All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has waxed lyrical over the club’s recent move for Robin Olsen on a permanent basis, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Fourth summer signing

NSWE have already backed Steven Gerrard ahead of his first full season in charge by making four signings so far. The most recent of those was Olsen, who – like Philippe Coutinho – converted his loan move into a permanent deal.

Villa reportedly paid around €3.5m (£3m) for the Sweden international, with the club now turning their attention to Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Latest: Agbonlahor reacts to Olsen transfer

Agbonlahor, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Villa’s business so far.

He described the club’s permanent move for Olsen as ‘crucial’, describing the goalkeeper’s performance on his Villans debut against Manchester City last month as ‘very good’ .

Agbonlahor said:

“Sorting the goalkeeper out was crucial.

“Martinez does travel a lot with Argentina, he says he suffered with jet lag this season (2021-22) and if your first-choice gets injured you want a second-choice who’s good enough, not one that you don’t trust.

“I thought Olsen was very good against Man City. He was probably a bit nervous with his kicking but I’m sure that will come and it’s something Villa will be working on.”

The Verdict: Good start…

As Agbonlahor mentions, bringing in Olsen on a full-time basis was a smart piece of business. Moves for Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos also appear to be exciting coups, with Villa’s summer expenditure so far just shy of £50m.

Indeed, the Swedish stopper put in a decent display against City, making two saves on the day. Also, as Agbonlahor pointed out, first-choice ‘keeper Martinez was frequently hopping across the Atlantic to play for Argentina throughout the season, so it would not be ideal for Gerrard to flog him remorselessly.

Reports in recent months have claimed that NSWE are likely to spend more than £150m this summer and are expected to break their transfer record once again, so it could be an eye-catching few months following a positive start to the window as Gerrard looks to take Villa to the next level.

In other news: Gerrard set to axe £18m-rated Villa pair next after Targett; ‘very important’ Smith star may go

Liverpool have potentially taken another vital step in securing the services of Barcelona midfielder Gavi ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

That’s according to La Porteria (via Forbes), who stated that the La Liga club offered a new contract to the 17-year-old in the region of €2m (£1.7m) per year, which he promptly rejected. The youngster reportedly wants a contract for four seasons, with the salary increasing after every year.

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Liverpool are willing to more than quadruple this offer from the Spanish giants and could pay the player’s €50m (£42.5m) release clause now, even though they could land Gavi for free next year.

Jurgen Klopp would love  him

Despite Liverpool having one of their best seasons in recent memory, Klopp is still looking at strengthening his squad ahead of another tilt at Premier League and Champions League glory next year.

With the Anfield club in the market for a central midfielder this summer, the interest in Gavi appears to be leading to a potential move.

With Liverpool missing out on one of their main targets in Aurelien Tchouameni, who looks increasingly likely to be joining Real Madrid, Klopp is quickly moving on to other players on his radar.

At just 17, Gavi has already shattered records, recently becoming the youngest-ever scorer for Spain, and he has been described as “spectacular” by his club manager Xavi following a performance against Elche in which he scored his first Barcelona goal.

The midfielder played in 34 La Liga matches last season, scoring twice and registering six assists in what was a breakthrough campaign for the £54m-rated teenager.

The teenage sensation ranks in the top 2% compared to positional peers in the top five European leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area (3.59 per 90) and in the top 6% for dribbles completed (1.56 per 90), illustrating at a young age that his focus is to break forward as much as possible.

He can also be effective in helping his team defensively, as the Spain international made 44 tackles and 573 pressures last season.

Klopp shouldn’t be waiting to get the player next year on a free transfer, as these statistics suggest that Gavi already has what it takes to succeed in the Premier League. At £42.5m, it’s a bargain not to be missed; and given the youngster’s extraordinary talents at such a young age, the Liverpool manager would surely love to have him alongside Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho as astute teenage swoops.

AND in other news, James Pearce drops “laughable” Liverpool transfer development, FSG will be furious

Celtic have shown over the years that they are not averse to scouring targets from south of the border and securing transfers for players from the top four English divisions.

Players such as Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Matt O’Riley are some of the more recent recruits from England who have played their part in the  Hoops’ latest Premiership-winning campaign.

