All posts by n8rngtd.top

Luke Hatfield from The Express and Star reckons that Tammy Abraham is “unlikely” to sign for Aston Villa this summer as Dean Smith won’t be able to guarantee him first-team football.

Abraham spent the 2018-2019 on loan at Villa and scored 25 Championship goals to help them get promoted back to the Premier League.

He had been initially signed by Steve Bruce, but following his sacking, the 23-year-old fared even better under Smith and played a huge part in Villa returning to the top-flight.

And with Abraham’s lack of game-time last season leading to a likely Chelsea exit, he’s been linked with a move back to Villa Park on a permanent deal.

However, with Ollie Watkins on the back of an impressive first campaign at Premier League level, which means he’s firmly Smith’s first-choice centre-forward, Hatfield told Football FanCast that Abraham would be better off looking elsewhere despite his connection with the club:

“Abraham would be loved by the Villa fans, but it’s one which is unlikely – he probably goes elsewhere because Villa have got Watkins and they need someone that is happy to play that role of coming off the bench more often than not, despite his affinity with Villa Park.”

New Wolves boss Bruno Lage has been going about his business at Molineux in a remarkably quiet fashion.

It looked all doom and gloom on the transfer front initially, with the fear of Ruben Neves and Adama Traore potentially leaving hanging over them.

However, their window lifted off in some style on Sunday morning when they confirmed the signing of Trincao.

The Portuguese has signed from Barcelona on a loan deal with the view to signing him permanently in a year’s time.

Trincao was first linked with the club earlier this year but it looked as though their interest had gone dry. Though, work continued behind the scenes as Lage made the attacker his second acquisition of the summer.

The 21-year-old is a particularly tricky customer to deal with, completing 2.3 dribbles per match during the 2019/20 campaign at Braga.

He evidently loves taking players on and alongside Traore and Pedro Neto, he could prove devastating in the final third.

All Wolves need to find now is regular goals. Raul Jimenez has made a full recovery from a fractured skull but without his presence, they lacked someone who could find the net regularly.

Neto won the club’s Player of the Season award but he only beat the goalkeeper on five occasions.

Therefore, the arrival of a new striker could be exactly what they need to kick on under a new manager.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-transfer-news-ceballos-zinchenko-euros-felix-lage” title=”Read the latest Wolves transfer news!”]

Wolves have been linked with a move for Celtic attacker Odsonne Edouard in previous months and they may now have an ideal opportunity to sign him.

Leicester looked to have a deal wrapped up to bring him to the King Power for just £15m but they decided against that move and landed Patson Daka from RB Salzburg instead.

Lage has limited money to spend this summer so the price tag should be perfect, especially for a player of his talents.

Blessed with a wonderful first touch and the ability to run the channels, Edouard is a ruthless striker.

He scored 22 goals last term, taking his tally for the Hoops to 83 strikes in 186 matches. That’s a wonderful tally for a player who’s still young at the age of 23.

Speaking about the Frenchman’s game last season, ex-Celtic figure Frank McGarvey commented: “I just love watching Edouard. He has that bit of magic in his feet, and he reminds me of Charlie Nicholas. You just know if he gets the ball just outside of the box the other team are in trouble.

His former coach, Jean-Claude Giuntini, added: “He never doubts his qualities. But this behaviour can create panic – for the opposition defenders.

“He had an excellent sense of anticipation which gave him a remarkable ability to read play. And he had a considerable skill for shooting – his efforts were targeted, precise and powerful.”

Some may doubt whether he can transition smoothly from Scottish football to England but you only need to look at the impact of Virgil van Dijk since moving from Celtic.

Edouard would surely thrive in the Premier League and at £15m he would be a mere snip for a Wolves team lacking goals.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Coady: Wolves can find dream successor by signing “exceptional” £50k-p/w brute…

Tottenham centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers is keen to join Celtic this summer, according to The Daily Record.

The Lowdown: USA reports

Links with the defender, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, seem to have picked up pace in recent days. American reporter Larry Henry Jr posted an update on Wednesday claiming that the race for the 23-year-old’s services is down to the Hoops, Bournemouth and Newcastle United.

Carter-Vickers has just 12 months left on his Spurs deal and is reportedly valued at £5m by the north London club.

