All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa are plotting a bid for Espanyol centre-forward Raul de Tomas.

What’s the word?

That’s according a report from Spain (via TheHardTackle), who claim that Villa are one of four Premier League teams vying for the Spaniard’s signature this summer.

Espanyol are willing to listen to offers for their star man in a bid to gather funds for the manager to spend. The club are hoping for a fee in the region of €35m (£30m).

Other than Steven Gerrard’s side, Everton, West Ham United and Newcastle United are all linked with a move.

 Could spell the end of Danny Ings

Aston Villa have been somewhat cursed over the past couple of years with strikers, as none have managed to set the world alight despite their performances prior to joining.

Perhaps Gerrard could finally get it right with this unflappable Spaniard with an eye for goal, entering the prime of his career.

Last season the 27-year-old notched up 17 league goals as Espanyol faltered to a 14th-place finish. His performances for a lacklustre side have allowed him to become the standout candidate for an upgrade, and he could provide the perfect marriage with Villa.

However, the forward does not bring just goals. The 5-foot-9 striker’s link-up play is also phenomenal, whilst he possesses an incredible desire to do the dirty work. Perhaps this combination is what led to James Dodd labelling the attacker “emphatic”.

De Tomas sits in the 99th percentile for pass completion rate per 90 amongst strikers in Europe’s big five leagues, while he is also in the 94th percentile for clearances over the past 12 months. His passing is close to perfect, but he obviously can provide a fluidity that could work well with Villa’s many attacking options.

It should come as no surprise therefore to see his average SofaScore rating at an impressive 7.09, outlining him as Espanyol’s best performer of those who played over three matches last season.

His introduction could spell the end for Danny Ings, who was only recruited last summer for £25m. Just seven league goals last year was wholly disappointing for a man who clearly has such an eye for goal, and it could suggest the decline of his poacher’s instinct.

He recently admitted that his debut season for the Villains had been “underwhelming” and perhaps now is the best time for Gerrard to cash in on the forward and replace him with a wildcard in De Tomas who could light up the Premier League.

AND in other news: Reliable journo now reveals huge transfer development, Villa supporters will be gutted

Journalist Josh Bunting is thrilled with the news that Sunderland manager Alex Neil is expecting a couple of new signings for the Black Cats’ opening game of the season.

The Lowdown: Neil’s comments

Sunderland are set to start their Championship campaign on Sunday as they face Coventry City at the Stadium of Light.

And Neil has been speaking of his side’s activity in the transfer market ahead of the Black Cats’ opening game.

As quoted by Chronicle Live, the Wearside boss said: “Naturally, we want to try to add before the weekend, and we hope that one or two of those run their course, and we manage to get them in. But I won’t be spending all my time worrying about that if I can’t affect it.”

The Latest: ‘Exciting…’

Bunting was thrilled with the news that fans could be seeing multiple new faces in a Sunderland shirt this Sunday.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist exclaimed:

“Alex Neil saying Sunderland hope to have 1 or 2 more in the door by Sunday. Look he’s under no illusions he knows the squad needs to be strengthened.

“The club are working away on business in the background absolutely no time or no room to panic. Exciting few days ahead #SAFC”

The Verdict: Much needed…

With Ross Stewart being the only striker left at the club, it is imperative that Sunderland bring in a number of attacking players to provide Neil with quality and depth in the final third.

The chaotic schedule and all-round physicality of the Championship will need to be considered by the Black Cats, and it will inevitably require regular rotation and alternative options due to the likelihood of injuries occurring.

Therefore, the manager’s news will come as a huge relief to Sunderland fans, making them more confident for Sunday’s game against Coventry.

Newcastle United ‘retain a strong interest’ in signing Leeds United winger Jack Harrison this summer, although the Whites are ‘not willing’ to sell the player, reliable journalist Luke Edwards has claimed.

The Lowdown: Harrison linked with Newcastle

While the Yorkshire club have made some important signings this summer, including Brenden Aaronson and Luis Sinisterra, they have also lost two key players in Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

Another influential figure who has been linked with a move away from Elland Road is Harrison, with various reports claiming that he could move to Newcastle.

It is a rumour which is refusing to go away, and it seems far from certain that the 25-year-old will stay in Jesse Marsch’s squad for the long haul.

The Latest: Journalist provides Harrison transfer latest

Taking to Twitter, Edwards, who was the first to break the Harrison interest back in May, claimed that the Magpies are still eyeing up Harrison, but the word from Leeds is an emphatic no.

The Daily Telegraph reporter tweeted:

“#nufc retain a strong interest in Jack Harrison. Leeds United are not willing sellers at this stage. Given I first reported this interest in May the fact it hasn’t ended yet is, in itself, interesting. Nothing imminent on incomings. Market still difficult but work ongoing etc.”

