All posts by h716a5.icu

Tottenham are interested in a deal to bring Evan Ndicka to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrice Hawkins, with the French journalist revealing on Twitter (via Sport Witness) that Antonio Conte’s side are now tracking the Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back ahead of a potential move at the end of the current campaign.

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Hawkins added that both Manchester United and AS Monaco are also interested in a deal for the 22-year-old this summer, although the former France under-21 international has not ruled out the possibility of remaining in Frankfurt in order to play Champions League football with the newly-crowned Europa League winners.

“One of the leaders”

Considering just how impressive Ndicka has been in Germany this season, and with the signing of a left-footed centre-back being one of Antonio Conte’s priorities this summer, it is unsurprising to learn of the 52-year-old’s interest in the Frenchman.

Indeed, over his 32 Bundesliga appearances this term, the £25.2m-rated talent has been “one of the leaders” (according to Frankfurt journalist Christopher Michel) in Eintracht’s backline, helping his side to keep five clean sheets, along with making 1.5 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 4.1 clearances and winning 6.2 duels (at a success rate of 60%) per game.

The left-footed defender has also highly impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring four goals, registering four assists and creating three big chances for his team-mates, in addition to making 48.8 passes, taking 0.8 shots and completing 0.4 dribbles per match.

These returns have seen the player who Michel also dubbed an “incredible” talent average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.12, ranking him as Oliver Glasner’s second-best performer in the German top-flight behind Filip Kostic.

Furthermore, according to FBRef data, Ndicka also ranks in the top 6% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for aerial duels won per 90, as well as the top 5% for blocks, the top 13% for pressures, the top 22% for tackles, the top 3% for assists and the top 20% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days.

As such, should the Frenchman indeed be available for as little as €20m (£17m) this summer, it would seem advisable for Fabio Paratici to launch an offer for the Eintracht Frankfurt starlet, as Ndicka undoubtedly has the potential to become a leader in Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur defence.

AND in other news – Bid incoming: Paratici set to launch offer for £59m Spurs target, he’s “a phenomenon”

Manchester City duo Ko Itakura and Taylor Harwood-Bellis could both leave the club this summer, according to a report from Sky Sports. 

The lowdown: Eternal loanees

Both Ikatura and Harwood-Bellis have spent much of their careers out on loan away from the Etihad in recent times, including the majority of the 2021/22 campaign.

Japan international defender Ikatura signed for City in 2019 but has since had two spells at FC Groningen before joining FC Schalke 04 for the recent season.

Meanwhile, academy graduate Harwood-Bellis has spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers and Anderlecht but finished the term at Championship outfit Stoke, having joined in January.

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As both are set to return to Manchester for pre-season, their longer-term futures could be in jeopardy.

The latest: Celtic interested

As per Sky Sports, Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are believed to be ‘monitoring’ Manchester City’s 25-year-old Ikatura and 20-year-old Harwood-Bellis.

Both central defenders are on the radar of the Glasgow giants as it’s believed Schalke are struggling to meet a £6million option to buy for the eight-cap Japan ace.

The report confirms at present ‘no contact’ has been made, however, Celtic may look to utilise a ‘good relationship’ with the club in an attempt to sign the City pair.

The verdict: Double departure possible

Allowing the permanent transfer of Ikatura seems the best move for all parties at this stage as the Japanese centre-back approaches three years at the club without so much of a sniff at first-team action under Pep Guardiola.

Signed for just £990,000 from J1-League side Kawasaki Frontale (Transfermarkt), the Citizens will make a profit on their expenditure and as such should be willing to sanction the sale.

The exit of Harwood-Bellis is a more complicated situation, as the starlet hailed for a ‘fantastic’ display against Oxford United in 2019 by Raheem Sterling clearly has a bright future and Guardiola may yet see a pathway to the senior side for the Stockport-born defender.

Perhaps a loan move to Celtic could be negotiated as the best option for the four-cap England Under 21 prospect.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has backed one of Man City’s first-team stars to put pen to paper on a new contract

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

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their pursuit of a new left-back heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Connor McGilligan has revealed that a German full-back is on Victor Orta’s radar as the Lillywhites chief plots new additions to Jesse Marsch’s team.

Speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan said:

“Apparently Leeds United are out there looking at left-back as well in Kai Wagner. I believe he plays for Philadelphia Union.

He went on to add: “But that is just a rumour. A little bit of a very quiet rumour that I’ve been told off air. So yeah, we’ll have to wait and see with that one.

“But it is good that Leeds are focusing in on a left-back as well because I’m a little bit worried I’m not hearing anything on that, apart from a couple of quiet rumours behind closed doors.”

Big Junior Firpo upgrade

Orta can land a big upgrade on the club’s current left-back by sealing a deal to sign the 25-year-old MLS gem in the coming months.

Firpo endured a torrid first season in the Premier League as he struggled throughout the campaign. He averaged a poor SofaScore rating of 6.60 as he played in 24 matches for the Lillywhites, showing that he failed to deliver quality displays on a consistent basis.

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Robin Koch (6.52) was the only senior member of the squad with a lower average rating than the ex-Barcelona man and this illustrates how disappointing he was for Marcelo Bielsa and then Marsch.

In Wagner, however, Leeds can improve their options in that area of the pitch. The German defender has been in sensational form in the MLS this year as he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.36 in 14 outings, showing that he has been able to maintain a high standard in his performances.

He was dubbed “fighter” by ex-Union defender Aurelien Collin and lauded as a “very unique” by Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin, which shows how highly he is rated by those within the game.

In 2022, he has made 3.2 tackles and interceptions and created 2.4 chances per game in the MLS. This shows that he can make an impact at both ends of the pitch as he can defend and win the ball back for his team whilst also providing quality in the final third.

Therefore, if he can adapt to English football, he can be a big upgrade on the underperforming Firpo and is a player Marsch would love to work with.

AND in other news, Orta can seal “outstanding” Raphinha replacement with Leeds bid for £72k-p/w “machine”…

Everton struggled this season following a tight relegation battle in the Premier League, and Frank Lampard must improve the squad if they want to do better next time around.

To that effect, a new Goodison Park transfer target has now been revealed.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, the Toffees have joined the race to sign former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, who is now a free agent.

As per the report, the attacking midfielder is a potential target for not just Everton – his former Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho could try to tempt him with a move to Roma, or he could rejoin his former loan club West Ham United this summer.

Imagine him & Gordon

Everton are desperate to add new attacking threats to enhance their goalscoring opportunities following a lack of goals last season, which ultimately led to the Toffees struggling in the bottom half of the table, and signing Lingard could be a great solution to that problem ahead of next season.

The Merseyside club conceded 23 goals more than they scored in the 2021/22 Premier League, with Richarlison leading the way with 11 in all competitions. However, they will need to find a few more reliable scoring outlets if they want to break back into the top half next term.

Lingard has never been a consistent starter at Old Trafford, but during his time at his boyhood club, he has scored 35 goals and delivered 21 assists in 232 first-team appearances, with one goal contribution every 224 minutes. However, he has proven elsewhere that regular game-time enables him to offer a consistent attacking threat.

The £80k-p/w star, who was dubbed “infectious” by Manchester United legend Andy Cole, enjoyed a successful six-month loan spell at West Ham last year. He displayed his talents effectively in east London, scoring nine goals and contributing five assists in just 16 appearances, proving that he could be a very astute signing for any Premier League club this summer.

Lampard is already a huge fan of the 29-year-old and spoke out about him in 2018 on BT Sport (via The Sport Review), saying: “What I like about him is his game intelligence. You never see him linger on the ball when he doesn’t need to. He has the right amount of touches and knows when to arrive in the box at the right time.”

With that in mind, the Toffees manager could tee up a formidable attacking duo if he can secure the signing of Lingard and deploy him in the team alongside Anthony Gordon, who chipped in with seven goal contributions this term. The pair couldlink up to create more goal-scoring opportunities in the final third, ideally leading to Everton enjoying a more fruitful 2022/23 season.