The Latest: Well-placed source shares update

According to The Daily Record, contact has now been made between Celtic and Spurs over a possible deal. They were also informed by a ‘well-placed’ source, who had this to say on the USA international, who was described as ‘outstanding’ in action for his country after a 2018 match:

“Cameron is looking for a new challenge and a few clubs are interested. Celtic and Bournemouth are the most serious right now. He’s looking to get something sorted as soon as he can with the season just around the corner.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-8/” title=”Celtic updates” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: £5m is way too much

Tottenham’s asking price of £5m for a defender who is into the final 12 months of his contract is way too much.

He has only made four appearances for Spurs, none of which have come in the Premier League. Carter-Vickers has also never been valued higher than £2.25m by Transfermarkt – his current valuation stands at £1.8m.

Spurs wanted £10m back in May but have now lowered their demands to £5m, so if Celtic are in contact, hopefully they can drive that figure even lower.

In other news: Celtic target, who made a number of Parkhead demands, secures cheaper move elsewhere, find out more here. 

Manchester United have reportedly made an offer for Barcelona midfielder Ilaix Moriba as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to strengthen his first team squad.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Red Devils are interested in acquiring the 18-year-old’s services this summer and have already tabled an offer worth €20m (£17m) for his signature.

United are allegedly hoping to take advantage of Barca’s dire financial situation and lure one of their most promising young stars to Old Trafford for a relatively modest fee.

A massive upgrade on McTominay

The Red Devils made solid progress last season, finishing second in the Premier League standings while reaching the Europa League final. However, the 12-point gap to champions Manchester City and another trophyless campaign highlighted the work that’s still left to be done by the 20-time English champions.

Solskjaer has already agreed a deal for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho in an attempt to close the gap on the Cityzens, but his summer’s work appears to be far from complete. The likes of Raphael Varane and Eduardo Camavinga have been heavily linked with moves to United in recent weeks, and Moriba is the latest player to catch the eye of the club’s hierarchy.

Despite still being a teenager, the Spain under-18 international made a name for himself in the Blaugrana first team last season after impressing during a handful of appearances. In 14 La Liga outings, Moriba showcased his top-class ability and potential, and his underlying numbers indicate he’d already be an upgrade on some of the options currently available to Solskjaer.

His three assists, 1.2 dribbles per league game and 91.6% passing accuracy all outperformed Scott McTominay’s tallies for those metrics, and it’s no surprise that United are interested in snapping up the £22.5m-rated Moriba up while they have the chance.

The Red Devils’ engine room has been an area of weakness for many years now, but with Paul Pogba finally fulfilling his potential on a regular basis and Bruno Fernandes continuing to produce world-class displays, the addition of Moriba could finally restore it to its past glories.

In other news…Samuel Luckhurst drops major Man Utd transfer update that’ll surely leave fans buzzing 

Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost to their chances of bringing James Garner back to The City Ground this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with the Manchester United website, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that he is hoping a number of the club’s youngsters will be able to secure loan deals ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

This could include James Garner, with Forest believed to be extremely interested in resigning the central midfielder in the summer transfer window, should he be available on the market, following a highly impressive loan spell at the club last season.

Hughton will be delighted

If it can be assumed that Garner is indeed included in the players whom Solskjaer is referring to in his comments, it would very much appear to be a significant boost to Forest’s chances of landing the midfielder once again this summer, something that will undoubtedly delight Chris Hughton.

Indeed, it is clear to see why the 62-year-old is so eager to secure a further season of Garner at The City Ground this summer, with the 20-year-old having consistently turned in fantastic performances while on loan at the club last time out.

Over his 20 Championship appearances for Forest last term, the £3.6m-rated man scored four goals, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots and making 1.1 key passes per game.

The United starlet also impressed in more typical central midfielder metrics, making an average of two tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per league fixture.

These returns saw the man Fred dubbed an “incredible” player earn a seasonal WhoScored match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Forest’s best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, with Hughton undoubtedly hoping to improve on the Garibaldi’s disappointing 17th place Championship finish last season in their upcoming campaign, the addition of Garner would very much appear to be a boost to the 62-year-old’s chances of going on to achieve this feat.

And, following Solskjaer’s latest comments, a deal could well be there to be done for Forest this summer, an outcome that would be fantastic news for everyone involved with the club.

In other news: Hughton makes contact for “outstanding” £2.3k-p/w dynamo, Forest fans surely buzzing

Pluck a tricky winger from thin air and it’s reasonable to think that Everton have targeted them this summer.

Football FanCast exclusively revealed earlier this year that a key priority was to sign somebody who could play on the right flank.

