All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United started a new era at the Yorkshire club earlier this season when they replaced Marcelo Bielsa with current manager Jesse Marsch.

Even though the American still has a few Premier League games left to get through before the season draws to a close and the summer transfer window opens, we have an idea for one potential deal the Whites could look to get done in that period.

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Back in the January transfer window, Leeds were linked with a potential move for Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino.

Eventually, nothing came of these links in January and the Japanese international stayed at Anfield.

However, with the Reds having the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz in their squad, Minamino has found regular playing time in the Premier League hard to come by.

With 23 appearances to his name across all competitions this season, the attacker has only started eight of them, showing just how difficult it is for him to get into the team.

Despite his lack of regular game time, the 27-year-old has still managed to show what a capable attacking player he is by scoring nine goals.

Having been praised for his “complete” performances in the past by Jurgen Klopp, the £72k-per-week winger has also been compared to former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez by journalist Ian Doyle.

Given how the Uruguayan has scored 437 goals in 695 club appearances throughout his career, this is quite the compliment.

In terms of a potential move to Leeds, should he find himself waving goodbye to Anfield in the summer in search of regular game time, the Yorkshire club should definitely be in the mix for his signature once again.

Taking into account how the Japanese star racked up 20 goal contributions in 22 appearances for his previous club RB Salzburg under the management of Marsch, a reunion between the two could be a match made in heaven for Leeds.

Also, with the Whites finding it hard to score goals at times this season, having an attacking and creative talent such as Minamino in their squad could be just what they need to become a deadlier team going forward.

With the summer window in mind, launching a move for the Liverpool outcast should be at the top of Victor Orta’s to-do list and potentially deliver Leeds their own version of Suarez.

AND in other news: “Going to sign…”: Insider drops big Leeds transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be looking to add a new centre-back to the Old Trafford ranks this summer.

The lowdown: United’s defensive struggles

This season has been a wholly forgettable one for the Red Devils and much of the hardship has come from an inability to shore up a leaky defence.

So far this term, United have conceded 52 goals in the Premier League, more than every other club in the top nine and more than Liverpool and Manchester City combined.

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Therefore, it’s unsurprising the central defensive department has already been earmarked as a position in need of strengthening over the summer…

The latest: Torres could be a target for Ten Hag

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke named one man who is already on the minds of the Old Trafford hierarchy in terms of centre-back reinforcements.

He stated: “I think ideally Ten Hag will be looking maybe at a centre-half; Pau Torres from Villareal has been mentioned. And a defensive central midfielder will be required with Matic leaving and Paul Pogba set to move on as well.”

Torres has previously been linked with a move to Manchester, but it appears that the Red Devils will face serious competition from Manchester City for the capture. As per Fabrizio Romano, the 25-year-old’s release clause of €55m-€60m (£46.3m-£50.5m) ‘will be valid this summer’.

The verdict: Reinforcements needed

Despite appearing relatively well-stocked at centre-back when Raphael Varane arrived from Real Madrid for £41m (Sky Sports), neither Ole Gunnar Solskjaer nor interim boss Ralf Rangnick have managed to get the best out of the decorated Frenchman in his injury-plagued first season at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old has made 27 appearances across all competitions in the current campaign, whilst Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have achieved a combined 74 outings, highlighting an inability to find a settled partnership at the back.

Meanwhile, Torres has amassed 42 appearances this term for Villarreal, helping to guide the Yellow Submarine to a Champions League semi-final in the process. The 25-year-old has been described as an ‘extraordinary talent’ by former La Liga midfielder Javi Calleja and has so far lived up to expectations.

Boasting a 7.07 Sofascore rating, the Spain international has won four duels, made 3.2 clearances and completed 54.6 accurate passes on average per game. With figures like that, he would make a superb addition to the United ranks in a position where more consistency is certainly needed.

In other news: Man Utd star could make sensational summer exit…find out more here

Tottenham Hotspur remain in the mix to sign Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez this summer, according to a reliable source.

The Lowdown: Spurs make 2021 bid…

Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici, setting his sights on the Argentine last summer, reportedly had a fee agreed to sign Inter’s striker in 2021 (The Times).

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The Premier League top four chasers ended up missing out on Martinez after Romelu Lukaku’s marquee sale to Chelsea, prompting a full U-turn over the South American’s move to north London.

Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte has set his sights on a new forward as back up for star man Harry Kane alongside other targets (The Telegraph), and despite their failed attempt last year, it appears Spurs are still in the mix for Martinez.

The Latest: Tottenham eye move…

According to a reliable source in The Times and journalist Gary Jacob, Paratici and co ‘retain’ their interest in the San Siro star as they eye a 2022 move.

However, it is also believed they have ‘other priorities’ and are ‘quietly confident’ Kane will stay at Hotspur Way next season.

The Verdict: Push forward?

The 37-cap forward would undoubtedly be a brilliant signing for Conte and could seriously bolster their options.

Hailed as a ‘beast’ by his former teammate Lukaku, his quality is perhaps best summed up a once sky high valuation, with Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio refusing to sell for anything less than his former £100 million release clause at one point (The Daily Mail).

Now that the cash-strapped European heavyweights have ‘signalled their intention’ to sell for around £60-70 million, Tottenham simply must consider take advantage of this major price drop by pushing forward with a bid.

Conte will need proof of Spurs’ ambition if he is to remain at N17 for 2022/2023 and attempting a move for his former star could well be a display of intent.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke claims the Italian is a ‘big fan’ of Martinez alongside Paratici and Spurs should certainly weigh backing Conte with a summer swoop.

In other news: Source: Conte now green-lights exit for ‘perfect’ Spurs player who ‘100%’ wants to quit! Find out more here.

Blackburn Rovers are said to have made enquires regarding the availability of Carlos Carvalhal in their hunt for a new manager, according to a report from LancsLive.

The Lowdown: Rovers confirm Mowbray departure

It was officially announced by the club on Wednesday night that following internal discussions, Tony Mowbray will be leaving Ewood Park on the completion of his current contract this summer.

The 58-year-old enjoyed a memorable five-year spell in Lancashire, where he took charge of 267 matches across all competitions, winning 108 of those during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

It appears as though there won’t be a shortage of candidates to succeed the former boss and there’s one name in particular that has emerged in the appointment race.

The Latest: Carvalhal on the shortlist

In a report published by LancsLive, it’s claimed that Rovers have ‘sounded out’ some potential successors, and even though interviews are yet to be held, informal contact has been made with some of the hierarchy’s shortlist, one of those being Carlos Carvalhal.

The source states that the former Swansea and Sheffield Wednesday man is ‘on the radar’ of several Championship clubs, including Blackburn, and is said to be ‘keen to return’ to England.

The Verdict: Suitable candidate

The 56-year-old, who was once described as an “excitable” manager by his ex-Swans star Alfie Mawson, is currently working back in his home nation after being appointed SC Braga boss back in 2020.

He won the Portuguese Cup with Braga, where he has put a ‘big emphasis on giving youth a chance’, but his contract with the Portuguese giants is set to expire at the end of the season.

During his time at Hillsborough, Carvalhal guided the Owls to the play-offs in his first two seasons in the dugout, showing he is more than capable of helping a side compete at the right end of the table and offering hope that he would be able to do the same for Rovers

With just 12 weeks until the 2022/23 campaign gets underway, time is very much of the essence when it comes down to the club hiring their new man, and the former centre-back could be just what the club are searching for.

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes the Hoops will make at least four new signings for the first XI in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Busy summer ahead

Ange Postecoglou’s men may have sealed Scottish Premiership glory this season, regaining the title from rivals Rangers, but attention is immediately turning to 2022/23.

New signings will be required in order to take this Celtic side to the next level, allowing them to compete in the Champions League, rather than exit the competition in a meek fashion.

The money should be available to bring in new faces with a £40m+ windfall expected from qualification to Europe’s elite competition, so it promises to be an exciting summer window.

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The Latest: Four signings predicted

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie, reacting to news of a deal being close for Mohanad Jeahze, claimed he thinks at least three more players will come in to the starting line-up, although he didn’t rule out the idea of even more signings being made:

“New players have to come in, that’s for sure. We have a pretty good squad at the moment but we saw how stretched it got when we were playing in Europe.

“It will be even harder in the Champions League next season as well so new players will have to come in.

“I think four players, around that number, hopefully more. Four players who can challenge for a starting spot or of that quality to start every week.

“We are getting that money so hopefully Ange gets a bit to spend. I’m sure he will because he has worked wonders with this squad.”

The Verdict: Sign them up, Ange

In Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota, Celtic have two loanees who immediately need to be signed permanently, given the impact they have made this season.

