All posts by z3u9t.icu

Since bursting on the scene during the 2017/18 season, Declan Rice seems to have improved in every game he plays in.

Last season was a standout one for the 22-year old who captained West Ham for the majority of the campaign, and Barry Fry believes that Hammers fans would not be able to forgive him if he left this summer.

With great performances comes a lot of transfer speculation and that has not been any different for Rice who appears keen on a move to Manchester United this summer, and the pull of Champions League football will be huge for him.

Rice is currently on international duty with England and impressed against Croatia, however during the previous international camps it has been reported that he was speaking to Man United players such as Harry Maguire and Dean Henderson about life at the club ahead of a potential exit this summer.

Having come through their academy, West Ham fans would hate to see someone their club has nurtured and given a chance to leave and they may struggle to forgive him if he pulled on a different club’s shirt. That’s according to Fry, who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“I can’t see David Moyes and the two David’s who own West Ham letting Rice go because he is a man mountain for them and he even played the opposition on his own sometimes last season.

“The West Ham fans would never forgive him, even if they got £100-150 million for him, they’d never forgive him because he’s one of their own.”

With West Ham failing to qualify for the Champions League last season it will put them in a far worse position to convince Rice that the London Stadium is the right place for him to play his football and continue his development.

If Rice continues to flourish at the Euros for England, then the Hammers may be able to bump up any potential price tag they would put on his head as he will be doing it in front of millions of people.

A major update has emerged on Manchester City striker Lukas Nmecha regarding where he might be playing his football next season.

What’s the talk?

According to Het Nieuwsblad, RB Leipzig are on the verge of securing an £8.5m (€10m) deal to sign the 22-year-old. The Bundesliga outfit are keen on snapping up the Germany under-21 international and have agreed on a fee with City to bring him over to the Bundesliga.

Nmecha has one year left on his current contract at Manchester City and spent last season on loan with Anderlecht in Belgium. Their manager, City legend Vincent Kompany, praised the striker during his loan spell in Belgium, hailing him as a “complete” centre-forward.

He told HLN, as transcribed by Manchester Evening News: “Of course, he still has room for improvement, but actually he is already a quite complete striker. He does not have any noticeable weaknesses.

“At the moment he is already one of the best strikers in Belgium.”

Fans will be frustrated

Manchester City fans will likely be frustrated by this news given the state of the club’s strikeforce as it stands. Pep Guardiola is currently heading into next season with Gabriel Jesus as his only natural centre-forward option, with Sergio Aguero leaving on a free transfer to join Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona. Guardiola also showed his lack of faith in Jesus as a starter as he deployed Kevin de Bruyne as a false nine ahead of him in the Champions League final, which they lost to Chelsea.

This suggests that City are in desperate need of a revamp at the top end of the pitch in the summer transfer window to offer the manager some fresh options. Txiki Begiristain needs to provide Guardiola with strikers to bolster his squad and this is where Nmecha could have made an impact at the Etihad Stadium.

He enjoyed a terrific campaign with Anderlecht and Germany’s under-21s, scoring 21 goals for the Belgian club before winning the Golden Boot at the European Under-21 Championship and scoring the winner in the final, suggesting that he could have the quality to make an impact in the Premier League.

Despite the 22-year-old’s impressive form for club and country, Txiki is cashing in on the £8.5m beast early in the window. The City chief could be heading for a disaster with this decision as Nmecha has not even been given the chance to show Guardiola the improvements he has made in his game. All three of his first team appearances at the Etihad came in the 2017/18 season and amounted to 46 minutes in total (Transfermarkt).

City could have benefitted from giving Nmecha a chance to shine in pre-season so that he could stake a claim for a place in the squad. This is why their fans may be frustrated by this news, as a talented young player is being sold without being given the opportunity to prove himself.

AND in other news, Txiki dealt Man City blow over “phenomenal” £200k-p/w beast, Pep will be gutted…

West Brom are reportedly in the race to sign former Brentford midfielder Emiliano Marcondes, as Valerien Ismael eyes up new additions.

The Lowdown: Ismael looks to make his mark

The Baggies are about to embark on an exciting next chapter in their history, following the appointment of Ismael from Barnsley.

He will surely be on the lookout for new signings during the summer transfer window, in order to aid West Brom’s promotion push in the Championship next season with players who fit his system and profile.

The Latest: Marcondes emerges as target

One player who has been linked with a move to the Hawthorns is Marcondes, with The Express claiming that the Ismael’s side have ‘entered the race’ to sign the 26-year-old.

The midfielder made 34 Championship appearances for Brentford last season, helping them reach the Premier League, but his contract is about to expire and he will be a free agent.

