Category Uncategorized

While Lee Johnson has seen his Sunderland side get off to a fantastic start in their 2021/22 League One campaign, with the Black Cats picking up 15 points over their opening six fixtures of the season, the suspension of Tom Flanagan presents the Mackems manager with something of a selection headache this weekend.

Indeed, the 29-year-old centre-back has been one of Sunderland’s standout performers over his six League One appearances so far this season, with the Northern Ireland international helping his side t0 keep one clean sheet, as well as averaging 1.3 interceptions, 1.3 tackles and 5.7 clearances and winning 7.7 duels per game.

These returns have seen the £225k-rated man average a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.13, ranking him as the Black Cats’ third-best performer in League One this term.

As such, replacing the unavailable defender against Fleetwood Town this Saturday defender will certainly be a challenging task for the incoming centre-back, but the absence of Flanagan presents Johnson with the perfect opportunity to finally unleash summer loan signing Frederik Alves.

Game-changer

While the West Ham United loanee is yet to make a league appearance for Sunderland, the 21-year-old impressed over his 77 minutes on the pitch in the club’s 3-2 victory over Championship side Blackpool in the Carabao Cup, making four interceptions, one tackle and five clearances and winning 75% of his duels.

The £900k-rated man also enjoyed 78 touches of the ball and completed 51 passes in that fixture, with these returns seeing the defender earn a SofaScore match rating of 7.1.

Furthermore, Alves also impressed over his 22 Superligaen appearances in his last full season with Danish side Silkeborg IF, helping them to keep three clean sheets, in addition to making 2.5 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and six clearances and winning 5.5 duels per match.

These metrics saw the man who Johnson himself dubbed a “quality” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as his club’s second-best performer in the Danish top flight.

As such, it would certainly appear as if Alves has the ability to fill in for Flanagan this weekend, and a solid performance from the 21-year-old may even being enough to convince Johnson that he deserves to keep his place in the manager’s starting XI – something which could be a real game-changer for Sunderland this season.

In other news: Sunderland handed major injury boost which will have Lee Johnson buzzing

Everton did little to improve their first-team ranks in the summer transfer window as Rafa Benitez was given a shoestring budget with which to work.

Five new faces arrived but only one of them cost the Toffees a direct transfer fee.

What’s the word?

With that in mind, the Merseyside outfit should probably take on any help they can get in terms of recruitment.

Despite not spending a lot in the last few months, they have actually enjoyed a good start to the new campaign, with summer signings Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray scoring three goals each.

Other areas certainly still need improving, however.

One player who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park is Serge Aurier. The Ivorian is a free agent after leaving Tottenham by mutual consent but fresh reports from the Liverpool Echo have quashed rumours of a move.

They claimed that the 28-year-old has been discussed but the Toffees are not actively pursuing a deal at the moment.

Go get him

With Everton lacking the financial firepower to take on the Premier League’s elite, signing players like Aurier would be shrewd business.

The right-back has been described as “uncoachable” by sources close to Spurs staff but the Toffees lack any form of depth at full-back.

They only have one senior left-back in Lucas Digne, while Seamus Coleman is their only true option on the opposite side.

That being said, the Irishman’s contract expires in two years’ time, and at the age of 32, he is getting no younger.

He has also been injured this term and is set to miss the next two to three weeks of action. Ben Godfrey has deputised unsuccessfully, but if he doesn’t play, they’d have to rely on Jonjoe Kenny.

The English defender was once tipped for a vibrant future after being nominated for the Rookie of the Year award following his spell on loan at Schalke 04.

Sadly, his career has waned since that moment. He spent the second half of 2020/21 on loan at Celtic, where he was simply disastrous.

Kenny offered plenty going forward but made a plethora of mistakes across multiple Old Firm derbies. His performances were so bad that the £5.2m-rated dud was described as a “horror show” by the cast of ACSOM.

The 24-year-old is yet to respond to his critics since returning to Finch Farm, but Benitez could finally axe him by bringing Aurier to the club.

The former Spurs man is hardly a pillar of reliability himself but he does at least have plenty of Premier League, continental and international experience under his belt.

AND in other news, Kenwright masterclass: £100k-p/w gem sees his value fall by £23m after leaving Everton…

A number of Liverpool fans are calling for the Reds to sign Harvey Barnes after he scored in Leicester City’s Europa League clash with Napoli.

Jurgen Klopp is arguably a little light in terms of attacking options in his squad, especially with Roberto Firmino currently out injured.