Now that the summer transfer window is around the corner, it seems as though a clue has emerged over another player from the English leagues on whom the Parkhead club may have an eye.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke discussed Celtic’s reported interest in signing Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo.

He said: “I think he’s someone that Celtic have been watching for quite a long time. There was talk of a possible move last summer, and also during the January transfer window, and I’m sure Celtic have continued to monitor his situation. He’s got potential, Semenyo.”

A product of the Robins’ youth system, the 22-year-old has gone on to make 98 senior appearances for the club across all competitions.

In that time, the centre-forward has racked up 13 goals and 20 assists along the way, with eight goals and 12 assists coming during the most recent Championship campaign.

Fans will be thrilled

To further highlight the Ghanaian’s attacking and creative talents, he ended the 2021/22 season in the English second tier with the highest average for shots per game (2.3) and the second-highest average for key passes (1.1) per match at Ashton Gate.

Taking all this into account, it’s easy to see why Celtic have apparently been keeping a close eye on him for a while.

It’s also safe to assume that hearing their club being linked with an exciting young attacking player like Semenyo will be very pleasing for a lot of Hoops supporters.

It would be even more exciting for them if the club were able to secure a deal for the Bristol City striker this summer and add him to Ange Postecoglou’s squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

With the Bhoys presumably setting out to not only regain the Premiership title but enjoy a successful campaign in terms of the domestic cups and Europe, having as much strength and depth in his squad would be very beneficial for the 56-year-old Hoops boss.

This could duly sway the club into finally making good on their interest in Semenyo and launching a move to sign him in the coming weeks.

In other news: Ange can land his own Van Dijk as Celtic eye bid for “tremendous” £4.05m-rated machine

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Djed Spence.

What’s the talk?

In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the football.london journalist revealed that, following recent reports claiming that Fabio Paratici is plotting an offer for the Nottingham Forest loanee this summer, he does expect the Italian sporting director to launch a bid for the Middlesbrough right back in the coming months.

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Regarding Tottenham’s interest in the 21-year-old, Gold said: “Djed Spence, obviously on loan at Forest at the moment – either way, I think Spurs will make a move for Djed Spence.

“But, if Forest go up then Forest maybe hold the cards because they’ll have that extra money and he may want to continue his journey there. If Forest don’t go up I don’t think they’ll have the money to make his deal permanent from Middlesbrough, and I think maybe he’ll be more willing for a Premier League move.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect Spence evidently is, the news that Spurs are set to make a move for the defender this summer is sure to have left the Tottenham Hotspur faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 41 Championship appearances for Forest this season, the £7.2m-rated right-back has been in exceptional form, scoring two goals, registering five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.6 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

The £4.4k-per-week full-back has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 0.2 blocks and winning 5.8 duels per fixture, as well as boasting a pass success rate of 75.8%.

These returns have seen the England U21 international average a quite extraordinary WhoScored match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Steve Cooper’s sixth-best player in the second tier of English football.

As such, with Emerson Royal looking as if he could be on the way out of north London in the summer transfer window, it would very much appear as if Spence would be a fantastic replacement for the Brazil international, as not only is the Boro starlet clearly a talent who boasts a significant amount of potential for future growth, but he would also help to solve Antonio Conte’s homegrown player issue in north London.

AND in other news: Conte can unearth the next Dele as Spurs now plot bid for “unbelievable” £20m “talent”

A major Sunderland update has emerged regarding their interest in Nathan Broadhead heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Kristjaan Speakman has confirmed that the Wearsiders will be holding talks with the 24-year-old’s parent club Everton with a view to bringing him back for another spell at the Stadium of Light, after spending the 2021/22 campaign on loan from the Premier League outfit.

The Black Cats chief told The Northern Echo: “We will have a conversation with Everton this week, to see where they are at with it and where we are at with it, and see if that’s aligned.

“We have to respect the fact that he is an Everton player. We have seen him as our player for the year, because we had to get the best out of him but now that the season is finished he unfortunately goes back to being an Everton player.”

Alex Neil will be excited

The Sunderland head coach will surely be left feeling excited by these quotes from Speakman, as Broadhead returning next season would be a huge boost for the 40-year-old.

The Welsh attacker was lethal in front of goal in the 2021/22 League One campaign as he produced an eye-catching 10 goals in 15 starts for the club. He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.91, remaining consistent with his performances whenever he was available during an injury-hit time on Wearside, which illustrates the big impact he had when he was on the pitch.