Nottingham Forest and Barnsley are both believed to be interested in signing Marcondes, too.

The Verdict: Ideal summer addition

Marcondes could be a shrewd addition by West Brom this summer, especially given his experience of helping a team reach the Premier League.

The Dane scored two goals and registered three assists in the league last season despite making most of his appearances as a late substitute, highlighting his ability to chip in as an impact player off the bench.

Only 14 of his 34 league appearances in 2020/21 were starts – but strong squad depth will only make the Baggies more formidable under Ismael.

In other news, West Brom have been linked with a move for an international defender. Find out who it is here.

Matt Maher has dropped a fresh update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Arsenal and England U21 star Emile Smith Rowe.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Dean Smith’s side put in an initial £25m bid for Smith Rowe, before upping that offer to £30m – both were rejected by the Gunners.

Now, The Express and Star’s Maher has claimed that “Villa are refusing to give up their pursuit” of the youngster, “as they continue with an ambitious summer transfer strategy, aimed at bolstering Dean Smith’s attacking options.”

He adds: “Securing the signing of Smith Rowe would, however, deliver the biggest statement yet. The England youth international was among Arsenal’s brightest performers last season and has been in talks over a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.

“Yet while an agreement is still to be reached, Villa will believe they still have a chance of prising him away. The pursuit of Smith Rowe is not an attempt to bring in a replacement for Jack Grealish, though the Villa skipper’s future is under scrutiny amid serious interest from Manchester City. Ideally, Villa want Grealish, Smith Rowe and Buendia to be playing in the same team next season.” Villa fans will be grinning

After Villa’s first bid for Smith Rowe was revealed, The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans said at the time: “Villa’s ambitions are becoming crystal clear. Not only are they showing no signs of slowing down their spending spree under Sawiris and Edens, but they are also looking at ways to weaken clubs who could be direct rivals.

“Bidding for Smith Rowe is the most obvious sign yet of that. But this strategic approach of trying to pick apart big teams is taking Villa to a new level. That they feel Smith Rowe is an achievable target says everything about the way the club are moving forward. The very thought of taking away one of Arsenal’s most exciting young players just a few years ago would have been laughed at.

“Also, while their desires to sign Smith Rowe are real, it’s one thing bidding for him, and another actually landing the attacker. But already, these are starting to feel like exciting times for Villa. They are flexing their muscles in the market and aiming high.”

The fact Villa are after Smith Rowe and are “refusing to give up” on him is a major statement in and of itself.

This was the same club who only just survived relegation back to the Championship in the summer of 2020, and yet after a meteoric rise spearheaded by some lavish spending from NSWE, have catapulted themselves into the conversation for European places.

Whether Smith Rowe does arrive or not isn’t the be-all and end-all. It’s more the declaration of intent that Villa fans will be grinning from ear to ear about, and leave them smirking about the very idea of poaching one of the Premier League’s “big six’s” brightest young talents.

Meanwhile, Villa could sign their new John Carew in this man…

Southampton look set to miss out on Benfica’s Nuno Tavares this summer as he edges closer to a move to Arsenal, which will surely frustrate Saints fans and Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The south coast club have been regularly linked with the full-back in recent months but he looks set for a switch to the Emirates Stadium, as Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Twitter: “Arsenal have an agreement signed with Benfica for Nuno Tavares since yesterday. Done deal, no doubt. Fee will be €8m, plus add ons. Nuno will sign until June 2026.”

Although Southampton look set to complete the signing of Brest left-back Romain Perraud in the coming days, they are still quite low on full-back options following the departure of Ryan Bertrand, especially with Jake Vokins expected to go out on loan again in the 2021/22 campaign.

Therefore, Tavares could have been an excellent young back-up to Perraud in Hasenhuttl’s side next season and helped to strengthen the Saints in an area where they are particularly weak, as was emphasised last season when they struggled immensely in the absence of first team full-backs Bertrand and Kyle Walker-Peters.

The 21-year-old defender has featured as a left-back, left midfielder and right-back during his time with Benfica, so his versatility could have been a welcome addition at St Mary’s this summer.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-southampton-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Southampton transfer rumours and news!”]

The fee which Romano has quoted for Tavares would also have suited Southampton, as Hasenhuttl confirmed that they will target players for £10m or less this summer, so the Portuguese defender could have been an ideal option for the future at the south coast club.

The Benfica man, who is currently valued at £6.3m by Transfermarkt, was touted as one of the brightest prospects in world football by his agent Cesar Boaventura, who suggested that he had the ability to play for any club in Europe after links with Manchester United emerged.

