All posts by h716a5.icu

Celtic have been heavily linked with a move for Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo recently and the Ghanaian could form a superb partnership with Jota in Ange Postecoglou’s side next season.

The Hoops have seemingly been tracking the 22-year-old forward for some time and could still make their move for him this summer, with Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson admitting that he wouldn’t stand in the youngster’s way should he wish to depart Ashton Gate.

Celtic have already brought in Benjamin Siegrist, Daizen Maeda, Alexandro Bernabei, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota on permanent deals this summer but Postecoglou is still arguably low on centre-forwards.

The 56-year-old manager has just Giorgos Giakoumakis and Albian Ajeti as natural options through the middle, and the latter really struggled for game time last season, so Postecoglou may still feel that another striker is needed.

It is no surprise that Celtic are looking at Semenyo considering his superb form last season in the Championship.

The 22-year-old contributed eight goals and 12 assists in 31 appearances in England’s second tier, averaging an impressive 6.97 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Although he has managed just 19 goals in his senior career thus far, last season was a breakthrough for the Ghana international, and he would arrive at Celtic Park in a confident mood if Postecoglou can secure his services this summer.

Semenyo’s assist numbers suggest that he is very good on the ball and can link the play up as a striker, so he could combine well with Celtic’s new permanent signing, Jota.

The Portuguese winger joined on a permanent deal after a hugely successful loan spell that saw him contribute 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for the Bhoys.

The former Benfica man is capable of playing anywhere across a front three and emphasised his devastating ability on numerous occasions last season, with Postecoglou labelling Jota and Liel Abada’s attacking performance as “unbelievable” against Dundee United early last season.

Semenyo also earned a lot of praise from Pearson last season, with his manager saying:

“He is a real threat with his power and pace – he must be a nightmare to play against! His challenge now is to keep developing and adding elements to his game to make him even more effective.”

Therefore, it is clear to see what Semenyo would add to Celtic’s attack next season, and his ability in attack could see him form a nightmare combination with Jota under Postecoglou.

And, in other news… Celtic handed green light for “exceptional” new signing, supporters will be buzzing

Leeds United had a rather rocky Premier League season last time, narrowly avoiding relegation from the top division.

One player at the Yorkshire club who endured a difficult start to life in England was Junior Firpo.

Signed from Barcelona during the 2021 summer transfer window on a four-year deal worth a reported fee of £12.8m, the left-back ended up making 23 league appearances.

Over those appearances, the 25-year-old managed to provide one assist for his side, but rather unfortunately picked up 11 yellow cards in the process.

Another disappointing factor during his first campaign with Leeds was the fact that injuries severely disrupted his playing time.

With Leeds already being proactive in their addition of new players this summer, and with a little under two months remaining of the transfer market, they still have time to secure a few more signings before the window ends.

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One player that has been linked with a move to Elland Road who could act as an upgrade to Firpo is KRC Genk defender, Gerardo Arteaga.

After making 107 appearances for his boyhood club Santos Laguna in his home country of Mexico, the left-back joined his current side in the summer of 2020.

Since then, the 23-year-old – who is currently valued at £3.6m – has made 70 appearances for the Belgian club across all competitions, scoring three goals and delivering eight assists along the way.

To compare his latest league campaign with Firpo’s debut Premier League season with Leeds, the Mexican ended up having more shots at goal, delivered more crosses and made more interceptions than the former Barcelona prospect.

He also picked up seven fewer yellow cards than the Leeds defender and gave away 31 fewer fouls, demonstrating he’s much less of a liability than Firpo is – not to mention posing much more of a threat in the final third.

Taking all of this into account, it’s clear to see that, should Victor Orta be able to secure a deal for Arteaga this summer, he would provide Jesse Marsch with a much more reliable option at left-back – posing a real danger to Firpo’s starting spot in the 48-year-old’s XI.

Moving forward, with Orta already flaunting his effectiveness when it comes to securing deals in the transfer window, bringing in the Genk defender could be a great next move for the Leeds director.

AND in other news: “Told…”: Journalist reveals huge Leeds United transfer update, Marsch will be gutted

talkSPORT journalist and transfer insider Alex Crook has now revealed some Glasgow Rangers transfer news regarding Calvin Bassey.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The 22-year-old has come off the back of a sensational season at Ibrox, making 50 appearances across all competitions in a team which won the Scottish FA Cup and got to the Europa League final against Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt (Transfermarkt).

The Nigeria international was hailed as ‘absolutely sensational’ by talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy after his performance in that Seville showpiece, and he will likely be one of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s key players once again heading into the new Premiership season.

The Latest: Brighton interested in Bassey

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Crook has revealed that Brighton and Hove Albion are now ‘monitoring’ Bassey, while Ajax are also thought to be interested in his signature.

He tweeted: “Ajax could spend some of their Martinez windfall on #RangersFC defender Calvin Bassey. Understand #BHAFC are also monitoring the versatile left-back.”

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying that both clubs mentioned by Crook are now taking a keen interest in Bassey.

Ajax are one of the most prestigious clubs in world football, while Joe Aribo has already been swayed by a Premier League move by signing for Southampton.