The youngster has also been backed to step up to the mark in the second tier as Speakman said: “Look, he’s had some incredible moments and he’s been an inspiration in many respects in terms of some of the goals he’s scored. It has been harder for him of late because of injury but you can’t take away from the fact that he has got all the attributes to go and play at Championship level.”

Neil will therefore be excited by the prospect of working with the 24-year-old next season, as he is a talented player with the potential to improve even further. He has the scope to develop into an excellent option for the club in 2022/23, as suggested by Speakman’s comments and his form in League One, and the Sunderland manager would surely enjoy attempting to get the best out of him if the Black Cats can obtain him for another season.

This is why the ex-Norwich and Preston manager will be thrilled by the club’s efforts to bring Broadhead back to the Stadium of Light, and he will now be hoping that a deal can be agreed for the Welshman.

AND in other news, Speakman confirms exciting Sunderland news that will leave supporters delighted…

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”

West Ham United are reportedly tracking the progress of highly-rated Birmingham City teenager Jobe Bellingham, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per TEAMtalk, the Hammers have been named as one of a significant number of clubs who are ‘taking an interest’ in the 16-year-old starlet, with teams both at home and abroad vying to snap up the younger brother of Borussia Dortmund and England gem, Jude.

While the older member of the Bellingham clan has also been linked with a high profile switch following his impressive displays for the Bundesliga outfit over the past two seasons – having made the move from St Andrew’s in July 2020 – the report suggests that the future of the 18-year-old is not tied to that of his younger brother.

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As the report explains, it is their parents’ wish for the duo to be treated as individuals rather than as a pair, with Jobe – who has been linked with both Sunderland and Liverpool of late – seemingly set to carve out his own path.

The next Joe Cole?

Although not necessarily an addition to the club’s youth set-up, the arrival of the midfield “wonderkid” – as he has been dubbed by TEAMtalk – would represent another coup for a club that has been famed for its development of young, prodigious talent over the last few decades.

Dubbed the ‘Academy of Football’ for their ability to produce the very best emerging talent, it would seem that there is no better home for young Bellingham than that of the London Stadium, with the precocious gem likely to benefit immensely from the Hammers’ faith and trust in youth.

While it may appear unlikely for the Blues ace to be thrust straight into the first-team with the east London outfit – having made only two Championship appearances to date – the club does have precedent for throwing young stars in at the deep end.

One such figure that burst onto the scene at the tender age of just 17 was Joe Cole, the Englishman making his senior debut against Swansea City back in 1999, having been earmarked as the next biggest thing years earlier while part of the academy system.

Despite the weight of expectation on his shoulders, the playmaking genius soared at senior level, dazzling the Upton Park crowd over the coming years, eventually being named captain at just 21 after developing into something of a talisman for the club.

Although he would eventually join Chelsea in 2003 after the Irons suffered a shock relegation, he remains a notable success story for the club, as well as proving the old cliche that if you are good enough, you are old enough.

It remains to be seen just quite how good a talent Bellingham is – with expectations having sky-rocketed due to his brother’s form – although on the early evidence West Ham could have a real player on their hands if they are able to do a deal, with the player’s current boss Lee Bowyer having lavished him with praise following his senior debut earlier this year.

Amid the thought of an exciting, young, English midfield star in a Hammers shirt, it can only generate hopes that the club have finally found their next Cole.

IN other news, West Ham eyeing swoop for “aggressive” £45m-rated warrior, just imagine him and Rice

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has admitted that the club are hoping to sign Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay this summer.

The Lowdown: Aberdeen green-light sale

The Whites are on the verge of relegation with just two games remaining but appear to be making a head start when it comes to potential summer signings.

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One of those could be Ramsay, with reports at the end of April claiming Leeds have been granted permission to talk with the Scot as they plot a ‘multi-million pound’ move.

Aberdeen are ready to cash in on the 18-year-old and have green-lighted a possible move to Elland Road to bring in some much-needed funds.

Liverpool have also been name-checked with an interest in the ‘unbelievable’ (Ryan Taylor, Daily Express journalist) full-back, who has made 33 appearances for The Dons this season.