It was frustrating not to see Liverpool add depth in that area during the summer transfer window and it could potentially become an issue as the season progresses.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

One player the Reds were linked with as a target in the summer was Barnes, who has become a key player for Leicester under former Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

On Thursday night, the winger scored in the Foxes’ draw 2-2 with Napoli at the King Power Stadium, as he continues to shine.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-3/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans want Barnes to join Reds

Some Liverpool fans were keeping tabs on the game and immediately called for the Reds to snap up Barnes in the near future, replying to a tweet by LFC Transfer Room.

“Hope the club keeps tabs on him”

Credit: @EJ_Farrell_LFC

“Adeyemi in January, Kessie for free and Barnes in the summer, Bellingham in 2023”

Credit: @BCarauleanu

“Go all out for Harvey Barnes in January”

Credit: @t_gxdberLFC

“I think Liverpool need to pay whatever is needed to get Harvey Barnes. Would be immense being able to bring him off the bench or rest Mane and bring him off the bench”

Credit: @Daniel_Greaves2

“I’d love Harvey Barnes at Liverpool”

Credit: @Lewedwards12

“Harvey Barnes would be fantastic at Liverpool”

Credit: @KeiferMacd

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about a transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could land one of their mooted transfer targets for a massive bargain this January, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Since the end of the summer transfer window, the north London outfit have been strongly linked with a move for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie ahead of 2022.

One report even suggested that Spurs could use wantaway club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele as a makeweight in any potential future deal.

But now an exciting development has emerged.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Ivory Coast international could be available for as little as €9m (£7.5m) as it will be the last chance the Serie A giants can sell him for money before he leaves for nothing later in the summer.

It seems rather unlikely that Kessie will renew his current contract at the San Siro, though the Lilywhites aren’t the only team interested, with Premier League rivals Chelsea also linked.

Paratici must swoop

Make no bones about it, if the Milan midfielder is available for as little as that, then Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici and the rest of the club’s hierarchy would be foolish to not try and sign him.

After all, Transfermarkt currently value him at a whopping £49.5m – and they’ll be getting him for 85% cheaper than his supposed worth.

Although, they shouldn’t only be making a move from a purely financial sense as the player himself is actually a massive talent that could bolster Nuno Santo’s engine room instantly.

Kessie is a powerful and industrious box-to-box beast that can also take a mean set-piece.

He ended last season as Milan’s fourth highest-rated player (7.15) and their second top goalscorer (13) behind only Zlatan Ibrahimovic (15), as per WhoScored.

In addition to that, he averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.2 dribbles per league outing.

Kessie’s current boss, Stefano Pioli, waxed lyrical about the Ivorian’s ability earlier this year, claiming that “Franck is a complete player” who gives his side “physicality, energy, quality, protects the defence and knits the moves going forward too.”

This merely echoed the thoughts of another manager who once stood in the San Siro dugout, Vincenzo Montella, who described the midfielder as an “extraordinary player” with “sublime intelligence.”

In the need to add more goals to the side, Nuno could really do with a player like Kessie as he can contribute in the final third just as much as he can in the team’s own half.

If Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is in need of a solid partner, then it should be the Milan monster they turn to, especially given the astounding claims mentioned in the report.

AND in other news, £75k-p/w dud must never play for Spurs again, had fewer touches than Lloris yesterday…

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted after James Pearce provided an update regarding plans for the Reds’ midfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side began their Premier League season on Saturday evening, making the trip to Norwich City. Liverpool produced a superb performance, cruising to a 3-0 victory at Carrow Road as they made the perfect start to their campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Diogo Jota opened the scoring in the first half before Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah found the net after the interval.

One area where Liverpool didn’t always look convincing, though, was in midfield, with James Milner anchoring it and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita in front of him.

Although Keita did well overall, the trio didn’t wholly convince as a unit, with Fabinho making a difference when he came on, allowing the Reds to boss proceedings even more.

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after the game, Pearce claimed that the midfield on show at Norwich won’t be used again, with Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago returning to the fray soon.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-copy-4/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans love James Pearce update

These Liverpool fans reacted gleefully to the update from Pearce via Anfield Watch on Twitter.

“GOOD NEWS PEARCEEEE”

Credit: @bacnlfc

“Dreams really do come true…”

Credit: @_Roselynn

“Man with the defence back, front 3 firing and this midfield 3, our first 11 will be unstoppable”

Credit: @F1Bennn

“Fabinho Henderson Thiago, that’s what we want”

Credit: @SamNikeng

“The league is in trouble when we start Fab Thiago Hendo”

Credit: @mytypa_

“Some good news here”

Credit: @davidaheebwa3

In other news, some Liverpool fans are ecstatic after an update regarding one Reds player. Find out who it is here.