Also, with Borna Barisic rumoured to potentially be leaving Rangers this summer, Bassey would remain their only senior left-back available if the Croatian departs, so the 22-year-old would be a very difficult player to replace as the transfer window progresses.

Leeds United youngster Jamie Shackleton’s loan exit has a permanent option for next summer.

The Lowdown: Shackleton joins Millwall

The 22-year-old struggled to become a key part of the Whites’ plans last season, only starting seven matches in the Premier League overall.

For that reason, Shackleton has now been loaned out to Millwall for the whole of the 2022/23 campaign, as he looks to make his mark in the Championship and rack up some consistent playing time in senior football.

Now, a fresh update has emerged that could have a bearing on the youngster’s long-term future.

The Latest: Option to buy emerges

According to London News Online sports editor Richard Cawley, Millwall have a clause to sign Shackleton permanently next summer, should they feel it is worth their while.

The Englishman joins fellow Leeds man Charlie Cresswell at the club, having made 78 appearances for the Whites to date.

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The Verdict: Natural conclusion at Leeds?

This is an ideal move for Shackleton, whose future may lie in the Championship, considering he has struggled to consistently shine in the Premier League.

Despite that, he was once hailed as both ‘quick’ and ‘energetic’ by Marcelo Bielsa, and he has the ability to become a key midfield presence for a club of Millwall’s stature, and perhaps Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani will look to insert a buy-back clause if the deal is made permanent.

Should the loan move not work out and the Lions opt not to sign Shackleton, a permanent exit from Leeds in 2023 would still make sense, at which point he would be 23 and have just one year remaining on his current deal, making it a risk for the club to potentially miss their last chance of cashing in.

Burnley have demanded that Nottingham Forest pay Maxwel Cornet’s full £17.5m release clause this summer, or spend more on the winger.

The Lowdown: Cornet linked with Forest

Steve Cooper still appears to be eyeing up summer reinforcements ahead of Forest’s return to the Premier League as he aims to build the strongest squad possible to tackle the top flight.

Cornet has emerged as a transfer target in recent days, with the Ivorian relegated with Burnley last season and highly unlikely to stay put with them in the Championship.

The winger has a £17.5m release clause which can be triggered this summer, and a key update has emerged in that respect.

The Latest: Burnley’s demands

According to The Daily Mail, Burnley want Forest to pay the clause in one lump sum or accept that they will have to pay even more for the 25-year-old.

Everton and Fulham are also mentioned in the report, with it claimed that they want a loan move with an option to purchase Cornet for £20m next summer.

The Verdict: Worth the money

Cornet was one of the few positives to come out of a dismal 2021/22 season for Burnley, scoring nine goals in the league and netting 61 goals in his club career to date, along with registering 31 assists.

While he would clearly not come to Forest on the cheap – he could be the third-most expensive signing in the club’s history – he would be worth the risk judging by his performances last term and the fact that he should be in and around his peak years for the foreseeable future.

Cornet could add a sprinkling of magic on the left wing at the City Ground, bringing pace, trickery and end product to the team, not to mention six goals in 29 caps for the Ivory Coast.

Sheffield Wednesday are interested in signing Rangers attacker Kemar Roofe during the summer transfer window, a fresh transfer rumour has claimed.

The Lowdown: Roofe has been prolific

The 29-year-old has enjoyed an impressive spell at Ibrox in the last couple of years, joining the Scottish Premiership giants in 2020 and scoring 34 goals in 72 appearances to date.

Roofe has scored a total of 105 goals in his senior club career, and his performances for the Gers played a part in them reaching the Europa League final last season.

With Wednesday eyeing up more signings ahead of the new League One campaign, the Rangers marksman has emerged as a candidate to move to Hillsborough.

The Latest: Wednesday keen on Roofe

According to the Sheffield Star, the Owls are interested in acquiring Roofe’s signature, with the Jamaica international once described as ‘infectious’ by his former Leeds team-mate Barry Douglas.

However, Rangers are reluctant to let him leave, which could act as a stumbling block in Wednesday’s pursuit of the player.

Derby County are also seen as strong contenders for the 29-year-old, but Darren Moore is believed to view him as the ‘missing link’ in his forward line at Hillsborough.

The Verdict: Another strong option

Roofe could be a superb signing for Wednesday this summer, providing the experience and end product which could make them a truly fearsome attacking proposition.

With Lee Gregory still at the club and Michael Smith joining from Rotherham, the Rangers attacker could thrive in a left-sided role, creating and scoring goals in equal measure.

To have those three all in Moore’s attack would surely strengthen the Owls’ case for being among the favourites for promotion from League One in 2022/23, in what would feel like a high-profile signing if they can fend off Derby’s interest and convince Rangers to do a deal.

A move to bring Youri Tielemans to Arsenal is reportedly now ‘very possible’, and Leicester City are expecting an offer to be made ‘soon’.

The Lowdown: Tielemans linked

Tielemans has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium throughout the window, and with the new season starting on Friday night away at Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta’s team could now act on their interest.

