All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former Manchester City star Michael Ball insists that Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be targeted by the big clubs in the Premier League if he can continue to improve at Elland Road.

The England international has emerged as a key player for both Leeds and England in recent seasons.

Phillips played a key role as the Three Lions reached the Euro 2020 final, losing on penalties to Italy, and has made four appearances for the Whites in the Premier League thus far this season.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a potential move to City next summer, with one report in Spain claiming that he could move for a fee of around £26m.

Ball believes that he needs to take the next step and become more consistent if he is to earn a move to a top-four club such as City, although he thinks that his asking price is such that top clubs will already be sniffing around.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Ball said: “Can he go to that extra level? And when he goes to that extra level consistently, the big boys like City will be looking to bring a player like him in.

“And if they can get him for that value, I think a lot of clubs will be interested.”

According to The Telegraph, Everton and Tottenham were interested in signing Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters during the transfer window.

The Lowdown: Busy transfer window

For Southampton, it was a busy transfer window – they ended up bringing in no less than six fresh faces before the deadline (Transfermarkt).

They were some outgoings, as well, but they avoided one more in the final few days.

The Latest: Saints rejected proposal

As per journalist Mike McGrath, the Toffees made an enquiry for £16.2m-valued Walker-Peters (Transfermarkt) towards the end of the window.

Tottenham were also said to be interested in re-signing the 24-year-old before they completed a move for Emerson Royal.

The Verdict: Needed

Southampton actually did strengthen in the right-back position during the transfer window. They signed Valentino Livramento from Chelsea and, with them holding onto Yan Valery, they now have three players to choose from on that side of the back four.

Livramento has started all three matches at right-back (Transfermarkt), but Walker-Peters has been used at left-back instead. He is also a more than reliable back-up option for Livramento, who is still just 18 years of age – the teenager will need the experience of Walker-Peters to help him continue to develop.

In other news, Southampton fans were far from happy with this man’s exit.

Football Insider pundit Noel Whelan has been sharing his thoughts after news emerged of Celtic’s interest in Solihull Moors forward Kyle Hudlin. 

The Lowdown: Hudlin links

The Hoops have been keeping tabs on Hudlin recently, with the 6 foot 9 striker emerging as a January target.

Should his situation remain the same with the National League side, Hudlin will be available to discuss pre-contract terms with Celtic due to his deal expiring next summer.

Celtic scout Andy Thorne has watched Hudlin on a number of occasions, and former striker Whelan has been sharing his opinion on a possible cut-price move.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan was talking to Football Insider about Celtic’s interest in Hudlin in a story on Tuesday morning.

The 46-year-old labelled Hudlin as a ‘brilliant asset’ and appeared to give his backing over a transfer.

“Celtic are looking for a different dimension.

“You can see that they want a focal point. I completely get that. Wyke is one of those players who has a stature about him.

“You can play long balls up to him and play off him. He holds the ball up so well and that’s what Celtic want.

“They have a lot of technical players in and around that one centre forward Postecoglou would love to have.

“A player like that can draw out defenders which then frees up space for the players in behind.

“I can see why Celtic want to do that. Also, look at when they concede, they aren’t the tallest team in the world.

“Adding a brilliant asset who can attack and defend at corners makes sense.”

The Verdict: Worth the risk?

Even though Hudlin has been plying his trade in the fifth tier of English football, a cut-price move could be worth a gamble.

Manchester City have been linked with the striker, so he clearly has the talent to go alongside his record-breaking height.

He could add a different dimension to Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options, so Dominic McKay may make his move in the New Year, should Thorne provide a glowing scouting report.

In other news: Ange handed another injury blow with Wednesday news on ‘excellent’ ace emerging.

Crystal Palace have reportedly entered the race to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong this summer.

What’s the story?

According to LancsLive, the Eagles are the latest Premier League side interested in signing the highly-rated 24-year-old, with Southampton and Norwich City also credited with an interest.

The report states that Rovers have placed a £20 million price tag on their prized asset, but with less than one year remaining on his current contract, the Championship outfit have so far struggled to find a buyer willing to meet their valuation.

Patrick Vieira would love him

Armstrong enjoyed a fabulous 2020/21 campaign, bagging 29 goals and providing five assists in 43 appearances for Tony Mowbray’s charges.

