All posts by z3u9t.icu

The Rangers Review and Sky Sports journalist Joshua Barrie has now revealed some key Glasgow Rangers news involving Ibrox legend Allan McGregor.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

McGregor is out of contract  this summer, and is not interested in moving into a coaching role at Ibrox.

The Sun reported that he has been offered a big-money move to the Middle East, and so these are decisive days ahead for his future.

The Latest: Contract ‘talks’

Taking to Twitter, Barrie has now revealed that McGregor is ‘not considering’ a move to the Middle East at this moment in time, and instead has held ‘talks’ with the club ‘this week’ over his future:

“I’m told that Allan McGregor is not considering a move to the Middle East. It’s suggested that he’s held talks with Rangers this week regarding his future, after returning from holiday.”

The Verdict: Relief

It will certainly come as a relief to supporters that McGregor does not want to move to the Middle East, and instead is open to signing a new deal with the Teddy Bears.

The veteran has been a key player for so many years, none more so than last season, where he played over 4,000 minutes of football in total over all competitions and kept 17 clean sheets.

In their memorable UEFA Europa League campaign, the Scotsman saved a penalty, made no errors leading to goals and averaged 2.9 saves per match (SofaScore), helping them reach the final against Frankfurt, and his efforts should really be rewarded by the Gers with a new contract.

In other news, find out what ’embarrassing’ RFC update has now emerged here!

There has been a development in Aston Villa’s pursuit of veteran striker, Luis Suarez…

What’s the word?

As per journalist Ashley Preece – speaking in a Q and A for Birmingham Mail – the Midlands outfit appear to have ended their interest in the Uruguayan ace, with the 35-year-old seemingly longer on his way to Villa Park.

Asked about any offers for the 132-cap gem, the club insider stated: “Suarez was on the cards but that ship, I’m told, has sailed now”.

Previous reports had suggested that the Atletico Madrid man – who is set to be a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the month – was ‘under consideration’ by the Premier League side, with Villa boss Steven Gerrard having appeared keen to reunite with his former Liverpool colleague.

Supporters gutted

There would undoubtedly have been sceptics who would have questioned the wisdom of signing an ageing star who is past his peak, yet there will also be sections of support that would have loved to see such a prolific marksman pull on a claret and blue jersey.

As it is, those supporters are set to be disappointed, with Suarez seemingly not set to be another marquee arrival this summer, with the club having already brought in four major additions in the current window.

For all his off-field controversies and his perhaps declining influence, the £7.2m-rated man remains arguably one of the most lethal strikers of his era, having been a consistent goalscoring threat over the last decade or so.

In 697 club games across all competitions in his career thus far, the £263k-per-week machine has scored a staggering 436 goals and provided a further 240 assists, while also plundering a further 68 strikes in 132 games at international level.

Having dazzled during a stunning stint at Anfield – where he scored 82 times and added 46 assists in 133 games after joining from Ajax in 2011 – the one-time Groningen man was arguably at his potent best in Barcelona, winning a plethora of major honours and registering 194 goals and 113 assists in just 281 games across all fronts.

An acrimonious exit from the Nou Camp in 2020 after six years in Catalonia was followed by another impressive spell in Madrid, with the 6 foot hotshot proving a point to his former club by netting 21 goals to help fire Diego Simeone’s side to the La Liga title in his debut campaign.

Even in the most recent season, the forward still chipped in with 11 league goals for the Spanish outfit – a tally only matched by Ollie Watkins among the Villa squad.

With doubts over the future of Danny Ings, Gerrard and co could no doubt have benefitted from the addition of a proven goalscorer and penalty-box poacher such as Suarez, even if it may have only been a brief relationship.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Everton could be facing the prospect of life without Richarlison next term, following a worrying update from journalist David Ornstein.

What’s the word?

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed that the Brazilian gem is the subject of interest from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, with sources close to the Merseyside outfit believing that a deal could well happen.

Amid speculation over the 25-year-old’s future at Goodison Park, Ornstein has revealed that north London could well be his next destination: “Tottenham interested in signing Richarlison. No bid yet – will only do it at right price + have other options. Everton want more than reported €60m but need for funds likely to reduce fee + some close to #EFC think #THFC move will happen.”

In his attached piece for The Athletic, the transfer guru added that the Toffees may be inclined to sell due to a need to raise funds, although Spurs are yet to make a concrete offer for his services.

Lampard will be fuming

After having clinched top-flight survival by the skin of their teeth in the penultimate game of last term, Frank Lampard and co would have been hoping to put that gruelling campaign behind them and kick on in the 2022/23 season, although this latest news will no doubt throw a spanner in the works.

While perhaps not unexpected – with the former Watford man having long been linked with a departure – that will do little to soften the blow, with the club having been so reliant on the £45m-rated gem in recent years.

