All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are set to be locked in a three-way transfer tussle for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma this summer [Metro via Liverpool Echo].

Becoming a key fixture for Graham Potter’s men in 2020/21, the 25-year-old made 39 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring twice [Transfermarkt].

Now, he could be set for a busy few months of speculation after recent reports came to light.

Liverpool, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal are all mooted to be keen on his services.

He is reportedly valued at around £40 million by his current employers, with a battle set to comments in January for his signature.

In light of this news, no wonder loads of Liverpool diehards took to social media to scorn this latest transfer talk.

Liverpool FC fans react:

Replying to popular Liverpool outlets LFC Transfer Room and Liverpool FC News on Twitter, here is what some Reds supporters had to say upon the emergence of latest developments:

“Aren’t you sick of this ****? False rumours every single time.”

Credit: @a_elsouri

“I have a long standing interest in buying a Ferrari. Will visit the local Ferrari dealer again next Jan”

Credit: @nomad56060053″Interested FC, that doesn’t change”Credit: @adri_pltr”The window only just closed, can we have a week off before more speculation about players we’re never going to sign?”Credit: @klopptilludrop”What a Joke”Credit: @haideraljanabi”Agent trying to drum up a new contract seeing as there were no bids in Summer. Classic move”Credit: @Blark_officialIn other news, Liverpool were eyeing up another Premier League ace during the transfer window. Find out more here.

West Ham United enjoyed a pretty successful transfer window, signing no fewer than four new first-team players, but they were arguably just one addition away from it being a perfect ten out of ten all round.

For the next few months, at the very least, manager David Moyes will only have one senior centre-forward at his disposal after one seemingly eluded him throughout the summer.

It’s certainly a risky game to play as an injury to Michail Antonio will leave the Scotsman with a massive selection nightmare. And that does seem likely considering the 31-year-old’s injury history. He hasn’t started more than 24 league matches in any of the previous four seasons.

Whilst last season’s top goalscorer has started the campaign like a house on fire, bagging four goals and providing three assists to top the Premier League individual charts, the prospect of him ever facing time out without a back-up is an alarming concern.

In fact, it’s an issue he has been faced with since January 2021, when club-record signing Sebastien Haller’s time at the London Stadium came to a premature end following his move to Eredivisie giants Ajax.

Ultimately, Moyes is going to have to find a temporary solution in the eventuality that the worst does happen. Yes, the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma could step up out of position, likewise with forgotten man Andriy Yarmolenko but there are also reasons against making such decisions.

With the first duo, you’d be taking away a key player from an important, familiar and successful role, whilst the Ukraine forward is hardly up to the standards, having started just one league game in 2020/21.

Perhaps the 58-year-old coach can dip into the club’s promising youth academy to find the next Declan Rice or Ben Johnson to breakthrough into first-team stardom.

With Ademipo Odubeko out on loan at Championship outfit Huddersfield Town, the door could open for summer youth signing Thierry Nevers, who is already making an impression at Rush Green.

The 19-year-old attacker has already found the net in back-to-back matches for the U23s in the Premier League 2, including a strike against the very impressive Arsenal academy.

That adds to his nine goals in 25 appearances for the Reading youth side in the very same competition last year.

‘Quick, skilful and possessing a razor-sharp eye for goal’ is how West Ham’s official website described the teenager upon his arrival.

Academy manager Ricky Martin also added: “Thierry is someone that we’ve been following for the last couple of seasons. He’s put in some very impressive performances, and we’re really excited to introduce him to the U23s squad. We hope he will have a very successful career at the Hammers.”

Nevers could well be in line for a chance in the first-team, even if Antonio remains fit, as rotation will be key across the Premier League, Europa League and the domestic cup competitions too.

The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas has already claimed that the young gem has “been on fire for the U23s” and that he “could feature in one of the cup games if he keeps up his form.”

Moyes could well find a temporary and short-term solution to West Ham’s alarming striker situation by unleashing Nevers whenever he’s needed.

AND in other news, West Ham “monster” sees value crash by 48.5% under Moyes, Sullivan won’t be impressed…

Crystal Palace were held to a disappointing draw by fierce rivals Brighton and Hove Albion on Monday evening thanks to a last-minute strike from Neal Maupay.

The Eagles were seemingly heading to a 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park after an entertaining encounter, but Vicente Guaita’s poor goal kick fell straight to Joel Veltman on the halfway line. The Brighton defender then hit an instant long pass into the path of Maupay, who lobbed Guaita from the edge of the box.