His outstanding displays earned several plaudits from impressed onlookers last season, including his manager at Ewood Park.

“Adam does (make a difference) as he has done all season. I think Adam has matured, and he’s only 23,” Mowbray told FourFourTwo last term.

“He’s a boy really, but his explosive pace at the top end of the pitch allows you to play both ways, to not be overly concerned if you’re pinned back around the edge of your box because one pass releases pressure to someone like (Harvey) Elliott to play the pass that he can hit just leaving it in the space for the speed and dynamic movement of Armstrong – it’s a devastating effect for the team.”

After failing to break into the first-team setup at boyhood club Newcastle United, Armstrong has revitalised his career in the second tier of English football.

The former England U21-international has proven himself to be a devastating finisher blessed with electric pace, and new Palace boss Patrick Vieira would surely love to be able to call upon his services next season.

Vieira currently has the likes of Christian Benteke and Jean-Philippe Mateta to call upon at the top end of the pitch, but Armstrong would offer something different to the current options available at Selhurst Park.

His profile and style certainly fit in with the other recent additions for the capital club, meaning chairman Steve Parish must swoop for the Blackburn ace, adding another impressive acquisition to Palace’s ranks.

And, in other news…Vieira provides an exciting Crystal Palace update that’ll have fans absolutely delighted 

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a rather exciting Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim that could make the supporters go wild this week…

What’s the word?

The renowned Italian transfer guru appeared on the ‘Last Word On Spurs’ YouTube channel, where he delivered a fresh update into Spurs’ transfer plans, with the window set to close in less than three weeks on August 31st.

When asked about how many more times he could say “here we go” in relation to the North London outfit, he responded:

“I would say two or three [more times].”

Paratici not done yet

This effectively means Romano is confident that sporting director Fabio Paratici and co will make another two or three signings as that’s his trademark phrase when announcing official transfers.

Spurs have already made three additions so far this summer in Atalanta duo Pierluigi Gollini (loan) and Cristian Romero (loan-to-buy), as well as promising Spanish gem Bryan Gil (£21.6m plus Erik Lamela).

It’s thought that Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is someone the club could look to complete a deal for in the coming weeks, whilst there is also the future of Harry Kane to resolve.

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

Other names like Davinson Sanchez, Moussa Sissoko and Serge Aurier are reportedly on the chopping block in N17, as per The Athletic, so their departures would likely pave the way for further signings.

The Lilywhites could be in the market for a striker – to play alongside Kane in Nuno Santo’s preferred system – and they have been linked to some exciting names like Lautaro Martinez and Dusan Vlahovic.

Another defender wouldn’t go amiss, particularly if Sanchez or Aurier does leave, whilst an extra midfielder could be on the agenda given the emerging situation surrounding Tanguy Ndombele.

All in all, this latest claim from Romano is sure to leave much of the Spurs faithful absolutely buzzing as it means they should expect a couple more players through the door before the end of the month.

Spurs kickstart the season against defending champions Manchester City on Sunday afternoon, so they may have to wait at least another week for the next arrival.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Hojbjerg: Spurs now “in talks” to sign £27m-rated “complete package”…

Everton are interested in a deal to bring Joaquin Correa to Goodison Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Calciomercato, who claim that Rafael Benitez’s side are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Lazio attacking midfielder ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

However, the report goes on to state that Inter Milan are also in the race for the 26-year-old, with Simone Inzaghi believed to be keen to set up a reunion with his former player at the San Siro next season.

It is then claimed that Inter are preparing themselves for a tussle with the Toffees in order to secure the services of the Argentina international, for whom it is believed Maurizio Sarri would be demanding at least €35m (£30m) in order to part with this summer.

Bernard upgrade

Considering just how impressive Correa was for Lazio last season, in addition to the fact that Bernard has recently moved onto pastures new, it is easy to see why Benitez is considering a move for the attacking midfielder ahead of next season.

Indeed, over his 28 Serie A appearances for I Biancocelesti last term, the £27m-rated man scored eight goals, registered three assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making one key pass per game.

These returns saw the man Rahul Warrier dubbed a “menace” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.96, ranking him as Lazio’s joint fifth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

The former Sevilla man also highly impressed over his eight Champions League appearances last time out, bagging three goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances, seeing him earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.11.