AND in other news – Worse than Klassen: Journo claims Everton are now tracking “really slow” 31 y/o dud

Sky Sports injury expert Ben Dinnery has now given his reaction to some news that has now emerged on Everton right-back Nathan Patterson.

The Lowdown: Scotland return

Patterson made his return from injury on Wednesday night as Scotland beat Armenia 2-0 at home in their UEFA Nations League group.

He has only managed to play once for the Goodison Park outfit since his January move from Glasgow Rangers, in a second half of a season that was plagued by injuries.

The Latest: Dinnery reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery has now given his reaction to the news of Patterson’s return, claiming that him playing games again is ‘massive’ ahead of the new campaign with the Merseyside club:

“Absolutely, it’ll be huge.

“Quite often, and especially at this sort of year, being in the gym and doing rehab – it can be a very lonely part of the job.

“Mentally and psychologically, it’s tough. The physical demands – you come to expect those, although it is Patterson’s first major injury and surgical intervention.

“Just to be back in that competitive environment and part of the squad gearing up for games will be massive.

“Even when you come across other squad members in the gym or getting your lunch – you never quite feel a part of it. You’re looking from the outside in.

“Returning at this point gets him in a really positive mindset.

“Being part of this Scotland squad will allow him to attack pre-season with a renewed confidence.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Of course, having Patterson out on the pitch again is not only a big boost for the Toffees, but for the player himself as well.

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The supporters will certainly want to see more of their new signing next term, and Frank Lampard could definitely give him more opportunities if he can stay fit.

Jonjoe Kenny has decided to move on from the Blues despite being offered fresh terms on his contract, while Seamus Coleman will be 34 in October, so Patterson should be able to get a consistent run of matches at right-back, which will help with his development.

In other news, find out which EFC ace David Moyes is now eyeing here!

Newcastle have approached Leeds United over a potential deal for Jack Harrison, according to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards. 

The lowdown

Leeds paid £11.5million to sign Harrison on a permanent deal from Manchester City in the summer of 2020.

He’s under contract for another two years but is thought to be earning just £15,000-per-week at Elland Road.

A left winger, Harrison has potentially been identified as a candidate to replace Allan Saint-Maximin, with transfer insider Dean Jones revealing last month that Newcastle would listen to offers for the Frenchman in the coming weeks.

The latest

Edwards says that Newcastle enquired about what it might take to sign Harrison.

Leeds responded with demands of £30million, but Newcastle are apparently ‘adamant that they will not be ripped off’ and view that as too much money.

As such, they haven’t taken their interest any further up to this point.

The verdict

Is £30million really too great a price tag for Harrison?

He scored eight Premier League goals last season for a side that finished down in 17th, and the previous year, he had 16 goal involvements in the top flight (8G, 8A). Those are certainly competitive numbers.

What’s more, he’s only 25 years old, so he still has plenty of his peak years ahead of him in theory.

Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer Alan Shearer is certainly a fan of Harrison, telling The Athletic’s subscribers in 2020 that he had ‘impressed me hugely’.

It perhaps wouldn’t be a surprise to see another club meet Leeds’ valuation.

In other news, this maestro is willing to bide his time in order to seal a Newcastle move.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and how many additions they are likely to make in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder, in his Q&A on Monday, has revealed that the Magpies are set to bring in at least four more signings after snapping Matt Targett up on a permanent deal from Aston Villa.

The reporter has also teased that Dan Ashworth is looking at players who can be classed in the same bracket as Bruno Guimaraes.

In response to a fan’s question about the club’s plans for the window, Ryder said: “It’s always difficult to put a tally on signings but I still think at least four more senior signings. Possibly more if other departures happen. There are players on the list of Bruno’s ilk but it is a matter of time and priorities.”

Supporters will be excited

This update will leave Toon supporters feeling excited for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be buzzing to learn that they have at least four new players to look forward to seeing play in black and white next season.