What’s the word?

Everton have already secured the services of Andros Townsend this summer but further wide players are on their radar.

In recent days, the Toffees have been linked with moves for Leon Bailey and Samuel Chukwueze.

However, they’re also after individuals who can feature on the opposite flank.

According to The Daily Mail, Everton have shown an interest in Jeremie Boga. They will face competition from Crystal Palace and Leeds, while Atalanta are due to make a second bid.

The Italian side have already had one offer rejected by his current club Sassuolo.

Dream Richarlison heir

Everton are in danger of losing some of their key players this summer.

One of the most likely exits could fall at the feet of Richarlison who has reportedly taken a call from Carlo Ancelotti who is interested in taking him to Real Madrid.

Eurosport claimed this week that he was seeking an exit to Spain and if they do go, they could replace him immediately with Boga.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-everton-news-benitez-kamara-romero-dumfries” title= “Read the latest Everton transfer news!”]

The 24-year-old endured an unsuccessful spell with Chelsea but has flourished since moving to Serie A.

He’s one of the most tricky players to deal with in the Italian top-flight, despite not possessing the greatest set of offensive numbers.

Boga has 18 Sassuolo goals to his name but only four of them came in 2020/21. That said, he was among the best in the division for take-ons.

He completed 3.2 dribbles per game last season, a number that was only bettered by Rodrigo de Paul who has recently moved from Udinese to Atletico Madrid.

One of Richarlison’s best attributes is dribbling but the Ivorian usurps him in that department quite considerably. The Brazilian forward completed 1.8 last season by comparison.

Boga ranks in the 98th percentile for dribbles completed by players in his position in the last year which is way above the man he could succeed, who is in the 61st percentile.

Speaking about the spritely forward in the past, former Chelsea coach Michael Beale said: “The most unique talent and I’m talking in a window of being 13/14 and he just beat the other team possibly on his own is a young boy called Jeremie Boga.

“He just beat teams on his own, such a lovely boy. I thought wow, this boy is a supreme talent. he can stop and go and over three or four yards, he can just drift past you.”

Boga’s career hasn’t quite lived up the dizzy heights expected of him when he was younger but he’s still progressed very well.

He is lively, can beat most defenders in world football and can usually fashion a chance at the end of it.

Benitez would be wise to pick him up if Richarlison departs.

AND in other news, Rafa could discover Everton’s new Leon Osman by signing “special” 34-cap maestro…

Alan Hutton has dropped his verdict on new Glasgow Rangers signing John Lundstram.

The Lowdown: Lundstram signs

Lundstram signed on a free transfer once his deal at Sheffield United expired at the end of the 2020/21 season.

The central midfield player has since played in pre-season matches against Tranmere Rovers and Arsenal ahead of the new campaign.

The Latest: Hutton on Lundstram

Hutton, a pundit who used to play as a right-back for the Gers, has since given his thoughts to Football Insider on the signing, and has been impressed by his displays so far in pre-season:

“You can see what he brings. He’s obviously very calm, he’s played at a higher level.

“The Tranmere game, which was his first game, was about him bedding in. Gerrard spoke about how hard they’ve been working him and he tired towards the end of that game.

“I think he’s going to be a steady grower. Game on game he’s going to get better and better. We’ve seen the potential over the last couple of seasons.

“There’s obviously room for improvement as well but I think he’ll get that under Steven Gerrard, be an inspiration, and he’ll flourish in a Rangers shirt.

“We’re starting to see the signs that he showed in his first season in the Premier League.

“He’s a top-quality player, very big and strong which I think you need in the SPFL. I think he’s going to be a very good signing.”

The Verdict: Smart signing

Lundstram is certainly a smart signing by Steven Gerrard’s team, especially given the fact that he came to Ibrox on a free transfer.

A player who now has plenty of Premier League experience under his belt, in where he managed five goals and a further three assists in his first season (Transfermarkt), Lundstram has played against world-class footballers like Kevin De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes on a weekly basis in England, and so should have no problems in adapting to life in the Scottish Premiership.

The Englishman showed that he has an eye for both a goal and assist as well, which will no doubt be handy to RFC as they look to secure back-to-back SPFL titles.

Nonetheless, at 27 years of age, Lundstram is about to enter his prime, and could be a mainstay in the side for years to come.

In other news, find out what Rangers transfer claim Frank McAvennie has dropped here!