They have had to reduce their squad size down in order to fit potential new signings in, with Bernd Leno recently departing for Fulham, while Lucas Torreira and Pablo Mari also look to be on their way out.

The Latest: Offer expected

Taking to Twitter, CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Foxes are expecting an offer for Tielemans ‘soon’, and a move to North London is now ‘very possible’:

“Leicester also expect an offer soon for Youri Tielemans. An Arsenal move still very possible despite the lack of offer to date. It’s £30m Leicester now need. Tielemans wants the uncertainty over his future resolved. #MUFC also still interested.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Given that the Gunners now know how much Tielemans would cost, and that there is other interest from the likes of Manchester United, they need to make sure that they get this deal done.

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by his manager Brendan Rodgers, the central midfielder managed a handy six goals and four assists in the Premier League last season, picking up three man-of-the-match awards and establishing himself as one of Leicester’s key players (WhoScored).

Given that he is currently rated at £49.5m by Transfermarkt, picking up the 25-year-old for a mere £30m would be a real coup, and would really elevate AFC’s chances of finishing in the top four this term.

Leeds United have scouted Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Kalimuendo off

Victor Orta has made six first-team signings this summer, while Darko Gyabi and Sonny Perkins have joined the club’s academy ranks. It looks as if Leeds aren’t done yet, though, with a new forward and left-back appearing to be areas that need bolstering.

Reports have suggested that the club were close to agreeing on a fee for Paris Saint-Germain striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, with Jesse Marsch keen to get a deal sealed this week.

However, that ship may have sailed with an update on Wednesday afternoon claiming the player will join Rennes instead.

Meanwhile, Dieng, labelled a ‘serious talent’ by journalist Graeme Bailey, appears to be another forward of interest from a Champions League club.

The Latest: Leeds impressed

The Whites were recently linked with a move for Dieng, with reports last week suggesting they were keen on his services alongside a number of Premier League sides.

The Daily Mail have now claimed in a story on Tuesday that Leeds have indeed scouted the forward and see genuine potential in the player.

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The Verdict: Orta to make offer?

Dieng is valued at a career-high £9m by Transfermarkt and Marseille are reportedly looking to sell the Senegal international. Therefore, with Leeds seemingly liking what they see in the forward, the next step would be for Orta to make an offer.

It may not be straightforward with a number of other Premier League sides name-checked in the recent update, however, at least one new forward would be beneficial for Jesse Marsch before the deadline, so they may try to work on multiple attacking targets.

Chelsea are preparing a new offer for Everton attacker Anthony Gordon after their £40million bid was turned down, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Chelsea bid for Gordon

The 21-year-old has already grown into one of the Blues’ most prized assets, having shone last season as Frank Lampard’s side avoided relegation from the Premier League.

Gordon’s performances have made him a wanted man and Chelsea saw a £40million bid for him turned down on Sunday, with Thomas Tuchel seeing him as a strong addition.

It looks as though Everton will continue battling to keep hold of the forward, following a new update.

The Latest: New bid incoming?

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that Chelsea are weighing up a new offer for Gordon after their initial bid was rejected in a major Sunday development.

He explained:

“Chelsea are discussing internally of new proposal for Anthony Gordon as opening bid worth £40m has been rejected by Everton today.

“Chelsea could try to include players in the deal as Frank Lampard wanted more than one CFC player this summer.”

The Verdict: Tough to ignore such money

Gordon is a top-class young player who Everton will hopefully keep hold of for many years, but equally, there comes a time where a certain amount of money is hard to say no to.

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Should Chelsea be willing to pay £50million or more for the youngster’s services, for example, Lampard will surely see the potential to use those funds on several good new signings. Equally, if it means bringing in some Chelsea players as part of a deal – Conor Gallagher would be ideal – that could also be more beneficial.

At the end of the day, Gordon isn’t indispensable to Everton, so it will be interesting to see if a huge bid from Chelsea, or even Newcastle United, turns their head.

Burnley could make Charlie Taylor available for transfer with Leeds United admirers of the left-back, according to Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Leeds eyeing a left-back?

The Whites are on the search for a new left-back this summer following an injury to Junior Firpo in pre-season.

Jesse Marsch has had to use centre-back Pascal Struijk at full-back in the two opening Premier League fixtures, with Leeds picking up a respectable four points.

A new forward also appears on the agenda, but it looks as if the Whites are on alert when it comes to a potential move for former full-back Taylor.

The Latest: Nixon’s claim

MOT Leeds News relayed a Burnley transfer update from Nixon’s Patreon account on Sunday.

The reliable journalist said that the Clarets could make Taylor available for transfer ‘before the window shuts’, saying that it would ‘alert Premier League admirers like Leeds United’.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

The 28-year-old left Leeds for Burnley back in 2017, but it looks as if roles could be reversed five years on with a potential Elland Road return.

The left-back has gained plenty of Premier League experience during his time at Turf Moor, and has even begun the new season playing as a centre-back under Vincent Kompany, showing his versatility.

He could be the perfect signing to challenge Firpo when he returns from injury, and would give Marsch another solid defensive option, so this could be one to watch closely.