رفض مانشستر يونايتد محاولة برشلونة للتعاقد مع أحد لاعبي الفريق كجزء من صفقة لجلب فرينكي دي يونج إلى أولد ترافورد.

كان النادي الإسباني مهتمًا بنقل قلب الدفاع الإنجليزي إلى ملعب نو كامب هذا الصيف، وتستمر المفاوضات بين الطرفين منذ فترة ليست بالقصيرة.

وفقًا لصحيفة “ذا صن” البريطانية، رغب برشلونة في تضمين المدافع هاري ماجواير في صفقة انتقال دي يونج إلى مانشستر يونايتد. 

لكن مانشستر يونايتد لم يكن على استعداد للتخلي عن مدافعه الذي تعاقد معه مقابل 80 مليون جنيه إسترليني – مع حرص مدربه الجديد إريك تين هاج على العمل معه.

بدلاً من ذلك، هناك اتجاه لإتمام انتقال دي يونج إلى مانشستر يونايتد، في صفقة نقدية مباشرة مع برشلونة مقابل 69 مليون جنيه إسترليني.

اقرأ أيضًا | مكافأة مالية تؤجل انضمام دي يونج إلى مانشستر يونايتد

حتى وقت قريب، كان الفريقان بعيدان عن بعضهما البعض، لكن المحادثات تقدمت خلال عطلة نهاية الأسبوع وهناك أمل في التوصل إلى حل وسط.

وهذا سيمنح تين هاج دفعة لأنه يلتقي بلاعبيه الجدد لبدء التدريب قبل الموسم في كارينجتون.

عمل الاثنان معًا في أياكس، ويعتبر لاعب خط الوسط البالغ 25 عامًا، الهدف الأول لبدء العصر الجديد تحت قيادة تين هاج.

في هذه الأثناء، ماجواير البالغ 29 عامًا، سعيد بالبقاء في أولد ترافورد في هذه المرحلة من حياته المهنية.

Derby County have been dealt a major blow in their bid to keep Jason Knight at Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Irish Examiner, who claim that both Newcastle United and Burnley are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Derby midfielder ahead of a potential move before the closure of the summer transfer window.

The report continues by stating that further interest in the 20-year-old has been registered from clubs outside of the UK, while it is also claimed that, as a result of the Rams’ financial difficulties, Wayne Rooney’s side may reluctantly end up cashing in on the Republic of Ireland international.

Grave error

While it is indeed true that Derby appear to be in rather desperate need of an injection of cash this summer, considering the fact that Rooney has just nine fit outfield players ahead of the Rams’ opening Championship fixture of the season against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, it could easily be argued that sanctioning the sale of one of their most talented assets would be a mistake.

Indeed, despite his tender age, the 20-year-old was a mainstay in the Derby team last season, featuring in 43 of the club’s 46 Championship matches.

Over these fixtures, the £5.4m-rated midfielder scored two goals, as well as making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 0.6 clearances and winning an impressive six duels per game.

These returns saw the man Rooney dubbed a “first-class” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.70, something that would have undoubtedly been higher if it were not for Derby’s incredibly poor league form last term.

As such, although the Rams look set to be without the services of Knight for the foreseeable future, as the midfielder was injured by his own manager during a collision in training, it would nevertheless appear to be a grave mistake for the 35-year-old to sanction his sale this summer, as the youngster could well prove to be the difference between survival and relegation in the Championship next season.

In other news: Nixon drops 10-word Derby County transfer claim that will be music to the ears of fans

George Edmundson looks to be on the brink of a Rangers exit this summer, with his mistakes last season arguably costing him a career under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Record, Ipswich Town are pushing ahead in their hopes of signing the 23-year-old defender this summer and have offered him a three-year contract at Portman Road.

Edmundson has slipped down the pecking order at Ibrox and was sent out on loan to Derby County in the Championship last season, where he would make 10 appearances under Wayne Rooney, averaging a less than impressive 6.62 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The former Oldham Athletic man was one of the players to breach covid guidelines in November 2020 and was promptly sent out on loan in the winter transfer window, which suggests that Gerrard was clearly furious with the youngster’s actions.