Southampton fans want to sign Thomas Delaney after they were linked with a move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

The Saints are preparing for the new Premier League campaign as they look to improve on their 15th place finish last time around. The St. Mary’s Stadium outfit have so far been quiet in the transfer market, with just two new signings made in Romain Perraud (southamptonfc.com) and Danyl Simeu (chelseafc.com), but they are said to be close to signing Valentino Livramento and there are still a few weeks left before the end of the transfer window.

As per Ruhr Nachrichten, the Saints are still interested in capturing Delaney from German outfit Dortmund this summer. The £13.5m-valued 29-year-old has made 86 appearances for the club since moving their from Werder Bremen (Transfermarkt).

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Delaney news

“If this is financially feasible for us, it’s one we need to really work hard to tie up. Another midfielder might not be the number one priority, but Delaney immediately, and quite significantly, improves the starting line-up.”

Credit: @lukeosman_

“Please get him in.”

Credit: @Ross_Hodgson98

“Please”

Credit: @saints_josh2

“Can’t see it happening but that would be a decent signing.”

Credit: @LukeSandall

“Now Lemina has gone, and Ralph was wanting to keep him, maybe it’s a possibility”

Credit: @Saint2hotty

“Would be a great signing but I really can’t see that happening”

Credit: @miserygutscoop

In other news, Southampton have been urged to sign this midfielder.

Leicester City are interested in a move for West Bromwich Albion playmaker Matheus Pereira, as reported by the Mirror.

The Lowdown: West Bromwich Albion prepare for Sky Bet Championship life

Looking towards the new term, West Brom manager Valerien Ismael will be desperate to win promotion at the first attempt following his predecessor’s relegation from the top-flight.

Acquiring some top talent immediately will be crucial to prospective success, however recuperating large fees for assets like Pereira will also be a matter of fundamental importance for the 45-year-old.

Tapping into the latter philosophy, the Baggies now look set to field attention from the Premier League for their star man.

The Latest: Pereira courting attention from Leicester City; multiple other sides keen

Not being utilised by West Brom in their pre-season programme, the Brazilian is said to be prompting the Foxes to consider a move for his services [Mirror].

Pereira is under contract until 2024 with the Midlands outfit, though looks set to leave this summer for pastures new.

Al Hilal, Liverpool and West Ham United are all believed to be monitoring his situation keenly.

Reports last week suggested the Baggies expect around £25m to part ways with the 25 year-old this summer.

The Latest: Bidding war for Pereira?

Looking unlikely to keep Pereira at the Hawthorns beyond this window, a potential bidding war for his signature would be a big boost for Ismael and co.

In 2020/21, the playmaker enjoyed a superb campaign, registering 18 goal contributions in 34 fixtures; 12 goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Furthermore, Pereira caught attention with his ability to create dangerous situations, managing to record 1.8 key passes per game on average across the campaign, which was the most in the West Brom squad [WhoScored].

Once labelled as a ‘delight to watch’ by Match of the Day pundit Micah Richards, the Baggies only focus when it comes to departures at the moment should be to squeeze every penny possible out of the interest in Pereira [Birmingham Mail].

If they can secure upwards of that reported £25m price tag, that could go a long way towards building a squad capable of immediate promotion back to the big time.

In other news, West Bromwich Albion could re-sign a La Liga ace.

Get French Football News’ Adam White reckons that Raphael Varane to Manchester United is the signing of the transfer window – and doesn’t expect to see a better one before the deadline.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has added Jadon Sancho to his squad, but United already have an abundance of attacking talent in their ranks, which means Varane could prove more important.

United were Manchester City’s closest challengers last season and reached the final of the Europa League, but have been searching far and wide to bring in a someone to partner Harry Maguire.

And after months of trying, the Red Devils finally secured a deal to bring Varane to Old Trafford, and whilst the deal hasn’t officially been confirmed, the Frenchman’s move to Manchester has been agreed.

With Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka two of the better full-backs in the Premier League, the addition of Varane puts United’s back-four up there with the very best in the division.

Asked for his assessment on Varane’s move to Old Trafford, White told The Transfer Tavern:

“I think it’s probably the best signing of the transfer window. United have been desperate for a centre-back to play alongside Harry Maguire for so long.

“He’s such a commanding presence, so experienced, a World Cup winner, multiple Champions Leagues, and an underrated player, somehow.

“He’s arguably the best centre-back in the world, so it’s an absolute dream of a signing for Manchester United, and I can’t see there being a better one this summer.”