The 2021/22 campaign saw the 36-cap international help to steer Lampard’s men away from danger with ten goals and five assists in 30 league games, having largely shouldered the goalscoring burden alone following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s dismal, injury-hit season.

Since joining Everton from Vicarage Road on a £50m deal back in 2018, Richarlison has gone on to score 53 goals and supply 14 assists in 152 games across all competitions, with only six players having scored more league goals for the club in the Premier League era.

There may be a small silver lining that the Toffees can rake in a fairly sizeable fee with any sale, although as they have proved under the Farhad Moshiri regime, the club have rarely invested wisely in the transfer market.

Those at Finch Farm will seemingly be powerless to prevent a departure – with just two years remaining on the player’s contract – with the one-time Fluminese man seemingly craving Champions League football, something that Antonio Conte’s side can offer.

At present, Everton are a world away from mixing it with Europe’s elite, with the versatile forward’s exit only set to widen the gap between themselves and the top six.

As for Lampard, the former Chelsea boss may only be a few months into his tenure at the club, although will be acutely aware of the scale of the job at hand, with losing a player of such importance and quality only set to be another unwanted headache.

The Englishman will no doubt be fuming if he is forced to head into next term without his key asset in tow, having previously lavished him with praise for his “work ethic” and labelled him a “pleasure” to coach earlier this term.

It appears that he may not be coaching the player for much longer…

AND in other news – “Interested…”: Insider drops big Everton transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

Recent reports have claimed that West Ham could look to cash in on Tomas Soucek this summer but it would be a disastrous move by David Moyes and GSB to get rid of the Czech Republic international.

Football Insider claimed earlier this week that Tottenham Hotspur could look to sign the midfielder after a breakdown in the relationship between Soucek and Moyes.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has since offered his thoughts on the situation, telling GIVEMESPORT:

“I think West Ham would really regret losing someone like Tomas Soucek. He’s been a great player for West Ham under David Moyes.

“He’s a key player in that midfield alongside Declan Rice. He’s effective in both boxes, he can score goals from set-pieces as well.”

Although Soucek struggled to replicate his displays from the 2020/21 season in the last campaign, he still managed to contribute five goals and one assist in 35 Premier League appearances for the Hammers, averaging a solid 6.98 rating from WhoScored for his performances across the season.

The 27-year-old has formed an excellent partnership with Declan Rice in midfield since joining from Slavia Prague in a £15m deal in 2020, following a successful loan spell in the second half of that season.

The England international was full of praise for his teammate in 2020, saying:

“He’s brilliant to play with. He’s a player that we definitely needed with some legs to make the box and obviously get back as well.

“He’s added something to the team which is brilliant. He gives us an out all the time and when he pops up in the box we’ve not really had that over the years. It’s fantastic to play with him and of course, I don’t have to do all the running with Tomas.”

Therefore, in a summer where Rice’s West Ham future lies in the balance, it would surely be unwise for the Hammers to cash in on his midfield partner given the mutual respect between the two.

If Soucek can rediscover his form from the 2020/21 season when he notched 10 goals and featured in every single Premier League game, then Moyes will definitely be glad to have kept the midfielder at the London Stadium.

And, in other news… West Ham could solve striker woes with £8.4m swoop…

Liverpool are now in the market to sign another attacking player after reports have emerged that Sadio Mane will leave the club this summer and an update on a potential transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to news outlet Football.London, Liverpool were set to make a huge bid for Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-Min this summer had the North London club failed to secure a top-four Premier League finish this season.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

As per the report, the Merseyside had been planning to make a move due to the likelihood that either Mane or Mohamed Salah could leave Anfield and identified Son as a potential transfer target to replace one of their forwards.

Liverpool are sadly not expected to make an approach following Spurs’ Champions League qualification.

Any deal would have cost a sizeable amount with Chris Waddle suggesting he is a player now worth in the region of £125m.

Liverpool’s next Mo Salah

Although a deal for Son is seemingly unlikely following the aforementioned report, signing the player would be a major coup for Liverpool as he could have easily become the club’s next Salah if he was to make the move to Anfield.

According to FBref, the Egyptian winger is considered one of the ten most comparable players to Son this season, and it is no wonder they are so closely similar after the pair won the joint Premier League golden boot in the most recent campaign, scoring 23 goals each.

Although Salah has had more shots on target (49), the Spurs winger has a much better percentage of shots that are on target overall (54.7%) and Son has completed more passes (933) compared to the Liverpool star too.

With that being said, due to the fact that Mane could potentially leave this summer and Salah has not sealed his future a the club beyond the one year that is left on his contract, Liverpool should explore the potential of signing Son more seriously as he is not only Premier League proven but is a like for like replacement that could really work.