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The Verdict: Hold firm, Leeds

Harrison may not necessarily go into the new season as one of the first names on Marsch’s team sheet but he is undoubtedly an important player, having registered 50 goal contributions in 166 appearances for Leeds.

His quality and work ethic out wide can continue to be valuable assets for the Whites, while losing another established figure would be a big blow in terms of squad stability at Elland Road.

Also, with Raphinha’s exit, the former Manchester City winger is now the most prolific player from 2021/22 to remain at Leeds, having netted eight league goals last term, including the last-gasp winner in the final day showdown against Brentford.

It seems clear that only a huge bid for Harrison could persuade Leeds to do business, which says all you need to know about how highly he is regarded by Marsch and the Whites’ powerbrokers.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Lille midfielder Yusuf Yazici, according to French outlet La Voix Du Nord (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Busy summer

The Reds have already added a whopping 12 fresh faces to Steve Cooper’s squad following promotion back to the Premier League, shelling out £85.28million from the coffers in the process.

Still linked to other potential targets such as Omar Marmoush, James McAtee and Maxwel Cornet, there could yet be further incomings at the City Ground before the September 1 deadline.

Now, another name is seemingly on the radar at Forest as CEO Dane Murphy continues an attempt to suitably bolster the ranks…

The latest: Reds cited for Yazici

As per La Voix Du Nord, translated by SW, Nottingham Forest and fellow newly promoted side Fulham are both keen on signing Yazici this summer.

It’s claimed that 39-cap Turkey international is ‘of interest’ to the top flight new boys and a move away from Lille is ‘possible’ due to his current role as an understudy.

The report also states that Yazici – who was described as ‘absolute class’ by football analyst Mahith Gamage – could look to move on ‘depending on the playing time offered to him’ in France

The verdict: Go for it

Despite the wave of new arrivals into Cooper’s ranks, there remains sufficient room for at least one more midfield option, particularly a more creative operator, with Yazici praised for his versatility and technical quality.

Signed from boyhood club Trabzonspor for £15.75million in 2019 (Transfermarkt), Yazici has been a high-quality operator for some time now, directly contributing to 79 goals in 201 appearances during his career to date.

Last season, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder scored nine times and provided three assists in 34 outings across all competitions, including a loan spell at CSKA Moscow, earning a remarkable 7.53 Sofascore rating whilst completing 1.3 key passes and taking 3.0 shots on average per game in the Russian Primeira Liga.

Currently earning £16,000 per week (Salary Sport), Yazici would be an affordable addition to the Forest squad and one the hierarchy should be pushing to make happen given the Turkish ace’s calibre.

talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has hinted that West Ham United could make a ‘late’ move for Watford forward Ismaila Sarr.

The Lowdown: Moyes wants more…

Speaking to the press recently, Irons manager David Moyes was honest in his plea for more summer signings at the London Stadium as he aims to maintain West Ham’s place among England’s elite clubs.

Having just missed out on Europa League qualification last term, a new Premier League season has begun and a chance to improve upon 2021/22.

The east Londoners fell to a 2-0 opening weekend defeat at the hands of champions Manchester City and may need to find opportunities to strengthen before the summer transfer window shuts on 1 September.

The Latest: Crook hints at ‘late’ Sarr swoop…

Crook has now hinted that West Ham could make a ‘late’ attempt for Hornets winger Sarr.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, when asked about the Hammers’ chances of signing the Senegal star, the talkSPORT reporter explained: “It might come down to the price tag, it’s around £30 million.

“Obviously, they were willing to pay that for Broja, so potentially they have got that cash. I think if that happens, it’ll probably be late in the window.”

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The Verdict: Make a move?

Sarr has proven in the past that he can certainly turn it on at the very top level.

Called a ‘freak of a talent’ by goalkeeper Ben Foster, his former Watford manager Claudio Ranieri also branded the 24-year-old a ‘diamond’ last term.

Once valued at £80m, the fact he could now move for less than half of that price may well be an unmissable opportunity, especially considering that he was one of the Hornets’ few shining lights over 2021/22.

As per WhoScored, Sarr proved a tricky opponent for top-flight defenders, attracting more fouls than any other Watford player whilst also attempting their joint-highest rate of shots at goal per 90.

He impressed despite him playing in a team which was meekly relegated, so imagine what he could do for a West Ham side with European football on their agenda.

Sunderland are likely to be without Leon Dajaku for their Championship showdown against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

What’s the news?

Speaking in his latest press conference ahead of the Black Cats’ clash against the west London side, Alex Neil had this to say on the situation.