The pair made 52 league appearances between them, with the former a rock at the heart of the defence and the latter chipping in with nine goals and ten assists.

Away from Jeahze, Carter-Vickers and Jota, it is then vital that other new faces arrive at Parkhead, though, adding quality and freshness to the squad, ahead of what is hopefully another glorious campaign next time around.

In other news, Celtic are believed to be ‘desperate’ to sign one player this summer. Read more here.

Mohamed Salah will depart Liverpool if he hasn’t accepted their latest huge contract offer, according to former Scotland international Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Salah coy over future

The future of the 29-year-old has been a key talking point for months now, arguably having an impact on his overall form for the Reds.

While Salah is clearly happy at Liverpool, he and the club are yet to agree on a new deal, with wages appearing to be the main stumbling block.

With the Egyptian’s current deal expiring in 2023, this is crunch time regarding his next move, as the Reds look to tie down their star man.

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The Latest: £80m final offer

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, a pundit for BBC Radio 5 Live, claimed that Liverpool can only offer Salah so much, reacting to a report from the same outlet detailing a ‘huge’ four-year offer worth £80m:

“Well, I think you’re looking at now. Surely, if they’ve offered him that, that’s their top level.

“Unless Mo Salah has this thing in his mind where money’s not the issue, it’s not about that. It’s not about the length of contract, it’s about another challenge in some other league.

“If that is is his wish, then it’s up to him. Then it’s about: ‘Okay, my time’s up here,’ and Klopp saying: ‘Okay, I’m going to sell you because you’re into your last year.’

“If he’s happy at Liverpool, that is an unbelievable contract at a club where he’s happy. He’s done ever so well so there’s no problem there for me.”

The Verdict: No player bigger than the club

The hope is clearly that Salah will sign a new Liverpool deal, having scored a remarkable 155 goals in 252 appearances and been hailed as ‘world-class’ by Jurgen Klopp.

That being said, it is a saga that has the potential to be troublesome, and ultimately, no player is bigger than the Reds and they can only offer the forward so much money.

It still feels likely that a compromise will be met and Salah will extend his stay at Anfield – if not, his next move will only feel like a step down in his career, given Liverpool’s current brilliance as one of the world’s top two teams.

In other news, a journalist has made a Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Leeds United now want to sign Barcelona’s Sergino Dest after Manchester United were offered the right-back’s services, TEAMtalk report.

The Lowdown: Aaronson wrapped up

The Whites have made a quick start to their summer business by signing long-term target Brenden Aaronson. The attacking midfielder was officially unveiled as a Leeds player on Thursday evening, penning a five-year deal at Elland Road.

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Aaronson will now link up with Jesse Marsch once again following their successful short stint together at FC Salzburg, and it looks as if another USA international could be on their way.

The Latest: Dest links

TEAMtalk shared a story on Wednesday morning regarding Leeds and Dest after Manchester United were offered his services.

They claimed that Marsch now wants to bring Dest to Yorkshire after being made surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp.

The Verdict: Needed?

Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas both look set to miss the start of next season through injury, so bringing in Dest could be a shrewd move.

Rated at €70m (£59m) by CIES, Dest made 31 appearances in 2021/22 and even played as a left-back, right-winger and left-winger. He’s clearly an exciting versatile young talent who already has Champions League and Europa League experience, and sharing the same agency as Leeds stars Ayling, Patrick Bamford and Dan James may make a transfer easier as well.

However, another young right-back linked with a move to Leeds is Aberdeen’s Calvin Ramsay, so it could be one or the other when it comes to bolstering their full-back ranks.

In other news: Leeds and Orta ask about signing ‘extraordinary’ talent for Marsch. 

Sunderland are reportedly now ‘ready for any offers’ to sign Dan Neil this summer.

The Lowdown: Speakman praise

Neil has recently earned the praise of Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman, who has dubbed him an ‘incredible’ and ‘top young player’ (The Northern Echo).

The 20-year-old played 46 times in total over all competitions this season, scoring four goals and making eight assists (Transfermarkt), as he helped the Stadium of Light outfit gain promotion up to the Championship.

The Latest: Ready for offers

Taking to Twitter, North East journalist Matty Jones has shared that the Wearside club are now ‘ready for any offers’ that may come their way for Neil:

“Scouts have been to watch Sunderland this season but it’s not certain whether they were there to watch Dan Neil in action.