He also has that sneaky ability to rile his opponents with the Independent claiming he has a “mastery for the dark arts” this term.

The 131-goal star who was also dubbed “special” by Antonio Conte is tied into a contract at his current club until 2025, so if FSG did want to land a deal for the forward in the future they would need to make an ostentatious bid that Daniel Levy could not refuse.

AND in other news: Forget Mane: Klopp can land new LFC hero in deal for “tenacious” £100m “predator” 

Tottenham Hotspur could turn to Yves Bissouma after suffering a blow to their chances of sealing a sensational return for Christian Eriksen…

What’s the word?

According to LondonWorld, Spurs will renew their interest in the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder if they cannot bring the Danish playmaker back to Hotspur Way.

Well, as per Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridges, that does appear unlikely in a gutting blow to supporters. He recently told GIVEMESPORT:

“I did the Brentford Q&A awards last Thursday, and he kind of gave me the impression that [Tottenham] is a non-starter.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-hotspur-latest-news-updates-transfer-rumours-gossip-spurs-thfc-conte-paratici” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

It’s not the first time that the Seagulls powerhouse has been linked with a switch to north London and after another impressive campaign in the big time, it could be time to make a bid, especially after missing out on Eriksen.

Midfield powerhouse

Spurs have plenty of priorities this off-season, including the additions of a new left-sided centre-back and a stronger right wing-back option. However, with the team in the Champions League next term, then strength in depth will be required.

There won’t be many better candidates to add steel to the engine room than Bissouma, who has proven his worth in the big time over the past 18 to 24 months.

As per WhoScored, he ended the 2021/22 campaign as Graham Potter’s highest-rated player (with 20 starts or more) on WhoScored, averaging a more than respectable 6.99.

His defensive output was pretty remarkable, having averaged 2.9 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game, something that exceeded all of Antonio Conte’s current squad in the Premier League.

Not even stalwart Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (2.2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game) could match the Mali international’s numbers. The Italian head coach would love a player of that calibre, given his work rate and brute strentgh.

It’s evident that Bissouma, once lauded as a “wonderful talent” by ex-manager Chris Hughton and a “Champions League level” talent by Potter, is an upgrade on what Spurs currently have in defensive midfield and considering his valuation of £31.5m, he should be a very attainable target indeed.

He may be a vastly different style to Eriksen but if anything, that’s a better fit for Conte’s current system, where there is no room for a no.10. Bissouma just makes sense, so sporting director Fabio Paratici must look to pounce when the transfer window reopens.

AND in other news, Spurs now eye £54m-rated “phenomenon” after Perisic, he’s Conte’s dream summer signing…

A big Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged on Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Premier League side will not have to pay €40m (£34m) in one go to sign the Brazilian full-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “Was told before €40million was the figure but that Newcastle’s bid for Lodi could be structured in a way that meant it wouldn’t have to be entirely the full amount up front. In January heard there was nothing in Yannick Carrasco but interesting his name keeps coming up.”

This was in response to a Tweet from Atletico Universe on the defender’s price tag: “Atlético Madrid would be willing to let Renan Lodi leave as long as the offer is not less than €40m. As for Yannick Carrasco: release clause (€70m) or nothing. €70m is an amount that is perfectly acceptable for Newcastle. [@JaviGomara @mundodeportivo]”

PIF will be delighted

PIF will be delighted with this claim as it means that they can spread the cost of the deal over the course of a number of windows.

Instead of needing to pay all of the £34m up front and taking a large chunk of their budget away, they can pay it in instalments to lower the initial cost. This could then allow them to use the money they save in this window on other targets in order to avoid going over any FFP limits.

Whilst £34m may seem like a huge signing on paper it may not be the case on the books if they are able to make several payments over time. This would be a cost-effective way of completing the deal for PIF and allow them to do more business in other areas of the squad.

Lodi would be an excellent addition to Newcastle’s team as he has an attacking threat from left-back that can make him an exciting player for the fans to watch.

In Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions over the last year, the full-back ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 and the 91st percentile for assists per 90 in his position. This shows that he excels at bursting forward from the back and is capable of both scoring and assisting goals.

Supporters can, therefore, look forward to seeing him race up and down the left flank if PIF can strike a deal for the defender.

AND in other news, Newcastle now plotting bid to sign maestro with 128 PL apps, just imagine him & Bruno…

Celtic pair Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton are leaving because they struggle to play under Ange Postecoglou, according to ex-Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Rogic and Bitton exit

The Hoops have just finished a glorious 2021/22 season, winning the Scottish Premiership title and also enjoying Scottish League Cup success.