Therefore, if Tavares can realise his potential with Arsenal, then Southampton will surely regret not acting more decisively to sign him this summer. It is also undoubtedly a blow for Hasenhuttl, who must now look elsewhere for a full-back to compete with Perraud and Walker-Peters in his side next season.

In other news… Southampton are keen on this Champions League regular

Arsenal must beat north London rivals Spurs to the signing of Bologna centre-back Takehiro Tomiyasu this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Arsenal are in talks to sign Ben White from fellow Premier League side Brighton, but it now appears the club have got their eye on another versatile defender.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are battling Spurs for the signing of Tomiyasu, and that they are talking to Serie A side Bologna to find an agreement.

A new Koscielny

Just like Koscielny was in his prime, Tomiyasu is as reliable as they come, and doesn’t often let opponents go past him, with his combination of strength, speed and reading of the game.

His current teammate at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Mitchell Dijks, dubbed him “very strong” and a “true Japanese warrior” at a press conference, via Tuttosport.

In fact, speaking about the defender’s potential, former Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said: “He is a complete player and Bologna got a real bargain with Tomiyasu. He’s a good player and was compared to Maya Yoshida, who has been playing in Europe for a decade. He’s got the quality to be a real star.”

Able to play at centre-back, right-back, left-back and in holding midfield too, the £18m-rated ace’s versatility marks him out as someone who would be a bargain alternative to White.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the Brighton defender has a valuation of around the £50m mark, but when you compare the two, Tomiyasu favours well.

According to FBREF, the 6 ft 2 defender is extremely competent in one on one duels – as per 90 minutes, Tomiyasu tackled 56.7% of players who attempted to dribble past him in Serie A, significantly better than White’s 37.5%.

The Japan international also boasts a far better successful pressure percentage (ie closing down opponents), while he is considerably better on the ball too.

He had a higher successful dribble percentage, made progressive carries, and had a better pass accuracy over both short and long passes – and it’s those stats both on and off the ball that are also eerily reminiscent of Koscielny.

A profile done on the Frenchman by Sky Sports back in 2016 read: “His reading of the game, his anticipation of opponents and his positional awareness are excellent. Koscielny is as accomplished with the ball as he is without it, boasting an average pass completion rate of 91.37 per cent in the Premier League over the last two seasons.”

Tomiyasu has everything in his locker to be a new Koscielny for Arsenal and be a better signing for the Gunners than White.

Meanwhile, Arsenal could sign a new Fabregas in this star…

West Bromwich Albion manager Valerien Ismael has been impressed with Matheus Pereira’s attitude in training, despite speculation over his future this summer [Express and Star].

Completing an impressive 2020/21 campaign, the Brazilian was a rare bright-spot for an eventually relegated Baggies side, registering 18 goal contributions from 34 appearances; 12 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Likely to depart the Hawthorns this summer, the West Midlands side are likely to demand around £30 million for his services [Express and Star].

Former Bayern Munich man Ismael has shed some positive light on the situation, after being captivated by his output at the West Bromwich Albion Training Ground.

In a recent interview, the 45-year-old said: “With Pereira – we spoke really openly about the situation.

“I don’t have a problem. We made it simple, you are in or you are out.

“But if you are in, you are 100 per cent.” [Express and Star]

Indicating some common ground between the new head coach and star man Pereira, no wonder loads of West Bromwich Albion diehards took to Twitter to express their delight at the latest news.

West Brom fans react:

Replying to popular Albion fan outlet WBA Report, here is what some Baggies fans had to say about recent developments, with one supporter hailing it as ‘great news’:

“Keep him no matter what.”

Credit: @SaulSanders8″Wow .. Announce promotion”Credit; @AndyColclough”god I love him”Credit: @Brad_WBA”Love this”Credit: @JLRXVIIIII”I don’t wanna get my hopes up but I already have”Credit: @SamuelRoberts01″Great news..where’s the source from for this comment..”Credit: @kevkeywbaIn other news, a pundit has exclusively urged West Brom to sign an international striker.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith could sign the club’s new Stewart Downing in Burnley winger Dwight McNeil this summer.

What’s the story?

The Telegraph had recently revealed that Villa still have the 21-year-old high up on their target list as they look to strengthen the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Football Insider then suggested that the Midlands club would turn their attentions towards the England under-21 international if they can’t get a deal done for Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.

The Liverpool Echo have now claimed that while Everton have joined the race to land McNeil, but it’s Smith’s side who are currently in pole position to lure him away from Turf Moor this summer.

Villa’s new Downing

The £34m-rated McNeil has been one of the few standout players for Sean Dyche’s side in recent seasons, and the Burnley manager has been quick to praise his young prospect.