He said:

“I doubt Leon will be available, he’s had a recurrence of his thigh problem.”

Dajaku only came on as a very late substitute during Sunderland’s 3-2 win over Bristol City last weekend after Neil revealed the fitness issues the player had.

The 21-year-old was then not included in the squad for midweek’s 2-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup.

A big blow for Sunderland

The Wearside club signed the German on loan from Union Berlin during the previous summer transfer window.

After making 22 League One appearances for the Black Cats, in which he scored four goals and provided four assists, Sunderland signed him on a permanent deal in May.

In those 22 league appearances, the youngster racked up the third-highest rate for goals per shot (0.57) at the club, which shows that when he got into goalscoring positions, he provided a big threat.

He also delivered 53 crosses in total, leaving only four other players with more, highlighting how dangerous he can be in terms of setting up goalscoring opportunities for his teammates as well.

As well as this, the 21-year-old showed off his versatility by playing on both sides of the pitch when called upon, which would surely make him a useful asset for the club this season.

Bearing in mind how Neil said that revealed that Dajaku has suffered a reoccurrence of his thigh problem, this could become a big concern if it doesn’t heal and ultimately keeps him out of action for a significant period of time.

With tomorrow’s game in mind, the fact that Neil’s side managed to not only pick up their first three points of the season last weekend, but also racked up more shots at goal (16) than Bristol (15), this should fill the Sunderland boss and their supporters that they will have enough firepower to overcome QPR with the attacking players they have available.

Moving forward, the best thing the Black Cats can hope for now is that the attacker recovers from this issue as soon as possible and can become a reliable option for Neil to use throughout the season.

The Evening Standard have now shared a promising West Ham United transfer update involving Club Brugge attacker Hans Vanaken.

The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…

The Hammers are chasing a deal for Vanaken as manager David Moyes sets his sights on even more reinforcements.

Talks for Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri have reportedly been held with an offer having also gone in for Brugge’s star man.

The 2022/2023 Premier League season is underway but West Ham haven’t exactly got off to a hot start, losing both of their opening games of this new campaign.

Taking this into account, it’s arguably imperative that the east Londoners seal major first team upgrades in needed departments before September 1.

The Latest: West Ham confident…

In regards to Vanaken, The Evening Standard have now shared a pretty promising update.

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They claim that West Ham are ‘confident of agreeing a fee’ for the 29-year-old and have definitely held discussions to sign him for Moyes this summer.

As well as this, the big name news source also states that Vanaken himself is ‘keen on a move to the London Stadium’.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, the Jupiler Pro League star isn’t just perfect for England physically, but he also has an eye for goal.

Indeed, throughout his professional career, Vanaken has totalled 145 senior career goals and could be the type of attacking outlet which could seriously hand Moyes a different option in the forward positions.

Valued at around £14.4 million by Transfermarkt, a figure in and around this fee could represent good business if the Belgium international can translate his form to English football.

Ben Jacobs has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner.

What’s the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the CBS Sports journalist revealed that Victor Orta is now in talks with Philadelphia Union regarding a deal for the left-back, with Jesse Marsch believed to be pushing the Whites’ interest in the 25-year-old German – while Portuguese side Benfica are also said to keeping an eye on the defender ahead of a potential move $3m (£2.5m) of their own.

In his tweet, Jacobs said: “Leeds expect a busy week in the transfer market. Talks ongoing for Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner. 25-year-old is very creative and technical. Jesse Marsch driving this one. Benfica pushing, too.”

Marsch’s biggest issue

Considering just how short Marsch currently is of depth at left-back, with both Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo ruled out due to injury, in addition to the club having sold Leif Davis to Ipswich Town earlier this summer, it is clear to see that the left of the American’s backline is very much his biggest issue at Leeds.

Indeed, even with Firpo available, the position is far from the Whites’ strongest in terms of quality and depth, as the 25-year-old struggled with the pace of the English top flight following his £12.8m arrival last summer – averaging a disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.60 over his 24 fixtures, ranking him as Leeds’ seventh-worst performer in the league last time out.

In contrast, Wagner has consistently been one of Philadelphia’s best performers in the MLS since his 2019 switch from Wurzburger Kickers, being named as the MLS All-Star left-back for the past two seasons and playing a key role in Union winning the Supporters’ Shield back in 2020.

The £2.7m-rated talent has been in particularly fine form over his 25 MLS appearances so far this season, helping his side keep 10 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 2.0 clearances and winning 3.6 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per game.

The 25-year-old who MLS insider Tom Bogert dubbed “elite” has also impressed in an attacking and creative capacity, registering five assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 2.6 key passes – the ninth-most in the league – 4.1 long balls – the joint 21st-most in the division – and 2.9 crosses per fixture.