It sparked a fiery ending to proceedings in south London, with emotions boiling over both on and off the pitch, but it could have been a very different story had Palace taken their chances earlier in the game.

Wilfried Zaha had looked set to be the match-winner when he scored a penalty in stoppage time at the end of the first half following a Leandro Trossard foul on Conor Gallagher.

However, Palace were ultimately punished for not increasing their advantage, and one player was perhaps more guilty than most for letting inviting openings go to waste.

Versatile forward Jordan Ayew missed a glorious opportunity to put the home side 2-0 in the second half, slotting to ball wide of Robert Sanchez’s post following a swift breakaway involving Gallagher and Christian Benteke.

It means the 30-year-old still hasn’t bagged in the Premier League since November, extending an increasingly worrying run in front of goal.

As per SofaScore, Ayew received a match rating of just 6.3 out of 10 for his exploits on Monday, the second-lowest total of anyone on the pitch, and when looking at his underlying numbers, it’s easy to understand why.

The Ghana international failed to have a single shot on target before he was substituted in the 86th minute; he was also unable to complete a dribble and won just three of his 10 duels, highlighting his ineffective display for the capital club.

Ayew also only had 52 touches and lost possession eight times as he struggled to make his mark on the game while also struggling to cope defensively as Brighton’s impressive wing-back Marc Cucurella constantly bombed past him on the flanks.

It was another disappointing display for the former Marseille academy graduate, and manager Patrick Vieira should be running out of patience with his below-par attacker.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Edouard: Parish must seal Palace move for “quality” £25.2m-rated gem 

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing as a transfer update emerged on Denis Zakaria.

As per BILD, the Goodison Park faithful, as well as both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, are keen on a move for the Switzerland international before the summer window closes.

He is currently being valued at around €20m (£16.9m), but the Merseyside club may need to sell some players first in order to try and bring him in.

Zakaria would arguably be an upgrade on the current central midfield options at Rafa Benitez’s disposal at the moment, especially from a defensive standpoint, having averaged more clearances (1.2) and a higher pass success percentage (88%) than Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan and Andre Gomes in their respective domestic leagues in the 2020/21 season (Whoscored).

At just 24 years of age, one would think he also has a lot more potential to develop further than those names.

Everton transfer update on Zakaria

These Toffees supporters buzzed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one Blue even going as far as to claim that he would be a ‘crackers’ signing:

“OMG YES”

Credit: @LouisMeliaEFC

“NOW we are talking. Let’s start a go fund me”

Credit: @owenparkes123

“I beg”

Credit: @JackEFC95

“This is more like it”

Credit: @richythepigeon

“I want this to be true so bad.”

Credit: @benjwinstanley

“Him, Allan and Doucoure in the midfield would be crackers”

Credit: @MaxIngrassia

In other news, find out which transfer update has Evertonians erupting here!

Leeds United youngster Lewis Bate could feature for Marcelo Bielsa’s side as early as this season, according to former Whites striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: New season close

Leeds enjoyed a superb first year back in the Premier League in 2020/21, finishing ninth in the table and producing lots of eye-catching football.

The aim now is for Bielsa’s men to build on that achievement, pushing towards the European places instead of going backwards.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Pundit tips Bate to feature

One player who has been tipped to feature at some point next season is young midfielder Bate, who joined from Chelsea earlier this week.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed the midfielder could be given his Leeds bow sooner rather than later:

“I think there’s opportunities for everybody to break in. I do think midfield players right now is an area where, you know, we are a little bit sparse on. We could have more competition in that area of the field.

“He’s playing under-23s football despite his age. That’s probably a lot more difficult than the under-18s. It’s a lot stronger with bigger players that you’re up against. The fact that he can hold his ground there shows real promise.

“This season might be a little bit too much of a stretch but we could very much see him next season.

“Once you’ve got to know the club, the players around him and got used to the system, you’ll know what it’s like to play at Leeds United.

“There’s an absolutely massive opportunity there for everybody in that under-23 squad, to maybe progress through this season, especially in cup competitions.

“We could get a glimpse of these young stars that could be playing for the first team year in the next year so.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-10/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Is he ready?

At 18, Bate is clearly still a young player learning his trade, but it would be hugely encouraging to see him given some minutes by Bielsa.

