't mention how much it would cost, Inter Live reported in February that Inter want €90-100m (£80-88.5m) to part ways with Barella.

It's noted by Sportmediaset, as per FC Inter News, that Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also following Barella "closely".

How good is Nicolo Barella?

While speaking on commentary for Channel 4 ahead of a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy in March, Steven Gerrard waxed lyrical about Barella.

He said: “They [Italy] have potential world class players emerging now. Now you have the likes of Barella, Raspadori. These are players who could become world class over the course of their careers.”

Barella, specifically, has continued to demonstrate his class and it's no fluke that he and his Inter teammates have reached the final of the Champions League.

Like Gundogan, Barella is an extremely dangerous midfielder to play against. Not only is he capable of dictating games, playing more passes into the box than 90% of Europe's midfielders, but he is also a threat himself in the 18-yard area. This season, he has nine goals and ten assists, surpassing projections for expected goals and assists.

Replacing Gundogan with Barella would once again highlight Man City's relentless approach in the transfer market. Rarely has there been a club so consistent when replacing key players – Sergio Aguero left and he was soon replaced by Erling Haaland.

Barella could be next for the Premier League champions.

Liverpool are firmly in the mix for Celta Vigo prodigy Gabri Veiga this summer and could make their move swiftly amid rising interest from Premier League rivals such as Chelsea.

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?

That's courtesy of an update from the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the affluent Blues have "inquired" over the 21-year-old's availability as they look to turn the page on a disgraceful campaign.

Liverpool are said to have done the exact same one week ago and are aware of the player's situation with his LaLiga outfit, with a €40m (£34m) release clause wedged into Veiga's contract.

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all departed Anfield upon the conclusion of their contracts this summer and Veiga could be the precocious and vibrant force to rekindle the fire at the club.

How would Gabri Veiga perform at Liverpool?

Having already tied up a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's World Cup-winning star Alexis Mac Allister this summer – for just £35m – boss Jurgen Klopp has started with conviction as he looks to rise from the rubble after Liverpool finished fifth in the top-flight this season.

Veiga, who is a similarly progressive presence and has been called a "top talent" by Romano, would represent the perfect addition to reshape the Reds' midfield in a new, refined form, with the burgeoning Spaniard flourishing this season with the Sky Blues, scoring 11 goals and supplying four assists from only 28 starts in LaLiga after playing for the side's reserve unit last year.

It's not hard to discern the abundant potential this star possesses, and given Liverpool's recent success in delving into Celta Vigo's ranks to procure a prodigious talent, it must be a move that sporting director Jorg Schmadtke jumps upon.

Indeed, in the winter of 2020, Liverpool signed Stefan Bajcetic from Vigo for just £224,000, with the midfielder arriving as an exciting 16-year-old with a belief that he would forge a path towards prominence on Merseyside over the next several years.

Bajcetic got his breakthrough this year, and still only 18, the energetic box-to-box star made 19 appearances for Liverpool's senior side, scoring one goal, and left the likes of Jamie Carragher waxing lyrical over the calibre of his performances, calling him "outstanding" as he belied his tender age and inexperience with his feats.

The "wonderful" Veiga – as he has been described by journalist Josh Bunting – is a similarly advanced prospect, above his peers in his devastating technical ability and gliding gait, ranking among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals, the top 20% for assists, and the top 12% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

This kind of box-surging prowess is exactly what the Reds need to discard the woes of the season gone past, and having already reaped the rewards of raiding Celta Vigo's pool of talent, history would repeat with another foray into the market to secure the signing of a highly-coveted midfield maestro.