The Latest: Hay’s post

Hay took to Twitter on Friday morning to share a story on The Athletic regarding Ramsay. He said:

“This got a bit lost yesterday but Calvin Ramsay at Aberdeen is one of the players Leeds United hope to sign in the next window.

“Liverpool want the 18-year-old too and he’s getting close to make-your-mind-up time.”

The Verdict: End of Ayling?

Should Leeds end up back in the Championship next season, you’d expect that they would have to offer Ramsay regular first-team football for him to choose Elland Road over Anfield.

Therefore, Luke Ayling’s future could be in serious doubt ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first full season in charge. He’ll turn 31 in August and will be into the final 12 months of his Leeds deal.

Cody Drameh would also be an option for Marsch following his impressive loan spell at Cardiff City, and it looks unlikely he’ll leave if the Whites find themselves in the second-tier next season, meaning Ayling may have to make way for the next generation in Ramsay and Drameh.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now planning for the Championship as contact made to sign £5k-p/w flop – opinion. 

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Stefan de Vrij to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that a recruitment source has revealed that Inter Milan have informed the centre-back he will be free to leave San Siro this summer for a figure in the region of £15m.

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The report goes on to state that the Serie A side are yet to open new contract talks with the Netherlands international – whose current deal expires in the summer of 2023 – and are now willing to cash in on the 30-year-old for a cut-price fee, with Tottenham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa all thought to be keen.

Paratici must move

Considering the fact that De Vrij previously commanded an asking price of £40m, in addition to it being reported that Spurs are in the market for a left sided-centre-back and Antonio Conte being known to be a huge fan of the defender after working together in Italy, it would appear as if Fabio Paratici simply must make a move for the Dutchman this summer.

Indeed, over his 32 Serie A appearances under the management of Conte last season, the £31.5m-rated centre-back highly impressed in the Nerazzurri’s title-winning campaign, helping his side keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 2.9 clearances and winning 3.3 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per game.

These metrics saw the £116k-per-week left-footer who former Lazio defender Mauricio dubbed a “monster” average a very respectable SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as Inter’s tenth-best performer in the league.

As such, taking into account his undoubted ability, Spurs’ rather desperate need for a new left-sided centre-back and an asking price that is under half of his current Transfermarkt valuation, it would appear a very wise move for Paratici to launch an offensive for the 30-year-old in the coming months – as signing De Vrij for just £15m would certainly be something of a bargain.

AND in other news: Contact made: Paratici now in talks for £35m Spurs deal, he’d be a “leader” for Conte

Sunderland will take on Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off semi-finals on Friday evening and after a long season, the Black Cats have inevitably taken some hits with injury issues towards the end of the season.

Now a new update has emerged on Nathan Broadhead’s progress with his injury.

What’s the latest?

Broadhead took to Twitch with team-mate Jordan Willis to give a six-word update on whether he would be available for the game on Friday.

The Black Cats forward said (via The 72):

“I don’t know, we’ll see tomorrow.”

The 24-year-old suffered a first-half injury in the final game of the season against Morecambe after he scored the winner in the 10th minute.

Supporters will be worried

In an ideal world Sunderland would have all of their players fit and available for selection to give the League One play-offs the best shot, but with Dennis Cirkin, Carl Winchester and Nathan Broadhead a huge doubt for the first leg of the semi-final this week, supporters will surely be worried.

Everton loanee Broadhead has been hugely influential in his team’s progress since Alex Neil arrived at the club in February, with the centre-forward scoring five goals in his last seven outings in League One, so losing him at this stage will surely dent the momentum the team has been on in their final weeks of the season.

Alex Neil revealed his frustration at losing the star striker in his post-match interview against Morecambe after securing fifth place in the league table;

“The worry we’ve got now is we’ve finished the game with no centre forward on the pitch, I brought Stewart off because I knew the scores elsewhere.

“He’s literally [our only striker]. I don’t need to say anything else do I?”

With Broadhead’s fitness hanging in the balance, the Black Cats’ boss will likely need to rethink his strategy for getting past Sheffield Wednesday and securing the final at Wembley over the next two games.

With the team coming so far under Neil he will surely be hoping he can have the ultimate impact by winning a promotion spot to the Championship next season.

AND in other news: Huge boost: SAFC handed big lift as early SWFC injury news emerges, Neil will love it