As Whelan says, it would be a surprise if he was used in the league too regularly, although central midfield is arguably one of the Whites’ less well-stocked areas of the pitch so he, like a few of Leeds’ other youngsters, may get a chance to prove themselves in cup games.

Over time, Bate could feature prominently, but for now, the odd appearance in the cup competitions would be ideal for him as he continues his development.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly closing in on a move for one player – find out who it is here.

Many Everton fans have been left fuming over a transfer update on James Rodriguez.

As per Sky Sports, the attacking midfield player will be allowed to leave Goodison Park if the right deal came about before the summer window ends.

Following the departure of his former manager Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid, Rodriguez has been left feeling ‘unsettled’ on Merseyside, and so the club are willing to sell him if the price is right.

The Colombia international was such a key player for the Toffees when fit during the 2020/21 term, scoring six goals and making a further nine assists in 26 matches in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt). It would not be easy to replace him should he end up leaving, especially with just over three weeks left before the window closes until January.

Everton fans on Rodriguez transfer update

These Blues supporters fumed as the exit rumour involving Rodriguez was shared by Toffee TV on their Twitter page:

“Does the club not realise we don’t have an attacking midfielder? With what’s going on with Sigurdsson it’s clear he wont be featuring only if things clear up, only thing I can think of is he wants to play with two centre midfielders”

Credit: @EndEverton

“KEEP HIM!”

Credit: @Richie_F26

“I get the Alfred Hitchcock idea of hiring someone to sack so people know who the boss is, Benitez is mad if he doesn’t want James. James, Kane, KDB all seem incredibly similar players to me. Average physical abilities, unique generational football skills. James has a 6 pack.”

Credit: @ManyDarin

“Gonna be gutted if we start the season without him and with Iwobi”

Credit: @TBlue29

“Going for a lie down, I hate this club”

Credit: @PaulPower92

“Let James leave and replace him with Townsend. What a clown manager”

Credit: @pikabay

In other news, find out whose pre-season display has been lauded by Evertonians here!

An update has emerged on Everton target Matheus Nunes, regarding how much Sporting want for his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Portuguese outlet Record (print edition, August 17, page 8), via Sportslens, Everton can land midfield target Matheus Nunes for £17m (€20m) this summer.

The Toffees are interested in a deal for the central midfielder and now know how much Sporting want in return for his services.

Gomes replacement

One player who could be on their way out of Goodison Park before the end of the window is midfielder Andre Gomes. Benfica have been touted with interest in his signature, with his future at the club said to be uncertain at this moment in time.

This suggests that there is a possibility that he could leave the club in the coming weeks, should Rafa Benitez decide to axe him from the squad. That would then open the door for a deal to sign Nunes from Sporting as a direct replacement for Gomes.

Nunes is six years younger than the Portuguese international and could offer Everton more value in the long-term, whether that be in the way of a potential sell-on in the future or by playing for the club for many years.

His former teammate, Goncalo Santos, hailed his ability with the ball at his feet as unbelievable and pointed to his immense speed as one of his biggest strengths.

He told the Liverpool Echo: “In one game, he went on a run which was about 60 metres, it was amazing! People went crazy and everybody was talking about it.

“It’s unbelievable when he has the ball at his feet. Nobody can catch him; it’s impossible because he’s too fast.

“Matheus is a box-to-box player. He’s not so strong like midfielders in the Premier League but he’s very fast. He’s very good with the ball because he is a Brazilian boy.”

This highlights some of the qualities he could bring to Goodison Park and why he could be an exciting signing, with his dribbling skills potentially being able to get fans off their seat when he gets the ball.

The 22-year-old averaged a solid SofaScore rating of 6.75 in Liga NOS for Sporting in the 2020/21 campaign. He won 56% of his total duels and lost possession 5.6 times per match. Gomes, meanwhile, averaged a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.58 in the Premier League last term. He only won 42% of his total duels and lost possession 8.4 times per match.

Whilst it is impossible to judge the difference in quality between the Premier League and Liga NOS, the statistics from Nunes suggest that there is potential there for him to come in and be an upgrade on Gomes.

Although, with time being on his side at the age of 22, there would be no immediate concern if he does not make an instant impact at the club.

Toffees director of football Marcel Brands needs to sanction the £17m swoop before the end of the window on August 31st.

AND in other news, Everton ready bid for versatile £27m-rated “revelation”, Benitez needs him at Goodison…

Former Tottenham captain Graham Roberts is unsure whether Oliver Skipp is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

The 20-year-old flourished during a highly successful loan spell with Norwich City last season – making 45 appearances to help Daniel Farke’s men win the Championship, and make an immediate return to the topflight.