Before the incident, Edmundson had featured 17 times for Rangers in all competitions, but has not played again since, and it seems as if his time at Ibrox will shortly come to an end.

Should Rangers sell Edmundson?

At 23-years-old, you could argue that Edmundson would still have a future at Rangers had he not broken those guidelines in November, but it now seems as if Gerrard will axe him for good as Ipswich close in on a deal for him.

The Gers conceded just 13 goals in the Scottish Premiership last season, so it was always going to be tough for Edmundson to reclaim a starting spot ahead of the likes of Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun.

The January addition of Jack Simpson was also arguably the nail in the coffin for Edmundson, despite him impressing at times for Rangers in the past.

After his league debut in a 5-0 win against Hamilton in 2019, Gerrard was quick to sing the young defender’s praises, saying:

“Really strong, he’s been out a little while looking in. I wanted him to get used to how we play and have a look at our opposition.

“He’s looked in, been learning and working ever so hard for his opportunity. That came today and he took it, I thought he was faultless. Outstanding.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776”]

However, his actions last season, as well as the impressive performances of other defenders, have meant that Edmundson was always likely to be something of an outcast at Rangers on his return from Derby County, and it now seems as if he is set to leave Ibrox for good.

And, in other news… Rangers handed huge boost with “outstanding” 33-goal beast, Wilson must deliver

Sheffield United right-back George Baldock is now Celtic’s top target, according to Scott Burns of The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: Baldock links

A number of Celtic officials will know plenty about Baldock. He was linked with a move to Parkhead back in 2019 when Neil Lennon was in charge.

Lennon spoke with Baldock, who was keen on a Celtic Park switch, however, he remained with the Blades.

The £10,000-a-week full-back has been linked with a move to Scotland again this summer, with Ange Postecoglou giving the green light to a transfer.

The Hoops boss has watched footage of the 28-year-old, likened to George Best by BBC pundit Garth Crooks back in 2019, and it seems as if he is now the club’s main target.

The Latest: Burns’ claim

Burns shared a story on the Hoops after their move for centre-back Carl Starfelt was announced on Wednesday evening.

The Daily Record reporter suggested that Postecoglou has now made a right-back his top priority and Baldock is at the top of the list when it comes to right-back targets.

It remains to be seen if Sheffield United will entertain any move, however, the defender has less than 12 months left on his Bramall Lane deal.

The Verdict: Needed ASAP

A new right-back is needed as soon as possible, to put it lightly. Postecoglou has just Anthony Ralston and Lee O’Connor as options in that area at the moment, with the latter yet to feature for the Hoops in any competition.

Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed left earlier this year, and along with the money the Hoops received for Kristoffer Ajer, you’d expect there would be funds for a new right-back.

The Blades could make it difficult, but if Postecoglou wants Baldock, the Hoops must make their move over the coming days.

In other news: Sources share Odsonne Edouard latest, find out more here. 

Crystal Palace revealed on Tuesday lunchtime that they will face Watford in their final pre-season friendly, and a number of Eagles fans have been sharing their thoughts on social media about the fixture against the Hornets.

Palace already have friendlies against Portsmouth, Walsall, Stevenage, Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic in July, and they will end their preparations against the newly-promoted Hertfordshire club.

Xisco Munoz’s side will be direct rivals for Patrick Vieira’s Palace next season following their immediate return to the top flight from the Championship last term.

The Eagles confirmed that the match will take place on Saturday 7 August at 3pm, a week before their trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on the opening weekend of the new campaign. Fans will be able to attend, with the club set to release details soon.

Palace fans react

Palace posted the confirmation of the Watford friendly on Twitter. However, these Eagles supporters weren’t exactly thrilled at the news, with one labelling it as ‘awful’ – the two clubs have had a fractious relationship at times in recent years.

“Is there anything worse than playing other Prem clubs in pre season friendlies? This is the most uninspiring fixture I’ve seen and I’m gutted I’ll pay money to go. Hopefully means the Bromley fixture a week before may see some first team as still no opponent for the 31st”Credit: @cjbearcpfc”ugh”Credit: @cpfc_Rob”Please rest Wilf. Awful pre season choice.”Credit: @MarkyP7″How boring”Credit: @Mark_CPFC”Why though”Credit: @danofthesouth_”Unusual to have a friendly against a team in the same division as us.”Credit: @ricgoldinho77

In other news: ‘Oh yes’, ‘Games begin’, ‘I’m excited’ – Many CPFC fans buzz as ‘class’ transfer news emerges, find out more here.