These returns have seen the former FC Augsburg starlet average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.42, ranking him as the 10th-best performer in the entirety of the MLS so far this term.

As such, with it being evident that Wagner is solid at the back, creative going forwards and possesses an eye for a killer pass, should Marsch believe the German could replicate his form in America in the Premier League, the defender’s £2.5m signing would not only solve the Whites’ biggest issue at present, but he could also prove to be one of the bargains of the summer window.

Nottingham Forest have undoubtedly been the most active Premier League club in the transfer window with 16 new signings making a move to The City Ground, and now they could be set to make their 17th.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest remain interested in their former loanee and Manchester United rising star James Garner.

As per the report, the newly-promoted side join Everton and Southampton in their interest after Garner was surprisingly made available on the transfer market recently with a price tag set at £14m.

Cooper loves him

After struggling to get a deal over the line earlier in the transfer window for Garner, Steve Cooper and the powers at The City Ground set their sights on midfield alternatives, making four new signings in the centre of the pitch.

Orel Mangala, Remo Freuler, Cheikhou Kouyate and Lewis O’Brien have all been brought in to bolster the midfield options over the Premier League campaign, however, despite the positions being fully covered Cooper is a huge admirer of Garner.

Sealing a permanent move for the 21-year-old dynamo was one of the targets for Forest in the early stages of the summer transfer window following his impressive season-long loan spell at the club in the Championship last season, but it wasn’t until last week that Manchester United came to the decision to sell their youngster.

Over 41 appearances, Garner who was hailed “quality” by Martin Keown scored four goals, delivered eight assists and created seven big chances, making two key passes, 1.4 interceptions and 1.8 tackles per game, as well as winning 53% of his duels combined, proving that he was the perfect all-rounder in the central role for Forest last season.

Indeed, Cooper was no stranger to the midfielder after also working with him in the England U17s squad and lavished praise on the player for his development (via The Athletic):

“I knew him from his England Under-17 days, where he was captain, so we had a relationship before here.”

“He has been excellent.”

“Over recent months he has been a high-performing player in the team.”

Despite having many new signings capable of covering Garner’s former role in the team, there is no doubt that the Man United talent could bring some of that promotion-winning spirit back to the dressing room and is already very experienced in playing in Cooper’s highly effective system that made the team so successful in the Championship.

With that being said, the permanent signing of Garner would be a great piece of business for the Tricky Trees, but the Forest boss will need to decide if it’s the right move to make after bringing in so many midfielders all already competing for a spot in the team.

Sunderland have been hit with a late setback in their pursuit of Jan Paul van Hecke in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Brighton manager Graham Potter has revealed that the centre-back is now set to stay at the Premier League club instead of heading out on loan.

The Athletic’s Andy Naylor tweeted: “Graham Potter says Jan Paul van Hecke is more likely to stay now than be loaned out to Sunderland etc.”

The Championship outfit have been eyeing the youngster up as a target ahead of transfer deadline day on Thursday as one of at least two signings that they would like to make.

This comes just a day after a move for PSG midfielder Edouard Michut seemingly fell through, with the Black Cats struggling to conclude a batch of last-minute deals.

Frustration for Speakman

This should leave the Black Cats sporting director Kristjaan Speakman frustrated, as he now only has two days left to find a suitable alternative to bring to the Stadium of Light.

There is little that the ex-Birmingham chief can do to bring Van Hecke to Sunderland now as he was being eyed up as a loan signing, which solely hinges on his parent club being willing to sanction a temporary move.

If it were a permanent swoop, then Speakman could increase or change the offer to tempt Brighton into selling, but there is nothing he can do if the Seagulls are intent on keeping the 22-year-old.

This will be particularly frustrating for the Sunderland supremo as the Wearside club are in need of a centre-back after the injury to Daniel Ballard earlier this month. The summer signing from Arsenal is out for an unspecified amount of time, and his absence has led to midfielder Luke O’Nien playing out of position at centre-back.

Van Hecke coming in would have solved that issue as he is a proven Championship performer in that position, playing in a back three on loan at Blackburn last term.

The Dutchman averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.00 across 31 outings in the division, making 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game. This season, no Black Cats centre-back with at least one start has averaged a score higher than 6.88.

Therefore, Van Hecke has the quality to be an excellent player at this level and would have been a superb addition to the Sunderland squad, covering for Ballard and allowing O’Nien to play in his natural position whilst being a potential upgrade on their current options.

Speakman will be frustrated by Brighton’s decision but must use that frustration to fuel a search for another player to take up that place in the squad.