A metatarsal fracture saw Skipp miss Norwich’s final-game against Reading and then forced him to undergo surgery to fix the damage.

However, the midfielder made a swift return to fitness and resumed pre-season training back with Tottenham recently, as he looks to impress manager Nuno Espirito Santo ahead of the new campaign.

Skipp has experience of the Premier League previously, although only a handful of those outings were from the start.

And with such little game-time in England’s top-flight, Roberts has questioned whether the young midfielder is ready to compete on a regular basis in Santo’s first-team despite big things expected of the England U21 man.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“Playing in the Championship and the Premier League are totally different. In the Premier League there are some quality midfield players, the Championship is a good league, and he did very well, but I think he could be like Harry Winks.

“It might just go over his head, but we don’t know until you give him a chance.”

Kevin Campbell has backed West Bromwich Albion to complete the loan signing of Newcastle United midfielder Matty Longstaff [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: West Brom get busy ahead of 2021/22

Moving into 2021/22, many Baggies supporters will be intrigued to see how newly appointed manager Valerien Ismael constructs a side capable of cultivating a promotion charge.

Making inroads towards the transfer market, the West Midlands side have been heavily linked with a move for Barnsley midfielder Alex Mowatt [Football League World].

Additionally, the Sky Bet Championship outfit have been courting the services of 21-year-old Longstaff in recent weeks [Chronicle Live].

Campbell reckons Longstaff would be “great addition” at the Hawthorns

Relating to the latter, Sky Sports pundit Campbell was ecstatic about the possibility of Longstaff pitching up at the Hawthorns in a recent interview with Football Insider.

Speaking to the publication, the former West Brom man stated: “To West Brom? Wow, I’d be impressed if they could get that deal done.

“He would be a great addition but I’m sure there will be Premier League club interested as well. He is a talented young player with a big future ahead of him.

“I am surprised Newcastle won’t keep him and play him. I would be surprised if they let him leave to be honest.

“Whenever he has got some minutes he has looked very capable. He looks like a Premier League player. It would be a big coup if West Brom can sign him.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Longstaff would be an excellent signing for the Baggies

Showing his quality at the top level, the 5ft 7in Longstaff is most renowned for his scorching strike at St James’ Park in a famous 1-0 win over Manchester United in 2019 [BBC].

However, there is an argument to say that his development has been stunted in recent years due to injury concerns.

In 2020/21, Longstaff made just five appearances for the North-East side, missing time with a thigh muscle injury that has hampered him in the past too (Transfermarkt).

If he could stay fit with West Bromwich Albion however, they would be receiving an all-action midfielder who would surely benefit from the drop to second-tier football. Looking ahead, we agree with Campbell that this would be an excellent coup for the Baggies.

In other news, West Brom are interested in a play-off hero.

Dane Murphy will be appointed the new Nottingham Forest CEO next week.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a claim made by The Athletic journalist Daniel Taylor, who revealed in a post on Twitter that the former Barnsley chief executive is currently in America, but will be flying into Nottingham at some point next week to begin his new role at The City Ground.

Taylor goes on to state that Taymour Roushdi will be following Murphy from Barnsley, taking up a senior operational role at Forest, while George Syrianos, formerly of VfB Stuttgart, will become the Garibaldi’s new head of recruitment.

Fans should be buzzing

Considering the way things have been going for Nottingham Forest both on and off the pitch in recent times, the news that there has been a rather dramatic shakeup in the boardroom this summer should leave fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, Murphy appears to be a CEO who has a very clear idea of exactly the type of managerial and playing targets he likes to operate within his side, with his appointment of a young, exciting and attack-minded coach in Valerien Ismael proving to be something of a masterstroke for Barnsley last year.

Meanwhile, the appointment of George Syrianos as the club’s new head of recruitment also appears to be a step in the right direction for Forest, with the new addition previously holding the role of head of analytics at Stuttgart, suggesting that Hughton’s side will now be taking a data-led approach to their transfer business.

As such, things very much appear to be on the up at The City Ground ahead of next season, something that, following a rather shocking summer transfer window 12 months ago and a subsequent 17th place finish in the Championship last time out, is likely to come as a relief for all involved with the club.

In other news: Big mistake: Hughton must not sanction Forest summer sale of “important” £1.2k-p/w gem