Furthermore, with Correa also being able to operate comfortably from the left wing, the signing of the £81k-per-week forward could be viewed as a replacement for the recently departed Bernard.

And, with the Brazilian having scored just one goal, as well as failing to provide an assist or create a big chance over his 12 Premier League appearances last season, it is not a difficult argument to make that the Argentine would be a huge upgrade on the £130k-per-week man.

Finally, it would also appear as if the 26-year-old would be open to a move to England, with it being reported that the Lazio gem has expressed to Sarri that he would like to leave Rome this summer, as well as the attacker previously claiming that he would “like to play in the Premier League.”

As such, it would very much appear as if the opportunity is there for Benitez to land Correa ahead of next season, all that would seem to remain is the Toffees coughing up the money to begin talks with the Argentine.

In other news: Bye-bye Rodriguez: Benitez must seal Everton swoop for “exceptional” 33-goal wizard

An update has emerged on Aston Villa target Leon Bailey, regarding his potential arrival at the club.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Leon Bailey has now reached an agreement with Aston Villa over a long-term contract to join Dean Smith’s side this month. He has ironed out his personal terms and is now due to complete a medical before officially becoming a member of the squad.

The club announced on Saturday that they have agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the forward, with the deal subject to personal terms and a medical.

Fans will be buzzing

Aston Villa fans will be buzzing by this news as it appears to indicate that the club are not going to face any roadblocks on the way to completing this deal. The initial Tweet from the Villans seemed slightly premature, given that they could have failed to agree personal terms or the winger could have had an issue with his medical.

However, the personal terms have now been sorted and Villa fans will be breathing a sigh of relief as they await the final confirmation of the move becoming official. Once that happens, they can start to get excited about what Bailey could bring to the team in the Premier League next season, with the first match of the 2021/22 campaign less than two weeks away.

The wing wizard enjoyed a sensational year with Leverkusen in Germany. He provided 15 goals and 11 assists for the German side, which means that he managed more combined goals and assists than any Villa player did last term – including Jack Grealish. This suggests that he could arrive at Villa Park and be a crucial player at the top end of the pitch, having proven that he can score and assist on a regular basis in the Bundesliga.

Ex-Ajax coach Ronald de Boer once lauded the attacker by claiming that he has no weaknesses in his game. He said: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points.”

Leverkusen’s sporting director Rudi Voller pointed to his “extraordinary” speed as a key part of his skillset. He said: “He’s got extraordinary pace, he’s very skilful with the ball, and he will give further impetus to our attacking department.”

These type of comments are exactly why Villa fans will be buzzing with this update as it means that they are one step closer to being able to watch a terrific talent in action next season. Hopefully, the medical goes down without a hitch and the club can confirm the deal before the end of the week.

AND in other news, Lange must avoid £40m blunder over “special” maestro, Aston Villa fans would be livid…

Glasgow Rangers fans have been reacting to the news that they will face either Malmo or HJK Helsinki in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.

The Gers dominated the Premiership last term as they won their first title in 10 years – they topped the table by a huge 25 points, conceded just 13 goals, and didn’t lose a single one of their 38 matches in the league (thefishy.co.uk). As such, their success has seen them qualify for the third round of the Champions League.

The draw for that stage was conducted on Monday, and the Gers have now learned their fate. They will likely face Swedish champions Malmo unless HJK spin an upset, who have twice reached the group stages in the past six years.

It would be a tough test for the 55-time Scottish champions, but this is the quality of opposition they will need to beat if they want to progress further.

The news was shared on Twitter by Rangers’ official Twitter account, 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 draw below

“Malmo still gives me the fear”

Credit: @4MenHadADream

“Glorious! seeing Rangers back in the Champions League mixer. Let’s Go!”

Credit: @NoColoursLaddie

“Good, I like this draw, not easy, but very winnable.”

Credit: @BluenoseGreig

“Full House, seen as restrictions done on August 9th??? This would be epic.”

Credit: @newbs1990

“Typical”

Credit: @hannahfirman_30

“Easy days lads, we’re on our way”

Credit: @jason63103978

In other news, this man suggests his time at Rangers held him back.

If you take a look down a list of Celtic’s current options, it’ll quickly become apparent that they have a whole host of areas they need to strengthen.

The Hoops’ defence will be of great concern after shipping 16 more goals than their biggest rivals last term while there is a big void in midfield that’s been left behind by Scott Brown.