“Nevertheless, the Black Cats are ready for any offers that might come their way.”

The Verdict: Keep!

If the Black Cats are to stay in the Championship, and even look to a potential Premier League push, then they need to be keeping hold of their key players, and Neil certainly fits into that category.

He has ranked highly among his teammates in terms of average key passes and through balls in League One this term, while his 82% pass completion rate is the joint-highest out of any of his teammates to have made five or more appearances (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, Neil would not be an easy player to replace, and so Alex Neil’s side should be looking to keep hold of him this summer, regardless of any potential offers that may come in for the Englishman.

In other news, find out what behind-the-scenes SAFC ‘talks’ have now been going on here!

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen during the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) the Red Devils and fellow Premier League club Arsenal are interested in signing the Nigerian this summer.

After scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances for French outfit Lille, the striker joined Napoli in 2020 in a deal worth a reported €81.3m (£70.6m).

During his time with the Azzurri, the 23-year-old has found the net 28 times in 62 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with nine assists along the way. This season saw the striker score 18 goals and supply six assists in 32 appearances across Serie A and the Europa League, which shows why United are after him.

To further highlight how deadly an attacking threat he is, only Lautaro Martinez and Paulo Dybala ended the recent Serie A campaign with a higher rate of shots per 90 minutes than the Nigerian.

Labelled a “phenomenal” player by Walter Mazzarri, Osimhen has also been described by Napoli team-mate Alex Meret as a figure with “enormous potential”.

Imagine him & Bruno

Taking into account the Napoli star’s clear attacking talent, he certainly has what it takes to form a scary duo at Old Trafford alongside Bruno Fernandes.

Having ended the recent Premier League season with significantly more shot-creating actions (145) than any other player in United’s squad, the Portuguese midfielder definitely has the ability to provide Osimhen with plenty of goalscoring opportunities if the latter were to make the move to Manchester this summer.

Also, with the 27-year-old racking up the third-highest average of key passes per game in the Premier League this season (2.5), he could give the Napoli marksman the platform to thrive in England as a deadly goalscorer.

Given Osimhen’s knack for finding the net, he and Fernandes could be a match made in heaven for United and Erik ten Hag once the 2022/23 season kicks off.

Whilst reportedly having a rather hefty price tag of £100m, this could be an investment worth making for the Manchester club given the Nigerian’s rather young age and the prospect of him being a long-term feature for the Red Devils.

In other news: MUFC eyeing £50m dynamo who’s “a nightmare for defenders”, he’s better than Rashford

Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Alessandro Bastoni.

What’s the latest?

In a recent article posted on his own website, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte being reported to have been plotting an offer for the 23-year-old for a number of months, it is Manchester United who have now made a concrete move for the Inter Milan centre-back.

In his piece, Di Marzio wrote: “Alessandro Bastoni is very popular in the Premier League: Antonio Conte’s Tottenham have already started contact both with Inter and with the player, without, however, formulating a precise offer yet. Not only that: in the last hours also Manchester United have been moving for the 23-year-old Nerazzurri central defender.”

Conte will be fuming

Considering just how perfect a fit Bastoni appears to be for the left centre-back role in Conte’s backline, in addition to the fact that Tottenham have been plotting a move for the Italy international for a considerable amount of time, Di Marzio’s claim that Manchester United have now made a move for the defender is sure to have left the 52-year-old Spurs coach fuming.

With the signing of a new left-footed central defender reported to be the Italian’s priority target ahead of the new Premier League season, it is not difficult to understand why Paratici has identified the 23-year-old as Tottenham’s first-choice option this summer.

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Indeed, over his 31 Serie A appearances in 2021/22, the £60m-rated talent was imperious in Simone Inzaghi’s three-man defence, helping the Nerazzurri keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 1.8 clearances and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per game.

The £122k-per-week youngster also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 50.5 passes, 4.0 long balls, 0.4 dribbles and 0.5 key passes per fixture.

These metrics saw the 14-time capped international average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Inter’s second-best performing defender and eighth-best player overall in the league last time out.

As such, should Paratici end up missing out on a £54m deal for Batstoni to Manchester United this summer, it would undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to Conte – not only as this would mean Tottenham will need to turn their attention in the transfer market to an alternative target, but also as the 23-year-old would be lining up for a direct rival next season.

AND in other news: Paratici could unearth Salah 2.0 as Spurs now plot bid for “dangerous” £60m sensation