It looks set to be a busy summer at Parkhead, with players coming in and out and Postecoglou sure to be looking at refreshing his squad ahead of the challenge of facing Europe’s elite in the Champions League.

Rogic and Bitton are two individuals who are definitely moving on, with the former indicating as much and the latter’s contract expiring next year, as the pair’s departures were confirmed last week.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-7/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: McAvennie makes key claim

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that their exit is partly because they are unable to excel in Postecoglou’s playing style now:

“Everyone knows how I feel about Rogic, he is a wonderful talent. He’s 29 and he’s been here nine years. He sees what is happening. Bitton has been a bit-part player but he has still been important.

“They see the way the manager is going. It’s all about a high press and running and these two boys aren’t the guys for that.

“You have Turnbull coming back to full fitness and other players will come in this summer so it just makes sense for them to move on this summer.

“The fans gave them all the respect in the world and they gave them the send-off they deserve. I’m delighted the club did it the right way because they deserve that.”

The Verdict: Makes some sense

Rogic has racked up seven league titles and five Scottish Cups during his time at Parkhead and been an incredible servant for so long, but McAvennie’s comments certainly hold some truth.

Postecoglou demands lots of energy in his players – something that Rogic and Bitton can’t necessarily guarantee week in, week out these days.

They are now 29 and 30, respectively, and it could be that younger legs will come in during the summer and be more effective in the manager’s system.

In other news, Kieran Devlin has talked up a potential Celtic signing. Read more here.

Manchester United have asked for ‘official information’ regarding a possible mega-money move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Lowdown: Cavani set to depart

Erik ten Hag looks set to be extremely busy this summer when it comes to incomings and outgoings and appear to be in the market for a marquee forward.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

A number of players are out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of June, including Edinson Cavani, who looks set to leave after two seasons in Manchester.

Osimhen, who former United striker Odion Ighalo described as ‘the future’, seems to be a forward on Ten Hag’s radar, but it could be an expensive transfer.

The Latest: Osimhen update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport regarding United and Osimhen. They claim that United are in the lead for the Nigerian’s signature and have now asked for ‘official information’ on a figure.

Napoli have reportedly told United that there is a €110m (£93.6m) starting point, with the Serie A side not willing to go below €100m (£85.1m).

The Verdict: A lot of money…

United are reportedly willing to hand Ten Hag a £100m budget and are keen on looking at potential free agents. Therefore, spending a large percentage of his budget on Osimhen may not be the best idea.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is expected to be a major target, and while Cristiano Ronaldo could be the only centre-forward available to Ten Hag when he arrives, should Cavani depart, splashing the entire remaining budget on Osimhen would leave the squad bare in other areas.

A major rebuild at Old Trafford is required and the club are seemingly extremely keen on signing de Jong, so pursuing someone like Paulo Dybala on a free transfer instead of Osimhen for £90m+ could be a wiser move.

In other news: Man Utd now working to sign ‘underrated’ defender in £38.5m move; offer ‘imminent’

Newcastle United will be looking to play their part in the Premier League title race as they face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium today.

The Magpies lost 1-0 to Liverpool last time out and now come up against the reigning champions away from home. A win for the Toon will hand the Reds a major boost in their pursuit of the title and improve their own chances of finishing in the top half.

Eddie Howe’s men had won four consecutive games prior to their clash with Jurgen Klopp’s side and will be hoping to resurrect that form for this meeting with Pep Guardiola.

One player that the 44-year-old must brutally axe from the starting XI is Joe Willock after his disappointing display last week.

Howe must axe Willock

Freddie Ljungberg previously dubbed the midfielder as “passive”, and that is exactly what he was against Liverpool. As per SofaScore, the 22-year-old lost four of his seven duels and only completed seven passes in his 67 minutes on the pitch. He also had just 19 touches and failed in 100% of his attempted dribbles. 

In the Premier League this season, he has lost 60% of his aerial battles and 52% of his individual duels. This shows that he has been a lightweight throughout the campaign as he has failed to outmuscle the opposition on a regular basis.

His lack of strength in the middle of the park means that he can be a passenger in games, as he is unable to hold his own weight against teams who use their physique to their advantage. This is why the £80k-per-week dud must be dropped for today’s match, as he would likely be dominated by the Manchester City players.

Rodri has won 69% of his aerial battles and 56% of his duels overall in the top flight. This suggests that the Spaniard will be able to dominate Willock if it comes down to a physical confrontation between the two in the middle of the pitch.

The ex-Arsenal man has also not done enough in possession to make up for his weak play off the ball. He has scored two goals and failed to provide a single assist this season, which means that he has not made enough of an impact in the final third to warrant a start for this particular match-up when his lack of strength could be his downfall.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: Howe must land NUFC swoop for £17.1m gem who “radiates calmness”…