This claim promises an exciting few months for Toon supporters as they know the club are attempting to strengthen the squad in multiple areas. They will be delighted with the desire to improve Eddie Howe’s team and will now be looking forward to seeing who Ashworth is able to snap up before the end of the window.

The fans will also be excited by the claim that the club could sign players with as much quality as Guimaraes. Howe brought the Brazilian in from Lyon in January and he made a huge impact on the team in the second half of the campaign to lead the side to safety.

In the Premier League, the midfielder averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.25 across 17 appearances in the division, starting 11 games. He produced five goals and one assist from the middle of the park in that time, whilst also making 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game.

These statistics show that the box-to-box midfielder was an excellent addition to the squad and that is why the fanbase will be excited by the prospect of Bruno 2.0 walking through the door in the coming weeks.

It is now down to Newcastle to get deals over the line and ensure that they do not come to the end of August ruining a number of failed attempts to get the right players in.

AND in other news, PIF plotting NUFC swoop for “infectious” £50m “class act”, just imagine him & Trippier…

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce must finally axe Callum Robinson and sign a better replacement ahead of next season.

What’s the latest?

A report from Football League World states that West Brom are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the winger, with one pundit telling them that he believes now is ‘the right time’ for Robinson to move on.

Cashing in on the player would allow Bruce to reinvest the money elsewhere and sign a better replacement. Robinson has had an okay spell at The Hawthorne’s but there have been questions over his commitment with him being booed off the pitch at one point last season.

West Brom can do better

Robinson’s form last season wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.

He scored eight goals in all competitions which is fairly consistent compared to his previous seasons but was quite far behind the Baggies’ top scorer Karlan Grant.

He moved to the West Midlands in 2020 in an exchange deal between West Brom and Sheffield United that saw Oliver Burke move the other way. It was an exciting addition at the time and he signed a five-year contract signalling the club’s intent to make him a key part of their future.

However, he hasn’t turned out to as significant to their success as they may have first hoped and is he really the player who’s performances can lead them back to the Premier League?

Irish Football pundit Eamon Dunphy has described Robinson as “overhyped” and we agree.

He’s an average Championship striker and the Baggies can do better. The Irishman is currently being paid £18k per week so selling him would not only free up space, but also funds that could be used to buy someone who can make them serious contenders.

The club have recently been linked with Derby County player Tom Lawrence who could be available on a free transfer, he performed well in a struggling side last season and could offer everything Robinson can and they wouldn’t have to pay a fee.

Ultimately the club need to be setting their sights on better players if they want to be competitive and secure at least a play-off place next season. Allowing Robinson to leave would be the best decision for both parties.

AND in other news: Bruce eyeing “inspirational” £27k-p/w gem for West Brom, he’s a big Robinson upgrade…

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing young Chelsea defender Levi Colwill this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Colwill on the move?

The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Huddersfield Town, impressing at the heart of the defence as they reached the Championship play-off final, with the teenager playing 31 matches along the way.

Colwill is back at Chelsea this summer as he weighs up his options, with Thomas Tuchel unlike to be able to offer him regular playing time in 2022/23.

It looks as though there could be a strong battle for his signature, with Forest in the mix.

The Latest: Forest keen on Colwill

Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that the Reds were among a host of clubs eyeing up a move for Colwill, with a permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge mooted.

The journalist stated:

“Chelsea will sign two centre backs this summer but will also make final decision on Levi Colwill, as multiple clubs are interested in signing the English centre back on a permanent deal.

“Leicester, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Nottingham Forest have asked for Colwill.”

The Verdict: Long-term acquisition

This would be an exciting piece of business by Forest, with Colwill an impressive young centre-back who has been described as ‘fantastic’ by Huddersfield midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

While the teenager likely wouldn’t come in as a guaranteed starter at Forest initially, he is someone who Steve Cooper could eventually mould into a formidable key player at the City Ground.

The 19-year-old averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game across 31 league appearances last season, placing him second in Carlos Corberan’s squad for both metrics.

Colwill already has two caps for England’s under-21s, further highlighting his potential, and Forest snapping him up would further suggest that this is a long-term project with Cooper at the helm.