The 50-year-old said: “He’s a real talent. He’s a really good player, he’s improving, his calmness at the end – I’m saying get it in the corner – but he cuts in, and his calmness to cross it into a dangerous area, and then gets his reward. Before then, his calmness to dribble out of trouble – he’s a really good player, really good, and he can only mature.”

A left-winger who plays on the left (rather unusual nowadays), McNeil offers much of the same threat that Downing posed when he was in his prime at Villa Park.

Before his high-profile switch to Liverpool, the former England international enjoyed some good times at the club, including a 2010/11 season which saw him pick up both the Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Year awards.

He scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 79 games for Villa, and when you compare that 2010/11 campaign to what McNeil produced last season, there’s a lot to like.

As per WhoScored, Downing averaged 2.1 crosses and 0.7 dribbles per game compared to McNeil’s 1.4 crosses and 1.8 dribbles per match in the top flight – both have that ability to not only get to the byline and beat their man, but also deliver the kind of pinpoint cross off of which strikers can feed.

McNeil is very much a throwback with his style of play, and Smith could help unlock that “talent” which Dyche has hailed.

With Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta already insisting Smith Rowe will be going nowhere, Villa should turn their attentions firmly towards McNeil and forget about the Gunners starlet.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has dropped an exciting Aston Villa transfer update…

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the race to land Leeds target and Cagliari gem Nahitan Nandez…

What’s the talk?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Inter have opened talks with Cagliari over a deal to sign Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez on loan this summer. Cagliari are said to be keen on signing Radja Nainggolan from the Milan giants, which could play a part in the negotiations.

Leeds have been linked with a swoop for the midfielder this summer, who is reportedly valued at £26m (€30m) by Cagliari. Victor Orta travelled to Italy earlier this month to discuss a potential deal for the Uruguayan.

Bielsa will be gutted

Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds will be gutted reading this latest update. Whilst it is not suggested that a deal is done, or even close, Inter appear to be the favourites given that they have already opened talks over a loan for the ace.

Cagliari wanting Naingollan also hands them a key boost over Leeds, as they could offer the former Roma man in exchange to bolster their chances of getting a move over the line in the coming weeks.

The Leeds coach will be frustrated because Nandez could have been a smart addition to his squad. Mateusz Klich struggled for consistency in the Premier League last season, with an average WhoScored rating of 6.51, and that suggests that a central midfielder is required at Elland Road before the end of the window.

Nandez caught the eye in Italy with his performances across the park, which means that he could have the potential to make the grade in the English top-flight. Serie A journalist Conor Clancy was effusive in his praise of the “machine” and pointed to his versatility on the pitch as one of his main attributes.

He said: “Anywhere Bielsa wants to play him, he’d do a job. I like him a lot.

“I think he’s only about five foot seven, but you wouldn’t know it if you just watched clips of him, he is a little bit of a machine. He’s so powerful but at the same time, has really, really good ball control.”

The 25-year-old showed off his tactical flexibility for Cagliari last season,  playing in eight separate positions across the defence and midfield whilst averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.72. This shows that he has the quality to provide consistent, solid, displays in a multitude of roles at the top level.

Therefore, Bielsa would love him at Elland Road as he could utilise him in a number of positions across his team and have the option to change formations in-game. This is why he will be gutted by the prospect of Inter potentially snapping him up on loan.

AND in other news, Orta must act swiftly to sign “unbelievable” £5.5k-p/w beast, Bielsa needs him at LUFC…

Many Wolves fans have been left to fume as injury news involving Willy Boly emerges.

Tim Spiers confirmed on his official Twitter page that the central defender had to come off early in the first half of their friendly game against Real Betis on Saturday evening.

The Athletic journalist claimed that it was ‘possibly’ a hamstring injury, as Max Kilman had to come on in his place.

Boly was a key player for the Midlands club in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season, ranking highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles (1.6), interceptions (1.5) and clearances (four) per game (Whoscored).

If it is a hamstring injury, then the Frenchman faces a race to be fit for the start of the top-flight campaign, and Bruno Lage will be hoping that it is not serious at all.

Wolves fans on Boly injury

These WWFC supporters fumed as Spiers confirmed the injury to Boly on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘typical’:

“Oh God”

Credit: @webster_scott

“Made of glass Boly is now man, need two new centre backs ASAP”

Credit: @powellywolves

“Didn’t think it should’ve been a corner that led to it, typical”

Credit: @jaylittle84

“A new CB has to be a priority especially if Boly is made of glass nowadays.”

Credit: @Matthew_Ashmore

“Hasn’t he done that recently before today? Bit of a concern if it keeps going”

Credit: @MrShot7

“Christ me”

Credit: @OhAnotherWolf

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers buzzing here!