On the chalkboard

The Bhoys have been linked with a number of central midfielders during the ongoing transfer market.

PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Ali McCann is on their radar while Lewis Ferguson has been touted as a potential acquisition as well.

Brown’s departure has left a hole that needs filling while Olivier Ntcham’s potential exit will place greater importance on strengthening the middle of the park.

Liam Shaw has arrived from Sheffield Wednesday but he’s still particularly raw.

According to Celtic Now and Forever, the Hoops now have Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic in their crosshairs.

Dialogue has been opened with the Italian club about a potential move but it’s one that could be rather expensive. Prior reports stated he was valued at £8.5m, close to Celtic’s record signing; Odsonne Edouard.

This would be a tremendous pick-up but you have to take it with a pinch of salt given his price tag.

That being said, Ange Postecoglou will have money to spend if they fetch hefty sums for Kristoffer Ajer and Edouard.

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Lukic is an all-action midfielder, someone who scored three times for Torino last term. His numbers weren’t too impressive in league action but he has been a star for his country, Serbia.

After shining at the U21 European Championships in 2019, he was described as a player of the “highest quality,” by World Football Scout.

He has taken on the mantle excellently since progressing into the senior side.

Lukic made three tackles per game in the Nations League, more than any Celtic player in the Premiership last term, while he also provided two key passes.

Of those who played in green and white last season, only David Turnbull and Ryan Christie bettered that statistic.

Composed in possession of the ball, the 24-year-old can dribble past players and advance towards goal, producing 1.3 shots per match. Based on those numbers, it would appear that Lukic is a classic box to box midfielder.

Ntcham has been Celtic’s go-to man in that department over the last few years so Postecoglou could welcome a like for like replacement here.

With the Australian favouring an intense and quick route to goal, Lukic’s playstyle could be perfect for the new Hoops boss.

AND in other news, £15k-p/w liability must never play under Ange at Celtic, Lennon dubbed him “stupid”…

Wolves face a tough summer on the transfer front with limited spending and the fear of their best players departing.

Molineux has been a feast of spending since their promotion to the Premier League but new manager Bruno Lage might have to put his foot on the brake pedal for now.

What’s the word?

Wolves could lose a number of their biggest players in the next few months with the Old Gold needing to raise money in order to fund transfers.

Ruben Neves has been linked with a £40m move to Arsenal while Adama Traore continues to field interest from Leeds United.

However, they could also lose club captain Conor Coady. According to Football Insider, Tottenham and Everton are set to battle it out for the defender’s signature.

Former Wolves boss Nuno Santo has just been handed the reins at Spurs and is already on the hunt to rob his old club.

The new Dias

Coady might be older than the Manchester City star but he could be Lage’s new Ruben Dias if he sticks around in the Midlands.

Dias broke through at Benfica under the stewardship of the new Wolves boss, featuring on 70 occasions under the Portuguese coach.

Lage progressed his game significantly, making him the captain of his ex-employers before he earned a mega-money move to English football.

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Pep Guardiola ultimately signed him for £65m in a deal worth every penny. City won the Premier League and reached the final of the Champions League as the defender was named FWA Player of the Season.

Of course, Coady isn’t of the quality of Dias, but in terms of the England international’s leadership skills, he could have a similar impact under Lage.

The Liverpudlian has already captained England in two of his five England caps, an achievement that Wolves reporter Tim Spiers described as “phenomenal.”

A leader of men, the centre-back can often be seen barking orders and leading by example. When Ki-Jana Hoever starred at Old Trafford last season, it was Coady who consistently gave him advice, telling him the positions to occupy in order to nullify the Manchester United attack.

Wolves midfielder, Neves, also thinks he could replicate the dominant City defender. In a recent interview, he said:

“I’ve never played with a player like him [Coady]. Well, actually, when I played in the Portugal squad when I was young, we had a player like him that was always talking and helping the team.

“That was Ruben Dias, who is in Manchester City now. So, he’s the second centre-half I’ve played with who talks and helps the team that much. Conor always gives us the best instructions to do our best on the pitch.”

With his leadership skills in mind, Lage simply has to keep the £62k-per-week earner at Molineux.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Lage: Wolves must sign 19-goal Mendes client this summer, he’s a “gem”…